Not Your Fucking Business

Joy from Back Alley Custody ask/RP blog

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Mod Notes and Rules!

Mod: @fefe-the-cat (she/her; all feminine terms please!)

Rules: This is a 16-year-old so... keep that in mind No donations, please! This is a role play blog.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"If you believe that's what you have to do..."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t look at him as she says, “I do,” and knocks.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Can I talk to you after school? Will you meet me in the forest?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t answer right away.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’ll be there.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Thank you."

The door to the classroom is open, and Carson walks away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy steps back into the room and sits in her seat, still watching the teacher like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He continues to teach, wary of Joy.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop watching him but she at least seems to absorb the information alright.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"If you believe that's what you have to do..."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t look at him as she says, “I do,” and knocks.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Can I talk to you after school? Will you meet me in the forest?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t answer right away.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’ll be there.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Thank you."

The door to the classroom is open, and Carson walks away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy steps back into the room and sits in her seat, still watching the teacher like a hawk.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"If you believe that's what you have to do..."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t look at him as she says, “I do,” and knocks.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Can I talk to you after school? Will you meet me in the forest?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t answer right away.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’ll be there.”

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"If you believe that's what you have to do..."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t look at him as she says, “I do,” and knocks.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Can I talk to you after school? Will you meet me in the forest?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t answer right away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"If you believe that's what you have to do..."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t look at him as she says, “I do,” and knocks.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm sure you don't want to go back. Nobody'll question it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I-I’d better.” She stops at the door to one of the classrooms and looks inside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Weak. I think you don't have to go back, though. Since he sent you out."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not getting in more trouble. I was sent back to class. I’m going back to class.”

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"His name?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"With who?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“An asshole.”

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods. "What class do you have?" He tries to keep her talking.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Math.”

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"My class is that way." He mumbles.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I didn’t mean to do that.” It’s the first real sentence she’s said to him since they fought. It’s hard to tell if that’s significant.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson gets up, then walks in the same general direction as Joy, but doesn't look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She speeds up instinctively.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He starts talking again. "And I shouldn't have said that and I'm really really sorry. Damn it, I'm just repeating myself. Just so you know I'm not trying to guilt you into being my friend again, quite the opposite. I just wanted to tell you that I doodn't mean it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hesitates. “Okay.” She walks away and heads back to class without another word.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is sitting outside, fidgeting with his bandages. Then he notices that Joy came out. "Okay, so. I came back because I'm really really sorry. I'm not saying we have to be friends again but I'm just saying that I fucked up and, uhh. And I... I don't know." He sighs.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him for a long moment, unsure of how to respond.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay. I'll let you go for now. Go back to class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets up, tense and anxious, and leaves wordlessly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

September 8th, The House In The Woods, 6:45 AM.

Joy was ready for school, and Stan was ready to drive her. Carson? Nowhere to be seen.

@elliot-carson-cipher

Joy was getting antsy. “Do you want me to go look for him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Probably for the best. Yeah."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Alright.” She runs upstairs and comes back with her switchblade in her front pocket. “I’m going to check behind the diner. I should be back soon but if not, don’t panic. I’m armed and stubborn.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The diner? That's relatively close. He shouldn't be taking so long."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Yeah.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You better be back soon, too."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I intend to be.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He nods, unsure what else to say.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips out the front door without a sound like she’s done it that way a million times before.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at her, thinking about how she's probably snuck out many, many times in the past 9 months

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Greasy’s Diner…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Carson is just sitting there, his backpack not noticeably having anything new. He's amateurishly spinning a little butterfly knife, looking at it with awe.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I just got here." He's lying.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you didn’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Whatever." He keeps toying around with the knife, sometimes touching the blade with his finger and nicking himself.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes the knife out of his hand. “What’s taking you so long?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hey!"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’ve been here too long.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that matter?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You lied.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm not going back there. To your house. It's weird."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, wow, okay. Well, my dad is worried about you and it’s time for school, so I recommend not making that effective immediately.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No. I can stay here. Nobody at school would notice I'm gone."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Did you not hear the reason I provided? Stan’s worried!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“When I left I told him I was extremely stubborn. I don’t intend to prove that to be a lie.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can be stubborn as well. Can I have my thing back?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Not until you learn how to use it properly.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm trying."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re hurting yourself.” She gestures at his bloody fingers.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He tries to wipe it off on the concrete floor, then winces at the impact and realized his fingers are stained. "I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot,” she hisses.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What?" He's getting annoyed.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Stan is worried and I would like to amend that.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Just tell him not to worry."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s fully prepared to drive both of us to school and we’re going to be late.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"you're going to be late. Go back and tell him I'm fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“But you’re not fine.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how would you know?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re bleeding.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"...and?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And humans aren’t supposed to bleed.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He shrugs. "Who gives a shit? It's only a little blood."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“It belongs inside.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't mind it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my nothing to get back to."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t want those cuts to get infected.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be fine."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She pulls him up off the ground by the hand.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You're strong."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You’re light.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"mm.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“C’mon. It’s only the second day of school.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Never stopped me before."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m not going to be late. And I’m not going to let you get infected cuts on your fingers because those suck.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll see me in school. You can go now. I can take care of myself."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I thought you said you weren’t going.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm gonna be late. Skip some classes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He doesn't look at her. And mumbles something incoherent.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Elliot.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Sure. whatever."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Promise.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to bite you." He growls.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, you’re not.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He sits back down quietly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Come on, Elliot, I really want those cuts taken care of.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I can take care of 'em myself. Do you think I'm not capable?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust that you’ll use said ability.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, it's not your business." He feels bad about saying these things, but he doesn't like Joy... caring so much. It's strange and weird and not in a good way, like the dragocat.

"Fuck off." He really wanted a friend this year, but, it's fine. It's fine.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks surprised. Then she looks genuinely hurt but she covers it up. “Fine. Stay here. Hang, beg, starve, die in the streets of exposure or sepsis or hunger or motherfucking gangrene if you want to. It’s not like I can stop you.” She throws the butterfly knife to the ground at his feet and starts to walk away but abruptly turns around. “I was looking forward to having a friend. I wanted to be normal. Not to mention I liked you and I had fun with you yesterday. But clearly you don’t feel the same way. So I’m going home and Stan’s gonna drive me and I’m gonna find somewhere else to sit during lunch.” And then she storms off.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He looks at the knife and picks it up, saying nothing.

"I had fun too." He barely whispers

[joy-the-hissy-one]

The Murder Hut, 7:00am…

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"What happened? Are you okay?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He’s not coming back,” she deadpans, grabbing her bag.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Damn. I'm sorry, kid." He hugs her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She hugs him back. “It’s fine, I guess. Better for us to stop being friends now than later.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well... I'm gonna getcha to school."

He looks at her, waiting for her to get in the car.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She gets in the car with the same reluctance she did yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I know you're real nervous about today. And I don't know how to make it better, but..." He sighs. "Good luck, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Thanks.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He puts the car in gear and starts driving towards the local high school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She worries.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He arrives at the school.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She picks her bag off the floor.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'll be back after school."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay.” She opens the door but doesn’t get out.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"You'll do great, kid."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“…Yeah.” She gets out of the car.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He drives off.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes to class.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

in class...

The teacher is writing something on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy comes in, maybe a couple minutes early.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Good morning, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Hey.” She sits heavily in her seat by the door.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher keeps writing on the board.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy watches her like a hawk.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Slowly, the students start pouring in. All the seats are taken except one: Carson's.

"Today isn't a day for slacking, unlike yesterday. We start class today. Understood?"

Murmurs of agreement flow through the classroom.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy doesn’t respond but doesn’t object. She waits politely for instructions.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She begins to start talking about points of literature and how authors and genres cab influence the story. Stuff like that. Things they relentlessly repeat no matter what grade one find themselves in.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy hangs on every word.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The rest of the classes go on regularly, and thankfully, there was no incidents with the English teacher.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

At least nothing like yesterday.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

As her first class ended, the teacher approached Joy. "I understand that you're a new student? I like to talk to all my students at least once, and given your situation yesterday, I think now is a better time."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy shrinks a little. “Yeah, probably.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I want you to know that I expect all of your effort in my class, and there will be consequences if my expectations are not met."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“That’s what I anticipated.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm glad we understand each other." She moves over to her desk and picks up a stack of papers. "Here's my curriculum."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh!”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's really not too much."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, I just wasn’t ready for the large quantity of paper.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Well, you'd better get used to it."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I was mostly startled.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sifts through the pages without much reaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher waits impatiently, as if waiting for Joy to leave. But she stays silent, saying nothing.

[fefe-the-cat]

Finally, Joy announces, “I’ve already read a lot of this.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Oh? Really? Which ones?" The teacher seems a bit interested .

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“All the Shakespeare stuff, and Oedipus Rex.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Hm." She looks at Joy, her gaze softening. "So you should do fairly well in my class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy lights up. “You think so?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

She nods.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Because I haven’t been to school in a couple years,” she admits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She breaks eye contact and shrinks in her seat. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you want me to talk to the counselor?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I’m fine now. I have a new dad and he’s nice.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"... uh huh.."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You want the whole story, don’t you.” She doesn’t sound eager to share.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Not necessarily. This is probably for the counselor."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t need the counselor. I’m fine now. I told you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Okay then. Go on to your next class."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy picks up her bag and leaves.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Next Class...

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy enters the classroom, still wildly uncomfortable from her last interaction.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The class was about to get started, and Joy entered between the threshold of late and on time.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She sits down in the spot closest to the door once again.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

This teacher is nicer, and patient. He starts his lesson by reminding them of what they went over yesterday: the classroom expectations.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

But Joy can’t relax. At all.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He calls on a kid to talk about why classroom respect is important.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares at the teacher in a way that can go unnoticed, but once noticed can’t be ignored. Watching his every move. Like an owl or a deer in headlights.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice just yet.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy stares.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He turns around, feeling her gaze trained on him. He looks startled. "Joy? Do you have something to say?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Then what's wrong with you?" He says, harshly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She freezes up, and suddenly, her stare is no longer analytical; it’s scared.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

The teacher doesn't seem to notice, and instead takes it as defiance. The kids in the class turn to look at her.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes a shaky breath in and unfreezes but doesn’t relax. “Is there a problem?” Her voice is shaky, quiet, and her tough exterior seems to be crumbling, far-too-big chunk by far-too-big chunk as she desperately tries to maintain it.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I don't know. Is there? You don't seem engaged in the lesson."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You don’t seem particularly interested in teaching the subject either.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"That's a smart mouth you got there." He murmurs. "Maybe I'd be more focused if someone wasn't staring holes into my skull."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“This is math class, not etiquette class. We all know how to behave in a classroom. We’ve all been in school for years. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have responded the exact same way if I hadn’t been looking at you.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I'm going to go ahead and note down your insolent behaviour. You're lucky I'm not giving detention."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of the fucking Tsar.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Do you have any idea how to behave in a school environment? Because this is certainly not it." He scribbles down something on a piece of paper. "Please make your way to the disciplinary office." He says sternly.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She looks confused. “The what?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"The main offices. The Principal, the Vice Principal, the counselor. His office is there."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“You have a whole office for punishment?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He falters. He didn't expect anyone to put it like that. "Y-Yes."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“What do you have in there? A breaking wheel?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No? Why would..? You're already in trouble, so you want to get into more?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No, but I would appreciate knowing where you want me to go and what you want me to do.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"It's in the front office."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“And you want me to go there and say…?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He hands her a disciplinary write-up. "I want you to go there and give them this paper."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She takes it with what could be easily mistaken for relaxed ease if not for the slightest shaking of her hand that she tries to suppress.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Don't keep me waiting."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She leaves the classroom just a bit too quickly to be normal.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Once in the front offices, she can overhear two people arguing. An adult and a boy. The door is closed. She has to wait outside.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the sound and rests her hand on the doorknob in case she needs to intervene.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

They continue to arguing, with the authority figure threatening to suspend him.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She waits.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

Suddenly, Carson bursts out of the room. "Fine! Suspend me! It's not like I'm here anyways!" He yells.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

Joy is right there, staring at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

His eyes widen. He regrets yelling at her, but he doesn't say anything. His arms are bandaged, and the usual jacket he wears is wrapped around his waist.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She glares daggers at him.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"About this morning..." He scratches at his bandages nervously. "I-I'm really, really sorry." He starts to walk away.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She doesn’t stop him. She said everything she wanted to say and she doesn’t want to be around him anymore.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He pauses, then turns around. "I know, being sorry won't fix anything, I know that you're mad as hell. You deserve to be, I'm an asshole. I just want you to know that I'm sorry I fucked it up. In one day, no less." He just stands there for a minute. "Bye, Joy."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She slips into the office before things get more awkward.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

He finally actually walks away.

The Vice Principal is sitting at his desk, a bit angry.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She stares at him in much the same way she stared at the teacher: watching, analyzing, waiting for something bad to happen.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Why were you sent here?" He asks, no emotion visible on his face.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She goes rigid as she approaches the desk and hands him the slip.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I see."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“He was going on about classroom etiquette and he didn’t like that I was staring at him. And he really didn’t like when I pointed out that we were all familiar with classroom etiquette.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"I have a feeling that's not the full story."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Do you want my whole backstory? Because I already told it to one person today. I don’t think I have the emotional bandwidth to do it again.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"No, I just want you to take responsibility for your actions."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I literally just told you what I did.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Here it says that you were 'Disruptive and rude during instruction time, and were not cooperative.' Is this true? Don't lie."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I wasn’t disruptive. He disrupted the lesson because he doesn’t like my attempt to ensure the safety of myself and my classmates.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And how were you doing that?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“By watching him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why do you feel that you have to watch him?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“I don’t trust him.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why's that?" He just keeps pushing.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Why should I trust him?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"He's one of our best teachers."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“So?”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"So we trust him, and many students do as well."

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“Okay. I don’t.”

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"And why is that?" His voice turns serious.

[joy-the-hissy-one]

She flinches at the tone change.

[elliot-carson-cipher]

"Look, I have never seen him write up someone unreasonably. Do you know why your behavior might have caused this?"

[joy-the-hissy-one]

“No.”