Could I request ❛ you won’t survive long out there. i can protect you. ❜? I feel like there's some potential terry silver manipulation sprinkled within those words. 🫣
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Collecting people.
It was a hobby, in a sense.
More than that, actually; it was like being an Architect.
Taking a rough slab of marble and chiseling it into something greater than itself.
Having the ultimate authority and say in what it will and can become.
Margaret Spencer he found working at a firm in London as a secretary for what was his overseas business partner at the time, toiling with idiotic, menial tasks far beneath someone her class, capabilities and particular education level, coaxing, or rather pilching her from underneath her boss' nose by making her an infinitely better and more advantageous offer at employment back in Los Angeles, the same way he discovered Milos Dadok in Prague as a hotel concierge, working for cheap change east of the Iron Curtain, with barely any visitors to serve in an old, Bohemian golden lobby of a run down, neglected establishment that mostly stood empty, having seen better times. Snake and Dennis he picked off of the streets after they've brazenly tried to mug him of all people, failing comically, much to his infinite amusement, deciding to keep them around purely on the off chance their antics made him laugh --- and that they did, frequently and several times a day. John himself. That was a friendship he wanted ever since the first time he saw him at basic training and then later, during orientation, on ground, in Vietnam, and the best of friends was precisely what they remained because it was something Terry cultivated, invested into with the greatest of devotions. Even Ponytail, he carried around with him, on his head, fastened to his scalp with an unassuming black hair tie, nobody realizing he was ever there. Nobody but him and John, at this point. Where others saw nothing, he tended to see opportunity. And opportunities? Opportunities were things he never had the habit of passing up on, wanting to be in control of what becomes of the rough, ragged slab of marble under his fingers as he presses down on its hardened, sleek surfaces, leaving behind ever so many dents, fingertips and markings, deciding what shape it'll ultimately take once he's done with it. Deciding if he'll make it or break it. Create a beautiful statue or ram his fist into it, shattering the project into pieces.
Then, there was you.
Homeless.
A typical sight outside of Beverly Hills.
Aimlessly mingling around what was John's dojo for months now, buzzing around the alleyways like a little fly at the mouth of the serpent's nest, often in his sight and crosshairs through the lowered shutters of the interiors of the studio space where he could spy on you accordingly; it was Terry's business. He made it his business. Everything that happened in and around this dojo, in its adjoined streets, neighborhoods, blocks, in the heart of this very city, country, the West coast itself, concerned Terry exclusively, the way the markings lining the palms of his hands concerned him, more so when he occasionally found you casting uncertain, tentative glances at nearby garbage cans dotting the sidewalks akin to so many eyesores, like you were ashamed of yourself, like you were unaccustomed and new to this, carrying collected cardboard, for what he only assumed was for the purpose of rough sleeping down on the concrete; on one occasion, it went as far as him catching you slumming it out by leaning against the inner walls of the Cobra Kai dojo itself after working hours, obscured from view at dawn, knees pushed up against your chest, startled and taking to running the minute you spotted him pulling into the parking lot, his blue Ford intended to give off the airs of working class relatability still enough to startle you into a frightened state of movement, a tinge of satisfaction running through like a current trying to imagine what your reaction would be if you ever ran into him at another part of town, Rolls Royce, Tuxedo, private chauffeur and all. But, this crap you were doing right now wouldn't cut it. You didn't get to utilize his territory like this, it wasn't for free, not without being confronted about it one way or another. So, he ambushes you one morning, coming in even earlier than he had the habit of doing so, two hours before the Larusso twerp had the tendency to show up for his classes in pain, tactically cutting off your usual escape trail tightly and very neatly pushed in between two buildings. You shriek at the sight of him.
He relished the sound.
You wouldn't mind hearing more of it.
-"You won't survive long out there."-
Terry states bluntly, but not unkindly; last thing he wanted now was for you to get a tremendously bad first impression of him, even though you by default pushed his hand by making him come head to head with you the way he did through your incessant running. Luckily for you, he liked to chase. You give him a look, like you knew. Like you knew survival wouldn't be easy out here, but you didn't feel like necessarily vocally agreeing with him. Was it pride? It was pride, wasn't it? It's only once he hands you the lunch he's been hiding behind his back that your eyes widen and you become responsive, eyes shimmering, albeit still overshadowed with carefulness. Not that he couldn't appreciate your raw survival instincts being on display. -"I can protect you."- He offers, once you fidget, stepping forward and reaching for the food being given freely, practically ripping it out of his hand to shove it into your mouth in greedy gulps, undoubtedly, fearing he'd change his mind or that this was some kind of trap, keeping your focused gaze still on him. Once you swallow, you immediately take the first given opportunity to snipe at him, appearing defensive. He chuckles. -"What's it to you, though!? Who are you? Why'd you startle me like that!?"- You demand and he bows his head, ever so slightly, sprinkling in a deliberate aura of something apologetic and respectful for you to spot, making introductions. Weird place to be formal, he understood that much, but it was shocking how far some propriety could go applied at exactly the right time and under the right circumstances. But then again, the back wall of the Cobra Kai dojo, when he really thought about it, was as good of a place as a sparring mat to pay homage. -"I'm Terry Silver. The co-owner of the establishment you're roughing it out around. I own the whole lot."- He explains, softly, watching your demeanor change. Like a slab of marble, you start to take shape, even now. He extends his hand and you never even realize you've already been collected by him as you hesitate to take it.
Summary: Gloria's therapist recommended she find someone other than her son to focus her attentions on. Someone... unfortunate.
Florida was warm year around, but the misty mornings bit when you didn't have an insulated shelter and the nights got very cold. But you got by. A traveler by force, you kept moving to keep warm until the day you were found by a fairy godmother. She was strolling the street you often dwelt near. Many like you lived on this road.
Gloria Mott had standards. She was already risking very public shame being seen on this road, packed with street-walkers, not to mention her visiting so regularly with a psychiatrist. Her son was making mistake after mistake while trying to find himself. Now, while the heiress was willing to oblige with her advisor's recommendation, she would not allow her recipient to embarrass her further than with their very existence. How pathetic she found everyone sleeping on the sidewalks and in parks. So, she carefully eyed them all as she passed. She pitied them but felt no bigger of an emotion.
Then, there you were. The strawberry blonde's eyes could not move from your frame, hunched over, thin fingers fiddling with one of your possessions. You were filthy as everyone around, but Gloria could see the potential. Your hair had likely not been cared for, though you kept it safely hidden, pulled up and tucked in a hood. Your paranoid gaze shown crystal clear, the color flawless and you were entirely present. You were fairly young and may have failed at real life, obviously abandoned to it. You had pronounced cheekbones, and not just because you were malnourished, and an aristocratic nose. You exceeded Gloria's standards and she knew you deserved better than this. She approached you almost immediately, though it took a delay for you to notice.
She did not cast a shadow over you and her stilettos were a natural color, matching her beige dress with a puffed out skirt. You couldn't say what drew your attention to her, but you eventually looked up. Gloria was older than you with perfect, porcelain features and paint. She had lovely makeup which only worked in a complimentary way. She smiled brightly, optimistically, and she glowed from it. She held one gloved hand out to you. "Please come with me." Her request was spoken in a precious voice.
You didn't react, just stared. Most people assumed people like you were nuts.
Gloria didn't. "I'll take you to Sal's. Coffee or tea?" she offered in, only the most delicate, kind voice. It made you believe her, an odd reaction as you never trusted anyone. Still acting against all prior experience, you took the stranger's hand. She looked extremely pleased with your choice and you stood. Her glove was coated in grime when she took back her hand. Taken back, Gloria took half a second to decide it didn't matter. The gloves could be replaced and she put her clean one on your back to guide you. She'd like you to simply get into her car so she could get you cleaned up first, but she understood how that might seem off-putting, especially in this day and age where even clowns couldn't be trusted.
You were paranoid as you walked next to the obviously rich roman. The wealthy occasionally helped out your kind, but you were very distrustful. Right up until Sal's came into view. Sal was the owner of a very well known and tasteful diner. He was one of the wealthy you trusted as he'd let you have your pick of the unfinished plates and if it was cold enough out, he'd slip you a hot drink. You weren't picky. But sitting across from someone who would foot the bill, you had a menu each. You didn't look out of fear of appearing greedy and you also didn't know what she wanted.
Gloria sat across from you, cheery expression never failing. "Are you going to see what you want?" she asked gently.
You glanced down at the menu then back at the redhead, who nodded encouragingly. You looked up at the drinks and asked for a simple black coffee. Perfectly timed, the waiter heard you from where he stood, coming up behind you at Gloria's wordless command, and took down the order for two.
She completely relaxed, obviously having perceived you trusted her. "My name is Gloria Mott. I'm sure you've heard of the Mott's. What's your name?"
You were stunned. "The Motts own Jupiter," you explained what you knew with a tense face. What if you did something - said something wrong? Ms. Mott could have you executed and no one would even know. She seemed to be waiting for something. You very suddenly stammered out your own name.
"Oh!" Gloria cooed, clearly not yet planning your death. "How lovely." She tilted her head to the side, examining you. She didn't stop until you both had a mug. You held on for the heat; Gloria prepared hers. You watched as lithe fingers expertly took what she needed, shook it, then pried it apart to satisfy herself. You were pathetic when it came to older women. Perfectly painted lips puckered to the rim of the mug and her sip left a smudge of lipstick, leaving you warmer without yours. You took a polite sip and you both set the drinks down in unison. The woman smiled in genuine joy. "Now, if I might shed some light, I know you must have questions."
You nodded meekly. "Yes, ma'am."
"Well, allow me to begin. I'm a mother, you see, and my son is all I truly have. But he's growing away from me," she lamented, beginning to tear up. You reflexively reached for her hand, resting yours on top of hers in an attempt at comfort. The woman permitted herself a slight smile which looked more like a mixture of the Greek masks. "Thank you, but I have always found my purpose through others. I do garden and crochet, but that hardly fills my time." Her hand spun in your, fingers curling up to hold yours. "I need someone to care for, to spoil." She flushed lightly, smiling truly again. "How did you end up in this state?"
You burned from shame, instantly retracting almost entirely. You did hold your drink again, desperately seeking comfort. "My - uh - Mother. Threw me out. Because Iiiiii." You took a deep breath. "I'm not going to lie to you, Mrs. Mott. I'm a homosexual." You froze, braced for violent contact.
That was... unfathomable to Gloria. While the wealthy woman understood wanting to avoid public humiliation, wise. However, she would be lying if she claimed to be anything other than thrilled at this news. She had married for money because she would never be able to marry for love. "It's just Ms., but call me Gloria."
*
Gloria, of course, got her way. The two of you had a very tentative agreement on the variables that her son might terrify you or you might not like Gloria's rules. The heiress found that to be unlikely as her rules would not be strict and she promised you that she would protect you from Dandy.
You were tense as you pulled in the massive driveway, approaching a palace. You exited the car together and she started walking, gesturing you to follow when you didn't. The floors shone like diamonds until you tracked in dirt. You constantly apologized for your presumed faux pas, but the ginger guided you upstairs patiently. She led you into a very elegantly decorated room. The walls were painted a beautiful blue, your favorite shade as it happened, and a chandelier lit up the room. A large bed had linen the same hue as her clothes. The room had two adjoined doors, and a vanity. You were breathless. Her gentle hands on your hips guided you through the room and her blue eyes stared at your shy face as she bent beside you to reach for the door handle. You couldn't help but stare back. She pushed you into a bathroom attached to her room. It was just as brilliant and glittering as the rest of the house. Gloria left you to stand in the middle of the floor while she prepared a bath. Once all that was left to do was wait, she turned to you. "Take off your clothes," she requested, approaching once more.
You instinctively clutched your collar. "W-what?"
Smiling indulgently, the strawberry blonde slowly reached her hands to unravel your filthy coverings. "You have to get clean and we have to get you in clean clothes," she explained patiently.
You looked down and fully realized the difference between your presentations. But it only made you more insecure. "I can-"
Gloria shook her head. "You will do nothing. We have enough staff here to keep you comfortable." Keeping you occupied with her words and voice, the heiress pulled your shirt down your arms. "That's not why you're here, remember." She had you entirely naked and led you to the tub. You modestly sat with your knees against your chest. Gloria took your homeless clothes to the door and rang a bell connected to a string. The door opened again from the other side, and you clutched your legs to you anxiously. The soothing water rippled across the surface. Gloria handed your things through the doorway, though your prized possessions were set next to her fine items on the counter, and she spoke quietly.
You shook despite the warm temperature, your fingernails digging into your arms. Your knuckles were white and you eyed the room in paranoia.
When Gloria returned to your side, she had her arms loaded with supplies for you. She noticed your state with the skill of a mother. She cooed softly, bringing a chair to sit beside the bathtub. Abruptly rolling up her sleeves, Gloria reached to touch you comfortingly. She turned off the faucet and combed her fingers through your hair, though they caught. Cupping her hand, the maternal figure brought up some water while she spoke softly. She lathered the soap into your hair. "You're here to be cared for," she informed. Intentioned fingers rubbed into your scalp and you felt your eyes fall shut. Your senses consisted of the dark, the sound of water rippling and Gloria's touch. You could fall asleep but used another bout of energy to dig your nails in. Warm water rushed down your head, clearing it of soap, and the ginger idly batted your hand away from the biceps you were gripping. A low click caught your attention from the entrance of the room. You jerked to look over at the door, finding a pile of clothes and a steaming mug set. "Easy," the mother soothed your frightened emotions. She trailed her hand down your wet hair and moved to gather the drink. She brought it over to you with a steady hand and a calm smile. "Here, drink some cocoa." Her free hand caressed your face.
You glanced down at the beverage suspiciously. You were already in her home, though. You had no power and if Ms. Mott truly wanted to hurt you, she'd have left you on that street. Still, you asked, "What's in it?"
Gloria smiled and clicked her tongue fondly. Clever girl. "Some of my anxiety medication. You look like you could benefit from it." Her eyes always looked to be on the brink of heartbreak, and they were no different now, hiding behind a sympathetic smile. "Just try it for me," she requested, holding the mug up and tilting it for you. Your fingertips rested on the bottom of the cup, but Gloria was majorly content to take total care of you. The beverage was gone soon enough and Gloria finished your bath. She took her time, indulged herself with everything she could do with this fully dependent-on-her young woman and to let the medication kick in. The redhead waited for the full-body lather until she could see the difference. Of course, Gloria had a high dosage because she had been on it for some time. Almost all at once, your arms relaxed and your hands submerged in the water, your head going limp. You slowly melted sideways, holding tight to the edges to keep yourself up. Even your knees went and your legs were flooded with warmth. Now, those blue eyes never left yours, even as she ran her new sponge over you.
Your breaths initially ran ragged out of fear, but the medicine worked to calm your anxiety. You finally calmed enough to sigh serenely, then lean into her touch.
Gloria laughed in bliss at the relaxed reactions. "There now." One hand massaged at your shoulder soothingly.
The water was beginning to chill by the time she finished and she wrapped you in a large towel so you were hardly cold before Gloria set about redressing you. Of course, these clothes were not yours, too expensive, and you weren't partial to nightgowns, but that's what your benefactor provided. Luckily, she sensed you might be cold or embarrassed and you also had leggings.
Gloria Mott showed you to a room equally as extravagant as her own, but hers was decorated. Yours was a beautiful blank canvas. But it had clothes, a bathroom, and a bed. You were in heaven. "This is your room. Our staff live on the grounds so you simply ring this bell," she gestured to a bell by your bed, also connected to the wall by a string, "and someone will come running to help." With purposeful steps, Gloria approached the bed, sitting on the side. "You're perfectly free, of course, but I do have a few guidelines. The East Wing is completely Dandy's so avoid that side of the house. And if you wish to leave the grounds, you'll have to use one of our chauffeurs. If you wish to leave for good, you must end the agreement with me. Any questions?"
You stepped closer to her, and inevitably the bed. "Why?" That was the most pressing question - on repeat in your head since she picked you up - but you realized one word wasn't enough. "Why me?"
How could Gloria explain that? How does one explain instant omniscience? Because from the moment she saw you, Gloria knew you were higher than everyone around you, and not because you were all homeless. From the moment you came into her life, she loved you. And now, she felt vindicated, seeing you now cleaned up and clad in fine fabric. You shone like a Goddess, cast out of the heavens, and recovered by a human. "Call it a mother's instinct." Though, she had had a few non-maternal thoughts toward you. But, still, she patted the mattress as a mother would and, when you climbed in, she covered you up and tucked you in. Then, she kissed you on the forehead and left. It took forever after that, but you eventually fell asleep. You'd thought yourself in circles, come up with a few new worries. What if you got lost and ended up in the East Wing? You couldn't believe you were in the type of home which had wings. In all honesty, you'd likely only move between your room and wherever Gloria brought you. What if Gloria got bored with you? The rich rarely thought their whims through. Suddenly, you felt suffocated by the soft bed and crawled down onto the hard floor. Now, this felt like home and you soon dropped off to sleep.
*
You woke the next morning to find Alexandra, Gloria's maid looking down at you, curiously. "Miss.... What are you doing on the floor?"
You slowly blinked awake, mind gathering quickly. "Felt more familiar. Have you laid in one of these?" you asked the woman, pointing at the mattress.
Alexandra blushed guiltily. "I'll admit, Miss; yes, once. I fell asleep almost immediately."
You understood exhaustion and what a person could adapt to. This was luxury to someone with a bed. It was a marshmallow prison to someone used to sleeping on the hard ground or a park bench. "Well, as someone used to sleeping in public, that can be a bad thing."
Alexandra took in this alternate perspective. "Madam Gloria would like you to attend breakfast with her and Dandy."
You nodded once to show you understood. You waited for her to leave the room so no one saw how eager you were to acquiesce to Gloria's message. You went to the large wardrobe and opened it to find insanely expensive clothes. Your eyes bugged and you gradually picked an outfit for the day. It amazed you that she had your sizes, spot on. Once dressed, you left the room. Alexandra was waiting not exactly impassively outside the door. She set a swift pace to show you to the dining room.
Dandy's back was facing the door you entered through and Gloria sat at the opposite end of the large table. They both sat at a head of the table and both perked at the sound of you and Alexandra. The woman breezed past the table and entered another door.
Gloria's blue eyes fixed on you, smiling widely. She greeted you warmly, calling you over to her.
This was enough for Dandy to infer you were his mother's distraction. He watched you like a predator as you followed his mother's demand. "So... you're the streetwalker mother brought in to replace me," was his greeting. Those hunter's eyes never left yours.
You were chilled and felt cheap at the same time from just a few words. Your trek across the room slowed and you took the seat next to your benefactor without a word.
Luckily, a kind aged hand reached over your place setting, right next to her. "Now, Dandy, I told you why we have a new guest. And I also told you to be on your best behavior." You'd have never guessed Gloria could sound stern, but she reverted within a moment and Dandy looked more disgruntled than surprised. Shaking her head, Gloria faced you with a fresh smile. "I'm sorry for him, darling." Her hand finally found yours, joined on your lap. "He's going through his own problems and he's asked me to stay out of it."
You were entranced by her bright auburn curls and caught by your new wonderings.
Gloria saw your place setting was untouched and unfolded your napkin onto your lap, bringing your wrists to rest on the corner of the table. Her hand found your shoulder, her smiling reassuringly, and the other lifting a hand bell to ring.
Not a few moments later, Alexandra came in with a plate she placed in front of Dandy. "Tell me, girl; did my mother tell you her alienist prescribed you? Well," he laughed, "he told mother to find something to devote her time to other than me. Of course, I doubt mother's capabilities of controlling himself." He ate a bite.
You felt like you shouldn't have been in the room, learning what you had. It wasn't your place. Alexandra put yours and Gloria's food down at the same time.
The matriarch danced a wee bit in her seat, squeezing your arm in excitement. "Oh, what a lovely breakfast you requested, Dandy. And I won't ask you again." She took a delicate sip of her water. Her son ate first, without comment. Next thing you knew, you had all of Gloria's attention. You jumped to observe your food and you froze at the odd appearance it took.
"Caviar," Dandy informed you in a still snotty tone, but his face pulled down, dour. He looked like he might cry. "My latest heartbreaks enjoyed it so. Well, my first love."
You felt for the poor rich boy, mostly confusion, but Gloria soon reclaimed your focus. She scooped some onto a fork, offering you the bite. "What's caviar?" you asked quietly.
An easy smile graced Gloria. She was used to her complicated relationship with her son; you were like a breath of fresh air. She could admit she was enjoying the prospect of feeding you. And thus her faith in her shrink was renewed. "Just try it," she coaxed before telling you the truth.
Dandy watched you both, speaking quietly amongst yourselves. "I haven't the faintest idea what drew you to this poor miscreant." He turned his nose up.
You felt overwhelmingly self-conscious and tried not to look at the critical rich boy. Gloria sighed and kept looking at you in return. "If you'll allow me a moment," she mumbled so kindly. Dropping the silverware unceremoniously, she took your chin and lifted it. Her eyes moved to her unhelpful son still lovingly. "Just look at her, Dandy." The backs of her fingers on the other hand trailed down your throat. "Just because she is not a part of our lifestyle does not mean she does not belong to it." She took a handful of your locks, brushing them over your shoulder. She dragged a knuckle across your jaw. "And it does belong to her." Her voice changed in a way that Dandy truly felt their kinship.
You felt flushed and abashed.
"Eat up, darling," Gloria commanded of her two wards, finally feeding herself. She never had to say it to her son, though, who was already finished. He abruptly left the room and you relaxed into your seat. The ginger noticed your change and feared you wouldn't be able to get past your basic human instincts, because that was all that unnerved you with Dandy. Still, she showed you all over her massive property after breakfast.
You enjoyed the outdoors the most; the gardens kept you entertained for hours. Wandering back in around dark, you found Gloria on the front staircase, smoking a cigarette. She stood abruptly, coming to stand before you in a moment. "I thought you'd left."
You looked sideways, in thought. "That does sound like something I would do." It seemed that did not calm her frantic nerves. You took her arms to do so. "But I've never been wanted anywhere, Ms. Gloria."
The ginger's breaths started to even out and she held you in return with her free hand. You rubbed her arms as it seemed she needed the care. She was experienced in calming herself. Her immaculate curls were a disarray and what was usually straight looked wrung through. "I want you here. And I want you to be completely comfortable." It was such a sweet sentiment. If only the area wasn't tended to by a ton of staff and Gloria weren't such a big deal. But, right on time, a chilling feeling passed over you both. You looked up to find Dandy staring at you both from overhead, crazed from even over the banister. But she was of course happier to see him than you. "Oh, Dandy. As our guest has missed supper, perhaps you'd like to join us for an evening film. I thought we all might-"
The boy disappeared and you were helpless but to follow and enjoy yourself with the kind woman. Gloria was a generous and battered soul, but it hardly took a glance from you and she felt placated. She semi-often had to remind you to eat and you both got lost in your own heads. The heiress was lovely at coming up with distractions. You weren't sure what Gloria needed distracting from, but perhaps she would tell you with time. For now, she always had something new.
You slowly adjusted to this kept lifestyle. Gloria rarely left the mansion so neither did you. You were a little restless after so long living boundless, but the Motts plot of land gave you lots to walk. This was a rare day where you were left majorly alone. Gloria had gone into town, insisting you stay in, and you spent the time by your lonesome. You had small talked everyone on the staff. No one was willing or had time to hold up an actual conversation. Dandy still scared the Hell out of you and even he was out of the house. Luckily, she who studied the finer things, the classics, had a broad reading selection.
You never thought the sound of heels would be so noticeable nor did you suspect it would ever excite you so. But Gloria's fast pace was a dead giveaway as she traversed the home. You expected the same frantic calls she usually shouted for her deranged son. Instead, that tinny voice said your name in confusion. She knew you were here and not in a foul mood. How strange how that knowledge relieved her. It was an even higher pleasure when you came to her. Your steps were just as calm as hers and you timidly turned the corner. The ginger spun and faced you with a gleeful grin. She flounced over to you and you adored how the layers beneath her skirt made it pop outward. Likewise how her hair did so. Your fingers danced at the fabric of her shirt. Gloria took your hand. "How has your day been, sweet girl?" She answered the question mostly on her own by entering where you'd come from, their library. She gasped in excitement when she saw the room and the small pile you'd begun. Not only a sign you would stay, but also that she was right. You were educated and you appreciated fine literature.
You were still stuck on her calling you 'sweet girl'. Your face burned and you could only look at the floor. You picked at your cuticles.
But the woman turned back to you, no less chipper. "Have you been enjoying yourself, dear?" She tucked some shy hair behind your ear.
A smile you didn't intend bloomed on your features. You nodded and subconsciously bit your lip. A blunt nail crossed your jaw and she stepped into you, her thumb hooking your bottom lip and pulling it free. Her blue eyes glittered like crystals but the energy was dark and seeking. You took a step into her too, on instinct, and she gathered you into her arms, kissing you deep. A slick tongue ventured out and licked where you bit. You moaned into Gloria and leaned even further against her. You held her waist; she held your face. She tried to teach you to Fresh kiss her back, but you were dizzy from it and swaying. Breaking apart, you saw pure elation lighting up Gloria's face like she'd just seen Dandy. You actually looked over your shoulder to check, but it was just you two. You sighed and turned back to her with a smile. You had only lived with Gloria for two weeks, but you had dared to think the 'L' word, repeatedly. This did not help.
Gloria was quite breathless herself, trying to control her primitive panting. She pulled all of your hair behind you and kissed your cheek. "Come, darling; sit. Read to me, and, in a few minutes, I'll show you my favorite novel. I could read to you." Oh, that was a divine thought. You didn't even wish to read your own now. You could listen to Gloria speak forever about anything. Her reading might put you to sleep, but it would be the most at peace you'd ever been.
You slowly followed Gloria back to your seat. And, as requested you picked up the book. You read gradually with careful enunciation you hoped Gloria could appreciate. She did. And once you began stumbling over your words, the doing of one ginger and her wandering fingers and a dry throat, she showed you hers. You were enraptured by everything she told you about the history. You came to adore the romance just as Gloria did. You could hear the passion in her voice and she read with such variety you didn't stand a chance of falling asleep. When the affluent woman shut her book, she looked up at you and lowered her glasses. You only now noticed that your eyes had not left her face nor blinked the entire time. You suddenly felt embarrassed and sat up, folding arms and legs to pull away from her. Your mouth fell open and you went to make excuses, but Gloria put her hand on your two lips. Your breath hitched and your words were halted, also by the dark pupils filling the normally crystalline blues as the bright ginger moved in very close. Her expression shone with optimism. "Would you do nothing with me?" she asked. You tipped your head, confused. Gloria smiled, holding your hands with both of hers. "I would like to go into town with you tomorrow, but I doubt we'll spend any money."
You finally understood and smiled. "Oh! Certainly. We can sit on your property or in a park. I think I'd do anything you wanted."
Gloria grinned. Footsteps hinted at the maid or cook's on time announcement. "Alexandra, dinner will have to be served later. I'll ring when we're coming," Gloria dismissed the help before she could even appear. While used to them, the aristocrat never disrespected her staff. It was admirable and begged the question of why Dandy thought everyone was beneath him. Gloria still held your hands, standing to walk you to her room.
The gardener and maid looked around the corner as you both traversed the halls.
"I'll admit, what I asked was mostly a ruse. I did buy you something."
You were a little confused as the 'ruse' had been spoken in the future tense. "Oh, I thought you were seeking another form of entertainment for Dandy."
Gloria ran her hand down your arm as she opened her bedroom door. As you walked past, on her request, the ginger took in your compassion and mused on the type of mother you'd be. The thought gave Gloria a jolt, or perhaps that was from the thrill she already had planned. You were very occupied observing her room and Gloria smiled at how careful you were. Your parcel was set on the bed and the older woman sat beside it. "Come here, darling." You glanced at her before complying, adopting a similar excited pace to your benefactor before sliding onto the mattress with her. Smiling fondly at your childishness, Gloria played some with your locks. "I know you haven't been here long, but it has been long enough for me to care deeply for you. And, in the spirit of our advancing relationship, I'd like to expand further. Assuming you feel... deeply," she recovered, a little unsure.
You couldn't express how worried you were. You had never seen Gloria doubt herself except when she wondered if she should go to Dandy. When she followed the impulse, it tended to backfire, not that she'd told you that. You were naturally unnerved by her boy; she couldn't - wouldn't - give you cause to fear him. You smiled at the ginger. "I do... care... very deeply for you."
That was the best the Mott representative could give or accept right now as far as explanations went. She simply took your face and kissed you. It was pure adoration and you could've cried from it all. You held her wrists with misty eyes when they reopened. You kissed her one last soft one and began to listen. Gloria felt like a teenager. Her heart was pounding and she couldn't stop smiling. She picked up the perfectly, personally wrapped parcel and held it out. You were... confused. But you held it just as she had, watching her hands retreat. "Well? Open it."
Your face promptly caught fire and you carefully untied Gloria's bow. Lifting the lid, you saw some electric contraption in the box. You set the top aside and picked up the handle with one hand, the wire in the other. "Mrs. Mott, I'm afraid I have no idea-"
The overexcited mother took the wire and plugged it in. The piece in your hand began to move, quickly but not far. You jumped. "Darling, if you ever call me by a title or my surname again, I will not do anything like this again. Lift your shirt," she commanded. You were still very confused, but a ginger eyebrow rose. So you obeyed. Gloria took her gift and brought it to your knees, and up. She kissed you once more, and a hand came up to massage your breast, through the clothes she'd picked out! She planned this. You moaned and the machine reached the apex of your thighs. You jerked and yelped; Gloria laughed, delighted, but didn't allow you to move. The underwear currently in the way was soft and smooth, hardly impeding your pleasure. Your head almost dropped back, but you rolled your eyes around to face her again. Your muscles seized and moans bubbled over your lips. Gloria pulled you to her and you halfway leaned back on her, but you tried to support yourself mostly. As strong-willed as she was, she wasn't quite as proficient at the physical displays. You thought. She yanked you all the way on top of her and maintained full control over you. Your head limp on her chest, you fisted her dress, clenching and writhing. You were past the point of thinking and a moan got muffled behind clenched lips. Crystal eyes shining black dropped down to your mouth at the affront. Her hand pressed the device harder against you.
"Gloria, fuck-" You whined, unrestrained and jerked your head free, back up onto her shoulder. Your far leg you threw it over her lap and the ginger immediately lifted that leg. You whined, long and drawn out, slowly turning into a moan.
Gloria kissed you softly so your hand came up to hold her face just as tenderly. You were helpless but to relax and the ecstasy slowly took over. Your eyes fell shut but Gloria was enraptured by the expressions she'd ripped out of you. Once you calmed some, you saw the enchanted expression she held.
You felt a bit embarrassed from the attention, but after that, how could you? You took her face and kissed her in thanks. "Can I- I mean, do you- w-well, in that-" You shifted uncomfortably, both out of nerves and because your clothing had officially become uncomfortable.
She didn't let you continue your babbling, preferring to kiss you. "My gift for you won't feel the same to me, dear girl."
"I have a tongue," you immediately retorted.
Gloria raised an impressed eyebrow, smiling.
*
You slept in Gloria's bed now. You had half of her closet for the clothes you wanted to bring from the room which would remain yours. It was odd, and sweet. Some mornings, you woke up with a half foot of distance between you and others you were holding an especially tired mother. Sometimes, very rarely, Gloria would wake you up with a flurry of kisses covering your face. You could swear you fell a little bit more in love each day and you hadn't even left the house as she had teased. But in your fourth week with the Mott's, something drastic happened.
It started with Gloria's therapist coming for breakfast. He seemed thrilled to meet you and see you so comfortable with his client. You actually ended up eating alone with the matriarch, which you never minded, while he spoke to Dandy. It suddenly made sense; he didn't even have to finish explaining. But the pleasant morning was interrupted by forceful shouts. You both recognized the source and Gloria instantly honed in on it like, well, a fierce mother. She went to the kerfuffle without hesitation and you never failed to follow her.
Dandy was in the middle of the foyer, surrounded by two burly men dressed entirely in white.
"What is this?" the mama bear yelped.
The man in charge turned to the ginge. "What I informed you may be a conclusion to my analysis."
The young boy with perfectly combed hair glared at his mother menacingly, like she had orchestrated this event rather than fear it.
"I told you-" Gloria began, stepping down a step. Her therapist mimed at you to hug your lover. You took this to mean restrain her and instead put your hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, don't pretend this isn't the escape from me you had planned," Dandy sassed. His mother went to placate him as she always did, but he bulldozed her as per usual. "I don't think you understand the hierarchy here, doctor. Alexandra, Emil, tell this quack all of my faculties are intact."
No one in the room spoke. That seemed explanation enough for the orderlies who moved to do their job. And Dandy reacted violent as his tantrums tended to be, but he was not strong or experienced in combat. He was easily overpowered and sedated. Then carted off.
"What facility are you taking him to?" Gloria demanded.
Turning back to his last bit of business, the psychologist merely replied, "I don't think you need that information just yet." And he went to leave.
You joined Gloria on her stair-step. "You can't do that. Obviously, he can't take responsibility for himself. You can't hide a mother's son."
The man just looked between you and Gloria, smiled, then left. Gloria was a mess from that point on. She lost much of her spark. Most days, it was like she didn't know how to fill her time now. Of course, she had her routine to keep her on track. And she now always had you, but she never did anything. You missed her random attempts to liven up their comfortable lifestyle, so you decided to present her with one instead. You hardly slept while Gloria tried to incessantly. You still resided in her bed most nights unless she couldn't ignore the bitter part of her which blamed you or when she blamed herself, she usually did, too much to accept her fondness for you. Sometimes, you thought she cared for you as much as her son and that made her feel a million times worse. You looked at the still woman, thinking how you could show her the same thoughtfulness she always had for you. No run of the mill gift would work and, honestly, what wouldn't she buy for herself? You reached out and moved a ginger curl which escaped her rollers nightly.
Gloria jerked away from the touch, sitting up abruptly.
You moved back to give her her space, as she often requested now. You held up your hands to broadcast your innocence. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
Bleary blue eyes strained to look over at you. Gloria had to take a moment to control her breathing and try to comprehend the quick words spoken to her right when she woke up. Swallowing once, the ginger was quite throaty when responding: "You didn't." She leaned over to pour herself a glass of water, everything she needed ready on her nightstand. As you watched her movements, your eyes fell to the clock also on the table. It was almost three in the morning. Sufficiently calmed, the soft woman turned back to you. "Ready to go back to sleep?"
You didn't tell her you had yet to, instead, nodding.
Gloria slid back down. She always slept on her back and that didn't change now, but whereas she'd cried herself to sleep last time, she stared you down now. After a few minutes of eye contact, you still didn't know what to do. Gloria sighed and smiled. "Come here, darling."
You reluctantly shifted and lowered yourself to lay beside her. You still weren't sure if the grieving mother wanted her space and so you left the customary air between you both.
Your lover still stared at you. She slowly unfolded her arms, holding them open. She sang your name temptingly.
You surrendered happily, moving closer. Yet, as you laid exactly beside her, the woman stretched a bit to shuffle you down. She held your head against her chest and her other arm wrapped around your midriff. The steady beat of Gloria's heart worked like a mother's would and you were asleep before you thought about it.
*
C'est la vie. Life wasn't cold and alone anymore. But it would never be all sunshine and roses. Gloria would be visiting Dandy in a week, but the mere news brought the crystalline spark back to her brilliant blues. It made the residence feel like home again.
You often wondered if Gloria could feel the same without Dandy in the house, but did your best not to think about it. Instead, you put a plan in motion, the only way you could think of to simply be with Gloria. "Would you go somewhere with me?" you asked, you worried, a little randomly.
Gloria looked up from her book. Now, reading was one way that you two spent idle time together, but you didn't speak. You had to ask her to read to you, which she did happily, but it was different. "Where?"
Something Gloria taught you, you rolled your lips inward to show you weren't answering. "Not important."
A superior, ginger eyebrow rose on her face. "Then how shall we get there?"
You perked up with an optimistic smile. "I'll drive."
Gloria scoffed. "Darling, petrol is nearly ¢30. Let us not waste-"
Now it was your turn to raise an eyebrow. The older woman conceded with a pout. She even slouched in her seat. So you rose from yours to join the dame. "Now, go get dressed." With a swift kiss, you went to do the same.
Blue eyes simply aglow followed your exit. While enjoying her power, Gloria loved when you were bossy.
You were more focused on the ride than a destination. You felt so vindicated when your love started talking to fill the silence. Sure, you had turned off the radio, but she chose not to turn it back on. It wasn't anything in particular, she just told you the symmetry between one of her friends from book club and the book they were reading. Apparently, only that girl didn't see it and Gloria found that hysterical. She batted between a few topics before pointing out that you were going in circles now. It wasn't your fault one of the only neighborhoods Gloria wouldn't recognize was so small. You would have liked to have found another, but her comment from earlier urged you to park soon. So, you went to the park, where the cliff was large enough for you both to stay in the car. Throwing it into park, you killed the engine and turned to face Gloria, leaning sideways against your seat.
"Darling, this is where children come to make out."
You moved no closer. "I know."
A slow, easy smile stretched across her face. Gloria relaxed herself, thoughts encroaching of course. "I'm worried about Dandy."
This turn of topic was unexpected, but not unwelcome. She needed to talk to you about this. "I know," you continued in the same tone, if not softer.
The ginger turned to you some. "I thought if he was ever gone, I wouldn't be able to go on. But I'm alive, and Dandy's alive. Do you believe he needed to be institutionalized?"
You didn't know. "Did he kill your maid? Emil's son?" Gloria's face collapsed in guilt. You reached over the gap to hold her shoulder. "Then, there's something not connecting in his brain. Hopefully, the institution can actually help and he'll be able to come home. Or branch out, now that you know you can handle it."
It took a few moments, but your significant other nodded. "He told me once," she gasped out, practically hysterical. You went to close the gap, but she insisted on her space for a few seconds more, arms held out almost protectively. "He told me once that his purpose was to bring death."
You froze, not that you'd been fighting her, as you processed. It was a wonder she even did. You gaped like a fish and saw your other half wait for you to catch up. "How do you respond to that?" you asked as if you'd been holding your breath.
You watched those magic blue orbs fill with tears and aristocratic shoulders shrugged in defeat. Your fingers crawled along her shoulder again, this time asking permission. You both reached for the other at the same time and Gloria broke down in your arms, her head against your chest now. There was nothing you could say that would actually help, so you simply told her you loved her and that would never change. You drove home, praying you would never leave, even as you saw the problems there.
The ticking of the clock grew louder and louder with each second passing, causing Choromatsu to jog his leg up and down in his seat without thought. Sweat had accumulated at the back of his neck, but he didn't bother wiping it away. He knew it would just continuously make its way back.
His father was getting old. All his brothers, including himself, knew deep down that they couldn't mooch off of their parents forever. And with Matsuzo collapsing in the middle of the day and being hospitalised for the next few weeks, the sextuplets had a very scary and stern wake up call. They had to start working, for the sake of their parents.
...However, it didn't make the process any easier. Choromatsu's nerves were through the roof, evidently shown by the crumpled look on his face. He began to wonder if he should even be sitting in that room, waiting for someone to inevitably call his name so that he could begin the interview.
He was scared. So terribly scared.
Just then, the sound of a door opening beside him made him jolt in a panic. Whipping his head towards the source of the sound, he saw a woman, making her way over to the seat directly in front of him. He couldn't help but stare (as he did with any other female he had ever encountered).
Your hair was slightly disheveled, leaving you to run a shaky hand through your locks in an attempt to straighten them out. Your clothes looked slightly wrinkled, and he noticed a few small stains on the side of your white shirt, which were almost entirely covered by your black blazer.
When he finally got a good look at your face, he paused. Your face looked thinner than most. There was a hollowness in your cheeks and sunken eyes, rimmed with dark circles from what he assumed was many restless nights.
"Hello!"
With a squeak, Choromatsu averted his head towards the ceiling. He had been so busy staring, he hadn't realised you were looking right back at him with a smile.
"H-H-Hello!!" His voice was a lot louder than usual. He cursed his nervousness.
"Are you also here for a job interview?" You began a conversation with him, seeing as he was the only one in the room with you. Why you wanted to talk to him, though, the Matsuno would never know.
"Ah, yes! I am!" There were too many voice cracks in that short answer. Clearing his throat, he tried again.
"I'm Choromatsu Matsuno. It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too! I'm [Y/N] [L/N]," you placed your slightly tattered bag onto your lap, crossing one leg over the other. "Is this your first interview?"
"N-No, I've worked before. But, it's been a while..." He rubbed the back of his head, quickly glossing over his lazy NEET lifestyle. Just as he was about to continue the conversation, his name was called, instructing him to enter the main office. He stood shakily, busying his hands with the material of his tie.
"Good luck, Mr Matsuno!" you beamed towards him, causing a blush to spread over his face. He responded similarly, throwing you a timid smile before disappearing behind the large oak doors.
»»----- ♔ -----««
Choromatsu sighed heavily, slouching over as he stood just outside the office building. Another failed interview. How long until he could find somewhere to work? What if his father's condition grew worse? It would be too late to do anything. He would be a failure.
A deep sigh coming from his right snapped him out of his downwards spiralling thoughts. Glancing over, he saw it was you, from earlier. You were slouching over just like he was, a crumpled look of defeat plastered onto your face.
"... I assume you didn't get the job, either?" Choromatsu asked softly, startling you.
"Mr Matsuno..."
"Please, call me Choromatsu," he quickly corrected. Giving a slight nod, you straightened yourself back up.
"I didn't think there would be so many requirements... It sounded like a simple enough job," you whined, rubbing the back of your neck in confusion.
Choromatsu hummed in agreement. A moment of silence came over the both of you, the distant sounds of cars whizzing past filling up the air. He looked up to the sky, noting how the sun was beginning to set, painting the clouds in soft hues of oranges and purples.
"Would you, maybe..." He started, trailing off nervously as you tilted your head towards him. Swallowing thickly, he continued: "Well, what I mean is, w-would you like to.. get a drink? It'll be on me."
He fidgeted in his place as you continued to stare at him in bewilderment. Your fingers tightened around the worn straps of your bag, and you nibbled your lower lip in thought.
"Y-You don't have to say yes if you don't want to!" Choromatsu babbled suddenly, his cheeks a heavy shade of red. You only chuckled softly, turning fully towards him.
"I wouldn't mind a drink, Choromatsu."
"Sure, I'll just head home now, it was really weird of me to- ... What?"
"I said yes," you laughed, moving to stand beside him. "I don't know many places around here, so you'll have to show me the way."
The Matsuno stood in shock, eyes wide with a slight sweat running down the side of his temple. Slowly, he took a step forward, muttering for you to follow him in a daze.
Streetlights flickered on gently as you made your way down the sparse pavements, the both of you opting to simply walk in a silence that gradually grew more comfortable. The local bar that Choromatsu and his brothers frequented finally came into view, gesturing for you to go inside first.
You chose a table towards the back corner of the room, which gave you a nice view of the darkening sky just outside. Glancing around, you noticed the place was empty for the most part, aside from a single sleeping figure in a grey suit a few tables down.
"Do you come here often?" you asked Choromatsu, who had sat in front of you. His smile faltered slightly as he gave it some thought.
"Yeah, but my brothers almost always tag along. It's nice to finally have a drink away from them for a little bit."
"You have brothers? That must be nice!" you beamed. He only frowned at that.
"Not if you have five identical faces..." he muttered, although you didn't hear him as a waiter came around to your table with a notepad and pen.
"Welcome! What can I get you to drink?" He asked politely, even though he was already eyeing Choromatsu with a wary look.
"I'll have the usual," the waiter nodded, but didn't write anything down.
"And you, miss?"
"Uh... Just a glass of water, please," you ordered. When the waiter had left, Choromatsu raised a brow at you.
"You don't have to get water. I don't mind buying you something else." You averted your gaze from him to your lap, crossing one leg over the other and smoothing out the wrinkles of your skirt.
"No, it's.. it's okay. I can't really afford anything other than water, anyway." You tried to dismiss the topic with a shaky smile, but the action only caused Choromatsu to lean in closer.
"But drinks here are extremely cheap, only around three hundred yen. Surely you can afford that, right?"
"I-I really.. can't. Even if it's just three hundred, I can't risk it."
The air between the two of you became tense as Choromatsu studied you carefully. He may seem dumb most of the time, but he wasn't stupid. He could see something was wrong - very wrong - with the way you were answering his questions.
His eyes wandered down to your clothing and bag, then to your thin face for a split second before something clicked.
"You... You don't have much money at all, do you?" He almost whispered, face paling as you barely nodded your head.
"I'm.. living on my last pay check.." you hesitantly revealed. More silence, until Choromatsu pressed on.
"When did you get that?"
"... A month ago."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. You couldn't be any older than him, and you were barely living?
"Please tell me you at least have somewhere to live..?" His tone was desperate as he clutched the fabric of his trousers.
"I don't have anywhere to go, Choromatsu..." you took a deep breath to calm your nerves, "That's why I really needed this job, or any job I can get. But every time I go, I keep getting turned away. I... I don't know what else to do..."
Your face was buried into your hands as the stress finally crashed down on you like a bucket of cold ice. You tried your best to hold back the tears, but as a few slipped through, you found it hard to catch your breath.
You were sure that Choromatsu had left now after not hearing anything from him since you spoke. However, the thought was quickly thrown out the window as you felt a presence beside you, a warm hand resting itself onto your shoulder.
Hesitantly, you peered through the gaps of your fingers to see him offer you a smile once more, a look of understanding in his eyes.
"You don't need to worry, [Y/N].." he boldly brushed away the tears from your cheeks with the pad of his thumb, keeping your gaze fixated on him. "I can help you."
He stood from his seat and grasped your hand, tugging you upwards and began leading you out of the bar, ignoring the mad yelling of the waiter from behind you and instead quickening his pace.
"I would offer you to stay at my place, but my shitty brothers would make everything worse. Luckily, though, I think I know someone else who can help."
"W-Wait! Choromatsu!" You dug your feet into the ground, stopping you both in your tracks.
"I don't understand what you're talking about.. Where are you taking me?" Your voice wavered dangerously, but you forced the next surge of tears down.
"Ah, sorry! I guess I didn't explain things very well, did I?" He ruffled his hair sheepishly before turning to you, only to avert his gaze to the ground. "I know we just met, but.. I'm worried about you, [Y/N]. I know someone who will definitely let you stay at their house until you're able to get by on your own two feet again. That is... If you want to?"
He felt your fingers tighten around his slightly clammy palm, then a sniffle. He shot his head up to find your cheeks stained with tears, your lips formed into a wobbly but grateful smile.
"Y-You'd do that... for a stranger?" You mumbled tearily, a huff of laughter escaping you. In an instant, you wrapped your arms around Choromatsu's torso, burying your face into his shirt.
"Thank you... So much, Choromatsu..."
"I-I-It's no problem!" He squeaked, gently clinging his twitchy fingers onto the back of your blazer. He wished he could revel in your warmth pressed against him for a little longer, but he really had to get you to Totoko's.
Besides, he had a bit of a growing problem that he really didn't want you to see.
For @master-of-schadenfreude, and I am terribly sorry this took so damn long.
•••
You wrapped your hands around your mouth and blew into them, creating a puff of hot air. You sighed before taking a seat beside the the grocery store. The owner and employees were cool with you hanging out around there. They even let you in the store and gave you food sometimes. It was open 24/7 so it was a nice place to hang out at. Especially if you, a homeless teenager, needed to use the restroom. You were just picking at loose threads on your gloves when the door to the store opened and a man walked out. He looked like he’d be stocked for the next month from all the bags he was carrying. He cursed as a few bags broke and their contents spilled out. You quickly surprised a smirk before getting up and help him by picking up all of his dropped items.
"Here. Let me help.” He looked you up and down, and at the grocery items in your arms, before mumbling and motioning towards a truck. You followed him to his truck and put the items where he pointed too. You stood there in awkward silence and went to head back to the store across the road when he actually spoke.
"Do you need a place to stay for the night? I hear it’s going to be pretty chilly.” You blinked up at him in surprise.
“I-I usually just lay in the back of the grocery store by the heater.” He took a sharp intake of breath through his nose.
"Would you like to come stay at my place? You can work for your food and have a bed to sleep in.” Your eyes shimmered.
“Really?!” He rolled his eyes.
“Hurry up and go get your stuff or the deal’s off.” You stood there ad ran a hand down the side of your pants.
“Actually mister, this is all I’ve got.” You saw his eyes widen slightly.
“Well then get in the truck I don’t have all day to dilly dally you know.” You smirked as you climbed into the passenger seat.
You were surprised when he pulled into a bee farm but didn’t say anything, you didn’t want to offend the man that was giving you a bed to spend the night in.
“Listen.” He grumbled roughly. “Don’t go nosing around in anything you shouldn’t, understand?” You gulped before nodding. “Good. Now I want you to go mow my back lawn with the push mower i got in my shed back there. Then I’ll give you some chores to do inside.” You nodded.
“Yes sir.” He brought his groceries inside while you headed for the wooden shed in the back yard, beyond the bees. You hoped to avoid them as much as you could. The door opened with a loud creak and you backed out of the shed with the bulky old push mower. You started it up and coughed up a lung when a large cloud of black smoke came bursting out of it.
"JESUS! How long hasn’t he used this thing?” You looked out at the lawn in front of you and noticed there was only a slight weed problem. “It couldn't have been more than a week since this lawns been mowed…” You shrugged it off. “Whatever…better get going.” All in all it only took you about an hour of hard pushing and shoving to finish the back lawn like he’d asked you too. He opened the back door to his house and hollered for you to put the mower away and come inside. You pushed the mower back in before latching the door shut and heading to the house.
Despite not even knowing the guys name you waltzed right into his house. He stopped you right inside the door. "If you don’t mind I wouldn’t like muddy boots trudging through my house.” You kicked off your boots and put them beside his at the door. You felt heat rise in your cheeks at the very obvious holes in your socks. You saw his eyes glance down before he met yours again and motioned for you to follow him to the other room.
“Alright. I’m going to run back into town and get somethings and you can just dust these cabinets and pictures all right? Don’t go snooping into something you shouldn’t be.”
“Sheesh you act like you’re an axe murderer or something. Okay, I won’t touch anything besides the duster.” He glared at you for a few more seconds before somewhat slamming the door behind him. “Someone’s a little touchy….” You muttered as you grabbed the duster from a hook on the wall and began your chore. You pulled your tattered shirt over your nose as you worked trying to not to have a repeat of the shed, though the house was obviously dusted regularly. You practically jumped when the man came back through the door with a bag from a thrift shop in town.
“Here. Catch.” You dropped the duster and managed to catch the full bag. You looked inside and looked back at him with wide eyes.
“You bought me clothes-”
“I can’t have you work outside in those.” You couldn’t stop gawking at the bundle of clothes in your hand.
“Thank you.” He muttered something under his breath and walked into the kitchen.
“If you’re done dusting go change. Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes. The room at the end of the hall to the right is fine.” You walked to the room he insisted in a daze. You laid the clothes out on the bed to see what this man had bought you. He’d gotten you three pairs of jeans, three long sleeve shirts which for some reason were all the same color but had a different design on each, and he even got you a stocking cap with matching gloves. That didn’t even include the surprise when you found a bundle of socks. You quickly changed remembering your ten minute time limit to change. You walked out of that room feeling like a completely different person. You headed towards the kitchen and peeked your head in. The man was setting up plates and silverware on the table and your stomach couldn’t help but let out a growl. The last thing you ate had been a Hershey bar after you’d miraculously found a dollar on the street. That had been three days ago. He looked up and seemed to smile seeing you in your clothes. The smile quickly vanished.
“They fit good then?” You nodded. “Good I didn’t want to head into town for a third time today. Sit.” He motioned to a chair and you quickly slid across the floor before sitting down. He turned to the stove and poured something into a bowl. He put it down in front of you then handed you a spoon. He then gathered his own bowl and sat down across from you. You began to eat as he did. The awkwardness was suffocating. The two of you were clearly used to being alone. He cleared his throat and you looked up from your meal.
“So, how long have you been on the streets?”
“About two years.” You answered with a nervous laugh. “Drunk uncle, gambling problem, dead parents, lovely first 16 years of my life.” You stuffed your mouth to get yourself to stop your nervous babbling.
“I’ve been alone for awhile myself. My wife passed on many years ago.”
“I’m sorry.” He waved his hand.
“It’s alright. I’ve had my time to mourn. You on the other hand….” He put down his spoon. “How’d you like to stay here? You’d have to pull your own weight, obviously.” You gawked at the man in front of you.
“I-I….I don’t even know your name?!” He looked you dead in the eyes.
“I don’t know yours either.” You sighed through your nose.
“I’m (y/n).”
“I’m Cain.” He reached out his hand. “Hope you like bees.”
