#(and annoyance at how my new curtains for my room are doing a piss poor job of staving off the evil hate orb but that's a different thing)

[rinofwater]

So was anyone gonna tell me that too much caffeine can worsen depression or was I supposed to figure that out for myself after sipping too much 'self-loathing bastard' juice?

[aseriii]

Time// Toge Inumaki x Reader

WARNING// This was not proof read but hopefully you enjoy my little oneshot!    SFW / Fluff

EDIT: Ive decided to switch the ending up a bit, If you have already read V.1 of this fanfic please begin at “ 4 Days Prior To The Incident.” Happy readings! (3/6/21)

Time. 

/tīm/ 

plan, schedule, or arrange when (something) should happen or be done.

There Inumaki sat, against the soft bristles of grass. Looking among the blazing stars that dared to face the Celeste sky. Nothing was on his mind other than his beloved Y/N. She was currently out on a mission with Itadori and Satoru. Oh, how he wished it was him instead of those two knuckleheads. Of course, they got their work done and exorcised the curse but always had time to joke around. It wasn't a bad thing but it disturbed Inumaki when it came to serious things. Inumaki was never really called on missions unless there happened to be a Grade 1 Curse roaming around Tokyo. So of course, if that happened to be the case, during his free time he would always spend his nights like these. The wind brushed against his Silver-white hair, dusting a few strands away from over his eye. As time passed on, Inumaki decided it was time to head back inside to sleep. Nothing exciting happened other than Panda slipping onto Maki, making her go on a rampage. But it sure was a slow-paced and boring day for him. Not much screaming from Gojo, not much Itadori crying out for help because Megumi was tugging at his hair. 

It was all just peaceful now, Quiet enough for Inumaki to make his way back to his cozy room. As Inumaki crawled into his sheets he just couldn’t get the thought of Y/N out of his mind. Was he this infatuated with this girl? It boggled his mind but he decided to brush it off as an excuse to what he called, “looking out for my friend.” He closed his eyes then drifted into a deep slumber. Time skip// The Next Morning As Inumaki had forgotten he left his curtains completely open, The sunlight pierced through his eyes. This caused him to pry his eyes wide open in annoyance, grumbling, he got up and out of his bed and attempted to pull the curtains over. Finally, Inumaki managed to slightly pull the curtain to its center until he heard some ruckus outside his sliding door. “What’s going on out there..?” He thought to himself, wondering. That was until he saw both Panda and Maki holding up someone.. Who could this be? He took a closer peek and realized it was no one other than Y/N. Quickly, Inumaki closed the curtains and rushed to get his uniform on. Right as he zipped up his mask, He dashed out the door to go see Y/n. “Tuna!” The boy called out, attempting to get their attention. Maki looked over and smirked, she knew about his little crush on Y/N but Inumaki kept denying his guilty crush. Maki waited for him to take over and carry her arm around his shoulder. “Oh! Inumaki, you’ve finally arrived? Guess it’s my time to bounce on out of here.” She let go of the bloodied and beat up Y/N’s arm. Y/N grunting at the sudden movement, Inumaki soon caught onto her left arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. To be honest, He never thought he’d see you in this state and it shattered him to pieces. 

If only he were there to save and help Y/N, He knew he could’ve done it without those two fucking around. No, The more he thought about it it’s his fault for not begging to come along on the mission. It was only a Grade 2 Curse so either Gojo and Itadori were both testing Y/N or doing Dogshit. They were also nowhere to be seen, which pissed Inumaki even more. As Inumaki kept thinking about the possibilities of her not getting hurt or him saving her from the Curse, A soft and sudden voice spoke. “I-Inumaki..? Are you okay..?” It was Y/n. He looked over at her with his worried eyes, snapping out of his thoughts and nodding. 

“Tuna mayo.” He gave her a slight smile and she mirrored his actions. “You two should go out sometime, Always looking at each other with those loving eyes. It’s funny!” Inumaki shot the panda, a disgusted look in his eyes, warning him to shut his yapper. Though, Inumaki didn’t fail to catch the sudden blush on Y/N’s beat-up cheeks. He smiled under his mask. Thank goodness for that, otherwise, it would’ve been a disastrous evening. That was until Y/N Collapsed right in front of his eyes. Horror filled his eyes, he gasped and kneeled to check her pulse. Panda stood there, just as shocked as Inumaki was. There wasn’t anything Panda could do because of his body and Inumaki understood that, He always understood stuff no matter the situation. Still, Horror was in his eyes, he was relieved that her pulse was okay but she must’ve passed out from blood loss. Inumaki carefully picked her up without dropping her.

 Even passed out, he still thought she was beautiful from every aspect. To her (H/C) and Her Face. Sure it may have seemed creepy for him to be carrying her and just admiring her while she’s passed out but nothing could stop him from being this in love with her. He soon got up and attempted to carry her to the Jujutsu Tech Infirmary. Leaving panda behind, he wished Y/N was gonna be okay as well. As long as inumaki knew her pulse was still keeping up, he let out a sigh of relief and entered the school. Worried and curious again, He checked her pulse. Only a few minutes away from the infirmary, Her pulse stopped. 

She was out cold and Inumaki had once again been able to experience the terror and horror of losing her. He didn’t want her to die without him confessing his love. This was probably his first true love in years, Inumaki couldn’t give up so easily. He began to rush even faster than he was before and yelled out for the doctor. “BONITO FLAKES! TUNA MAYO!!” Was it already too late? He was on the verge of tears, he couldn’t do this today. Luckily, Shoko, the Nurse in Jujutsu Tech had opened the door and rushed him inside. She carefully took Y/N from his arms and slammed the door shut right in front of his face. Inumaki called out once again but there was no response. 

His only hope was for Y/N to somehow gain her pulse back and stop the bleeding. Unfortunately, that was nearly impossible for Inumaki to believe. He leaned his back against the wall, still traumatized as to what just happened. He looked to his side, then forward. He saw those Bastards. Inumaki couldn’t contain himself anymore. What the fuck was wrong with him right now? He’s never felt such hatred towards the two laughing men. He needed to somehow scold them both for being such dumbfucks. He threw on a furious face and soon after dashed outside to meet with the two. Being careful with his words he shouted out, “What the fuck is wrong with you two?” There he stood, furious in front of his Superior and Classmate. Who are they to think about leaving you in such a state? It wasn’t fair at all. 

“Yo, Inumaki! What’s with the sudden tone? Did something bad happen?” Itadori commented. Such bad timing for a terrible comment, His comment only enraged Inumaki more than ever. Just like that, His arm swung towards Itadori’s face. The impact caused him to tumble backward. Satoru only stood there in pure shock with his mouth agape. Itadori didn’t say or do anything, Finally understanding what Inumaki was upset about. He chuckled while covering his now bloody nose. “Inumaki, I understand why you’re angry now! Just please chill out before I explain!” Inumaki slowly put down his fists and waited for him to explain himself. “I think you might have misunderstood the calendar for missions! Y/N was assigned a mission on her own today while I was assigned to train with Gojo-Senpai!” As Inumaki started understanding the situation, he began to feel like a dumbass. All though, this didn’t change the fact that Y/N was possibly dead. Ding! A message? He pulled out his phone and signed for Itadori to hold whatever he was gonna say next. It happened to be from an unknown number. Out of curiosity, Inumaki opened the message and let out a loud gasp. His eyes began to tear up little by little. Satoru and Itadori stood there, puzzled. Inumaki looked up and once again carefully said,

 “She is alive.” Still, the two dumbasses were puzzled but Inumaki ignored it and soon turned around to run over to the infirmary. He began to slow down as he reached the door where his crush lied. Slowing opening the door, he saw Y/N. Thankfully the monitor was beating normally and there were no signs of terrible fate. She was fast asleep with many IV’s attached to her. Shoko, the Nurse nodded her head as to letting him in the room and watched over her as Time passed. “Don’t stay in here too long, Loverboy.” He scoffed and looked down at her beautiful (H/C) almost covering her face. Out of instinct, Inumaki decided to brush a few strands of hair away from her face and blushed. She looked so pretty.. Even with the little scars on her face. He admired her so much and he just couldn’t take it anymore. He wasn’t sure if she would feel the same but the poor boy took his chances. He glanced down at her one last time, 

“You’re the most beautiful girl in the world, I don’t know what I would do without you.. Y/N.” Just like that, Inumaki kissed her forehead and smiled down upon her. Silence filled the room for a few seconds... Maybe. “Awww how cute! Can you repeat that last part? I didn’t quite catch it.” There Satoru stood with his shoulder against the doorway and his phone out. Inumaki quickly parted away from Y/N and covered his face with his mask. 

This. Was. Not. Happening. 

Inumaki peeked out only to see Satoru running away and calling for the others in a sing-song toned voice. There was nothing he could do because all we wanted to do was stay with Y/N. Inumaki sighed and looked back at the now awakened girl. Her (E/C) eyes half-lidded now looked up at Inumaki. 

“Inu? Is that you?” He blushed at his new nickname Y/N had given him. He nodded in response and gave her a sweet smile. 4 Days Prior To The Incident “Hey Inu?” Her soft-toned voice called out for him. Inumaki turned his head over to look at the now smiling girl beside him. He hummed in response while still looking at Y/N, He’s never been happier than to be with his first-ever Love. She turned her head and looked back up at the stars. “How come you kissed my forehead?” 

Oh shit, she knew! But, how? Inumaki’s eyes widened and soon looked away as well. He was a blushing mess. “T-Tuna Mayo..?” (W-what makes you ask that?) She giggled in response only to soon turn her head towards him. He looked at her as well, probably knowing what was incoming but continued to deny it. They sat there silently staring each other off until Inumaki decided to pull his head down to look away.

Why was he like this? This is the first time hes ever really been in love with someone so why not take a risk for once? Fortunately, Now was the time to do so. Inumaki looked directly into her eyes, appreciating her beautiful eyes. This was the one time he’d actually had a good look a them, Especially with the outstanding scenery around them. As more time began to pass, He realized what he finally needed to do.

Inumaki put his soft and delicate hands on Y/N’s cheeks. His gaze as timid as ever. What’s she thinking about? Would she hate me? Am I really this perverted as Gojo-Sensei says I am..? Looking back at her now flushed face, her mouth opened to say something but soon stopped herself. Inumaki soon turned his head away in shame, This was all a mistake.. Shit! 

“Inu, What you plan to do next is your choice. Im not stopping you or defying your actions as you liking me even though its obvious.” Slowly, Inumaki pulled his hands down and raised his head back up to look at the now laughing female. She always looked and sounded so pretty when she laughed, Its nothing like Inumaki has ever heard before. He felt so lucky to even have you as a friend... Maybe more than that.  Inumaki puffs his chest and sits up so his back isn't slouching against the tree they lie against. This time, he was gonna get this right. No messing around this time, Hes tired of always running away from his crushes or even his problems. Not that she was a problem but, Something that Inumaki dearly cares about now. More confidently, Inumaki blushed and began to zip his mask down to reveal his marked lips. Y/N stared at him but Inumaki disregarded it, Now's not the time to fuck up.

He raised his gentle and loving hands up to her tender face. Its about time this moment finally happens. For so long Inumaki has been distracted with the thoughts of you while fighting off curses. You were the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with after having this feeling for years now. Inumaki caressed his beloved Y/N;s face to signify the deeper meaning to his love. Finally declaring this battle of confusion and distraction, His face grew closer and closer to her face. Only centimeters away from her delicate lips.

He closed his eyes and leaned into her face, embracing the kiss. It was a soft, sweet and comforting kiss. Nothing like how he imagined them to be. Inumaki finally knew his place and how he felt. He was absolutely smitten with the thought of being with this girl. As the kiss began to deepen within seconds, Y/N pulled away gasping for air. He had probably forgotten about that.. oops.

As they both softly gasp for air, He looked up at her with the sweetest and straightforward smile he could ever give someone. It really was all a matter of Time just to be right where he is.  “Sh-shake..Ehhh.. Tuna. (S-so I was uhmm.. Thinking.)” The boy suddenly spoke up. Her head turned around to see his once again flustered face. Of course she giggled and smiled at him, waiting for his next statement. 

On rare occasions, he would never use real words unless hes completely angered or this special person.. Y/N was around. “Do you think you’d like to be my girlfriend? I know what you're thinking, This embarrassment of a guy has lost his mind. Y/N, Please understand that i love you and I will do anything to protect you from the fuckery of this world.” Inumaki gave her a reassuring look, his eyes shining. Inumaki seriously didn't know how to read Y/N in these type of situations. If only there was some sort of manual to her. 

“Nah.” Y/n bluntly said. Inumaki’s face went from a giddy 5 year old little boy to a 37 year old middle aged mans gloomy face. This was not what he was expecting, really. I knew this was a stupid fucking idea, How stupid am I? This is so bullshit. Laughter erupted from his side, Why was she laughing right now? Inumaki was mourning his ego death. “You should've seen the look on your face Inu!!” Y/N continued to laugh. What is she even talking about? Inumaki tilted his head and his face now confused.

She leaned into his face for a small peck and pulled away. She smiled at him and pat his head. “Of course Inu, Im just messing with you! So adorable for no reason.” Forget the ego death, Welcome back from the dead ego! His face now a blushing mess. 

Boy, was this the happiest day of his life. To finally be with his beloved after countless times of running away. You were finally his girlfriend, His joy and light of his life. 

[riverofmemoriesft]

. Obsessive Impulsive . 10

Full Summary: “‘I’ve been trying to find you alone for weeks, but you’ve been avoiding me.’  He clicked his tongue, as if scolding her.  'I tried approaching, but you always had someone with you to give me nasty words and looks.  They turned you against me, Miss Levy.’"

Pairings: Gajeel x Levy

Warnings: I strode for a darker fic again.  This is not for sensitive readers.  Violence, stalking, etc.  

Author’s Note: This is a very, very twisted gift for Bubbles, who has not been allowed to so much as read a single chapter.  This will update every other day.

Levy stretched her arms above her head and looked over her shoulder to check the time a few hours later, her jaws stretching in a large yawn. She'd been told she could stay the night in the guildhall if she wanted - Gildarts planned to stay the night to get some paperwork done and Makarov had suggested she stay by him. Naturally, she'd accepted.

"Levy!"

The solid-script mage looked over and found Lucy waving to get her attention. The blonde had Happy in her arms, Natsu at her side, and her bag slung over her shoulder. Her dark eyes were concerned. "We're heading out, Levy. Are you going to be okay?"

Levy nodded. "I'll be fine," she reassured, crossing her arms. "Lily and I are staying here and Gajeel will be back in the morning. On top of it all, Gildarts will be here all night. I'll hang with him."

"If you're sure…" Lucy waved a final time. She and Natsu exchanged a look and then headed for the doors. They closed loudly behind Lucy and finally, Levy found that she and Lily - who had fallen asleep on a table - were alone within the main portion of the guildhall. She'd promised to clean up for the night so Mirajane could head home earlier than normal. Light spilled out from beneath the door to Makarov's office - Gildarts hard at work, she supposed.

Levy approached the door. She knocked and when she heard Gildarts tell her to come in, she did so. She merely peeked her head in and gave a hesitant smile. "Everyone's gone. I'm going to clean up the guildhall and then head up to one of the rooms to sleep."

Gildarts glanced up from the paperwork he'd been doing and gave her a warm smile. "Got it. I'll be down here doing...this." He gave his paperwork a look of disgust, earning a laugh from her. "Just shout if you need anything."

"I will," she said firmly. She waved and then headed towards the bar to wipe it down one more time. When she was done with it as wella s the tables lining the guildhall, she woke Lily. "Come on," she murmured, "let's head up."

"Okay," he agreed, yawning widely.

Levy giggled and scooped her friend into her arms. When she was set, she locked the front doors and then climbed the stairs.

She found a room that was fresh, checking the windows first and foremost. Locked, she was relieved to find. She peered at the street outside, scanning the darkness. She saw nothing and nearly whimpered in relief. Not that he wouldn't know she was there. He would know. He knew where she was at all times, it appeared.

She closed the curtains and then nudged the door shut before kicking her shoes off. Not bothering to look for a change of clothes, she crawled into bed with Lily. The Exceed made himself comfortable beside her and Levy closed her eyes after tucking the blankets around them. She hugged him, and he purred quietly before falling asleep entirely.

Sighing heavily through her nose, Levy forced herself to relax.

She heard the chirping of birds at dawn before sleep even began to creep over her.

"Gajeel!" Levy shouted in greeting, practically high on caffeine.

It was late in the morning, and the iron mage had just gotten in. He'd barely stepped into the guildhall before she'd called a greeting, and his crimson eyes went to her immediately. Relief flickered through him. Relief that she hadn't disappeared while he'd been away. He vowed to not take anymore jobs until she was safe.

Because he'd seen Elroy on his way in, and it pissed him off.

Beyond belief.

Lily was at her side, he saw, and he grunted and waved a little before stepping up to the bar. Mirajane smiled at him in greeting. "Hey, Gajeel," she murmured, lowering her voice, "you aren't going out anytime soon, are you?"

"No," he said a bit more sharply than he intended. "Why?"

Mirajane cleared her throat, biting her lip. "I'll let Levy explain what happened while you were gone, but...Gildarts has been keeping an eye out for her and...and we were given the clear to use magic if need be."

Gajeel ground his teeth together, anger racing through him. "I see," he gritted out.

She gave him a fierce look. "Don't you get angry with her. She's already stressed out enough without you adding to it. Just...support her, Gajeel. Support her and help her where you can until we're given reason to either arrest him or...otherwise."

He grunted in response. "Whatever," he growled, but Mirajane looked satisfied with his answer and took the signed form that told the Council he'd done his work to the client's satisfaction. When she had waved him off, he went back to where Levy and Lily were, his crimson eyes all ready blazing. "What the fuck happened?"

Levy grimaced, exchanging a look with Lily, who sipped quietly at his kiwi juice. Levy rolled her eyes. Clearly he wasn't going to help her… "I stopped at a bookstore yesterday morning. To get a new book. We're pretty sure it was...him, but someone lit the place on fire. After locking us and the owner inside."

The look on Gajeel's face had her rushing to say, flustered, "We're fine! No one was hurt. The poor owner of the place was in shock last time I checked, but other than that, he's entirely fine."

Gajeel let loose a massive breath that spoke of the control he was trying to keep. "Are you fucking kidding me?" he spat.

She furrowed her brow, giving him a look of disapproval for his language. "I went out with a couple of our friends yesterday and we were fine."

"I'm always fine," Lily said unhelpfully. "It's you we need to watch over."

After a few moments in which he tried to calm himself, Gajeel ground out, "Damn it, woman. Can't leave you alone for a goddamn second."

She smiled faintly and then relaxed as he grouchily dropped to sit with she and Lily, his red eyes full of annoyance. Leaning over the table, she told him, "I've been practicing my Draconian with Natsu."

He arched a pierced brow. "Have you?" he grunted, and then fired off a statement.

She flushed and patted her wild hair down. "My hair is not all over the place," she hissed, making Lily chuckle in his amusement. She snarled the same phrase back at him, adding on a few sounds, and Gajeel snickered.

"Look at ya," he mocked, waving. "The shrimp has some bite to her."

She sputtered angrily and Gajeel only found himself smirking, delighted to be home and teasing her. Levy grumbled under her breath and swept some loose hair out of her face, puffing her cheeks up in agitation and Gajeel watched her closely.

Until she demanded, "You owe me dinner."

Lily choked on his kiwi juice. Gajeel's eyes widened a fraction. "Really? 'Cause I don't remember you doin' anything for me as of late, shrimp."

She stuck her tongue out and he cackled. "You owe me dinner for calling me that. And for thinking my hair was a mess. It was quite rude to say that."

A gleam appeared in his crimson gaze as he rocked forward, getting into her personal bubble. "Fine. Where d'ya wanna eat then, shorty?" She glared, though a smile tugged at her lips.

Levy leaned back, tapping at her chin. "I decided last time we went out. And you owe me. So you decide. Surprise me. I'm fine with anywhere."

"Are you?" he challenged.

She thought it over. "...okay, so no...weird places. I don't want any bars or taverns either. I don't feel like getting squashed by people who don't know how to deal with small people."

He smirked. "I know a place. I'll meet ya here tonight."

"What time?"

"Six." A pause. "Five-thirty."

"Five-thirty then." Levy looked excited, her hazel eyes sparkling and Gajeel grinned, liking the fact that she was so eagerly looking forward to dinner with him of all people. He hated being around the happy-go-lucky people of his guild for too long, but Levy was someone he could handle being around constantly - she and Lily were alike in that aspect.

She suddenly leaned over the table, smirking, and he arched a pierced brow when she came within an inch of his face. He patiently studied her face, waiting to see what she was doing-

And then sputtered at the phrase she whispered to him in his own language, reeling back.

Levy climbed to her feet, laughing, and went to ask if Erza would be willing to walk her to Fairy Hills and back for her date. Lily looked between them, bewildered. "What'd she say?" He looked to Gajeel, who'd turned red and covered the lower half of his face with a hand. "Gajeel?"

He shook his head wildly, still flustered, earning a snicker from his cat.

Soft sounds had left her lips, curved with a hard edge that changed the meaning entirely. It was a familiar phrase, one he was sure she didn't entirely understand but had come to understand the general meaning.

To him, the phrase was much more than she probably thought it to be.

That simple sounded phrase he'd given her the first time he'd spoken Draconian to her - and she'd changed it just enough.

He'd originally told her, "I care deeply for you." Or something along those lines. The language didn't translate directly into the one they normally spoke. Levy, however, had changed that. With just a few alterations, she'd changed the entire sentence into something much more important.

"You hold the key to my soul."

[spyvstailor]

Chapter Seventeen of Pillar of Salt, for my fandom of two @daisylou2013 and @resurrectionofannabellee.

Chapter Seventeen

**Fate**

They were wandering past an empty gas station, when Sophia realized that she had forgotten her book.

“What do you need a book for?” Fate inquired when she told him.

“For nighttime reading,” she explained.

He chuckled. “Girl, how long do you expect us to be out here?”

She shrugged. “You never know.”

Pulling her into a drop behind an overturned truck, Fate whispered. “I want us to clear out this gas station. There may be some little treasures left behind.”

Sophia nodded.

“Now this will be the first time we work as team, yeah? I need you at my back, no faltering if something's bearing down.”

“I won't,” Sophia promised, her young face steeling into an adorably determined grimace.

Fate couldn't help reaching out and pinching her cheek, causing her to drop her grimace and giggle.

“Hey!”

“Alright, let's move out, you see anything move you shoot first.”

“What if it's someone alive?” She asked.

Fate paused, before he firmly repeated himself. “Shoot anything that moves.”

Sophia looked doubtful, before she nodded once.

“Alright, let's go,” he said, leading them up and over the truck.

Easing into the gas station as quietly as he could, he took in the space, memorizing any exits in the event they needed them. Behind the counter an uggie stood, gazing dumbly at the cash register.

Grasping Sophia by her elbow, he motioned for her to put her rifle on her back and use her knife. He figured if there wasn't a herd waiting for them, there shouldn't be too many more. No sense in wasting the bullets.

The girl hurriedly put her rifle on her back and removed her combat knife from the sheath at her hip.

Motioning for her to keep her eyes on him as back up, he approached the shuffler.

It jerked into a gross semblance of consciousness and grunted. Fate lured it out from behind the counter, before he stabbed up and into its brain from under the poor man's chin.

Dropping it quietly, he glanced around, before moving on into the backroom, Sophia at his back.

In the backroom another uggie was standing in the corner.

Fate kicked it in the middle of the back and knocked it forward, before ramming his knife into the back of its skull.

Copping a squat back there, he dropped his pack and opened it.

“Alright,” he said to Sophia. “Whatever looks useful, we shove inside our packs.”

“What's useful?” She asked.

“Lighters, batteries, unopened bottled water, granola bars, toiletries, anything that can keep and we can use,” he said.

The young girl nodded, before setting off going through boxes in the storeroom.

Fate waited until she was distracted, before going through the uggie's pockets for anything useful. Pulling out the man's wallet, he frowned and opened it long enough to read the man's name, before tucking it back where he found it.

“What's this?” Sophia asked pulling down a small metal object from a high shelf where it was tucked.

Standing up, Fate moved to her side and took the object.

It was a crack pipe.

Staring at the item in his hand, he pondered lying to the girl, before deciding she was taking things better than most girls her age would.

“It's a crack pipe,” he said.

“What's that?”

“It's a pipe you would use to smoke crack cocaine or crystal meth.”

Sophia was quiet for a moment, before nodding. “Okay.”

Tossing the pipe out of the room as far as he could fling it, Fate approached the girl as she continued her hunt for goodies.

“You find anything that looks like rock candy, you don't touch it, yeah?” He asked.

She nodded.

Turning his attention to going through a box of his own, he was buried elbow deep into a box of bubblegum, when Sophia asked, “why do people do drugs and drink?”

He shoved the bubblegum aside and opened another box. “Mais, that's a good question, lapin.” Sitting back, he pushed his helmet back and eyed her quietly. Normally it would be strapped tight if he was going to wear it, but he wasn't in the Corps anymore and annoyances be damned. “I suppose...well, you read your books to escape bad things, yeah? Like bad days or just feeling down. I guess some people drink and do drugs because of that.”

“Did you ever do drugs?” She asked.

Fate thought of the few times in high school where he smoked a bone with some of the rowdy kids who never went to class. “I smoked pot a few times.”

Sophia dropped from inspecting the top shelf and moved to sit beside him, dragging a box towards her.

“Why do you do that?” She asked him as they went back to sorting through the gas station's inventory.

“Do what, lapin?”

“Tell me truth all the time.”

Fate was quiet, opening a piece of bubblegum and offering her half. “Mais,” he began thoughtfully. “I suppose that's just what you do with people you love and trust.”

Sophia was quiet, chewing on her gum.

“When mama wasn't around,” she began softly, unable to look him in the eye, using the inventory before them as an excuse not to look at him. “My daddy used to try to...do things with me...touch me. Mama came home one day and found him...she never left me alone with him after that.”

The air around them felt like it was tightening, squeezing him like one of those blood pressure armbands, numbing his extremities.

“I know what was happening,” she admitted. “I'm not a baby, only he was really scary when he was mad.” Sophia's voice faltered and tears welled in her pretty hazel eyes. “That night he beat mama so badly she took me and we ran away to this place where we stayed overnight.”

“Why'd you two go back?” He asked, managing to find his voice.

“He found us a few days later and I remember him whispering really softly to mama, I thought they were making up, but he said something and we went home. I don't know what he said, but it scared mama, I could see it in her eyes.” Finding a box of lighters, she held it up and tucked the contents into his pack carefully. “I didn't tell you this to make you feel sorry for me and mama,” she said. “Only so that you'd know. I don't want to keep any secrets from you.”

“I appreciate the confidence you have in me, honeychild.”

She smiled sadly at him, tucking her creamed honey hair behind her ear and saying, “and I know you'd never hurt me or mama. You're different than daddy.”

He returned the smile. “I'd rather hurt myself than ever hurt you or your mama.”

“I hope you never have to, we love you too much,” she pointed out.

Spitting out his gum, he grinned and pulled a pack of Peeps out from one of the boxes. “Peep?”

She beamed and nodded.

Hearing a vehicle pulling up out front, Fate hurriedly gathered up his pack and pressing a finger to his lips, wordlessly motioned for Sophia to stay where she was as he crept out from the backroom to move to the window in order to peer out.

Outside a beat up old Cadillac had stopped and a scruffy man had emerged to urinate.

Grimacing, Fate ducked his head below the windowsill as the man looked up and around to ensure he was safe.

“Pete,” another man shouted from the car. “You're the only jackass I know who pulls over in order to piss on a gas pump.”

“Fuck it,” Pete shouted back. “This asshole got me arrested for jacking some shit last April, hope he rots in hell.”

Figuring Pete was returning not only to take a leak, but to perhaps finish robbing the place, he hurriedly moved away from the window and into the backroom.

“Come on, lapin, let's head out,” he said as casually as he could in order to keep her calm.

“Are there people here?” She asked.

“Yeah, let's take the back exit.”

They were returning home that evening loaded down with goodies, walking along a train track in order to avoid the main roads and Pete and his buddy should they be skulking around.

Sophia walked ahead of him, balancing on the rail as any child would.

After a while, he could have sworn he heard her murmuring to herself.

He edged ahead a little closer to her in order to hear her.

“O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' down the street,” she sang under her breath. “Oh please let it be for me! O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' down the street, I wish, I wish I knew what it could be!”

Beaming, Fate recalled the movie though he was sure it was a musical, wasn't it? He had watched it as a boy, curled up in front of his Mamere's old crackly television set. Late night movie, with oh...the mom from The Partridge Family.

“I got a box of maple sugar on my birthday.” Sophia went on singing under her breath.

Fate wished he knew the words. He could only remember bits and pieces.

“In March I got a gray mackinaw. And once I got some grapefruit from Tampa. Montgom'ry Ward sent me a bathtub and a cross-cut saw.”

Scooping up Sophia he helped her out on the next part.

“O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' now. Is it a prepaid surprise or C.O.D.?” He sang louder than she had been.

Sophia giggled.

Holding her under her arms, he walked her ahead of him, her feet barely touching the rail.

“It could be curtains! Or dishes! Or a double boiler!” She broke off into a fit of giggles. “Or it could be...yes, it could be, yes, you're right it surely could be--” She giggled some more. “Somethin' special. Somethin' very, very special now, just for me!”

Releasing her, Fate hopped onto the rail and balanced behind her as they walked and sang together.

“O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' down the street. Oh, don't let him pass my door! O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' down the street I wish I knew what he was comin' for.” They sang together.

Sophia waited for him to sing the next part, but he shrugged, so she took over. “I got some salmon from Seattle last September. And I expect a new rockin' chair. I hope I get my raisins from Fresno. The D.A.R. have sent a cannon for the courthouse square.”

Somehow Fate remembered the next part better than he should have and bust in, “O-ho the Wellth Fargo Wagon ith a-comin' now, I don't know how I can ever wait to thee. It could be thumpin' for thumone who ith no relation but it could be thump'n thpethyul just for me!”

Sophia doubled over in laughter, falling from the rail.

Scooping her up in his arms, Fate continued their journey and they continued to sing. “O-ho, you Wells Fargo Wagon keep a-comin'. O-ho, you Wells Fargo Wagon, keep a-comin'. O-ho you Wells Fargo Wagon, don't you dare make a stop until you stop for me!”

When they finally got home, their voices were scratchy from singing and their feet hurt from fooling around on the railroad track, but they felt happy and lighthearted as they trudged through their front gate.

Only Dale at the gate and Carol were up.

“Find anything good?” Dale asked.

Fate pulled out a box of Peeps and tossed them at the man. “Peeps!”

Dale eyed the pink things in his hand. “Thanks. How'd it go, sweetheart?” He asked Sophia.

“Good,” she chirped. “We didn't have any real troubles and I found some lighters.”

“This little lady took down an uggie on our way home,” Fate bragged. “Without even needing my help. With only her knife.”

“Taking them down is good, but just remember so are you, once they were as well,” he cautioned.

“I will,” Sophia said. “She was suffering, they all are.”

“I was beginning to get worried,” Carol said as she walked over to them from the dorms.

“Sorry,” Fate apologized. “We had to stop at this farmhouse, raid their pantry for some preserves and canned goods. Got some more to go back for tomorrow, couldn't carry it all.”

Sophia held up her heavy pack with a grunt. “We got all this though.”

“How'd it go?” Carol asked her daughter, stroking her hair.

“Good! Fate showed me how to make a bush biffy,” she said.

“A what?”

Fate cringed. “Lapin, you make it sound crass.”

“That's what you called it!” The girl protested.

“Ooh-ye-yi!” He exclaimed. “Best get inside, yeah? It's bedtime, I think.”

As Sophia headed inside, Carol turned to him.

“What's a bush biffy?”

Fate felt himself grow a little red. “I showed her how to dig a hole to do her messing in, keeps people from stepping in it. Don't know why that was the highlight of her day.”

Rolling her eyes, Carol pushed him in the direction of the dorms. “Anything you teach that girl is the highlight of her life.”