#I’m on winter break from teaching so I’m trying to have a few intentionally slow and gentle days at home

[heatherwitch]

While finishing up a jar of my neighbors honey baking it into bread another one of my neighbors stopped by to gift me a jar of homemade jam ❤️

[kee-writestrashh]

I Will Cherish You

Sansa Stark x Ramsay Bolton

ao3

Summary: Based loosely on this prompt: sansa&ramsay: glory&gore from @asoiafrarepairs 

**This will be a very dark fic. Sansa has finally reached the end of her rope and it’s time she let that wolf blood take over. Arya is not the only Stark female with a sharp bite.

Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4

Chapter 5: Throw the First Stone

The hall was nearly empty when Sansa turned to Jon. "You didn't think to tell me any of this in private before announcing it to the whole hall?" She hissed.

"What was there to discuss before hand, Sansa?" Jon asked.

"Winter is here Jon. We need to prepare our people for it." Sansa said, almost shrilly. "It's what Father had been teaching us our whole lives. You should have told me you made a decision on the summons before you announced it to the whole hall! It's a trap, you cannot trust the Targaryen woman. Everyone in the hall agrees!"

"If we cannot kill the White Walkers there will be no one left to prepare for winter, Sansa. Don't you understand that? I have to do this. Father would have done it." Jon said, voice raising slightly.

"You will die just like Father!" Sansa said, standing from her seat quickly

Ramsay snorted, slouching in his seat and examining the last few droplets of the spiced wine in his goblet. Both Sansa and Jon shot him dirty looks before going back to glaring at one another.

"Then what would you have me do, Sansa?" Jon asked, slowly rising from his seat.

"Not go! You are the King in the North. Our people need you. You cannot abandon them." Sansa shot hotly.

"I'm not abandoning them! I'm trying to protect them! I have left you in charge of the North in my absence. What more do you want, Sansa?"

Sansa swelled up as if she were ready to burst, but she just let out a sigh, sitting back down and staring at her plate. Jon let out his own sigh, but he left the table and the hall completely.

"You gonna eat that?" Ramsay asked, nodding to the untouched lemon cake on Sansa’s plate.

Sansa raised a brow, looking from sweet to her husband. "Go ahead." She said, waving him away dismissively.

"Youge'oo'motional." Ramsay said through a mouthful of the cake.

Sansa turned back to him and gave him a repulsed look, "You are disgusting."

Ramsay swallowed the mouthful, eyes streaming slightly, grabbing his goblet, only to remember that it was empty. He snatched hers up and took a long drink, letting out a satisfied sigh and setting the goblet back on the table. He gave a tut and turned his attention back to Sansa, who still watched him in contempt and distaste. "You get too emotional. He doesn't deserve it."

"I spared your life, and you didn't deserve it." Sansa snapped.

”Aye. I’ve done terrible things to you.” He replied giving a slow nod and reaching for another cake on her plate.

Sansa scoffed, pushing the plate closer to him. Feeling the eyes of Littlefinger on her across the hall. One of the few still lingering. She shot him a glare and he turned his eyes away, head in a small bow to hide his smirk before he left the hall.

”But, I’m right. He doesn’t deserve your feelings.” Ramsay said very matter-of-factly, licking the sugar from his fingertips. How absolutely glorious real food was again. To eat as much as he pleased.

”Spare me your wise words on feelings, my lord.” She grumbled irritability, starting to regret her decision to let him join them for sup. Even if he had held his tongue and said nothing in the slightest. It unnerved her slightly at how perfectly silent he had been up until this point.

”I am only telling you what I see, my lady.” He said with a half shrug, motioning to a server to fill his goblet. He took a sip and turned his attention to Sansa. “If he cared, he would have told you before you were left looking like a fool in front of the room. He made you look weak and hotheaded in front of those people who are to follow your orders. He wants the North to himself. To undermine you. He’s already undermining you.”

Sansa gave Ramsay her full attention, her eyes narrowing at him. "Jon is not undermining me. He is my brother. He would never do that."

"Wouldn't he?" Ramsay asked, his crooked grin in place, watching Sansa closely.

"No." Sansa said firmly, no longer leaving it up for debate. "He has done everything he can for me. He helped me take Winterfell back."

Ramsay cocked his head slightly, smirk more prominent now. "Did he do it for you? Because I didn't hear them calling you the Queen in the North? I didn't hear them begging you not to leave. I didn't hear them--"

"That's enough, Ramsay." Sansa cut across him.

Ramsay simply nodded. He didn't say anything more. He didn't have to say anything more. Sansa still did respond to his words. Good. He needed that. Needed to get back at that bastard for uprooting his life. And what better way to get back at him than to plague Sansa's mind with insecurities? He would have to go about it carefully, however. She was not stupid. He knew that. Since her flight from Winterfell to the safety of her bastard brother at the Wall, she had become different somehow. And yet, she was still tenderhearted. Had the opportunity to kill him, and yet she backed down. No doubt she had plans for him, but he had plans for her too.

"If you are done with me, my lady, I think I would much like to retire to my chambers and sleep." he finally said, breaking the silence between them.

Sansa rose from her seat and gave a nod, without looking at him. "As you will then, Lord Bolton." She motioned for the guards to come take him away. She watched him leave with more grace and dignity than she had yet to see from him. He was up to something. Second thoughts creeping in about leaving him alive. But she was home now. The Stark banners flew once again from this castle. It was her's. She was safe. Ramsay could no longer hurt her. When he had disappeared from her sight through the doors she made her leave too.

She made her way through the halls to her chambers, catching a servant and requesting a hot bath be drawn. The silence in the castle making her remember the times she had as a child. Her and Jeyne running through the halls giggling. Sweet Jeyne, where was the poor girl now? She passed a window that overlooked the training yard. How Robb and Theon would practice their sparing with Jory and Ser Rodrick. Oh Robb, how could you have been a fool and start a war? How would her life be if Robb had succeeded? And Theon, the things that happened to you, you stupid young man. Betrayal and mutilation.

She paused thinking about Theon. They had gone their separate ways. Had he deserved all that Ramsay had done to him? Part of her said yes. And yet part, the part that also spared Ramsay's life, said no. People make mistakes. And this brought her back to thinking about the rest of her family. Mistakes. Gods how she had made so many. Her stupid childish fantasies. How horrible she had been to Arya, especially after leaving here for King's Landing. She should have tried harder. Then sweet Bran and Rickon. How she couldn't even bare to see Bran before she left, to tell him goodbye. Baby Rickon, so innocent and carefree when they had parted ways. And now he was dead and cold, and in the crypts with the rest of her family.

She found tears cooling her warm cheeks as she turned away from the window and continued her journey to the safety of her chambers. All she wanted was to hide away and bury her face in her mother's skirts and sob until there was nothing left to feel or cry over. To apologize for all that had happened. The letter Cersei forced her to write. Betraying father because she thought she was saving him. Begging for mercy before all of King's Landing, and all the gods. 'Oh mother, please forgive me for what I have done!' She thought desperately, fighting back the tears. Her lady mother, so strong, and beautiful, and betrayed with Robb at the Twins. If only she could see them all again. Hug them all. Kiss them all. Feel her mother brushing her hair.

The hot bath helped to warm her and relax her body, but it did little to soothe her mind. A heavy sigh as she climbed out of the now lukewarm water. A servant girl bringing linens quickly to dry of the Lady of Winterfell. Sansa went through the motions of drying and dressing, letting the girl brush her hair until it was satin smooth. Her mind lingering on Jon's words now. He was such a noble fool. Even if the Dragon Queen had not set him up with a trap, he was not likely to leave with his head. He would not surrender the North to her, right? He had helped her gather strengths to remove the Boltons from Winterfell. Had helped restore the North to its rightful state. He wouldn't just hand it over to a woman they knew nothing about, who's father had intentionally killed her grandfather and uncle. Whose son had stolen away her aunt and left her to die. It would be an uneasy night of sleep. Doubts filling her mind. A need to scream. A need to break things.

[dyde21]

Cafe Half-Caff 2: The Rush

Thank you everyone who has expressed interest in this! I’m super excited for this fic, and it’s really starting to come together in my mind. Please enjoy! Oh, and some of you may recognize two characters. =P

XxXxXxXxX

Annabeth felt a bit embarrassed after her “good luck” to Percy. The morning had been awkwardly dead. Their opening had been rather slow, and it had been about thirty minutes before any customers had even shown up.

Leo and Hazel were chatting lazily in the back as they both continued their prep work, while Jason had decided to get a head start on switching out some of the coffees they had on display. As the season turned towards fall, and the winter holidays, they were rotating their stock to be a bit more appropriate for the time.

Piper in the mean time had taken to grilling Percy, chatting him up and trying to get to know him, while helping break the tension in the air. This had brought a smile to Annabeth's face. She had known Piper for years, they were best friends. She knew that she was the perfect person to ease Percy into working here, and that she genuinely did want to become his friend. Piper had a habit of bringing people together like that. All the more reason she was glad she had managed to schedule this crew for Percy's first day. It wasn't often they got new employees. She wished she could have gotten Frank too, but there wasn't enough reason to justify having him come in in the morning on a slow day. Percy would meet him soon enough anyway.

Annabeth herself was filling out some more paperwork in order to get Percy squared away. Purely incidentally near where Piper was practically interviewing Percy. There just so happened to be a nice table open nearby. She had no interest in eavesdropping on their conversation to learn more about him. Nope. None at all. It wasn't her fault if she happened to overhear a word or two every once in a while.

Even if she couldn't quite admit it to herself, Annabeth did have an interest in the new boy. To her, he was just fascinating. Out all of her time working, never had she shown up to see the new trainee sleeping on their doorstep. Never mind one who was drooling with a goofy, or adorable if she was honest, smile on his face.

The fact he had also gone through so many jobs in the span of the year, while also seemingly to be an alarmingly honest and friendly guy was also a mystery to her. Trouble or no, he didn't seem like the kind of guy to intentionally screw up a job. Surely he couldn't be that bad of a screw up, right? At least that was the bet she was taking. She knew if she ended up having to fire in him a few days Reyna would never let her live it down. But judging by how fast he picked up the register she had a feeling he was smarter than he, or most others, believed.

Her interest was purely based off how interesting of an asset he could be to the store. It had nothing to do with the fact he was seemingly air-headed enough to start changing in a room with her, showing her his alarmingly well toned body. A swimmer's body, according to Jason. Of course he had to have a swimmers body.

Shaking her head, she found herself staring at his chest subconsciously. Her eyes flicked up, to see him staring back at her with an utterly confused expression, next to Piper who was grinning like the devil. Internally Annabeth groaned. She knew the second they all clocked out, Piper would be all over her about him.

She flashed Percy what she hoped was a warm smile, which he seemed to accept and return. Thank God for his ignorance. Her gaze shifted over to Piper, turning into an intense glare, but the Cherokee woman just laughed, winking at her, before going back to listening to Percy.

Before Annabeth could finish weighing the pros and cons of firing her best friend to avoid dealing with her about this, the little bell on top of the door jingled, signaling their first customer.

Everyone perked up at the sound. Annabeth saw Percy's eyes shift towards hers, a sense of panic building up in them. Before she could respond with any sort of encouragement, Piper had already shoved him towards the register, flashing the customer a bright smile before chirping up. “He'll be right with you when you're ready.” She said happily, moving over towards the machines to be ready to prepare the order.

Torn between amused and apologetic, Annabeth just looked back down at her paperwork as they let the customer look the menu over.

Glancing up, Annabeth saw Percy's hand rapidly drumming on the counter as he plastered on a smile that hardly concealed the nerves he was so obviously feeling. She did feel bad for him, remembering back to her first day. But she also knew he had to get used to it eventually, and a lone customer early in the morning was by far the best opportunity she could give him.

Eventually the woman decided as she stepped forward. “Hi! Can I get a White Mocha with a lot of cream please?” She asked, a beaming smile on her face.

Annabeth had to bite her lip to suppress her grin at the wide eyed expression Percy got. She had to admit it, he looked a little adorable when flustered. She saw him freeze for a moment, clearly forgetting everything he had learned. Before she could step up though, she saw him close his eyes, take a deep breath, and she saw his mouth count to three. He opened his eyes and began to hesitantly press buttons. A moment later, she screen flickered and the order popped up correctly. Unable to suppress the proud grin on her face, Annabeth gave Percy two quick thumbs up.  His goofy grin returned, before he accidentally ripped the receipt in half.

Slapping her hand over her mouth, Annabeth did her best to suppress her laughter. If it was Piper, she would have been merciless, but she figured she should be professional and supportive of the new guy. For now, at least.

Luckily the customer just offered a friendly laugh and reassured him that it was no problem. Meanwhile Piper was cracking up behind him, muttering something a good start. Mentally, Annabeth made a note to herself to teach him how to print of a copy of a receipt. Some work places needed receipts, so tearing one could be a problem. Marking down a note on her hand, she went back to working on the paper work.

Piper had congratulated Percy, and this time it seemed like Jason had stepped up and started chatting with Percy.

Again, Annabeth was glad she worked with such a fun crew of people. The last thing she wanted any new employee to feel was to feel out of place. Luckily, between Jason and Piper, she knew Percy would feel home before long. Hopefully, at least.

The morning continued on at a rather slow pace. Between the occasional customer, and Piper and Jason's friendly chatter, Annabeth could see Percy's nerves slowly settle. Finishing the paperwork, she stretched out her wrist before she went back into her office to file it. Annabeth was never a particularly big fan of paperwork, her dyslexia and ADHD making it hard for her to focus on it for long. It took enough effort to keep her effectively studying and working for school, mind-numbing paperwork was a whole different challenge.

Setting it down on the desk for Reyna to finish up later, she moved back to the floor. Judging by the time, the pace should be starting to pick up by her estimations. Moving to the back, she figured she should touch base with Hazel and Leo. She had kind of been neglecting them while she kept an eye on Percy.

Walking into the back room, she was greeted with the usual sight. Hazel was diligently working. She had a few different trays being prepped. Her half of the kitchen was clean, at least as far as bakeries were concerned. The flour explosion was kept to a minimum, and she bounced from table to table, preparing efficiently and smoothly. All the while humming a gentle tune Annabeth didn't recognize, but seeing Hazel work made Annabeth's shoulders relax ever so slightly. Something about the slightly younger girl just felt... homey. The pressure of managing a business slipped away and it almost felt like a girls night where she just got together and baked with her friends.

Finally noticing Annabeth, Hazel looked up and flashed her a smile. “Everything is going smoothly back here. Percy seems to be doing okay too! He seems friendly!” She offered happily, clearly glad that she approved of the new hiree. Annabeth knew the girl could be a bit of a worrier from time to time, so Hazel's approval took some pressure off her shoulders.

Turning to Leo, Annabeth felt the tension in her shoulders increase ever so slightly.

Almost in stark contrast to Hazel's calmer, warmer kitchen, Leo was a bit of a firecracker.

They always made sure to clean the kitchen at the end of every night, but his already looked like it was 5 hours into his shift. It was certainly... used. A small radio in the back corner was playing music faintly, but Leo was bouncing around the kitchen like it was blaring. He bounced from station to station, pausing his dance only for a moment to carefully prepare the dish. Annabeth had to swear some of the mess he made was intentional. Annabeth knew that Leo took his job surprisingly serious, and that always made sure to follow proper sanitation procedures. But she wasn't sure she could offer a better word to describe him than... chaos. Honestly, even after all this time she still had no idea how Frank worked so well with him, they were like opposites. They had some weird chemistry that Annabeth would never understand, but she certainly appreciated it. They both did very impressive work, and made her job much easier.

Pausing in the middle of his little hip sway, he spotted Annabeth. “Yo, boss! Hungry? What can I get you?” He asked, pulling a notepad out of somewhere and a pen, and holding it up dramatically.

Annabeth just rolled her eyes fondly. “Just seeing if the kitchen was on fire yet. You've been here a while, so I was getting nervous without seeing smoke.

Leo just scoffed. “Please. Fire's got nothing on me. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to continue preparing my feast.”

Quirking an eyebrow, Annabeth tilted her head. “What feast?”

“Breakfast sandwiches.” He offered with a smug look.

She stared at him with a deadpan expression for a moment. “You make that every morning.”

Leo shrugged. “And we're always busy. You're welcome.”

Rolling her eyes, Annabeth walked back towards the front of the shop with a small smile. Crazy or not, Leo was a little ball of sunshine in their shop that could always keep spirits up.

As Annabeth pushed through the small door, she saw Percy and Jason both working the registers, while Piper worked the coffees. It was still pretty slow, but just starting to pick up pace. She guessed they were pacing Percy, getting him used to things before the rush hit in a bit.

As Annabeth was about to go back into her office, the door jingled again and a familiar pair of faces entered. A small smile crept on her face as a soft sigh escaped her at the sight.

She saw Percy open his mouth to greet them when Piper leaned over the counter. “Ashe! Tyler! It's been forever.”

The raven haired pair walked up to Piper, the girl beginning to chat happily with her while the boy scanned the menu, as if he didn't already know what he was going to order. They stood arm in arm, Ashe's arm wrapped around Tyler's waist as they stayed glued at the hip.

Seeing Percy's confused expression, she moved over and stood behind him. Tapping his shoulder, she leaned over when he gave her his attention.

“Who...” He asked gently.

“The girl is Ashe, the guy is Tyler. They're one of our regulars here. You'll probably see them here quite often.”

Percy nodded, finally understanding.

Pausing for a moment, Annabeth debated how much to explain. Glancing over, she saw Piper was still chatting with Ashe, but Ashe had said something and soon Tyler was dragged into the conversation. Figuring there was still some time before they ordered, she turned back to Percy.

“They've been coming here for years. Originally they were just friends, but Piper and I started a bet on when they would get together. If you ask Piper, she'll take credit for them finally getting together. A lot of conversations and free drinks, and some gentle encouragement and Tyler had finally asked her out. Piper practically threw a party the first day they walked in hand in hand and she saw them kiss. She actually bought a round of coffee for all of us.” Annabeth finished recalling fondly. “Since then, they come in pretty regularly. Piper says she likes to check in on her hard work.”

Percy just laughed, and Annabeth found the sound a bit intoxicating. It was honest and genuine, like he was.

“Long story short, if Piper finds someone she think is a match for you, don't expect to stay single for long.” She said, her tone a mix between complaining and fond recollection.

Percy raised an eyebrow. “I take it that happened to you?”

Shaking her head, she shrugged. “Nah. Piper says she hasn't found anyone just right for me. She's also pretty harsh of whoever I'm interested in.”

Percy pouted slightly. “Sounds rough.”

Annabeth shrugged. “It's because she cares, is all. I'd look out though for yourself.” She paused a bit awkwardly. “Unless you already have someone of course.”

“No!” Percy said a bit too quickly. A rosy tint slowly crept onto his cheeks. “I mean no, I don't.”

Annabeth nodded. “I see.” There was the faintest moment of awkward silence, before they both jumped at the sound of someone slamming the counter.  

Turning sharply, she was surprised to see an amused looking Ashe with her hands on her counter, and an apologetic Tyler.

“That was rude.” He mumbled, nudging her in the side.

Ashe just cackled a bit. “Sorry. Piper told me to stop their flirting on work hours.”

Piper just snickered from behind the coffee grinder.

Annabeth shook her head. “We weren't flirting.” She muttered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ashe quirked an eyebrow, a smirk on her lips. “Sure. You weren't flirting, and Tyler is loves getting up in the morning.” She replied sarcastically.

Tyler just tickled her side, making her squirm briefly before he kissed the top of her head. “Don't be rude to the staff. They've been good to us.”

Ashe just leaned into Tyler a bit more. “I know. I'm not a kid.” She muttered defiantly.

Tyler just laughed, pulling her a bit closer. Turning to Percy, he read his name tag. “Nice to meet you Percy. I'm Tyler, as I'm sure they've said. This here is Ashe. I'll get a large hot chocolate, extra whip cream please. Ashe will have caramel fra-” He squirmed as Ashe nudged him. “She'll have the Pumpkin Spice Frappucino, large.”

Percy nodded, quickly trying to enter their order.

The second the screen flashed the amount, he found himself staring at Tyler's outstretched hands that had almost exact change on it.

“Take it!” He said suddenly, which Percy instinctively listened to and took the money, confused by the sudden alarm in Tyler's tone.

Annabeth just rolled her eyes as she saw Tyler wrap Ashe in a big bear hug from behind, trapping her arms. They almost always did this. They took fighting for the check to a whole new level. She was surprised a punch hadn't been thrown yet.

She offered a sympathetic pat on Percy's shoulder. “I promise not all of our customers are this weird. These two are just... ” She offered, gesturing to them.

“That's no fair! You paid last time.”

“Not my fault you got distracted with Piper.”

“It's your fault we had to travel and couldn't come here for forever.”

“You let your guard down.”

“I hate you.”

“Love you.”

“...Love you too.” Ashe said with a sigh of defeat.

“... special.” Annabeth finished finally.

Percy let out an honest laugh, and an honest grin crept onto Annabeth's face. She was pretty sure she had found a new favorite laugh.

Looking over to where the bickering had stopped, she found Ashe staring at her with the exact same expression Piper was on the other side of the counter. Immediately the two girls turned to each other in hushed whispering.

Dropping her head into her hand, Annabeth sighed. It was official. She was going to have to fire her best friend and ban one of their favorite regulars for being too nosy.

Before she could be all dramatic, Annabeth saw Ashe's predatory gaze shift to Percy. “Nice to meet you. I heard it's your first day! I'm sure you'll love it here. So I was wondering what kind of gi-”

“Okay, that's enough playing around for one morning.” Tyler said, squeezing her hand and leading her away to their usual table in the corner of the cafe.

Ashe just pouted, resisting being led away for a moment. “You're no fun Ty.” She whined gently. Pausing, her expression shifted from amused to warm. Annabeth saw the girl turn to Percy. “For real though, it's nice to meet you Percy. I'm sure you'll love it here, this place is our favorite and the staff is great.” She offered warmly, waving with her free hand before she finally followed Tyler to their table, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before they settled in next to each other chatting happily.

Standing next to Percy, Annabeth just grinned. “Those two are a handful, but they always brighten the mood in here.” She offered.

Piper leaned on the counter next to her suddenly. “Plus they have to be one of the cutest couples. Don't you just love it when hard work pays off?” She said with a slightly dreamy sigh.

Annabeth just rolled her eyes again. “You have too much fun meddling in others lives. But yeah, I'm glad those two worked out.”

Percy just grinned. “I think I'm starting to see why this place is always busy.”

Piper just shrugged. “We have fun here, and have a good reputation with our customers. It pays off.” She explained, before she side-eyed Percy. “I did happen to overhear that you're single though...” She started off, her eyes flickering to Annabeth after a moment.

Before she could press the issue further, the bell above the door chimed as another set of customers chimed in. Annabeth noticed the slightest pout before Piper perked up, all smiles as she moved back to her register and welcomed them. The other customer walked up to Percy and Annabeth stepped back to give him more space again. The pace was starting to pick up, she was pretty sure they would be hitting their stride soon.

Stepping back, she decided to get a head on their next orders, figuring there wouldn't be much time to chat with the crew anymore for a while.

As the sun rose and and warmed the air, more and more people started pouring in. She had been double checking her current order list when she saw Piper pop her head into the office. “'Beth, we need you up there. We're getting hit with a rush. Percy's doing his best but...” She trailed off.

Nodding, Annabeth stood up and tied her half-apron around her waist. She had hoped they wouldn't be too swamped, but it wasn't entirely unexpected. Following Piper out of the office, she froze, nearly dropping her name-tag. It wasn't just a rush, they were swamped. Glancing over at Percy, she realized he was right. Trouble did have a way of finding him. They hadn't been this busy in a while.

That was when she saw his face. Percy was clearly overwhelmed. She could see the fear and panic was suppressing, masking it behind a friendly smile as he clearly tried to keep up with the customers. He was managing to keep up pretty well, but Annabeth knew first hand how much pressure you felt when you had a line of customers in front of you waiting to be helped. He turned to look at her, the fake smile still plastered on his face but his eyes were begging for help.

Clenching her jaw, Annabeth stepped forward. “Percy, switch to running food orders. I'll check with Piper and Jason. Piper I'll help you on espressos too, so make sure we're taking orders quickly. Reyna will be here in thirty, she can hop in the kitchen when she gets here.” The group all nodded. She quickly stepped up next to Percy as he finished up his current order. “I'll take over. Just worry about picking up the orders and delivering them to the table with the same number.”

Annabeth saw the sigh of relief escape Percy as he stepped back from the register. Pausing, she placed a hand on his shoulder and offered him a smile. “You did great, don't worry.”

He seemed to perk up just a bit at the praise, as he stepped back to the counter and quickly grabbed an order and started to take them to the right tables. Well, hopefully the right tables. Annabeth had faith he could work it out. Turning back to the customer, she put on her best saleswoman smile. “Sorry for the wait, now then, what can I get you?”

The one good thing about rushes, was that it made the workday fly by. They had stumbled a bit, but soon they were getting along well enough. Reyna had shown up, and hopped in the kitchen to assist Leo until Frank showed up. Then she had hopped over and helped Hazel. While Annabeth could handle helping out the kitchen, Reyna was actually pretty good preparing food. Meanwhile, Annabeth just focused on keeping the customers happy and the orders running smoothly.

Eventually the rush let up as people started their work day and there was a less frantic push. Eventually they managed to catch up on the food orders, as she saw Percy lean against the counter, catching his breath.

Stepping away from her till, she moved over towards him. “Take 20. Normally it's fifteen, but you managed to survive a rush on your first day without dropping food or breaking any plates. Relax and grab a bite to eat. You'll need the energy for the rest of your shift.”

Percy nodded. Despite clearly a bit stressed, he had a strange smile on his face.

Tilting her head, Annabeth could quite figure out what it meant. “You feeling okay?” She asked, wondering if the early hours plus sudden burst of work could have him feeling off. Though, judging by his body earlier, it wasn't like he was out of shape...

Nodding, Percy just scratched the back of his head. “It's just... this is kinda fun. I can't explain it, but the rush of everything moving around, all the orders, seeing all these new people. It's just... exciting.”

Annabeth felt a slight rush, looking at his goofy smile. It seemed so genuine and refreshing. Plus, who emerges from a rush in cafe and says it's “fun”? This new guy certainly had interest. She wanted to get to know him, it seemed like everything about what just designed to catch her off guard.

“You're weird, you know that?” Was all she said.

Percy just laughed. “I've gotten that before. Sorry.” He apologized a bit sheepishly.

Annabeth shook her head, still grinning. “It was a compliment, don't worry. Now go on your break. Oh, and go see Hazel first.” She said with a wink.

Seeing the confused boy head to the back of the store, she saw him return a few minutes later, happily munching down on a bear-claw. That was usually how it went. You couldn't tell Hazel your favorite pastry without finding one prepared for you later that day. She was sweet that way.

Turning back to the customer, she continued with the order. She saw Jason walk over, pausing for a moment to say something. She wasn't sure what it was, but Percy seemed to nod and laugh. Annabeth couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face with the sound of his laugh again. It also seemed like Percy and Jason got along surprisingly well.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow as she saw Tyler and Ashe approach the counter again. Ashe set a fifteen bucks down on the counter before offering a sheepish smile. “This is for you and Percy to each get a drink. You deserved it after that rush. Plus, Tyler was right and I may have been a bit much this morning.” She spoke, uncharacteristically sheepish.

Annabeth was about to protest when Ashe just shook her head. “Don't worry about it. Anyway, get both of you a drink and just drop the change in the tip jar. Let him know he did a good job today.”

Satisfied, Ashe grabbed her boyfriend's hand and lead him away after waving goodbye to Annabeth and Piper, pausing to say something and wave goodbye to Percy as well.

Annabeth saw the pair pause outside the shop, Tyler saying something that cause Ashe to lean up and kiss him, before they walked down the street arm in arm.

Shaking her head at the couple, her eyes flicked down to the money resting on the counter. It was a little too late to say no now. Ordering her favorite drink she motioned Percy to come over.

“Ashe and Tyler bought you a drink. What do you want?” She asked.

Percy looked at the menu, frowning. “I don't know. I haven't really had a lot of coffee before.”

Annabeth quirked an eyebrow. “So you decided to work at a cafe that's like 70% coffee? Brilliant.” She teased.

Percy shrugged. “I needed the money for my mom.” He offered with a smile.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, her curiosity starting to burn. Why did he need money for him mom. Biting her lip, she forced down her curious side. They were co-workers, this was his first day, and they barely knew each other. It wasn't professional to start prying into her personal and family life. She'd leave that to Piper, who unlike her, had lost her sense of shame.

“Well then, we'll just get you a caramel Frappucino with cinnamon. You wont taste the coffee.”

Percy shrugged. “Sounds good.” He offered before moving over towards Piper.

While continuing to help customers, she couldn't help but watch Percy curiously. She had to know his reaction. Across the room she saw him tentatively try the drink.

His face went from fear, to confusion, before it broke into a smile. He turned to her, giving her a thumbs up.

Oh my god, he's such a dork. She thought, suppressing her laughter to avoid confusing her current customer.

The second half of Percy's shift was much less chaotic, thankfully for him. The following rushes hadn't been as bad, and Reyna was also here running things. She had seen her pull him aside for a bit as they chatted. Annabeth wasn't sure what they were talking about, but she figured Reyna was going over more of the ground rules and basic policies. She was a bit more of a stickler for that kind of stuff than she was. But their balance worked and kept the shop running smoothly.

Eventually though, Percy's shift ended. Right as she was on her lunch. Catching him in the break room, she leaned against the lockers again as he retrieved his stuff from the locker. “Good job surviving the first day.”

Percy just grinned. “I had a great teacher.”

Annabeth just smirked. “Most of your shifts will probably be later on at night. Closing, most likely. I think you mentioned that worked better with your classes?”

Percy nodded. “That'd be nice. Yeah.”

Annabeth couldn't fight the curiosity this time. “You mentioned knowing Jason so I assume you go to NYU with him and myself?”

Percy nodded, clearly surprised. “You go there too? What program?”

“Architecture.” Annabeth replied, a bit proud. She had worked damn hard to get into it.

The boy whistled in appreciation. “I've heard it's a nightmare to get into. I'm impressed.”

Annabeth just shrugged. “It took a lot of work. What are you in?”

Percy shied away a bit, scratching the back of his neck. “Teaching at the moment, but I'm not sure I'll stick with it.”

Pausing for a moment, Annabeth studied the boy. Nodding to herself, she trusted her gut. “I think you'll make a great teacher someday. Keep up with it. You're the kind of guy the students would love.”

Percy blushed slightly. “If you say so.”

Annabeth grew a little angry on the inside. That boy had no right to look that cute when blushing.

Feeling awkward after a moment, Annabeth tried to clear the air. “Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Really though, you did great today. I think you'll fit in just fine here.”

The smile Percy offered in return definitely made her day just a little better. He walked out of the room, pausing at the door. “Thank you for helping me today. You're the coolest manager I've had, and that's saying something.” He said with a smirk, before he turned and left.

Annabeth just stared after him. She realized two things. One, he might actually have the best smiles on earth. Two, she needed to thank Reyna for hiring him.

After Percy left, the rest of her day was certainly less remarkable. Everything felt like the same old routine, and time flew by. Yet she couldn't get that raven haired boy out of her mind. When her shift ended and she was walking out with Piper, they paused at the doors to their cars.

“So, it seemed like you two got along well.” Piper said coyly.

Staring at her for a moment, Annabeth ran through a variety of responses in her head, most of them not very appropriate. Finally, a devilish smirk crossed her face before she simply said. “Yeah, I think we do.” Climbing in her door, she quickly started the engine and drove off, leaving a shocked, then very upset Piper behind yelling about demanding details.

As she drove back to her small apartment, Annabeth couldn't fight the grin on her face. Tomorrow would be another chance to learn more about the fascinating mystery that was Percy Jackson. She couldn't wait.

[wisconsinnerd7996]

Faith, Trust...And Just a Few Dead Corpses

Hello!  So I wrote this a while back, and I thought I might post it here, because why not.  It might become a larger piece, but who knows.  Enjoy!

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            The popping of bike tires on blacktop, the clip-clopping of hooves, and the creaking of the covered wooden cart were the only sounds Trina had heard for at least a half an hour as they traveled.  It wasn’t abnormal, by any means.  It just meant that, sooner or later, that someone (probably Trick) was going to start singing or making some sort of noise, either out of utter boredom or because it was too quiet.  And seeing as how there had been nothing but forest all around them for the majority of their expedition, she was expecting something to come of the lack of sound around them.

           Then, she began hearing humming.  Called it, she thought.

           “Whoa, we’re halfway there…”

           Almost immediately, a second voice interrupted, in a matter-of-fact tone, “Uh, Trick, we’re really only a third of the way there.”

           “It’s just a song! I’m not-I know how much further we have!”

           “Well, I’m just saying, if you want to be accurate—"

           “I’m not trying to be accurate!  I’m trying to sing!”

           “Yeah, badly!” A third voice, baritone in nature, teased.

           The singer-extraordinaire angrily retorted, “Oh, kiss my ass, Merlin!”

           “No thanks! I’d rather eat dirt!”

           She couldn’t help but roll her eyes, a small grin of amused annoyance growing on her lips.  Although her eyes were focused on the crack-and-hole-infested highway ahead, she could hear the snickers of her friends as they pedaled.

           This was their third trip to the Hub this month.  Two years ago, they were only taking a trip every two months. Their supplies were disappearing faster than they should be, and it was worrying Trina more and more, especially since winter was on the horizon.  The ground had already began frosting, and soon it would be covered in snow.  If this over use of supplies were to continue, Trina was going to have to hoard some of it, to prevent people taking more than their share.  She wasn’t about to make these three-hour treks during below freezing weather.

           Their horse and cart came to an sudden stop, much to the confusion of the driver and the four bicyclers.  Trina stopped her bike and found the horse sitting on the ground, stubbornly not moving an inch more.  The driver, Merlin, jumped down from his seat and walked around to the front of the horse. He tried to get the horse to stand, mainly by yanking on the bridle, but nothing worked.

           She glared at the short boy scratching at his mop-like brown hair. “What did you do, Trick?”

           The boy’s dark eyes widened in surprise over his round cheeks. “What?  What makes you think it was me?”

           Her eyebrow raised at him.  “Because it usually is you!”

           He paused for a moment in consideration, before he smirked roguishly. “Yeah, you got me there.  I didn’t do this though!”

           Trina heard a scoff.  She glanced over at Teach, their athletically built bookworm, who was shaking his head in disbelief.  “Why should we believe you?

           “Because…I’m telling the truth?”

           Trina glanced over at Alyce, a young woman who was twirling her faded red hair as she stared at the forest.  Trina’s eyes skimmed the area swiftly, trying to determine what she was looking at.

           Merlin, still trying to pull the horse up, wondered, “You really think that’s going to make us believe you?”

           “C’mon—"

           “Guys, do you hear that?” Alyce’s soft voice interrupted.

           Trina narrowed her eyes in confusion at the short girl.  She strained to hear what her friend, attempting to distinguish the sounds of the woods from each other.  After a few minutes of trying to extend her reach of hearing, she heard several twigs snapping; the sound of branches breaking under the foot of someone running, just up ahead.

           “Weapons out,” she ordered, retrieving the bat strapped to her back. “Be alert.”

           Her bike fell to the ground, as did the others', as she watched the tree-lines on either side of the road.  Behind her, she could hear the others readying their weapons: Teach’s shotgun cocking, Merlin’s sword unsheathing, and Alyce’s bow string plucking as she got her arrow in place.

           Trina took slow steps forward, her left hand tightly gripping the bat handle as it hung forward.  Her eyes scanned the right side of the road, where the sounds of people crashing through the forest began growing louder.  A million scenarios ran through her mind, and only about half of them were ones she liked.

           Through the tree-line her eyes were set on, about twenty feet ahead, two young boys stumbled out, both panting out small clouds of cold, vapor breaths.  Trina stared in confusion and surprise at the them, as they scrambled toward the road.  They were on their way to disappearing into the woods on the other side when from behind Trina, Teach yelled out, “Hey!”

           The boys came to a screeching halt, the smaller of the two boys slipping and falling to the ground.  The other boy helped him up, both staring at the them in fear.

           Amongst the woods from which the boys just appeared from, the sound of more twigs snapping underfoot drifted through the air.  The cracking was much slower than before, but it was steady.

           Raspy groans filled the air.

           Trina’s mind went from alert to high alert as she strode forward.  While glaring at the right-hand woods, she yelled back, “Merlin, stay with the cart!  Trick, grab the boys and all of you get back to Merlin.  Alyce and Teach, flank!”

           She adjusted her grip on her bat.  Her mind was slowly narrowing in on the practically bald, aged woman wearing the bright neon green jumpsuit breaking through the forest.  Behind the little old lady, a heavy-set man wearing all camo and a short woman with pitch black hair crept slowly through the trees. More were following them.

           Eyes trained on them, she gave her bat a twirl as she, Teach, and Alyce approached the new group of bloody, growling humans.  Trina went for the little old lady, her right hand reaching up to grab the bat too.  The old lady saw Trina close, her bleeding eyes blank of emotion, and opened her mouth to let out a shrieking groan.

           Trina swung before the lady could make a sound.

*******************************************************************************************

            She remembered when they were just stories. Adults up and dying, only to stand right back up and keep walking—right up to a person to take a bite.  The stories then started appearing on the television.  Trina recalled her and Axel sitting in front of the TV when the reports first began coming in.  Eyes and fears enraptured, they’d watch as news crews and stations airing footage of these people attacking.  It got so graphic and gory that their parents forbade them from watching anymore.  Of course, that didn’t stop them.  All it did was make them sneakier when watching.

           The weeks passed, and the stories of the “virus” going around only increased.  One evening, she remembered, while their parents were out getting food, they were watching the national news and the anchors listed city after city in which the “virus” had spread.  Her brother turned to her, and asked, in his little squeaky voice, “Trina, do you think that the sick people will come here?”

           “Don’t know,” she answered.  She had never lied to her brother, not intentionally.

           “What will we do if they do come?”  

His frightened voice and his fearful gray eyes made her wrap a comforting arm around him.  He leant into her embrace, calming slightly as she ran her hand through his dark brown hair.

           “Don’t worry.  I’ll protect you.”

 *******************************************************************************************

           After they had taken care of the treat, Merlin approached Trina and commented, “They’re coming further out.”

           Trina, as she shook her bat a few times to get the excess blood and brain matter off, merely nodded.

           “Trina, you know what these means, right?”

           She gave the towering gray-haired young man a cold look, and bit out, “I know, Merlin.  It means that either we have to stop making as many trips to the Hub, or—“

           “Or, we’ll have to move the camp again.”

           Moving the camp was one of the last things that Trina wanted to do.  They had done it before, and it was a huge mess every time.  There was always a few that didn’t want to leave.  Most of those were the ones that were old enough to make their own decisions, playing the “I can take care of myself card”.  Still, she tried to convince as many as she could to come with each time they had to leave, because she really didn’t want to leave anyone behind.

           Trina sighed in exasperation.  “What do you expect me to do?”

           He shrugged.  “Choose wisely.  Look, me and the group will go where you go.  Same with many of the kids back at camp.”

           “I never asked for this.”

           “No great leader does.”

           “God, you sound like…”  She trailed off, sadness creeping into her thoughts.  It was still hard to think his name, let alone say it.

           Despite not finishing her sentence, Merlin nodded in acknowledgement, with a grim grin.  “Yeah, well he was a bright kid.”

           “Yeah, he was.  Got you to listen to me.”

           He chuckled.  “That he did. That he did.”

           She laughed for a moment, earning herself a grin from Merlin.  She turned away from him and towards the cart. “Well, let’s see what we’ve got.”

           She and Merlin strolled up to their wooden carrier. In front, Trick sat on the driver’s seat, leisurely relaxing.  He gave her and Merlin a mock salute as they passed him on the way to the back of the cart, where Alyce and Teach were standing with the kids.  Her eyes fell on the two boys, each eating an apple from the cart, and for a moment, all she could see were two Axels.  A lump of emotion swelled in her throat and a lump of guilt gnawed on the lining of her stomach.

           “Hey, kids,” she greeted.  “You okay.”

           Their eyes found hers, both fearful sets, and they nodded mutely.

           “That’s good.  So, listen…”

           Before she could finish, her sentence, however, Trick shouted from the front of the cart, “BANDITS!”

           For crying out loud, can’t we catch a single break, today? Trina thought, annoyed.  She stepped forward in front of the group, Teach following her movement, while Alyce and Merlin grabbed the kids and pushed them into the covered cart. Immediately, a hoard of people yelling and shouting swarmed around them.  Trick got back to them, sling-shot ready, just as the others got their weapons out.

 *******************************************************************************************

           Whenever Axel had put his mind to something, it almost certainly would happen.  It was almost magic how it happened.  There were times she swore he was.

           So, when the camp had needed a leader, he decided that no one fit the bill better than her.  He argued with all the older kids, until he was blue in the face.  No matter how much she tried to convince him that she’d never be leader in the group, he would never stop believing, never stop trying.  It eventually did work, just not in the way he expected, and not in the way she wanted.

           She should have never gone on that trip to prove she was a worthy leader.  She should have never left him at the camp.  She should have done a lot of things.

           But she didn't.

           His birthday was last week.  He would have been twelve.  He should have been twelve.

*******************************************************************************************

           Parasites.

           Trina could probably think of several hundred names of the same nature for them, and every single one of them would fit perfectly when describing this group of “rogues”.

           They circled the seven of them and their cart, wielding handmade weapons of wood and metal and whatever else they could have scavenged up.  Scars marred and ripped across their flesh, wounds intentionally cut into their skin (as she had unfortunately witnessed) to make them seem older and more intimidating.

           None of those scars worked, because all Trina could see were a bunch of scared boys and girls running around playing pretend.  Playing a game until the clock stops for all of them.

           She glared at the group enclosing her own, scanning for any quick movement as her left hand gripped the heavy wooden bat that was still stained with blood.  A few of the rogues laughed at them, but none dared to step closer. She glanced her comrades for a moment, silently communicating the strategy she had in mind, before turning her attention back to the swarm before her.

           “Petrina Panacek.”

           She froze, her eyes widening.  Hatred and agony rushed through her blood as a young man her age stepped into view, a few feet in front of her.  He stood with patronizing blue eyes aimed at her, a tilted smirk playing on his lips. His light hair peeked out from under a black cap, and his entire wardrobe of black leather reflecting off the sunlight. He took another step towards her, his fingers dancing along the hilt of the dagger in his belt.

           “Hoover Rook,” she growled in anger, as she looked at the reason why her heart had an eleven-year-old boy-shaped hole in it.

           His smirk widened, and he chuckled.  “Please…call me Captain.”

[mockfortinbras]

Childhood. Things are always just barely enough.

The pottage his mother makes him for dinner is just enough. Just, barely enough. The blankets he pulls over himself in winter, not quite warm enough but not cold, and that is the main thing, the important thing. He understands already that no more means there is no more, that they do not have the means for it. That it is the problem with the world they live in.

There is no questioning this, not when it is just another truth of his small, small world. Already, he knows he will change it.

His teachers say that Faron is talented, has much potential. He is first in his class, they bump him up a grade because he asks for it. Their words begin changing when he’s in his last year of primary. He has so much potential. Disappointment, gentle pity, as if they are sorry for him, as if they are sorry to his parents.

All their words, all their encouragement, and they do not see Faron going anywhere.

(his teacher from reception, she still smiles at him and says; ‘ah, it’s alright. i believe in you. i’m sure your parents do as well’.)

(and perhaps it is no help at all, but he sees the patches on her cardigan, the painstaking mends in her jumpers, and he thinks when she looks him in the eye, she understands.)

The examination fee for the school is too much for them to afford. They break out their savings, and they pay.

They don’t have the money to give him exam papers, to afford him a tutor. But Faron reads everything he can and more, he asks the teachers from his school. Perhaps they take pity on him, perhaps they see the cold burning in his eyes. They teach him, tell him all the little tricks he’ll need to know. Preparation, not knowledge.

On the day of the exam, there is nothing he is not prepared for. His mother takes him out for dinner that night, at a place they can just barely afford.

The opening ceremony arrives, and Faron’s uniform is a painstaking replica of the school uniform. A little bit off colour maybe, the badge on the blazer sewed on and the shirt collar a bit different from the one all the other boy’s wear. But his mother looks proud of it. His shoes are plastic, not leather, but nobody will be able to tell.

She brings out her old clothes folded under towels and winter blankets, her old dress, her old makeup. A little bit dusty, the creases look like they’re imprinted- but she washes it and irons it out and puts on heels she has never worn.

His father does not have a suit, and says that he has work that day anyway. He laughs, and claps Faron on the shoulder, wipes his eyes and says some dust must’ve gotten stuck there.

And perhaps when they arrive his mother is a little different to all the other parents there, in her old-fashioned clothes and neat but simple hairdo, the makeup on her face that is missing blush, missing lipstick. But if anybody minds, they do not show it.

“Don’t spent it all at once, alright?” His mother murmurs, presses three crisp notes into his hands on the first day of school. There are lines around her eyes when she smiles. She is young still, she is beautiful.

The money she gives him is the same amount she makes in a day.

He smiles, and promises. By the end of the year, the three notes still sit crisp in his pocket.

(three notes- a day’s wages, a day’s food, a day’s rent- he will later discover is but a pittance to his classmates. the little ziplock bags of dry curled cannabis the older boys buy, the white powder sealed in transparent plastic packets- every day they spend as much as she makes.)

(and such, he understands, is the way of the world.)

(he has no thoughts of changing this world, not when he must think of himself and his family first.)

(is this selfishness? he does not care.)

Going home is a struggle in itself. His uniform is glaringly out of place in his area, the accent he speaks with now is not one particularly liked- most people have grown used to it, no longer give him a second glance. Their children are different.

Puttin’ on airs, the local kids jeer-- they’ve stopped intentionally trying to shoulder into him on the street, not after that incident. Some of them he has played with in the past, some of them were his friends before secondary school. Now he is different, and difference, always, is an unacceptable thing.

But he has no time for their taunts, no time for their scorn. He will be better, and he has no time for anything but that betterance.

Sometimes, in the middle of writing an essay, in the middle of mathematics homework, Faron remembers his grandfather.

He had hummed songs to Faron, who sat on his knee as a child. They always visited each other, at least once a month, though often it was more- but that was when Faron was young, he had forgotten many things from then.

He remembers some of it still, a downy white beard and bright blue eyes that seemed out of place in his grandfather’s weathered face.

The ceiling light flickers- the power is always worse after midnight, just before dawn, and when it stays off for more than thirty seconds, Faron shuts his textbook and pushes himself up.

Ah, what had that line been again, the one his grandfather had used to sing.

Jesli gwiazdke z nieba chcesz, dostaniesz.

“You are not going on the trip?” Alexei asks him, scandalized. “But Paris. You absolutely must.”

Truly, either his friend is witless or simply very unsubtle with his pity. Faron, grudgingly, would angle for the former. The antiquated Russian he often speaks with is tantamount to his disconnection with the rest of the world- even the rest of their classmates.

(I was to be sent to Moscow, he confides to Faron, barely a confession at all when Faron could have already guessed had he the heart for it- my mother wished for it, but I wanted to stay close to home.)

Perhaps that is why they are friends.

When he explains, disinterested words in the air as he scrawls from a textbook, Alexei frowns. His friend does not understand, he thinks he does but he does not. But perhaps it is not understanding that matters, it is wanting to. “I will talk to my father about this.” He says finally.

Faron has met Alexei’s father, not new money but one of the vieux riche, inherited wealth, inherited power.

In the end, Alexei’s father pays for his trip- ‘consider it a present’, he is told by the man, ‘and I am glad Alexei has you for a friend’. His mother cries.

Faron is undeniably grateful, undeniably shaken.

( there is disquiet but it is a span far away from resentment. he is over resentment. there is gratitude, and he will draw the line on gratitude. )

( he will not forget the memory of hunger. )

His father, once strong, once tall, begins to bend under the weight of factory work. He is burning still, a fire strong in the dark, and he is beginning to burn out.

(all suns die.)

"Is school going well?” His mother asks, and there are lines around her eyes, her mouth. She is young still, beauty at every crease of her but she is wearing too fast. She is too young to have gray in her hair. She is too young to have such wrinkles staining her palms.

“Yes,” Faron replies, and smiles. The top of his class, he refrains from saying. The test results will be released soon, he will share them with her then, watch her delighted surprise and treasure the image of it forever.

If he had the money, the means, he would purchase her a little cottage in the countryside, a little plot of land. He knows it’s what she’s always wanted. Petersburg with its sharp spires and unforgiving light is not kind to her. The sea does not call to her, she longs for meadows and grass (she tells him often, tales of the village of her childhood).

It is spring, and spring in Petersburg means frost, lingering cold and a white sun that never seemed to heat anything up. Instead of the cardigan that is part of the spring uniform, he wears a vest over his shirt, navy blue and warm.

The school turns a slow, but blind eye to the unauthorized addition to his school uniform. It’s a little too embarrassing for them to say anything, and Faron is fine with that. And he’s had practice in ignoring the gazes of fellow students.

But in truth he needn’t have had to think of it. Within weeks, the rumour has spread, other students are already sporting something similar- indeed the very style of vest he is wearing, albeit cleaner, newer, made of cashmere rather than cotton. Within a month, it’s clear to see he’s started a new fashion trend.

It’s a little funny.

His father dies.

An accident, he is told. Mob infighting again. His father had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shot in the head and they do not let them see the body, out of pity.

His mother does not insist, Faron would not be allowed anyway.

That night, staring at the ceiling from his bed, that is when he knows he will not make it to university.

“I will miss you.” Alexei’s lower lip is trembling, they’re barely keeping it in. Exams haven’t even finished yet and already he is thinking too far ahead. When he begins to bawl, Faron should not be surprised.

Awkwardly, Faron holds him, pats his back.

There are a few things he will regret about this, about school, about leaving. Little, little things, inconsequential things. This is one of them.

“Keep in touch,” Alexei demands, still sniffling.

“Of course,” Faron replies with an easy smile, with an easy lie.

He leans back from the book- economics, year one, plucked from a shelf when he’d had the time. He hadn’t taken economics as an elective. It seemed interesting, something to whet at the time. Now it seems a little more important, a little more useful.

The easiest way to multiply money. The easiest way to make money that would keep making itself for you.

Stock.

He graduates. He visits his father’s grave, first.

They have buried him without a gravestone. They could not afford one. Simple earth and simple coffin, and even the coffin had been too expensive, too much out of the meager lining of their remaining savings.

He breathes in, breathes out. It is even, calm. There are flowers on his arm, he’s in his best suit- even if it’s only his uniform. He lays the flowers out at the grave, stays a moment longer for sentimentality.

“Wait for me.” He tells his father, not knowing what he means, knowing that when he comes back he will be different, better. He will have to be. When he leaves, he does not look back.