Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Your name is…” The principal pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose, scrunching it slightly in an attempt to keep it in place. The air is frigid in her office, a bit daunting despite the gentle scent of vanilla emanating from the diffuser in the room, “Funneh... Kou?” 

Funneh nods mutely, answering her questions when prompted, watching the woman’s expression twitch and change as they discuss her information. The welcoming atmosphere feels suffocating, urging her to open up. Funneh keeps her hands firmly folded in her lap. The AC whirrs gently as the rain beats down on the windows. The principal’s eyes linger on her for longer than they should, calculating—pitying. 

She flips open the folder she received after Funneh’s enrollment— the folder handed to Funneh as soon as she aged out of the foster system —and exhales out of her nose, “I see you're attending on a full scholarship,” she notes, eyes skimming over the pages of the document, “It says here you’re quite well behaved, but rather passive in terms of engagement,” She closes the folder and sets it down on the table. She purses her lips, thinking of what she should say next.

Funneh wonders what she’s done to disappoint her already.

The principal stands and extends her hand, “Welcome to Cerys International Boarding School, Miss Kou.” Funneh follows suit and obediently shakes hands with her, the woman’s gaze softens for a moment, Funneh spots the fleeting fondness in her eyes, “Please let me know if I can help you with anything at all, any accommodations you request will be met to the best of our staff’s abilities.” 

Funneh watches gentle expression on the woman’s face dissipate as fast as it appears, “Well then, that should be all the things we need to discuss.” She drops Funneh’s hand and taps the folder on the desk twice.

“You will be staying in..” She flips the front cover open, before closing it again, “Dorm 02, I believe you’ll be rooming with Miss Hyunh. She's quite lovely, I recall. Your belongings have already been moved there, I believe. You may go now.”

Funneh gives a respectful bow to the principal before turning to leave through the door and closing it behind her. Her hand lingers silently on the silver doorknob; it’s cold. Like the water that ran through the river in Funneh’s hometown, like the rain drops that slide and race down the windows of the building. Familiar, yet foreign.

Her shoes click against the tile as she heads towards the dorms, the skies grey as thunder rumbles in the clouds. Funneh pauses at the skyway, a hand resting on the wet concrete railings, staring off at the garden at the front of the school, flowers drowning under the weight of the rain, the smell of rain dancing along the air.

I should’ve brought an umbrella. It would be nice to take a walk out.

Funneh returns to her dorm and hears the door click into a lock. Her roommate hasn’t arrived yet, but the dorm is fully furnished at least. A kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room. Her things sit in a small box in the corner of the dorm—sad. Pathetic , even. 

Funneh can’t bring herself to unbox it just yet. Slumping over the kitchen island staring out the window into thundering skies. “Tomorrow.” She whispers to herself, watching the raindrops race down windows as the world seems to mourn in grey.

I’ll do it tomorrow.

Though she wonders when tomorrow will come.

Chapter Text

The days blend together like Funneh's in a perpetual hazy dream, it's weird really. Her roommate arrived yesterday, or maybe it was last week?

Funneh can't really remember.

Her name is Gold Hyunh. A beautiful, kind, bright, upper class student who's never seen a day of poverty. She unpacked Funneh's things for her when she arrived, and tidied up the places Funneh didn’t want to touch. She's...

Something .

Gold can't cook, but loves making drinks—Tea, coffee, lattes, whatever else she can whip up. She can't make her bed, but she knows how to deep clean a house. She's horrible with controlling her impulses, but she's incredibly tidy with her things.

She's illogical—emotional, and cries over fictional dogs in movies. She’s passionate and kind, and talks about the stock market value like it's something fun to think about. She’s shy but friendly, and calls Funneh by her first name instead of her last. 

An introvert that likes to talk. 

She’s the strange kind of person that Funneh steers clear of.

An anomaly.

Funneh can’t understand her most of the time. But Gold doesn't seem to mind that.

Most of the time, Funneh kept herself in her room. Sending out job applications, finding hiring businesses, and working whatever job she could pick up to scrape some cash together so she doesn't get deported.

The first day of school is quite formal, orientation, class schedules, timetables, whatever else Funneh hasn't been paying attention to.

They're dismissed by the principal by nine-thirty, and are free to go to their first classes of the semester. The homeroom class is similar to the orientation, but also filled with introductions and mild friendly banter. Gold is busy interacting with the other people in the class, so Funneh doesn’t bother trying to catch her attention.

A few people introduce themselves to Funneh, but she can’t recall their names. The minutes pass by like hours, movements slow until the bell finally rings. Funneh is first to leave the classroom, as the rowdy students chatter on with new friends and social circles.

Funneh keeps her head down, waiting for her new teachers to introduce themselves before they inevitably fade into obscurity in her head. They’re told to write a word in mandarin that they personally relate to on a sticky note and stick it onto the board, along with the meaning of that word. The classroom is quiet while they work, the tumultuous kind of quiet. When everything feels too loud and yet there’s no noise at all.

The sound of pencils and pens scratching out their words in mandarin echoes in Funneh’s head—Whispers, asking for a pen, asking a peer if they wrote the letter correctly. All human, too human.

Funneh writes something she was taught by her mandarin teacher when she was in Year 6. Her handwriting is clinical, the kind you’d mistake for a font. Too clean for a human hand, too human to be a font.

被遺棄的人.

Outcast.

Funneh sticks it onto the board without much thought, before walking back to her seat and sitting down straight. Gold sticks her own right next to Funneh’s.

無經驗的.

Inexperienced.

Funneh casts her eyes away from the board.

Mandarin class ends without much fuss. Other words join Funneh and Gold on the board, simple words— Normal words. The words are disconnected and disjointed, random, sporadic even. No rhyme or reason to them, feelings, words that shouldn’t be relatable.

The rest of the day passes Funneh by, the occasional mishap from a student here and there, lunch is spent alone, eating a sandwich she packed for herself that morning. She can’t really catch up to the time, it seems to just slip through her fingers. She can’t really find it in herself to try. Her last class is Biology.

Make a weakness potion with your partner.

Funneh blinks at the directions written on the board, and the teacher leaves the classroom to take a call. Suppose it’s a “pick your own partner” thing, then.

“Oh, hey! Funneh, right?” Funneh pauses, turning to look at who’s called her name. A boy, a few inches taller than Funneh. Dyed blue hair—Seems familiar. “You remember me, right?” He asks, smiling. Funneh doesn’t answer, only staring through him like he’s an obnoxiously loud bird.

He patiently waits for about a minute or so, awkwardly glancing around, before finally speaking again, “Uh.. My name’s Evan? I’m in your homeroom class.” He tries again, Funneh nods. “I remember now.” He might’ve been one of the few who introduced himself to her earlier, but she wasn’t really paying attention.

He offers an awkward chuckle, “Glad I at least know someone in this class. Wanna partner up?” Funneh glances at the other students in the classroom, who’ve already picked their friends to partner up. She nods, It’s not like I have a choice, Funneh doesn’t say. Evan beams at her, and Funneh gets the vague feeling that she’s somehow made a horrible mistake.

“Umm, so you only need…” Evan checks the book given by the teacher, “A fermented spider eye and you just put it into the brewing stand,” Evan smiles, “Seems easy enough,” Funneh adds a fermented spider eye into the rod in the brewing stand, placing three bottles as instructed. Evan adds the blaze powder into the brewing stand before lighting it.

“Well, that should basically be it,” Evan comments, shoving his hand into his pocket and playing with the hairs on his neck with his other hand, “Well, um, where are you from?” Evan asks sheepishly, “Like, Japan? Korea? You don’t look like you’re from here,” He guesses. Funneh keeps her eyes on the bottles, sparing a glance here and there when she sees him playing with other ingredients.

“America,” Funneh replies, “Oh! We don’t get many American transfer students,” Evan comments, “Most of them go to like,” He clears his throat, “TASIS or ACS or VA, CBS isn’t too popular for international American students I hear,” he rambles, playing with a paper on the table. Funneh nods as he continues rambling, she doesn’t really pay attention to what he says. “Where are your parents from?” Evan asks. She doesn’t respond, but she does halt. Evan switches the topic as fast as Funneh stopped, “...Um, nevermind,” Evan chuckles awkwardly.

“Do you like anime? Or like cartoons?” Evan asks, Funneh shrugs, “I watched Calliou at some point,” Not entirely a lie . 

“Oh! Cool! I like Peppa Pig!”

Somehow that ends up giving him enough ammunition to keep rambling for about fifteen more minutes. Evan keeps playing with some grey powder he’s somehow gotten his hands on, spreading it and then gathering it together again, before repeating. Like a grey zen garden for his hands while he talks about something. Music, or a cartoon pig, or something like that.

The potion finally finishes brewing after a few mind numbing minutes of him ranting about Peppa Pig and her potential boyfriends, “Oh, sweet! They’re done!” Evan cheers, he reaches his hand towards the brewing stand.

Funneh realizes a bit belatedly that the powder Evan was playing with is gunpowder. The dust managed to flake off his hands, catch fire, and explode on the paper he was fiddling with. Evan screams, putting out the fire on his hands as Funneh shoves him away from the current blaze that was threatening to melt through the table.

Funneh sheds her blazer before smothering the fire with it and dousing it with a nearby water bottle— Evan’s , she realizes after spotting the name on it. Some silly looking stickers of a cartoon pig with a red dress on it.

They stand still for a minute, grappling with what the hell just happened. Funneh slides her blazer off the table, checking if it has any holes from being effectively used as a fire blanket. Some parts of it are burnt, but otherwise it is completely fine. Funneh feels the edges of her mouth tug downward.

She really needs to be more careful with her things.

“Are you okay?” Funneh speaks, folding her blazer over her arm. There’s a damp spot where she dumped water onto it, but she pays it no mind, eyes finally meeting Evan’s.

He has green eyes. For some reason I thought they’d be grey.  

He blinks a few times, still holding his hand, “Oh, um,” Evan glances at his hand, Funneh moves closer to check the damage, “I’m okay, thank you,” Evan sheepishly says, “Sorry I didn’t realize that was gun powder,” He laughs awkwardly. He doesn’t have any burns, so the fire must’ve been easy to put out.

Funneh turns back to the brewing stand and blows out the fire. She doesn’t say anything else, really. “Mister Addams, Miss Kou,” the teacher clears his throat. Funneh glances up at him, “You two have detention for setting school property on fire.” Evan immediately contests the teacher.

Funneh doesn’t really pay attention, their potions of weakness are set aside on the table. The bell rings and Evan throws his hands up in frustration before breathing a sigh, muttering some British curses under his breath, Funneh glances at him as they both pack their things and exit the classroom. 

“Sorry about dragging you to detention,” Evan murmurs, scratching the back of his head, “I tried getting Mister Walter to lay off you, but he said you were part of it or something,” He groans, “What a scallywag,” He mumbles. “Err.. Don’t tell him I said that.”

“It’s okay,” Funneh answers. Evan freezes for a split second before turning to her, frowning, “It’s really not.” He insists, “I was the one who was playing with that powder, I don’t think you should be punished for that. You’re the one who made sure nothing else caught fire.” He gestures wildly with his hands, as if that’ll somehow make her understand him better.

It doesn’t.

“Well, um, let me make it up to you then,” Evan offers after an excruciatingly silent beat, “How can I make it up to you?”

Funneh pauses, staring at the floor for a long second. No job would take her, especially not when she had a record and was a foreigner, “...Can you help me get a job?” Funneh turns to look at him. There’s a bit of surprise on his face but he smiles easily, “Sure! I could get you a job at my dad’s pizzeria, how’s that sound?” Funneh nods. “Anything works.”

The walk to the detention room is filled with Evan chatting a lot more, “Hey, um, it’s probably weird to say this but,” Evan laughs sheepishly, “Your voice is really nice,” Funneh blinks, glancing up at him. “...Thanks.”

They’re immediately separated by the teacher, Evan is sat next to… Is that Gold?

Funneh is sitting next to a girl wearing a panda hat, who’s not even trying to hide the fact that she’s on her phone. Funneh pulls out her notebook and starts doing her homework while the teacher snoozes not even five minutes in. The girl next to her notices, “Shit, girl, you don’t seem like the type to make trouble if you’re doing homework during detention,” she comments, “What’d you do? Steal someone’s cookies during Home Ec?” Funneh glances up at her.

She’s pretty.

“...My biology partner and I set gunpowder on fire,” The girl stares at her with her mouth agape, like she doesn’t seem to believe her ears, then she snorts, “Seriously?” She asks. Funneh nods softly. “That’s bloody mental!” She whispers, grinning, “I’m Olivia Paisley, but you can call me Liv. I got in trouble ‘cuz I talk too much.” Funneh nods, “I can tell.”

Liv stares at her, then snickers, “You’re a total weirdo, you know? I like it,” She smiles, a tiny fang showing. Funneh turns back to her notebook, “You’re suuuuuper pretty though, I think it balances out!” She laughs. “Paisley, stop bothering Miss Kou.” The teacher yells, making Liv jump. She grimaces, “Whoops.”

“Wanna be friends?” Funneh pauses her writing. “...Sure.” Funneh answers. “Sweeeeeet,” Liv leans back in her chair, “What’s your name, anyway?” Funneh pauses, before answering, “Funneh Kou.” “Funny?” “Funneh, spelled with an E and H instead of a Y.”

“Cool cool cool,” She smiles, “Quick lesson for ya, Funneh,” Funneh glances back at her. Liv grins wolfishly, “Friends are hard to come by around here, so careful who you’re with, yeah?”

“Olivia! Stop bothering Miss Kou! And sit properly!” The teacher chides yet again, Liv jolts upright, slamming her knee onto the metal of the table. Liv quietly groans to herself as Funneh hides her snicker behind her fist. Well, maybe this new school thing won’t be so bad.

Chapter Text

Funneh honestly didn’t think she’d be getting a job so soon. Well, truth be told, she didn’t think she’d be able to get a job at all, really. Evan told her to wait for him at the main gate of campus while he walked a friend to her house after class. She sits idly on the wooden bench, hands folded in her lap the same way she always would while waiting for results on her tests.

Funneh stares at the water puddles that formed on the floor from the heavy rain, seeping into the bricks and grout. It’s silent, other than the gentle chatter of the students that didn’t choose to use the dormitories. Two beat up brown loafers step on the puddle Funneh was staring at, breaking the image and splashing Funneh’s socks with rain water. “Shit sorry ‘bout that,” Funneh glances up at the girl in front of her. 

“Oh! Damn, hey girl! Why are you still loiterin’ here, Funneh?” Olivia asks, smiling—She’s holding her phone up with her right hand, her left settling on her hip like she’s posing for a photo, “...Waiting for someone.” Funneh answers, looking away. “Ooh! Like a date?” Olivia steps closer, poking her cheek—Her nails are sharper than they look, painted gold with little 3D pearls dotted on, “I knew you were too pretty to be single!” Funneh leans away. “It’s not a date, he promised to get me a job, and told me to wait here,” Funneh replies, slapping Olivia’s hand away.

“D’aww, what? You’re into that? Guess there’s always an appeal to CEOs, huh,” Olivia chuckles. Funneh stares at her, unimpressed. “What’s with that look?” Olivia smiles, unapologetic, before pocketing her phone, nails scratching against the cotton of her skirt, “I was headed to my friend’s house to steal his food, but whaddya say I wait for your friend with ya?” Before Funneh can even speak, Olivia’s already sat down beside her. Funneh frowns, “There’s really no need if you’re going somewhere—” “I doooon’t caaaareeee! ”

Funneh levels her with another unimpressed look, which Olivia simply responds to by grinning. “Anyways, why are ya gettin’ a job? Thought you were on that scholarship thing,” Olivia leans onto Funneh’s side, dramatic and nearly pushing Funneh off the bench, “You’re one of those richies, aren’t ya?” Funneh frowns. “Hardly.” Funneh answers, and Olivia chuckles, “Reaaallyyyy?” Funneh sighs, “I don’t… have anyone to lean on.” Olivia scoffs, “Your parents aren’t sendin’ ya money?” “Don’t have any.” “What, money?” “Parents.”

Olivia leans away with a grimace, scratching the back of her neck. “My bad.”

Then, she snorts. And Funneh glares at her, and Olivia laughs harder, “Sorry! I swear! I didn’t mean to be insensitive, it’s just the way you put it that’s just really fucking funny!” Olivia swears, holding her hands up defensively—tears in her eyes like it’s the funniest thing she’s heard all week. She laughs before softening, “Sorry I was so… Y’know. Dickish.” Olivia kicks her feet, splashing rain water onto the brick road, “But really, I thought you were that billionaire asian chick in our school! She’s like, chinese or somethin’ and she looks a lot like you,” Olivia comments, “Or maybe she didn’t… Err… Is that racist?” Absolutely. “Sorry,” she laughs, “I kinda just assumed.”

“Y’know, I don’t have parents either,” Olivia admits, shrugging as she kicks her feet. Funneh stares at her, a frown on her face. “You don’t have to tell me.” “I wanna,” Olivia smiles, “‘sides, it’s only fair, yeah? I’m livin’ with my auntie after ma and pa died last year,” Olivia stretches her arms over her head, “She ‘n I get into fights a lot though, ‘cuz, y’know, I’m…” Olivia gestures to herself. “Good on ya for finding somethin’ to support ya, I could never,” Olivia laughs awkwardly, energy dampened.

Funneh twiddles her thumbs, “...You’re… uh, not a bad person, I think. You just suck at words.” Olivia snorts, “Wooooow, real kind words there, Funsies,” Olivia pokes her cheek and Funneh leans away from it again, “I’m not trying to be kind,” Funneh replies, “I’m trying to be objective.” Olivia’s smile drops a little on the corners of her mouth.

“You honestly think I’m not annoying?” She asks, softer. “You are,” Funneh replies, “But I still like you.” Olivia glares at Funneh before the expression drops and she laughs. “I think I was right,” she comments, “You’re a total weirdo.”

She pauses, lips pursed as Funneh watches her expression shift from anger to something more complicated for two teenage girls to name. “...But I think I need a weirdo like you around.” She murmurs. Funneh glances away, staring at the puddle at their feet, Funneh’s reflection stares back at her while Olivia’s reflection is broken from her kicking the water away.

They sit in silence, grappling with a new environment—a new something between the both of them.

“You’re weird.” Funneh mumbles. Olivia blinks at her, before snorting, “Oh, now you’re using my words against me?” “Be weird with me.” Funneh holds her hand out to Olivia, whose shoulders drop a bit. There’s a moment of silence between them, Funneh’s hand remaining outstretched, before Olivia rolls her eyes and then pushes Funneh’s hand down and scoots closer—fingers intertwining between them. “‘Kay, why not? I’ll be weird with you.”

Olivia smushes her face against Funneh’s, holding her phone up—their reflections staring back at them on the screen of Olivia’s phone, “Say ‘Job Application’!” Olivia exclaims, sticking her tongue out, “Isn’t it supposed to be ‘cheese’ —?” Funneh asks before being rudely interrupted by the sudden flash of white.

Olivia cackles next to Funneh as they both rub their eyes, one to wipe the tears in their eyes and the other to get the flash out of their eyes. “Aww, you look so cute here!” Olivia giggles, shoving her phone in Funneh’s face. “Hold it still, I can’t see,” Funneh grabs her wrist.

…

It’s a stupid picture.

Funneh’s halfway to blinking, mouth agape like a goldfish. Olivia looks no less stupid than her, tongue sticking out and both her eyes closed from the sudden flash, but her eyeshadow makes it look like she has both her eyes open though lacks irises, her panda hat looks like it’s going to fall off. They both look as pale as ghosts. Somehow, a second look at the picture makes Olivia laugh even harder.

“Holy fuck! I look like Herobrine!” Olivia kicks her feet as she laughs, holding her stomach unapologetically. Funneh finds both their hands are still intertwined between them. They get a few looks from nearby students, but Funneh finds herself smiling despite that. “I look like a goldfish.” Funneh complains, and Olivia doubles over.

…

Yeah. I guess this isn’t so bad.

“Oh, my roommate's not home yet, that's weird,” Gold comments, peeking in through the window. She stands on her tip-toes, a finger on her lip as she thinks before letting her feet fall to a normal standing position, “I hope she isn't stranded somewhere in school,” She murmurs. Evan fixes his bag onto his shoulder, adjusting the umbrella he's holding, “Hopefully,” Evan replies halfheartedly, checking his phone.

The time reads a quarter past six. 

A frown forms on Evan's face before he can stop it, and he shoves his phone back into his pocket, “Sorry Gold, I have to go,” Evan smiles politely at her, “I promised to get a friend a job, and they're uh, waiting for me.” Evan explains.

He never did get that pretty girl's number. Hopefully she doesn't mind waiting for a while.

Gold turns around, two manicured hands over her mouth like she'd been told the latest gossip, “Oh my gosh, of course! Thank you so much for walking me home again.” She bows suddenly, and Evan feels a blush creep onto his face, “There's uh, no need to bow,” Evan laughs awkwardly, “Anyway, uh, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?” Evan smiles and gives her a nod before walking off.

“Take care!” Gold replies, waving goodbye before entering her dorm. 

Now then, time to find Funneh.

Evan walks towards the school gate and spots two girls chatting on a bench—The familiar vibrant blue hair catches his eyes. Huh, well that was quick.  

Evan approaches the bench, tilting his head, “Funneh?” he calls, the two girls turn to look at him—He hasn’t seen the brunette before, but she wears a particularly cute panda hat. Next to her is Funneh. “Oh, this your friend?” the brunette giggles and Funneh nods faintly, “I’m Olivia Paisley! Call me Liv,” She holds her hand out with a grin, Evan takes it cautiously, “Everett Adams, you can just call me Evan,” Evan nods as Funneh stands and dusts her skirt off. 

“Ooh! Everett, huh? Fancy, you from here?” Olivia stands up. Her school cardigan falls off one of her shoulders, though she makes no move to fix it, instead posing for a picture on her phone. Evan catches himself on her phone screen and moves away before her camera clicks a photo.

“Yeah, I’m from the North, lived, uhh.. I reckon near Camden, but I’m dorming this year,” Evan explains, Olivia catches Funneh’s hand, “You mind if I tag along to your workplace? Wanna make sure Funsies doesn’t get lost,” Funsies? Evan stares at her for a second, before nodding, “Yeah, why not? My dad’s workplace isn’t a far walk anyway.”

The walk isn’t very conversational. Honestly, it’d be quiet if Olivia wasn’t constantly taking pictures and dropping the occasional fun fact about a bird she saw. Funneh doesn’t do much but stare at the ground while she walks, sometimes she lifts her head to look at what Olivia is doing. A breeze passes them, the sweet scent of petrichor sticks to their clothes—it’s calm.

Kind of awkward, actually.

“Hey, Olivia, do you like cartoons?” Evan asks, Olivia jumps onto a brick with one foot like she’s playing hopscotch, “What, like Peppa Pig?” She snorts, “Cartoons are for kids, Evan.” Evan bites his cheek to keep from frowning. Rude. “Right,” Evan coughs, turning to the side. He feels Funneh’s eyes train on him for a second before she turns back to the floor, “What do you like then, Olivia?” 

There’s a pause in the conversation as she hums, jumping to another brick. “I like Squid Game,” she jumps to another brick, splashing water onto the crosswalk, “And the Conjuring,” Olivia replies. Evan frowns, they don’t have much in common then. “Oh yeah, Funneh, Squid Game’s like, from your country, right?” Olivia starts walking normally again, bumping into Funneh’s shoulder, “What’s Squid Game?” “It’s like a Korean show, it’s really sick.” “I’m Vietnamese.”

There’s another pause as Evan cringes, awkward silence is still as they continue walking. They don’t say anything for a long part of the walk. The sun has begun setting, casting an orangey-purple hue across the sky and cityscape. “It’s nice out,” Funneh comments, “It is, huh?” Olivia replies, taking a picture of the scenery, “Funneh, let’s take a picture before you get your job!”

Evan smiles despite himself, waiting patiently for them both to finish taking pictures in the sunset, “You don’t want to join?” Funneh asks, “Nah, you girls can get your own pictures,” Evan assures. “Why? You got a girlfriend?” Olivia teases, Evan shakes his head. “Just don’t want to.”

Funneh watches Olivia pout, glancing back at Evan, who stands far behind them, keeping himself out of Olivia’s phone frame—He looks uninterested in joining their photography shenanigans. Funneh turns back to the phone camera, it frames them both, as the sunset paints them with colors of pink and purple. “Smile!” Olivia grins at the camera, bright and sunny. Funneh gives her best smile. The camera shutters, announcing the picture being taken.

“Ew, what was that?” Olivia laughs, Funneh shrugs, “You don’t know how to smile, Funsies?” “No, not really.” Funneh replies. Olivia’s smile falters, concern splitting her expression before she shakes her head and chuckles to herself, “Well, anyway, let's go get you that job! C’mon, no time to waste!” Olivia takes her hand and starts running. Funneh jumps, “To your new workplace!” She cheers. Evan yells something unintelligible as he runs after them.

Olivia laughs the entire time. Bright— bubbly .

…

Familiar.

Funneh can’t find it in herself to hate it.

They arrive at a pizza place. It’s not some rich luxury pizzeria by any means, but it’s noticeably more fancy than a Pizza Hut. “Addans’ Pizza?” Olivia reads, squinting, “It’s Addams, Liv,” Funneh corrects, staring at the lights. Olivia shrugs, “Never said I was good at reading,” Evan pushes the door open to the pizzeria and gestures for them to go first.

“Oh, what a gentleman,” Olivia teases as she walks in, Funneh follows behind her, muttering a thank you. Evan smiles as he closes the door behind him.

The smell of freshly baked pizzas wafts through the air, there’s a gentle jingle playing on the speakers. It’s quite cozy. “Yo, Everett, do ya mind if I loiter while Funneh gets her job?” Olivia asks, already sliding into a booth—directly in front of the air conditioning. Olivia tugs her hat back into place as she takes another selfie, “Nah, I think it’s fine,” Evan shrugs before turning to Funneh, “You should leave your blazer with Olivia, it gets messy in the kitchen.” Evan explains patiently.

Funneh sheds her blazer, and Olivia easily takes it and folds it onto her lap, “I’ll take care of it, don’t worry,” Olivia blows her a kiss. Funneh flicks her forehead, “Don’t do that,” “Am I too gay for your liking, Funsies?” “You’re too blatant about it.” Olivia kicks her feet as she laughs, before grinning, “Good luck on your interview!”

“You and that girl are quite close, huh?” Evan notes, taking off his blazer in the locker room and putting it away. “We just met,” Funneh replies, idly standing next to him, “Really? That’s a surprise, guess it’s different for girl friendships then.” Evan hums, “Come on, I’ll introduce you to my parents.”

Funneh walks in tandem with him down a hallway, “Do you have any experience making pizza? Or like, any job experience at all?” Evan asks, Funneh shakes her head, “Not much, I’ve helped clean some places but that’s about it. I know how to cook some basic meals and how to make bread, though,” Funneh replies, staring at the black and white tiles. “Bread dough is pretty similar to pizza dough, I guess,” Evan hums. They stop in front of a dark oak door with a yellow door knob, “You ready?” Funneh nods. Evan smiles at her, “No need to be nervous, Ma’s not scary.”

Evan knocks on the door twice before pushing the door open, “Ma, I need to introduce you to someone,” Evan steps into the room, letting Funneh follow after him. The room is carpeted with grey, filled with a warm light coming from the lamps in the corners. There’s a large plant in the corner with a plaque reading ‘Kenny’. There are photos framed on the walls of a family of three, a mother, a father, and someone who looks like a younger version of Evan. There’s a dark brown desk with two piles of papers and a cup of tea.

“Oh, love, I think it’s a bit early for that, no?” A middle-aged black haired woman stands from behind the table, dusting off her knees. She’s wearing a black turtleneck and a dark green blazer, as well as dark brown slacks. “No, not like that, Ma,” Evan laughs gently, “This is Funneh,” Funneh politely bows when Evan gestures to her.

“She’s my partner in Biology. I, uh, kinda owe her one for saving my ass,” Evan explains, “Language.” The woman chides, “Sorry. But anyway, she said I could make it up to her by helping her get a job.” Funneh lifts her head and watches the woman’s reaction. There seems to be a moment of hesitance before she smiles awkwardly.

The woman sighs, “Ah, alright,” She shakes her head, walking over to both of them, “You should go help your father in the kitchen. Jacen took delivery duty today so no one is on pepperoni duty.” The woman pats Evan on the shoulder, “Aww, man.” Evan pouts, but leaves without much protest, patting Funneh on the back and wishing her luck.

“Alright then, love, do you mind doing an interview with me so suddenly?” She smiles, Funneh shakes her head, “No ma’am.” “Very well then, I am Ilse Addams. Pleased to meet you, dear.”

The interview goes pretty smoothly for the most part. Ilse is warm, like a spring morning filled with flowers. “So, um, do you have the contact of your parents? You have your phone number listed, but none for parental guardians.” She smiles patiently, “No, ma’am. I have been no-contact with my mother since I was seven, I do not know my father.” Funneh replies. Ilse seems to pause at that, before nodding softly. “I see, my apologies.” Ilse puts her pen down and folds her hands over each other. Oh, that was the wrong answer, wasn’t it?  

“I don’t see any reason for me not to hire you, so you can get the job,” Ilse smiles, Funneh perks up at the clarification, “But— Everett will be training you.” She taps her desk, shaking her head. “My son can be quite irritating at times, and since he’s caused you,” she mutters something that sounds a bit like ‘and me’ under her breath, “so much trouble today, it’s only fair that he trains you. Besides, I’m sure you’re more comfortable with someone you already know rather than Jacen or my husband,” she rambles.

Evan really takes after his mom.

Funneh stands and bows, “Thank you, missus Addams.”  Ilse stands as well, “Oh, no need to be so formal. You can just call me Ilse, Funneh.” Ilse holds out her hand and Funneh shakes it, “Thank you for taking care of my son during your biology lesson, he can be quite an airhead like his father,” she comments, “There’s a spare uniform in locker three, I’m sure Evan showed you where they are. The washrooms are just next to them, you can change there and get to work.”

The uniform is a bit loose, but it’s quite well made. The apron is cute too. Funneh steps into the kitchen and Evan spots her almost immediately. He says something to an older, bigger man, who happily nods and takes over whatever Evan was doing. “Guess the interview went well, huh?” Evan smiles, Funneh nods, “She said you’re training me.” Evan winces as the big man behind him laughs heartily. “Geez, alright then,” Evan sighs, scratching the back of his head. “First of all, hair,” he points at her hair, “You need that in a net,” Funneh blinks, before tilting her head in confusion.

“A hairnet, love.” Evan clarifies, “Your hair is too long, it’ll catch on the food and ingredients.” Evan rubs his forehead.

Funneh follows after Evan, letting him tie her hair back into a bun. “Huh. I never noticed you had a peekaboo.” Evan comments as he places the net over her hair, “Your hair is surprisingly soft for being that vibrantly blue, what brand of hair dye do you use?” Funneh pulls away from him when he’s done, “It’s naturally like that.” Funneh answers, and Evan chokes. “ Really ?? I knew blue occurred naturally but not that vibrant a color,” Evan mutters. “Anyway, I’ll show you the basics,” Evan smiles, “Let’s head back to the kitchen.”

In terms of difficulty, making pizza is surprisingly easy. The dough itself is already made by someone else—Evan says Ilse does it in the morning—Funneh only really needs to roll it out and place the tomato sauce and the cheese. “Give it here, I’ll add the pepperonis,” Evan spins the tray over to himself and places the pepperoni on the pizza with startling accuracy, “Wouldn’t it be faster if I just put the pepperonis instead of handing them off to you?” Funneh asks, “Well, yes, we do that most of the time—” “But Everett got put on pepperoni duty for blowing up your classroom, ain’t that right, sonny?” The big man rumbles heartily. “Father, please,” Evan presses a hand to his forehead. 

“So it’s like, a punishment?” Funneh tilts her head, “Pretty much, yeah,” Evan replies, “It’s not bad, it’s just a lot less fun than spinning the dough or chatting with the customers.” Evan explains, “Anyway, this pizza needs to be tossed into the furnace, wanna give it a shot, or should Dad do it first so you can have an example?” Evan asks, and Funneh glances at the man behind Evan. He’s wearing a comically small chef hat. “I’d like to see… um…” Funneh hesitates, “Artegal. Call me Art.” Artegal answers patiently with a kind smile.

Though their mannerisms are quite similar, Funneh can’t see any physical resemblance Evan has with him. “Oh, thank you. I’d like to see you do it first, mister Art,” Funneh bows. The man happily nods. Evan throws the pizza onto the pizza peel with practiced ease. Artegal takes it to the pizza oven. Shoving the pizza in and pulling the pizza peel out with one swift motion. 

Huh.

“Easy, right? You can try on the next order,” Evan smiles patiently at her. “I'll do my best.” Funneh answers.

Another order comes in a few minutes later—Hawaiian pizza. “I’m surprised people actually still like Hawaiian," Artegal comments, as he offers gentle encouragement to Funneh as she rolls the dough out on the table. “Dad, I’m supposed to be teaching her, what if Mom walks in and sees you doing that?” Evan chides, and Artegal laughs. “You’re doing great, Funneh,” Evan gives her a thumbs up.

Funneh pours tomato sauce on the pizza and adds cheese, “Aw, see? Natural born talent!” Artegal pats her on the head, and Funneh blinks—like a kitten who’s just had their fur ruffled by an incomprehensible being, Evan snickers. There doesn’t seem to be much distaste for each other in the kitchen. “Evan, could you go bus the tables? There don’t seem to be many customers coming in tonight.” Artegal gestures to the rag and Evan sighs, making a dramatic show of grabbing the wash cloth and heading out. Artegal only laughs at his display.

Artegal happily helps Funneh wield the pizza peel. It’s heavier than it looks. She drops it once and hears Evan call out if they need help, to which Artegal responds with a simple no. They manage to get the pizza in eventually.

“...Can I ask a question?” Funneh hesitates to ask. “Sure, what is it, kiddo?”

“The pictures Ilse has in her office..” She mumbles, “...You don’t seem to be in any of them. Can I ask why?” Funneh asks. Artegal hums idly, taking a bite of a pineapple piece that fell out of its container. “I missed the day the photoshoot took place,” Artegal answers. “Oh.”

Then, Artegal laughs. “No, it’s actually because I wasn’t around at the time. I’m Everett’s adoptive father, though he doesn’t really like that term,” He explains, making another order that just appeared on the screen. A lot of people are ordering deliveries online, it seems. “I adopted him when he was about seven years old, so going on ten years now,” Artegal continues, “His biological father left when he was about 3 or 4, so he doesn’t really remember him.”

“So he decided when he was about six that I was officially his dad, no takesies backsies,” Artegal hums, “A few years later, we adopted a kid named Jacen, and we’re now all a nice big family,” Funneh stares at the pizza in front of her, thinking as Artegal starts to ramble. “Sometimes Jacen worries that we don’t really see him as our son, but Everett always told him ‘family is chosen, not reserved’ before giving him a steaming hot cheese pizza,” Artegal laughs.

“Honestly, Evan’s a treasure.” Artegal smiles, “Never met a kid as kind as him before, and don’t think I’ll ever meet another one like ‘em.” Funneh nods softly, “ Family is chosen, not reserved , huh?” Funneh mumbles under her breath. Funneh turns around and comes into eye contact with Evan, peeking into the kitchen, “My ears are tingling, what are you two talking about?” Evan asks. “Nothin’ yer ass needs to hear, get back to bussin’ those tables!” Artegal replies easily, throwing a dish towel at him. Evan screams before running away laughing, yelling something similar to what sounded like ‘ so southern!’

Funneh wonders, if she’d been born here instead, would they have adopted her as their own?

“Now you’re part of the family too,” Artegal pats Funneh’s head again, and Funneh shakes herself back into consciousness, “If you need any help with anything, let us know—Er… Let Ilse know if you need papers, I’m not really good at that. I will happily lend you an ear though,” Artegal grins. Funneh blinks, and then nods, “Thank you, Art.”

Funneh’s shift ends without much fanfare, and after switching back to her uniform, she finds Evan closing up. “You sure you don’t want me to walk you and Olivia back to campus?” Evan asks with a small frown. Funneh nods, “It’s not too far, I’ll be fine with Liv,” Funneh answers. Evan’s frown turns into a reluctant sigh, “If you say so. Be safe, alright?” Evan insists once more, “We will. Thank you again.” Funneh bows.

The door closes behind Funneh as Olivia skips to her side, throwing Funneh’s blazer over her head. “Sooo, how was the first day of work?” Olivia links her arm with Funneh, a grin across her face, “Any cuties back there? Other than Evan I guess, he’s so not my type,” Olivia pouts. Funneh pulls her blazer off her head and folds it over her arm. “Um.. Not really.”

“Boo. Never any cute brits that are my type around here,” Olivia complains, “Oh well, better luck next time.” She unlinks their arms and skips back towards the school. “Hey, Liv,” Funneh calls out to her as she follows, “Yeah?” Olivia turns to look at her, “Do you think family is only people you’re related to?” Funneh asks. There’s a pause as Funneh catches up to Olivia. She sure has a lot of energy at eight at night. “Well, neither of us really have a family now, do we?” Olivia snickers.

“Fair enough.” Funneh chuckles. Olivia nudges her with her shoulder, “You’re cute when you smile.”

“Oh! You’re home! I ordered some takeout, want some?” Gold smiles brightly as Funneh places her bag down on the couch. Gold moves away from Funneh’s bag, taking a sip of her tea. There’s a bowl of salad on the coffee table, presumably for Funneh. “Sure, thanks.” 

It really does feel like things are looking up again.

Chapter Text

Funneh’s classes are… uninteresting. Boring, even. She's not quite sure when she started looking forward to doing something—or rather, seeing someone.

The clock ticks by slowly. Funneh writes down notes about whatever class discussion the teacher had been lecturing about, rereading and rewording herself until her eraser smudges the graphite instead of erasing it. Her eyes narrow.

Stupid, cheap erasers.

She crosses the word out and writes above it instead, palm pressed to her face. Her eyes trail back to the analog clock on the wall. Still ticking. Still at 11:29. She's never noticed how slow life goes by, really. Often, it felt as if it'd slip her hand and go on without her. She's sure it would.

The hand finally reaches the designated time for dismissal, the teacher announces the end of class and the start of break. Wonderful. She makes her way out of the classroom before anyone else can, briskly walking towards Olivia’s class.

Funneh’s eyes spot Olivia in the classroom, alone. There seems to be a clique in the class, talking and laughing fairly loudly. Funneh knocks on the door, and a lot of eyes turn to her; including Olivia. The brunette brightens up visibly and haphazardly gathers her things and shoves them into her bag before making her way to Funneh. “Hey! You’re quick on your feet,” Olivia throws her arms around Funneh in a hug, and Funneh gently pats her with her left hand. Funneh makes direct eye-contact with a blonde girl, who simply grins at her and mouths something at her, Olivia grabs Funneh’s arm and drags her away from the classroom before Funneh can read her lips properly.

What was that about?

Just as Funneh opens her mouth to ask, Olivia speaks. “English was SOOO boring today, I mean seriously, do we REALLY need to know the difference between clauses?” Olivia complains, biting into her sandwich. Funneh decides to shelve the conversation for later, and takes a bite of her own sandwich. “Oh, hey, I didn’t know you ate BLTs. I thought you liked kimbap, or something.” Olivia comments, mouth still full of food. “...I grew up in America, Olivia.” Funneh replies after swallowing, “That’s the second time you’ve mistaken me as Korean,” Olivia blinks, swallowing her food, “When was the first time?” “Yesterday, when you asked if Squid Game came from my country.”

Olivia purses her lips, a sheepish look coming across her face, “My bad.” Funneh takes another bite of her food, chewing before Olivia speaks again. “I’m not really good at this whole…” she gestures with her hand. “Uh, race thing. Everyone looks the same to me.” Olivia explains, Funneh pauses. “ Everyone ?” “Well– Not- Ugh, I don’t know,” Olivia sighs, “It’s not that I can’t tell people apart, its just—Fuck, I don’t know—I’m sorry. Forget it.” Olivia runs a hand through her hair and knocks her hat off. 

Funneh sets her sandwich down, picks up the panda hat, and brushes it off with her hand before placing it back on Olivia’s head. “I’m not saying you have to be perfect at it,” Funneh starts, pushing aside Olivia’s bangs, “I just want you to stop assuming I’m Korean because I’m not.”

Funneh picks her sandwich back up, “It’s okay to ask questions. There’s no need to be ashamed of not knowing.” Olivia stares at her, before sighing softly. “...Thanks.”

There’s a moment of silence as Funneh continues eating her food while Olivia stares at the garden through the window, thinking. “What did you say you were again? Vietnamese?” Olivia asks, leaning on her shoulder. “Yeah. Vietnamese-Chinese, actually.” Funneh smiles softly at her. “Can you tell me about it?” There’s a pause in their conversation, “...Your heritage, I mean,” Olivia murmurs. Funneh nods, “Sure. We've got time.”

Funneh doesn’t realize how long she’s been talking until her throat starts to feel sore, halfway through a civil debate about pho. By then, Olivia was back in full swing, chattering happily and talking about Vietnamese cuisine she’d like to try in the future. Said it was ‘good to try something new every now and then’ , though Funneh disagreed, she’d happily stay in her own little bubble. 

“Oh! I heard we were getting some new kids next week,” Olivia tilts her head to look at Funneh, “Think there’ll be any cute girls transferring in?” Funneh tilts her head, mimicking Olivia, “Girls?” “Yeah! Girls!” Olivia kicks her feet, staring up at the sky.

There’s a beat of silence between them, awkward as Funneh rearranges her thoughts, “I wasn’t aware you liked girls.” Funneh notes, folding the sandwich paper in her hands, “Does it bother you if I do?” Olivia asks. Funneh pauses, thoughts and memories running through her head as she wonders if it does. Her thoughts land on a particularly feisty redhead from her hometown—One who played in the river with her, the one who’s dog she... Hm. “Not really. It’s your problem, at the end of the day.” Funneh decides, looking away. Olivia leans forward with a smirk, “Oh? Am I reminding you of someone? A crush perchance?”

…

…

Funneh doesn’t find her smugness very amusing. Funneh picks up her bag and slings it over her shoulder, “I’m going to class,” Funneh replies, throwing the sandwich paper into the bin as Olivia squawks and runs after her. “At least tell me about it!” Funneh turns the corner into the school building, “Hey! Don’t ignore me!”

Olivia tags along to Funneh’s work again. Evan shows up after Funneh clocks in. They don’t talk much. He’s oddly quiet during their shift, moving through the establishment like a ghost while a shorter boy with a deep frown— someone Funneh didn’t see yesterday —handles the orders at the register, Funneh ends up in Ilse’s office after an hour of work.

Funneh sits herself down on the couch, idly playing with her thumbs as she waits for Ilse to address her, “I’m so sorry to call you in here like this, love,” Ilse sighs, putting away the papers on her desk. “But Evan is struggling to focus today, would you mind taking over the till for him?” Ilse asks, a soft furrow between her brows, “Jacen will help you through it.”

Funneh considers it, though she’s never been the conversationalist type. But it’s always good to try something new, Olivia’s annoying voice rings in her head. “Okay.” Funneh relents after a moment of hesitation, she supposes making her personal bubble bigger isn’t a crime. Ilse smiles for the first time since Funneh entered her office. “Thank you, do tell if Jacen is too rude to you, he is a bit of a chav,” she laughs, “Don’t tell him I said that, he’ll be mad.”

…What is a chav? Funneh wonders as she leaves.

Funneh joins the short boy at the counter and catches Olivia’s eye immediately. Funneh pushes the left side of her sideburns behind her ear, “Hi, I’m Funneh, Ilse told me to…” Funneh pauses, “Take over the till?” She repeats Ilse’s words. The boy turns up his nose, his frown deepening. “Seriously? Couldn’t she have sent someone more conversational…?” He sighs, “I’m Jacen, do you know how to run the till?” Funneh blinks at him. “Ilse said you’d teach me.” Jacen looks even more upset, like Funneh just told him he can’t have candy for dinner. It’s.. cute .

Jacen shows her the ropes of manning the till, which is really just a game of if the customer is gonna be a bitch at you or not. The counter itself is pretty standard. Put in orders, count the change, give to the customer with a table number, repeat for the next customer.

“And remember! Smile!” Jacen points a newspaper he rolled up at her, an everpresent frown on his face. Funneh blinks at him, “...Sorry?” Funneh answers, and Jacen sighs like she’s just told him pineapple pizza is acceptable, brows furrowing even harder. “Smile! You’re insanely pretty, but your bitch of a face is gonna scare everyone away.” He crosses his arms. Funneh blinks at him, stone-faced.

Jacen sighs again. “God, it’s almost like talking to a porcelain doll…” He mumbles, “Just, try to look welcoming.” He says, shoulders slumping. Funneh turns back to the till. “...Sorry. I’m not very good at… that.” Funneh replies.

She feels Jacen’s eyes flick to her, but she keeps her eyes on the screen in front of her. “Being approachable, I mean.” Funneh clarifies. She turns to look when Jacen puts down the newspaper he’s been using to point at her, “Yeah, me neither. That’s more Evan’s thing,” He frowns, “He’s been struggling with that, though, so I have to pick up his slack.”

“Why?” Funneh asks before she can stop herself.

Jacen clicks his tongue, “Because his fuckass boyfriend of three years cheated. That’s why.” Jacen slams the paper down on the counter, “Honestly, what did he even see in that guy? He was such a jerk—” Rambling is a family habit, it appears.

Work was otherwise uneventful, with Jacen running the kitchen while Funneh input the orders and tended to the tables and customers.

An alarm sounded from the lockers, announcing the end of their shifts. Funneh stretched her arms over her head. “Funneh, could you tell that brown haired girl to get out? It’s closing,” Jacen leans over the kitchen window and frowns, Funneh waves him off, “She’s waiting for me, don’t worry about her,” Funneh replies. Jacen frowns but relents. “I’ll help close up.”

“Where was Evan today?” Olivia asks when they leave the restaurant, the door chime rings behind them, a soft breeze blowing their hair into the air. “He went home, I think,” Funneh replies, “Some personal issues with his love life,” Funneh shrugs. Olivia pouts, “Seriously? That’s all you know?”

Olivia grabs her arm and grins, “C’mon! I know you got other details too!” She grins, “I do,” Funneh affirms as they walk in the direction back to campus, “But why’s that your business?” “It’s not, that’s the fun part!” “...Gossiping?” “ Knowing something! ”

Funneh doesn’t really understand it. People talk. Funneh tells Olivia as such, who laughs heartily at her, “Yeah, me neither! People talk is weird!” Olivia lets go of her arm, skipping in front of Funneh, “It’s like, why’s there so many social cues anyway? I just wanna talk to you ‘cuz you’re cool! The fuck’s social hierarchy?!” Olivia rambles waving her hands around animatedly. Funneh keeps her own hands at her side, “Anyway, I wanna go shopping tomorrow. Wanna go to the mall?” Olivia grins.

Funneh tilts her head as a car drives by, “Isn’t tomorrow a class day?” Olivia blinks at her, “It’s early dismissal tomorrow, Funsies,” Olivia smiles. Funneh hums, “Is it?” Olivia shakes her head and laughs, “You really didn’t listen to your teachers today, huh? Everyone was talking about it!” Olivia wraps a pinky finger around Funneh’s, gently guiding her into a slow paced walk.

“I guess I could, I need some new shirts,” Funneh replies, Olivia grins, “D’aw, see? We can go thriftin’! Get something cute ‘n cheap for ya!” Olivia exclaims, energetic for a girl at nine thirty in the middle of the night. Funneh notes the slight change in her accent. Strange, she sounds more… normal like this. Must be my imagination.

Wednesday morning passes without much of a hitch, several teachers not even coming in for class. Funneh taps her shoe on the floor outside of the classroom, bookbag slung over her shoulder as she waits for Olivia. The students in the hall have mostly dispersed, only loitering to talk with classmates or retrieve items from their lockers. Gold taps her shoulder. “Hey Funneh!” the brunette greets, smiling as she tilts her head, “Hi,” Funneh replies curtly, glancing at her before standing properly. “I'm surprised you're still here, usually you leave first. Any plans today?” Gold asks curiously. Funneh nods, “I'm… going to the mall with a friend, shopping.”

Gold blinks and then smiles at her, “Oh, how lovely! I'm headed to a café with someone to cheer them up,” she explains unprompted. Funneh looks away from her, tapping her foot against the floor. “Are you waiting for your friend?” She asks. Funneh nods, “And you?” Gold beams at the question, for some reason. Funneh still can’t understand her.

“I'm headed to the gate to meet with him, I just wanted to chat with you before I left, since we don't really chat much at home,” Gold starts walking past Funneh, looking back once to wave and warm smile—“I hope you and your friend have a splendid time at the mall!” Funneh waves back half-heartedly, “Yeah, you too.” 

Well, that was weird.

“Funneh!” Olivia yells, running past a few people, a massive grin on her face, Funneh waves, a soft smile on her face. Olivia stops just shy of passing Funneh, turning to her with a bright smile. “Ready to go?” Olivia asks, “Yeah, I was just waiting for you,” Funneh bumps her shoulder into Olivia as they walk, chuckling, “You sure like to take your time.” “The restroom was full! Ya can’t expect me to go out without makeup,” Olivia bumps Funneh back, giggling. “C’mon! Let’s go get you a new wardrobe!”

The mall is filled with students, chattering and walking around with their friends. Not just from Cerys, but from nearby schools too—“Shit dude, I didn’t think Vengeance kids came here,” Olivia comments, pointing at a black haired girl talking to a blonde. They’re wearing black turtlenecks with a school blazer. “Vengeance is a private school?” Funneh asks, glancing away from the students to marvel at the mall. The architecture is different from the States, not that Funneh frequented the mall back there. “Yeah, you didn’t—? Oh right, you’re from America,” Olivia snorts, “They’re the filthy rich kids, and insanely smart,” Olivia gestures to a pair of students wearing the same uniform as the kids they were looking at earlier.

Sounds like a dream life.

Funneh yawns, “Let’s just get the shopping done, I have work at six,” Olivia pouts, “Aww, you can’t call it off?” Funneh blinks at her, “I mean, I could,” she replies hesitantly, “But I want to save up some money, in case I need something to fall back on.” Olivia sighs and shakes her head, “So responsible..” She complains, before giggling and bumping their shoulders, “C’mon, I know this place like the back of my hand,” Olivia grins at her. Funneh feels their fingers intertwine and a small smile forms on her face, “Lead the way, then.”

They find a hole-in-the-wall thrift store nearby, not too high prices, not too bad quality. There’s music blaring over the speakers though. Funneh’s slowly going deaf from it. “Funsies, look!” Olivia coos over the ugliest shirt Funneh has ever seen. “It’s a dog!” Olivia beams at her, Funneh blinks at it. “...Deformed dog, maybe.” she replies, Olivia squawks and throws it back in the clothing bin and looks for something else with a pout. Funneh glances at the unisex clothing rack, a black shirt with an ugly graphic font with words that Funneh cannot discern for the life of her. She takes it off the rack.

It’s big enough to wear.

She hears a gasp behind her and Funneh turns curiously, Olivia holds up a tiny pleated skirt—“This would look so cute on you!” Olivia shoves it into her hands, “This looks like it’s for a student roleplay,” Funneh glances at it, “...a very specific type of student roleplay. ” Funneh glares at the offending garment in her hand. 

Olivia bursts out laughing, “I’m just messin’,” Olivia wipes her eye, swapping the skirt with a ripped up black crop top with the same ugly font graphic as the shirt she picked up, and grey sweatpants. “Didn’t know Exiled Angels were popular in… Uh, where are ya from again?” Olivia pokes at her, “California,” Funneh replies, “And no, I don’t know this… Exiled Angels thing. I can’t even read the font properly.” Funneh checks over the crop top, it looks like it’s falling apart.

“Really?” Olivia glances at her and picks up a leather jacket, checking it over. “You seem like the kinda girl to like their typa music,” Funneh sifts through the same clothing rack, “They’re a pretty popular band ‘round this area,” Olivia comments, Funneh pauses her sifting. 

“You’re a fan?” “Of their drummer’s biceps, yeah.” Funneh snorts, shoulders shaking. Olivia pulls out her phone and shoves the screen in Funneh’s face, a fairly muscular effeminate man wearing a black tank top and jeans stares back at her, smirking.

The face Funneh makes is less than pleased. 

“I didn’t know you were into that kind of guy,” Funneh replies, “What? You don’t find biceps hot? They look so biteable,” Olivia pouts, before looking up at the speakers, mouth agape, “Shit, this is their music,” Olivia grins, pointing at the speaker. Funneh glances up at the speakers, listening to their music.

The beat isn't too bad, but the vocals come on and it… sounds insanely familiar. It sounds better with the vocals than without.

“...Hm, they aren’t too bad.” Funneh replies, sorting through the clothes they’ve picked out. Olivia nudges her and giggles, “You like the singer, don’t ya?” Funneh scoffs, “He has a good voice,” Olivia gasps, as if Funneh just confessed to being in love with a stranger. “Oh, shut up.” Funneh shoves her shoulder, which Olivia laughs at.

Olivia hums as she sorts through the clothes she’s picked out to decide whether to take them home or to put them back, setting them into piles on a beat up black couch. Funneh helps her sort through them, eyeing the black and red plaid skirt Olivia picked out. “What? Ya like that thing?” Olivia asks, Funneh picks it up. “Kind of. It’s not really practical, though.” Funneh folds it in her hands and Olivia smiles at her, “Get it if you like it, maybe you’ll wear it.” Olivia nudges her, “You picked it out,” Funneh points out, a frown forming on her lips. Olivia shrugs, “I wasn’t really planning on getting it,” she replies.

Funneh bites her lip, before relenting with a sigh. “Alright, I’ll get it.” Olivia throws her arms around Funneh with a laugh, “D’aw, see? Make sure it’s in your size, though.” Olivia smiles. Funneh smiles, “Alright.”

The vendor has been eyeing her and Olivia for a while now, Funneh notes. He hasn’t said anything, but it’s clear he’s waiting on them to finish up.

Olivia finally finishes sorting through her pile of clothes and Funneh offers to put away the clothes Olivia didn’t end up getting, “Nah, it’s fine,” Olivia assures, “You go pay, here,” Olivia hands her well over £300, to which Funneh frowns at, “That should cover all mine.” Before Funneh can protest, Olivia scoops up her rejects and starts putting them back on the racks. 

Oh well.

The guy manning the till isn’t too talkative, only stating price and other basic things. Funneh noticed him glancing at them while they were picking out clothes earlier, but said nothing. “There you go,” He’s got a thick accent. Or maybe I have an american accent..? Hmm... “You lasses skipping class?” He asks suddenly, Funneh blinks, then shakes her head. “No, we had an early dismissal.” He nods softly, bagging up Olivia’s clothes, “Ah, really?” He mutters. Funneh doesn’t respond. He finishes off bagging their clothes and hands it to Funneh, “You know a guy named Everett from your school?” Funneh pauses something akin to unease settling in her stomach, then nods, “I’m his... lab partner.”

The guy scratches his head, “Could you pass on a message for me?” Are you his shitty ex? She doesn’t ask. “What is it?” Funneh asks instead. “Just tell him Asche is worried,” he answers, “He hasn’t shown up to practice in days,” Practice? The guy extends his hand to her, “I’m Asche, by the way.” Funneh stares at it with her bags in her hands, “Funneh. I’ll mention it to him,” Asche puts his hand away with a strangled cough.

“Anyway, that’s all, thanks.” He immediately gets back to work, valiantly counting coins like he’s being paid by every dime.

Well, that was awkward.

Funneh hands the change back to Olivia as they leave, and tries to hand Olivia her bags, “Oh, no, babe, those are for you,” Olivia smiles, Funneh’s brows furrow immediately. “You picked these out,” Funneh replies, “Yeah. For you, silly!” Olivia bumps into her, “But I already bought my own clothes,” Funneh responds, growing increasingly more confused. Olivia levels her with an unimpressed look, “They’re gifts , Funsies, just take ‘em.” Olivia sighs. “For someone real observant, you can be really dense, huh?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Funneh frowns, offended. Olivia doesn’t answer.

“We still have time before we have to go to work, wanna get a snack?” Olivia asks, already spying out all the food kiosks she can see. Funneh hesitates, before sighing. “Sure, but I’ll get you back for this.” Funneh insists, “What, ya promise?” Olivia grins. Funneh smiles, “Yeah. I’ll show up to your house with a pizza.”

Olivia laughs brightly, leaning on her shoulder, “I’ll hold ya to it!”

They end up getting donuts, Funneh watches people shop around without much thought, but catches herself when a couple with two children pass by. The couple don’t look remotely similar to the kids, and yet they call them ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ with their whole chest.

“What’re you starin’ at that family for?” Olivia asks, chewing on her donut. Funneh holds the donut in her lap, “...The couple,” Funneh answers, “Do they look related to the kids?” Funneh turns to Olivia. Olivia glances back at the couple and the kids running around, “I mean, could be their aunt and uncle?” Olivia shrugs, “Or they could be adopted,” Funneh replies, turning back to the kids. One pulls the other by the arm, laughing as they point at something in the mall, “I never really got to experience what it’s like to have a family,” Funneh murmurs, “Or be part of one.” Funneh slips the donut back into its plastic wrapping, holding it in her hands, folded neatly in her lap.

Olivia chews on her food thoughtfully, “What, were you put up for adoption or somethin’?” Olivia asks, Funneh shakes her head, “Foster,” she replies, “...Aged out a month ago and traveled here with the scholarship.”

A weighted silence settles over them like an unwelcome guest, Funneh stays where she is—stagnant, perpetually waiting for something to move, for something to change. Rarely ever did that change come if not from her own hand.

The brunette rests her head on Funneh’s shoulder, “The American foster system must’ve been stupid if you came here,” Olivia comments, Funneh nods softly, “It wasn’t the best.” Funneh answers honestly.

Olivia pulls back, placing a hand on Funneh’s shoulder, “If you ever need help with anything, come to me, ‘kay? I’ll do everything I can to help you out.” Her hand feels like a weight on Funneh’s heart, but she doesn’t tell her that. “...I will, thank you.” 

“You aren’t alone, Funneh.” 

…

…

…

“...I know.”

Chapter Text

The diner was busy today. Funneh notes, and yet no sign of Evan. She finishes bussing the tables and folds the towel over the handle of the trolley before pushing it back into the kitchen, the smell of fresh pizza slowly becoming less and less apparent. He wasn’t here yesterday either, Funneh notes as she watches Artegal and Jacen interact, something about washing the dishes and closing up. 

“Oh, you’re done?” Artegal asks with a smile, “Sure are quick on your feet, kiddo!” He pats Funneh’s hair, like he usually does, but he’s more careful after Ilse chided him for messing up her hair.

“You can head home early, Funneh. Dad and I will close up,” Jacen assures. He’s not as scary as when they first met, more like a grumpy kitten who screams if you call him a chav. Funneh learned that the hard way. Funneh nods, “I’ve been meaning to ask something,” Funneh starts, and then pauses. She’s rephrased this a thousand times over in her head and in her journals, still, she wonders if it’s too blunt to ask.

Artegal and Jacen share a look, before Jacen crosses his arms and Artegal nods politely to let her continue. “Can I um.. Do you know where Evan is? I needed to tell him something, but he didn’t show up yesterday.” Funneh switches scripts halfway through speaking—None of them really convey what she wanted to say. She awkwardly shifts on her feet now that Artegal and Jacen are giving her their full attention.

It’s kind of awkward.

“Oh.” Jacen answers, a frown forming on his face, “He’s been hanging out with his new friends recently, mum encouraged him to since he’s been sulking about his ex having a new boyfriend,” Jacen shrugs, almost nonchalantly—if not for the tenseness in his shoulders, waving her off as he turns to the sink to wash the dishes, “He’ll be on shift with you tomorrow.” Funneh pauses, wanting to press on for more information, but reluctantly nods instead, “Okay, thank you.” Artegal happily waves her off as she heads back to the locker room to change.

Funneh stares at the burn on the inside of her school blazer. Maybe I could’ve worded that better.

Funneh and Olivia exit the restaurant an hour before Funneh’s shift usually ends. Funneh wonders if that early end will come out of her paycheck. It’d be harder to save up if she didn’t earn enough money. “Hey, Funsies, you see that lil thing too, don’t ya?” Funneh blinks herself back to the present, turning her head to look across the street. A small bird on the floor chirping desperately for help, or it’s mom. “A bird?” Funneh replies, and Olivia nods, eyes never leaving the little creature. “It’s alone,” Olivia notes.

Funneh adjusts the strap of her bag over her shoulder. She waits for Olivia to say something else, expecting a quiet mutter about how it looks pitiful or something adjacent to Olivia’s usual crude comments. But instead, Olivia crosses the road and stands in front of it. Funneh crosses the road as well and joins her in looking at the small, helpless creature cawing desperately to try and scare Funneh and Olivia away. It makes an attempt to flee with it’s wings, but they don’t move much.

It’s small enough to crush under Funneh’s foot.

Funneh shakes her head as Olivia kneels down to pick it up in her hands, cooing softly at it. “It’s okay, we won’t hurt you.” Who’s we? Olivia turns to Funneh with a gleeful smile, “Isn’t it cute?”

Funneh makes eye contact with the pitiful creature in Olivia’s hands, still screaming. Probably disease ridden. Dirty. “Sure.” Funneh lies, turning away. The noise it makes grates against her ears. Funneh wants to pick up some scissors and—

“We should keep it!” Olivia suggests, and Funneh turns back to stare at her like Olivia grew another head. “I don't have enough money to take care of a bird,” Funneh answers. The pigeon quiets down, like it's finally figured out that it's been abandoned by its flock. Funneh's eyes trail down to where it's being cupped between Olivia's two hands. It's pitiful, really. "I'll pay, then!" Olivia chirps, "C'mon, the mall closes at eleven so we have time to pick out some food and stuff for this little thing," Olivia grins, holding the tiny creature to her chest, "Shouldn't we take it to a vet first?" Funneh asks, curious. Olivia blinks and then awkwardly giggles, "Yeah, I guess we should, huh?"

They find a tiny veterinary clinic near the mall, the wait time isn't long--just a sweet looking grandmother and her box of tiny kittens meowing. Olivia hands the small thing off to a vet and plops next to Funneh like it's normal, easy. "You ever had pets growing up, Fun?" Olivia asks, leaning into her space like always, poking Funneh's cheek. "No, wasn't allowed near them." Funneh replies, voice softer than she'd like, personally. Funneh clears her throat to hide it, shifting in her seat as Olivia rests her chin on Funneh's shoulder, "I had a dog when I was a kid," Olivia murmurs, eyes fluttering like she wanted to sleep for a while -- see that dog again in her dreams. Funneh turns her head away from Olivia, staring at the white tiles of the clinic, the low whirring of wind from the air conditioners keeping the room cold. "She was a Labrador, super gentle, I loved her," Olivia murmurs.

Funneh never understood that. Loving a pitiful creature like that. Unable to care for itself, eager to please, overly affectionate, clingy...

"Mmh." Funneh nods softly, running her fingers through Olivia's hair. "You like dogs?" Olivia asks, chuckling to herself, "Not really." Funneh admits. There's a warm silence that settles over them both, the silence that lingers because talking is less comfortable than enjoying each others presence. "You'd be good with them," Olivia murmurs when Funneh puts her hand down. Funneh's mind wanders.

Wanders to her hometown, to a moment before the foster system -- a deafening silence settles into her heart as she recalls it. That large dog, two little girls. The sun, the air.

"No." Funneh states, matter-of-fact. "No?" Olivia echoes with a soft chuckle, "I don't think I am." Funneh clarifies.

Olivia hums, "You gonna join any clubs tomorrow? Heard they're opening applications early," Olivia whispers sleepily, yawning. "I'm already written down for the track team," Funneh replies, "I think I'll check if I'm listed, then head to work." Funneh adds idly, intertwining their fingers together. Olivia's eyes close, "Mmh.. That sounds good." Funneh rubs her thumb in a circle over Olivia's knuckle, "You want to do anything on the weekend?" Olivia asks, Funneh thinks about it. She kind of wants to see Buckingham Palace, but that's a bit farther than Olivia would be willing to go. "Wanna take me to the beach?" Funneh asks softly, "The beaches here aren't very good for swimming," Olivia replies with a nudge, "Just enjoy the sound of the waves, maybe," Funneh nudges her back. Olivia laughs softly, "Sure, why not?" 

They discuss their plans for the weekend, and winter vacation. Olivia says she wants to have a sleepover with Funneh, do each other's hair, and watch the sunrise on the roof. It feels... normal. The good kind of normal, like she isn't a monster any different from anyone else. Like they have nothing to worry about but crushes and assignments. There's something warm that settles in Funneh's chest for once, not that familiar unease and dread she's felt from the safety of the hands of law enforcement. 

Funneh finds herself wanting to stay longer, soaking in the conversation like it's the last she'll have with Olivia. Which feels silly, knowing they'll see each other tomorrow anyway. "Miss Paisley?" A warm, honeyed voice calls, and Olivia sits up—pulling away her hand from Funneh's, unthreading their fingers, before walking towards the counter, talking with the man there, holding the small creature in his hands — now bandaged and less miserable. Less dirty too. Funneh shrugs off the warmth she feels in her bones, approaching the counter and standing next to Olivia as they chat. "Oh! By the way, where can we get some bird cages and bird toys?" Olivia asks, the man tilts his head to the right of the store, "There's a pet store to the left of our clinic, you could buy some there." "Okay! Thank you!" Olivia gently takes the pigeon into her hands, beaming at Funneh, "C'mon! Let's get some pet stuff, we're keeping this little thing after all," Olivia chirps, Funneh blinks at her, "We are?"

"Oh, we are." Funneh murmurs when she finds herself in Pets at Home, with Olivia browsing for a bird cage, pigeon perched on her hat. Funneh finds herself chuckling, despite being so opposed to keeping this small creature. Olivia glances at her with a pout, "What's so funny?" Olivia points a stick at Funneh, demanding an answer. Funneh covers her mouth as she laughs, "You look stupid with that bird on your head, you know." Funneh says when she finally pulls herself together, a small tear in the corner of her eye. "Funneh!" Olivia admonishes, but giggles all the same. "Alright," she holds up two bird cages, one about a foot or two tall and round at the top, the other a boxy white that looks more like a kennel than a bird cage, "Which one should I buy?" Olivia asks, Funneh tilts her head—smiling despite herself, "Well, I like how the round one looks." Olivia puts the white box cage down and checks the price, "Oh, it's about a hundred, that's pretty good." 

"Phew, that was a lot of stuff!" Olivia chuckles, glancing at Funneh, currently holding everything she bought. "Good thing you lift weights, huh?" Olivia teases, the bird on her head cooing in unison, like a weird bird version of ratatouille, "You're lucky I'm even here at all." Funneh deadpans, making Olivia laugh as they walk to Olivia's house. "Hmm, maybe I should've bought Alouette a phone, since I've already spent well over 300 euros on her," Olivia jokes, Funneh huffs, "A phone... for a bird?" Funneh questions. Olivia nods sagely, "Yes, for Alouette." Funneh rolls her eyes, "What would a bird even need a phone for?" Funneh huffs. "Entertainment, of course!" Olivia replies breezily, "I don't even have my own phone, I use the school registered one." Funneh gripes.

Olivia gasps like she's been scandalized, "You don't watch— Nevermind, of course you don't," Olivia sighs, Funneh finds herself smiling at the dramatics of her best friend. Olivia pulls out her phone and clears her browser history and deletes some apps, from what Funneh can tell from where she's standing anyway, "Here," Olivia smiles, offering her phone to Funneh. "You can have mine." Funneh freezes, the moon rising behind Olivia, bathing her in a cool light. "What? No," Funneh huffs, "I'm not a-" "I'm buying a new one tomorrow, this one will just get thrown in the ocean like the rest of her sisters," Olivia shrugs. Funneh scoffs, amusement and disbelief riddling her expression. "Are you sure..?" Funneh asks, carefully wrapping her fingers around Olivia's phone, the screen lights up to the silly photo they took together at the gate while waiting for Evan. It's blurry, but familiar all the same. "Yeah, it's better it goes to someone who'll end up using it anyway," Olivia assures.

Funneh pockets the phone, the weight of it settling in the pocket of her skirt. The pigeon croons on Olivia's head, as if reminding them that it still exists. "Sorry, Alouette!" Olivia laughs, gently pulling the small creature into her left hand, letting her right index finger gently brush the top of its head, Olivia murmurs little compliments to the bird, who preens at the praise and attention.

"I don't understand why you like that thing," Funneh comments boredly, Olivia chuckles but doesn't glance up at Funneh, "It's a lot like me in some ways..." Olivia murmurs so quietly Funneh almost misses it. Funneh doesn't respond, blue eyes settling on the small creature being pampered in Olivia's hands. It's... small. Kind of pathetic, in Funneh's opinion. Funneh doesn't see the resemblance.

Funneh and Olivia stop at a small townhouse with bricks painted a cream color and white windowsills, the porch light was on but the curtains were closed. Potted plants decorated the porch, but otherwise felt bare and empty. "I'll take those," Olivia smiles, gently taking the paper bag and cage from Funneh. Funneh almost offers to help carry it inside, but decides against it. You never know what's going on behind closed doors, Funneh reminds herself quietly. If Olivia wanted me to come in, she would've invited me inside. She reasons to herself, "Okay," Funneh nods, Olivia walks to the porch before turning back around, passing the paper bag into her left hand as she waves Funneh off, "I'll be going inside now! Be safe on your way home!" Olivia beams, offering a close eyed grin before stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. Funneh waves before turning to walk back to campus.

Funneh wonders, faintly, if she should've asked to come in.

...

...

...

Probably not. Funneh will see her tomorrow, she supposes.