Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Another hard day of work.

Today was one of the busiest days this week. Since when do so many people want to go out on a Wednesday of all days? Whatever. I’m home now, so I can finally rest!

That’s what I’d usually do anyway.

I’m usually full enough to go to sleep, but not today I guess. It’s about time I tried something my boss sent me home with anyways. Today’s leftovers don’t look…the best. But I should be grateful he gave me anything!

I’m honestly surprised my microwave still works. I haven’t used it in over a year. Something about the food looks cute the way it spins around in there.

Manon told me to never grow up.

I’m so unused to cooking in general these days. It’s actually embarrassing to admit that I jumped a little when the microwave beeped. I’m so glad Vince isn’t making me work in the kitchen.

I’ve never tried squid ink pasta before. Then again, I haven’t heard of it. I haven’t heard of a lot of things. Here goes nothing…

It’s bitter.

And there’s something else I can’t put my finger on.

I guess it’s good? Good enough to finish anyway.

I haven’t washed dishes in a while. Into the pile this goes…

...And off to sleep I go.

Chapter Text

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t the best idea to eat that pasta last night. But who wouldn’t trust a common, innocent dish? Even if it was a very unnatural color and prepared by your creepy boss?

…

Anyway, I have a stomachache now.

I don’t want to tell Vince that his food didn’t sit right. I don’t think he’d kill me, but he’d probably say something like “Well maybe your unrefined palate can’t—blah blah blah.” Oh well. I’ll just have to suck it up.

“Rody? You look…worse than you did when it rained.” I didn’t even have to see Vince’s face to know that he was visibly disgusted.

“S-Sorry, I just uh- I’ve felt off since I woke up.”

He scowled at me.

“I won’t be a problem, I swear…!” I reassured, knowing he’d probably make more than my stomach hurt if I messed anything up.

“Whatever. Get in here and freshen up, we’re opening in an hour.”

What the hell is wrong with me? I mean obviously it was the food…but I feel weird. It’s like I’m hungry and full. I could eat but it might make it worse. Or better? I don’t know.

I didn’t even realize I had been staring at Vince the whole time until he smacked the back of my head with a newspaper.

“OW—Hey!” I reached up to rub the spot he hit, pouting a little.

“Don’t pout at me. I’m running a business here while you’re just sitting around and not preparing. Get to work Lamoree.”

I sighed. “S-Sorry Vi—boss.”

Something about him just now.

He smells different.

He usually just smells like cigarette smoke but…it’s weird today. He smells like that and something else.

It smells good .

I can’t help but continue to stare as he walks off to his office.

The smell is making my stomach hurt less.

Is something really wrong with me?

I don’t know anymore.

I can’t believe how stupid I am.

I didn’t call Manon last night! What if she thinks I died?! Maybe I should call her three times just in case.

ring…ring…ring…

Nothing.

It’s been nothing since a few weeks after we broke up.

ring……ring……ring……

Please pick up Manon. I miss hearing your voice. Your beautiful, gentle, voice.

Still nothing.

She’s been so busy.

ring………ring………ring………

I didn’t even realize I was crying until the tears fell into my mouth.

Salty.

I can’t give up. She’s gonna pick up.

She wouldn’t just give up on me, would she?

I’m sure she still thinks of me.

…

I’m hungry.

This looks better than yesterday’s leftovers.

He said they’re called green onion rolls. They smell great!

There’s that one scent again though.

That scent that was on Vincent.

I couldn’t name it for the life of me.

I don’t even know how to describe it. I just like it. For some reason.

I guess I should eat it before it gets cold…

It’s bitter.

It’s still bitter .

Hell, Vincent could manage to make a pile of sugar bitter.

All of his food has a weird aftertaste.

But yet again, it was good enough to finish.

Yeah, I might get another stomachache but this is all I really have right now.

Thanks Vince.

Chapter Text

It’s worse than before.

Can I even work today?

God, I’m already here and Vince is gonna be so pissed if I leave early.

“Lamoree!” He yelled.

“Shit—Was I staring again?” Oh my god, again? Why can’t I focus on anything?!

“Is there something wrong with you? This keeps happening. Frequently .” Vince hissed, crossing his arms.

I’m fine, I’m fine! Perfectly fine. I just keep spacing out. I am A-Okay!

I think.

“It’s nothing, thanks Vince…nt.”

His frown deepened when I said that.

“Close call. Now get to work.” And off he disappeared to his office.

My stomach hurts.

I’m so hungry.

But I don’t want to eat.

I feel so fucking weird.

A customer came in.

I need to seat them…

They smell good too.

Wait, what the hell am I saying?! I can’t think that about a customer!

Alone? Okay…I can seat them here.

“Thank you young man!” A gentle voice says.

Being alone means being vulnerable

“Y-You’re welcome. May I take your order…?”

I’m so hungry.

I am so hungry.

My stomach doesn’t hurt as badly when I’m by myself. I’ve noticed that. What did Vince send me home with today? 

Oh. Cute.

It’s a strawberry shortcake.

The smell on all of his food isn’t here this time. New recipe?

I grabbed a fork from the counter, and rinsed it. First time in a while.

It’s a little tough to get through the cake for some reason. The texture is really weird too.

It tastes really bad…

I don’t have anything else though. I guess I’ll just eat it.

…

Ugh, I feel like I’m gonna throw up—

That was the most disgusting thing he’s given me.

Is that a fucking rat? I swear it wasn’t a rat when I ate it. Am I loopy or something? God…How the hell didn’t I notice? Yeah I was really hungry but—a whole rat?

Sorry little guy.

I have to throw you outside now.

Chapter Text

No way in hell I can go to work today. Can I call off? No, that wouldn’t work. Hell, I don't even know Vince’s number. Every time I see someone it feels like I haven’t eaten in days. I hate this so much. But I have to go to work. I have to make enough money. Maybe then Manon will come back. Maybe she’ll come back if I leave this shitty apartment. Or maybe not.

My dumbass keeps forgetting to call her.

I can’t focus on anything.

I’m always hungry.

Why am I always so hungry?

It’s the food. I know it’s the food. I have to eat it though or I’ll really starve.

“You look like shit.” That familliar monotone voice said, as he took a drag on his cigarette.

“Are you supposed to be smoking in here…?” My eyes involuntarily trailed to his lips.

“Don't question me in my own restaurant.”

“Sorry…I’ve just been feeling really off lately. I think I’m sick Vince.” I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

“Not sick enough to do your job .” He scoffed. He’s so…stubborn! I hate it. Something is making me want to stay around him though. He still smells so alluring. It’s weird. I can hardly even focus anymore. “Oh, and expect a —”  It smells so good.

i wonder

if 

he’d taste

good

“RODY.”

Shit. “Y-Yeah boss?”

“You heard what I said right?” I could tell by the tone of his voice and the way he was glaring at me that he suspected something.

“Uhh…yep!” I reassured him falsely. I’m such a mess. What the hell is in those leftovers? I don’t care if they’re the only thing keeping me alive right now. I’m done eating them. I can’t. They’re making me go crazy.

“Vince can I ask—”

“You can ask when you meet today's quota. Now get to work.”

I need to know what’s in his food.

I’m not eating tonight. It's fine, I’m used to it.

I do kind of miss it though. I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to it, but it’s definitely grown on me. Having something to eat before bed.

Manon used to bake for me.

Her food was always bitter too.

The phone is ringing.

Wait—the phone is ringing?

“MANON?!”

I pick the phone frantically, fumbling a little before pull it up to my ear.

“H-Hello?”

“Rody. Good evening.”

“VINCE?! WHAT ARE YOU—Uh, Vincent , sorry…” I sighed. Is “Vince” really not professional enough for him? It’s way easier.

The other end was silent for a while. “You’re…off the clock. You don’t have to call me that.” 

“Really?!” My jaw dropped. The rich, classy, scary Chef Charbonneau letting me call him a nickname?

“Why do you sound so excited?”

“No reason!”

“Sure. Anyway, you’re coming over right?”

“Huh?”

“You forgot about the party? I told you earlier.” Ugh, why did I tell him I heard him?! Stupid Rody, stupid!

“I didn’t forget. It just…s-slipped my mind! haha!” I sound so dumb.

“That’s what forgetting is. Just get here.” And then he hung up before I could even respond.

God, what am I getting myself into…?

Chapter Text

I’m nervous. Why am I so nervous? Well, Vince makes me nervous. He’s really scary. He always looks like he wants to kill me. He’s so mean to me. I mean, I know sometimes he’s just teasing me but he makes me feel dumb sometimes.

I’m not saying that I’m smart , but come on Vince…

I guess I’ll just…knock…

The door swung open. “Oh, you're here. Great, come in," said the scary man in question. It’s weird seeing him in casual clothes.

So this is how rich people live? It’s so spacious! My eyes are wide as I take everything in. Maybe if I beg, he’ll let me move in…

“Stop staring and go to the kitchen. I need you to serve the guests when they arrive.”

“Wait- you invited me to a PARTY just so I could work?” Are you kidding me? I don't even know what to think about that. Shows just how much I actually mean to him…

“...Yes?” He questioned me like I was in the wrong for thinking I could enjoy myself at my rich boss’s house. I mean, what kind of person goes to a party to have fun? He just brushed me off and pointed to the kitchen.

I sighed loudly, making sure he knew I was annoyed before doing as he told me to. His house smells like him. I mean that’s to be expected, but oh man, it's making me hungry.

I don't like how sharp these knives are. They’re making me a little uncomfortable. They’re probably easy to prepare meals with though.

I grab a tray without looking and step back into the main area. There’s…only four guests. Eh, I took him the lone wolf type. The first two people I approach just look at me with a disgusted face. As I passed by this one guy with dark hair, it felt weird. Like I’ve seen him somewhere. Whatever. The blonde snooty person with a sharp looking hairstyle finally took something from the platter. He seemed grateful, but as I was walking away I caught a glimpse of him looking me up and down judgefully. I don’t think I like rich people.

he would taste salty

I repeat the process of going back and forth to the kitchen for different trays of food until everyone is catered. Before I go back for the last time, the guy I saw earlier stops me.

“…Rody?” The voice said. “Is that you?”

I turned around fully, trying to recognize who it was and how exactly he knew my name. Just as it dawned on me, he seemed to confirm his own suspicions.

“Remember me? Richard? From class!” He smiled. I barely remember anything from college. His name is present in my few remaining memories though. 

“O-Oh…hey.” I don’t really like how dry my response was, but it’s already out of my mouth by the time I want it to stay in.

“Haven’t seen you around for a while. Not to sound rude, but uh, did you…drop out?” He said it so casually as if it wasn’t a humiliating thing to admit.

“Something like that…” I said sheepishly, looking down and tapping my thumbs on the tray to distract myself.

“Thought so. Your parents must’ve been disappointed huh?” I don’t think I want to be a part of this conversation anymore.

“…I gotta go piss. Like now.”

“Pardon? Dude…just say the bathro—”

“ Okaybye -” I speed walked away before he could get another word out. Man, that was so uncomfortable. I set the tray back on the counter. And even though I knew it was weird, I decided to snoop around the house. Sorry Vince. The opportunity’s too good to pass up.

I opened a door to what turned out to be the bathroom, before immediately leaving when my eyes set on the disgusting bathtub he had. It was so ugly. Horrible design. God, I hated seeing it even if it was only for a second. 

Then I found his room.

His room smells so nice.

Makes me hungry.

I want to eat now.

I want to eat him.

I went over to his bed and sat on the edge of it. I felt his soft sheets against my hand. I forgot how nice beds were. It smells just like him.

So tasty.

I couldn’t even help myself from reaching into his drawer and grabbing something. A key?

Then I saw it.

A person out of the corner of my eye.

Outside.

I pressed my hands and almost my face against the large window.

Nobody.

Maybe I imagined-

“Looking for anything specific, Rody?”

Shit.

The owner of this goddamn room is right there in the doorway.

“U-UH…I just…” I stammered. I’m so screwed and he’s totally about to fucking kill me. “Lacking for…a… naproom?? ”

“…I don’t even want to know. Just get out and go home.” He huffed, crossing his arms.

“B-But the guests?”

“—Went home. Party’s over.” That was short. Suspiciously short. But that means it’s just the two of us. I wonder if I could just

eat

him

My mind has been wandering so much lately. I don’t even pay attention to what I think about half of the time.

“Okay, y’know what?” Vince suddenly stepped forward and grabbed my shoulder. Fuck, he’s gonna kill me because my dumbass couldn’t focus on anything and even wandered into his room without permission and I-

“What’s wrong with you?”

What?

“You’ve been off lately. It’s affecting your performance. Tell me.” He squeezed my shoulder a little. It felt like he could’ve dug his nails into my skin if I wasn’t wearing a shirt.

“I-Um…” I stuttered. Should I really tell him? I’m scared. He might do something to me. But at the same time…

he’s so close and vulnerable

“I ate your food!” I finally spat, a little louder than intended. “I-I ate your food and didn’t wanna tell you that it made me feel sick because I thought you’d be mad at me and—”

“You really ate it?” Before I could continue rambling, he pressed a finger to my lips and sighed. “I don’t care that it made you sick. I’ll just stop giving it to you.”

this is such a good opportunity his finger is right there and i just want to

“Thanks…Vince…”

bite it

i want to bite it 

i might not be hungry anymore

Just as I opened my mouth I realized that he had left me standing there. Alone. In his room.

I’m so hungry.

I finally stumbled back into my own apartment, and immediately collapsed on the couch. I hated that so much. I kept thinking about the weirdest stuff. Hell, there’s some gaps in my memory from when I was lost in my own brain. What the hell is wrong with me?

I can’t sleep. I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about how hungry I am. For some reason I want to eat all the time.

Specifically Vince.

I’m not a cannibal.

What would Manon think?

She’d think I’m insane. She’d leave me for good. I can’t…let her…give up on me.

She won’t.

I don’t want to be hungry anymore.

If I’m not hungry Manon will love me.

so i need to

eat

Chapter Text

I can't stop thinking about Vincent. He’s been the only thing filling my mind for the past week and I hate it so much. I haven’t called Manon in a while. I can’t even bring myself to. I feel so fucking weird.

I feel like I want to eat him I want to eat him I want to eat him I want to eat him

and i don’t know why.

Oh. I’m here already.

Shit, I don’t even remember biking here.

My mind has been so cloudy lately. I can’t focus on anything other than how hungry I am.

That and Vincent fucking Charbonneau.

I hate this so much. I hate it.

“Ah, you’re actually here on the dot today Rody.” He said with a smirk, even though I knew he probably wasn’t that proud of me.

I didn’t even respond. I just gave him a lifeless nod and put on the best smile I could. it’s so hard to control myself and stop my body from just lunging at him and finally satiating my hunger

I stood at the entrance of the restaurant and watched as Vincent did the daily ritual of hiding in his office before my shift started.

And I followed him.

I can’t control my body.

I’m following him into his unlocked office.

And I am starving.

Shit.

Shitshitshitshitshit…

What the fuck did I do?!

God, I don’t know what I did when I followed him in there. And—where are we?! It’s so fucking cold…the freezer?

Oh my god…he’s tied up on the floor and the back of his head has blood on it and I’m holding a…bottle? What the—

I threw it on the floor, scared of myself at this point. No, nonono Rody, what the hell did you do?!

I reached into my pockets to see if I had anything else that I didn’t remember grabbing.

A key.

A key…

When did I even get this? It’s for the freezer.

Fuck that, my boss is unconscious and tied up in a freezer. Why did I…

Oh no.

Oh fuck no.

Was I gonna eat him?

While he was vulnerable?

No way. No fucking way. No…fucking way…

I’m hyperventilating.

Okay, calm down Rody, calm down. You might be hungry, but you’re not gonna eat him…!

While he’s all…

unconscious and unprotected.

he couldn’t fight back if he really wanted to

and he smells so good

he’s begging to be eaten.

Fuckfuckfuck—why am I on top of him?

my mouth tastes like iron

…

There’s a bite mark on his neck.

Did I do that?

Please tell me I didn’t.

Fuck…

There’s a fucking knife in my hand.

When did I pick that up?

My mouth feels wet

and dry

looking at him is making me so hungry and i can’t help myself anymore i just want to eat

him

want to eat him so bad and he’s right here

i can’t control myself anymore.

Chapter Text

what’s wrong with me?

vince has been sending me home with leftovers since i started working for him.

now every time i look at him, it feels different.

i feel hungry.

i feel hungry when i look at him.

why do i feel hungry?

are the leftovers not filling enough?

did he lace them?

they’re always bitter.

then again, all of his food is bitter.

i even feel something when i look at customers.

it’s not as strong.

i feel like i could eat one of them if i was hungry enough.

but vince is different.

i feel like i could eat him regardless.

he looks good.

i don’t know what it is.

but he looks really fucking good.

what the fuck am i doing?

i smashed a bottle on his head and knocked him out.

that’s all i remember.

now we’re in the freezer.

he’s tied up on the floor.

where the hell did i get a key from?

when did i tie him up?

and why the fuck is there a knife in my hand?

my mouth is dry and wet at the same time.

it tastes bitter.

and like iron.

has he always had

bite marks

on his neck?

why does he look like that?

he looks tasty and he’s all tied up and vulnerable and i could definitely eat him alive while he’s unconscious and nobody would ever have to know because he’d be stuck in this freezer and if i ate him my hunger would finally be satiated

why did i pick up a fork

why does he smell

so

appetizing?