Archive of Our Own ^beta

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“TIME GOES SO SLOWWW..” Zip loudly complained, slamming her head onto the desk as her companions sat opposite side of her. Edward, on her left, chuckled. Oliver, on her right, rolled his eyes and sat her up by her cloak.

“get over it, crybaby.” he teased playfully, making Zip pout and groan. she released herself from Oliver's grasp, getting out her seat and running behind Edward to seek protection, but playfully. realistically, she could very much defend herself.

“Eddie!! he's being meann...” she whined playfully, Edward chuckling and putting on a low and angry tone and expression to play along.

“you bully..!” he let out, bursting into coughs from how much he strained his voice. Zip laughed loudly and Oliver snickered. that's when Miss Bloomie called to the trio, tapping her boxcutter arm on her desk.

“you three, quiet it down! Zip, sit down please..” she couldn't help but smile at the childish behaviour, Zip giggling as she nodded and sat back down.

it was just a regular class; nothing new.

“god, this is kind of boring..” Zip spoke, earning offense from Edward.

until..

“how dare you!? science is a really interesting subject, which teaches–”

BANG.

the class fell into a dead silence. it was deafening, due to how much commotion there was before. a few began thinking it was just them.

“uh..” Robby called out skeptically, all eyes going to him and his table, made up of a stunned looking Riley, a worried looking Ruby and an unreadable Skell.

“.. what the hell was tha–?”

BANG. BANG.

the silence of the class returned.

yep, it was confirmed.

Miss Bloomie wasted no time, locking the door and turning off the light and keeping her voice down.

“everyone, corner of the room, there. now. stay behind the desks.”

she pointed her boxcutter to the corner of the room out of the view of the door, a few students making their ways there quietly and quickly, while others sat there stunned. she made herself clear to those who did:

“go. now.”

and they did.

the students positioned themselves close together, some taking an opportunity to turn off their phones while Miss Bloomie positioned herself by the door, out of sight, ready to attack if someone came in.

Oliver insisted to sit in front of Zip and Edward. did he think he was a saviour or something?

that's what Zip thought.

in reality, she was just trying to distract herself.

she was terrified.

she stayed close to Edward, who put an arm around her to stay close to her as well.

everyone remained silent, Claire, Bubble and Engel staying together quite securely ( same for Oliver, Zip and Edward ), and the others waiting for something to happen. a few got bored pretty quickly, that few being Riley and Robby, who almost began fighting again if it wasn't for Ruby to snap them back to reality.

Zip remained silent too, letting it consume her, until a thought flashed her mind..

Chip.

your brother's in Miss Sasha's class.

“fuck.” she whispered, making Edward turn his head to her. “my brother..”

he seemed to pick up on the issue, rubbing her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.

“he's with Miss Sasha.” he spoke softly, keeping his voice below a whisper.

“i'm sure he'll be okay.”

•  •  •

“okay, kids!” Miss Sasha called out, the kindergarteners sat in a clump on the carpet.

“who's ready for–”

BANG.

Miss Sasha froze, her eyes darting to the door. the kids seemed confused, one of them ( which looked like a sheep ) covered her ears, ready to scream. however, one which resembled a black rabbit held her close silently to stop her.

...

BANG. BANG.

this was enough to confirm Miss Sasha's suspicions; there was an active shooter.

“okay, kids..” she spoke lowly, going to quickly turn off the lights.

“lets go over there, okay?” she pointed to a corner of the room, out of the way of the door, and ushered all the kids to that corner.

little did she know, a child had escaped her sight.

Chip.

the young 5 year old slipped past her, while she was shooing others to the corner as calmly as she could. he heard the bangs. instead of being scared, he was curious. he wanted to know what it was; be adventurous!

just like his sister..

he silently opened the door the best he could, since it was already a little open, before slipping out and closing it the best he could behind him.

the halls were empty, that regular dark look coming to it; one of colour. it wasn't like that this morning. he didn't mind it though, beginning to step slowly through the halls, as far as his little legs would carry him.

he got a dozen steps away from the classroom when a barely audible click was heard.

Miss Sasha's class had been locked.

he couldn't turn back now.

not minding the danger, he went on, his steps a bit faster.

he went on, seeming a bit lost after a good amount of time of walking. he got to a point where he just wanted his sister. where was she? he wanted her to hug him. he missed her.

he went to turn around, before someone scooped him up from under his arms, making him face them; it was a mostly black figure, the eyes being as white as snow.

“won't you look at that..” they spoke lowly, inspecting an unnerved Chip. they chuckled, throwing the poor child onto the ground roughly. Chip yelped and let out a whimper of pain, tears in his eyes as he sat up and refocused his eyes onto his attacker.

“kids like you shouldn't be here..”

Chip seemed confused, but more pained in his expression, before he saw his attacker kneel down and then pin him to the ground by holding his small waist in one hand. Chip squirmed, whining quietly, but wasn't able to struggle free.

“hey..” the attacker spoke, stroking Chip's hair softly before pulling out a pocket knife and flipping it open right in front of Chip's face.

“im not done with you yet..” their voice taunted, letting out a laugh as Chip's eyes widened with fear and anxiety. the little boy struggled once again, but the attacker's response was different this time:

the intruder had moved to pin Chip's body down with their knee, making Chip whine in pain and protest, and lining up the blade with the skin on his little arm, his right arm. he went silent, his tears already flowing from the pressure on his chest.

Chip could feel the cold metal on his arm; he didn't like it. it scared him. he didn't know who this was but they were hurting him badly.

“i-i want my sissy..” he mumbled out with a whimper of pain, his voice small and shaky as his tears flowed.

the attacker looked over at him, their eyebrows raising with amusement underneath that mask. they chuckled, looking at Chip with a false soft expression.

“oh, i'll find your sissy..” they spoke slowly, Chip looking up with a bit of hope, before he let out a shriek of pain and a sob.

the attacker had sliced into his arm with the pocket knife, snickering as they watched the blood pour out of the wound they inflicted.

“when i'm done with you.”

Chip had reverted back to his pathetic, crying, state, the pain in his arm and chest already being too much to handle right now.

just as that was felt, he suddenly felt another cut, making him squeal in pain and squirm in place. the attacker had sliced the same place they cut before, blood flooding out of the deep cut inflicted on the 5 year old.

the intruder straightened their back to look at their handwork on Chip, watching the ink pour out of the wound and onto the floor. they then redirected their gaze to Chip's face; he was crying in pain and fear, whimpering and weakly continuing to squirm. it made them smirk.

“children are so beautiful when they bleed and cry..” they softly spoke, lining up the blade with Chip's arm again, right next to the last one. this was enough to heighten Chip's panic. however, they did not slice it.

no, it was even worse.

they sawed into Chip's arm with the pocket knife, making quick forward and backward motions to cut deep into his arm. Chip squeaked and cried out in pain, squirming and kicking his little legs. the pain made him restless.

“n-no more, no more!!..” the kindergartener begged, tapping his foot on the ground as he sobbed. unfortunately, for the boy, the intruder seemed to be fueled by the begging. being quite deep into Chip's arm, due to him being little, they wormed the blade right into the deep cut and then quickly sliced. ink sprayed on the floor a bit as Chip let out a scream and multiple sobs. his small body quivered under the attacker's knee, tears flowing down his cheeks as the intruder only smirked.

“aren't you cute?” they spoke lowly, moving the blade to Chip's other arm. Chip squirmed, his voice shaky and barely audible. his voice was hoarse from the way his body was weakening and his wounds overwhelmed his nerves with pain.

“no more.. no more, no more, no more..” he sobbed out, squirming a bit once more. he was getting weaker, his body betraying him. the attacker faked an expression of sympathy, taking their free hand and stroking Chip's hair.

“shh.. shh, young one..” they snickered after they said that, taking in the sensation of Chip's hair and the state he was in; shaking, sobbing, begging and bleeding out underneath them. they couldn't help but feel pleased, yet slight pity that he got so weak so quickly.

“good.. shh..” they mumbled once more, before moving their free hand to Chip's small shoulder and pushing him into the floor painfully. Chip let out a yelp, and then another pained scream as his left arm was sliced into twice, the ink squirting onto the floor and wasting no time to pour out of him. he trembled more violently now, his feet tapping restlessly as his small body betrayed him for the overwhelming pain overtaking him.

“s-sissy..” he whined out, sobs interrupting him.

“i-i want my sissy.. i want my sissy..”

his voice was weak, pained, and hoarse from the sobs and the screams. the attacker smirked, stabbing the tip of the blade into Chip, from the wound, and slicing down his arm to his wrist. Chip only could squirm and sob loudly as he shook and begged for his sister, the new, lengthy, cut on his arm leaking with ink. it wasnt as bad as his other cuts though.

the attacker chuckled at Chip's pathetic state, thinking him to be like some sort of distressed deer that had been shot in the leg, bleeding out helplessly onto the grass.

they let go of Chip, scooting back so they weren't pinning him by his chest anymore, taking a look at him.

Chip was too weak to get up, a dull pain overcoming his chest as his arms radiated with pain and a newfound numb feeling from the amount of pain throbbing through them. he trembled and sobbed where he lay, his feet still kicking and tapping restlessly at the pain. his ink kept pouring out, leaving the boy a bit dazed, his vision blurred with his tears too. he breathed heavily and unsteadily, occasional whimpers leaving him. the attacker snickered, seemingly pleased.

“how lovely..” they whispered, Chip letting out a sob at the pain and his slight daze. the attacker approached again, Chip making an effort to get up that time, trembling and sobbing louder as he scooted back closer to the lockers. he curled up, covering himself in his own blood and tears.

“no, no, no, no!!.. i-i don't like.. no more, no more.”

his tone was desperate and begging. he wanted to be left alone. he wanted to get away from this person who felt joy through his pain. he wanted.. his sister.

he needed his sister.

the attacker approached, kneeling and pressing Chip up against the locker and lifting one of his little legs.

“sissyy.. sissy..”

he weakly, and desperately, called out, sobbing uncontrollably at that point. he felt the cold metal being gently traced across his leg, shivers going up his spine as he trembled and cried. his tears kept flowing, not ceasing as his attacker teased him.

“no.. no more.. sissy..”

his arms kept forming puddles onto the floor, the pain being overwhelmed for him. he felt his consciousness slowly leave him, before jolting awake to let out a loud scream; louder than before:

the attacker had properly stabbed the blade through Chip's leg. All the way.

Chip began to hyperventilate in a panic, watching the handle stick out of him and the pain radiating through his leg. he loudly sobbed, kicking his free leg as his right one leaked with blood. the pain was becoming too much to bear, and he had to pass out from blood loss eventually, right?

yet, he wasn't..

he let out a yelp as his attacker pulled the blade out of him, breathing heavily and whimpering at the sharp pain and the throbbing.

it was all too much.

he wanted to go home.

he wanted his sister.

“sissy..” he weakly choked out, before he quickly felt the knife's tip poking at his abdomen. he froze, the tears flowing as he kept staring at it. he was quick to try beg.

“p-please.. no, please no–”

his speech was interrupted by his own, loud, lengthy, scream of pain, the knife stabbing through his abdomen and already eagerly squirting out ink. the attacker stabbed another few times, Chip's body trembling with the intense take over of pain and the shock of the situation.

they finally pulled the knife out, Chip letting out a yelp and some whimpers at the pain and the new-found throbbing in his abdomen. his tears flowed freely and silently, struggling to breathe due to the stab would.

“sissy...

sissy..”

...

“sissy..?” he spoke out weakly, noticing the gun pointed at his forehead. he shook in fear; he was terrified. he didn't want to die. yet, there wasn't much he could do; look at him. he was so weak and defenseless.

his half-lidded eyes, overflowed with tears, stared at the figure of the gun, speaking out once more.

“i want my sissy.. you prom-.. prom..ised..” he spoke, like he felt betrayed by the person who brought him harm. the attacker sighed, pressing the barrel of the gun against Chip's forehead suddenly.

“i said when im done with you. i'm not done, kiddo.” they concluded, making Chip whine quietly and weakly. they smirked, putting their index on the trigger.

“any last words, kid?”

Chip looked up weakly at his soon-to-be killer, bleeding out from his arms, leg and abdomen rapidly, sniffling and stifling a sob before speaking softly, barely above a whisper.

“i-i love you sissy..”

...

BANG.

...

and, just like that, an innocent life lost.

•  •  •

Zip shook in Edward's arms, having a silent breakdown as she sobbed into his shoulder. she wanted her brother. she wanted her brother so bad.

luckily for her, the boy understood her attachment to her brother and simply rubbed circles on her back. Oliver kept his gaze on the door, before an announcement was heard on the PA;

“hello students, there have been 2 active shooters spotted on campus today. however, both have left and you are safe to leave your hiding places.”

some students sighed with relief, a few hugging each other. Zip's tears did not hinder, Edward whispering reassurances that it'll be okay, he'll be okay.

“please get help to those who need it. 911 has been called and is on the way. do not leave your classrooms.”

Zip had been sitting there, sobbing, for a good amount of the lockdown. she even had Engel and Claire scoot over to check up on her, and she was sure Claire hated her guts.

it took a few minutes after the announcement, but Zip did calm down, Edward simply talking to her gently and keeping her calm as others wondered around the class, grabbing some stuff, hugging other's, chasing others around ( Robby and Riley, who could've guessed )..

“okay, class.. the police and ambulance will be here soon, so don't leave until i say so.”

Zip sighed shakily, Edward taking her hand into his gently.

“hey..” he softly spoke, ruffling her hair playfully. she couldn't help but give a smile at his next sentence:

“it'll be okay..”

thats when a knock was heard on the classroom door. Miss Bloomie unlocked it, to reveal a distressed Miss Sasha.

“oh, Sasha, hello. are you and your class alright?” Miss Bloomie asked with concern, placing her hand on her shoulder. Miss Sasha nodded, and then shook her head.

“yes and no..” she exhaled shakily, seeming like she was gonna burst into tears.

“i-it's Chip. i can't find him Bloomie..!”

Bloomie's eyes widened with concern, her eyes going to a certain student. however, said student had already overheard and reacted with a wide-eyed expression of pure extreme fear.

“Zip–” Miss Bloomie started, but Zip left Edward and ran through the door, pushing past Miss Sasha.

“Zip!!” Miss Sasha called out, but her voice was blocked out by Zip's.

“Chip!” she ran through the halls desperately, determined to find her brother. she kept running, the voices of others being nothing but vivid muffles. she had to find him. she had to.

she turned corner after corner, and was beginning to lose hope, tearing up, until she noticed a small figure that she missed by a few steps. she froze in her tracks, looking over at what she missed...

•  •  •

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO!?” a second party yelled at their companion, who was wiping their blood-soaked gun with a cloth.

“I dunno..” they responded, being an ass on purpose as they leaned over to the second shooter.

“what did i do?”

the second attacker seemed shocked and somewhat angry. how could their companion target and kill a 5 YEAR OLD CHILD in such a cruel way!? this wasn't what they agreed to do.

“you.. you KILLED A CHILD!” they yelled once more, looking down at the messed up corpse for no more than a second. the sight of the poor child made their stomach churn.

“you.. you're fucking disgusting.”

“oh, don't be such a sensitive bitch.”

the counter statement threw the second shooter off, realising what they had in their hand; a gun. they sighed, looking away from their weapon and to the floor.

the silence between them was somewhat threatening, the first shooter chirping up.

“let's go before we get caught.”

hesitantly, the second party nodded, them quickly leaving the corpse before them:..

•  •  •

there lay Chip's corpse, against the locker. his small, limp body, was covered in dried blood and ink, puddles of it in the area. ink leaked out of scarily deep cuts in his arms, a stab wound in his leg and multiple stabs in his abdomen. he still bled out badly at his abdomen. where he bled worse was the hole in his head, ink dripping down his face and into his lap. fragments of his paper brains and ink splattered the lockers behind him, leaving bloody murder all around his corpse.

his eyes were dull and tearful; no life glimpsed in them, but it was like he was still crying; crying from pain. crying from torture. crying for his sister.

Zip stood there, staring at the corpse in horror. she let out a chuckle, walking towards him and sitting on her knees in front of him. she scooped him up gently from under his arms, holding his bloodied body against hers as she wrapped her arms around him.

“h-hey, buddy.. you startled me there. come on, dont play with me..”

no response.

not even a breath.

not even a heartbeat.

she froze, processing his lack of a response, before tearing up and hugging his corpse close to her.

“fuck, Chip.. d-don't leave me like this..”

she choked a sob, shaking as she sobbed. her tears overflowed and ran freely, hitting the corpse with a tenderness. she rocked him back and forward, like he was still alive, and whispered to him.

“im sorry.. im sorry, im sorry im sorry, im so sorry..”

she let out a sob, not being able to control the sobs and tears that left her now.

“Zip!” a voice called from the end of the hall, footsteps getting closer. she didn't care. she kept cradling the corpse, ignoring all else.

the person finally got close enough to identify:

Miss Circle.

“Zip! there you–..”

her voice trailed off, seeing the corpse in the sobbing teen's arms. her brows furrowed, walking to Zip slowly and sitting beside her. she put the girl in her lap and held her close, running her claws through her hair as she sobbed.

“im sorry..” that's all she could mumble as the distressed highschooler switched to sobbing into the older woman's shoulder, still holding onto the body. she wrapped both arms around her, trying to soothe her sobs, which wouldn't be anytime soon.

nobody knew who was responsible.

who would murder such a sweet boy.

these were things Zip thought during now.

“my Chip.. h-he's gone.. i'll never see him again..” she hiccuped as she sobbed a bit louder, feeling Miss Circle attempt to comfort her.

•  •  •

the body was taken by the ambulance, and he was confirmed, to his mother, to be dead. she didn't take the news well, holding onto her distressed daughter and sobbing.

all Zip could do was wrap her arms around her and tremble in her arms.

”im sorry for your loss”, those words repeated over and over.

Chip, sweet chip, was gone.

an innocent life lost.

and she just wished she would wake up from this nightmare already.

Chapter Text

it had been a few days since the event, since the event that Chip had been brutally murdered by the intruders.

safe enough to say, nothing had been the same.

Miss Thavel wasn't taking her son's death well, falling apart quite quickly at what happened to him. the school offered her time off, telling her she could since a teacher can't teach like this. she agreed to take a month off.

Zip was also having the same time off school, due to her mother agreeing to go on leave, and she accepted it quite quickly. she wasn't gonna lie and say that she didn't need it. besides, her mother needed her. she couldn't leave her mother in such a state..

Chip wouldn't approve anyway.

Zip sat in a corner of her room, curled up as she stared at her phone. it was laid in front of her feet, it wasn't even turned on. she just stared at it, gently trembling and sighing.

this was all she had been doing for a while today; sitting, curled up, staring at something meaningless. it didn't help her, so she didn't know why she did it..

she hadn't eaten since two days ago; that too.

and, funny enough, her mother hadn't checked up on her today.

despite Miss Thavel's horrible mental state, from her son's death, she had put her daughter first through this, checking up on her and still caring for her as she did the same.

however, today was different. Thavel hadn't attempted to even talk to her, more so just doing whatever as she walked around the house the two occupied.

Zip was 15; she didn't mind being independent and she preferred her mother focused on herself. However, it just felt all too odd to ignore.

Zip had gotten up, picking up her phone and tossing it on her bed. she opened the door to her oddly comforting bedroom, stepping out and closing the door behind her silently. the halls were quiet.. too quiet.

she was too used to chasing Chip around, hearing him laugh and squeal excitedly, or her mother telling the two to not run. she was way too used to it.

she felt her eyes well up with tears, being quick to blink and rub them away. she couldn't break down again. not today.

she slowly walked to the top of the stairs, a muffled sound being heard more clearly, to her, as she got closer. it's like her senses were cutting themselves off, because it now seemed all too overwhelming.

she took one step down the stairs, then stepping each foot down slowly. she suddenly couldn't stop herself, her instincts having more power than her logical thinking. yet, she didn't protest with herself, letting herself continue moving.

the muffled sound got louder, now sounding more like laughter.. her mother's laughter.

how.. odd.

her mother wouldn't laugh during a time like this.

she stepped with more urgency, finally making it to the bottom and walking into the dining room.

Thavel sat on one of the chairs, in a relaxed pose. four bottles of beer were on the table, two of those being empty and the third being half-finished.

she hiccuped and giggled, looking to her daughter as she took another sip of her glass.

“ahhh.. Zip!” she drunkly called out, establishing slight fear into the girl.

“mama..” she replied, keeping a distance and taking in the sight before her.

she had never seen her mother drink before. and it scared her.

she eyed her mother, scanning her for any sort of behaviour that wasn't just giddiness. she didn't see any violent intent behind those drunken eyes, but it still scared her.

she was 15, not 5; she was stupid but not that stupid.

“that's a lot of beer..” Zip spoke sheepishly, staying in the doorway of the room. she felt as if it were better if she was a good distance away.

Thavel only laughed, sighing and putting her glass down.

“oh, Zip.. you've always been such a funny child.” she played it off, waving her hand a bit before picking her glass back up and taking another sip of beer, her cup almost empty.

that sentence hit a bit of a nerve in Zip. that's right; she was a funny child. she rather never took things seriously or, when she was serious, it came off in a way that she wasn't. at least, that's what she assumed, since she was never really taken seriously.

as she watched Thavel take another sip, her glass almost empty, she hoped she'd stop there. however, Thavel only hummed and called Zip over, her voice slurred.

“Zip.. be a good kid and pour your mother some more, will you?”

‘be a good kid’..

Zip let those words replay a few times, before walking over to Thavel and grabbing the third bottle. she opened the cap on it and poured the beer into the glass, her eyes going to her every few seconds.

the smell of alcohol was overwhelming, and her mother's state hurt her to see it.

how did it come to this?

when Zip finished, she put the cap on the bottle and put it back, Thavel grabbing the refilled glass and taking a few gulps of it. she then reached up her hand and scratched Zip's head.

“good girl..” she spoke, her voice a bit more slurred as she then retracted her hand and giggled.

“such a good kid.”

Zip cringed; she wasn't a good kid. usually, she'd like to hear that from time to time, from her mom, but this wasn't one of those times. she wasn't a good kid for refilling that glass for her mom. she was contributing to her current state. that's not what a ‘good kid’ does.

yet, she kept silent, only humming as she walked over to the sink in the kitchen. however, her mother seemed to object.

Thavel called out to Zip, just as she was attempting to establish some sort of distance between them.

“Zip.”

Zip turned to her, seeming a bit confused and just that slightly terrified.

“come.. come sit.”

Zip stared at her for a few seconds, hesitating before walking over to her and taking a seat in front of her. she observed her mother in that drunken state, taking note of anything that seemed more off than everything already was.

her mother put her glass down, looking her child up and down before speaking.

“you seem nervous, darling..” she slurred, smiling at Zip.

Zip returned the smile, but couldn't help but feel discomforted as she was called ‘darling’.

she simply shook her head, trying to seem relaxed.

“im not, mama.”

Thavel narrowed her eyes, leaning forward in her seat, closer to Zip.

“i can see it in your eyes, my child.” she commented, only serving to make Zip more tense.

“are you sure it isn't the beer?” Zip joked a bit, her voice just above a mumble. she knew it was a bad thing to say, but this was her way of changing the subject.

Thavel laughed, picking her glass back up and swirling around the liquid inside of it. she was surprisingly chilled. Zip was, at least, grateful about that.

“oh, Zip, you funny kid..” she slurred, taking a few more gulps of her beer.

she felt uncomfortable in her mother's presence, for once. being a teen, she fought with her mother quite a bit, but was never uncomfortable in her presence. she wasn't when Chip died either. however, it's clear that Thavel has given up on any hope of getting over her son's death.

Zip can't handle being alone right now, but that's exactly what she is; alone. she has nobody but herself. at least, in this house, it's that way. she wouldn't know about school; she isn't currently going due to the loss.

all she really has to predict it is the hundreds of messages that Oliver and Edward were spamming her with that she had to put her phone on do not disturb for it to shut the hell up...

she felt bad for doing that actually.

maybe responding would've distracted her from what first attracted her here in the first place.

hah, funny; she doesn't even remember why she came out of her room.

maybe if she let them talk to her and console her, maybe she could've taken her mind off of whatever pulled her into this situation.

she wouldn't feel so uncomfortable.

she wouldn't feel so alone.

she flinched when she felt her mother's hand on her again; on her cheek this time.

“your brother looked quite a lot like you, Zip..” she slurs once more, the evident glimmer of tears already in her eyes.

“both such beautiful children.. he was just like you at that age, just less chaotic..”

her daughter's eyes soften.

how could she think to leave her mother alone? no matter how uncomfortable she was, it wasn't right.

she only feels ashamed now.

Zip could only hum lowly, not knowing how to respond except for returning the physical affection, resting her hand atop of the hand on her cheek.

“i should've been a better mother..” she added on softly. that's when Zip spoke up.

“no, mama..” she started softly, rubbing her thumb gently on Thavel's hand.

“you're already an amazing mother.. don't say that.”

Thavel chuckled, removing her hand from Zip's cheek.

“you're too sweet for your own good, Zip. Chip was too.. heh.. don't be that way..”

Zip was confused. all she knew was that the mentions of Chip were upsetting her greatly. she already felt guilty enough for it and she already missed him too much to mentally nor physically bare. it felt like his death was being.. shoved right up in her face. like she was attempting to suffocate her in her guilt and mourning of her brother.

“don't be like what, mama..?” Zip questioned slowly, before Thavel somewhat interrupted her by putting her glass down loudly onto the table. she flinched at the sound, seeing the wide smile on her mother's face. however, there was no droplet of happiness in it; it was only overflowed with a lingering pain and depression that even Zip didn't fully understand the depths of.

“there you go again!.. acting like that. acting like your brother.” she scowled, taking another few gulps of her alcohol. Zip could only stare at Thavel with an expression which expressed pure pain and discomfort.

there was also another thing:

pure fear.

she squirmed slightly in her seat, it being a feeling she wasn't used to. she'd get nervous, but most of the stuff she did was careless and always had a sense of adventure and danger. danger was what got her adrenaline sky-rocketing. she couldn't help but give in to it.

and she was never scared of her own mom before.

Thavel noticed her silence and furrowed her brows, placing her hand softly on Zip's head.

“don't be so quiet dear.. it won't get you anywhere..”

Zip sat still, looking Thavel in the eyes as she kept her hand still on her head. she swore she could feel her claws move a bit and slightly dig into her. that may be something she'll remember for the rest of her life, unless other things happen to drown it out with something new, perhaps.

despite this, Zip did not move an inch. she only sighed as he leaned into the touch, even if it hurt her more.

“you're right, mama.”

Thavel smiled, scratching Zip's head in approval. it wasn't a gentle touch though. it was quite rough and it hurt her. Zip wondered if she was doing it on purpose.

perhaps as.. a punishment?

for ‘acting like her brother’.

or for not being more stubborn to leave and save him.

“Zip..” Thavel started, getting the girl out of her thoughts.

“go clean yourself up.”

she was confused at first, until she felt something slowly run down her face. she rubbed it, looking down at her hand.

ink.

it was her own blood.

it slightly surprised her; she didn't think she was being scratched that roughly. she nodded quickly, going to get a cloth, dampen it and rub her face and head with it. she held it on her head, from where she bled, and looked back at her mom.

she was giving her a cold glare. why?

why did she look at her like that?

Zip only grew more afraid. fear built up within her to a level that she couldn't remember the last time she reached to.

“stop looking at me. god, you resemble your brother so much, it hurts..” her tone suddenly seemed a bit less tipsy, like she was somewhat sober and meant every word. Zip felt like crying.

she couldn't tell whether it was her mother speaking, or the alcohol.

all Zip could do was mumble an apology and look away, her eyes redirecting to her boots.

as she did, Thavel smirked slightly in approval of the response, taking a bottle and then chugging it.

while she was distracted, Zip took this time to slip away and back to her room, being quick and still holding the cloth on her head to keep it from bleeding out.

her faint footsteps echoed through the quiet hallway, finally going into her room and going silent after she closed the door.

she put her back up against the wall, sinking to the floor. she hugged her knees close to her and began rocking back and forward. she couldn't do this. she couldn't. she didn't feel safe.

she gave up on the cloth, feeling the tears prick at her eyes as she let the blood drip down her face.

she then remembered; her phone. she got up and quickly got it from the bed, going back to her position before she got up, back against the door, as she turned it on. she scrolled down to the menu, turning do not disturb off.

to her surprise, Oliver and Edward were still at it while having a conversation, her phone vibrating each time someone sent a message.

1000+ messages...

maybe people did care.

she opened up her phone, and then already got a reply as she appeared as online:

Oliver:  and then thats whenOH MY GOD ZIP HI.

Edward: FUCKING FINALLY WTF.

Edward: ARE YOU OKAY.. YOU WEREN'T RESPONDING FOR HOURS.

Zip: im fine guys, please

Edward: you had us worried yk..

Oliver: are you okay tho.

she smiled slightly, thinking before typing. she thought about it before, but now she was more sure than ever; she couldn't stay here for whole days for a month. too unsafe.

Zip:  no. im coming back to school next week.

Edward: Zip, you're getting over a death, are you sure?

Oliver: yeah, what Ed said. dont you think this is too quick?

Zip: please trust me.

Zip: im better off at school atm

and she was met with understanding, concern, and a shit load of questions.

...

she loved her best friends.

she couldn't wait to see them again.

Thavel wasn't taking her there, so she could just walk or take the bus.

it may be much,

but it's better than home.

Chapter Text

monday was here! finally. it felt like a long time since friday.

Zip never thought she'd be excited for a monday to come her way, yet, here she was, excited; she was going back to school today after a week.

even since the incident with her mother, she's only ever heard her drunken laughs and her comments on her and Chip. she could take the violence, but she couldn't take hearing about her deceased brother.

of course, she'd still have to go home in the evenings, it just meant she'd hear those things less.

all she did this weekend was text Oliver and Edward while being cooped up in her room. she didnt even eat or get anything to drink unless she was desperate, and she only got water; not food. she hadn't been able to eat properly since her brother's death, this just worsened everything.

her mother was her new tormenter; someone who established fear into her, and she couldn't take it. a part of her just refused to handle the fact one of her safe people was no longer worthy of such a title.

Zip planned to get up early for school; it started at 7:30am, and she was up, getting ready, at 5:30 in the morning. she also planned to catch a bus and set off at 6.

her mother wouldn't even notice!

she knew she wouldn't.

once she finished, she packed her bag; stupid books she'll never read, water bottle or whatever, pens and pencils. she also packed a power bank and a charger; she didnt know what time she'd get home, so just in case..

she picked up her phone and checked the time; it was 5:51am by that time. she hummed and slung it over her shoulder, quickly leaving her room and making sure her steps were silent as to not wake her mom.

she got downstairs safely, going into the kitchen and grabbing a poptart. she then nibbled and snacked on it as she looked around.

it was so silent.

too silent for her.

and this pushed her out quicker; yep, she grabbed a house key and left the house right there at then, at 5:52am. not too far off 6am, so it wouldn't be too bad.

the sun was still rising, so she got to see how it rose. she couldn't help but be mesmerised. it was beautiful.

she walked down the pavement, her house becoming more and more out of view as her legs moved her forward. the nearest bus stop was 30 minutes from here, she'd be fine.

as she walked, she finally took in that silence as something more calming than distressing; something she wasn't able to do since her brother's death. maybe it was due to environment, not the silence itself, she thought.

she had been walking for a good 15 minutes now, oh how time flies when you're deep in thought, when she heard her name be called.

“Zip!” someone called, footsteps coming her way, with another set with it but at a slower pace. she raised an eyebrow, turning to the source. the owner of said voice has stopped in front of her with a concerned expression, the other party not being too different as they walked over. Zip couldn't help but mumble out loud:

“oh, Claire, Engel.” she spoke blankly, being in a slight daze from the fact they were approaching her this way. usually, Claire would be angrier and Engel would be slightly more defensive. however, this wasn't school. this was a street, quite far from school.

“Zip, what are you doing here? aren't you supposed to be off school..?” Claire asked, concern and genuine worry laced in her voice as her brows furrowed slightly.

“oh, i think im fine enough to go back, so.”

a silence overtook the thick atmosphere between them, Claire taking a glimpse at Engel before Zip cleared her voice and spoke up, in her old cocky tone that wasn't heard as much compared to 2 weeks ago.

“what does it matter to you? you care or something?”

Zip laughed, Claire furrowing her brows in annoyance. however, she didn't yell. she didn't groan or roll her eyes or anything like that. she just simply spoke.

“yes.”

Zip paused, her somewhat forced laughs dying down as her eyes slowly went back to the girl in front of her.

“i do care.”

she hadn't heard those words from anyone but Edward and Oliver recently, so it was quite a surprise to Zip.

a pleasant one though.

she couldn't help the soft smile that played on her lips after that, forcing out a softer look from Claire.

“you were always a bit of a softie, huh?”

Claire didn't know how to respond, still taking in the fact Zip had given her such a soft and genuine smile. she hadn't smiled at her like that since preschool.

“i dont mean it in a bad way, don't look so shocked..”

and that's when Zip giggled, genuinely this time. Claire blushed slightly and scratched her neck, looking off to the side.

“yeah yeah, whatever..” she grumbled, cursing herself for getting caught off like that.

Engel chuckled and walked to stand next to Claire, inspecting Zip slightly.

“you look exhausted.. and i know nobody gets over a death that quick, Zip. we both know that well..”

Engel and Zip made eye contact, and that's when it hit Zip; what he was talking about hit her.

her father.

mr Thavel, a respectful man with a soft spot for children. he worked hard and well, as soft as a teddybear on the inside and had a heart of gold spared only for his family. Zip adored him, he taught her everything that got her here today during her years of being young.

he's not here now.

she wondered what he'd think of her and miss Thavel if he were here to see this today.

what he'd think about her mother's new habits and coping mechanisms.

what he'd think of her not being protective enough to go look for him...

and she knew Engel had a twin brother too.

he's not here now either.

maybe her dad cares deeply for him while Engel's away from him.

Engel would like that.

hey, maybe Chip found her dad already too.

he was only 2 years old when their father had come to pass

“just tell us the real reason you're here.”

the boy concluded in a gentle tone, catching Zip with a knot in her throat.

she sighed, not being able to deny the tears threatening to run out and down her face. from the mix of comforting tones and the odd amount of care, she couldn't help it. however, she held back and spoke

“fine.”

she took a deep breath, making sure to keep her composure.

“my mom.. she isn't doing the best right now. who would after losing a son?”

she chuckled, but it was a pained one, as if using a joke to cope more so because she wanted to make others laugh.

“but it's so bad, i.. don't think me being there is helping her.”

“what do you mean?” Claire enquired, giving Zip a reason to smile.

“i mean, she keeps comparing me to Chip. and...” she then put her hand on her head; the area she bled before. she felt it over; it was rough. it didn't feel the same.

“she's a little bit unaware of what she can do right now.”

Claire was slightly confused.

however, Engel got the point immediately and his eyes widened.

“she didn't..”

“she did, Engie. she did.”

she hadn't called Engel ‘Engie’ in years.. not since preschool. Claire seemed to catch on, in that moment, moving her hand to where Zip had hers on her head and let out a soft gasp.

“oh..” she spoke gently, before retracting her hand and standing there a moment.

“uhm..” Zip started, feeling like she said too much.

“it's okay though, im fine–”

she was cut off by a pair of arms wrapping around her tightly, her body close with who had her in that embrace.

“im sorry, Zip.” Claire spoke, empathy the only thing evident in her voice as she held onto the person she would, in any other circumstance, call "annoying" or "rude".

“im so sorry.”

Zip's words caught in her throat. they refused to go and make themselves known. it's like she was publicly speaking with stage fright.

and, against her will, her arms wrapped around the other in return, burying her head into her shoulder and trying to hold back the tears that so desperately fought and protested to be let free.

“you can cry.” Engel spoke softly, walking closer and then resting a gentle hand on Zip's head. he could feel the injury under her hair as he pressed down through her thick locs of hair. it made him feel a fleeting amount of empathy for her.

“you've been through more than enough.”

“dont do this to me.” Zip spoke, her voice muffled as she let out a chuckle, then held onto Claire tighter.

“just come join the hug.”

Engel hummed, smiling softly as he walked around, so he was behind Zip, and hugged her and Claire. Claire chuckled, suddenly speaking up.

“this reminds me of preschool.”

Zip let out a laugh, lifting her head and leaning back against Engel to look at Claire. tears were streaming down her face but they decided not to comment on it for her sake.

“you still remember those group hugs they forced us to do??”

Claire smiled and giggled.

“yep!! remember how it kind of became something i liked so id make Engel go with me to ask people?”

“oh, yeah, you dragged me all over the playground.” Engel chuckled, Claire humming sheepishly as Zip could only laugh.

“i used to watch you guys going around all the time, it was funny.” Zip commented, taking in the feeling of both Claire's and Engel's arms around her. she felt safe for the first time in a week.

it felt..

relieving.

“yeah, i swear i used to beg you to do it.”

“mhm, Claire you used to beg everyone.”

“hey!! come on, Zipster, i wasn't that bad.”

Zipster...

just one of the nicknames she was given over the years.

“oh, Clairey, you were.”

“oh god, the nicknames are back..” Engel joked, making the two girls giggle, along with him.

“they were always so stupid!” Zip laughed, but sighed and looked back at Engel softly.

“but also.. really cute. it felt nice.. everyone had nicknames for everyone. i miss those days.”,

“i hate the fact we had to grow up.”

Zip's final sentence made Claire sigh.

“i knew you were gonna say that.. i agree.”

Engel smiled softly and then tightened his embrace with the two, speaking in an optimistic tone.

“well, it's always fun to look back on the memories! and, besides, we're kind of reliving it right now, huh?”

Zip couldn't help but feel like that made sense. Claire seemed to agree straight away.

“yeah.. i missed your hugs Zippy.” and she held onto the shorter girl tighter too, slight blush on her face as she remembered how they used to hug like this.

“ah– Claire, Engel..” Zip chuckled, then she couldn't help but tear up more.

“y-you guys are gonna suffocate me.” she joked, but couldn't choke back the soft sob that let itself out as she burst into giggles.

Zip felt oddly loved.

she liked it though. she liked it a lot.

“thank you guys.. for this.”

“never a problem, Zippy!!”

“yeah, no problem at all. Claire and i are here to help.”

Zip couldn't move. she only giggled, letting her tears escape her eyes as she was held. she couldn't really remember last time she sobbed into someone's arms like this, even before Chip's death.

it was probably before her father's.

she needed this.

after a while of hugging, Claire checked the time on her phone; it was 6:51 am.

“oh, crap–” she mumbled, grabbing Engel's and Zip's attention as she rubbed her eyes of tears.

“it's 6:52am, the bus will be at the stop soon.”

hey. exactly an hour after she left.

“oh, yeah, we better move.”

Zip stood in silence as the two other teens let go of her. she had to resist holding them close to her and avoiding them from leaving as she got herself to let go of Claire. they began walking the path again.

Zip was beginning to think that this was only a one-time encounter, before Claire turned to her, then Engel did.

“you coming, Zippy? you are coming back to school, aren't you?” she enquired, tapping her foot on the concrete slowly and gently.

and, in that moment, all hope was restored.

“oh, yeah!” she replied happily, seemingly a lot more joyful now, as she quickly caught up with the two. she stood between Engel and Claire, before they began walking again.

Claire then starting going on about kindergarten and Moemoe, her cat that Zip absolutely adored, with Engel bringing up some memories from a waterfight they once had.

Zip only listened at first, and then chipped in and joined in conversation.

an hour later, it finally felt like she was leaving for school.

and, finally, after possibly months, if she was honest with herself, she finally felt properly wanted.

and loved.

not to say Edward and Oliver didn't make her feel that way, she just always felt like a burden to them at times.

however, Claire and Engel managed to change her mind in that moment.

they got to the bus stop, arriving just in time, getting on and finding seats they could sit on as they conversed and laughed.

Zip missed this.

she missed them.

but, now, it felt like she found a piece of mind with this encounter.

and Engel and Claire could say the same.

Chapter Text

tap tap tap, the fast pace of footsteps and the loud sounds of giggling and screaming filled a playground, teachers observing as children ran around with waterguns, water balloons, water bottles, you name it!

that mightve been the best day to ever remember for those kids.

“ZIPPER, OVER THERE!!” a young girl yelled, pointing to another child, who squealed and began running and shooting his watergun at random.

“GOT IT, KATIE!!” the other replied, aiming her watergun and shooting at the boy. she giggled than ran over to him. both children were pretty wet, both pointing their guns at each other. the boy look more terrorised. the girl seemed more excited.

“SURRENDER, FIEND!!”

“DONT HURT ME!!”

a sudden loud splash was heard, then the sound of plastic hitting concrete and rolling on it.

the girl stood there, soaked and absolutely drenched in water. the boy began to giggle, another boy standing behind her.

“no attacking Abbie.”

“EDDIE!! WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?”

“WATCH OUT!!!” someone yelled out, as multiple waterballoons were thrown their way. another girl, screaming, had ran past and had grabbed the girl drenched in water. so she wàs gome in an instant.

“CLAIRE, LET ME GO!!”

“NOO!!!”

the boy who soaked that girl had long hair, horns and a pair of rounded shades, which he adjusted a bit and huffed in triumph. the other had black hair and a stem and leaf coming from the top of his head. he had a look of awe.

“thanks.. Edward.”

“no time for thanks.” the boy known as Edward quickly said, grabbing the other boy's hand, said boy being known as Abbie, and running off as more shots from waterguns were fired their way.

“CLAIRE, FOR PIRATES AND SEAMONSTERS SAKE, LET ME GO!!” the girl screamed once again, the other finally coming to a stop under some shelter.

Claire still held onto the other, shaking her lightly.

“ZIP!! RILEY GOT ENGEL AND BUBBLE, CAN YOU HELP ME?? PLEASEEE??” Claire pleaded, Zip seemingly unamused.

“nuh uh.”

“please..??”

“.. okay.”

“YAY!! THANKS ZIPPY, YOU'RE AWESOME!”

and, with that, Claire got her waterballoons ready, Zip got her watergun, and she was back to being dragged by Claire again.

back to where they were going were Engel, a boy woth fluffy hair, a short ponytail and two feathers embedded in his hair, and Bubble, his sister, made up of bubbles and had a rubber duck on her head, sitting there, bored, under another huge shelter in the playground. they were being watched by a shorter boy with dark hair and a propeller hat and another kid who was silent and had a more dark-coloured complexion and attire.

“Riley, what's the point of this? we aren't even doing anything.” the boy with the propeller hat complained, rolling his eyes as his subject turned to him.

“IT FEELS LIKE A WIN ROBBY, LET US LIVE.” she shot back, a robot with a pastel colour palette speaking up.

“hey, lets not fight, we're working together..”

the group went silent, until faint, fast paced, footsteps were heard.

“uhm.. what's that?” the silent one finally spoke, until Claire and Zip finally burst in, Claire rapidly throwing water balloons at everyone and Zip cackling manically.

“TIME TO MEET YOUR DOOM!!!” she screamed, cackling still while she shot at others.

“yep, im out.” one of them said, walking out the shelter.

“OH, THANKS SKELL!! YOU'RE A REAL HELP.” Robby remarked, Riley spinning the propeller on his hat and then getting to Claire and making her stop by grabbing her wrists.

“ROBBY, COME HERE.” she demanded, smiling evilly.

“you're mine now.” she said simply, before cackling as Claire whined.

“wait– Riley, what about her? the one next to Ruby?” Robby pointed out, Riley looking over to where he was pointing.

Zip was pointing a completely filled watergun at Ruby, wearing a malicious smile as the other looked panicked.

“let clairey, featherboy and bubblegirl go, or else the ROBOT gets it.” she exaggerated, both Robby and Riley seeming to stop.

“wait– NO!” Ruby protested, raising her hands.

“ROBOTS CAN'T BE TOUCHED WITH WATER! THEY'LL DIE!”

“thats exactly the point.”

Zip spoke so blankly, everyone froze except for her in that moment.

she got it from her dad.

“so.. let them go!!” Zip demanded, Riley letting go of Claire, who ran to Zip immediately and hugged her, giving her thanks over and over as she hugged her back.

Engel and Bubble got up calmly, holding hands and walking over to the two while Riley and Robby were busy with Ruby, who was stunned by the death threat.

that's when Katie came in, along with another 3 other girls and another boy. one of the girls looked a bit different though, a bit more threatening, despite being 7 years old like everyone else. everyone except Katie, Zip and Claire seemed slightly scared or off put.

“Katie!!” Zip called out, smiling.

“hi Zipper!! I got Lizzy, Petunia and Cubby with me to get Riley or whoever Eddie mentioned.. and ∆lice is here cuz shes pretty!!”

∆lice scoffed a bit, but smiled calmly. she was holding Katie's hand. that's when she spoke.

“Oli, i think Zipper's already done stuff.” she commented, pointing at Ruby, Riley and Robby. Plus the fact Skell wasn't there.

“oh!” Katie then smiled and gave a huge smile and a thumbs up, which made ∆lice giggle.

“good job Zipper!! Lana's with Eddie and Abbie. Miss Sasha wants us to come back.”

and, as soon as that was said, Riley, Robby and Ruby left. probably to snitch on Zip, but whatever. The rest had began leaving, Engel going ahead with Bubble. Claire would've followed, but was too busy thanking and hugging Zip. It was only them, ∆lice and Katie now, Katie then letting out a hum.

“hey, Zipper?” she nervously spoke, ∆lice squeezing her hand to reassure and boost her confidence once more. Zip looked over with no hesitation, a sweet smile on her face.

“yeah, Kaykay??” she responded curiously, Claire holding her hand and seeming equally engaged. Katie didn't mind Claire though, speaking regardless of her presence.

“could you.. call me Oliver from now on??” she asked softly, then adding on.

“and dont call me a she!!”

“a he?” Zip asked, in which Katie nodded to.

“oh, okay Oli!!” Zip spoke how she usually would, not questioning Katie's decision or request. that made her him smile.

“thanks Zipper!! we should head back now!” Katie Oliver spoke, squeezing ∆lice's hand and then walking back with her.

“we should go too!” Zip spoke, before going silent at the sensation of someone kissing her on the cheek; Claire had given her a soft kiss to it.

“thanks again for helping me Zippy!!” she spoke happily and gratefully, Zip blushing a bit.

“i- no problem, Clairey..” she giggled, before the two began walking over. they'd probably get scolded for being the last there, but oh well.

“would you help me again though??”

“oh, no!!”

“Zippy!! that's mean..!”

“im just joking Clairey,

of course i would.”