Work Text:
January 8th, 2010.
Ted was just relaxing in his house, texting some new guy he met at work who seemed decent enough to consider him a friend. The guy wasn’t anything special, in fact he was probably the most boring guy he’d ever met, but at least he doesn’t outright insult him so that’s a win, he supposed. Even though he seemed very dry over text. His name was.. Paul..? maybe? He couldn’t recall. He was always shitty at remembering names. He knew it was something boring and common.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Ted raised an eyebrow, looking at the clock. 10:37 pm. Who would be at his door at this hour? Girl Scout? No, it’s late at night. Maybe an advertiser? Ehhh. Whatever. He might as well check. It could be someone just willing to show up to his apartment.
He got up, walking towards the door while tidying his hair. He looked like absolute shit right now and he knew that.
As soon as he opened the door, a young child came running up to him, hugging his legs while sobbing quietly. He could tell the kid was crying from the tears he could feel drip down his legs. Ted picked up the kid, taking in her features. Shit, what’s Pia doing here?
The officer—who Ted had definitely not forgotten was in front of him—cleared their throat, speaking up.
„ I found the kid running around, seemingly lost on where to go. I talked to her and she brought me to you. Are you related to her in any way shape or form? “
Ted nodded, holding the young girl tightly in his arms. „ She’s my sister. Did she tell you anything other than my house address? “
„ She seemed afraid to talk but told me simple words like.. Shouting, mama, papa, and scared. From what I can infer, your parents might be fighting. Do I need to interfere? This could be dangerous for the child. “ The words sent a shiver up Ted’s spine. Are they fighting again? For fuck’s sake.
„ No, no. It’s fine. I’ll have a word with them, tell them that she’s with me. But thank you, officer.” The officer tipped their hat at him, saying the usual “Happy to help” type sentence before leaving. Ted closed the door behind them, letting out a huge sigh. He walked over to the couch, gently placing Pia onto it.
„ I’m guessing Mama and Tata are yelling again and you snuck out, hm? “ Ted spoke, his tone gentle. Pia nodded, slightly ashamed. She was clinging to Ted’s arm, while also shaking, probably because of how cold it was out and all she had on was a simple jacket she must’ve grabbed from her closet.
„ Alright. I’ll talk with them. Do you want to colour while listening to music again? “ Ted asked, with the girl perking up and nodding excitedly, smiling despite her tear-stained face. Ted smiled, taking a piece of tissue paper from the tissue box on the coffee table and using it to wipe her face. He stood up, walking towards the kitchen cabinets. He opened one, took out a colouring kit, and made his way back to the living room to set it down on the coffee table as well as the headphones he’s connected to his laptop.
„ Remember, nothing but listening to music, alright kid? And don’t even try going into my private browser. “ He instructed, ruffling Pia’s hair before walking off into her room to have a talk with his parents over the phone.
He closed the door behind him quietly, taking in a sharp inhale before dialing his step-moms number not so calmly on his phone, and tapped a foot impatiently as he held the phone to his ear, waiting for her to pick up.
Ever since Ted had that massive fight with his dad two years prior, he’s been having no contact with him, and mainly just dropping texts to his step-mom, since she was nice to him. He remembered how supportive she was when he came out as trans to her, while he had to defend himself in multiple arguments because of how unsupportive his dad was, always backing out whenever the older man brought up how “disappointed his mother would be if she heard about this.” Ted hated that. In fact, he despised when his dad would bring up his dead mother in any bad way.
But whatever. Now isn’t the time to dwell on his father’s actions. This isn’t about him. It’s about Pia’s safety.
„ Hello? Theodore? “ A soft-spoken voice could be heard from the phone, snapping Ted out of his thoughts.
„ Yeah, uh, hey Laura. Uhm, an officer came by earlier and dropped off Pia. She was found out in the streets alone. Did you and Dad fight again?? “ Ted questioned, a hand going on his hip.
A soft gasp could be heard, followed by Laura calling out to Ted’s father, informing him of what Ted had told her.
„ Pia’s there? No, you’re lying. Pia is in her room! “ His father accused, as always. Ted groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. „ Pa, I don’t have time for this. Pia is waiting for me to cook her some food. Okay? So stop accusing me of lying because this type of shit is something I’d never lie about and you know it. “ Ted shot back, clearly losing his patience. His dad proceeded to double down, calling Ted multiple names in Polish—names that Ted understood and hated, but got used to hearing them from his dad—and stormed to Pia’s room to check. To which he found empty. He proceeded to blame Ted for this saying that this was all his fault, and Ted just decided to hang up, shooting a text to his step-mom before switching his phone off and heading back to the living room to find Pia having a blast drawing and colouring.
He went up to her, kneeling down, and ruffled her hair, to which she squealed and smacked Ted’s hand away.
„ Hey, kid. What are you drawing? “ Ted asked, a small smile on his face.
„ You and me! Lookie! “ She handed the piece of paper to Ted, grinning, obviously proud of herself.
What Pia drew made Ted’s small smile turn into a big one. She drew herself and Ted as stickmen, with Pia hugging Ted. He didn’t know why, but this drawing made him so happy.
„ Thanks, kid. I’ll pin this on my fridge, hm? “ Ted chuckled, ruffling her hair again. „ But before that, I’ll make us some dinner. Does pasta sound any good? “ He asked, standing up to head towards the kitchen, but not before getting a nod from Pia as she continued drawing.
As he cooked in the kitchen—thankfully knowing how to actually cook pasta without burning the kitchen down despite being absolutely shit at cooking—he thought about the conversation with his father. Ted realised that he hasn’t gone a single conversation without somehow full on arguing with him since.. Damn it, when was the last time he had a civil conversation with that asshole? He zoned out, unable to recall.
After a moment of zoning out unintentionally, Ted felt something hot splash onto hi- „ OH MY GOD THE PASTA WATER IS OVERFLOWING. “
After that.. Catastrophe and being glad that Pia had headphones on so he didn’t scare the shit out of her by yelling, came out one slightly overcooked pasta presented with pre-made marinara sauce.( judge him all you want but he’d rather avoid burning homemade marinara sauce. Then again, he almost spilled marinara everywhere and that would’ve been a marinara disaster now wouldn’t it) After plating the portions, he went over to Pia, lightly tapping her shoulder to let her know that it was time to eat.
After eating, Ted figured he might as well have Pia sleep here. He didn’t trust that it’ll be safe for her to go to their parent’s house, in case a specific someone gets mad at him and starts yelling. He brought Pia to the bathroom, asking if Pia’s showered. She replied with a nod, and he grabbed an extra toothbrush he had still in the packaging. He opened it, handing it to her and grabbing what children would call ‘non-spicy toothpaste’ and squeezed it into her toothbrush. He and Pia brushed their teeth, washing up and Ted brought her to his room to sleep for the night.
„ You need a nightlight? I have a lamp right here if you need it. “ He asked, tucking her in bed.
„ Mhm! Yes please, it’s too scary in the dark.. “ She muttered. Ted chuckled, switching the lamp on. He pressed a kiss on her forehead, wishing her good night. He walked over to the bedroom door, switching the lights off and closed the door while heading out. He walked downstairs, switching off all the lights.
He sat on the couch, thinking about everything. Meeting that new guy at work, Pia showing up, the fight, the fucking pasta mayhem, and the fact that he’s taking care of Pia for a night. He didn’t know why, but it felt right. Pia being in his house. It felt safer than Pia staying with their dad. She shouldn’t have to go through a shitty fucking dad. Neither of them should.
But, whatever. It’s already really late in the night. And he had work the next day. He can’t be caught sleeping in his cubicle again, he already has HR on his ass for flirting with literally every woman he sees in the office.
Oh well, tomorrow’s another day to dwell on.