Chapter Text
Crowley seemed perplexed at Spider’s words. “I’ve… never seen anyone bend a monster to their will quite like you have, though. I must admit, i did sense something about you after that brouhaha at orientation, Spider.” Brouhaha??
“You had a certain animal trainer-y, beast master-ish quality to you. Yes yes.” Spider was about half sure that was an insult. And he was fully sure that Weird Fucker had no such intuition and pulled that out of his feathered ass.
“That said, I…” Crowley mumbled, looking down at Grim.
Grim’s eyes were huge and shining, watery like crystal lakes, his pupils dilated like a cat. His ears swirled and crackled, the never-ending flame sending embers into the air, not charring a bit of his soft fur. He looked so delicate when he wasn’t speaking, like a stuffed animal thrown aside by a careless child, or a stray cat wandering a parking lot that you can’t help but give a bite of your food.
Spider knew, somewhere deep in the pit of his stomach, that if Grim was denied access to the school, he’d keep coming back. And he also knew, if Grim kept coming back, he’d surely be killed.
Grim was insufferable, impulsive, idiotic, and irritating, but he was a child. A child with a dream.
Spider locked eyes with Weird Fucker, the yellow twinkling lights flickering beyond the crow mask. “...Grim would… really like to go to this school.” Spider blurted out without even realizing it.
“What? A- A monster, stay HERE?” Weird Fucker retorted, and Spider was about to take it back.
Then Grim shot him a look. A look of pure surprise, eyes sparkling with hope and gratefulness and shock. He’d never admit it, but for that split second, Grim showed a crack of vulnerability.
“I… suppose I cannot deny such a plea.” Weird Fucker said softly, his gaze darting between Grim and Spider. “Very well.”
Grim beamed, a smile wider and more genuine than Spider had seen in years, on anyone. “Myah- you mean it?” Spider felt a weak smile creeping onto his face, and he immediately bit the inside of his cheeks to stop it.
“Let me be clear!” Weird Fucker interrupted, and Spider was seconds away from decking the fuck out of him. “Under zero circumstances will I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been chosen by the Dark Mirror- especially a monster!” His gaze shifted. “Nor do I intend to allow you, Spider, to freeload here until you can return home.”
Grim sighed, being casual, but the sheer disappointment in his eyes cut deep.
“Allow me to explain.” Weird Fucker mused, adjusting his coat. Spider moved to sit on the staircase, allowing Grim to crawl into his lap.
“It was the Dark Mirror that brought you here. Therefore this school does bear some responsibility for you. So I will allow you to remain in this dorm, free of charge.” Weird Fucker explained, the two of them watching him with varying degrees of interest.
“However, you will have to pay for your own food, clothes, and incidentals.” Spider scowled a bit at that. He doesn't even know what the currency of this world is, much less does he have any.
“As to how you will do so, penniless as you are…” He contemplated for all of five seconds. “Aha, yes, a fine plan…” Spider swallowed harshly, biting the inside of his mouth again. He did NOT want to work for Weird Fucker, or any of his fuckass school staff. Maybe this world had some equivalent of Burger King or whatever. Spider’s been fired from every job he’s ever had, but hey, at least there's some money in it. And in no way was he gonna whore himself, everyone else at this schools probably broke anyway.
“You needn’t seem so alarmed. I’m simply going to ask you to do a few odd jobs around campus. I can tell you know your way around a broom” Fuck that. Spider’s not working for him. He’s not cleaning up after highschool douchebags for minimum wage. Or less.
“So… what do you two say to working together as a janitorial team? If you agree, i’ll make a special exception for you to remain on campus.” Weird Fucker grinned. “I’ll even allow you to use the school library and gym!”
“Fuck no.” Spider scowled, and Grim didn’t sound much more interested. “What kinda deal is that?” The cat whined.
“If you’re not satisfied, I can arrange to have you thrown out again.” there was a certain reluctance to Weird Fucker’s tone, like he really didn’t want those two on his grounds.
“...fine. Let’s do it.” Grim pouted. Spider was about to protest, but really, what choice did he have? “Fine.” He mumbled. The pay better be damn good.
“Wonderful! I’m sure you’ll both strive to be the best as the newest members of the Night Raven College janitorial team!” Weird Fucker put his arms out like hes so proud of himself, grinning from ear to ear like fireworks were gonna appear behind him.
“Yep. Can I have dinner now?”