Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi! Thank you for clicking on this fic! Before we start, I'd like to say a few things.

-This is my very first fanfiction, so don't expect perfection, but I will still try my best.
-This is in the tags, but there will be suicidal thoughts, symptoms of depression, and inferiority complexes so please proceed with caution.
-There will be no romantic relationships in this fic, but if you'd like to read this fic as if it does, that's fine, I don't really care.
-This fic is mainly focused on Skipp!

That's all! Have fun reading <3

Chapter Text

It was night time in Ramshackle. Stone and Vinnie were fast asleep by Skipp's side, being lulled to sleep by Skipp's mandolin. Skipp smiled down at his two friends. They were oh-so dear to him, he didn't know what he'd do without them. He placed his wooden mandolin on the floor and looked up at the night sky. He wondered if Maggot was looking down at him.

Oh, Maggot. It's a shame he had to go so soon. Skipp had really taken a liking to him, and from the looks of it, so did the rest of his crew. Seeing a baby abandoned in a dumpster makes you feel obligated to protect them, he supposes. Though, it wasn't actually a baby. It was an angel in disguise. Skipp still can't believe that was Maggot's true form, but hey, they got 3 cents and some beans for it, so he'd say it was worth it.

Skipp wishes they won that pageant though. Like, seriously, 10 whole dollars? That would've helped a lot! But then those Lootbags found out about them actually being Scraps, and then they had to fight and all that stuff. Well, Skipp only had to fight a little bit, his main job was getting Maggot to a safe place. But then Stone had to come save him, man, his friends were so cool. Stone took those Lootbags down with such ease... and Skipp had almost gotten himself killed.

Why couldn't he take those Lootbags down? He should be able to. Unless... he's just weak. Stone was probably frustrated with him because Skipp made him waste his time just to save him, and that's why he wouldn't let Skipp hug him. Vinnie probably thought the same too, but just hugged him out of pity. Vinnie and Stone are so amazing and strong, and Skipp's just the weak link that's weighing them down.

Skipp looked down at the gross concrete alleyway floor that he'd become accustomed to. Does he even deserve to become accustomed to it? What if Stone and Vinnie are planning to kick him out because they believe they'd be better off without Skipp weighing them down all the time? They aren't wrong.

..Wait, what is he thinking? Skipp shook his head. Happy thoughts. Your fine, don't think about that. It's getting late anyways, you should get some sleep.

Do you even deserve sleep?

No, don't listen to that. Skipp layed his head back on the alleyway walls and shut his eyes, trying to get some rest so he wouldn't have to listen to his own brain.

You're fine, Skipp.

You're fine.

Chapter Text

It had happened again.

Stone and Vinnie had fought.

It wasn't an uncommon occurrence, Stone and Vinnie's different personalities could cause them to clash at times. But that didn't mean it was something to be ignored, at least for Skipp.

It had started off normal.

"Man, I still can't believe all that stuff happened with Maggot at the pageant." Vinnie says, kicking a empty can of beans that was on the floor against the wall.

"And so can't the townspeople." Stone says, his voice solemn like always. "It's not exactly everyday that a big amount of Lootbags go missing with no explanation."

"Yeah, that's true." Skipp agreed. What Maggot did wasn't something that could be easily cleaned up. But still, Skipp remained positive. "But I'm sure it's not that big of a deal. And we were still rewarded for our troubles!"

"You mean rewarded with by being a suspect?" Stone scoffs, crossing his arms. "That wannabe detective is on our case now." (kudos to people who know who that is)

"Man, why are you so negative all the time?" Vinnie turns around to face Stone, putting her hands on her hips. "We did it for Maggot, and you know that guy is a pushover anyways."

"Doesn't mean he's not annoying." Stone argued. It seems he wasn't giving up his point. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. "And Maggot isn't even here anymore."

"Hey, it's gonna be okay guys!" Skipp said, trying to keep the peace and calm Vinnie and Stone down. "We've never had trouble evading the authorities before, and besides, we always have each other to back us up."

"Well that doesn't seem like the case when Stone is being a douchebag for no reason." Vinnie huffed.

Skipp doesn't quite remember what happened after that, he had tuned out of the argument to try and calm himself down, but he does remember the yelling. Now, he was out roaming the streets of Ramshackle alone. He had left to try and clear his head since the yelling was becoming too much for him.

Part of Skipp wonders if he could've done something more. Something that would've ended the argument and made everyone involved happy. That's supposed to be his thing, he's supposed to be the mediator. It's really the only thing he's good at. Well, maybe besides playing the mandolin.

Maybe Skipp is a coward. He left the alleyway when his friends were arguing, what kind of good friend does that? He should've stayed and helped try to resolve the situation. Now Stone and Vinnie could still be fighting and it'd be all his fault because he can't even do his only job in this relationship.

It's getting late.

Skipp should really get back to the alleyway before Stone and Vinnie think he died or something.

Would they even care if he was dead?

Chapter Text

Night again.

Skipp never minded the night, but he did prefer the day. He could move around and talk with his friends which granted a shred of dopamine in this emotional wasteland people call home. He always had trouble sleeping too. If he did sleep, it was usually only for 3-4 hours. Which, he should be thankful he gets the minimal sleep he gets, there's probably people out there who have it much worse than him.. but Skipp can't deny the fact he feels a little jealous at Vinnie's ability to fall asleep whenever and wherever.

So, as a solution, Skipp would play his mandolin to pass the time. It served as a lullaby to his friends, and doing something for a long time made Skipp tired, like everyone else, so he could find sleep that way. And plus, he liked playing his mandolin!

Emphasize on the liked.

Lately, he hasn't felt like playing his mandolin, or really doing anything at all. The only time he picks it up is if he would need to use it as a weapon. But other than that, his beloved wooden instrument has been collecting dust.

Nobody noticed that though.

Well, at least Skipp thought no one noticed.

Skipp was sitting with his back laid against the alleyway wall, his eyes closed, in hopes his body would give into sleep. But, that was proving to be a difficult task when he didn't feel tired at all.

"Hey."

Skipp jolted up from his spot, eyes widening, his hand reaching for his mandolin in case he needed to fend off any intruders. Could you even break into a public alleyway though? Whatever, doesn't matter, this was Skipp, Stone, and Vinnie's place!

"Chill, it's just me." Skipp realized that it was in fact, just Stone. He was sitting down across from him with a cigarette wedged comfortably between his index and middle finger, the smoke that emitted from it filling the alleyway with that familiar smoky scent.

"Did'ya need something, buddy?" Skipp asked with a small smile, letting his hands rest in his lap.

"Why aren't you playing your mandolin?" It was an abrupt question. Skipp didn't expect Stone to care enough to ask that question, but here they are.

"Uh, what?" The words just slipped out of Skipp's mouth. (hehe my r)

"You usually play it every night." Stone says, taking another drag out of his cigarette before dropping it on the ground and crushing it beneath his shoe. "Why not tonight?"

"Well.. I just haven't felt like playing it a lot recently, I guess." Skipp shrugs. It was the truth. "Maybe it's just burnout or something? After all, I played that instrument every day."

"Hmm." Stone hummed. It wasn't really a hum of agreement nor a suspicious hum. Skipp couldn't really decipher what it meant. "Are you sure it's just that?"

Skipp paused for a minute. What was Stone asking him, and why does he feel like he's being interrogated?

"Yes." Skipp says, a small bit of hesitance in his voice. He smiled, like he always did. "I'm sure it's just that. It'll probably be over soon, and then I'll go back to playing you and Vinnie songs, okay?"

"If you say so.." Stone sat up, presumably going to find a comfortable spot in the alleyway so he could go to sleep for the night. But before he left, he said..

"You know you can always talk to me and Vinnie if you need help, right?"

What is with Stone tonight? Skipp nodded.

"Yes, I know that."

Skipp wasn't sure if he really did know that.

Chapter Text

When your short on money, sometimes you resort to gross things.

Skipp didn't think dumpster-diving was very gross though. It was just recycling, right? The Lootbags threw out perfectly usable things all the time, so at least Skipp and his friends made sure that stuff didn't go to waste. He's just become accustomed to it.

Anyways, Skipp and Vinnie are out scavenging right now while Stone stayed back to watch the alleyway. They never actually found out what happened to those beans that mysteriously dissapeared. Their best bet was that another Scrap found them and snatched them while they weren't looking, and they didn't want that happening again. It was already hard enough to get food as it is, they don't need anyone stealing it. Hence why Stone stayed back.

Skipp was currently looking through a tin trash bin while Vinnie was looking through a larger green dumpster. But suddenly, Skipp felt something touch his calf. He quickly looked down, making sure it wasn't anyone trying to catch them by surprise. But instead of a human, he found a small, grey, furry cat on the floor looking up at him.

Skipp knew very well he should focus on looking through the trash for resources. But that cat was so cute! Can you blame him!? He crouched down to the cat's level, taking note of the cat's matted fur and it's lack of a collar. It was probably a stray, Ramshackle had a ton of stray animals. Vinnie always petted them whenever she saw them, which is how she ended up with rabies most of the time. Skipp knew better than to pet the stray though. If he did, it'd just be more trouble for his friends if he did get rabies.

Skipp grabbed a can of beans he had found while scavenging with Vinnie, and poured out a couple to the cat for it to eat. The cat immediately ate it up. The poor thing was skinny, it looked malnourished. After the cat had finished it's meal, it had ran away. Skipp smiled, and went to stand up to return to dumpster-diving-

"Skipp! What have you been doing?"

Skipp's head snapped to attention, looking at Vinnie who was staring at him.

Is Vinnie mad at him? She probably is, why wouldn't she be.

"Um, I-"

"Stop slacking off dude, there's not enough time in the day!"

Skipp nodded frantically. "Uh- okay, yeah, sorry." With that, he went back to dumpster-diving.

But that interaction lingered in the back of Skipp's head like an embarrassing memory. He didn't regret interacting and feeding that cat, but then again, he had wasted valuable time and made his friend upset. Every minute of the day was important when you were a Scrap.

Vinnie's definitely mad at him now. She's probably mad she has to put up with Skipp's antics. Skipp doesn't want to make Vinnie put up with him, she wants her to just enjoy his presence, but can anyone really enjoy his presence? He's annoying.

The day passed on quick with Skipp's mind never leaving that thought, and soon enough, Vinnie and Skipp were walking back to the alleyway.

"..Hey, Skipp?" Vinnie said, her voice surprisingly soft, unlike her rowdy nature.

"Yes?" Skipp looked over at Vinnie. "What's up?"

"I'm sorry for how I spoke to you earlier." Vinnie apologized, which was another surprise from the brunette. "That came off as rude."

"Oh, it's fine Vinnie!" Skipp smiled, waving it off as if that conversation hadn't consumed his thoughts. "I get it, I was kind of slacking off there."

"Are you sure?" Vinnie asks, with a slight concern in her voice that reminds Skipp of his conversation with Stone last night.

"Yes, it's fine."

Another lie.

From the looks of it, Vinnie knows that already.

Chapter Text

Everyone needs alone time.

Skipp was a huge extrovert. He was always talkative and loved being around people. But even such a bubbly soul as Skipp has his limits, and sometimes he likes being alone. It meant he didn't have to put up the facade and fake smiles, because that got really tiring.

With everything that's been happening recently, with his head being mean to him and Stone and Vinnie acting weird, Skipp decided to take a walk alone to clear his mind. Maybe if he did that, then he wouldn't be sad as much, he told himself. But somewhere in the back of his head, he knew that probably wasn't the case. But nevertheless, he went on the walk.

It was no secret Ramshackle had many flaws. Just like Maggot had said, the Lootbags lavish in their luxuries while refusing to help those who were less fortunate than them, even going as far to mock them. Skipp wasn't even bothering anyone, but he still got dirty looks. He heard the people whispering about him as if he didn't hear them, which he did. The days were dull and everything looked disappointing and grim.

That's why it was so important to Skipp that he remain positive all the time. He wanted to bring a shred of light in the darkness some people live in, even if he himself lives in that darkness too. He wanted to make Stone and Vinnie laugh and smile. Skipp told himself that if he devoted his life to making others happy, then he would be happy too. That never actually worked, but it was a nice thought.

Still, it was annoying to have people talk behind his back, so Skipp detoured his walk to sit by a river. Alone, where no one could laugh at him or bother him. He looked down at his reflection in the water. He saw his messy ginger hair and freckled face and dirty jacket. That was him, sadly. He wishes he could be someone else.

He wishes he didn't have to carry the burden of always sacrificing himself for others, but if he didn't, who else would? That was his job in life. People deserved compliments and gifts and overall nice things. But Skipp? He didn't think he deserved anything.

Vinnie and Stone were always putting up with him, like when Vinnie caught him slacking off to pet a stray or when Stone saved him from getting killed by those rabid Lootbags. And what did Skipp give in return? Be kind? That's not nearly enough to repay them for all the things they've done for him. He's a bad friend. And now Skipp is probably making Stone and Vinnie worry about him based off how they have been acting recently. Maybe he's been acting too sad, he needs to act extra happy. But it's already tiring to act happy as is.

God, he's such a burden on everyone. He can't do anything right. He doesn't even play the mandolin much anymore, and that was one of the only things he was good at. And Skipp thought he was good at making people happy but now he's making Stone and Vinnie sad so he can't do that either. So now he's just good-for-nothing. A waste of space, a waste of food.

Maybe Skipp is better off dead.

Skipp was still looking down at the water. He could do it right now. Just jump into the water and let himself sink to the bottom and drown. Would anyone care? If they did find his body, the police wouldn't care enough to investigate or anything, it was just a Scrap anyways. And Vinnie and Stone wouldn't have to waste as much food to feed him.

..Skipp shakes his head.

God, this walk was supposed to make him feel better, and now here he is, contemplating suicide. What is he doing? He can't do that.

Not yet, at least.

Skipp pushes himself up.

He should get back to the alleyway before Stone and Vinnie start getting even more worried about him.

If they did, it'd be his fault.

Skipp can't do that to them.

Chapter Text

Everything was crumbling apart.

Skipp thought he was fine, he really did, but his head kept being mean to him and feeding him bad thoughts. But he has to be okay, it's not like he'd actually ever consider killing himself, that last time was just situational.

Right?

Skipp thought he hid it pretty well, but apparently he was wrong.

Stone and Vinnie had went off scavenging together, leaving Skipp to look after the alleyway. Nothing noteworthy happened, which was a good thing since Skipp wasn't keen on harming people unless they tried to hurt his friends.

They came back, and Vinnie came up to Skipp.

"Hey, Skipp.. do you mind if me and Stone talk to you about something for a second?"

There it is. That soft voice again. Skipp didn't like that voice.

Maybe Vinnie was using that voice to try and lessen the blow of whatever her and Stone are about to tell him. Maybe they finally did get tired of Skipp and were going to kick him out and leave him all alone out on the streets. Maybe-

"Skipp?"

That was Stone this time, and Skipp was now realizing that while he was deep in thought, he hadn't even responded to Vinnie's question. Great job, Skipp.

"Yeah!" Skipp said, putting on a smile. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

Stone and Vinnie looked at each other before sitting down on the floor in front of Skipp. It's clear this was serious, since Stone didn't have a cigarette or a drink in his hand.

"Listen, I'm not the type to beat around the bush, so I'll just say it." Vinnie said, looking Skipp straight in the eyes. "Are you okay?"

What?

"Why wouldn't I be?" Skipp asked, looking confused.

"You know why." Stone interjected. "You've been acting weird all week. Always going off on your own, never letting anybody worry about you, getting deep in your thoughts."

"We're just worried about you Skipp." Vinnie said. "Because, y'know, we care about you."

No.

No, no, no.

If there was anything Skipp hated in the world more than parents mistreating their children, it was people worrying about him.

Well, actually, he might hate parents mistreating their children a little more, but you get the point.

"There isn't anything to worry about." Skipp nervously laughed, trying to end the conversation. "I'm okay. Sometimes I just need alone time and I tend to daydream a bit. That's all there is to it."

Vinnie just sighed, while Stone muttered "bullshit."

Vinnie leaned forward and put a comforting hand on Skipp's shoulder. Normally, Skipp doesn't mind physical touch, but this just feels like pity. "You can tell us if you're struggling Skipp, we're your friends. You don't have to tell us the full story, we just want to know if you're doing okay."

"And I told you that I am okay." Skipp insisted.

"And it doesn't take a genius to tell that's a blatant lie." Stone counters.

"..I don't like it when people worry about me." Skipp cracks. "I don't want you to waste your kindness caring about me. I don't deserve that."

"Skipp.." Vinnie sighed, putting her other hand on Skipp's shoulder. "Your like, the sweetest person I know. Any kindness spent on you is not wasted at all. You deserve the same treatment you give to others."

"I really don't." Skipp sniffles. Oh god, don't cry. Please don't cry. "You guys are like, so amazing and so much better than me. I'm so weak and I can't do anything."

"That's not true." Stone says.

"Yeah, Skipp, you're just as amazing as us." Vinnie wraps her arms around Skipp and hugs him. Stone joins in on the hug as well, which was a surprise since Stone isn't really a touchy-feely person.

"But..." Skipp says. The tears finally start to drip from his eyes, unable to hold them back as he feels his friends warm embrace.

"But nothing." Vinnie cuts Skipp off. "You matter, and me and Stone won't stop telling you that until you believe it.

Skipp has never felt so appreciated in his life.

Skipp lets himself selfishly indulge in the hug, crying into Vinnie's shoulder, who doesn't seem to care that he's getting her shirt wet. And he cries more at the fact, realizing that his thoughts were wrong and his friends love him more than anything. (i'll shelter and adore you more than anythingg!! [sorry])

These are the people Skipp wants to stay with for the rest of his life.

And now he's sure that Stone and Vinnie think the same.

Maybe, with Stone and Vinnie's help..

The rain clouds could finally go away.