Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

2nd period, Miss Bloomies science class

Miss Bloomie was discussing lesson plans as usual, nothing interesting. Meanwhile at the table of the bully trio, Edward sat there staring at one of the science posters, his arm barely holding up his head. Zip was too busy writing love letters to Claire, classic Zip. She couldn’t help but fall head over heels for Claire despite trying to bully her. Oliver wasn’t there, he skipped class to see his precious girlfriend Alice. But just as Edward was about to fall asleep he immediately perked up when he heard the following words from Miss Bloomie: “And there is an important science project you will be working on outside of class, it is worth 30% of your grade, so unless you would like to fail this class I expect full participation. This project will also be done with a partner of my choice.” She said loud and clearly for the whole class to hear. Edward groaned and shoved his hands into his face. He hated working with people, especially when his partner was picked by miss bloomie. Last school project he ended up having to do with Kevin, who did nothing but boss him around. God he hated that stupid nerd. He looked back up at Miss Bloomie as she was announcing partners. “The following people will be working together: Ruby you will be working with Riley, Skell will be working with Kevin, Abbie with Robby…” She kept going on and on until she called out Edward’s name. “And Edward will be working with Engel. I expect you all to start this project after school with each other. And no complaining about partners.” Edward froze. Oh my fucking god. Out of all people he got Engel! He’d rather work with the emo boy Skell for Christs sake! And now that feather boy was walking towards him. 

End of chapter 1!

Chapter Text

 2nd period, Miss Bloomies class

And now that feather boy was walking towards him. Edward scoffed and looked up at him, he just wanted this project done and over with. “This doesn’t mean we’re friends. I don’t give a shit about you, so let’s just get this project done and over with.” He spat watching for Engels reaction. But he just smiled and replied softly: “That’s fine. Do you want to do the project at your house or mine?” Edward’s hand dug into his own palm as he listened to engel, he didn’t seem upset! He wanted to wipe that stupid soft smile off of his face. “My house. Since yours probably sucks.” He glared hoping his tone would change how Engel felt about working with him, but he just nodded and replied in that warm tone: “I understand, whatever you’re comfortable with.” At this point Edward was squeezing his palm hard enough to make blood draw, why was it so hard to make him less cheerful! But before he could say anything the bell to signal the end of the period rang. “Okay class get your stuff and go! I expect to hear some progress about your projects tomorrow!” Miss Bloomie spat, Engel turned to Edward speaking again in his kind tone: “I guess I’ll see you after school. Wanna meet up at the park to go up to your house after school?” “Sure, whatever.” Edward mumbled getting his stuff and storming past Engel, who just smiled and went back to his table to get his stuff. As Edward walked down the crowded hall he couldn’t help but wonder, why was Engel so nice? Did that boy actually want to be friends with him? I mean he’s a bully! Who would want to be friends with a bully? Edward was so out of it that he didn’t realize he bumped right into his mom, Miss grace. “Oh hello there Edward.” His mom said looking down at her son. “Something wrong?” Edward immediately looked up at her shaking his head frantically: “no no I’m fine! Just thinking.” Miss grace’s eyebrows tensed in doubt, but she brushed it off before replying: “Alright then. I forgot to mention that I’ll be staying late after school this week, I have extra paperwork to fill out. So dinner tonight is whatever’s in the fridge, I’ll slip some money on the fridge for food shopping tomorrow morning. That sound good?” Edward sighed before nodding in response. “Okay then, I’m going off to class then. Love you mom.” He said before softly hugging her and walking off to his next class, at least he didn’t have to deal with his mom listening into him and Engel working on the project. The rest of the day he couldn’t stop thinking about Engel and the project. He was working with someone he bullied! And to make matters worse he was starting to consider actually trying to get to know him!
 
   Before he knew it he was walking to the park, in the distance he could spot Engel sitting on a bench, holding a plastic bag from the gas station with something in it. As Edward got closer Engel noticed him and waved. “Oh hey Edward! Over here!” Edward rolled his eyes and walked over to him, sitting down on the bench besides him. “What’s in the bag?” He questioned, raising his eyebrow’s. “Oh this? I stopped by the gas station to get you and me a drink. Here!” He smiled, handing Edward a white monster energy drink. Edward froze for a minute, his face heating up. He knew his favorite drink. Well it wasn’t hard to tell, considering it was rare not seeing Edward without one. “Ugh, you didn’t have too…” he mumbled, snatched it and drinking some of it. “Thanks I guess…” he looked down at the ground as he said that. God he was being so soft, He didn’t like it. It made Edward seem vulnerable. “Hey…you good?” Engel asked, placing his hand on Edward’s shoulder. Edward involuntarily flinched when he did that, immediately huffing and attempting to make eye contact “I’m fine. Why do you care?” Edward questioned, trying to change the subject. “Just making sure.” He said softly before changing the subject noticing how uncomfortable Edward was. “Anyways, let’s get going to your house! We have lots of research to do about the project.” Edward nodded before grabbing his backpack and his drink.

After school, 4:27pm, Edward’s room

  Edward opened the door to his room, taking his shoes off and plopping his bag next to the door. “You can put your stuff next to mine or whatever. Just don’t touch anything.” He crossed his arms looking at Engel, who was looking at his room in amazement, Edward room had all sorts of posters and cool stuff, plus he had some cds that made Engel even more excited to get to know Edward. What caught his eye though was a trans flag pinned to the ceiling. “Huh. Didn’t know you were trans.” he commented, interested in the information he was getting by looking around. “Ya I have been for a while. Got a problem with that?” he sneered, misunderstanding and thinking Engel was being transphobic. “No no! I meant as in you pass so well I thought you were cis. I’m not transphobic or anything. I’m actually gay.” he quickly corrected himself, making sure he didn’t upset Edward too much. “Oh. Thanks I guess.” Edward’s glare softened, he didn’t realize Engel was just trying to be nice. Only for his gaze to quickly fade into annoyance. He was being so nice, why? He was never like this to anyone other then Zip and Oliver. So why was Engel making him feel this way?! “Edward? Earth to eddieee!” Engel said softly, gently snapping his fingers in front of Edward to get him to focus. “I’m fine Engel. And don’t call me Eddie.” He scoffed, trying to act tough despite liking the nickname. He needed to pay attention to the project. This wasn’t a hangout. “Let’s just get this project started already.” He huffed grabbing his laptop. “Good point. Don’t want to get too carried away.” Engel said softly, grabbing his laptop as well. Throughout their research on the topic Edward couldn’t help but space out almost resting his head on Engel’s shoulder, only too quickly brush it off and continuing to work, listening to Engel talk or ask questions. Engel happily was talking about a fact about the project when he suddenly felt Edward’s head rest on his shoulder, his long fluffy hair brushing against Engel’s shoulder as well. He looked down, seeing that Engel fell asleep, drooling slightly. Engel just smiled and pat his head, he was probably tired from the day. After all Engel noticed the slight bags under his eyes. After a few minutes of silence and Edward’s snores Engel very slowly and carefully picked him up, walking to his bed and tucking him in, patting his head. “Get some rest Eddie.” He said before cleaning up the mess from studying, putting Edward’s laptop back on his desk and his energy drink in the fridge. Engel then packed his own stuff up, looking at Edward one last time before smiling and gently closing the door.

maybe this wasn’t so bad…

End of chapter 2! 

Chapter Text

Early morning, 5:26am, Edward’s room

The sound of Edward’s alarm blaring echoed across the room. He groaned, throwing the screeching thing across the room as it shut off. “Stupid alarm…My head hurts…” he mumbled looking back at his bedside table, noticing a note. “Huh?” He tilted his head, grabbing it off and reading it to himself, the note read:

”By the time you’re reading this you’ll have probably woken up, you fell asleep while we were working on the project. Don’t worry, I cleaned up the mess from studying. Make sure to take care of yourself! -engel”  

He stared at the note, his face heating up. He fell asleep. Like an idiot. He groaned in embarrassment, at least Engel reacted to it nicely. He looked up at the clock, the time reading  5:30am . He sighed knowing he needed to get a shower and walk to school. He stood up and walked up to his dresser, grabbing an outfit and his deodorant, heading to the shower. The warm steam from when the shower was on surrounded the room, fogging up the mirror, where Edward was brushing his hair. He wore something simple; a graphic t-shirt and some jeans. He finished brushing his hair and teeth before heading to the kitchen grabbing his energy drink and the money of the fridge his mom gave him. He slipped on his shoes and backpack, only to glance down as a fluffy friend was staring up at him. It was his green eyed orange cat named Ember. He smiled, reaching down to scratch the happy cat’s chin as Ember purred and rubbed against his jeans. “You’re gonna get fur all over my jeans Ember!” He squeaked giggling softly, filling her bowls with water and food before walking to the door, grabbing his keys and locking up the house. He looked down at his watch the time reading 6:23am, He would make it to school just in time. So he started peddling down the driveway. 

Morning, 6:57am, school hallway

He took no time to get to his locker, grabbing his stuff and throwing his backpack in. He was a little upset because Oliver and Zip were ignoring him again. He glanced up at the mirror in his locker door checking to make sure he looked decent. He didn’t want to look weak. He gripped the locker door before slamming it shut. No matter what he always thought he looked pathetic. But that didn’t matter anymore, as the bell for 1st period went off signaling he had to get to class.

Math class was always boring, but having it first thing at 7:15am makes it unbearable. He just slumped in his seat wanting this boring Thursday to be over. Despite wanting the day over he couldn’t get one thing off his mind: Engel.  No matter what he couldn’t stop thinking about him. What was he going to say to him? Would he mention last night? What about the project? Why did he feel so soft around him? His thoughts were interrupted by the sharp sound of Miss circles voice: “Edward. Would you mind solving for  x ?” He quickly looked up at the problem before answering quickly, “The answer is 6.” He replied making sure he listened to every word Miss Circle was saying. “Excellent! See class is it that hard to answer these questions?” “I-it kind o-of is-“SHUT UP ABBIE!” Miss circled snapped, looking like she was about to decapitate the poor boy, who flinched and almost burst into tears of embarrassment. Edward found that kind of funny. But just as Miss Circle was about to continue her lesson the bell rang, indicating it was now second period. 

The walk down to Miss Bloomies science class was dreadful, what would happen when Engel sees him? Will he say something about last night? Or will he act like nothing happened? But before he could worry anymore, he finally arrived to science class. He took a deep breath before walking in, face flushed. “Good morning Edward,” Miss Bloomie greeted before continuing her sentence. “Since you and your classmates are working on that project I figured I’d assign everyone’s seats to be next to their partner. So you’re now sitting over there next to Engel.” She instructed, pointing to a table towards the back of the class. Edward looked the color of a tomato when she said that. First he had to do this stupid project and now he has to sit next to him? He just mumbled and walked out to his seat, sitting down and looking away from Engel. “Oh hey there! I guess we’re sitting next to each other now.” Engel softly commented “mhm..” Edward mumbled, cheeks bright red. “Are you alright Edward? You look like a ruby.” Engel questioned gently placing a hand on his shoulder. Edward yelped in surprise, falling into Engel as they both tumbled to the ground. Edward blinked before squeaking in embarrassment, he was laying face down in Engel’s chest! That’s so embarrassing! He was meant to be a bully not some softie! “Hey-hey your good! It was an accident!” Engel whispered, quickly trying to comfort Edward, who was all shaken up and bright red in the face like a stop sign. “I’m fine I’m fine!” Edward whisper-yelled, trying to keep quiet so no one would notice them on the floor. Engel nodded getting up, and reaching a hand out to Edward, who quickly slapped it away. “I don’t need any help.” He spat, getting up and sitting back in his seat. Engel did the same, still looking concerned for Edward. The rest of class was just awkward silence between the two, the only sound being Miss Bloomie tapping away on the lesson, only for the sound of the bell ringing to interrupt her. “Alright class, make sure to keep working on that project! I want to be able to see All your progress on the research part of it tomorrow!” She announced in that tough tone that said there were gonna be consequences if not. “Same time at the park? We might have to work late tonight since we didn’t get much research done yesterday.” Engel softly asked, “Sure.” Edward replied coldly, grabbing his stuff and walking out the door.

The rest of the day felt so empty and tense. No matter what Edward couldn’t stop himself from overthinking everything that went down in science. He sat in a bathroom stall, curled up. Was he being too harsh on Engel? Well he had to be. He couldn’t look weak, not when he’s supposed to be a bully. And bullies are tough. Not soft and emotional.  But is that what he wants? No. But that’s what everyone else wanted him to be, The tough perfect principals son. But even then he couldn’t help but struggle with that. Sure Zip and Oliver were funny sometimes, but they also constantly left him out in stuff, or commented about him being weak. He just wanted someone to be there for him, but that would just make him a softie. Maybe Zip and Oliver were right? It was his problem that he couldn’t be happy. Maybe he needed to better? Or not. He already struggled to sleep or eat anything half the time. The anxiety he was dealing with already was enough. So why would he have to do more? He didn’t know. God he felt lost. His train of thoughts was Interrupted by the loud sound of the bell, it was now the end of the school day. He sighed and wiped the tears from his face and stood up, grabbing his backpack and walking out of the bathroom and walking to the exit, grabbing his bike and peddling off to the park. He has to keep it together tonight. He cant let Engel see how bad his mental state was. 

Chapter Text

Late afternoon , 3:47pm, the park

Edward parked his bike before walking up to Engel, who was siting on the same bench. “Hey there Edwa-“let’s just get this over with.” Edward mumbled in annoyance, already starting to walk to his house “Okay then..” Engel replied softly before quickly catching up to Edward. The silence between the two as they walked to Edward’s house was deafening. But it didn’t last as Engel said something. “Do you need help pushing your bike?” Edward scoffed, “No.” he replied harshly. Engel’s eyebrows tensed as he couldn’t help but worry about Edward. Was he doing alright? It was normal for Edward to be reserved but this was something else. He had been acting like this all day. Something was definitely off. but what was it? Edward had always been good and hiding things. So if something pissed him off it would be nearly impossible to figure out what. 

“Oi! Feather boy! We’re here.” Edward snapped. Oh right. Engel had been so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t realize he was right in front of Edward’s front door. “Sorry…just got distracted.” Engel quickly replied, gently walking into Edward’s home and taking off his shoes. “Whatever…” Edward mumbled. 

his room still looked the same as it did that past night, the only difference being the laundry basket was full to the brim thanks to Edward taking a shower that morning. “Well let’s get to work then!…” Engel said enthusiastically, siting down on the floor with his laptop. Trying to keep cheer Edward up. “Sure.” Edward muttered under his breath, sitting down with his laptop, keeping more of a distance from Engel. Throughout the entire study session Edward appeared to only get more and more annoyed by Engel’s comments about the project. “Ok so according to this article if we do this little trick the model will hold up stronger! Isn’t that interesting?” Engel happily explained, only for Edward to not respond at all. Engel looked up from his laptop concerned. Edward was just staring away at the wall, his hands clenched so tight they shook. Engel gently placed a hand on Edward’s shoulder rubbing it softly. “Is something wrong Eddie”-but before he had the time to process Edward’s reaction he felt a sharp sting on his cheek. “I TOLD YOU TO STOP USING THAT GODDAMN NICKNAME!” Edward screamed, his voice echoing. He had slapped Engel. The feather boy just put his other hand to his face, feeling his cheek start to swell from the force of the slap. 

the silence was like a knife. Engel was too stunned to barely process what happened. Suddenly loud sobbing interrupted the deafening silence, as he turned his head to see Edward had let go of his wrist, now sobbing and covering his face. “I’m sorry! Please don’t look at me!” His voice cracking as he spoke through his tears, curling up like a scared kitten in a thunderstorm. Engel’s gaze softened as he continued to look at Edward’s breakdown. Slowly he put the pieces together. It made sense. The defensive comments, the zoning out, the rare moments of him being somewhat nice, and most of all the avoidance. Edward wasn’t trying to be mean to Engel intentionally, he was just scared. After all, Zip and Oliver never treated him the nicest. Not to mention his reputation at paper school. Everyone saw him as Miss Graces tough bully son who had everything together. Expect he didn’t. He was so overwhelmed with the burden of how others looked at him. After all, the scars on his arms weren’t normal, and they definitely didn’t happen on accident. Engel knew that. The whole idea of the project was sending Edward spiraling because he was scared if he got caught hanging out with one of the “soft boys” he’d be ostracized by his friends. But being treated kindly by someone for the first time in ages slowly shattered his tough act, leaving him weak and vulnerable in front of the eyes of someone he swore he wouldn’t breakdown over. 

Engel sighed softly before suddenly wrapping his arms around the shaking boy, gently pulling him to his chest and rocking him slightly. “Shh…it’s okay…you didn’t mean too…it’s okay to cry…” Engel softly shushed. Edward only cried harder when he heard those words, he needed them. “…You don’t hate me do you..?” Edward asked in his shaky high voice. “Of course not. I never did Eddie.” Edward just continued to cry after that, clinging onto Engel and burying his face into his shoulder. It was okay to be himself around someone for once. Not an empty shell of a person. “You’re okay…shh…take as long as you need to calm down…” Engel said, running a hand through his long fluffy hair. Not too long after that Edward slowly calmed down. “Feel better..?” Engel asked, still running his hands through Edward’s hair. “Mhm…” Edward mumbled, still clung onto Engel like koala. “You’re not going to leave…right?” Edward asked suddenly, finally letting himself grow attached to Engel. “Of course not, heck I’ll stay the night if that makes you feel better.” Engel gently dismissed. “…really?” Edward peered up, eyes still puffy from crying but with a look of joy, the kind of look a kid does when they see their favorite candy. “Of course..” Engel smiled, caressing Edward cheek, who just stared at him like “:D”. Engel giggled, “why don’t you change into something a little more comfortable while I order food. It’s already 6:45pm.” He suggested, as Edward nodded and slowly let go of Engel, going to change.

Engel walked into the kitchen, his elbows rested on the counter as he ordered dialed the number to the local Pizza Hut. “Hello? Can I get a large stuffed crust cheese pizza with bread sticks? The address is 34 maple street at house 816. I’ll be paying in cash. Okay then, bye.” Engel hung up,Placing his phone down. Not even a few seconds later he felt the smaller boys arms wrap around his waist. “I know it’s you Eddie…” Engel giggled as he turned around to see Edward clung onto him again, now wearing an oversized Steven universe t-shirt and dr.pepper pj pants. Engel snickered at his silly outfit choice, how cute. “Well I did tell you to dress comfy…you look like you’re about to take a nap.” He playfully said, stroking Edward’s hair. Who just huffed, leaning into his touch. “Be careful what you say feather boy because I got you some pj pants as well!” >:D Edward giggled evilly as he gave a Engel a pair of bright pink jojo siwa pj pants. “…you did not. WHERE’D YOU EVEN BUY THESE?!” Engel asked, absolutely flabbergasted. “I guess I’ll where them…” Engel mumbled before grabbing the pj pants, and heading to the bathroom to change while Edward giggled like an evil scientist. Surprisingly, the jojo siwa pj pants fit Engel perfectly, which was surprising considering Edward is smaller then him. “..I’m concerned these fit so well.” Engel commented as Edward took pictures of him in them. “OI YOU BETTER DELETE THOSE EDDIE!!” Engel shouted in embarrassment as he chased Edward around the house jokingly before tackling him to the ground. “GOTCHA”-ding! The echo of the door bell interrupted Edward and Engel’s shenanigans as they before stopped playing. “Must be the pizza.” “YOU ORDERED PIZZA?!” Edward gasped as he bolted to the door. He loved pizza. It always made him feel better. “Woah woah chill buddy.” Engel smiled, gently opening the door. And would you look at that! It was in fact the pizza guy. “You ordered a pizza?” “Yup!” Engel happily replied, paying the delivery guy and grabbing the pizza and bread sticks as Edward happily flapped his hands like he was a bird. “Have a good night!” Engel told the guy, who just said “you too.” And walked back to his car. 

Engel very gently placed the pizza and breadsticks on the table, glancing back at Edward who was now spinning in circles from excitement. “Hehe you gonna get dizzy soon. And I don’t think you want to eat pizza if you’re dizzy.” He laughed as Edward finally stopped spinning and sat down, not hesitating to dig into the pizza.  Engel put on a movie for them (totally not the Steven universe movie) to watch while they ate and relaxed. Edward would have eaten nearly the whole pizza and all the breadsticks if it weren’t for Engel making sure he didn’t, thankfully he was distracted from the movie, happily laying in Engel’s arms. The two of them chilled for a while, Engel even braided Edward’s hair into a braid.  eventually edward fell asleep in Engel’s arms. Who just smiled let him rest, eventually cleaning up the mess from diner and carrying him to his room. Lying down as Edward simply adjusted his position so he was resting his head on Engel’s chest. “Good night Eddie…” Engel said softly before drifting to sleep.

Edward felt truly grateful to have an amazing person like Engel in his life.