Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Hi! this is my first work on ao3, i’m mostly an artist but i’m getting back into writing. i’m not gonna go and ramble about me but i am active on twitter and discord so i’d be willing to add you on those if we have similiar interests. ALSO english isnt my first language but i am very fluent in it so i do not think that will be an issue.

a lot of these take place in my own schrucy teen au! this prompt list was also a way to build my little au more. IF something isn’t canon in my au i will specify in the note at the beginning.

Thank you for your interest and i hope you enjoy my fics ^_^!!

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Lucy had just gotten old enough to roam the block herself. She had made good friends with Violet and Patty (although they did make her cry once, she never forgets when she’s wronged!) It was a peacefully sunny April day, over a month since she’d been allowed to roam on her own, though today she stayed in her front yard, picking the dandelions, a new wish for each. On her fourth dandelion she heard loud sprinting steps, wide eyed she turned over and saw Patty, and a new face behind her. She loved new faces, but this one was different.. better in a way. She took a good look at him, pale, blonde hair, blue eyes, cute… Her staring was interrupted by Patty’s voice “Lucy! I want you to meet Schroeder, my next door neighbor” she said cheerfully. Schroeder shyly waved, with a quiet “hi”. Lucy grinned at him, taking his hand in a messy enthusiastic handshake, “Hi! My name’s Lucy! You have a funny name.” “It’s German.” Schroeder stated, pulling his hand away, surprised by her bluntness. Patty smiled at them, “I think you two will get along great!” Schroeder doubted that, rushing to judgement, but to him, she was so far: loud, blunt, and touchy. Lucy on the other hand agreed with her brunette friend.

The latter adjusted her bow and asked Lucy if she wanted to play with her and Schroeder, that she thought of a fun new game. The little girl agreed happily, and listened as Patty explained the premise of the game. “Okay so, me and let’s say.. let’s get.. Charlie Brown. Me and Charlie Brown make a bridge with our arms, you guys can run under it!” A simple game, but what else could toddlers come up with. Schroeder quickly interjected “And with music!” His neighbor nodded with a quick “yes”. She gestured to them to follow her, to get Charlie Brown. The blonde little boy told Lucy as they walked “My favorite is classical, like what I practice on my piano, but those don’t have words, Patty said she’d sing nursery rhymes.” “Classical? Isn’t that like old people music? Can I listen to you play?” Lucy asked quickly. A bit offended, the pale boy educated Lucy “No. And sure, you can listen to me play, I’ve gotten used to having Patty or Charlie Brown as an audience.” Lucy smiled at his kindness, he was cute, kind and could play piano, the wonders never cease!

Lucy smoothed out her blue dress, smiled at Schroeder, and caught up to Patty, telling her about her dandelion wishes. Schroeder thought that if you told others about your wish it wouldn’t come true, or was that just birthday wishes? His thoughts soon lingered to the girl in front of him. She seemed nice, just.. loud.. and with no filter.. He did appreciate an interest in his playing, but with how chatty and energetic she seemed he wondered how she would sit through even one movement. He thought back to the lesson his father had taught him, don’t judge too soon, he stopped himself and his quickly forming opinion of Lucy, she was just another kid, how bad could she be? Caught up in his own thoughts he almost ran into the same girl clouding his thoughts, he flushed a bit, embarrassed. He hadn’t noticed they had already arrived at Charlie’s yard. She however, didn’t notice his barely avoided embarrassment, and was already running to Charlie’s side, with Patty on the other.

The blonde quickly followed, standing next to his neighbor, smiling. Charlie looked up curiously from his book, towards Patty. “We need a fourth for a bridge, Charlie Brown..” She told him. He quickly stood, with a big smile and replied “So you want me to play with you, eh?” They started walking to a smooth part of Charlie’s yard, and he continued “This is very flattering. Although I’ll admit I can play a good game.” Patty stopped, and Lucy and Schroeder followed, getting quite excited for the game to start. They both smiled and Lucy saw Schroeder’s smile out of the corner of her eye, a rare sight, this was what.. the second time she had seen him smile? She hoped to see it more, he had a nice smile.. unlike let’s say.. Charlie Brown. Patty and Charlie had set up holding each other’s hand and making a small bridge with their arms.

“This isn’t what I expected when you said bridge..” Charlie started. Patty shrugged and chuckled, “It’ll be fun for Lucy and Schroeder!” Lucy patted Schroeder’s back, smiled with the sweetest smile she could bare, and told him “you can go first!” The blonde smiled slightly, appreciating the gesture, and thanked her before running under the bridge. Patty began singing, starting with “A London Bridge”. Lucy followed quickly behind Schroeder, and the cycle repeated, with Schroeder and Lucy giggling and smiling, Patty singing happily, and Charlie annoyed but too kind (and spineless) to put a stop to it.

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Lucille van Pelt. Lucy, a nickname in itself, nobody ever called her Lucille. Well, almost nobody, her grandmother did, her mom on occasion, and of course, Peppermint Patty. She never thought she would hate a nickname, how could she? What she went by was considered a nickname, she adored nicknames, they were a form of affection. She thought so until that forsaken nickname, “Luce.”

It started as something she didn’t really mind, a quick call by her mother, Peppermint Patty called her that once when they almost pierced their ears together, nothing special. The distaste started with her sort of ex, sort of because they never really dated, he just seemed to have led her on. It started during her trying to get over Schroeder era, of course they were still best friends during it, she just wanted to get over him romantically. Due to this she latched on to the first guy who showed interest in her, Rick. He wasn’t anything special, a thought that shamed her when she thought about it, how could she have been so mindless? Dark brown, short, neat hair, green eyes, charming, a total meathead… But yet she had stayed, and that’s how she started loathing the nickname.

“Luce, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” He argued back. She usually grimaced slightly when he called her Luce, but hearing it during his completely idiotic response in an argument completely ruined it. “I know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!” She spat back, fuming at this point. She was usually good at arguing, according to others, she was always willing to stand up for herself and what she believed in. Today wasn’t an exception, but she felt tears well, thoughts forming, worry. She turned around, half to leave and end the dispute and half to hide the tears welling. “It’s over. But it never really started to begin with, huh?” Lucy said, quieter this time. “Look, I didn’t mean for it to go on for so long.” Rick tried to explain, in vain. It was a selfish action, a reckless and stupid action. She shook her head “I don’t wanna hear it.” She said, a little louder to get the point across, as she walked away and slammed his door.

She didn’t know where to go from there, she didn’t want to go home, not yet. Lucy started a walk she knew all too well, as her thoughts ate her alive. Why did he do that? Was she just a game to him? Was she not lovable, was there something wrong with her? Maybe it really was for the better, the plan clearly hadn’t worked, she had found him all too often thinking he’s nothing like Schroeder. Schroeder wouldn’t have done this. He would’ve said this, he usually does that. Her plan had failed, she clearly wasn’t over him, course she wasn’t, look where she was heading! Her thoughts had done a good job of making the walk seem extremely short, she was at his door, hesitating. She just didn’t want to go home, maybe listening to some music would distract for some time, before she finally went home and would probably lay in bed, wallowing in misery. Just for a bit.

Lucy swallowed, smoothed out her sweater, wiped her eyes, and knocked. Once, twice, quieter, hesitant. Schroeder didn’t take long to open the door, he was a bit surprised to see her at the door. “Lucy??” He said, curiously, confused, a hint of worry laced his tone. She sniffled, and just quietly asked if she could come in, without a response he stepped aside, letting the quiet girl in. He wondered, but was it appropriate to ask? He didn’t see why not, so he asked “You okay? You usually reserved Thursdays for Rick.” “I only did that for two weeks.” She said, feeling breathless, flushed at his memory. He did not make it easy to get over him. “I notice.” Is all he said, plain and simple, a fact.

The very exact thing she wanted to forget about was the very thing he asked about. She lifted a hand to fix a curl and swallowed, “he led me on.” She said as she sat down on the couch, she had explained it simply, no beating around the bush, just being honest. Schroeder muttered a simple “oh” feeling relieved, he never liked the guy, and the feeling he got seeing Lucy all over someone else was new. He didn’t want to think about it now, or wonder why he felt that way. He hesitated, even after years of dealing with Lucy and being her best friend, he always hesitated when she was down. He snapped out of it for a second and followed her, sitting next to her, making sure to leave space. “Do you feel okay?” He decided to ask, trying to gauge how exactly she felt, to try and help.

Lucy didn’t answer his question, she wiped her eyes and said “I was hoping to hear some music” weakly, looking away. The blonde next to her quickly got up, a slight smile at her request, despite the situation. He gestured for her to follow him to his room. She usually took many seats when she would come over and listen (or talk his ear off), next to him, on his bed, on his desk, on top of the piano, on the floor. Today, she sat next to him, closer than Schroeder would’ve sat, but he let her. He swallowed thickly, thought for a second and landed on asking her if she had anything she specifically wanted to hear, she had asked after all. She shook her head, really holding in tears now, his kindness contradicted all her thoughts and just gave her more reason to justify why she had fallen for him, why she still liked him so much. He went through a list of songs in his mind and landed on Moonlight Sonata, remembering she had stated how much she liked it, teasing about him playing it specially for her, to express his romantic and grand feelings for her. The memory made his heart warm, his eyes shine.

He hadn’t gotten through even a minute of the song when he heard her let out a loud cry. She had tried to hide it, tried to not start crying in the first place but she couldn’t help it. He stopped immediately and hesitated, she was already getting up, embarrassed. “Wait!” He called out after she had made a few steps over to his door “look, here I have tissues, what’s going on?” He asked, worried. Lucy could be unpredictable, he had gotten good at reading her, knowing her, but now, he didn’t know if she’d cry harder, leave, or listen to him. She did the latter, slowly walking over and taking the tissue before sitting back down on the bench. Wiping her eyes and trying to control her crying and breathing. The blonde followed, putting the box down and sitting next to her.

“Luce..” He said, quieting at the end, at a loss for words, he really wasn’t good at this and he cursed himself for it. Lucy wanted to cry harder, not because she hated that nickname, nor because Rick ruined it for her, nor because it reminded her of how unlovable she felt, but because he had said it. It was so different, she used to be indifferent, she used to loathe it, but hearing it come from him felt comforting, like an actual act of affection. A lot of things he did were different, if it’s him it always seemed better. She wiped her eyes, nose, and eyes again. Schroeder lifted a hand, but not knowing what to do with it, put it back down. Lucy hesitated, but ended up pulling him in for a hug, it felt like what she has needed after this disaster of a situation, of a day. He froze, hesitated, but hugged back, if it’s what would make her feel better, then so be it. He didn’t want to admit to himself he enjoyed her warmth, flushing a bit at the thought. After a few seconds the sad girl pulled away, running her hand down his arm and holding his hand with both of hers. She had always loved his hands, soft, delicate, skilled. She loved everything about him, and as much as she hated it at times, she felt that with him everything would be okay. If he called her that name, it’d be okay. She sniffed quietly, slightly smiled, and told him “I’ll be okay.”

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Lucy awoke to..pots clanking? She had slept over at Schroeder’s dorm, not an uncommon activity, they slept at each other’s dorms often. The smell of sweet pancakes and especially bacon hit her. That’s odd, Schroeder never cooked much, especially not breakfast foods. Usually at Schroeder’s they had a quick breakfast, she cooked, or they ate out. He wasn’t a horrible cook but it just wasn’t something he put a lot of effort in, he usually left with just toast or some cereal on most mornings.

Lucy wiped her eyes and yawned before stretching her arms. Her shirt was baggy, being one of Schroeder’s she stole, along with some random but extremely comfy sweatpants of hers. She took the hair tie off her wrist and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She decided to see how Schroeder’s cooking was going, seeing if he needed any help. She walked over to the small, stuffy kitchen. She found the blonde already brewing some coffee and at the stove cooking pancakes, a little plate of bacon already on the table. She smiled softly at his effort.

Schroeder didn’t notice her, too busy cooking, missing her footsteps. She chose to hug him from behind and take a peek at how his pancakes were going. He startled a bit but smiled at her, feeling her warmth from being only recently awake. Taking a good look she noticed they were surprisingly going well, and had a special ingredient added. “Chocolate chips?” She whispered, being her first words spoken. “I didn’t know you had those stored somewhere.” She said with a small giggle, despite his own sweet tooth chocolate chips weren’t something he kept around, he preferred caramel.

“I bought them specially for this,” he said, a bit embarrassed. “I really had to step up my cooking act to make these well.. for you.” He said the last part quieter but she heard, and flushed a bit. Schroeder finished up the last two pancakes, adding them to the pile and putting his hand up to caress Lucy’s. She held it as she eyed the pancakes, nicely cooked, fluffy, with soft melted chocolate chips. “Looks good..” She stated, smiling sweetly at him.

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“Alright Luce, try this one” Schroeder instructed the girl next to him after he had explained and showed her how to do it. Lucy grumbled, annoyed, she hated math. It was so unecessariy hard and even with the cutest tutor in the world it still found to be hard for her. She decided to get to work using what said tutor taught her and his example next to her. Schroeder noticed her apparent annoyance and stress and sighed, thinking about what to do, if he could even do anything about it all.

It was apparent she was tired and stressed, math had been stressing her out more than usual the past two weeks, as well as a surplus of work in classes she was better at. He would just recommend to stop studying and go to bed but she was cramming for a surprise exam, even if she could she would refuse, stubborn as she was. He found the solution was a medium, a break. Lucy was still hard at work and focused, furrowing her brows in confusion and concentration. He could take time to admire without her noticing and teasing him about it relentlessly for DAYS. He thought she was the prettiest girl in the world, a thought that would dismay younger Schroeder.

“Okay done.” Lucy said quiet unsure while fixing her posture. “Okay, I’ll check it when we get back.” Schroeder said simply while standing up. “B-back?” She asked, surprised “I’ve got to study Schroeder I can’t just get up and g-“ He cut her off. “Don’t worry, it’s just a break that you clearly need.” She hesitated, and for a second Schroeder wondered if she’d be stubborn about this, but she sighed and stood up to follow the blonde. She followed him up into his car and they both got in. She realized she hadn’t asked.. any questions about where they’re going. “So… What’s the plan here?” He pondered for a bit, and finally settled on a good idea.

“We’ll drive around, clear your mind.. and we can stop for some late dinner at that diner you like.” He told her and she smiled, “Sounds good.” He smiled back at her and leaned over to give her a small peck on the nose. “How quaint” Lucy said quietly. He huffed a smile and started the drive. They drove in silence for a bit, Lucy slumped and leaned on her seat. The diner wasn’t too far but he figured he’d take a detour before circling back to where the diner was. Every few minutes he’d eye her to see how she was feeling, she looked much more relaxed.

After around 10 minutes Lucy straightened up, she started to roll down her window and look out. Schroder smiled to himself, feeling glad he most likely was helping her destress. Lucy looked up at the night sky, it always made her want to ponder, and always made her feel at ease. The stars were brighter today, half moon but it was still yellow, prominent and beautiful. “The stars are so bright today..” She murmured to Schroeder. “Mmmhm” He agreed, now really noticing them after the girl had pointed them out. “Do you like them?” He asked, he slightly cursed himself for the stupid and simple question but Lucy did not put it any mind and said “They’re beautiful…” Schroeder didn’t respond but acknowledged her words.

After a few seconds he spoke again “We’re almost at the diner, you okay to go or do you want to take a few more laps?” The girl beamed happily at him, “I’m okay.” She felt so.. noticed.. loved. The gesture was kind enough but she noticed how he went out of his way to stretch the drive, to drive around the parts of town where she mentioned she liked a specific part, whether that be the scenery or something else. “Thank you, Schroeder.” She said, meaning it deeply, wanting to show her appreciation. She at the same time laid her hand on his, the one he had on the gear, after putting the car in park. He didn’t respond verbally but nodded and smiled at her warmly.

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Charlie had known Lucy van Pelt and Schroeder Felton since they were all toddlers. He had been aware of Lucy’s unrequited affections for the blonde, she made it quite obvious with no attempts to hide it. Despite that childish crush they had been friends. They had been friends before she developed her crush, stayed friends during, and grew up together. This leads to Charlie’s thoughts on this day, he had been waiting for Schroeder to walk to the diner with him to eat and hang out with the rest of their friends. Usually Lucy would also go, he’d walk with them, they’d sit together and he’d sit with Linus, they’d eat, talk, and say their goodbyes. However, today Lucy was caught up in a last minute meeting for debate and couldn’t make it, so he’d just be waiting for Schroeder.

Sitting at the bench he finally caught sight of Schroeder out of the corner of his eye, and of course, by his side was Lucy. They had always been best friends, even as kids (although it would’ve killed Schroeder to admit, and probably still would now). He knows that fact but he can’t help but notice their behavior when nobody is looking. Lucy behaves the same always, hugs, touching, clinging to him, flirting. Schroeder always has a variety of responses to her flirting, joking insults, pushing her away, feigning disgust, and even bantering back! It’s something special and private to them, something no one notices unless they’re being attentive. Now he notices that it’s different when nobody is around (at least when they think nobody is around). It’s almost like Schroeder actually allows himself to feel, the way he looks at her so warmly is a look that can’t be mistaken.

Did Schroeder like Lucy? He suspected Lucy still always liked him after her short-lived phase of trying to get over him. She tried, almost dated someone, he turned out to be a dick, and she was right back glued to Schroeder’s side. He noticed Schroeder’s behavior then too, nobody liked Rick, but he seemed to have a special disdain for him. That leads him back to wondering if they liked each other, they most likely did, didn’t they? He looked back at said pair and it looked like they were parting finally, Lucy acted like it was the last time she’d see him and pulled him in for a hug. Usually in a group setting he’d push her away lightly or simply not reciprocate, despite basically everyone noticing his reddening cheeks. Some things aren’t noticed unless attentive, others are, he was pretty pale after all. However now, he grimaced a bit, and patted her back, before lifting his hand up to tussle her hair a bit, and she giggled. They pulled apart and she skipped away, blowing him a kiss, he just smiled and rolled his eyes affectionately at her.

After a few seconds Schroeder saw Charlie Brown waiting for him and walked over to him. “Hey. Didn’t keep you waiting much did I?” He asked. Charlie shook his head “No, no class just ended early for me.” Schroeder loosened a bit and smiled slightly, "Ready to go?” Charlie got up and picked up his bag, then they began their walk. Charlie’s mind wandered back to his long pondering session about his two good friends, and to try and ask and pry how Schroeder felt about Lucy. “So Schroeder..” He began, and the boy next to him gave him a curious look. “About Lucy..” That made him react more visibly, he stiffened a bit and furrowed his brow, “What about her?” “Do you-Schroeder do you like her?” He just bit the bullet and asked bluntly.

At that the taller boy gave him a look, he shook his head and fixed his hair. “No!” He said a bit too strongly, “no.. no I don’t. What makes you think that?” Charlie Brown felt like rolling his eyes, he COULD list the metaphorical piles of evidence, but he decided not to push it so he just shrugged “No reason. You guys are just really close.” Schroeder sighed “She’s my best friend.” Charlie still suspected but he wasn’t gonna make the boy jump out of his skin by telling him he basically knew the most likely truth that would be very hard to disprove. He changed the subject to the new diner menu, and how he was excited to try it. Schroeder wasn’t quite there, he had been battling his apparent feelings for his lifelong best friend that used to have a crush on him, just to now have someone else ask about them? He felt queasy, sick, but he could think about that later, overthink later, he just responded to Charlie Brown and continued the conversation. He felt doomed, like a fool in love.

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It had been a relatively normal day when the news hit Schroeder. Usually he waited for Lucy and they would walk to school together but something she told him something came up, it happens, he didn’t think much of it. He was at his locker when Lucy bounced over to him, claiming she had news. He didn’t respond but raised a brow at her as he put a book away. “I told you about him only briefly… but I think Rick and I are starting to get serious!” She said excitedly. He felt his heart drop at that, he managed to keep it together but he did take longer to respond than he usually did. That didn’t matter because she was clearly not done and was yapping about how he had gotten her flowers as she pulled out a book for their next class. He swallowed, feeling a bit sick already but he managed to tell her that it was great, he was happy for her, and how glad he was to be relieved of her flirting.

A clear lie he thought to himself as he followed her to class, he was lucky the teacher did not tolerate talking at all because he was not sure he could stand her pestering about why he was so quiet. More quiet than usual. He already knew and had experience than whenever she was home, their routine and friendship was disrupted (like the time she had moved briefly as children) he felt well, sad. He felt sad, sick, bare, without her. He thought it was just because she was his best friend, because she was a big part of his routine. Sitting in class his stomach twisted as he thought more. He had to face the possibility that it was more than her being his best friend, more than routine, he had to face he most likely did (and did for a long while at that) have romantic feelings for her.

It had been almost a month since the whole Rick thing started. He and Lucy started spending less time together, as expected. She hadn’t said anything about it being official so he still clung to that fact but it didn’t matter much when he was just waiting for the news to hit him. He didn’t like the guy, he could list real reasons as to why, he didn’t seem good for her. He couldn’t bear to tell her because she’d be stubborn and say she can do what she wants. He also couldn’t bear to tell her because maybe his brain was warping his thoughts because he’s… jealous. A horrible thought indeed. The few times he bared to look at them for longer than a second he felt envious, he imagined himself in Rick’s place.

He missed his friend. He missed her continuous flirting, her company, her affection, he missed Lucy. He felt queasy the few times he let his mind wander, letting himself think about her, think about him in Rick’s place, think about what he liked so much about her. It was a sickening realization and he realized a little too late, and he could still barely admit it to himself, he buried it deep. Deep and distracted himself with practice, schoolwork, friends, anything he could. He could never admit it to her now, and even if he could he wasn’t sure he’d have the strength.

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After the “breakup” between Lucy and Rick Schroeder wondered how things would go. Would it ever be the same? He didn’t doubt they would still be best friends but he now could admit that they spent an abnormal amount of time for friends. They did so much that could be abnormal for friends, especially with their history. During her short-lived relationship with Rick Schroeder realized how much he missed it and how oblivious he had been basically all his life. That’s another reason he questioned if it could be the same, admitting the obvious to himself made him wonder if he would be able to keep it together.

Lucy had come to him the day of, he had tried his best to comfort her. He missed her, he admitted it when she left, she told him she’d be back the next day. The next day he had walked with her to school, like they always did, she sat next to him at lunch, and in the afternoon after Lucy’s meeting finished she was at his door. She was much better at pretending like nothing had happened, like nothing ever changed, she waltzed in rambling about how swamped she was with homework, and walked right up to his room, like she had done before. He snapped out of his thoughts and followed her right up.

“Surprised you're not practicing! Homework’s got you swamped too, huh?” She said while eyeing the mess of papers on his desk and bed. He felt a bit embarrassed and scratched the back of his neck, “Yeah…” He replied. She picked a few up to gauge the subject and nodded, “Yup. English, swamped with that too, come on” she said motioning for him to join her with homework, he swallowed and obliged. They began work, comparing notes and the poem they each picked to dissect, Lucy going on about how she hated every option and Schroeder teasing. Everything felt as it should be, as it was, but he still felt on edge.

After barely an hour homework was discarded to the side and they were just talking, catching up. Lucy was doing a lot of the talking but Schroeder was just glad to listen, and glad he didn’t have to think of responses quickly since his thoughts were so loud. She had been talking about her mess of a debate meeting, how the new girl was rude and she wanted to slug her, and how everything was so disorganized. He smiled at her, not something he often did randomly but he was just glad to have her there with him.

Her sentence faded out as she smiled back, the silence felt a bit awkward, so he went to what he always knew, his piano. “Any requests?” He asked once again, her following him as he sat down. She put her hands on his shoulders and almost wrapped him into a small hug from behind, stopping herself, not wanting to come off too strong. She’d been worrying more recently, especially with some of the things Rick had told her. She shook it off for this short period and teased “What a gentleman! Asking me once again what I'd like to hear!” Schroeder sighed, with a small, quiet laugh. He raised an eyebrow at her once again, and she told him to play what came to his mind first. He did, he played what reminded him of her, a part of him hoping she would recognize the song and another part hoping she wouldn’t.

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Lucy had been helping around her house by washing some dishes when a knock on the door caught her attention. She rushed over to peek at who it was, and saw Violet and Patty. She opened the door and Violet told her it was a snow day as it had been one of the first days it actually snowed profusely, a good amount for winter activities, which is exactly what the two girls wanted to do. Lucy nodded a yes to them, excited, and yelled for her brother, “LINUS! PUT YOUR COAT AND MITTENS ON LET'S GO!” Not even bothering to add context as either one, he’d gauge it himself or two, he’d just go along with it.

The two siblings quickly put their coats on and rushed out. They quickly got everyone, Frieda, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty, Marcy, Sally, and Franklin. They were just waiting for one more, Charlie Brown. Despite Sally being his sister and coming out quickly, Charlie Brown was taking a while. Lucy turned to who was next to her, Frieda, and gave her a knowing look. Frieda giggled, and changed the subject to pass the time, “don’t my natural curls look great today?” Lucy rolled her eyes but nodded with a small smile, “you got lucky, I was barely able to fix myself up.” Frieda opened her mouth but wasn’t able to finish her sentence as Charlie Brown finally burst through his door. Nobody really said anything, they just started rushing over to the field with Charlie Brown following.

They started off doing their own things, Marcie, Lucy and Frieda ice skating, Schroeder, Franklin and Peppermint Patty playing hockey, Sally, Violet, and Patty building a snowman, and Linus trying to help Charlie brown… fly a kite? Lucy would never understand that boy, nor does she understand her brother for helping him with his brainless ideas. Everyone doing separate things pretty quickly turned into a snowball fight that included everyone. It started when Violet tried throwing a snowball at Lucy, missed and hit Frieda’s curls which she exclaimed were so pretty today, which resulted in her throwing one back, Patty started throwing as well, Lucy helped Frieda, Peppermint Patty quickly decided to join, and soon everyone followed.

Lucy had gotten a good throw at Peppermint Patty, and took off running, giggling at her win. She went to a less dense spot and saw Schroeder hiding behind a tree, trying to sneak a throw at Franklin. Lucy did not miss her chance, quickly bent down, grabbed a handful of snow, patted it together as quietly as she could, and threw. Schroeder basically jumped up from his spot as he was hit, being caught by surprise, he turned and saw Lucy and grimaced. Usually he’d roll his eyes whenever he saw the girl but something felt like it was changing, it made him feel weird. He didn’t know how to describe it but he didn’t feel what he usually did, it was like the time he called her the prettiest girl in the world! Seeing her giggling made his heart warm and he feigned annoyance while he swore revenge to himself.

He watched her bounce away and hide behind Linus’s makeshift snow wall. He grabbed one of his snowball stashes and hit Franklin as he had planned, he laughed, his friend was getting quite a few blows, so he ran to hide with Schroeder. They looked at each other with a knowing look, and decided to work together for the meantime. They snuck to the next tree and they striked Peppermint Patty and Marcie, but Peppermint Patty was always quick and had good reflexes. She immediately was able to throw a fast snowball at Franklin and Schroeder was a bit distracted at that time. He was watching Lucy, he knew his time for revenge was soon.

Franklin shook the blonde a bit, raising a brow at him. Schroeder reddened and scowled a bit, knowing how it might look. He whispered “I’m getting revenge” and his friend immediately understood, as he was following Peppermint Patty closely. They split up for the meantime so they can each avenge themselves. Lucy had finally left Linus’s shelter and was running away from Violet, and he thought for a second. If he calculated where she’d run to, he could catch her there and get a hit.

Schroeder hid behind a bush quickly and waited a few seconds, he got a large amount of snow and bundled it up as quickly as he could. He came out as she ran past and threw, striking her. The girl stumbled a bit, and he worried she would be hurt but she fixed her footing swiftly and panted a bit. She let out a breathy laugh and said “good one, got me there.” Schroeder smiled cheekily, proud of how his plan had transpired.

Lucy sat down to catch her breath, and Schroeder could’ve gone, could’ve gone and met up with Franklin, but something in him wanted to stay a little longer. He sat next to her and mindlessly grabbed snow, needing something to do, feeling the cold feel of snow. They sat in mostly silence apart from Lucy’s breathing that grew softer. Schroeder molded a few snowballs, and decided to leave them to Lucy, he pushed them to her and she looked a bit stunned, but smiled sweetly at him, “thanks.” Schroeder reddened a bit, and felt confused as to why he had flushed once again. He shook himself and his thoughts off, pushing snow off his jacket and shrugged at Lucy, grabbing a snowball for himself and going back to find his friend. The girl was left stunned but smiled to herself, grabbing one of the snowballs Schroeder had left her and prepared to go back into the fight.

Chapter Text

Lucy had always loved Schroeder’s hair. He had beautiful soft elegant blonde hair. The way it fell over his head right above his concentrated brows was the cutest thing in the world to her. She had loved his hair even as children, before she had the proper words to describe why.
“The top of your head is cute, you’re cute.”
She would tell him. She didn’t have much more to say, she thought he was cute, so the top of his head (where she got a good view of his curls, the loose ones and the tighter ones) was, by default, also cute.

She never knew if he appreciated her persistent compliments, but she assumed he did. He didn’t really show his true (and quite awkward but endearing) appreciation until they were older.
The blonde wrapped his arms around the shorter girl, leaning his chin on her head. “Schroeder!” She exclaimed with a small smirk and a giggle. “What?” He questioned with a knowing look. She muttered a quiet “nothing” and rested her hands on his arms, leaning into his hug even more than she already had been. Lucy had to go soon, she didn’t want to but she had an early start to her day tomorrow, she sighed.

“I have to go sweetie..” She told him, dejected. He nodded “I know” and turned her around to face him. She smiled delicately at him, not looking him in the eyes. He ran a hand down her hair and pulled her closer. She felt a bit shy for some odd reason but put her free hand on his shoulder. He leaned down and tilted his face, but stopped, letting her close the gap if she wanted to, it was his way to ask for consent during a moment like this. She didn’t hesitate and kissed him softly, her hand on his shoulder moved up to cup his cheek, and her other hand from his back to the nape of his neck. She trailed up said hand to tousle some of his hair she loved, he smiled into her, one hand on her waist and the other wrapped around her shoulders.

Lucy pulled away, barely, breaths still mingled together. “I love your hair, I always have..” She told him, and he smiled, giving her another chaste kiss on the lips. “Thank you..” He just told her quietly, it was never something he said too often, so she knew he meant it truly. She pulled him in for a last hug, squeezing him tightly. After they separated she motioned for him to bend down, and she ruffled his hair a bit to his dismay. He complained, with no real emotions of annoyance behind it, the gleam in his eyes gave it sway. Grabbing both of his hands she said her goodbyes, “I’ll see you tomorrow, handsome.” Said handsome boy smiled sheepishly, she found it adorable when he got a bit awkward like that, but he got his goodbyes out as well, “Bye Lucy..”
__________________________________________

Schroeder never thought Lucy was unsightly, in fact even as a child he thought she was pretty. Would he have ever admitted it? No, he barely allowed himself to think it! During his weaker moments as he called them, he had complimented her. He called her pretty.. twice from what he remembered. Another time he showered her and said she wasn’t annoying at all and that he loved her hair! A lot of it was fake (the part where she said she wasn’t annoying, she definitely was) as he had been doing it to catch her in the act of fake sleeping. Another time she had come to him asking if she had pretty hair, and that she had spent a lot of time on it. He just nodded, and she was content with that.

As they got older Lucy got more insecure, he knew that, and he cared for her. He had always cared, since the time she skinned her knee while roller skating, to the New Years she was restless and depressed because she thought she was unlovable! He had always been there in his own way, playing music for her or just simply showing up, mustering the few words of comfort he could.

Schroeder knew she was spiraling in some way, he saw how stressed she looked, how tired she was, the small ways she talked about herself. On the third day she hadn’t showed up to school. He was really concerned, she hated missing school. Even if she hated it she hated missing it because it would put her behind on work. He had been picking up the work she was missing and planned to give her the notes as well. He decided today he’d show up to give her the papers, but not just that, definitely not just that. He wanted to do something kind, wanted to make her feel even just a tiny bit better. He didn’t have a set plan and he cursed himself for it, already half way to her house.

He thought maybe he could take her out, somewhere small as he didn't have a lot of money at the current moment. Despite that he still wanted to try and cheer her up with what he had. Arriving at her house he got up and walked to the door, he didn’t hesitate before knocking but wondered if he should’ve, he didn’t know what to say. He expected Rerun or her mother to open the door but after a minute Lucy herself opened the door. He took a good look at her, she looked exhausted and it was obvious she had just gotten up.

Lucy tilted her head, asking what’s up? With her look. Schroeder swallowed “uh.. I um” He paused. “It’s Friday, I came to give you the work you missed.” “Oh” Lucy said, trying to keep a neutral tone, but he heard the disappointment in her voice. He didn’t tell her the rest of what he planned (mostly because he didn’t know the full plan) and asked if he could come in. She moved aside to let him in, she soon walked on over to her room, barely waiting for him to follow. She sat on her bed, and he sat next to her, a little too close, hoping the touch would comfort her. They sat in awkward silence for a bit but he decided to pull her closer and pressed a kiss to her head.

“I was also thinking maybe you wanna go somewhere?” She stayed quiet for a bit, thinking, but before she made her choice she asked to where. “Where ever you want, maybe that diner you like or the park?” He said, modestly. Lucy thought about it and sighed, “Schroeder if I'm being honest I don’t know if I feel or look good enough to go somewhere..” He frowned, rubbing circles on her shoulder with his thumb, knowing how down she felt. “Cmon Luce.. We can just pick up food, at least come for a drive, maybe it’ll clear your head a bit?” Lucy sighed, who was she to deny the boy she’d been head over heels with since she was a toddler. Maybe he was right, maybe it would help.

She sighed, “alright but I.. ugh my hair’s a mess!” she cried out, getting up and looking in the mirror. “You don’t even have to leave the car.” He tried to reassure, but she shook her head “Still!” Not even bothering to come up with a good rebuttal, like how she usually would. He took a breath, thinking. He wasn’t gonna give in, he’d drag her out of this house if it was the last thing he did. But at the same time, he wouldn’t force her, he had to try and convince her she looked fine, beautiful in his eyes! “Alright Luce, come here.” She obliged, and sat back down next to him, farther than he originally had.

Schroeder scooted closer and grabbed a strand of hair she’d pushed back, wrapped it around his finger and let go, watching the small wave form back. The girl flushed, a bit confused on what he was going to do, but let him. He used both of his hands to fix a few stray pieces and smooth out the side she’d been laying down on. “There, less messy.” Lucy opened her mouth to argue something and he knew that, so he quickly interrupted, “I love your hair, even now, I love it just as much as when it’s done.” He wasn’t done, he had a final thing to say.
“You’re beautiful, I hate to see you doubt it.”

Lucy didn’t say anything, she just flushed, unusual for her, but that’s how it’s been recently. She opened her mouth and closed it, thinking of a response. She couldn’t, so she just pulled him in, hugging him tightly. “I’ll go..” She said, muffled. He clearly heard and pulled away, hands on her shoulders and looked at her softly. “I will just, give me a few minutes, okay?" He pulled her back in and rested his chin on her head.
“Of course.”

Chapter Text

Lucille van Pelt had two big ways of showing affection, and one was with words. Schroeder was the main person she showed this affection to, it was easier for her with him, she didn’t know why. She could call him sweetie, compliment his playing, his hair, his cute face all day but when it came to anyone else, even her best friends, she felt awkward. Even with her own brothers, she could care for Linus and tell him to “survive” as he went out the door, she would talk to Rerun and give him cookies if he cried, but it was still hard to use comforting words in most situations.

“All it would take to make me happy is to have Schroeder say he likes me!” 

She exclaimed, mid rant.

“Is that asking for too much Charlie Brown?”

“Well I-“

She cut him off. “Put yourself in my shoes Charlie Brown. What would you do, huh? What would you do?”

“Well, I-“ 

Again, she cut him off “If a person honestly likes a person and lets that person know that the person is liked by the other person,” she paused and began walking, Charlie following.

“Wouldn’t you agree that that person would then express his true feelings, that he likes the other person?”

“Well, I-“

Again, he was cut off, quicker this time. 

“Wouldn’t he? Huh? Wouldn’t he?!”

Charlie began walking away, but Lucy followed continuing her rant, saying that possibly only with her actions, she could let Schroeder know how she feels. After being interrupted twice more, Lucy thanked Charlie Brown, much to his confusion as he didn’t get to say anything other than the same two words, and she was on her way. She thought her plan sounded good when she made it but she herself had never been great at taking hints, would Schroeder also be?

She remembered how happy she had been when the boy had just said “thank you” to her, her happiness even leading her to hug Snoopy and Charlie Brown! She brought back to the time that proved he might’ve liked her affections, or at least been affected by them. The time she said he had pretty eyes, and he continued playing, but he started blushing, hard. He ended up walking away for a moment.

She thought back to what her brother had told her, with all his infinite emotional wisdom. People have different ways of showing affection, and he listed the ways he did, the ways he saw she did, and kept going until he noticed she was clearly not listening anymore. Maybe Schroeder showed that he liked her in other ways? 

He never kicked her out really, they could fight, she could hide his piano, break one of his millions of Beethoven statues, but he never told her to leave. That had to prove something, right? She thought back to the times they had spent time together, when he was off his piano, walking at the park, playing baseball, or playing whatever other game they could think of. If she wasn’t asking for anything specifically romantic, he would do it. There were times she didn’t even have to ask, like often during baseball he’d hand her her glove without her asking. There was that time she had complained about the burning weather, and the next time she came over he randomly had lemonade for her, even though he never drank the drink himself. 

Lucy thought back to the time she came to him with a strange profession idea, a germ stomper. He raised an eyebrow at her, gave her a weird look, but went along with it. 

“Cough please…” She instructed, and he did, laying on the floor while doing so. She stomped out his germs, and as he got up and wiped the dirt off his shirt he said “isn’t it insanity on the floor? I mean you’re trying to get rid of the germs, not give me more!” He wasn’t annoyed, not really, the small smile he had gave it all away. Lucy giggled, “well if you get sick that means i can practice stomping out other types of germs!” He gave her that weird look again, with a raised brow. However he didn’t say anything about it, just said “sure then, i’ll let you know if i get sick.” He paused, “and I'll very much let you know it’s all your fault.” With a cheeky grin.

______

As they grew older, they remained close, and got louder in other ways (romantically). Lucy's other way of showing affection, touch, was in full force when they started dating. She had always been touchy, tricking him to hold hands as kids, hugging him, holding hands with him in general, patting his back, everything. She was that way with a lot of people, hugging her best friends, arms around them. She hugged her brothers, like the time she burst into tears and pulled him into the tightest hug when he said he loved her. She had even hugged Charlie Brown when she was feeling extra happy!

“Schroederrr” she said, dragging on the last letter of his name. He didn’t look up from his paper as he told her to focus. She didn’t listen.

“I can’t!” She exclaimed, a little louder than she had meant to.

“I’m sure you can, take a break, come back to it.” He replied, focused.

“Why don’t you take a break too?”

“I don’t need one.”

Well, needed or not she’d make him take a break with her. She scooted on the floor, right next to where he was with his scattered papers. She thought for a second, but landed on just running a hand through his hair. He didn’t budge. 

“Schroederrr” She called his name again, and he looked over for a second, just to let her know he was in fact listening. She didn’t know what to say, so she stayed quiet for a bit. She landed on putting her arm around his shoulder, trying to peel him off his work.

“Lucy..” He feigned annoyance, she knew him far too well to know he wasn’t actually irritated. “I have to get this done.”

“It’s due Friday.” She insisted once again, and he rolled his eyes.

He gave up, she was stubborn, he was weak, what a combination. He moved his papers, just in case they (mostly Lucy) were not careful. He pulled her down more to his level and pressed a soft kiss on her cheek. She giggled, and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. It was warm, it was sweet, filled with affection. He laid down completely on the floor, his arm felt weak holding up his weight, and his lover quickly followed. 

“Youre impossible.” 

He told her, laced with love.

“And you’re soft.” 

She replied, peppering a few kisses on his face.

After a bit, he moved up the cuddling to his bed, complaining about his back (like an old man). He ran his hands through her hair, kissing the top of her head, in response, she hugged him tighter, feeling loved. 

Schroeder thought of all the time they spent together, whether they were like this, or him showing her his compositions, playing music with her by him, studying, anything. He enjoyed that time, he enjoyed how special she made that time, and he felt loved. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Winter was a great season that everyone in the town loved. The snow, the weather, the activities, the holidays, everything! Lucy was no exception to this, but she always complained in the mornings. Schroeder, of course, was the one to hear all her complaints.

They would range from it’s too cold, she couldn’t warm up, or to her mornings being too busy. Schroeder decided he’d do something nice, half to ease the first two complaints and half to brighten up her morning.

He woke up a bit earlier, since the day prior he had remembered the diner nearby had started selling hot chocolate for the winter season. He rushed out his hair, to the diner, shook himself off, and entered. The lady was kind, asking if he was okay, he said yes, just that he just had to get somewhere. He bought two hot chocolates, no marshmallows on Lucy’s, since he remembered how she didn’t like them in the drink, exclaiming that since they were kids.

“I just don’t get it! How is this appetizing? They get all soggy and gross!” The girl complained as she picked out the marshmallows, throwing them in Schroeder’s mug. He shrugged, taking a sip and then replying “they’re okay.” “They’re terrible!” She always had to get the last word, even if there was no argument going on.

He smiled recalling the memory, as he took another sip from his own cup, still hot, he’d hoped Lucy’s would still be warm when she got it. He got to her house quickly, his own cup discarded somewhere during the walk. He didn’t have to wait very long before she burst out the door, yelling a goodbye to her youngest brother. 

She greeted him happily.

“Hey Schroeder, whatchu got there?”

“Oh, I got this for you.” 

He said, trying to sound as casual as he could.

“Oh, Thank you!” 

She exclaimed, as she took the cup from him. 

“You're the sweetest.” 

He didn’t reply to that but reddened a bit, more than he was from the cold, if that was even possible. 

They began walking, Lucy very close to his side, coats brushing. Schroeder steadied his breath. 

“Where’s your scarf?” 

He asked, noticing earlier but not saying anything until he felt her slightly shiver. 

“I let Rerun borrow it.”

She replied, and then continued, “He lost his only one, didn’t want him to be cold when he finally left for school.” She took another sip. 

“Don’t think I'm unprepared, I always have a backup but my other blockhead of a brother decided this morning was a good time to do some laundry.”

“Can’t fault the boy too much, he probably thought it was nice to throw some of your stuff in as well.” Schroeder replied.

Lucy rolled her eyes in response, before replying verbally 

“I guess, but he should've asked!” 

“You would've thrown a pillow at him for making you up. Also at that moment, you didn’t know Rerun had lost his scarf.” He replied, more just to banter a bit at that point. 

Lucy squinted her eyes at his logical responses, knowing he was just trying to be so clever and humorous. She shrugged, meaning an “I guess” before replying “well, now I'm cold.”

Schroeder didn’t even think for too long before motioning at her to stop, she did. He took off his own scarf, and wrapped it around her neck, fixing it before quickly putting his hands back in his pockets. Lucy, who usually had infinite words, was quiet, a bit dazed from his action. The scarf was warm, it smelt like him, she felt dizzy. 

“Thank you..” 

He didn’t reply, just nodded.

Lucy fixed up the scarf a bit and was stuck by his side once again, a silence falling over them, a bit awkward compared to how it usually was. The scarf did help warm her up, as she held it up to her nose. Schroeder awkwardly wrapped an arm around her, to pull her in for a quick side hug. She didn’t exactly reciprocate it as she was still shocked, but smiled warmly at him, and in response he smiled as well. She felt her face heating at the interactions, his kindness, the things he noticed about her. Not only was she warming physically but there was a warm feeling in her heart as well.

Chapter Text

Lucy van Pelt, the eternal thorn in Schroeder’s side. Since he was a toddler she was always nagging him, distracting him. He grew used to it, and they grew up together, and he grew to consider her his closest friend, something he’d never admit to her, it would only raise her ego. He was so confident in the fact that he never reciprocated her romantic feelings. Now in the current time, he doubted it, and he doubted it only started recently. He feared it started as a kid. 

Sometimes she’d make his stomach feel weird, fuzzy, nauseous. Whenever she’d call him cute, or when she said he had pretty eyes. He ignored it, assuming it was some kind of disgust towards her advances, how naive and unaware he was. It was also as a kid he realized she meant a lot more to him than he had originally thought. 

“Where’s that big truck going?”

He asked Charlie Brown, confused, a hint of worry in the back of his mind.

“That’s a moving van, Linus and Lucy have moved away.” 

He replied, sadly. 

Schroeder was mostly shocked, a bit upset. 

“I thought she was just kidding, I didn’t think they’d really go!”

“Why do you care, you never liked Lucy anyways, you were always picking on her.”

Schroeder quickly replied to that, still just expressing shock.

“But I don’t understand-”

Charlie Brown was also very clearly upset at the van Pelts move, using Linus’ blanket. 

“Oh stop making excuses! Go on home and play your ol’ Beethoven”

He listened, he went home, still stunned. He tried playing his piano but his mind was clouded with images of Lucy. His heart ached, a strange feeling, he missed her? 

“I never even said goodbye…”

______________

As they got older, he accepted how much the girl meant to him, he still buried it in the back of his mind but he didn’t doubt the fact that she was closest to him. He thought he was content with being best friends, he thought that’s all he felt towards her, but he was proven wrong when Rick came into the picture. 

As soon as he got the news that they might be mutually interested, that there was a possibility they’d date, that she’d be ripped away from him, (a selfish thought, he knows) he felt awful. He had to face the music, face the fact he might have true romantic feelings for her, and he hated it. 

He remembered he once saw them holding hands, and that familiar feeling he hadn’t felt in years at that point, came back. His heart ached, his stomach dropped, he felt ill. He feared it was too late, he realized too late, and it was all a result of his own foolishness.

______________

Turns out, it was not too late. Schroeder feared he would end up making it too late because he was too cowardly to ever confess. At first it was because the “breakup” was too fresh, next was because he thought she needed time to recover, and in the end he couldn’t think of a third reason. He was too scared of ruining what they had, their friendship, the weird limbo of closer than best friends they were constantly in.

It ruined him, he knew he was being an idiot for a lack of a better word. His heart constantly ached, or felt like it was being squeezed apart, that it would stop at any moment. Every time they got too close, every time eye contact lingered, every time they held hands, every time they felt like they would kiss, all of it. There was nothing but his own fear stopping him, his own best friends urged him, he never told them but they caught on, it was so obvious to everyone but them.

It hurt, it was a painful feeling that was only being dragged on by their own trepidation. Lucy van Pelt, the girl who constantly drove the boy crazy. He used to think it was because he couldn’t stand her, but now he more than could, he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of their lives together. It made his heart ache, she always did that to him, or maybe he was doing that to himself.

Chapter Text

“Ugh Schroeder, that class was a nightmare! AND that wasn’t even the worst part!” Lucy exclaimed as she met up with her lover.

He smiled slightly at her, happy to see her.
“What’s going on?” He asked

“That exam I mentioned. It’s tomorrow and I didn’t even get to study the last two chapters in it!” She replied, stressed.

They began walking while Schroeder replied, while putting an arm around the girl, “it’s okay, here’s a plan, let’s go to the cafe, you loosen up, get some caffeine in ya..”

Lucy looked up at him as he continued.
“We can start studying there, and then we can go back to my apartment, or yours, your choice.”

She didn’t hesitate before replying “Yours.” Quickly before asking “Wait, we? You don’t have any-”
“I don’t, at least not as soon as yours, but hey extra study time can't be that bad? I can also use it to practice some.”

Lucy rolled her eyes playfully, before replying “I guess some things never change.” She found it humorous that the boy grew so much, yet he was still so in love with that piano of his, always glued to it.

Schreoder stayed silent, but he leaned over and kissed her hair. Most of the reason he made that plan is so Lucy wouldn’t be alone in her stress, to accompany her as she crams. He wouldn’t tell her that though, he felt it was embarrassing, or silly, something like that.

_________

They arrived soon at the coffee shop, their banter making the already short ride seem much shorter. He opened Lucy’s door for her, to which she joked about how much of a gentleman he was. As they entered the calming atmosphere, Schroeder got reminded of why he especially liked the place. The lights weren’t too bright, for a busy coffee shop it was quite quiet, the colors were dull, a pleasing, calming dull. A lot of brown, warm colors, it was a nicely designed place, he thought to himself.

To make matters better (or worse, it depends) one of their friends worked at the shop, Violet. She was really mostly Lucy’s friend, especially as they grew, and that was evident by the way Lucy had already bounced away, chattering on with Violet. He decided to just find them a table, which wasn’t hard, it wasn’t very full today. He chose one at a corner and sat down, taking a textbook out. Lucy soon bounced back over to him, stating she ordered for the, already, ordering something sweet for him, since she knew about his sweet tooth. He felt bad he didn’t pay, as it had been his idea to begin with.

Lucy started organizing her stuff as well, her notebook, alongside a textbook and a few colored pens. It didn’t take long before their drinks were ready, Violet was a fast worker. They chatted for a bit, about mundane stuff, Lucy complains, he listens, and soon after they focus on their studies. Not much time had passed, an hour or so, before Schroeder asked if she’s ready to go.

She shrugs, and cleans up her stuff and stuffs them into her bag. She follows him out the door, waving and yelling a goodbye to Violet.

“Yaknow, I was really in the zone and you interrupted!”
Lucy argued, not seriously, she wasn’t annoyed or angry or anything of the sorts.

Schroeder felt a bit guilty, but quipped back quickly.
“You could’ve said no.”

She mocked him, he laughed, and they had soon made it to his car. The drive to the apartment wasn’t very long either, it wasn’t a big town by all means and they chose a place close to their college anyways. Before long they arrived at the familiar place, and made the walk up to the second floor, Schroeder opened the door, letting Lucy in first.

_________

Now inside, they quickly found their place, Lucy almost immediately flopped on his couch, beginning her studies once again, Schroeder on the other hand, decided to practice. Never such a thing as too much practice. Also, he just enjoyed it, he enjoyed playing, the joy was in the playing after all. Lucy very much enjoyed his playing, considering it nice background music for her cramming.

“You’re like my own radio! But like, if radios only played classical.”
She commented after a while.

“You’ve grown to like it.”
He responded, focusing on finishing this piece mostly.

“Sure, but still, imagine a radio that only played one genre!”
She rebutted, not really arguing an actual point, she just wanted to get the last word.

“Would be pretty bad huh?”
He replied, smiling to himself.

Schroeder finished his piece, and decided to play two more short pieces afterwards. When he finished those he decided to get leftovers, chinese food he had ordered the day prior. He handed some to Lucy, and she thanked him, saying she was hungry, she just didn’t bother because she was stressing so hard over the exam. He frowned at that but at least she was eating now. He sat next to her, turning on the TV after Lucy confirmed it wouldn’t bother her. He put on some lame comedy show, watching it more to pass the time, he felt tired but he didn’t want to leave Lucy alone.

They finished their respective container, long discarded on the table in front of the couch, Lucy continued her studying, writing quickly, reading, eyes focused. Schroeder noticed she was getting tired, the caffeine finally wearing off, and all that stress catching up. He would urge her to take a break.

“You tired?”
He asked, knowing the answer but not knowing if she’d admit it or try to lie.

“A little, but I can’t go to sleep yet, I don’t feel prepared at all!”
She replied, a half truth, Schroeder thought.

“You don’t have to, just take a break, might help you retain information better.”
He didn’t know if that was true, he assumed it was, why wouldn’t it be?

Lucy sighed, debating, and he knew she was, and he would convince her to take the break, he could be stubborn too.

“Luce, here, just come here, watch some tv with me.”
And of course, how could the girl deny the boy she has been head over heels with since she was a child?

“Fine, but make sure I don’t fall asleep or anything, I am a little more tired than I thought.” She admitted, yawning, but putting aside her textbook and notebook.

Schroeder lifted up his arm to signal her over, and she did, laying her head on his chest. His arm was around her shoulders, and hers were hugging him as she laid down, curling up. He used his free hand to push some hair out of her face, before pulling it back slowly.

“This is the stuff you enjoy Schroeder?”
She questioned, amused Schroeder had stooped so low as to watch something so mindless.

“No” he replied simply, knowing she would understand, it was easy entertainment. Clearly, she already seemed intrigued by the plot. At least, as intrigued as her tired mind could be.

She adjusted herself and decided to close her eyes, only paying attention to the show by listening to it. Schroeder rubbed his hand up and down the upper half of her body, lulling her into sleep. He remembered what she said, but he thought he’d just wake her up in a few minutes. What he didn’t anticipate is that he’d soon fall asleep too. The calmness of the atmosphere, the TV being on a low volume, his lover quietly breathing asleep next to him, and his own tiredness took a toll on him.

Resting his head on the armrest, his eyes slowly lidded, soon closed. He quickly fell asleep after that, finally allowing himself to rest. The TV continued playing the show at a low volume, the lamp was left on, but they slept peacefully, comfortably in each other's embrace.

Chapter Text

Schroeder had prepared some simple coffee for them, and had managed to coax her into watching the sunrise with him. She leaned over on him, taking a small sip of her own mug, seeing the sun slowly start its rise. She thought it was nice, still dark but the light started to peak, the mixes of red and blue and clouds scattered.

“It’s nice…”
She murmured to him, laying her head on his arm.

“Mhmmm..”
He mumbled as he pressed a kiss to her head.

Lucy couldn’t wish for anything else at this time, she’d fail that damn exam just to get a beautiful sunrise with the love of her life all over again. Her stress had mellowed out the most it had in weeks, Schroeder did know how to make her feel better most of the time, whether intentional or not.

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Lucy knew a lot about Schroeder, they were friends after all! Despite what anyone else (including him) would say, they were. One of the many things she knew is how much of a sweet tooth he had. He had never outright told her, but she paid attention.

Everytime the group managed to scrape up enough money to go to the diner, he’d order a vanilla milkshake, he’d never deny when she’d offer to take him for icecream, his eyes sparkled almost as much as when he got to talk about Beethoven when his mother had bought him a candy bar, things like that.

Now, Lucy always remembered Beethoven's birthday, even if she wasn’t so in love with the boy she would know, he let everyone know. She always did small things, celebrating with him, offering to advertise the date, and singing happy birthday. She always did more than the others, hoping it would increase his fondness for her, but this time she decided to do something just to be kind.

Of course, she hoped it increased his fondness, she hoped he would be happy with her, and she hoped he’d appreciate it. Her day went as usual, but around an hour before she would head to Schroeder’s she baked some cupcakes, vanilla, just like his diner milkshakes. After they were done and still soft, she poked in a small candle she had bought all by herself, this was her gesture.

Lucy worried it would get cold, or hard, or both on the walk to his house, so she walked quickly. As always, the door was open and she waltzed in like it was also her own home, she saw Snoopy sitting at Schroeder’s piano. He did that sometimes, and she mostly ignored him other than a small nod as she walked over to Schroeder, a small smile plastered on her face.

“Surprise!”
The black-haired girl exclaimed as she stopped in front of his piano.

Snoopy and Schroeder both looked up, but Schroeder was the one who spoke, asking “what’s this?”

“It’s a cupcake! Happy Beethoven's birthday!”
Lucy said happily, lifting the cupcake a bit.

Schroeder got up, quickly taking it and looking at it. He noticed the candle, the faint vanilla smell, he felt it wrapped under his fingers.

“You remembered! I can’t believe it.. That’s amazing!”
He said, happily, smiling widely.

Lucy grinned next to him, overjoyed at how ecstatic he was over her gesture. Suddenly she felt soft lips pressing against her cheek,assuming it was Schroeder she leaned into it, smiling even wider, if that was even possible.

Lucy was insanely happy at this result, but as she opened her eyes she saw Snoopy next to her, and Schroeder setting the cupcake next to his piano. Snoopy had that classic smug smile, eyes closed. What had actually happened dawned on the girl quickly, and she quickly wiped her cheek, exclaiming a disgusted “AAUGH!” She rapidly decided to leave, she did not want to be anywhere close to that stupid beagle right now!

She ran out, yelling about dog lips and how dog lips had kissed her.

“Lucy! Wait! Wait, Lucy, wait!
Schroeder yelled out for her, wanting to tell her it was actually him. It was not something he’d do usually, much less admit to on another day. He had been overwhelmed with whatever feelings he had for her, the feelings he usually pushed down.

Lucy however did not listen, assuming he wanted to say thank you or something, she chose to leave and come back the next day. His thank you could wait! How could that dog trick her into thinking it was actually Schroeder! She really believed it as well as it didn’t feel like any of the other times Snoopy kissed her, no fur, no harsh dog lip feeling. But seeing Snoopy grinning, and knowing how Schroeder was, she refused to believe it had been him, as much as she wished it had been.