Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The sound of students' conversations overlapped with one another, making it nearly impossible to decipher what each one of them was saying as everyone rushed to finish their sentences before they reached their classrooms and were interrupted by their educators. Footsteps, people bumping into another as some just randomly halted in the middle of the hallway with no prior warning or reason, the annoying screeching of the old school bell ringing out in the building, stopping just as abruptly as it had started... If somebody wasn't already used to this, they would probably be beyond overwhelmed at the amount of things going on in the building. Though Medkit was used to it, after all he had been here for years.

His footsteps were in sync with his pink-horned... friend as they entered the first chemistry lab in the hall. He was listening (if you were generous) to Subspace rant loudly about something irrelevant. The little bits and pieces he had understood from his monologue were something about his parents and his grades, and he just nodded along, muttering an agreement anytime the other paused his talking to look for Medkit's opinion on the matter. As the two sat in their usual seats according to the seating plan, Subspace finally stopped talking, being forced to stop the moment their professor stepped in the classroom, already logging onto the computer to show the students something on the projector, giving the class some more time to enter the room before he took attendance and marked them as late or absent.

— , It's total bullshit...! Like, seriously, I know what I'm doing! If they had to take the same test, they'd fail it! Everyone's grade got lowered at it too, gosh... ' Subspace continued, though this time he had lowered his voice to match the newer, quieter setting the building had now.

Medkit hummed out yet another agreement, finally understanding what Subspace was complaining about. Their most recent test was more difficult than everyone expected, hence lowering their general grades. He and Subspace obviously had still gotten an exceptional grade, and Subspace's general grade had only gotten lowered from an A+ to an A, it really wasn't that big of a deal. Though Medkit suppose his caretakers disagreed with his opinions for Subspace to be so worked up about it.

— , It's fine, he'll probably give us a chance to raise our grades again, then your caretakers will have nothing to whine about. ' Medkit responded, sounding audibly distracted and disregarding towards the topic. In his defence, he had no reason to want to listen to Subspace yap about his caretakers, he had his own to worry about. Once he finished his sentence, he could see Subspace turn his head to look at him in the corner of his eye, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration and annoyance. He opened his mouth to whisper-yell at the other, though the teacher had begun his lesson, and Subspace practically had to pay attention now, in order to get his grades back up.

After about ten minutes of the professor talking about useless stuff, (Medkit couldn't understand whether he was doing that on purpose to make up for a short lesson plan or if he just talked a lot) he proved Medkit's previous words right with the revelation of a simple project including pair work. Medkit turned his head to look at his desk mate to confirm that they were doing this in a duo together, greeted by the sight of the other already looking at him for the same reason, the two briefly nodding at each other and turning back to the front of the class. Another ten minutes wasted on explaining the classwork using the instructions only an idiot would need. Medkit could probably summarize what the teacher said in ten minutes with three sentences, though he supposed that was the case with... well, school in general. Twenty minutes remained for them to do the actual work, and if done well enough, both of their grades would be raised back to where their respective caretakers needed them to spare them another annoyingly long lecture. If Medkit really thought about it, people spoke too much. Like, in general. The teachers explained details that could be implied at first explicitly,— not to mention too in-depth— his caretakers practically had a speech prepared for when they weren't pleased with his efforts, and Subspace talked far too much about anything. At least Subspace made up for it by having a pretty enough face to pretend he was paying attention to his words, though he can't say the same about the others he mentioned. Life would be so much easier if people just... spoke less. They'd make themselves far less annoying with that.

His thoughts were interrupted by Subspace waving a hand in front of him, an annoying ,, Earth to Medkit!! Hellooooo? '' audible in his voice. Medkit shook his head slightly to get himself out of his thoughts and his eyes shifted to look at the other, eyebrows furrowing slightly in confusion and slight annoyance for having his train of thoughts interrupted. ,, Are you gonna help or are you gonna be a leech and make me do all the work? Pull your own weight, you parasite! ''

Medkit let out a soft tsk under his breath, though quickly spoke actual words once he realized Subspace would have something else to say in response to that. ,, Yeah, yeah.. Are you sure you're not just telling me to do it because you don't know how to? '' he questioned as he grabbed the container including the solute handed to them and boiling water that Subspace had put in it to dissolve it, ignoring Subspace's scoff that sounded far too close to him for comfort.

— , Tch, oh please! Let go of that, we're supposed to leave it here, it's clearly still dissolving, dimwit. ' Subspace slapped Medkit's hand off of the container, so that's why he had gotten closer. Medkit couldn't really say he minded. Maybe he should fuck up the projects more often. Oh, who's he kidding? He's not gonna do that.

The two left behind their project as the bell rung, needing to leave it for several days for the alum crystals to actually grow. Subspace walked ahead, it was one of the rarer times where they had to actually split up for their subjects. Subspace had picked the three sciences and further maths, (Medkit had no clue why he even chose that. He had no interest in it and it required far too much memorisation of formulaes and such, but he didn't dare ask the other, knowing it'd probably lead to another monologue that he had to sit through. He had already memorised every blemish on Subspace's face, already noticed how the other's hair was getting more and more unkempt by the day, along with his eyebags growing more noticeable with the unfortunate subjects he had to pick for his caretakers approval. What else is there to see while Subspace spoke?) while Medkit had the three sciences and history, since he needed it if he wanted to become a teacher. He found himself hating history more and more by the day due to it being the only class where he didn't have Subspace to spend it with. Medkit refused to interact with anyone that he didn't deem it necessary to, and it certainly was not needed for him to befriend somebody in his history class. Plus, it made it easier for him to pay attention to the littler things, like his desk mate struggling. It was... sort of funny. He didn't want to sound rude, of course, it just... was. He didn't bother learning the guy's name, though it was this big, tall, strong guy who looked like he could bend metal in half if he tried, and he was so visibly struggling on the work? Forgive him for finding some humour in the sight.

He focused once more on making his way to the class, the corners of his lips tugging barely upwards at his thoughts when he was suddenly halted by two inphernals. One was simply looking at him, leaning forwards towards a table with one arm crossed onto it and the other holding up their face, a wide smile on their expression. Meanwhile the other, stood right next to him, raised her arm and waved at him. ,, 'Oi, you! '' She continued once he looked over. ,, Yeah, you! 'Ya seem... okay. 'Ya should leave that weaklin' and join our little family. ''

Medkit didn't even grace that with a response, simply scoffing and continuing onto his path to his class.

Chapter Text

Medkit let out a pained yell as he felt his partner's fingers dig into the flesh around his eye, grabbing the squishy ball and yanking it out of it's place. He could feel it detach from his optic nerve, half of his vision suddenly blacking out with a cruel wave of agonizing pain. He immediately reached out towards a nearby vial, the contents of it forgotten in the heat of the moment as he splashed it onto his attacker's face before even realizing it. The other backed away, an arm going to cover his own eye, the highly acidic solvent visibly dripping from it, rushing down the arm he put over it with a hiss of pain. Subspace let out a loud curse, stumbling over to the science lab's sink to try and get the perchloric acid washed off as a desperate attempt to minimize the damage already caused. He shoved any tables and chairs out of his way, taking the shortest, most efficient path to it. Not because he wanted to save time, simply in a panicked state. He could feel a warm, searing pain anywhere the contents of the vial touched, which then numbed into feeling nothing in that area.

He turned on the sink, though was shoved away from it before he could actually get the relief of the water on his burns by Medkit. It was this strange itchy feeling at his eye, the warmness from getting burned turned into cold, anyone would be confused, but having studied the acid, both of them knew this was bad. The longer Medkit would deny Subspace treatment, the deeper the solvent would penetrate the layers of his skin. And as for Medkit, the longer he blocked the other from the sink or external help, the more he risked bleeding out. After all, his eye was now reduced to an open wound, thick, slick, crimson liquid gushing out in a race for which drop would get off of his face first, dripping onto his shirt and staining it, or maybe onto the ground beneath him and hardening into droplets that'd be a pain to clean up later. He could taste the disgusting, metallic flavor in his throat. He hated it. His face was warm. Not the usual warmth he felt when he saw Subspace, when he focused on certain parts of him for too long or when the other lessened their proximity, instead a new warmth. One that was uncomfortable, most likely due to the hot liquid. The nauseating wet sound of blood landing on the floor and on his clothing was audible if he focused past the two's heavy breathing and Subspace's whines of pain. He could feel the adrenaline rushing through his veins at the sight, his legs itching to run, to escape the one he had previously called a lover, though he doubted the other felt the same.

If Medkit had to assume, Subspace would rather fight than flee. He always had an ego way too big for him. Too aggressive, too... narcissistic. He honestly felt as if his negative qualities were all laid out in front of him, even if in the past he could rummage through his brain for something positive to say for him. The eyes he found pretty were now ruined, the one on left now closed tight as the acid held onto it, the flesh around it already beginning to scar an ugly pink. The horns he thought of as perfect now only beautiful in his imagination, hung on a wall, where the other belonged. He could only feel hate for him, no longer feeling that addictive rush of love through his heart. All that replaced it was the adrenaline pumping through it. Pathetic, that's what the other is. He couldn't even handle his own emotions, he had to lash out like a cornered, scared mutt. Medkit was aware the other thought big of himself, he was aware he had anger building up due to the looming threat of disappointing his caretakers, though he would've never expected him to do... this. It's disappointing.

He'll stay here until he bleeds out. Just so the perchloric acid can permeate deep past the epidermis, until it reaches that excuse of a brain in there and latches onto it. He doesn't think that's possible, though he doesn't care, not in his current state of anguish and anger.

Though, obviously Subspace didn't just stay there peacefully. No. Of course he'd be too stubborn to let karma dig it's unforgiving claws into him. He never admitted when he did something wrong. Medkit never understood if he genuinely believed he was always right or if he just didn't wish to take accountability. He never asked, the other would get annoyed, he didn't want to waste his breath arguing with the other, it'd lead to nothing. Maybe he should've. If he had known being close with him would lead to this, he would've just asked while he could. The other practically lunged at him, falling onto the ground atop of him, hands holding his arms down while Medkit instinctively thrashed and kicked for the other to get off..-

Medkit froze at the sound of the lab door slamming open, while Subspace quickly glanced over at the professor that had interrupted them, most likely having gone here after hearing the pained shouts and thudding of them falling to the ground. He quickly raised his fist to punch Medkit's already injured eye in the split second of time before the educator would reach them to interrupt, though they quickly rushed over, forced out of the shock they had felt once walking into such a brutal phight. They grabbed Subspace and held his arms to stop him from further harming the other, yelling for another teacher to come, perhaps to call the principle or to hold Medkit back, although Medkit would assume it's the former, as he had already frozen with the fear of the school's punishment, and after that his caretakers' response.

Another adult rushed in, a teacher neither Medkit nor Subspace knew. They immediately let out a gasp at the sight, Medkit, still bleeding, now sitting up as the other teacher gave Subspace a wet towel to hold to his injury. Medkit pressed a hand against his open eye socket, attempting to put pressure to stop the bleeding. He could see the professor grabbing a nearby first-aid kit, opening it and taking out something to hand to Medkit to help stop the bleeding with something more absorbent than his hand. Afterwards, she rushed out, most likely to either tell the principal there's been a phight or to call an ambulance for the both of them. They came at a good time, he was beginning to get light-headed now that he had no immediate threat to focus on...

...

Medkit couldn't help but think back to those two inphernals he'd seen a few days ago. He thought they were stupid to suggest leaving Subspace at the moment, though if he had taken their advice, he would've avoided a whole lot of trouble. Not to mention, now he had to find a new crowd to hang around if he didn't want to be a loner.

... He should ask if their offer still stands, huh?

Chapter Text

The footsteps of his heavy boots against the cold concrete were audible most of the time, with the exception of when a car occasionally drove past, the engine and sometimes the radio drowning out everything else. The smoke that originally came from the cigarette held between his index and middle finger escaping his lips, rising up into the air until it was no longer visible to the inphernal. Though if he exhaled it directly under a streetlight and looked up, the smoke made pretty patterns before getting lost.

He enjoyed this. Out in the cold night, when the sun had disappeared, leaving only the moonlight as a reminder of itself, the warmth from his coat keeping him comfortable, his breath almost as visible as the smoke. He liked how calm it was. It helped.

School was fine. He had finished his temporary suspension after the fight with Subspace. It was a week long. A week where he was stuck at home, his phone taken away, and nowhere to go, not having Subspace to go out with. The walk sort of reminded him of the other. He'd started doing this due to the other recommending it. His first cigarette was borrowed from the other, marking the start of him using the things to help control his emotions. When he got too angry at home, he could just take the pack out of where he hid it inside of a ripped accent pillow in his room, underneath the covers, inside the stuffing and go on a walk.

Sometimes in the past, the pack would be empty, and he'd just share a cigarette with Subspace. He can't imagine that now. It's disgusting.

How could he have put his lips on the same place as someone so narcissistic? Press them against such an egoist? Well. He doubts Subspace can replace the memories they both share of that now. Not with the scarring around his eye and mouth. Medkit only aimed for the eye, it's not his fault it dripped down to his mouth! He should've cleaned it faster.

Medkit was well aware the other was trying, it was his shitty attempt at a joke.

He moved the filter of the cigarette back to his mouth, taking a deep inhale and holding the smoke in for a bit, letting himself taste it before exhaling it through his nose. He should stop thinking of Subspace. He was here to calm down, no?

The sidewalk turned to Medkit's left, though if he was to continue forward, he would be crossing the street to the other side. He took the turn. There was a nice spot he could sit at that he went to often, that was his destination. It always was when he left the house at night, unless if it were to go to Subspace's home- Okay, enough. Let's think of somebody else, shall we? The day after the end of his suspension, he ran into those two again. The girl's name was Scythe, and the other's was Broker. They were fine with him joining their little group, or their ''family'' as they called it, despite him rejecting it the first time. They were.. alright. He doesn't really care for them that much, he just doesn't want to seem like a loner. Then he'd have to deal with more cunts, and Subspace would be happy to see him be all alone after what happened. And there's no way in inpherno that Medkit would allow Subspace any joy if he had a say in the matter. Not anymore.

Medkit heard someone. That wasn't something significant, he was outside in a city after all. Though his gaze still shifted to the source of the voices, just in case. Oh.

A red-horned inphernal with a red tee shirt and leather brown pants wrapping his arms against a blue-horned inphernal with a yellow shirt hidden by an unzipped blue jacket, both of the sleeves rolled up to reveal black, fingerless gloves on his hands. Oh, he had seen those two at school in the halls before, though they didn't share any classes with Medkit. The blue-horned one's gaze shifted over to where Medkit was standing watching them, making eye contact in silence for a bit. Medkit recognized it was awkward, though he still just took another puff of his cigarette.

— , Woww, look at the ''tough guy'' smoking, how coooool. ' Rocket mocked, rolling his eyes. Sword looked up at the other in confusion at those words before realizing he was talking to someone else, glancing over at Medkit and realizing he was there.

— , Atleast I'm not getting all touchy with some guy out in the streets. ' Medkit responded simply as he exhaled the fumes of the cig.

Rocket's gaze returned to Medkit, his eyebrows furrowing slightly at the other in annoyance. ,, Fine, then. We won't get you another suspension by telling on you and you'll do the same. ''

Medkit nodded his head, humming out a simple agreement.

...

— , Hey, what even happened with you and that pink dude? '

Medkit just scoffed at the question. Jeez, where to start? And why even start? He'd thought of Subspace enough today. Or at all. He doesn't need to explain himself to some random guy. ,, Mind your own business. ''

— , Oh, this deer's got claws! '

He rolled his eyes in response to the blue-horned inphernal. That wasn't even funny.

— , Hey. ' The red one spoke for the first time, his gaze not having left Medkit this whole time. Medkit looked back at him, he still had his arms wrapped around his.. was it right to call them friends? It doesn't really look like it. ,, I'm Sword. His name's Rocket. ''

— , ... 'Medkit. '

Chapter Text

The three chatted for a bit after that, before Medkit had taken his leave to get to his favourite spot before it got too late and his caretakers would be all pissy when he got back. They were far too overbearing, for SFOTH's sake..! It annoyed him to no end, honestly. Anyways, Sword and Rocket seemed.. alright. They weren't as annoying as he thought they'd be. They were less annoying that Scythe and Broker, that's for sure. He felt as if he was practically babysitting the two of them when they hung out..

It was the next morning. He didn't have school today. Thank the Swords. A damn suspension.. Subspace deserves much more than- Oh my days, get that guy out of your head, Medkit!

...

Gosh, why are they in the same damned classes..? He hates seeing his face...

It's been.. what? 9 days? Ugh... he still isn't used to seeing like this. Everything's a lot more.. flat looking, if that makes sense? It's like it's all 2D, it fucked with his damn depth perception.. He keeps misjudging distances and doing shit like reaching for stuff that's far away, it's embarrassing. Not to mention he keeps bumping into people now. It's like a damn chicken running around with no head or whatever that saying is..

Clink!

.. Okay, yes his vision was weird, but was that a fucking rock? He got up from his bed where he was laying down, simply staring at the ceiling previously, lost in his thoughts. Walking over to his window, he looked down to see the pebble that had hit the glass on the ground below it and two- oh, Rocket and Sword. Kind of checks out. Ish. What do they want?

He opened the window, sticking his head out and looking down at them with furrowed eyebrows, a slightly annoyed expression on his face, despite it just being his resting face.

— , Hey, Med'! We're gonna go hang out in the park, 'you wanna join us? ' Sword called out from outside, looking up at the now open window.

— , ... No. '

— , Dude, you're literally doing nothing. ' Rocket dead-panned, an unamused expression painting his face. Medkit was silent for a bit at that. He was doing nothing, yeah.

After some more silence and them staring at each other, Medkit rolled his eye and put his head back inside, closing the window. A few more minutes passed and he came outside, changed out of his pyjamas. ,, Finally, you took forever. ''

— , I took like, two minutes, you're just impatient.

— , What matters is that you're here now, Med! '

Medkit didn't respond to that, beginning to walk in the direction of the closest park. Sword noticed and began running towards it, energetically calling out ,, Last one there's a rotten egg!! ''

Sword was the first one there, immediately stopping as he ran past the entrance and just panting in order to catch his breath. Rocket was the second one, and Medkit was last. It wasn't really something unexpected, he had called out that running's ''not his forte'' multiple times during the sprint. They sat down at a bench, all of them breathing heavily. They chatted for a bit, until the faint tune of an ice cream truck faded in, audibly approaching. Sword gasped, getting up, off of the bench, and grabbing Rocket's arm to pull him with him.

— , We should get ice cream!! '' He said energetically, though Rocket let out a groan at that.

— , No! You always make me pay! '

— , Pleeeeaseee? '

Medkit just listened to the back and forward. He had no problem with getting ice cream, and he certainly wasn't going to want Rocket to pay for it. He also had no problem with not getting ice cream, unlike Sword. He jokingly made puppy eyes at Rocket, who just rolled his eyes and begun walking towards the little business jingle. Sword said an excited ''Yes!!'' and followed, as did Medkit (with much less excitement.)

Sword picked birthday cake ice cream, which Rocket did in fact end up paying for. Rocket got strawberry, and Medkit got vanilla, paying for his own shit.

— , Vanilla? Seriously? You're boring. '

— , You're boring. ' Medkit just responded, not even bothering to look at Rocket.

— , You're eating something with no flavour. What's the point? '

— , Are your taste buds missing? It has flavour. Vanilla flavour, actually. Shocking, right? '

— , You guys have different opinions, no need to argue over it! ' Sword interrupted before Rocket could snarkily respond to Medkit, playing peacemaker.

Once Sword finished his ice cream, putting the rest of the cone in his mouth with a loud crunch, he turned to Rocket and tapped his shoulder. ,, Tag! You're it! ''

He turned and started running deeper into the park, with Rocket chasing after him while Medkit just stood still. ,, Seriously? You guys are being childish. ''

Rocket turned to Medkit once he spoke, still not having caught up to Sword. He went back to the other and tagged him. Sword walked back to the other two, since Medkit just crossed his arms instead of playing the game.

— , C'mon, Med, don't be boring just 'cause you can't keep up. ' And to that, Medkit turned to look at him and tapped his arm before beginning to run. Rocket quickly realized what happened and distanced himself from Sword as well.

— , Wha- Hey, no fair! We didn't know you were playing! ' Sword complained.

— , Don't be boring 'cause you can't keep up! ' Medkit repeated the demi-deity's words against him and the other just begun chasing after him to get him back.

At some point, Sword tripped over something, most likely a rock or pebble or something of the likes, his arm grazing a sharp stem of a bush, sharp enough to scratch his skin. The other two hurried back over to him, asking if he's alright. Medkit offered his hand, which Sword took and got up,

— , Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, don't worry. ' Sword reassured, though Medkit's hand brushed against the scratch, looking down at his hand once he felt the crimson liquid drip onto it. He rolled his eye.

— , Let's go back home. I've got bandaids at my place if you want? '

Chapter Text

He had passed by Rocket and Sword in the hallway on his way to his next class. The two waved at him and he waved back. Sword still had the band-aid Medkit had given him on his arm, covering the scratch. Medkit should tell him to take it off later so the scratch can actually heal. Another time, though. He was far too annoyed at the moment to speak to the two. Every class he shared with Subspace was a pain. Not because the other was necessarily doing something to annoy him, just his existence was enough to do the job. Though, if he ever turned to look at Medkit, it was a bit less annoying. To see those scars decorate his previously boring face, only blooming more and more every time he saw them. It made him happy. They were bad. Good, he was the one that started it anyways, he practically asked for it.

Medkit isn't to blame. He's not. It was self-defense, was it not?

Was keeping him from relieving himself from the pain of it burning, seeping into his skin in defense? Or was it in cruelty?

...

He did nothing wrong.

He reached his class, stepping inside the room. For once, he arrived almost late. The teacher was currently marking absences, just narrowly avoiding getting one. The past times he had gone to the classes, he had no distractions. He'd say a quick see you to Subspace and the two of them would separate for Medkit to go to History, while Subspace went to further mathematics. He had gotten dragged into conversation with Scythe and Broker on the way here, the two of them pitching him yet another stupid idea that he quickly shot down, though Scythe had to be insistent, assuming Medkit just didn't understand the idea. After he had finally managed to shut down the chat, he begun walking, the quick wave to Sword and Rocket, the slight pause when he noticed the band-aid.

He was late because he was chatting with... acquaintances. He was late because he was socializing, talking to someone other than Subspace, an idea that past him would quickly shoot down as unnecessary or unimportant.

He wasn't sure if he was okay with the change or not.

He apologized to the teacher for being late and walked to his assigned seat, next to the tall inphernal who was already there. He had always came before him, Medkit arriving after was a difference. He could feel his gaze on him as he took his seat, though refrained from commenting on it.

He placed his book down on his side of the desk, checking the other's book to see what page he had opened it on and opening it on the same one. Everyone seemed to be doing silent classwork, he supposed he'll do the same.

After a bit of silence, Medkit answering the questions, pen sliding easily on the paper, leaving behind a smooth trail of ink. He only struggled on some questions due to him missing the past few lessons due to his temporary expulsion.

— , 'ey. ' Medkit turned to look at his desk-mate, having to look up to look him in the eyes unfortunately. Medkit wasn't short, it was just that the other was.. unnaturally tall. Uh, not that it was unexpected, he kept bragging to others about his ''momma.'' It was Windforce's kid, of course he was also tall. ,, Mind if I copy? ''

.. He supposed it'd do no harm to himself. Only to Ban hammer, who apparently didn't know how to answer the questions. Or was just too lazy to do them. Whatever the reason was, he didn't really care, it was none of his business and he wasn't the type to gossip. He just moved his book closer to the other's and continued to write. The other seemed to write slower, having to pause to understand his handwriting. ,, Yeesh, 'ya can't write any better? ''

— , Do you want to answer the questions yourself? ''

— , .. Whatever. '' Ban hammer didn't comment on the other's bad handwriting again after that, just occasionally asking what a word was when Medkit mixed too many letters together, connecting them incredibly close, sometimes skipping over one due to how fast he was writing and then going back to squeeze it between the two other letters. Sometimes it worked and he continued writing, though in other cases, it'd just mix them all together and make the word confusing, to which he'd try to thicken the letters so they were easier to tell apart, only worsening it, and then he'd just scribble over it and re-write it next to the scribble rather than using corrector fluid. Ban hammer just continued copying in silence for most of the lesson time, and as the bell rang and he begun packing his things to take to his next class, he heard Medkit's voice once more.

— , Do you actually know the answers to the questions? '

— , Pft, 'course I do. What, 'ya think I'm stupid? '

— , ... Would you like help learning them? '

It was quiet for a bit longer as Ban hammer paused taking his things and contemplated the answer. ,, ... Yeah. ''

He was gonna regret this, wasn't he? He's already talking to a lot of people, ughh... ,, Friday afterschool? ''

— , Sure. '' He finished taking his things and walked past the other, leaving the class.

Later that day, Medkit told Sword and Rocket about it and the two of them wouldn't shut up about him helping Windforce's egoist of a kid with school.

Chapter Text

He fucking hates Subspace. Nothing more happened, he just can't stand seeing the other. His face was goddamn disgusting, if anything, Medkit did him a fucking favour by spilling that shit on his face, those scars might as well be the most interesting thing about that disgrace. He should be fucking thanked for giving him something actually fascinating for him to speak about, rather than just rant on about useless details nobody cared about. His goddamn voice pissed him off to hear. He swears, if he didn't know any better, he'd think the other was just participating more in class just to annoy him. If he had one damned wish in this world, it'd be that the acid had found a way to get to the cunt's vocal cords, fry that shit so it matches it's true importance. An animal is supposed to get rid of features it doesn't need through evolution. Subspace clearly missed that memo in Medkit's unprofessional opinion. Though perhaps gracing such a vile.. thing with the title of an animal would be an insult to life itself.

Thank the Swords they were moved further away from one another in the seating plan and found new science partners (or, well, both of them were supposed to at least, but they refused and there was nothing the teachers could really do to force them.) He wouldn't made his ears matched that damned right eye of his if he had to sit near the other for any longer than he already did in the past.

He swears Subspace is participating more than normal. Is he doing this just to annoy him? He'd know that'd infuriate him, wouldn't he? He's positive that bastards just being a bitch..!

... Whatever. He doesn't care. He does not. Why would he, afterall? It doesn't affect him, all he's doing is speaking, all he's doing is showing off like a pretentious little snob.

The loud screeching of the bell rung out once again, a sound he's grown to hate- despise- no, detest. Why wouldn't he loathe it after all? This whole place wreaked of... of... Y'know what? If he started talking about the errors of school as a whole, he'd be there all day and night, perhaps even more.

He begun making his way out of the school. It wasn't over yet, he just wanted to get some fresh air since it was break time. He'll go sit in some fucking place and wait for class just so no one spoke or interacted with him. He really didn't understand why social skills were so... thought highly of. He could go his whole life without speaking to anyone, it'd be amazing, honestly.

It'd be a dream, paradise itself.

But no, of course not, not in this hell hole. The thought was only proved when he ran into Scythe and Broker. Scythe sometimes referred to herself as Rifle, and he wasn't even sure why they called Broker.. well, Broker. Obviously, that wasn't his real name. It's.. stupid. Some play-pretend bullshit he didn't wish to play into.

Scythe saw him and waved him over. Despite him taking up their offer of joining their little friend group, he really sometimes wished he didn't. Perhaps he did it only to prove to Subspace that he still had someone once he left, that he wasn't alone without him. He wished he was. He's really grown a liking to being alone. Sure, it was fun when Sword and Rocket dragged him out of his house to hang out, though at school he rarely ran into the two and Scythe and Broker were just... he didn't know if he should consider them as friends. He barely spoke when they hung out, though they still wanted him to be around.

He didn't understand it. He was a useless variable in this group, and he isn't saying that in a belittling way towards himself, he's just.. acknowledging that. He can easily change it, he just doesn't want to.

Sometimes he liked Scythe and Broker, though the moment he was in a bad mood he hated them. The human mind is complicated. He wishes he could rip it out and fix whatever gave him emotions.

— , 'ellooo? Anythin' in that 'ead of yers? ' The thick southern accent forced him out of the comfort of his thoughts, back into the world he so deeply wished to escape from time to time. He looked back at Scythe, the one speaking to him, an unamused expression painted on his face. Neither her nor Broker seemed to take any offense at his obvious lack of interest in what they were previously saying.

— , Me and Scythe were saying that we should go to the bakery opposite of school, which you would've known if you were listening, Meds! ' Broker answered the unasked question. He didn't know why the other referred to him with nicknames. He just started doing that out of nowhere and Medkit didn't bother enough to correct him, it was a minute detail after all, just an apocope of his name.

— , Right. Are you asking if I want to come with? '

— , 'Bill's on me. '

Medkit let out a soft sigh, beginning to walk towards the exit of the building. They should have enough time to buy a quick something, and even if he didn't find something he liked, he could pick something up for the others. ,, At least you aren't like Sword. ''

Chapter Text

The warm rays of the sun caressed his face as they creeped in through the crack of his blinds, pulling him out of his not so peaceful slumber. He had been having trouble with that ever since that shit with Subspace went down. Yet another thing Subspace fucked up for him.

Despite all that, his previously dark room had now been lit up by the natural lighting of the morning, his curtains doing a terrible job at concealing the brightness outside. He couldn't decipher whether it was Helios mocking him, slapping a big, neon reminder that the world would not stop for his sorrows, or if it was a desperate attempt at comforting him, at showing him how little significance the event had in the long run. How the sun will still rise for him and it won't stop because he made the mistake of trusting the other.

Either way, he had no time to sit there and decode what the natural phenomenon of the world spinning to reveal the sun to him meant or symbolized. He forced himself out of his bed, the honeyed embrace of sleep still tugging at his arms, promising him a better time if he just trusted it once again.

He shrugged it off and slipped his feet into his slippers, stepping over to his closet and opening it, grabbing the boring, bland uniform his school had enforced upon all of them, brandishing the half-assed excuse of 'reducing bullying by making them all look the same' over the obvious elimination of individuality, and putting it on. The fabrics of the shirt were shitty, constantly having threads sticking out which he had to cut off, and the pants lacked inclusive sizing, either too tall or too short, wasted fabric bunching up at his feet, changing his silhouette to a false one.

They were only allowed mostly black shoes. He didn't even know their ''reasoning'' for that rule. Perhaps another restriction falling upon the category of 'reducing distraction in the classroom.' When schools realize that if somebody is distracted, you cannot force them to pay attention, will be the day pigs fly. They'll just keep stripping them away of their things, no coloured shoes or hair or nails, no short clothing, no things to fidget with, no music, no flashy make-up (granted, that didn't affect him.) Though once you have none of those, once boredom reaches you, you will simply take shelter in your mind. What will they do then?

He stepped over to his desk, grabbing his hairbrush. Upon inspection, it required cleaning, some hair still on it and lint clinging onto the bristles. He'll clean it once he gets home, he doesn't even have enough time for breakfast with how early they make them get up. He supposes it'll have to suffice for now.

He ran it through his hair until the difficulty of it subsided, allowing the brush to go through it with no difficulty. The final step was heading to the bathroom and brushing his teeth. Perhaps he did it too harshly, judging by the fact that the white, mint toothpaste turned red as he spat it out. Oh well.

He tied his shoelaces and grabbed his bag, slinging one of the shoulder straps over, well, his shoulder, and exiting his room, leaving the door open as he rushed down the stairs and went out the front door. He didn't live too far from the school. That's why others from there lived in the same neighbourhood as him, like Rocket and Sword. That gave him the lovely opportunity to, during the summer, step out into the blistering heat and during the winter, when that wasn't an issue, trod in the freezing cold. It was amazing, really. Truly a life experience.

He reached the school right on time, which simply meant that everybody was acting like morons, all shoving to get to their classroom and apparently forgetting where it was and having to randomly pause in hallways or make a sharp 180 turn right into him. Oh, school hallways, the peak of society. I mean, where else would you find hope in humanity? Sometimes you'd overhear conversations, like a girl saying she can't cry after her boyfriend broke up with her because her eyeliner was 20 bucks, or somebody celebrating for getting a 60/100. Or something he'd rather not repeat. Conversations of teen boys were... interesting. Things about them being tsunderes or.. kuuderes or niadere or some shit like that.. What the fuck is he talking about?

History. He'd told Ban Hammer he'd help him to learn what they had already went over in class. Great, because he's very much in the mood to chat with somebody before even 8 in the morning, much less help them with something as basic as history.

Whatever. It's not like he had a damned choice. The classroom door was already open, most of the students already inside with far too much energy that they should have, taking each other's things, talking unnecessarily loudly, some on their phones, while the teacher scrambled to get their lesson ready on the computer as fast as possible to not waste any time. They really should take their time. They had so much on their hands anyway, all while having a lesson plan that made up maybe a half of their actual time if Medkit was generous. He never really understood why they did that. If inphernals were too stupid to comprehend the material, then they should be the ones staying and wasting extra time, not everybody else while they did anything but pay attention. Although, in their defense, it was sometimes the teacher's fault. It was the only reason he had actually offered to aid Ban hammer in actually understanding the material. If it was the other's fault, he would just let him suffer through the consequences of his own actions.

He walked through the open yet uninviting door, making his way to his seat, having to mutter out a sorry around a hundred fucking times with everybody deciding that they were gonna be stood in the middle of his way rather than seated in their own seats. Back in middle school he'd look forward to high school with the thought that this behaviour would diminish from the others. He figured the underlying issue was that they viewed the lesson as unimportant and since they weren't going to pursue anything requiring it, they weren't going to move forward with that subject. Apparently he was mistaken and everyone unanimously decided that taking lessons they despise and acting more unruly than what'd you see in a pig pen was the move, causing them to continue making everybody else's time in the classroom miserable in order to entertain themselves.

Ban hammer was already in his seat, moving his chair slightly more into the desk in order for Medkit to go to the inner side of the table, where his seat was, though simultaneously the other didn't bother to bat an eye at him, his loud voice booming over all the other noise pollution in the classroom to talk to somebody across the room, his gaze more focused on them. At least he had the decency to make some space for Medkit and he didn't have to feel like a fatass for asking for more space.

He got seated, awkwardly looking around the room. The teacher was still preparing for the lesson, allowing the students to just fuck around. See, that'd usually be lovely, y'know for anyone but Medkit. He didn't speak to anybody in his class other than him asking Ban hammer if he needed help last lesson and that didn't even render them as acquaintances in his book, let alone friends in order for them to chat. Nobody else had their books or even their pencil cases out since it was first period, so he didn't want to seem like a nerd by being the only one prepared. Though, the other option was to socialize, and he sure as hell isn't doing that.

As if the professor heard his internal struggle, she begun her lesson, quickly silencing the chatty class when she cleared her throat. He waited for another inphernal to take out their books and pencil case before taking his own and beginning to write down what the teacher did on the board as they corrected their homework before moving on with revision.

Perhaps around half-way through the lesson, a soft sigh escaped Medkit as his gaze turned to his desk mate thoughtfully.

— , So.. '' He hesitated a bit before continuing, regretting even opening his mouth as the words rolled of his tongue, although it was too late. He had already spoken and Ban hammer turned to look at him after checking if the educator had heard him. ,, .. Friday. Are we staying in school or going somewhere afterwards? ''

Ban hammer didn't respond immediately, thinking it over first. ,, We could go to 'yer place. ''

... He hadn't fucking offered. But whatever. His caretakers wouldn't mind as long as his grades didn't slip from hanging out with the other. ,, .. Sure. We can walk there anyways. ''

Ban hammer nodded, watching as the other returned to writing things down, having to pause every once and a while to wait for the teacher, as he wrote faster than her, which clearly affected his handwriting. There was an audible silence.

— , Do 'ya maybe wanna hang out before that? '' Medkit paused once more.

— , ... Sure. After class? '

— , Sounds good. '

Chapter Text

The front door let out a quiet, yet still audible creak as it was gently pushed open. Medkit made sure he had his keys with him before actually leaving. He had made sure to avoid stepping on any of the floorboards that'd make any noise, though he had no other option for the door, having to just rely on hopes and prayers that it wouldn't let out that loud of a sound. He really tried to be as silent as possible this time, or well, any time.

If his caretakers checked the inside of his bedroom, they'd only find an empty bed. Though atop of it would be one of his pillows, with the cover pulled half-way off, revealing the inner stuffing of the item. It had a hole, though nothing inside but filling.

He made sure to take his pack of cigarettes, stuffing it in his pant pocket, just having to trust no one woke up and saw the obvious container in his pocket, let alone the fact he was wearing outside clothes rather than his pyjamas, what inphernals usually wore at night time. He's been speaking with way too many inphernals lately for his own liking, the habit helped him calm down, not get too overwhelmed. He's pretty sure without it he would've probably gone cold turkey on everyone, stopped talking to them completely out of nowhere. It's not his fault, he just never really enjoyed this much company.

The least he could do was try to delay that as much as possible. And he wasn't planning on stopping this little tendency of his anytime before. Now he certainly wasn't anytime soon either, it was aiding him after all.

The cold night air immediately hit him as he exited his home, the intense lighting of nearby streetlamps hitting him harshly, illuminating the path for him. He could see one flickering in the distance, as if he was in a corny little movie or game where something bad would happen once he reached it. Though nothing did.

He waited to at least turn the corner, to get out of the view of his house, in order to take out his cigarettes, not wanting to even risk being seen by his caretakers from out the window or something. He hadn't heard their footsteps or anything else that would indicate them having awoken as he left, but he supposed it's better to be safe than sorry.

A car would occasionally drive past him on the road, the cold air of it whooshing past him adding onto the cold already clinging to his skin, trying to find its way closer to him through his coat. Once he turned left, his hand hastily reached into his pocket, grabbing the pack and opening it, index and middle finger holding up one cigarette, bringing the filter to his mouth as his other hand fiddled with his lighter. He tried a few times in order to open it, he only had one of those old igniters where you had to roll the spark wheel in order to start it. After putting the pack back in his pocket, he used that hand to shield the cigarette from the wind, allowing the fire to remain lit as he transferred it from the sparker to the other end of the cig.

He continued walking, allowing the smoke to be left behind, blowing it to his right and watching as the wind blew it away, being able to see it for a bit before it diffused into the air.

He glanced to his left, in front of him was a familiar house, bigger than his own, painted black on the outside. His gaze shifted upwards to the second floor, specifically the window he heard slide open. A head with messy, unbrushed, medium-length white hair sticking out to look down at him. Hm, Sword really needed to cut his hair. Though, Medkit supposed he can't really be talking. And that he did, not saying anything as his eyes met with the other's. He didn't know how easily his friend's parents woke up and he certainly didn't want to risk it. Sword held out a hand with his pointer finger up, signalling for the other to wait a minute, then stuck his head back inside his room and shut the window closed.

After a bit of waiting awkwardly, the front door opened, Sword exiting with a tired Rocket following pursuit. Medkit would've raised an eyebrow, but he honestly can't be assed to question it. He waited for the front door to close before interacting, though the excitable one seemed to beat him to it.

— , Hey, Med! '

— , Hello. ' He responded with simply, continuing his walk. The two others joined him, Rocket on the far right, Sword in the middle, and Medkit walking on the right side, on the side of the road. He made sure to blow the smoke in that direction rather than towards the two younger inphernals. They'd never asked for a cigarette, and even by their personalities, he did assume they didn't smoke. Good for them, he supposed. He wasn't about to drag them into, not to mention Sword would probably cough his lungs out if he even tried one, and he's pretty sure Rocket detested even the idea of inhaling a 'cancer stick.'

— , We're goin' to the park again, right? ' Rocket questioned, and Medkit hummed out a confirmation as he took another puff, keeping it in his mouth for a while. There was a silence hanging in the air for a bit. Medkit didn't find it awkward, though sometimes he failed to realize those social cues. They were stupid in his opinion, anyways.

They turned one last time, stepping into the park, feeling the slightly overgrown grass brush against their pants. The first place they went to in the park was a specific bench. It wasn't as dirty as the others, that was really the only reason. The difference was barely even noticeable, though Medkit insisted they only sat at that one. The bench was slightly taller than the grass, weeds resting against the stumps holding it up as if they were too tired to keep themselves up, previously beautiful flowers next to them, now weak and in need of water, starved of their nutrients due to their stems being winded around by the ugly resource thief beside them. There was an apple tree right to the side of the bench. Medkit made Rocket or Sword sit on that side, he didn't like being close to the ants, crawling up and down the trunk to protect the aphids and the honeydew they produce.

The hang out was for the most part wordless. Perhaps in some eyes, it'd be deemed useless or uncomfortable. Medkit couldn't find a reason to agree with that. In his eyes, it was just as important you're able to sit with someone in quiet silence as it is to be loud with them. They each had their times.

He leaned his back against the bench, shifting his gaze up at the night sky. The moon was in its first phase of the month, New Moon. It was barely visible, just a small part of it's right side showing due to the sun's light. It was beautiful. Peaceful.

He could get used to this.

Chapter Text

His last class on Fridays was Chemistry. He kept his gaze down, fixed on his work, not daring to look around the classroom. No reason in particular, of course! Why would he need a reason? That's crazy talk! Stop talking! Or, well, thinking..? Whatever, he just needs to focus on his classwork! Nothing but that.

SFoTH, he just wanted to go home and let himself sink into his mattress, surrounded by a warm, soft, heavy blanket, his head resting on his pillow.. He can't, though. A rush of regret and dread hit him, the feelings strong in his stomach. Ugh, why'd he have to offer help..? The other could've done fine on his own..! And even if he didn't, that's none of his business! He doesn't have to meddle in his grades, hell, he has more than enough cash and materials to get himself a tutor!

... Friday afterschool at his place. Why'd he agree to that as well?! He's sure the other has a far better home... Great, and he has to have some fucker with probably sky high standards back at his dingy house.. What has he done?

He wasn't sure what was worse: hoping some miracle happens and time somehow freezes, locking him in goddamned chemistry class, or having to deal with the consequences of his own agreement to the plans and hanging out with Ban hammer. Oh, who is he kidding? He doesn't want to be with Windforce's kid, but not that much that he'd rather stay in this classroom knowing who he has as his classmates.

It's not like the decision would've changed anything regardless of what it was, time wasn't going to pause for anybody, let alone him and his asocial wishes. Although, it really did seem like it solidified something, judging by how the bell rang shortly after.

Medkit packed his things, putting notebook after book in his bag while more and more of his classmates emptied the classroom, exiting in groups with one another and scrambling to finish up their conversations before they had to separate on their way to their respective places of residence. He slung his bag on one of his shoulders, leaving it off the other so he could let it drop to the ground faster once he got home, though as he walked past the open doorframe, something caught his eye. 

Or, well, technically someone. Waiting for him there was Ban Hammer, distracting himself with his phone while he waited. It didn't take long for him to notice that the other had finally left his class and meet his gaze.

— , Took ya long enough! The hell ya packin' in that bag? '

Of course the first thing he did was complain. Medkit had to refrain from letting out an annoyed sigh or rolling his eyes like he'd do often with any of the stupidities Sword would recommend to him and Rocket when they were hanging out. He simply turned the other way and begun walking, hearing the other follow him.

— , If you want to whine and moan, you are more than welcome to go back to your place and fail history. '

Ban Hammer just grumbled at that, though unable to find any excuses and not wanting to agree with the sarcastic recommendation, he finally shut that big mouth of his and just silently walked alongside the other.

And that continued for a while. At least until they reached Medkit's house, who just reluctantly opened the front door and stepped inside. Medkit led Ban Hammer to his room, dropping his bag on the floor in front of his desk and then taking a seat, pulling out another chair next to him for Ban Hammer to sit in silently.

— , .. We should start with what you struggled in the most. We'll start with the older chapters, what did you not understand from those? '' He didn't look at Ban Hammer as he addressed him, instead unzipping his bag and taking out his history book and notebook, placing them in the middle of his desk, between him and the other.

— , Everythin'. It makes no sense. ' Ban Hammer took the seat offered to him, letting his bag fall as well. Though he made no move to get anything from it.

Medkit almost faceplanted at that. Of course. Teaching him was going to be a pain, wasn't it?

— , Right, then. We can start at the beginning... '