One [ARCHIVED]

Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ Ｆｏｕｒ

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Y/N was walking home from the bus stop with her Uncle Wilford, skipping along as she tried to avoid stepping on the cracks in the pavement. She could see from the corner of her eye that Wilford was glancing over at her, seeing the beaming smile on the child's face. "Say, Y/N, what has you in such a giddy mood today? Something splendid happen?"

She jumped over one of the cracks she saw, still holding onto Wilford's hand tightly. "Tomorrow is Career Day at school. I was hoping Dad could come with me and he could talk about his job and being mayor." She looked over at Wilford, seeing his infectious smile turn into a frown.

The rest of the walk home was silent, Y/N didn't want to ask Wilford why he seemed upset. She learned fast that when Dad or Google did that, he would yell and get defensive. She didn't want to risk his short temper on a silly question anyway.

The house came into view, and the child carelessly ran off to the door, leaving Wilford behind. She threw off her backpack, watching as Google went to retrieve any homework or graded papers that resided inside. She quickly made her way to her dad's office, hesitating as she approached the door. Y/N has never really bothered her dad when he was in his office. No one has. He was really vigilant about anyone besides himself seeing what's inside.

Luckily her decision was made for her as she saw the door open. It was quickly closed as the tall man in his fancy suit stepped out. Even if she were to get a quick peek of what's inside, her attempts would have been pointless seeing as the lights were off. Y/N looked up to see her father towering over her. "Good afternoon, sweetie. How was school?" He asked, giving her a quizzical look.

"It was great! I was wanting to know if you wanted to come to school tomorrow." He looked down at the girl for a second before letting out one of his deep chuckles, "Dear, why would I need to go to school? I'm far past those days." He knelt next to her, resting his elbow on his knee as his arm hung over his leg, the other one ruffling her hair slightly.

"Because tomorrow's Career Day, silly. I thought Mr. Patrick sent out a note?" He seemed slightly embarrassed, at her statement, "Ah, the computer's not been working sweetie, it's, uh . . malfunctioning." The two could hear Google walk by, a sarcastic laugh leaving him with his typical, bored and monotonous tone, "Nice one."

Dad seemed to grumble at his statement, rolling his eyes before looking down at Y/N. "What exactly is Career Day, sweetheart, and why should I go?" He stood up, stretching his legs before leading her into the living room. "It's where kids show up with one of their parents or someone and they talk about their career to the class. Mr. Patrick said it should be fun if we did it right and behaved."

The man stopped walking for a second, before looking down at her, "Sweetie, I'm afraid I won't be able to participate in this school event." Y/N could feel her whole attitude drop as she registered his words. "What do you mean?"

He sighed, sitting down on the arm chair, "Y/N, I have important business matters to attend to. It's complicated, you wouldn't understand. Why don't you take Uncle Wilford?" The child sighed and nodded, "Yeah, sure. I can do that."

He patted my back after a moments hesitation, "Atta' girl, my little monster." She never understood why he gave me that nickname. Whenever she asked, he wouldn't reply. He would just drop all conversation there.

Y/N left the living room in favor of the kitchen, Google stood at the table scanning through her red folder. It's where Mr. Patrick had the children keep all of their homework and things he wanted them to take home for their parents.

Google pulled out a sheet of paper, setting it down on the table. "Y/N, it's time to complete your homework." She walked over and climbed into her chair, groaning as she realized it was her math homework. Mr. Patrick was always sure to assign it to the class no matter the lesson. That's 'MatPat' for you.

"No worries, Y/N, I will be of assistance to you." Google took a seat next to the girl and walked her through the assignment. He would tell her what she would need to do in order to solve the problem, she would work it out, and ask him for comfirmation. Eventually, he let her figure out what to do and how to do it on her own, still checking the answers to ensure that she was correct.

Before Y/N knew it, she had completed all of her homework, which Google was sure to let her know what she still needed work on. Constructive criticism, he would say.

On her way upstairs to get ready for bed, Y/N bumped into Uncle Wilford, still wearing his usual daytime attire. He smiled sweetly as he greeted her, "Well, hello there, ol' chap! How goes it?" He's never really called her ol' chap that much before, but she decided to not question it. He was in a good mood at the monent, so it's best not to take that for granted. "Uncle Wilford, I was wondering if you wanted to go to Career Day tomorrow for school."

His smile dropped, as did his hand that was fumbling the pink mustache on his face. "Was dear old dad unavailable?" She nodded, thinking he meant to ask if Dad was busy. He sighed in slight irritation, although it seemed more towards the fact that Dad had more important plans. To be honest, it really annoyed Y/N, too.

"Oh, bloody hell!" He grumbled, cursing the way Google would discourage her to. He crossed his arms, "I don't see why he shouldn't be able to take a wee break from being the big, bad mayor for one day to accompany you for your little school 'show and tell' day. Of course I would be glad to fill in for him." Y/N thought over his words for a second, taking a moment to realize that he agreed to coming with her.

"Did you know he was going to say he was busy." His arms drooped down a bit, thinking his next choice of words over, "Y'know kid, I think that brain of yours has done enough questioning for one day. Why don't you scurry off to bed and let ol' Warfie-stache," he pointed two thumbs at himself, pulling on the white suspenders that he frequently wore, "get his beauty rest."

He patted Y/N's head before proceeding his way downstairs, "Goodnight, kid! Rest your fragile mind." She stood in confusion, Wilford's room was upstairs near her own. She shrugged it off and made the rest of her way upstairs. Usually the things Wilford says confuses her in general, she just learns to not question it.

As she made it up to her room, Y/N could hear arguing downstairs. She guessed it was taking place underneath her room. She got close to the floor where she could hear the slightly muffled voices. It was Wilford and Dad.

"I did not fib to her. I am keeping my word on this, I have someone to meet with tomorrow. He wanted to discuss matters regarding the subject we do not speak aloud. I can not miss this."

"C'mon, where's the old buddy I used to know? The one who used to be able to let loose, who allowed his life a little madness. Where did he go?"

"William, I do not have time for this. What lies between me and your . . niece are irrelevant at this moment. Now if you'll excuse me,"

She could hear Wilford sigh, "You didn't see the pain in her eyes. The neglect she feels. Dark, negligence will only drive her to isolation-"

"Good night."

"What? But-"

"I trust that you will be accompanying Y/N tomorrow? Good luck. Tell her to have fun. I will be up and gone too early to tell her myself."

"But Dark, you can't do that yourself-" she heard a door being slammed shut. Probably Dad's office door.

Y/N climbed into her bed, not really understanding what their conversation was about. Or rather who it was about. She closed her eyes as she entered the strange world she called a dream, readying herself for what tomorrow would bring.

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