Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Schlatt opened his tired eyes from slumber, being awoken by a strong cry in the room. The toddler, Tubbo, was too scared to be put in his own room, so Schlatt had him sleeping next to him. This would prove to be a horrible decision.

Leaning over, Tubbo was whimpering, only letting out strong sobs every now and then. The small boy wiped at his eyes and sat up in the bed while Schlatt woke up. 

"What's wrong little guy?" Schlatt asked softly, his voice not fully awake yet. 

Tubbo blinked tears away and stared at his father, still whimpering in the dark. 

"Did you have another nightmare?" His father asked, beginning to sit up more properly. 

Giving a small nod, Tubbo reached his hands out to his father, his eyes shut while tears streamed down his face.

Schlatt picked him up tenderly, letting the boy's small tuft of brown locks rest against his chest. Tubbo grasped onto his dad's shirt, burying his face into the fabric. Small sobs racked throughout him as Schlatt pat his chest and let him cry. He couldn’t see his son in the dark, but he knew what he would look like right now.

Tubbo lifted his head, eyes red from tears, and mumbled to his father, "I-I had a dream t-that someone took me away from you-" His eyes welled up with tears again and he nestled his head back into Schlatt's chest. 

"Aw, bud it's okay, I'm still here." Schlatt comforted, rubbing his back as he cried. 

"I-I know- I was just so scared you were gone…" The small child's voice grew smaller as he clenched to his father's shirt. "please don't leave Papa-" 

Continuing to calm the toddler down from his nightmare, Schlatt stayed up until Tubbo’s tears were dry against his small rosy cheeks. The only noise coming from the boy were small snores of content. The tired father brings his eyes to the clock setting on his bedside table, it was four in the morning.

He wasn’t sure when Tubbo had woken him up, but it felt useless to sleep now, for he would have to wake up in a couple hours anyway. As carefully as possible, Schlatt rested his head against the soft pillow that he was sleeping on. A hand slipped out from the light weight of the toddler, now resting on the sheets. Schlatt had gotten the hardest part out of the way, not waking up Tubbo, but he wasn’t sure what he was going to do in the early morning.

Sighing softly, he thought maybe he should have thought out the whole staying up idea before suddenly deciding. Nonetheless, he quietly made his way from the bedroom, to the kitchen. 

Schlatt leaned on the cold countertop, complete darkness engulfing him. It wasn’t black hole dark, he was always decent at seeing in the dark, so he could make out his hands, the counter, and the sink area. Trying to focus hurt his eyes though, so he flicked on the lightswitch. 

Then the sudden light hurt his eyes and he desperately wished he had a dimmer right now. Rummaging through the pantry, Schlatt quickly realized they had little to nothing stored. There was an old box of scalloped potatoes that he was pretty sure was here when he bought the place. A can of pre seasoned green beans, and a small bag of white rice he planned to keep there for emergencies. 

Emergencies. The thought pricked at the back of his mind, if or when the situation would arise and he would need to use it. Of course it had a purpose, people planned for emergencies for a reason. Yet somehow the thought of using the stored food left a sour taste in Schlatt’s mouth. He never wanted to get to that point, where he needed to resort to it.

It got Schlatt thinking on this early morning. Making a cup of coffee in a portable cup, Schlatt popped back into the room where Tubbo was sleeping. The small boy was wrapped around the pillow, completely wrapped in sheets sleeping soundly. 

It was about five thirty by the time he checked on Tubbo, which meant that he had around four to five hours to go out before he would wake up. The boy didn’t need an alarm, he woke up on his own around nine or ten. Luckily, Schlatt had a lock system on his house that was gifted by a friend. So he could leave the house and have confidence that Tubbo would be safe.

Grabbing his bag that was set by the door, he checked if he had everything in there. Seeing his hat thrown in there, Schlatt took it out and put it on, pushing his locks back as he did so. He shrugged the bag on and opened the door as quietly as possible. Glancing around for any sign of movement towards the bedroom, Schlatt proceeded to turn the alarm on before slipping out of the door.

In an instant, a gust of cold air hit Schlatt’s face. Attempting to cut some of it off, he pulled his cap down lower, and stepped out from under the overhang. Schlatt looked down the street. A thin layer of snow and ice covered the road since snow plows prioritized main roads first, making only a few cars want to go down the road. The main streets would be packed no matter what, but it was convenient that the smaller roads would be easy to travel by foot. 

Schlatt stepped out on the icy roads, clinging to his bag for some type of warmth. Maybe it wouldn’t be as easy as he thought. His foot slid a little under him, trying to grip to the ice. “Fuck-” He muttered, trying to gain his balance. Another five minutes of walking on the ice until the nearest store. At least there weren’t any people walking. Usually, even when it’s early hours of the morning, people are shuffling past him. 

All he had to do was grab a few essentials, then he would continue to his… job. Standing still on the ice, Schlatt let his boots grip to the floor beneath him before continuing on his walk. After that, he would come back around ten to feed Tubbo. 

Soon enough, he found himself standing in front of the familiar automatic sliding doors of a convenience store. They chimed a greeting while he entered, boots thumping snow and slush against a black rubber mat sitting below. 

“Aye who the fuck is in so early in the mornin’?” A voice, dominantly with a Yorker accent, rang out in the back behind the register. Once the guy walked out, his face quickly changed to a fake customer one. “Took me off guard…” He mumbled, voice trailing off.

Schlatt just walked to the back of the store, grabbing a couple of canned goods and packages. A can or two of off brand spaghetti-o’s for Tubbo, a can of ravioli, a small package of rice and flour, and olive oil. He grabbed a basket at the door, since they offered it to them. Placing them in the basket, he stepped his way to the dairy. After grabbing a small carton of eggs and milk from there, he walked to the counter. 

The man, who appeared to be in his 30’s, still seemed grumpy that someone walked into his open store. “That’s all?”

Looking down, Schlatt pulled out his wallet, quickly fanning his way through the scarce bills. After all this got scanned, he didn’t have enough for any cigs. It’s fine, he would easily give up a smoke for there to be food in the house. “Yeah, that’s it.” He mumbled, looking back up but still keeping his wallet out. 

“That’ll be 32.85.” The guy grunted, staring expectantly.

Biting on his inner lip, Schlatt grudgingly gave the man a twenty, a couple fives, and three ones. “25 cents is ya’ change.”

“Thanks.” Schlatt said, taking the change and receipt that was handed to him. He grabbed the bags and placed the basket back in its place by the door. 

Adjusting his grip once more before he stepped into the frigid morning, Schlatt began to make his way to his job. He’d put the groceries in the communal fridge when he got there, can’t really carry milk around. Slap a sticky note on there, and he’s good. 

Checking his watch, whilst the plastic of the bags turning his wrists white from the pressure, Schlatt took note of it being 5:57. His job, so to say, didn’t really have a definite start time- or end time for that matter. Plus he could leave whenever he really needed to within the day. 

Seems like a relaxed job right? Problem is, he has to occasionally kill others for it. The mafia really isn’t what it’s like in the movies.

Chapter Text

The sound of a fridge opening filled the room as Schlatt shuffled grocery bags into the top most rack. An orange sticky-note, with sharpie scrawled “Jason” rested on all of the bags. Other things also sat in the community fridge, a plastic container of what looked like a sandwich, a can of monster energy, a jar of honey, and others. All with sticky notes attached. Hawk, Mac, Nico, and Jester were just some of the names. 

“Quack?” Schlatt questioned, reading the name on a plastic wrapped piece of bread. Nothing more, just a piece of bread. Nobody else was in the room at the time, he just got taken so off guard. 

Schlatt has been working with the mafia for two weeks or so now, becoming familiar with the names of his… coworkers. He’s never met this ‘Quack’ guy before. Either he was on a long term mission and got back now, or is a newbie with an instant name. 

He hasn’t gotten his yet, still writing ‘Jason’ on everything he puts in there. They haven’t assigned him with a code name yet, but they’ll have to figure one out for him once he starts doing illegal shit. It seems like they’re going easy on him for now, just supporting him and his kid, but Schlatt doesn’t like getting paid for no work. 

“Yo, Jason! Welcome in. A little early this morning, eh?” A booming voice greeted him, and Schlatt snapped his head to look at him. “Didn’t mean to spook ya.” 

“Uh, no worries.” He simply answered, closing the fridge and standing up fully. “Just wanted to come in earlier today.” 

The voice belonged to a tall and bulky man, jet black hair and tanned skin, he looked like the bodyguard type. His code name was Bull, and earned rightfully so. Schlatt was told a story about his first day here, where he ran a guy through a wall on a bodyguarding mission. Bull’s gone from much higher work than just bodyguarding now though, he’s an older member of the mafia, now assigned with the dirtiest work.

Schlatt can’t imagine what this guy’s seen on the streets of New York.

Bull smiled a friendly smile, then continued with his obligatory greetings, “How’s your boy? He’s doing better?”

When he first joined, Tubbo was constantly hungry, and at that point he was sickly too. He had a fever, cough, and couldn’t hold down any of his food. That’s when Schlatt knew he had to do something, that’s when he got desperate. Joined the mafia due to it, ended up accepting an invite from a guy who overheard his situation. 

The guy wasn’t a part of the mafia himself, but invited newcomers who were in tight situations, out of prison, homeless, or just plain broke with a kid. Schlatt knew he got lucky, he counted his stars that night. 

“Toby’s much better. The meds Doc gave him worked perfectly.” Schlatt mentioned, speaking about the mafia’s very own doctor, nicknamed Doc, funnily enough. He joined with the promise of money and medicine, and they were given. 

“Good to hear.” Bull said, walking towards the pantry. “Oh, forgot to mention, gangs out there and they got some new people for you to meet.”

Schlatt slipped past Bull, making his way to the door. “Does one of them happen to go by the name Quack?”

Turning his buzzed dark head, Bull seemed amused, “Yeah, mexican kid from Cali. You know him?”

Schlatt opened the door, walking out as he responded, “No but he’s already got a piece of bread in the fridge.” He scoffed once he heard Bull’s confused words, already muffled from the door closing behind him.

He had already heard the not so hushed talking down the hall in the main room, almost like a living room where everyone hung out in their off time. Concrete walls made it seem very unwelcoming, but couches, a dart board, and even a small bar area, made the place home to many. 

Once Schlatt took a step in the open room, he saw familiar faces, as well as not so familiar. Doc was there, she always hung around this area and became familiar with the off duty members, her office was in the building anyways. So was Mac and Jester, two names on the food in the fridge. They must have just gotten here too then.

The other two faces Schlatt didn’t recognize. One looked like ‘Quack’, at least the way Bull described him. Compared to the overly white guy standing next to him, it had to be Quack. 

“Morning.” Schlatt muttered, moving past them and making his way towards the mentioned bar. 

“Oh! Hey, Jason, come meet our new members.” Doc called cheerfully, turning to the two next to her. “He’s new to this whole thing. Two weeks out, got a son of his own to take care of.”

“I didn’t sign up for my information to be leaked Doc.” He sighed, grabbing a container of whiskey. 

Laughing softly, Doc gave a dismissive wave, “He could give less of a fuck.”Schlatt rolled his eyes, but was unable to hide a smirk under his facade. 

The shortest of all, the one that looks like ‘Quack’ talks first. “Hey man, code name’s Quack, it’s weird I know, long story.” He pauses as if someone was going to ask him the story, but nobody does. “I moved over here from Los Angeles ‘cause of some deep shit, and New York was the only big place I knew where there would have to be some gangs, mobs, mafias, cartels, whatever. Nice to meet you.”

The other one, seemingly tired of listening to the other talk, is more simple with his response. “Code name’s Flame, I’m from Houston, kind of the same reason.” 

Schlatt looked Flame up and down. He didn’t seem very enthusiastic for being called Flame. “Don’t have a code name yet but, you can call me by Schlatt, my last name, for now.”

Doc clapped her hands cheerfully, then looked quizzically to Schlatt. “You’ve also never mentioned the last name thing.” He only shrugged in response.

Mac and Jester, who were lounging on the couch and speaking to one another while the newcomers were being introduced, spoke up a little. Jester was first, his famously maniac-like tone coming to life. “SssschlATT, I like it! Much betta’ than plain ol’ JASON.” 

Nodding his head next to Jester, the more mellow Mac also joined in. “If it wasn’t your last name I would say it’s perfect.” 

“Enough about my name, finish whatever you were saying to the guys before I walked in.” Schlatt said plainly, finally finding a shot glass he was looking for the entire conversation. 

Doc turned to the two and Schlatt tuned them out once she started going into detail about specifics and work ethic. Or the lack of it. Mafia’s tend to be more organized and formal, and this was far from it. It was too widespread to be a gang either. 

Whatever this was, Schlatt was roped into it for the long run.

Before Doc disappeared to talk to Flame and Quack more in private than the main room, she came to talk to Schlatt.

“Hey, Schlatt. Wolf said he needed you for something today, I assume it’s finally your debut. Enough running errands and all that. Just meet him in his office and make sure to tell him if you got to attend to your boy today at all or not.” Doc gave him an encouraging smile before tapping the wall and beginning to depart. But a sudden thought stops her. “I know you said a couple days ago he wasn’t sick anymore but, has he gotten any better ?” 

Schlatt smiled, and gave a very parental look to Doc. “He’s getting better.” That felt very father-like. He’s still getting used to the whole dad thing three years in. 

Once Doc left him, seeming content with the information she gave across, she disappeared down the corridor. Schlatt was already done with his morning shot and put away the whiskey. Wolf, who was somewhat of a leader around here, was in the eastern most part of the building. It only took a couple turns to get to his office.

But Schlatt was nervous. Checking his watch, he noticed it was 6:21. He already killed enough time idling about the main room. If he wanted to get what Wolf needed done, along with getting back home to Tubbo at ten, he would have to take the job now.

Walking down the east corridor, he strode down the hall, passing various rooms that were for both work and personal use. Being that people from all around with different backgrounds came here, a lot of them ended up living here too. That’s what most of these rooms are used for, or at least that was what Schlatt was told. 

Turning a corner, he noticed washers and dryers stacked against the wall. One or two were running even. Schlatt made his way across more rooms, some smelling dominantly of weed, others smelling suspiciously of blood. It just reminds him of motels he’d stay at in highschool. 

Finally, Schlatt got to a door painted black. Wolf’s office. There was no nametag, no identification for who was staying here, only a black door standing out from the concrete walls and white doors. Knocking on the door, Schlatt swallowed a bump in his throat, getting ready for confrontation.

Wolf answered almost instantly. 

“Welcome kid.”

Chapter Text

Wolf’s name fit perfectly with his appearance, and demeanor for that matter. He looked like what the term ‘silver fox’ would be used for. The guy didn’t look that old, but had more silver hair than his original brown. He wore a tank top and sweats, his well built frame matching perfectly with the half-assed outfit. 

Schlatt would have admitted he was a bit jealous of his looks, but he didn’t really like the whole silver hair thing, natural or not. “Doc said you asked for me?”

Leaning on the doorframe, Wolf snapped his fingers dramatically, “Yeah, I did! Step inside my office Jason.” Though he looked tough and more rugged than anything else, his tone always had a tilt to it that made him seem cheery to be here. Schlatt wanted to hate him, but had to admit he was a good leader. 

He did as asked, stepping into the room while Wolf shifted aside for him to pass. Schlatt’s only been in here once before, a week or two prior when he first joined. There was another first timer there with him, a girl with the code name Jay. He seems to be the only one who hasn’t gotten a code name yet. Doc hinted at that day being today.

Wolf slid behind his desk, that sat off to the side rather than right in the middle of the room. He then took a look at a photo frame on his desk and flipped it down. Oh.

“I have your first real mission, Jason. One that’s going to earn your name. Do you understand the importance of today?” His voice became low, a mere rumble in his chest in the silent room. 

All Schlatt could do was nod slightly, unable to speak due to the tension.

He smiled, an ironically wolfish smile. “Good. I’m taking you and some others to go get some… debt from a place. Your hands might get dirty. Maybe a little more than dirty.” Wolf’s hand traced the edge of the photo frame he flipped over, while biting the inside of his lip to think, then he flipped it back up again. “If you don’t like it now, I suggest you leave before we begin.”

Schlatt had his left hand balled at his side, not out of annoyance or out of anger, just to have his hands moving when he’s trying to stay collected. His mind was racing, thinking of all the possibilities of agreeing to this. Schlatt would like to think he’s a rational and well thought out person, out of all his decisions in his life, this is the one he can’t think out. 

“I'm fine with it. I’ll do it.” He manages to say, after a moment. “I just got to get back home to my son before ten.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

Checking his watch, Schlatt takes note of it being 6:4- A giant thunk interrupted his reading as his body slammed against the side of a metal car door. It hurt, but not enough for him to make a scene about it. 

“Sorry guys! Only place where there’s no fucking snow just has to be a pothole.” Wolf grumbled from the front seat of the said car. 

Schlatt looked around at the other’s surrounding him in this- van. The Flame guy from earlier was here, along with Butcher and Eeyore. Eeyore was a new face to him, but he’s met Butcher before. As the name goes, he’s a Butcher, as for animals or people, Schlatt would rather not ask. 

Eeyore’s name fit him perfectly, as everyone else's names did. He was gloomy, always had his head down, and never talked much. Schlatt had a feeling there was more to it however.

“So Jason, ya nervous?” Butcher asked, a somewhat mocking smile on his face. He was, genuinely, but because this guy had to be such a dick about it…

“No, not really.” Schlatt deadpanned. The Butcher guy seemed surprised, and a little impressed. 

His mocking smile turned into a more sincere one, “Good, neither was I my first time. Hope I’ll get to work with you more often kid.” 

Schlatt didn’t respond, he didn’t feel the need to. All he was assigned to do was come along, and listen to Wolf of course. As for small talk and making friends, it wasn't really his job. 

Looking outside of the window, Schlatt could feel the frigid coldness of the outside seeping in through the glass. The van was cheap, and that meant the glass was particularly thin. There was slush on the sides of the road, and snow on the sidewalks. Only every now and then there were people walking past, but it was still more than when Schlatt walked earlier. 

Wolf didn’t tell him how far they were going from headquarters, or where they were going for that matter, the only thing he was confident in is that he’d be home to Tubbo before ten.

“Oh shit-” Wolf cursed, the van suddenly lurching to the left. Schlatt was on the right side of the van, and especially with no seatbelt, he lurched to the left, awkwardly falling onto the floor. Flame and Eeyore, who were on the other side, stared at him expectantly. 

Butcher, who was a pretty big guy, did not budge. “Having trouble there?” 

Schlatt made his way back to his sitting position in silence, dismissively listening to Wolf as he apologized again. “Last one I swear, we’re almost there.”

“Thank god.” Flame mutters, staring off into oblivion. It was the first time he said something this entire ride.

After a few more turns, and kicking up slush, Wolf slowed, then eventually halted. “C’mon fellas, get out.” He called, already turning the van off and getting out of it hurriedly. 

Butcher was the next one out, mumbling a few comments about how the ride ‘didn’t take that long’. Then followed Flame and Eeyore, silent as they followed Wolf. Schlatt was the last one, following the two in front of him. 

Once he stepped out into the cold air, Schlatt looked at where they were. It seemed like an abandoned parking lot, with no lighting and graffiti painting the concrete structure. It wasn’t as dark as it was when Schlatt left the house, light gray light coming through the clouds. It was still cold as shit though.

Wolf stood a couple strides away, examining the building with a hand on his waist. “Should be here.” He began walking towards the entrance.

The four followed behind him, Eeyore sticking to the back, his eyes staring at the snowy slush beneath him. “Any orders before we go in?” Butch asked, walking a bit faster to catch up to his side. 

“Right!” Wolf turned, his boots crunching the snow on the ground. Schlatt found that he met the leader’s eyes. “Jason, come here. Right next to me.”

His heart dropped. And yet his feet brought him closer and closer to the two, he found himself standing right in front of Wolf. “Good, you’ll be talking with me.” Then turned and began walking again. 

Wait. Talking? Bargaining? Schlatt wasn’t much of a talker, not at all. “Hold on.”

Wolf turned again, “What Jason?” The guy had a wicked smile on his face. “Don’t wanna talk?”

“I’m… not very good at talking. Can I do something else? What if I fuck it up?” Schlatt held a steady gaze with the mafia leader, his brown eyes studying his expression. 

“No can do, it’s a part of your initiation.” With that, Wolf turned for a final time to walk towards the entrance.

Schlatt wanted to hang his head, but kept it held high. He was determined, no matter how much he hated his task. And so, with Flame, Butch, and Eeyore behind him, he followed Wolf into the dark concrete abyss that was the parking lot. 

“Hellooooo? Hello? Micheal? It’s Wolf. I’ve come to get the shit!” Wolf called, once they were in the dead center of the lot. They didn’t go up any floors, just directly walked to the center. 

Butch and Flame were already on guard, standing on the sides of the circle that they created naturally. Eeyore didn’t seem bothered by the eerie atmosphere whatsoever. 

Wolf huffed, tapping one of his boots lightly against the floor. “C’mon Micheal don’t make my boys come and find you!” He sounded more irritated than before. 

The makeshift leader shrugged his head to Flame and Butch. Butch went off instantly, and Flame tightened his  white headband before slinking off in the opposite direction. Wolf then brought his eyes to Schlatt, mouthing ‘your turn’.

Schlatt swallowed the pressure building up in his throat, seemingly happening a lot during this escapade. A few words followed, “Last chance Micheal!” Wolf raised his eyebrows. Schlatt’s voice was full and strong, he even startled himself a bit. Maybe he was good at talking.

“Wait, wait, Wolf who the fuck is that? You didn’t say you were bringing any guys?” A man, small in stature, stood up towards the edge of the lot, appearing out of nowhere. 

Wolf snickered. “Boys!” Butcher leaped from the dark, grabbing a hold of the small guy’s arm, dragging him towards the middle. Schlatt turned to see Flame dragging another guy from the opposite corner. “He was sneaking around over here.” Flame said simply.

Once Butch and Flame brought the guys to Wolf, he whistled. “Wow Micheal, trying to pull a scam on me? I can’t believe you.”

Micheal, the small man, laughed nervously, “No, no Wolf I don’t know who the fuck that guy is, must have been spying on me or-”

“Hey what the fuck Boss?” The guy lashed against Flame’s grip, and even though the guy was taller than Flame, he held the guy tightly. 

Wolf clapped, a smile appearing on his face. “A shame, really Micheal! I can see you don’t have a damn thing on you.” His smile quickly turned sour, and the leader gave a swift kick to Micheal’s abdomen. 

Gasping for air, Micheal dropped his head, spit leaking from his gaping mouth. It looked like it really hurt. “As for you…” Wolf lead on, looking at one of Micheal’s guys, “Just kill him.”

Schlatt’s eyes widened in horror as Flame pulled a knife from his belt, the sharp blade slicing cleanly against the man’s flesh. It pulled apart, thick red blood oozing quickly from the cut. With a couple of gurgles, red appearing in his mouth and nose, the man fell limp. Flame dropped his corpse, a quiet splat came from the man’s neck, then a pool of red followed. 

He fought the urge to cover his mouth, fought the urge to throw up, fought the urge to run away and never come back. Schlatt’s mind went blank as his face stayed white, he turned his eyes from the corpse and back to Micheal and Wolf. If he faltered, who knows what these psychos would do.

“Oh god, oh god! Wolf please, please don’t! Please…” Micheal began to sob, the harsh kick to his stomach long forgotten as tears dropped from his face to the now crimson concrete. 

Schlatt slowly turned his gaze to Wolf. His face was unreadable, his playfulness and smile long gone. Like stone, rough and cold. He looked away before Wolf spoke. “Where’s the fucking shit, Micheal?”

Micheal only sobbed, choking on his own tears at this point. Wolf bent down, violently grabbing the man’s jaw and twisting it so they could make eye contact. “ Where. Are. My. Fucking. Guns. ”

“I-I don’t have them !” He cried, Wolf letting go of his jaw, his head went limp again as he sobbed some more. 

Wolf paced, then turned around and spit right on him suddenly. “You had one fucking job and couldn’t even do that! Where did my money go then Micheal?” Micheal shook his head, only choked noises coming out. “Where the fuck is it?!”

He kicked him in the side, and Micheal let out a small scream. Then again, and again, Wolf kicked the man over and over again until he fell silent. 

“Get him up.” Wolf ordered Butch, who immediately forced the man on his feet. He was weak, and could only stand by the pure will of Butch. 

Wolf began pacing again, angry, but thinking about what to do with it. He stopped suddenly, backs turned to all of them. “Eeyore.”

His head popped up for the first time ever since they left. Wolf turned, a disturbing smile on his face, “Eeyore, take care of him for me, will you?”

Eeyore was silent, but gave a slow nod. Butch dropped Micheal, and Eeyore grabbed him by the hair and turned him to look up at the guy. Micheal let out a small whimper, then Wolf clapped and began walking towards the exit. “Take care, take care. Come boys.”

Schlatt followed, moving on his own. Flame and Butch closely behind.

The short walk to the van was quiet, Butch seemed normal, but Flame was a little antsy. Schlatt thought that maybe Flame had a different type of leader back in Houston. As for Schlatt himself, he tried not to feel anything as of now. 

That was until they made it to the van. Schlatt’s head got dizzy as he was reminded of the guy’s blood leaking from his neck and flowing out from his lifeless body. 

Wolf opened the driver’s door and then looked back to Schlatt. “Oh! Right, I had an epiphany back there about your name. You may not realize it now, but I assure you it is perfect, Aries .”

Schlatt ran to the back of the van and threw up.

Chapter Text

Looking up whilst coughing up sour stomach acid and coffee, Schlatt’s eyes were met with humorous brown ones. Unlike he originally thought, Wolf was laughing hysterically at the newbie. Maybe his initial thoughts of the mafia were more harsh than they actually are. He expected insults and a rougher reaction.

“Holy shit Aries you really held that in did you? Horrible timing though. Got some fucking guts!” A hand roughly thumped his back, coaxing some acidic spit out of him. Gross. He got it on his timbs. 

Butcher was laughing too, just in a more mocking manner. “Thought you said you weren’t nervous? Or were you playing tough shit?” 

Schlatt could care less about that douchebag right now, he still was leaned over and staring at his own vomit. His stomach still was grumbling, not yet settled, but he couldn’t tell if he needed to puke again or if it was just a post throw up feeling.

Flame was the only one not laughing, “Did my kill fuck you up that bad?” Schlatt could hear the shuffling of feet, a turn maybe. His next few words were more hush, directed towards the two others. “I know Doc said he was fresh with this whole mafia thing but she didn’t tell me he was fresh to this side of life.” 

Subsiding his laughter, Wolf cleared his throat, “First time in his life he’s ever done something illegal, besides smoking a little bit of pot at school.”

Schlatt definitely winced at that one, they weren’t wrong, they were right on target actually. The only illegal shit he’s done is trespass and smoke weed in his robotics club. He imagines that they would laugh if he told them that last part. 

“Shit dude if I knew that maybe I would have killed the guy a little cleaner…” 

Standing up straight from his previously hunched over state, Schlatt’s eyes turn to Flame, “You mean you purposely made that guy bleed like that?!” Flame had no expression on his face, other than slightly surprised that Schlatt yelled at him so suddenly. 

Flame’s face contorted to a friendly one, the most friendly Schlatt has seen the guy. “Yeah you idiot , we’re supposed to intimidate the other guys with a little bit of extra blood.”

Schlatt stared at Flame, and the guy’s smirk with tufts of facial hair sprouting from his chin. Something about the guy, just seemed cool, even if he did just take someone’s life. Maybe they’d become friends in the future. “You’re insane.” He simply said.

“Okay! Wipe the puke from your shoes and let’s get back to headquarters, gotcha? Maybe you can hang around a bit before you gotta get back to your boy. It’s what-” Wolf looked down and pulled out his phone, checking the time, “7:10! Wow didn’t take long at all. Eeyore will be back later, hop in.”

Staring at the vomit stains on his lightly colored timbs, Schlatt wiped the tips off as much as he could in the snow before walking back to the van and following Butcher to the back. He settled into the old, torn, stiff seats of the community van, the frigid metal stinging his hand as he grazed it.

More bile rose to his throat, but Schlatt swallowed it, along with wiping whatever gross buildup he had on the edge of his mouth. He’d remind himself to drink something or use mouthwash to get the taste out. 

A clunk, signifying the start of the vehicle, shook Schlatt from his initial thoughts. Looking around the van at his fellow members, it struck Schlatt that they really left Eeyore with the guy named Micheal. If he thought Eeyore was a good negotiator, Schlatt would have assumed that Wolf left the guy to get some information out of him- before he was killed in the end. 

However, with the general vibe Schlatt got from the guy, he assumed that Micheal was getting much worse right now. 

“So, is that guy some sort of torturer?” Flame asked, not turning his head to address anyone directly. He was perched on the other side of the van, taking up the entire seat by having one leg strewn across it while he stared out the window. A sudden pothole made his body jump, but otherwise he was snug.

It seemed that they both had the same idea of the dude. Wolf’s steady eyes looked back at them through the rear, and once he noticed that Flame wasn’t paying attention, Wolf spoke to himself. “That’s a little vulgar. He just makes sure that they pay their price.” 

Flame echoes Wolf’s last words, just loud enough for Schlatt to pick it up, “Pay their price…” 

Schlatt almost scoffed. Coming from him, who killed a guy for the pure reason of association, he found it hypocritical. Maybe he shouldn’t since that might be him pretty soon. Schlatt hoped that if it came down to it, he would only kill others if they’ve done horrible things. But seeing that Wolf was impressed with his one liner, he was even more so hopeful to only do the talking. 

There was a lot on his mind, and it was only a small bit past 7 AM. He’s only been awake for 2 and a half hours, but it feels like an entire day. The sun was just beginning to peak over the buildings, creating a thin layer of light across town, carrying an icy fog with it. Schlatt was so tired already, he would probably go back home once they got to headquarters. And get back to his Tubbo.

Schlatt would hold him a little closer tonight.

Crunching his boots back onto the slush once again, Schlatt found himself back at the start, headquarters. Everyone got out before him and walked in the building, and he followed close behind. There were many more people in the lobby, compared to the early morning. Schlatt remembered walking down the hall to Wolf’s office, all the people getting ready for the day, various running washing machines, different smells. It really seemed to be a community.

Schlatt found it more poetic than a mafia should be. Or, what outsiders have thought it should be.

Wolf was already talking to a few people, not many he recognized. Flame had disappeared, but Butcher was also in the lobby conversating. Schlatt was a little disappointed to see Flame leave before he could talk to him some more, without the eyes of Wolf and Butcher. 

The duck guy was here though. Er- Quack. The guy was so unmemorable Schlatt felt bad for forgetting. He could tell that Quack really tried.

“You ever done coke? It’s…” Came the high pitched voice of Quack, after Schlatt eavesdropped out of pure curiosity. Maybe the kid was trying too hard.

He slipped next to Wolf’s conversation next, Butcher was standing next to him as well. “-he’ll do what he usually does, the guy is fucked I can tell you th-” Wolf finally noticed Schlatt’s presence, quickly changing the conversation topic. “Oh! Hey guys, Aries here got his name. Pretty good one right?”

The people he was talking to didn't seem to be interested in any newbies' names. To what Schlatt could pick up, he was talking to long time members, veterans if you will. Wolf was the only one giving him the courtesy of a smile. He read the room, and tapped Wolf’s shoulder lightly.

“Gonna drop by home real quick if that’s fine with you. Gotta grab my groceries from the fridge first.” Schlatt said, in a hushed voice, already feeling bad for interrupting in the first place.

Wolf raised his eyebrows for a short moment, “Oh- uh okay, yeah! Take care of your boy. Make sure to come back after, if you can.” 

Schlatt gave him a small pat on the shoulder, “Yeah I will, thanks man.” 

“Good work today!” Wolf encouraged, turning back to his previous conversation.

Schlatt weaved his way through the crowd of the lobby. There were a lot of interesting characters, one’s that he may have never imagined himself being in the same room with, others he might have seen passing on the street before. He’s found himself growing to like the diversity he’s been introduced to. Being more closed off, Schlatt’s only interacted with a certain type of person, if at all.

Stepping into the break room, he found that there were plenty of people in there too, eating some type of breakfast to start their day. Once he got to the fridge, he opened it and looked inside.

All of his bags were still there, but they were jammed with more bags and items thrown into there. He always hated using the community fridge but always found himself putting more shit into it. Shuffling plastic and paper bags, Schlatt loaded his arms with the goods he got this morning. His arms drooped from the weight, reminded of how heavy it was.

A few people waved, or nodded their head, or any other type of acknowledgement. Schlatt didn’t know any of them well, he could probably point out a few by name, but other than that he was clueless. Mac, who was in here earlier, wasn’t one of them.

With that final task, Schlatt started for the main exit. Slipping out of the break room and back through the packed lobby, he found his way outside.

The cold air hit his face, and Schlatt readjusted his hat. He’s forgotten it was even on, but the rush of wind shifted it, making its presence prominent against his scalp. His hair underneath was probably a mess of tangles and knots. Schlatt would probably tidy up once he got back home.

Making his way down the sidewalk, he noticed the change in scenery pretty fast. There were definitely more people walking on the sidewalk, but the amount of cars seemed to be the same. Few, but not completely empty. He wouldn’t be pushing past people, but he’d come across them more than he did earlier.

His walk back home would be the same, with one less stop. Five minutes, give or take. The sun wasn’t that warm against the cold environment but the snow was steadily turning to slush, not with any help from the snow plows pushing more onto the sidewalks. Without the snow or the bags he has to carry, for that matter, the walk would be much faster. His timberlands were trusty, and would keep up with him.

Schlatt walked by a guy in what looked like a long trench coat. That’s the first person he’s passed. He peered into the convenience store he got the exact groceries he’s holding, the same clerk grumpily watching the door. There was one person in there, more than the amount just hours ago.

He went back to paying attention to where he was going, but losing himself in though quickly. Before he knew it, Schlatt found himself standing at his apartment door.

The place was shitty, he’d admit. Wallpaper peeled at the edges, grime in hard to reach places, and it was a hot spot for rats in the winter. But it was all he could afford, especially with his kid. Schlatt couldn’t risk buying a better place, he already was fearful of losing this one at one point. It was the reasoning of him joining the mafia. He wanted to be able to keep his apartment, no matter how shitty.

Schlatt didn’t have to worry about money until next month, which was two weeks away. At that point, he was sure to have gotten enough money.

After unlocking his door, Schlatt tapped in the code on his alarm. There were times where he forgot to do so, and he was grateful that the alarm was never set to notify the police after getting set off. He’s scared Tubbo from the loud beeping before.

He took his hat off, setting it on a small rack, along with shuffling his timbs off, leaking wet slush onto the floor. Schlatt would remind himself to put a rug at the front door.

The first thing he did was open his bedroom door, trying not to let it creak as it opened. Sunlight was for the most part, blocked by the curtains, but it still allowed a light gray to enter. It made the room just light enough to see properly. Just enough light to see Toby curled up in the sheets, still clung to the pillow he set the boy on earlier.

Schlatt smiled to himself. It was worth it, it all was worth it for him. He would watch blood pour out of life filled bodies, beat whoever senseless, steal whatever he was told to, for Tubbo. It was a harsh way of putting it, but it was love. 

He closed the door lightly, then made his way to the kitchen to finally get these groceries in the fridge. The milk went in first, then the eggs with it. Whatever other kind of cold food followed before Schlatt put all the canned goods and non-perishables into the pantry. The single bag of rice didn’t look so sad as before.

What he was juggling with now as if he should wake up Tubbo to eat, or to let him sleep. It was 7:42, just about an hour before he would wake up on his own. Wolf said he could go home, but he underestimated the amount of time the mission took. Who knew killing a guy and interrogating another only took 20 minutes?

Schlatt laughed to himself. How sick. Speaking of sick, he still had a lingering taste of sour, reminded of how he needed to use mouthwash. He had learned of how vomiting actually aids in damage to your teeth, due to the strong acids. Ever since he learned that weird fact, he reminded himself to use mouthwash every time he puked.

In his apartment, there was one bathroom connected to the bedroom, so that meant that he would have to go back into where Tubbo was sleeping, with the risk of waking him up. If he did, he did, and they would eat breakfast. If not, then Schlatt would decide whether to wake him up or not.

So he creaked the door open again, not closing it this time. He wasn’t fearful of it closing on itself, there wasn’t much of a draft running through the house, as cheap as the place was.

Schlatt tiptoed into the bathroom, getting a good look at himself in the mirror. He really did look like shit. His nose and cheeks were wind burned, and extremely cold. And his assumption about his hair was right, the brown locks were tangled and were stiff due to cold sweat under his cap. The bags under his eyes were more visible than he thought too.

Utter shit.

Taking the mouthwash from the cabinet, he quickly opened it and took a swig, swishing it around in his mouth accordingly. It was the non-alcohol kind, just in case Tubbo got a hold of it and ingested some. The flavor was still strong, definitely driving out whatever acid lingered on his teeth.

 He spit it out and ran the water as quietly as possible, and yet he heard a ruffle in the room.

Peeking into the bedroom, Schlatt made eye contact with soft brown eyes. Tubbo was up. He stared, still groggy with sleep, but definitely awake.

“Hey Tubs.” Schlatt murmured, walking from the bathroom to the bed. Tubbo wiped at his eyes, trying to get whatever sleepiness out of it. “Did I wake you?”

The boy nodded slightly, he was unbothered, but still answered the question as if he was disturbed. Schlatt smiled. “Sorry little man. G’mornin’.”
Tubbo smiled too, eyes still barely opened, “Gm’.” Is what he managed.

Schlatt couldn’t help but pick him up, small arms wrapping around his neck. His soft hair rubbed against his skin, sending a small sensory shiver up Schlatt’s spine. He has to have the cutest kid on the planet. 

“Want somethin’ to eat bud?” He asked Tubbo, rubbing his back in small circles. “I just got some good stuff.” 

He didn’t look down, but he could feel Tubbo nodding into his shirt. Maybe after he eats he’ll be more awake. This was enough though.

Schlatt got up from the bed, walking through the bedroom door and across the small apartment until he got to the kitchen. He’d have to shift through the items before he figures out what exactly they can both eat. But, he has to set Tubbo down first. “Here, I’ll put you in your chair bud.” 

Tubbo made a sound of defiance, and Schlatt cooed him to let him know it was okay. For a three year old, Tubbo was surprisingly compliant. So he set him down in the makeshift high chair, since Schlatt never did buy a proper one. He always meant to, but in the end he stuck a few straps on there and a snap on- table, plate thing that high chairs always had. He could never remember the name.

He plopped into the chair, and he strapped him in, the boy smacking his hands onto the cheap plastic of the table part. Schlatt went over to the fridge, opening the door to look at the contents. “Want some eggs?”

Tubbo had stopped fidgeting in his chair, his eyes looking at the fridge with interest. Seemingly unsure of the answer, Schlatt took out the familiar greenish carton of eggs and showed it to the boy. Tubbo’s face brightened, and he slapped his soft hands against the plastic once more. “Yea!” He cheered simply.

And so Schlatt cooked them eggs, scrambled so that Tubbo could ingest them easier. He even cracked open the milk and added some to the eggs. Usually he would add spices of sorts, but just added plain salt and pepper to make it easier for his toddler. 

During the short amount of time he was cooking the egg, he would turn around and entertain Tubbo if he got fussy. This included throwing some of the half cooked egg into the air and either catching it in his mouth, catching it with the pan, or landing on the floor. Whatever outcome he got, Tubbo would laugh and be pleased with it.

Once he was done, he put all the eggs on one main plate and set it on the small counter next to Tubbo. He whined and reached for it, but Schlatt reminded him of how hot they were. Tubbo didn’t seem to understand what that exactly meant, but he quieted down and looked quizzically at the steaming eggs. 

Schlatt put a few egg pieces on Tubbos personal high chair table, not bothering to use a plate. They were still hot but Schlatt made sure to blow on them before placing them. Tubbo grabbed it with careful hands and put it in his mouth, including a good part of his hand too. He had a full set of teeth, so chewing wasn’t an issue.

“Mmm!” He mumbled happily, swallowing the small piece of egg. 

Schlatt laughed, opening the fridge again. “It’s good?” He grabbed the milk carton again, and Tubbo’s sippy cup from the cupboard. They didn’t have many cups, and this was Tubbo’s only cup, but it does the job.

When he turned around, Tubbo was nodding vigorously, already putting another piece into his mouth. “Good.” Schlatt said simply, pouring some milk into the cup. He placed it down onto Tubbo’s high chair, ready for whenever he wanted a sip.

After putting the milk back, Schlatt sat down and scooped a mouthful of eggs himself. They were bland, as expected, but fluffy and good texture wise. When he looked up, Tubbo was holding his last piece of egg to his father’s face, expecting him to take a bite.

He chuckled, but he did take it from him. Schlatt also put some more eggs onto his plate afterwards. “Good?” Tubbo asked, kicking his feet happily.

“Very, especially from you.” Schlatt said, reaching out and tapping Tubbo’s nose lovingly. The boy giggled and kicked his feet a little faster.

These were the moments he lived for. Tubbo wasn’t coughing, or bedridden from fever, or not being able to hold down his food. He was just happy, enjoying life as it was intended for a three-year old. Everything was perfect, and Schlatt hoped that he made the right decision. For his sake.

Chapter Text

After they finished their plate of eggs as breakfast, Tubbo seemed to be wide awake, eyes eager to take in information around him. Schlatt would feel a little bad to just leave him to entertain himself, being that there were little to no toys around the apartment. 

He wouldn’t feel as bad if Schlatt was away and Tubbo woke up on his own to roam around. The toddler would stare out the window, pick at the couch, hopefully not eat anything that may or may not be dust. But now that Schlatt’s present, it would feel so wrong to just up and leave again.

Unfortunately, Schlatt did not have Wolf’s number. One of the rules he was briefed on was the beautiful technology of- no technology. 

 Schlatt just hoped he wouldn’t mind a toddler tagging along in Headquarters. 

-

 After cracking open the door and feeling a small gust of wind hit his face, Schlatt deduced that it was fairly warmer than it was earlier, but still very cold. 

 Tubbo was curious too, trying to peek behind his father’s long legs to look outside of the small world of their apartment, but was scooted away fairly quickly. “No bud, you can go out in a moment after you get your coat on.” 

 The small child let out a couple of grumbles in response, scrunching his face up. “Aw come on now don’t be fussy. Get your coat on so we can go.”

 It didn’t take him much motivation. Schlatt ran one coat arm through his stubby arm, shrugging it on until small fingers appeared out from the other side. When that side was done, he put the other coat arm through using the same method. Tubbo had a big smile on his face when it was over with, the final zip of the coat jacket sealing the deal.

 “Outside.” Tubbo demanded, keeping the big smile on his face as he reached his small hands towards the yellow metallic doorknob. 

 Schlatt smiled, then grabbed a pair of small brown boots sitting next to the wall. “And your boots Tub. Real quick.”

 The child turned around sticking his sock a little way off of the ground as his father slipped one boot on, making sure it won’t come off before moving his hand away. Schlatt then grabbed Tubbo’s other leg and lifted it up slightly while the other hand once again nudged the small boot on. 

 Tubbo stomped his foot a few times, double checking his father’s work. “Ready!” 

 “Yeah? You ready bud?” Schlatt asked, grabbing the glove that was connected to Tubbo’s hand. He gripped back eagerly, looking up towards the doorknob. 

 With a final smile, Schlatt opened the door with tentative fingers, twisting it and welcoming the cold air into his apartment. He gazed down at the small frame that was Tubbo, who was giggling from the rush of air. 

 “Brr!” He gestured, using his free arm to wrap it around himself. 

 Schlatt chuckled as they both took a step out of the door, turning around a bit to close it behind them. “It’s not that cold, you have your coat on silly.” It was still undoubtedly cute though.

 “Now, hold my hand and stay close, remember what I say about wandering off.” The father recited; hand still cupped around Tubbo’s. 

 He smiled widely, and looked up at the large figure that was Schlatt, “A dead man no good man!” The speech wasn’t perfect, but it was clear what he said.

 As funny as the off-hand comment was coming from a three-year-old, Schlatt’s face grew concerned, as he tries not to say disturbing sayings with negative connotations around his kid. “Where did you hear that from?” A normal answer would be school, but Tubbo was still three and not old enough for pre-k. Another explanation would be daycare, but once again Schlatt never had the extra money for that, Tubbo always stayed home. 

 “You said on phone.” Once again, not perfect, but the thought came across. 

 Schlatt really has to watch what he says on the phone or watch where Tubbo is. “Okay well, don’t say that- don’t listen to what I say on the phone.” 

They were walking down the sidewalk a way, a woman in a peacoat passing them, giving a small smile at the toddler. Tubbo didn’t notice, he stared straight ahead while talking. “Okay… sorry.” 

He looked down at his kid, expecting to see him upset at the small scolding, but he still had a cheery smile on his face. “It’s alright bud you didn’t know.” Schlatt smiled to himself. He’s heard so many harsh things about toddlers, how they become upset at every little thing, how much they cry and yell when they don’t get their way. He has to have a perfect child, so careful and glad to do everything, and so considerate to others beside himself. 

It makes Schlatt want to protect that innocence just that much more. What he would give to let Tubbo have the life he always dreamed of. They might have started off rough, but he was only three, and Schlatt was a young father, they had a long while for them to get back on track. 

He wouldn’t worry about that now; he’s done enough worrying. All he can hope for is that the mafia helps him achieve what Schlatt couldn’t alone. Maybe by introducing Tubbo to them while he was younger helps him think positive things about his coworkers. If anything ever happened to Schlatt... well, he would want Tubbo to be comfortable with potential guardians. 

Tubbo didn’t respond, just kept smiling and looking at the chilly New York setting. The city was never a pretty place, never was a particularly clean place either. In fact, New York was quite possibly the worst place to raise a kid. Tubbo didn’t know that though, in fact, he probably thought it was a beautiful place. The stars in his eyes would fool anyone from out of town. 

Schlatt stared ahead as well, a small smile permanently stuck to his face. He really hopes Wolf is fine with kids. 

Bringing his memory back to the housing units in Headquarters, Schlatt recalls the various smells and noises. There’s bound to be kids living there. He would never want them living there, in fear of the place being raided or generally bad situations rising, but he finds it endearing that Wolf gives up apartments to members for free. At least, he assumes for free, it would be kind of fucked up otherwise.

Maybe Tubbo could meet other kids to grow up with, the common knowledge of their parents participating in a mafia. Schlatt knows that once Tubbo is old enough, once he’s conscious of the vastly different life he’s living compared to other kids, he’ll want to share that experience with someone who isn’t his own father. Kids are just like that… he thinks.

“Where are we goin’?” Tubbo asked, interrupting Schlatt’s inner thoughts. He still didn’t take his eyes off of the sidewalk ahead. 

Schlatt thought about how to explain it to him. “My work. It’s where I go every day.” 

The toddler still looked perplexed, shifting his brown eyes to stare up at his father. Schlatt hummed, a bit stumped on an explanation, then raised his eyebrows. “It’s like school, like the school you see on the tv. I go there every day, just like you will.” He ended his sentence with a smile. Whoever thought of the Baby’s First channel is a life saver. 

“Okay. Work, school for…” Tubbo nodded, before now seeming confused on how work was like school, when adults don’t go to school, and kids don’t go to work.

“It’s hard to explain, sorry buddy. I’m not the best teacher. You’ll see when we get there. I promise it’ll be fun.” He would have to live up to that promise now, in fact Schlatt wasn’t sure if this trip would be fun at all. Trying would be better than Tubbo sitting at home all day, besides, he could just turn around and go straight home. 

Schlatt knows he couldn’t do that though. He had to do this, if not for himself than for Tubbo’s sake. Besides, this situation was only temporary until Schlatt could earn enough money from this job to put Tubbo in a daycare before he would be old enough to go to pre-k. Schlatt hoped that the situation wouldn’t last too long, he wasn’t sure how staying at a mafia’s headquarters in New York would affect a toddler. 

“It’s cold.” Tubbo murmured, seemingly forgetting about where they were going entirely. He calmly held onto his father’s hand while they walked, despite claiming he was cold. 

Schlatt looked down at him, “Your coat, Tub, remember? It keeps you warm.” He waited until Tubbo looked up at him to make a small gesture with his other hand to the toddler’s puffy jacket. 

Tubbo nodded, but pointed at his nose with his small, gloved hand, “My nose is cold.” 

Surely Schlatt did something right as a teacher if Tubbo knew what his nose was.