Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

---

At first... it was quiet.

Too quiet.

He hated it.

He hated how everything felt so quiet...

The way the cold stone floor pressed against his feet…

The icy air that bit at his skin...

The cold glass wall that sealed him off like a forgotten trophy...

He hated it.
He hated them.

God, how he hated them.

The Uglydolls. The visitors. Everyone.

Or... maybe it wasn’t hate.

Maybe it was jealousy.

Who knows what was really going on inside his head anymore?

---

Two months had passed since Lou was thrown into prison for everything he did.

> (inspired by: https://pin.it/6fzcuJCQL ) ( idk how to add pictures. Just a prison made of glass basically. Ninjago fans imagine Garmadon's cell)

At first, Lou had a lot to say.
He screamed, he shouted, barked orders at the bots. Demanded release from anyone who dared come close.

No luck.

By the end of the first month, he fell silent.

He barely said a word. Barely moved.

Only got up for meals or when he had to clean.
The rest of the time, he sat curled up in the middle of the cell—knees to his chest, face hidden.

His daily routine was predictable:
*Get out of bed
*Sit
*Eat
*Sit
*Clean
*Eat again
*Sit
*eat
*Sleep

No change. No visits. By the end of week two, even the rare visitors stopped coming.

But today... Something was different.

---

Lou had just finished lunch and returned to his usual spot—knees drawn in, head buried.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Lou didn’t move.

“Hey... Lou?” a familiar voice called awkwardly.

Mandy.

“You, uh... doing okay?”

No response.

“Are you awake?” she asked, peeking around the glass wall to catch a glimpse of his face.

When she found him, Lou turned away.

“Ohhh, so you are awake,” she teased, walking to the other side of the glass to face him again. He turned again.

“Huh... Not as chatty as before?” Mandy said, sitting down and pulling off her glasses to clean them with a cloth.

“Can you even hear me through this thing?” she asked and knocked on the glass.

Tap tap tap.

Lou flinched.

Then he snapped.

“Just leave me alone!” he shouted as he shot to his feet, facing her for the first time.

Mandy flinched too but said nothing.

Lou sat back down.

After a few minutes of silence, Mandy finally spoke again.

“It must be lonely in here,” she said gently, leaning against the glass. “No one to talk to…”

Lou looked over his shoulder, just for a second.

“You know... I used to feel that way too,” Mandy said, voice calm.

Lou turned slightly to hear better.

“I didn’t really fit in with the other girls,” she continued. “They weren’t exactly friendly.”

She giggled. “It didn’t help that I could barely see their faces without these.” She waved her glasses.

Lou scooted a little closer.

“Oh? Look who’s finally listening,” Mandy smiled, turning to face him.

Lou glared and turned away again.

Another pause.

Then, quietly—

“I stopped counting after ten visits,” Lou said. “They all came to say the same things. Spit the same hate. Looked at me like I was... a monster.”

He let out a dry, bitter laugh.

“You all came to watch the villain rot. Well, congrats. I’m rotting.”

“No! That’s not—” Mandy started.

“Then what do you want?!” Lou barked. His voice cracked, eyes wild.

“I just... want to talk,” Mandy said, calming herself.

“Sure. Another lecture,” Lou muttered and sat down.

“Not a lecture. A question.”

Lou raised a brow.

“I mean… I feel like maybe you were just… misunderstood?”

He snorted. “Right. Let’s get this over with.”

“I just wanted to ask…” she hesitated, fumbling. “Why did you… Why didn’t you want the Uglydolls to go to the Big World?”

Lou scoffed. “Didn’t I already say? I hated them. I was jealous. Blah blah. End of story.”

Silence followed.

Long silence.

Mandy sighed and stood up. “Okay, I guess you’re not ready. I’ll just—”

“Wait!”

Lou rushed to the glass, hand pressed against it.

“I... I don’t want to be alone,” he said, barely above a whisper, quickly.

“What?” Mandy blinked.

“I don’t want to be alone! Okay?!” he snapped, voice trembling.

Mandy stepped back toward the glass. “Are you ready to answer then?”

“What? I just did.”

“You were afraid... of being alone?” she asked softly, sitting down again, confused.

“I guess… I was just scared. Scared of being left behind,” Lou admitted, lowering his head. “If people knew the truth... that the Uglydolls could go out into the Big World too... they’d start to question everything. The tests. The rules. Me.”

He swallowed.

“If every new arrival just got to go ahead—just like that…”

His voice grew smaller.

“I’d be the only one left in this stupid place. Stuck. Forgotten.”

Then it hit.

Lou’s breath quickened. His hands clenched his hair tightly. Voice trembling, then boiling.

“Why me?! Why do I have to be the one stuck here?!”

“WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS TO SUFFER?!”

A click echoed through the room.
Mandy had unlocked the door and stepped in.

She walked straight to Lou… and hugged him.

Lou stiffened, stunned.

It had been so long since anyone had hugged him. It felt strange—yet warm. Comforting.

“Let it out,” Mandy whispered.

And Lou did.

At first, a few tears.

Then sobs.

And then he broke, crying uncontrollably.

---Ten minutes later---

“You feeling better?” Mandy asked gently.

Lou looked up, eyes red, then stared at the floor.

“I must look pathetic right now…”

“You’re not the only one,” Mandy smiled kindly.

“…Wait, how do you even have the key?”

“Oh. Uh… I was supposed to let you out today,” Mandy admitted. “Moxy’s orders. But I wanted to talk first. To hear the truth.”

Lou blinked. “Wait… I’m getting out?”

“Well… maybe after a bit of a makeover.” She pulled a brush from her bag and handed it to him. “For your dignity.”

Lou grabbed it fast and started brushing his hair.

“You wouldn’t happen to have gel, would you?” he smirked through the mess.

“You’re fine,” Mandy laughed. “Now come on. Let’s go.”

She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the exit.

---

Chapter Text

---

It was crowded outside the prison. Dolls and Uglies mingled everywhere—laughing, chatting, living freely under the brightest sun Lou had seen in months.

As Lou and Mandy stepped out of the prison, the sunlight hit Lou hard, forcing him to squint.

But as his eyes adjusted… he noticed something else.

The crowd had gone quiet. Every single pair of eyes was on him.

Before he could say a word, Mandy grabbed his wrist and pulled him away from the growing tension.

And that’s when it really hit him—
They hated him.
The awkward silence, the turned heads, the forced smiles…

It made Lou’s stomach twist.

He remembered the days when stepping outside, he was welcomed by applause and admiration. He missed those days.

Now? He felt like a ghost of who he used to be.

---

They reached Lou’s house.

Mandy glanced back, checking on him.

Lou trailed behind, head low, barely keeping up.

“You okay?” she asked, slowing down.

“Huh? Oh… yeah. I'm fine,” Lou said, forcing a shrug, avoiding her eyes.

“Well… we’re here! Let’s head in!” said Mandy as she tugged his hand and stepped inside.

Lou hesitated. This place—it was full of memories. Full of him.

The version of him he wasn’t sure he wanted to remember.

---

“Whoa... This is my first time in here,” said Mandy, looking around wide-eyed. “Has anyone ever been here before besides you?”

Lou’s throat tightened.

“…Ox,” he said quietly. “He’s been here.”

Mandy kept wandering, letting her voice echo.
“It’s huge! But you don’t have much furniture.”

“It’s just the corridor,” Lou muttered. “My room’s on the top floor.”

Mandy was already dragging him toward the elevator.

As the doors shut behind them, a sudden alarm blared.

Mandy jumped.

Lou sighed, nudging her gently to the side. He flipped open a small plastic panel near the buttons, revealing an eye scanner.

He leaned in.

“Scanning,” the robotic voice chimed.

“Scan complete. Welcome home, Mister Lou.”

Lou stepped back and pressed a button for the top floor. Still holding Mandy’s hand, he stood silently as the elevator carried them up.

Ding.

The doors opened, revealing his room.

---

“Whoa. You were seriously in love with yourself,” Mandy said, stepping in. Lou didn’t respond. He flopped face-first onto his giant bed.

“Agh… finally. My bed,” he groaned.

“Okay but—how big is this thing?” Mandy laughed as she sat on the edge. “It’s like a whole room.”

“I know,” Lou sighed.

“But no time for that now,” he said, standing up. “I need to fix myself up.”

He disappeared into a side door before Mandy could say anything.

Left alone, she wandered.

First, she stepped onto the balcony—fresh air brushing against her face. The view was beautiful: the old living quarters stretching out below them, distant but familiar.

Then her eyes caught something on a desk:
A book.

[ My diary. Don’t even try opening it. It’s empty. ]

Mandy bit her lip.

“I shouldn’t…”

She opened it anyway.

The first pages were blank. But toward the back—drawings. Messy, rough sketches of Ox… and some of the other Uglies. All of them, except Ox, scribbled over. Hard. Angrily.

And on the very last page, the words “I’m sorry” were written over and over again, the ink smudged from where tears had clearly hit the page.

“…Well. That’s… something,” Mandy whispered.

“What’s something?” came Lou’s voice.

Mandy jumped.

He stood behind her, towel over his head, eyes wide as he saw what she was looking at.

Without a word, he lunged forward and snatched the diary out of her hands, clutching it to his chest.

His expression was frozen—panic, shame, hurt.

“Lou, I—”

“A little privacy wouldn’t hurt,” he muttered, turning to gently place the diary back on his desk before disappearing into his clothing suite.

Mandy stood there, guilt hitting her hard.

“Why did I have to open it?” she whispered and sat back down on the bed.

---

“Hey, Mandy!” Lou called a few minutes later. “Hop in here for a sec, Sherlock.”

Mandy peeked in nervously, covering her eyes with one hand.

“I’m not naked, don’t worry,” Lou said, holding up two suits.

“Okay, okay,” she muttered, removing her hand. “Wait… are those your only options?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you have anything that’s not a suit? People might stare less if you dressed like… You know, us.”

Lou blinked, glancing at the mirror. “…Probably not. Let me check.”

He hung the suits back and started rummaging through more closets—full of nearly identical, perfectly pressed suits.

“This is your closet?!” Mandy asked, eyes wide. “I thought you had, like, one small rack like the rest of us used to. "

Then her eyes drifted.

She saw a shelf labeled… Boxers.

“Okay—nope! Didn’t need to see that!” she yelped, slapping her hand over her eyes.

“Found it!” Lou announced proudly.

He pulled out a dusty garment bag, opened it carefully, and pulled out the outfit inside.

“What is that?” Mandy asked, lowering her hand.

“These were the clothes I was originally made to wear,” said Lou, holding up a soft white button-up shirt with half sleeves, a beige sleeveless vest, matching knee-length shorts, white socks, white sneakers, a gold chain, and a watch.

(Inspired by: https://pin.it/11uB98fMh )

“I thought you were designed to wear a suit.”

“This was the first and last outfit they made for me that wasn’t one,” Lou said. “Only you and Ox know about it.”

“They look brand new,” said Mandy, touching the fabric.

“They switched it to suits later. Said a leader needed to look... respectable.”

“So... suit.”

“Yeah. My first one was black and yellow.”

“Like a bee.”

“Exactly. Everyone laughed. But eventually, they gave me my usual look, and people forgot.”

He glanced at her. “You gonna watch me change or what?”

“Oh! Sorry!” Mandy bolted out of the room.

---

—One wardrobe change later—

“Sorry, I took so long. Had to dry my hair... and add some makeup,” Lou smirked, strutting in.

Mandy yawned, barely awake.

Lou glanced at the mirror. “I don’t think I look as good in this as I used to.”

Mandy rubbed her eyes and turned to look.

“Wow... Is there anything you don’t look good in?” she said, surprised.

“You think so?” he asked, smiling a little.

“You look fine!” Mandy laughed and gave him a light shoulder tap. “Ready to go?”

Lou hesitated, pulling away.

“Do I have to? I mean… yeah, fresh air would be nice, but... they’re all still going to look at me like I’m some kind of monster.”

Mandy raised a brow. “I mean, yeah. Some might. But they don’t have time to stare at you all day with their angry eyes and furrowed eyebrows that eat you alive. no pressure.”

“Wow. Super comforting,” Lou replied dryly.

“But really,” Mandy added, smiling. “You can’t stay cooped up forever. You’ll have to face it eventually. Who knows, you might even have some fun.”

Lou took a breath.

“Thanks, Mandy… I guess we can give it a try.”

“Finally!” she grinned. “I can’t wait to show you the city! Wait—have you even seen it?”

“Not really. The bots only made me clean around the prison. So I wouldn’t ‘traumatize’ anyone.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” said Mandy, grabbing his hand again. “Let’s go!“

Back to the elevator they went

Together

---

Chapter Text

---

As Lou and Mandy stepped outside, the street buzzed with whispers. People stared—some shocked by Lou’s new look, others glaring with anger or disgust.

Lou's stomach twisted. He gripped Mandy’s hand a little tighter as his heart began to race.

Mandy glanced at him and immediately noticed how tense he was. She stopped, turned to face him, and grabbed his shoulders.

“Hey, Lou!” she said, snapping him out of it. “Wanna get coffee? I know a place that’ll make your jaw drop!”

“Umm… yeah. Let’s go,” Lou said, still scanning the crowd nervously.

“Trust me! You’re gonna love it,” Mandy grinned as she tugged him along.

---

“We’re here!” Mandy said cheerfully.

“The Beautiful Flaws Café?” Lou read the sign. “Wasn’t it called The Golden Brew?”

“They renamed it,” Mandy explained. “To match the whole Institute of Imperfection vibe.”

“What do you usually drink?” she asked, curiously.

“It’s… complicated,” Lou replied.

“Ooh, say it! Pretty pleaaase?” Mandy teased, leaning in.

Lou sighed but answered proudly, “One oat milk vanilla latte, extra light on the foam, no sugar, two pumps of syrup—”

“Wait, that’s it?”

“I’m not done,” he continued. “One vanilla latte with oat milk, exactly 63 degrees—not 62 or 64. Two pumps sugar-free vanilla, one pump salted sugar-free caramel, light cacao dusting, sugar-free chocolate chips, and exactly two slices of strawberry on the side.”

“Wow...” Mandy blinked. “Okay, how about just a regular sugar-free vanilla latte with oat milk?”

“Hmph. I guess that would work,” Lou said, a little defeated.

“What do you usually get?” he asked.

“Caramel latte with whipped cream. Always,” she smiled and pulled him inside.

“Lucky us,” Mandy said. “Barely anyone here.”

---

After ordering…

They sat at a high-top table near the window.

“The Institute’s changed so much… Nothing looks like it used to,” Lou said, watching the street.

“And to think,” he added quietly, “it only looks this good… because I was locked away.”

“No, Lou. That’s not—” Mandy started.

“Then what was it, huh?” Lou snapped, voice rising. “Admit it. Everything got better when I was gone.”

Mandy opened her mouth but no words came.

“Here are your coffees,” the server interrupted coldly, glaring at Lou as she handed both drinks to Mandy.

“Thanks,” Mandy said quickly, taking them.

She paused. On Lou’s foam, something was written—"kys".

Mandy’s eyes widened. Without saying a word, she grabbed a spoon and stirred it away, then handed the cup to Lou.

“Here you go.”

“…Thanks.” Lou stared at the drink. Something felt… off. His gut twisted.

“Hey, Mandy… can you taste this real quick?”

“Uh, okay?” she said, puzzled, and took the mug.

She took a small sip and frowned. “Huh. That’s weird…”

“What’s weird?” Lou asked, eyes narrowing.

“I could’ve sworn I said oat milk. Repeated it like three times. But this? This is definitely not oat milk.”

Lou’s face went pale.

“What? What’s wrong?” Mandy asked, placing the mug on the table and gently touching his shoulder.

“Only Ox knows this but… I’m allergic to dairy,” Lou whispered.

Mandy’s eyes widened. “What happens if you have it?”

“My throat starts to close, I can’t breathe, then… I pass out.”

“Lou… why didn’t you ever tell anyone?”

“I thought it was an imperfection,” he admitted quietly. “So I hid it.”

“Well, good thing you didn’t drink it,” Mandy said firmly, before finishing the tainted drink herself and slamming the cup down.

“Now! Let’s get going! I’ve got sooo much to show you!” she smiled and tugged him by the wrist again. She really did love pulling people.

---

As they walked off, the waitress turned around and tore off her mask.

It was Lydia.

She slipped into the storage room, leaned against the door, and pulled out her phone. With a smirk, she made a call.

“He didn’t drink it,” Lydia said, placing the phone between her ear and shoulder as she filed her nails.

“Did he at least see the message?” Kitty’s voice came through.

“Nope. Mandy stirred it away before he could,” Lydia replied, blowing the dust off her nails.

“What now?” asked Tuesday, standing behind Kitty.

“We get rid of Mandy somehow,” Kitty said sharply.

“Why not just capture her? So much easier,” Tuesday suggested.

“Then we’d have to deal with her, you imbecile,” Kitty snapped.

“They’re glued to each other. It’ll be impossible to separate them,” Lydia sighed.

“I wish I were glued to Lou like that,” Tuesday muttered. “He’d at least notice my bangs…”

“Stop it with the bangs already!” Kitty groaned.

“I’m just saying! I worked so hard on that little swoop—”

“They look amazing, babe,” Lydia interrupted. “Lou doesn’t need to approve. I approve.”

“Aww, you’re the best!” Tuesday beamed.

“Who needs guy validation when you’ve got bestie validation?” Lydia smiled.

“You’re so right!” Tuesday chirped.

“Enough, you imbeciles!” Kitty snapped. “We’ve got work to do!”

“So… what’s the plan?” Lydia asked.

“Meet me at the clubhouse. We’ll go over it there.”

“Got it,” Tuesday said.

“Fine by me,” Lydia added.

---

Chapter Text

---

“Today was so fun!” Mandy beamed, swinging her shopping bag as they walked.

“It sure was,” Lou said, glancing at his own bags with a small, satisfied smile.

“Wanna do this again sometime?” Mandy asked, nudging his arm playfully.

“I've got nothing but time,” Lou joked with a soft chuckle.

He hesitated, then turned to her.

“By the way…” he started.

Mandy looked up, curious.

“Why didn’t you go to the Big World?” Lou asked, his voice gentle.

“Well… I did,” Mandy said softly. “It’s just—time runs way faster out there. My boy grew up.”

She glanced up at the sky with a far-off look.

“So you just… came back?”

“Yeah, kind of. I was all dusty and messed up, but when I showed up here again, I looked brand new,” she giggled. “Guess I got cleaned up along the way.”

Lou’s eyes stayed on her.

“And… what was it like? Having your own child?” he asked, trying to sound casual, but a tear slid down his cheek.

“You okay?” Mandy asked softly, smiling as she noticed.

Lou quickly wiped his face with his sleeve.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t let me stop you.”

“If I’m being honest… I’ve had more fun with you.” Mandy nudged him again, trying to lift the mood.

Lou smiled, caught off guard.

“Thanks. You’re a great friend,” he said without thinking.

“Friend? You called me a friend!” Mandy gasped.

“No, I didn’t! You're hearing things!” Lou said quickly, his face going red.

“You didn’t say just a friend. You said the greatest friend!” Mandy teased as she took off running.

“Great friend and greatest friend are two very different things!” Lou yelled, chasing her.

“So you admit it! You called me a friend!” she laughed over her shoulder.

“Oh, when I catch you, you’re toast!”

“At least I die a friend!” Mandy yelled through her laughter as she bolted toward Lou’s house.

---

— Lou’s house —

They collapsed at the door, laughing and breathless.

“You’re… so… dead…” Lou gasped.

Mandy couldn’t stop laughing, even as tears mixed with sweat on her cheeks.

“You’re as red as a tomato!” she giggled.

Lou quickly pulled a mirror from his pocket.

“Ugh. Great,” he muttered at his reflection.

After they calmed down, Lou stretched.

“I should get inside. Beauty sleep waits for no one.” joked Lou

“Wanna meet here again tomorrow? 10am?” wondered Mandy

“Like I’ve got plans,” Lou smirked.

“Night, Lou!” Mandy called as she turned.

“See you tomorrow.” Lou waved before heading inside.

---

— 30 minutes later —

Lou had just finished putting things away—food in the second-floor kitchen, clothes in his top-floor closet—when he heard something clunk on the balcony.

He stepped out.

“My phone!” whispered Tuesday in panic from the roof.

“Shut up, you imbecile! You’ll blow our cover!” hissed Kitty.

Lou looked up.

“He spotted us!” Lydia gasped—and made full eye contact with Lou.

“GET HIM!” Kitty ordered, shoving Lydia down to the balcony.

Lou slammed the door shut and ran to the elevator.

CRASH!

Glass shattered as the girls burst through the door. The alarm screamed.

> Danger. Suspicious movement detected. Lockdown initiated.

They ran for the elevator, but it was too late—Lou was gone.

“He’s headed out!” Kitty yelled.

But Lou didn’t get far.

THUNK! A hard blow to the head—and Lou dropped.

“You hit him with a METAL ROD?! Are you crazy?!” Kitty shouted.

“It wasn’t that hard…” Lydia mumbled.

Kitty knelt down. “He’s alive. It was just a bump.”

“You shoved me off the roof, by the way! I broke a nail!” Lydia snapped.

“You glue them on. Who cares?” Kitty rolled her eyes.

“These were my favourite set…” Lydia pouted.

“Uhh… guys?” Tuesday said.

“What now?” Kitty and Lydia said together.

“My phone’s still in there.”

“Perfect. Now you won’t get dark circles from staying up all night on it, you imbecile,” Kitty said flatly.

“Can I just sneak in—”

“No! You hear the alarm?” Kitty snapped. “We’ll get it tomorrow.”

“Ugh… fine…”

“Now pick him up. Lydia, legs. Tuesday, bag.”

“Wow, he’s light,” Lydia noted.

“Drop him in.”

THUD.

“Now what?” Tuesday asked.

“…You weren’t listening during the planning again, were you?”

“No…” she whispered.

“Just follow us,” Lydia sighed.

“Alrighty!”

---

Chapter Text

---

— around 10AM —

Mandy stopped dead in her tracks as she reached Lou’s house. Her heart skipped a beat.

The lights were out. The front door was sealed shut. The security system blinked red.

But what made her blood run cold… was the dried trail of blood just outside the door.

“…No. No, no, no.” Mandy ran straight to the door and banged her fists against it. “LOU?!”

A cold robotic voice answered:
“Password, please.”

“What?!” Mandy blinked, confused.

“Access denied. Continuing lockdown mode.”

She stepped back, panicked. “What do I do now?”

Her thoughts scrambled. “Okay, think. Who else would know the password… Who—”

Then it hit her.

"OX!"

---

— in the city —

She was out of breath, legs wobbling, but she didn’t stop running. She had to find him.
No time to think. No time to rest. Lou might be—

She slammed into Ox’s front door and burst inside.

“OX! Are you home?!”

There was a groggy voice from upstairs. “Huh? What’s going on—Mandy?”

Ox rubbed his eye, half-asleep, and stepped into view. He saw her wild expression.

“What happened?”

Mandy blurted everything out in one breath.
“Lou’s-house-is-in-lockdown-and-there’s-blood-and-I-think-something-happened!”

Ox’s eyes sharpened in an instant. “What?! Blood?!”

“I don’t know what happened but I’m scared, Ox—he might’ve hurt himself or—or someone did something!”

“Let’s hope he didn’t change the password. Come on!”

Without hesitation, he sprinted out. Mandy groaned and ran after.
"Why can't anyone walk for once..."

---

— Lou’s House —

Ox stepped up to the door and calmly knocked.
The robotic voice kicked in again.

“Password, please.”

Ox didn’t hesitate. “Blueberry waffles together.”

“Access granted. Lockdown disabled.”

Mandy blinked. “Wait—what?! Blueberry waffles?”

Ox gave a little smile as they stepped inside. “When we were still friends… we used to make them together. With oat milk. Every Sunday.”

As they got into the elevator, the alarm inside beeped to life again. Mandy tensed, but Ox didn’t flinch.

“Wait—only Lou’s eye works for the scanner,” she said.

“Did he say that?” Ox asked with a smirk. Then, he leaned into the scanner.

“Access granted. Welcome, Mister Ox.”

Mandy’s eyes widened. “Whoa. You must’ve meant a lot to him.”

Ox just looked away. “Yeah… I guess I did.”

Ding. The elevator doors opened.

The room was trashed. Glass scattered across the floor. Furniture knocked over. The place looked like a warzone.

Mandy froze. “Lou?! Are you here?!”

“Careful,” Ox warned. “Glass everywhere.”

But Mandy darted past and made it to the balcony. “Look! It’s a phone!”

She grabbed it and unlocked it instantly.

“It’s Tuesday’s phone!” she said, flipping through.

“Anything useful?” Ox stepped closer.

“I found a group chat…” Mandy’s face dropped as she read the messages.

---

📱 Group Chat: "No Uglies Allowed (jk lol)"

Kitty: aight y’all got the plan or nah 😒
Lydia: bruh just kidnap Lou right?? ez af 💅
Tuesday: waittt where we takin him again 😅
Kitty: R U FR RN?? we LITERALLY went over this 💀
Tuesday: sorry bae I zoned out 😔
Kitty: 😤 we're takin him to the old recycling tunnel
Lydia: u mean the crusty one that’s closed?
Kitty: not anymore. I fixed it. and if we done w/ him… press the button and he’s gone.
Tuesday: idk if I wanna like… kill him tho? like maybe just rough him up 🥲
Lydia: lowkey same
Kitty: y’all soft af. if you won’t do it, I will!
Tuesday: girl. You do you ig

---

“They’re at the recycling tunnel!” Mandy gasped. “They’re planning to… kill him?!”

“We need to go—now,” said Ox.

“No. I’m going,” Mandy replied firmly, slipping the phone into her pocket.

“What? You can’t go alone—”

“I have to,” Mandy interrupted. “I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”

Ox stepped forward. “There’s three of them, Mandy. You can’t fight them all!”

But she just looked down… then suddenly turned and bolted for the elevator.

“Mandy! Wait!”

“I’m sorry, Ox,” she whispered as the elevator doors closed before he could catch her.

“Mandy, no! It’s suicide!” Ox banged on the door.

But it was too late. She was already gone.

And Ox? He stood frozen for a moment before muttering, “You’re gonna need help, whether you admit it or not.”

---

Chapter Text

---

Lou’s eyes fluttered open to a blinding white light.

He winced, trying to lift his head, but pain ripped through every inch of his body like a wildfire. His ribs ached, his limbs burned, and dried blood crusted the side of his face. It took him a second to realize he was on the cold ground—concrete, maybe. Underground?

“He’s awake,” Lydia muttered, turning off her flashlight with an audible click and stepping back.

“Wakey, wakey, sunshine.” Kitty’s voice dripped venom. She crouched in front of Lou with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Time to rise and shine.”

Before Lou could speak, her boot collided with his ribs. He choked out a cry, curling inwards like a reflex.

“Pathetic,” Kitty spat.

Tuesday shifted uncomfortably, her arms crossed tight. “Kitty... this feels wrong.”

Kitty shot her a glare. “Too late for second thoughts. Or are you finally growing a conscience?”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Kitty knelt by Lou again, her voice low, cold, and dangerous. “We’re here to make you feel what we felt. Every. Damn. Day.”

Lou turned his head toward her, jaw clenched. “What did I even do to you?!”

Lydia’s boot swung into his side—less forceful than Kitty’s, but it was still enough to knock the breath from his lungs.

He tried to shield himself, but his hands were tied tightly behind his back, his legs just as bound. He was helpless.

“What did you do?” Kitty snarled. “You made us feel worthless. You made us believe we’d never be good enough unless we were like you.”

“You made us think being obedient made us beautiful,” Tuesday said quietly, almost like she was ashamed of her own voice.

“But all we were to you were... minions.” Lydia’s voice cracked before she slammed her foot into his stomach again.

Lou’s whole body spasmed. Pain blurred his vision.

Kitty grabbed him by his golden hair, yanking his head up so their eyes met. “And now? You can’t walk over us anymore, you spineless doll.”

She dropped him harshly, his head bouncing off the ground with a sickening thud. He barely had time to gasp before her boot pinned his cheek to the floor.

“Try being perfect when you’re bruised... and broken... and maybe even dead,” Kitty hissed, pressing her weight into his skull.

“Ghh—!” Lou groaned, the pressure threatening to crush his cheekbone.

“Maybe my girls wanna join in on the fun?” Kitty said sweetly, stepping back like a queen giving permission to her army.

“Oh, Lou... I love it when you beg.” She chuckled as Lydia and Tuesday began kicking him again. His body rolled like a ragdoll under their blows—each strike met with gasps, groans, and coughing fits as blood dripped from his mouth. His breathing grew ragged, desperate.

Suddenly—crack.

A noise echoed from the entrance of the tunnel.

Kitty’s head snapped up. “What the hell was that?”

“Go!” she barked. “Get whoever it is!”

The girls dropped Lou and ran.

But then—“Let go of me!” a familiar voice echoed from the tunnel.

Lou’s head jerked up weakly. “Mandy...” he croaked.

His voice was barely audible, but full of dread.

Tuesday and Lydia dragged Mandy into the room, struggling against her resistance.

“LOU!” she screamed when she saw him.

“You’re okay! Thank goodness, I—!”

Before she could say more, Lydia slapped duct tape across her mouth and forced her into a chair. Tuesday tied her up.

Kitty walked up to Mandy with a twisted grin and unsheathed a butterfly knife.

“So, who should we play with first?” she asked, twirling the blade.

She walked to Lou, pressed the tip into his palm... and dragged it down.

“AAH!” Lou cried out. Blood welled immediately, dripping to the floor. His whole hand trembled violently.

“Let him go! Stop it!” Mandy screamed through the tape, struggling against the restraints.

Kitty strolled over and ran the blade across Mandy’s cheek—just enough to cut. A thin red line appeared.

“Don’t hurt her! You want me, right?!” Lou shouted, dragging himself across the floor despite his injuries. “Then take me. Just... leave her alone!”

Kitty paused. Her eyes lit up. “Oh... so the rumors are true?” She knelt beside Lou, grabbing his broken face. “You do care about the nerd.”

Then she shoved him back, hard, and ignited the fire pit beside them.

“Good,” she said. “Then this’ll be extra fun.”

Flames crackled dangerously close.

“Did I miss the party?” a deep voice called from the tunnel.

Everyone turned.

Standing tall was Ox.

Kitty’s smug look wavered. “Get him! Now!”

“Oh—did I say I? I meant we.” Ox stepped forward as Moxy, Lucky Bat, Wage, and the other UglyDolls emerged from the shadows behind him.

“Sh*t. We’re busted,” Kitty muttered.

Moxy sprinted toward Lou and began cutting the ropes around his wrists.

But Kitty wasn’t done. With a growl, she shoved Mandy’s chair forward—off the edge of the platform and toward the fire pit.

“MANDY!” Lou screamed and hurled himself after her.

Mandy was panicking, trying to undo the rope bindings, but couldn’t.

Lou landed hard—his body already too broken to absorb the fall—but he forced himself forward. He grabbed a jagged shard of glass, ignoring how it sliced deeper into his fingers.

“I’ve got you!” he wheezed, blood dripping from his mouth as he sliced through the rope.

“Leave me, Lou! You’re hurt!” Mandy yelled.

“I’m not... letting you die for me.”

With a final cut, she was free.

Together they ran along the line that led back to the platform—but the fire was faster.

“Jump!” Moxy yelled, reaching out.

Mandy leapt and caught her hand, getting pulled up.

Lou followed—but the second he jumped, something snapped in his leg with a sickening crack.

“AAAGH! My leg—!”

“He’s not gonna make it—MAKE THE LINE!”

The UglyDolls formed a living chain, with Mandy at the end. Lou crawled, dragging his broken body, but flames licked the floor behind him.

He reached—just in time for Mandy to catch his wrist.

“I got you!” she yelled.

The others pulled—hard—and yanked him up just before the fire consumed the line.

Lou collapsed in a heap, breathing in shallow, rattling gasps.

“Mandy... I—” he coughed, blood staining his chin.

“Lou, stay with me. Look at me.” She cupped his face gently, eyes filled with panic. “Are you okay?!”

“Don’t... feel... so good...” he rasped. His eyes fluttered. Blood soaked his shirt, and one leg was bent at a wrong angle. There was a gash across his temple and his arm looked fractured, if not worse.

“We need to get him to a hospital—NOW!” Mandy screamed.

Without hesitation, Ox scooped up Lou while Mandy held pressure to his wound.

The UglyDolls ran—through the tunnel, through the firelight, and into the night—toward safety.

---

Chapter Text

Dear diary.

These last few months have been the hardest of my life… not just because of all the surgeries or the pain in my body, but because of what was going on inside me that nobody really saw. When I was in the hospital, the doctors kept telling me I was way too skinny, that my body had lost too much weight from everything—stress, pain, not being able to eat properly. Most of the food I tried to eat just came back up. My stomach was so raw and sore, I didn’t even want to try sometimes. Every meal felt like a battle between my need to get better and the sickness that wouldn’t let me keep anything down. I hated that helpless feeling—the way my body seemed to betray me.

Mandy never left my side. I still don’t know how she managed it, coming back with that same gentle smile, with coffee and chocolates she thought might cheer me up. It became a little joke between us—every time I tried to eat or drink, I ended up throwing it up. She never gave up on bringing those treats, though. She said it was the thought that counted. And honestly, even if my stomach hated me, having her there was the thing that kept me from falling apart.

I remember the nights were the worst. The hospital was quiet, too quiet. One night, I had this nightmare—like I was trapped back in that cold glass cell, the stone floor under me, the girls coming closer and closer, their faces twisted with anger. The walls felt like they were closing in. I woke up shaking, chest pounding, barely able to breathe. I think that was my first real panic attack. Mandy was right there, holding me, telling me to breathe slowly, and just stayed with me until I could calm down. She didn’t say much, but that quiet comfort was exactly what I needed. It made me realize I wasn’t alone, even when my own head felt like my worst enemy.

Sometimes when I think about those days, I get scared all over again. But then I remember the good things. Mandy asked me about Ox once—about the blueberry waffles he used to make for me. I smiled so hard, thinking about how Ox, who’s never been one for words, would sneak into the kitchen early, quietly making those waffles with blueberries bursting on top. He’d always slip extra berries into mine, just to see the look on my face when I bit into them. Those waffles weren’t just food; they were little moments of happiness. Thinking about Ox and those waffles helped me hold on when things got dark.

I also think about the other UglyDolls—how they cleaned my house when I was in the hospital. My place was a mess after everything, broken and trashed. I was too weak to care, but when I got home and saw what they’d done, it meant the world. It was like they were saying, “We’re here for you.” And it wasn’t just the dolls—people from the town I didn’t expect came by too, leaving flowers in my hospital room and outside my house. Some even apologized for the things they said before. That felt strange, but also like a fresh start.

The girls who hurt me are gone now—Tuesday for a month, Lydia for two years, and Kitty… Kitty for life. I don’t want to waste energy on hate. What happened to me was awful, but I want to heal, not hold onto anger. It’s hard sometimes, but I’m trying.

When I finally got to leave the hospital, Mandy was right there beside me. She promised she’d never leave my side, no matter what. Even though I was still weak, scared, and unsure if I could face the world, having her there made everything a little easier. She was my anchor.

After that, I met Nolan. I don’t know how to explain it, but he’s different. He sees the parts of me I try to hide. He doesn’t rush me or expect me to be okay right away. He’s patient, and somehow that made me start trusting again. We live together now, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe. Like I’m more than just surviving.

Changing my name back to Louis felt like reclaiming who I was before everything fell apart. But friends still call me Lou—because some parts of me never change, and that’s okay.

People call me a hero now. I’m not sure if I deserve that. What I do know is that I’m trying—to live, to laugh, to love again. These months broke me in ways no one saw, but I’m still here. And with Mandy, Nolan, Ox, and the memories of the good times, maybe I can finally start to heal.

Even with all this support, I realized I needed more help. The nightmares didn’t stop, and the panic attacks still came out of nowhere. Mandy was amazing, but she’s not a therapist. So I started therapy. I was nervous at first—unsure if talking about everything would help or just make it worse. The first sessions were hard. I had to open up about things I didn’t even want to think about. But my therapist was patient, never pushing too hard, just listening and helping me understand my feelings.

She taught me breathing exercises to manage panic attacks and helped me face my fears slowly instead of running from them. It wasn’t easy. Some days were worse than others. But therapy became a place where I could be honest with myself and start making peace with what happened.

Mandy and Nolan both encouraged me to keep going, reminding me that healing takes time and that it’s okay to be vulnerable. With their support, I’m learning that being strong doesn’t mean I have to carry everything alone.

Maybe one day, I’ll look back at all this and see how far I’ve come. For now, I just take it one day at a time.

---

"Hey, Lou. You coming? Mandy and the others are waiting outside already," Nolan called from the doorway.

Lou capped his pen, closing his diary gently. He stood, brushing off his caramel coat and smoothing the front of his beige sweater vest. The crisp white collar of his shirt peeked out, and his tan trousers fell neatly over his shoes—put-together, quiet, and classic.

(Inspired by: https://pin.it/4s5GKzkxW)

He walked up to Nolan, who leaned casually in the doorway. Nolan wore a light grey trench over a dark green sweater and black pants—simple, sharp, and undeniably him.

(Inspired by: https://pin.it/4Rzy2kO5y)

Lou smiled softly, hands resting on Nolan’s shoulders.

Standing on his toes, he leaned in and kissed him. It was sweet—gentle. Lou’s lips pressed to Nolan’s in a silent confession, slow and steady. Nolan responded with a soft hum, one hand slipping around Lou’s waist, the other brushing his hair back.

When they parted, Lou whispered, “We’ll continue later,” a teasing sparkle in his eyes.

Nolan smirked. “Damn right we will.”

They walked toward the elevator, Lou adjusting his coat and Nolan carrying the basket.

But once the elevator doors closed—

Then—thud. Nolan dropped the basket to the floor and surged forward, grabbing Lou's waist and slamming their mouths together in a kiss that stole every bit of air from Lou’s lungs.

“Mmph—!” Lou gasped, already melting into it. His back hit the elevator wall, breath catching in his throat as Nolan’s body pressed flush against his own. The kiss was messy and hungry.

Nolan’s hand gripped Lou’s side, and then slowly slid upward, slipping beneath the hem of his shirt. His fingers touched bare skin, warm and rough, trailing up Lou’s back in a possessive glide that made Lou shiver. He let out a soft, desperate moan into Nolan’s mouth, clutching at his jacket with trembling hands.

Nolan deepened the kiss, tilting Lou’s chin up with his other hand. Their mouths moved together in a hot, chaotic rhythm—neither of them wanting to stop.

“You’ve got no self-control,” Lou whispered breathlessly between kisses, eyes fluttering half shut.

“I know you love that about me,” Nolan murmured, dragging his hand higher up Lou’s back, his thumb brushing over a scar, that had become a sensitive spot that made Lou gasp.

“God, Nolan—” moaned Lou softly

Lou bit his lip to muffle another moan—right as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open.

Everyone was standing there.

Mandy let out a shriek and slapped her hand over her eyes. “OH MY G—NOPE!”

Ox’s long ear flopped down over his one eye with an exaggerated sigh. “I did not need to see that…”

Moxy turned beet red. Ugly Dog whistled. Wage blinked like her soul had just left her body.

Lou and Nolan froze, still tangled, Lou’s shirt slightly rumpled from where Nolan’s hand had just been.

“…This isn’t what it looks like,” Lou said quickly, wiping his lip and fixing his shirt.

“Oh, no, it definitely is,” said Wage as she started walking. “I don't get paid enough for this”

“You two are disgustingly adorable,” Mandy said with a smirk, uncovering her eyes. “Gross. But adorable.”

Lou and Nolan both burst out laughing, fixing themselves up. Nolan picked up the fallen basket, and Lou walked beside him as Nolan threw an arm over his shoulder.

— At the hilltop —

The hilltop was quiet, kissed by the sea breeze. It sat just above town, overlooking everything—the buildings below, the waves beyond—and at the center stood the blossom tree where Lou and Nolan had first confessed their love.

Lou stood at the edge, his hands in his coat pockets, gazing out at the horizon.

Mandy walked up quietly. “You’ve been staring at the sea for, like, a whole hour. Everything okay?”

Lou didn’t answer right away. His voice was soft when it came. “So much has happened. It’s like… time moved faster once I got out. Like I blinked, and everything changed.”

He leaned against her, resting his head on her shoulder. The breeze blew gently through his hair.

“You know, I felt so alone in that cell—”

Mandy tried to cut in with a lighthearted quip, but Lou raised a hand. “Ah-ah, I’m not done.”

He took a deep breath.

“I felt so alone in that cell. It was cold, and it was scary. I didn’t think I’d ever feel warm again. But then you came along. At first, I thought you were like the rest—just there to throw words or judgment. But you were different. You gave me hope… the tiniest spark that maybe I wasn’t too broken.okDown

He turned and took Mandy’s hands gently.

“You gave me hope for a new life. You helped me see that imperfections weren’t something to be ashamed of… they were something that made people real. You stayed when I was a mess, when I could barely sit up, when I couldn’t even eat without getting sick—and you never left. That means more than I’ll ever be able to say.”

Mandy wiped her eye and tried to play it cool. “Okay, okay—get to the point before I start crying and ruin my makeup.”

Lou let out a soft laugh. “Thanks… for everything. For helping me find a place where I finally belong.”

Just then, a familiar voice called out—

“Hey, Lou! Look what I brought!”

Ox held something above his head like a trophy. Lou squinted—then gasped.

“BLUEBERRY WAFFLES?!” he shouted, nearly sprinting across the grass.

Ox chuckled as Lou tackled him with a hug.

“I can’t believe you remembered!” Lou said, eyes wide with emotion as he took the warm plate in his hands. “You even put extra berries…”

“No problem, champ,” Ox said with a wink. “But don’t go crying all over the food.”

Lou wiped a tear away anyway.

Mandy turned and looked back at the ocean one last time, then smiled and joined the group—just as Nolan handed Lou a fork and sat beside him, nudging his side.

“Still hot,” Nolan murmured.

Lou leaned in closer, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “So am I,” he whispered, his voice low, his breath warm against Nolan’s ear. He nudged him playfully, his words lingering in the air.

Nolan’s cheeks flushed, a rush of heat spreading through him, but he shot Lou a smirk. “You’re trouble,” he said, his voice laced with amusement.

The hilltop was full of laughter, crumbs, and soft wind, with Lou at the center of it—alive, healing, and home.

---