Work Text:
"So you'll 8e here in a few days????????"
"if dave drives fast enough"
"8ut you'll 8e here? We'll actually meet in person?"
"that's the plan!"
Both times we met the sky was cloudy.
As I look out the car window, I see houses passing by with raindrops scattered across the window. Dave took the liberty to drive me all the way to your house, partially because Jade thought it would be sweet of him. Who knew the drive would take so long though?
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We met online when we were thirteen, you tried to scare me. It was a rough start but I eventually warmed up to you. We played games online at first, I recommended movies to you, and you helped me with school troubles. Even though your advice wasn't that good most of the time but it was the thought that counted.
Later, you messaged me at night asking if we could talk. You told me about your mom and what she would make you do and all I could do is be a listening ear. Then you said that you felt bad about pushing your friends around and you felt like you had to be the best. Afterwards, you thanked me and we said goodnight.
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Dave parks in front of a road at the end of the cul-de-sac, your house is at the end. He tells me that he's going to hangout at a record store and that he'll be back in an hour. I know he's just giving me space to catch up with you. I walked up the driveway and approach the front door. I take in a deep breath and knock on the door.
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After months, we finally send each other a photo of each other. You said that I looked like a dork and you weren't wrong. I thought you looked beautiful with your sunshine yellow hair and your blue eyes. You were sitting on a fire escape with the sun setting in the background. You had this devil-may-care smirk like you were planning something. But your eyes... They were hopeful. You said that wanted to go on a date and I said that I would be happy too, even if it was over the internet.
Then you stopped returning my messages. I asked our friends what happened to you but I barley could get anything out of them. A year passed and I thought things were over. Until one day, you finally messaged back. You said that your mom went crazy and attacked you. You said that it was either her or you. You ran away from home and stayed at Kanaya's place. The only friend who wanted to help. Eventually, her mom found out about your situation and you ran away. You said that you stayed in an abandoned house. Until one night a fire broke out and you barley escaped. You walked onto the road in time for someone to notice and they took you to the hospital. You lost your arm and left eye. After you recovered, they put you in foster care.
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After I met your foster parents, they let me in and I went up the stairs. I wondered what you looked like after the accident. I walked up the stairs and down the hallway, trying to find your room. I searched until I saw one with an '8' painted on it.
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You told me that you lived in a state closer to me now. But it wasn't that close and it wasn't even a state next to mine. I talked to my friends about it and Dave said that we could make the drive since he had his license. We packed our things and we got started. I told you that I would be there for you after all this time.
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I placed my hand on the knob, took a deep breath, and opened the door. I saw the Nic Cage movie posters on your wall, your PC in the corner, your magic 8-ball on the desk. Little things that convinced me that you were who I've talking to. You were sitting in bed, still in your pajamas. The curtains of the window were drawn behind you, you looked angelic. You were smiling wide, you couldn't believe I was here. You weren't wearing an eyepatch or your prosthetic arm, I think you just wanted me to see the real you and not the damage. You swoop haircut covered the scarred part of your face. Our eyes met and you sighed like you could finally breathe. I walked into your room, finally entering your world.
You smiled up at me, repressing the part of you that wanted to give up and hug me. But you couldn't stop the tear that streaked down your face. "Hi, John! It's nice to meet you."