A/N: working hard or hardly working? Am I right ?

"Sollux used to be, well, popular last year." Karkat began with a smirk plastered over his lips as Eridan placed his bag to the side.

"People really seemed to take a liking to him, despite his constant bad attitude towards everything. However there was one person he wasn't negative towards and no it wasn't me, it was a girl." Eridan raised an eyebrow as Karkat chuckled under his breath as if he was remembering something.

"Feferi was that girl, she wasn't such hot shit like she is now, she used to be into science and even came to the park with us and rode her bike." Eridan now stared at Karkat, he couldn't even imagine a girl like Feferi on a bike.

"Yeah I know, anyway as the year progressed Feferi was "taken in" by Vriska and her group and her hanging with us became less frequent. That was until she hit the top, she was pushed to become the popular loved by everyone girl she is today. Once she was there it was social destiny that she got a boyfriend, and Sollux fitted that category perfectly." Karkat sighed and peered over at where Sollux was smoothly skating.

"There was only one problem though, she wanted him for the social acceptance and he wanted her for her. He had been crushing on her since year five so the day she asked him out he was over the moon in excitement." Eridan had to stop a smile creeping over his lips, thinking of Sollux acting all excited and happy over someone provided a cute mental image.

"So yeah they became the couple of the month, Sollux was moved to their table and scored the seat next to Dave Strider himself." Dave strider… That was the guy who had given the order for Sollux to get punched, Eridan did not like that guy.

"After two months thing began to change, Feferi didn't want to hang out with Sollux as much anymore. No matter what he did she became distant and It became obvious to everyone that she wanted to call the relationship off, everyone but Sollux. He really liked her, you could even go as far to say he loved her." Karkat looked away from Sollux and down at his feet.

"The worst thing was though he liked her so much that he didn't notice the way she pushed him aside. He kept trying to get her to hang with him and bought her gifts and did anything to make her happy. Though the harder he tried the worse she felt and the less time she would spend with him, his feelings were driving her away." Eridan glanced between Karkat and Sollux, not knowing how to respond, he felt terrible and he wasn't even involved.

"That sounds terrible…" Karkat nodded, reaching up to rub the back of his shaggy black hair.

"Well I tried to tell him but he just assumed I was jealous, It soon sunk in through and he got the picture though he didn't act on it. He didn't want to let her go, and she knew that dumping him would make her look bad. So they went on dating, if you call it that, however one day nearing the end of the year Sollux just snapped."

"Snapped?" Eridan took his eyes off Sollux and focused back on Karkat who sighed.

"Yeah He has a hard time keeping his emotions intact, like his bro but he refuses to accept it, but yeah he snapped. He approached her in gym and just started spewing out his feelings, called her a bitch a user and continually apologising for yelling as he did. He ended it there and left Feferi in tears and in the comfort of her own shame."

"W-wow that sounds painful…"

"Well he never actually touched her, he would never hurt her, he just wanted her to feel like he did and understand but, yeah…" Karkat seemed a little awkward but continued after clearing his throat.

"But yeah after "Making a girl cry" everyone who once chilled with Sollux were told to shun him by the popular kids and he lost his status and his seat by Dave. That didn't bother Sollux though he was shattered and actually took a week off after it and he wasn't even on his computer. Eridan found that hard to believe, for the weeks he and Sollux had been talking online Sollux had always been online waiting for him.

"Anyway after that week Sollux kind of, shut into himself and didn't really talk and focused on working on his computer. He was already hard enough to talk to but it just got ridiculous and he barely came to the park and shit it was messed." Karkat locked eyes with Eridan for a moment before continuing.

"Like Dave and the other boys decided that hurting Feferi's feelings had to result in a fight. So they told everyone that after school on the last day of term that they were going to "have a fight" but it wasn't fair." Karkat glanced back down at his feet.

"Let's just say that Sollux didn't have a strong lisp before the fight, he got beat up pretty bad and everyone just watched. Look I understand Tavros not stepping in but everyone else was crowded around them and watched." Eridan frowned heavily, if he were there he would have stepped in.

"Did you step in?" Eridan watched Karkat grin for a second before nodding.

"Yeah I broke through the crowd but…" He reached up and pointed to his nose.

"I got punched in the face ten seconds in and passed out, broke my nose." He pointed to a small scar that Eridan had to squint to see but it was there.

"Ow" Eridan scrunched up his nose in pain but karkat chuckled, obviously proud of himself but shook his head and a look of disgust took over his face.

"Anyway I don't know what happened after that but I remember waking up in hospital with a broken nose a few hours later and hearing that Sollux was okay but had his teeth messed up and he had a concussion and glass in his face and may have a broken rib but he would be okay." Karkat chuckled but Eridan sat in thought. That explained where the scratches on Sollux's face came from but what about the patch of scaring on his right shoulder which Eridan had seen at the sleepover?

"Problem with our school is that no one but me and Gamzee reported Dave and his crew, because everyone else was to scared that they would face the same fate as Sollux. Also because the fight happened in the paddock behind the school and out of school hours there wasn't much that the school could actually do about it all."

"That's horrid." That was completely bogus and the school must have known that, it infuriated Eridan.

"Yeah but there's not much we could do, I mean Christina could have opened a court case or some bullshit with the school and like Dave's parent but Sollux told her not to bother. He kind of took the fight as like some kind of weird self-punishment to himself or whatever, I don't know Sollux can act really weird sometimes but he is my best friend." Karkat shrugged before continuing.

"That's basically it though, aside from Mituna storming the school, he was going to kill Dave, but that guy… the one with the jacket, waits, your new dad or whatever?" Eridan froze for a second before correcting Karats massive mistake.

"Cronus, his name is Cronus and he is not my "new dad" he's my guardian for the time being okay." Eridan pouted as he re-focused his gaze on Sollux in a huff.

"Wow defensive much? Anyway yeah Cronus was seen at one stage removing Mituna from the school grounds, Sollux confirmed it since no one was here to see it." Karkat smirked slightly as he finished.

"Now you're up to date I mean this all happened in term three last year so in the final term it was clear that Dave and shit weren't going to back off, but yeah Sollux just kind of altered himself to avoid the problem." Eridan nodded to himself for a second before realisation hit him, this morning Sollux was hurrying him along to protect him not to avoid him. He felt so bad, it was his own fault for not listening to Sollux, he had broken Sollux's routine causing them both to be put in danger.

"Hey hipster what's up, Sollux is over it now no need to pity the guy so bad" Karkat smirked out as Eridan sighed and slipped his backpack onto his back before jumping and sliding down the half pipe.

"Hey wait where you are going!?" Eridan didn't turn around instead gave Karkat a lazy wave.

"I have to get going, Cronus is probably worried!" He lied through his teeth, he just needed to get home to think about what he had just bbeen told, he needed time to think and process all this new information. He gave Gamzee and Tavros who were chilling by the parks swing set a wave before continuing, luckily he knew his way back and it was yet to get too dark out.

However moments later as he just got off the park grounds and onto the footpath the sound of fast-paced wheels from behind him approached. He knew it was Sollux but he didn't turn around he just stared at his feet, he probably looked like a jerk walking off after hearing his story but he just wanted to think.

"Hey Eridan wait!" Eridan didn't have to slow down though because in seconds Sollux had skated, slowed and hopped off the board and was walking beside him. Eridan glanced over at him, Sollux looked a little tired from boarding so fast but he also looked conflicted, as if he thought Eridan had judged him.

"Your board, you forgot it…" Sollux held the board out for Eridan but Eridan sighed instead and waved it off.

"You can hav-ve it, w-whats the point of ow-wning a board w-when I can nev-ver ev-ven use it?" His stutter was really obvious at this point and Sollux caught on to the upset tone Eridan had.

"Ith thith becauthe Karkat told you what happened becauthe I thought you wanted to know." Sollux stopped walking and so did Eridan, they locked eyes but Sollux tore his away seconds later. He was right but he didn't hate Sollux because of what happened he wanted to devise a plan to help him, but Sollux sounded like he never really wanted help from anyone.

"Yes and no, look I just w-wanted to go home to process it all okay?"

"I get it…" Sollux was smirking now, in what looked to be disgust as he swayed slightly looking around.

"You want to go home, then decide that I'm too dangerous to hang out with and that you would rather be safe than sorry and hang out with other people, I get it." Sollux had a very sharp snarky tone to his voice that made Eridan frown, he was completely wrong!

"No I just w-wanted to help and figure out how-w to—"

"I don't need anyone's HELP Ampora, Just GO okay?" Sollux was getting more angered with every word Eridan said, eridan needed a way out and fast.

"Sollux hang on…" Eridan stared at Sollux, waiting a few long moments and a few deep breathes later before their eyes met, Eridan could make out some pain in them as he gave Sollux a small grin.

"Can you teach me how-w to skateboard?" Both the boys froze and Sollux's eyebrows knotted together in confusion, why had Eridan changed the subject?

"I could but… I thought… you… didn't" Sollux was trying to revert the subject back but Eridan wasn't going to let that happen, he definitely didn't want Sollux to be mad at him.

"It's okay if you don't w-wanna I get it…" Eridan did his best to pout before Sollux glanced between Eridan and the board still looking really confused.

"No if you want to learn I can but, I don't… what?"

"So I just stand on the board?" Eridan questioned as he reached out for the board and slipped it from his hands and placed it on the ground, Sollux was completely confused at this point and shook his head.

"Wait…" Sollux sighed as Eridan placed a foot on the board and peered back at him, raising his eyebrows. Sollux's confused looked faded as he sighed once more, running a hand through his hair as a grin slipped onto his lips.

"Fuck your confuthing Eridan…" Eridan simply grinned as he placed his other foot on the board shaking slightly out of balance.

"Wait, stop... you're going to fall…" Sollux was quick to stand next to Eridan and allow him to grip onto his shoulder for balance. Eridan grinned, knowing he had successfully changed the subject as he wobbled down the path slowly.

"You got to balance Eridan, my bro thaid that you have got to control the board and when you uthe your foot to kick balance with your other foot." Sollux explained but Eridan just chuckled as he stared down at his feet, he was terrible at balancing and he knew it.

"Okay oh cod I suck haha!" Eridan clutched Sollux's shoulder more,

"You got to try Eridan, come on give the floor a kick." Sollux watched as Eridan tried to kick with his left foot but the second he lifted his foot from the board the board went shooting forward and Eridan completely shot off it. Luckily Sollux was ready and grabbed his other shoulder and caught him before he fell to the ground.

"Wow you're really un balanced." Sollux smirked out as he helped Eridan stand straight again.

"Yeah w-well I hav-ve nev-ver ev-ven rode a skateboard before okay?" He was quick to remove himself from Sollux's grasp and straighten up. Sollux smiled ever so slightly as they walked along the path and retrieved the skateboard. However Eridan didn't put it down again, he instead strolled along in silence next to Sollux enjoying the moment they were sharing.

It didn't last long due to Cronus's apartment being only three blocks away, Eridan was staring at it, frowning.

"Look Eridan… before …" Eridan was snapped from his hatred stare and focused back on Sollux raising an eyebrow.

"I may have been getting a little too upthet… and I didn't mean to come off like that… I jutht can't … I don't know." Sollux stared at his feet as they crossed the road Eridan couldn't help but feel bad for him but brushed it off.

"Hey It's cool okay." Eridan smiled as Sollux stopped before they reached the apartment building and glanced at Eridan, sending him a small grin.

"Also Sollux, if you w-want to use my board again just come around, I'm not going to be using it." Both boys had stopped walking now as Sollux nodded awkwardly with a grin to Eridan.

"Alright thoundth cool, uh laters." Sollux was quick to turn around, Eridan nodded though watched as Sollux slipped out the skateboard tucked behind his backpack and placed it down and put his foot on it. Eridan watched with a smile that got bigger when Sollux turned and looked back at him and nodded before launching off on his board. Eridan took that as a sign that they were still "cool" and smiled to himself as he entered the apartment building.

He was quick getting through the reception and into the elevator, in which was luckily empty and happily hurried to Cronus's apartment which was of course unlocked. Though instead of entering Eridan took a step out of the apartment and began to cough out the mass amounts of smoke that had just barged its way into his lungs. As he coughed he heard the familiar sound of Cronus' chuckling and footsteps toward the balcony door as it was swung open.

Eridan scrunched his nose at the smell, it wasn't normal smoke it had a funny tang to it, the smell made Eridan feel sick as he waited for the room to clear. In a matter of seconds the pure white smoke was cleared and Cronus was revealed to be standing by the couch chuckling almost breathlessly. Eridan hesitated before entering and closing over the door behind him, he was fascinated that the smoke alarm hadn't gone off.

"Hey kid welcome back~ how was the board?" Cronus had a grin plastered over his lips as Eridan approached him. The room stank and it was clear that Cronus was obviously smoking something funny. Eridan hardened the look on his face as he slowly approached the almost too happy Cronus.

"It was fun… I guess." Eridan nearly whispered, heading towards his room now, never taking his eyes off Cronus. Cronus nodded as he looked behind him then back to Eridan three times before deciding that the couch would be an appropriate place to sit. Eridan took this opportunity to rush to his room and get behind the door in record timing, Cronus was definitely high.

The happiness that Sollux had provided him with had vanished and he now felt the cool air of his bedroom shiver him to the bone. This was the harsh reality, despite the happy moments that he was able to get away from it all.

Eridan sighed and chucked his bag beside his desk, he didn't even care about his stuff right now, and returning back to this house had just ruined his mood. Though he couldn't help but feel a little happy about today's events, he really wanted to help Sollux out now.

The sound of the door opening made Eridan freeze for a moment before giving the door a shifted glance. Of course Cronus appeared at the door, leaning on the door frame with the smirk from before plastered all over his face.

"kid wanna do a job for me?" Cronus had to pause to clear his throat, which resulted in a cough. Eridan froze completely again gazing between Cronus and his bed, this sudden acknowledgement had him panicking. Cronus simply stared at him, shifty eyebrow raised as he waited for a response he clearly wasn't going to get.

"I- I don't know if I w-wa—"

"alright cat here's the gist." Cronus completely ignored Eridans attempts to respond, reaching behind him to grab something. Eridan froze completely his mouth was completely dry, what if this job was something dangerous? Suddenly a small package was flung across the room, Eridan struggled for a moment but was able to catch it before it hit the ground. It was soft and bent to fit the groove of his fingers, a powder like substance.

"So listen cat, I need you to go down to floor 3, go to room 21 and give the men in there this package." Cronus was grinning wildly for some reason as Eridan swallowed harshly, this was obviously some kind of messed up drug deal Cronus was pulling him into it.

"Just say when they open the door that Cronus sent ya." Cronus winked at Eridan and lifted his hands to signal double pistols at him. Eridan was frozen fiddling with the wrapped package in his hand feeling a terrible sense of guilt rise in his stomach. He knew this was bad but if he did it Cronus might respect him more, and maybe they could have another talk, this time without the drama.

"I.. am… is this illegal?" Eridan managed to get out, Cronus however thought this to be some kind of joke and toppled over in laughter.

"AHHA no way kid, you're a minor HAHA.." Cronus was laughing but it sounded slightly awkward as if he was out of breath half the time.

"Just think of yourself acting like, a little post man for me haha… making an innocent delivery hehe" Cronus' laugh was fading but Eridans guilt remained. Eridan fiddled with the package, he knew it was wrong and he was really against it, but denying Cronus' request could end badly.

"So chief you better be making your way there, in case they go out." Cronus' tone fell deadly serious as he now stared at Eridan, those stone cold eyes making Eridans knees shake slightly from intimidation. He painfully nodded as his feet began to move on their own towards the door in a hurry as he gripped the package tight to him.

"Thanks kid, I owe you." Cronus' tone had returned to normal as if he hadn't just glared harshly at Eridan, it was extremely unsettling. So Eridan quickly left the apartment, the sooner he got this done the better. He could tell his knees were shaking and his head was becoming light headed as he entered the empty elevator and pushed the button for floor three.

He had to focus on the task at hand, not what was going to happen because of it. As the elevator headed down Eridan used one of the handles to keep him upright, images of who would be behind door 21 filled his mind. They were probably hard, old, angry men that had bags under their eyes and probably in a gang.

What if they mugged him or worse, what if they bashed him and stole the package from him. Eridan was really panicking now, gripping the package tighter as the elevator doors opened, revealing a long hallway. This could be the end for him, these guys were probably out to get Cronus and would now have to take out their frustrations on him instead. He was going to die he knew it.

Room 21 now stood before him, it was close to the elevator so if necessary he could attempt to live by running towards it and maybe surviving. The doors wouldn't open in time anyway, it was a nice attempt. Eridan took a deep breath, the sounds of slight music playing came from the room, this could be the last song he ever heard.

Eridan shook his head, he had to focus, not even Cronus would sacrifice a kid like him, would he? Eridan raised his hand feeling as if there was larva coursing throughout his bloodstream and that at any given moment he would simply melt.

Knock Knock.

He had done it, his hand had knocked, he felt like closing his eyes but he didn't want to look weak, he could always scream for help, he was good at screaming. Footsteps arose from behind the door, as they inched nearer, Eridan took a small step back, he could still run. But before he could it was too late the door swung open and a tall man was revealed, Eridan simply stared.

It was not what he had been expecting, a tall tanned man with a nice build stood before him. His hair was black and stuck up in what could only be described as a Mohawk, it had red tips through it. His face was not harsh it was soft and his warm brown eyes gleamed. He wore a black tank top and some red tight jeans and a few bangles and bracelets on his arms. A large necklace with what looked to be a shark tooth stood out against the black of his top.

"Oh wow… what do we have here?" the man grinned down at Eridan and Eridan froze, he was supposed to be dying right now. However the "evil" man before him was smiling and even lowering himself slightly to sit on an equal level with him. The lump in his throat grew as he tried to open his mouth but nothing passed his lips.

"Sup fella are you lost?" His voice was calm and his welcoming smile made Eridan have to glance down at his feet. He felt better looking down at his feet and was able to glance up for a moment and cough up the words needed.

"This is from C-c-c-ronus!" Eridan snapped his eyes closed and forced the package in his hands forward and waited. What he didn't expect was for the man to burst into laughter and nearly topple over.

"Haha oh are you kidding me?! Haha kid, kid, kid where are your family do they know where you are? Haha how much is Cronus paying you?" The man was still recovering from his laughter as Eridan peered up at the man, mirroring his grin slightly.

"Nothin, and Cronus is my parent." Eridan admitted standing up a little straighter as the man's laughter faded out.

"wait your serious… how the hell did he get a kid?" The man sat in thought for a moment before realising Eridan was still holding out the package towards him.

"Well… anyway kid hang on a second…" The man spun on his feet and entered his house; however he left the door wide open. Eridan could smell some kind of cooking coming from inside that he couldn't place. The television was on and the whole room had a warm colour tone to it and looked far more welcoming then Cronus' dainty apartment.

"Horuss? Where did you put the- Nevermind…" Eridan could hear the man's returning footsteps and straightened himself, he didn't want to get caught peeking. The man returned with another package in hand with his smile still remaining.

"Okay kid here, trade." He held out the package to Eridan, Eridan simply passed the other package to him and took the new one. This package was hard and was obviously not any form of drug, must be money or some form of payment.

"Hey kid, here." Eridan looked up from the envelope he was holding and back to the tall man who smiled widely at him and held a note out to Eridan.

"For your trouble." The man offered Eridan $20, Eridan didn't want to take it but the raised eyebrow and sincere grin he was giving Eridan made him reach out and take it. He stared at the note for a minute before glancing up at the man who gave him a nod.

"Run along kid, and keep smiling, makes you look cuter." The man informed him, Eridan nodded with a small smile as he turned down the hallway. He had just got twenty dollars for doing a five minute job, Eridan shook his head. No he was still feeling guilty, that job he just pulled was almost definitely illegal.

Eridan was quick to press the button for the elevator and lean against the wall beside it. He admired the bill for a moment before slipping both of the payments into separate pockets. As the elevator stopped on his floor and he got into its emptiness once again he stopped in thought.

Maybe he should give the extra money to Cronus, I mean he had been paying for his countless meals all week. Then again the envelope the man had given him was pretty large and looked to have a lot of cash in it. As the elevator came to a stop Eridan nodded to himself, he was going to keep the money for himself. He was going to start working on his college fund, because there was no way that Cronus was thinking about that, let alone anything to do with him.

He approached the door and opened it, of course it was still unlocked, the apartment was still as dull as ever. Cronus was on the couch humming some show-tune to himself with his eyes closed, probably so doped up that he hadn't heard Eridan step in. Eridan contemplated not approaching him but saw against it and quietly approached him.

"Cronus… I did w-w-what you said…" Eridan approached him slowly as not to scare him as Cronus's eyes slowly slid open and a grin slid over his lips.

"really kid, that's cool." It sounded as if Cronus wasn't listening and his eyes closed over again, Eridan was getting tired of his attitude.

"Cronus get up… they gave me this…" Eridan approached Cronus and gave his arm a gentle nudge making his eyes open then slowly close. Eridan wasn't going to have this and instead placed the package on Cronus' stomach watching as his hands reached up to grab it. This time his eyes opened and stayed open as he picked up the envelope.

"What… this is from Rufioh?... it's not due till next week…" Eridan contemplated turning around but his eyes watched as Cronus opened the package. A large amount of notes was revealed and the grin on Cronus' lips grew wide as he relaxed more into the chair. Eridan stared for several moments before Cronus seemed to notice he was even there and sat up.

"You did good kid, here…" Cronus flipped through the notes and pulled out a fifty dollar bill and held it out to Eridan. Eridan mirrored his previous actions when he was offered money before and froze, staring at the large bill.

"Take it kid before I change my mind…" Cronus offered the bill lazily and Eridan softly took it, admiring its value for a moment before glancing at Cronus. Cronus simply placed the large sum of money on the floor by the couch and closed his eyes, getting comfortable once more.

"Thanks Cronus…" Eridan let a little grin slip onto his lips as he turned back towards his room and hurried into it. He closed over the door carefully and pressed his back against the cool wood, what had he just done.

He had just dealt drugs to some strangers and earned seventy dollars, it felt good to have money of his own. However this money was dirty, his father would not be proud of him at all if he knew. Eridan bit his lip and reached into his pocket to retrieve the twenty dollar bill the man had given him. He sighed into the darkness of his room before standing and flicking on his light.

He felt the burning in his gut as he walked over to his desk and began to sort through the papers as if he was looking for something. He grabbed a book, it was red and leather bound and all too familiar to him, it eased the feeling in his gut as he opened it.

There was no title on the book, there was only drawings on the first pages. However they were not Eridan's drawings but his fathers, each one more detailed then the last. They were very expressive and Eridan could feel the emotions that must have been coursing through his father's mind at the time. Whether it be anger, sadness, love or happiness it was expressed in every line.

His father had given him this book a few years ago when he had told him he wanted to be able to draw just like him. It acted like a source of inspiration to Eridan, this is what he only dreamed of producing one day, he wanted people to be able to feel his emotions without him expressing them out in the open.

However as he flipped to the back pages he felt his heart tug for a moment, his dad had placed a picture of them in the back. Eridan was on his dad's shoulders with a large grin however his dad had his trade-mark little grin on his lips.

Eridan remembered the day this had been taken, it wasn't a special day just another trip to where ever for entertainment. Eridan didn't have any friends at his old school so his dad would take him out to make him feel like he didn't need any. They had gone to a large mall just to look around, tried some fruit tea and bought some of it.

Later that day they drove to a beach, Eridan loved the beach especially when his dad took him. They got ice cream that day, he got peppermint, his dad got red rum. They ate it and watched as the sun came to a set, it wasn't a cold day. Later he held his dads hand as they walked on the pier in the dead of night and his dad had lifted him onto the railing and let him throw stones in the water.

He fell asleep on the drive home, not remembering how his dad must have carried him inside and up the stairs to his bedroom, only remembering the stubble coated kiss he received and the foggy goodnight he swear he heard.

Eridan felt himself smile as he moved the photo aside, though it faded to a frown as he lifted the dirty money towards the book. He ignored the larva like feeling that arose in the pit of his stomach and slipped the money into the pocket at the back of the book.

He knew that this was the wrong way to earn money, but there was no guarantee it would happen again. His father would want him to be happy and would be proud of how he was thinking about his future... wouldn't he?

Eridan grabbed one of his pens and quickly wrote in the back of the journal, "College fund $70" before grabbing the corner of the photo and placing it back into the book. He stared at the picture once more, right into the blue ocean of his dads judgemental eyes.

"I'm sorry dad... really." Eridan had to close over the book to settle his stomach, this was a onetime thing, and it felt good to have money of his own. Eridan turned and fell onto his back on his bed and sighed.

He didn't want it to be this way, he never asked for it to be like this.

He didn't ask to have school tomorrow. He groaned.