♪ 𝙱𝙾𝙳𝚈 ♪ a rudy pankow fanfic

𝟺 ♪ 𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚕

The Shack wasn't too busy when Laney walked in the side door with Chase. She'd been there occasionally in the past, usually to visit Chase. This was her second time at The Shack that week. She came in once on Tuesday to fill out paper work with Chase and now she was there to learn the ropes. Tommy would have met to fill out paperwork with her but he didn't work often, as his health had begun heading downhill in his old age. He still came in occasionally but when he wasn't there, he left Chase in charge.

The resturaunt hadn't seemed so intimidating the day prior. Her heart hammered in her chest. First day nerves.

Laney followed Chase through the back of the resturaunt, trying to take in details such as names of rooms, supply closets, staff rooms, and bathrooms. It wasn't much use since her nerves made her forget most of them anyways. Chase brought her to a staff room with cubbies, washers, and aprons. She placed her backpack in an empty cubby. Chase had told her to bring a change of clothes and shoes. Sometimes the staff would change out of their smelly clothes after a shift before leaving. Also, accidents happen with drink trays. It never hurt to come prepared.

"Here," He pulled an apron off a hanger. "Put this on."

Laney accepted the apron and tied it around her waist. The apron was black, just like her button up dress shirt and slacks. Her job would usually be waitressing, but she would occasionally be the musical entertainment if she was needed. Laney loved performing. It didn't feel like performing to her. At first it was always scary, but then she would close her eyes and feel it was only her. Then it was amazing.

When she had fastened the apron around her, she followed Chase out to the bar.

"Wait here, I'm gonna find Rudy." And with that he was gone.

Laney waited alone. She felt awkward but she didn't care as long as she didn't look awkward.

After another few moments of standing alone, Chase came back into view with a familiar boy behind him.

Toaster strudel boy. What did Chase say his name was?

If she wasn't so stunned to see him there, she might have noticed how good he looked in black. His previously messy hair was combed to look more neat, although upon closer inspection, one could tell that it was a little more disheveled than he might have liked for his job. Rudy could never keep it fully in place, even when he tried for work. She also might have also noticed how good his arms looked sticking out of his black, curled up sleeves. Or maybe how nice he looked so dressed up. His belt did wonders for him.

She did, however, notice that he looked different from when she surprised him the previous morning.

When he glanced to see who would be shadowing him, his previously joyful look dropped into confusion.

"Chase, her?" His eyes begged Chase to say otherwise.

"Yeah, Laney." Chase pointed to his sister. He didn't see a problem.

"Dude, the name on the paper is Angel." Strudel gestured to the paper in his hand, hoping beyond hope that Angel was someone else.

"Angel Melanie. Laney." Chase turned his attention to Laney. "You'll be shadowing him, today. He'll show you what to do."

Laney looked at the uncomfortable and borderline mad boy next to Chase. Her eyes found Chase who just shrugged and turned. He had his own job to do. She watched his back as it retreated away from her, leaving her with the angry boy.

Why was he so mad?

Sure, she ate his food and woke him up. But it was an accident. He couldn't blame her for not knowing he was there. Or for not knowing the toaster strudels were his and eating all of them.