More Than Words

Invisible wounds kill more then physical do

Life in Arcadia got much more interesting after that night with Jim. Besides keeping a careful eye out for any magical creatures that Jim may need to take care of (or that you could take care of for him), Jim was also starting to pay frequent visits to your shop. Usually it was the late nights where he would stop by, all alone, and the two of you would sit and chat about what was going on. Giving someone free drinks and a baked good so often wasn't exactly good for revenue, but getting to spend time with Jim was something you could tell he desperately needed, so you let it slide. You doubted there was any adult figures in his life that he could actually talk to about his Trollhunting with.

Today was not the case.

"Hey, Jim! Who's this?" You asked, finishing up with a customer with a warm smile, who profusely thanked you before rushing out of the store with a giddy smile on her face. Jim sauntered right in, looking more relax and at ease with every step he took towards the counter. A spark of affection lit in your chest, the realization that this place was safe to him, only making that feeling grow. What you would've given to have a place like this when you had been on the run. What could you say? The kid was growing on you. He needed someone to look out for him, didn't he? Behind Jim was a heavy set boy the same age, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked around your store. 

"This is my best friend, Toby," Jim introduced, the heavy set boy smiling and waving at you. You offered a friendly wave back.

"Cool. Hey Toby, I'm (y/n)," you greeted, turning around to prepare Jim's tea. As you worked, you could hear Toby and Jim talking behind you, disbelief in Toby's voice as you heard Jim explain that you knew about trolls and the Trollhunter without him having to tell you.

"Are you sure you didn't just tell her? I mean, you are pretty weak for pretty girls, dude," Toby said, causing you to snort, which you then covered with a cough.

"What? No! I didn't just- who said I'm weak for pretty girls?" Jim stuttered frustratedly. You turned towards the boys, setting the mug in front of Jim with an amused smile.

"Either way, I'm a little to old for little Jimmy here," you teased, reaching over and ruffling his hair.

"You're not that much older than us," Toby whined. You chuckled. Oh, if only they knew. 

"Is there anything I can get for you, kiddo?" you asked Toby, watching as Jim situated himself on one of the stools, gesturing for his friend to do the same.

"Do you have hot chocolate?" Toby asked. You grinned.

"I sure do," you said, turning around to whip some up for him. 

"Wait, you sell hot chocolate here?" Jim exclaimed. You giggled.

"I do," you agreed, grabbing a mug for Toby. "If you're wondering why I usually give you tea, it's because I personally prefer tea over hot chocolate when it comes to comforting myself." Toby smirked at Jim while he groaned, both smiling at each other not long afterwards. 

"So, how long have you been in Arcadia? I feel like I haven't seen you around before," Toby asked, his eyes lighting up as you placed the mug in front of him.

"Feels like ages," you reply, a slight tilt of fondness in your tone. 

"That doesn't really answer my question," Toby said, though he didn't really seem to mind. 

"Well, it's my honest answer," you shrugged, eyeing the boy that walked in before you returned your attention to Jim and Toby. The other boy apparently wasn't keen on minding his own business, as he marched right up to Jim and Toby with a sneer. 

"What are you two doing here?" he barked. 

"Watch your tone," you warned, and he immediately turned his attention to you.