Rough Around the Edges (Rookwood x Reader)

19- Croissant

Somewhere in Victor's Past

"Stay still."

Young Victor winced as Ada cleaned the wound above his eye. When the cotton ball was tinged with pink she set it aside and picked up a jar from her bag.

"This salve will get you healed in no time, but do NOT mess with the bandage, or else the scar will stay. Understood?"

Victor was silent as she tended to his wound, his eyes fixed on the ground to avoid her gaze and his breathing was long but purposeful.

She placed the small bandages on the cut and wiped her hands on her apron.

"I understand your father is trying to prepare you for anything - but this is getting ridiculous. I'm going to need him to get me new supplies weekly at this rate." She scoffed playfully. Victor did not smile.

"Can I go now?"

Ada paused for a moment and stood up. "Are you hungry? I went to a bakery today, you know how I love sweet treats." She stepped aside to a box sitting on the table. When she opened the lid slowly Victor could smell the buttery aroma that danced in the air; it made him wonder how they smelled when they were fresh.

She sat back down in front of him holding a pastry in each hand. In her right she held a plain croissant. On her left she held a large iced scone with pieces of blueberries.

"Which would you like?"

Although the scone looked enticing, Victor hesitantly reached for the croissant and inhaled its scent. Buttery. Slightly Sweet. The outer later gave a satisfying 'crunch' when he took his first bite; the inside was puffy and tender as he expected. He closed his eyes and chewed- he always loved the taste of buttery pastries.

Ada smiled as she watched him chew. she put the scone aside and leaned forward to wipe a crumb from the corner of his lips.

"I know it's hard right now-" She started. "-But it will pass. I am here to make sure of that."

"You don't know that." 

Ada was taken aback by his response - it was the first time he seemed to offer something to the conversation. She smiled as he continued to chew.

"I don't know that, you're right, I don't know a lot of things. Just like you don't know if I'm actually right. What I do know is your father is an idiot - but he's an idiot that you can take advantage of."

Victor looked up visibly confused but intrigued.

"Your father and the gang are feared, strong and work as your security. You did not choose this life but you have what others do not - opportunity. You hold strong magic, it is in your blood, all you have to do is utilize it."

Victor looked into her eyes sincerely this time. His croissant stayed firm in his hand as Ada  reached to the side and dusted off an old cap that was laying around. When she was satisfied with her dusting she placed it carefully on Victors head; successfully hiding his wound.

"You can do great things Victor. 'Good' and 'Bad' can be relative - just use your opportunities to take care of yourself. Learn what you can and stay strong. I will be here to help you. Understood?"

For once, Victor smiled. He took another bite of his buttery pastry before adjusting his hat to stay in place.