College Is Like A Chronic Migraine [Murder Drones Human College AU]

N's Bad Day

Twelve-year-old N woke up with a genuine smile on his face, a rare occurrence in the Elliot mansion. The oppressive atmosphere usually suffocated any joy, but today was special—it was his birthday. For once, his heart wasn't weighed down by the harsh realities of his life. He couldn't wait to share the news with his siblings, hoping for even a small celebration.

He quickly dressed and bolted out of his room, his excitement palpable. He found V in the hallway, a fellow member of the Elliot mansion who sometimes showed him kindness.

"V, guess what today is!" N beamed.

V glanced up from her phone and gave him a half-smile. "Your birthday, right? Happy birthday, N. I'll celebrate with you later, okay? Got some things to do first."

N's smile grew wider. "Thanks, V! I'll look forward to it!"

He moved on to find J, hoping she might share his excitement. He found her lounging in one of the mansion's many sitting rooms, a book in her hand.

"J, it's my birthday today!" N announced, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

J looked up, her expression cold and indifferent. She rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Yeah, so what? Big deal."

N's smile faltered, but he tried not to let it dampen his spirits. "I thought maybe we could—"

"I'm busy, N," J interrupted, turning back to her book.

Deflated, N left the room, his enthusiasm waning. He decided to find his other sisters, but before he could, James and Louisa, the heads of the Elliot household, noticed him walking down the grand staircase, his head held high and a smile on his face.

James, a tall man with an imposing presence, raised an eyebrow. "What's got you so happy, boy?"

Louisa, her sharp features as cold as ever, added, "Yes, it's unusual to see you like this."

N's heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "It's my birthday today! I'm really excited to celebrate!"

James and Louisa exchanged a glance, and then Louisa's lips curled into a disdainful smirk. "A birthday? You think you deserve a birthday?"

N's heart sank, the hope that had been burning so brightly now flickering like a dying flame. "But... it's my birthday..."

James sneered. "Birthdays are for people who deserve them, boy. What have you ever done to deserve a birthday?"

Tears welled up in N's eyes as he looked down, his feet suddenly feeling heavy. He turned to leave, dragging his feet a little, the joy of the morning completely snuffed out.

Louisa's voice, sharp and filled with irritation, cut through the air. "Pick up your feet! How many times have I told you not to drag them!"

Before he could react, Louisa's hand swung out, her large diamond ring glinting in the light, and struck him across the face. The impact sent a sharp pain through his cheek, the ring leaving a deep red mark.

N stumbled, clutching his face, tears streaming down his cheeks. James pointed up the stairs. "Get to your room. You're grounded for the rest of the day. No one in or out."

His birthday joy shattered, N trudged back to his room, every step heavier than the last. He shut the door behind him and sank to the floor, clutching his knees to his chest. The solitude of his room, usually a place of refuge, now felt like a prison.

Hours passed, the silence of his room broken only by his muffled sobs. He clutched a small, tattered stuffed animal—a relic from happier times—finding a semblance of comfort in its familiar softness.