A simple hang out. That was all. With Tang's loudest and angriest friend.

You couldn't really handle pigsy. He was one to shout, with a short fuse. Just like your older brother Dean.

Whom of which was throwing every insult in the book at you at the moment. His temper flaring due to your lack of a job.

Your older brother had basically fended for the both of you since your parents passed away when you were little. It had been rough for you both and despite his best efforts not to, he resented you for it.

Dean's fist rammed the wall next to your head making you flinch violently.

"Are you even LISTENING?! Y/n you can't just keep being a leech."

You tried to keep your pulse from thrumming too fast. Panic made you an easy target.

"I-I have an interview!" You sputtered when he pulled his fist back.

Your brother paused.

"Where? When?"

You flinched at the words as if they themselves were punches. You hadn't meant to lie. It had slipped out. But if you took it back now- the bruise on your stomach burned as if it was warning enough.

"A-At a noodle shop." You responded quickly. "Tonight, in a little bit actually."

Your brother eyed you suspiciously.

"I thought you had a date tonight."

You resisted the urge to squirm.

"Tang introduced me. He said he might be able to help me get a job." You rambled keeping your eyes on the floor.

Dean frowned.

"I don't want you running around with that nerd. He's useless in a fight. And what if someone hurts you?"

'Like you?'  You inquired mentally. But you kept your mouth shut. Your brother was full of contradictions.

He wanted you safe outside but when you were with him it didn't matter if you wore a few bruises. Nothing extreme, but enough to make you obedient.

That was one reason you hadn't told Tang. Your brother loved you. Dearly. And you loved him. Tang might panic at the bruises and assume the worst. It was best not to allow for an overreaction.

"But if he helps me get a job, then you won't have to work double shifts." You propositioned gently looking up and infusing as much hope and worry into your gaze as possible.

Dean rolled his eyes.

"Assuming you do any work and don't get fired within five minutes. You're useless y/n." He stated the last bit matter of factly. As though it was a simple fact everyone knew. "Just try not to show it."

You nodded just as a knock came at the door.

Your brother stepped away muttering about a nerd and something useless before he went into his room and shut the door.

Dean was not the social type. Just the opposite. He intimidated more people around him and was severely over protective over you.

Which you found odd considering the only protecting you ever really required was from his temper.

Pressing away the depressing thoughts you straightened your appearance as much as possible and rushed to open the door.

Tang grinned as the door flew open only to pause mentally when your smile appeared to be...fake?

Weren't you happy to see him? He'd been careful to plan this outing by sidestepping all the times your brother had outlined to you as unacceptable. It had been a challenge really. If he hadn't known any better he'd think your brother was attempting to keep you away from him.

"Hi!" You chirped grabbing your jacket from the door rack. "Let's go!" You rushed past him excitedly.

Tang observed your quickened steps with a risen brow. No, not excitement that was nervousness. Still, Tang knew better than to mention the difference and fell into step with you.

"Did you enjoy the books I got you?" He asked giving a smile of his own that was not entirely sincere. "The legends of the monkey king are true you know."

You turned those lovely eyes of yours on him. Curiosity swam in their depths.

"Really? I thought they were fairytale. How do you know they're true?"

Tang's smile turned secretive.

"Let's just say I have met their source. The legends are fairly accurate."

Y/n seemed to think of the ramifications of that comment while Tang studied her a bit further.

Her step eased some the further they came from the apartment, despite her meditation on the topic he'd provided her gaze slipped around their environment watching everything. Endlessly observant y/n.

"What parts aren't so accurate?" She inquired.

Tang stumbled from his reverie.

"O-Oh the mention of him being humble. That is a lie." Tang chuckled.

Y/n's lips curled into a smile, a sincere smile.

And Tang found his earlier concern slipping some.

They continued their conversation until they breached the noodle shop.

Then Y/n changed. Not in obvious ways. She fell quiet and her observance shot through the roof.

"You better have something to pay with, Tang!"

Pigsy shouted over the counter.

Did Y/n just flinch? It shouldn't concern him much, everyone feared pigsy to some degree but the fear that ignited in her eyes sent his gut to churning.
"Of course, pigsy." Tang laughed waving off his friend's concerns. "But could I talk to you a moment?"

Pigsy growled.

"You ain't talking your way outta this, Tang." He warned.

Tang led you to a stool politely.

"Oh pigsy it isn't about pay." He laughed flippantly but shot his friend a meaningful glance.

Pigsy paused.

"Oh...uh.. alright. But make it brief!"

Tang walked through a door at the far end of the bar.

"I'll be right back." Tang promised. Before disappearing through the doorway.

You fumbled with your fingers nervously. You hoped Tang was fast as he promised. You needed to ask for a job, and you felt far more safe next to Tang. He was very aware of your feelings and though that sometimes frightened you with how accurate he was, it was good to be heard from time to time.

Pigsy frowned when Tang's easy smile fell from his lips.

"Pigsy, I have a favor."

Pigsy huffed.

"What do you want, Tang?"

"I need you to try and not yell around y/n."

Pigsy would typically demand why but Tang's look told him plenty. Something was wrong. The girl had appeared skiddish. But she was a paying customer. He could play nice. It was part of his job after all. But he did still have a question.

"What are you up to, Tang?"

Tang was notoriously lazy. But he could get his act together if something pressed on him correctly.

"You really are crazy bout her huh?" Pigsy smirked as Tang tensed at the question.

"Pigsy!" He whisper shouted.

"Alright, alright. I'll keep the yellin to a minimum." Pigsy promised.

You glanced around the shop. It was quiet, which was preferable.

"Oh hey!" A brunette addressed you from over the counter. "Can I help you?"

You jumped at his sudden appearance. How could he sneak up on you like that?! You had been listening.

"Oh...I'm with Tang?" You nearly whispered cringing from the boy's gaze.

The boy raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't know Mr. Tang had a girlfriend."

Your cheeks burned as Tang emerged from the door and you pulled your hood over your head when the pig owner snapped at the boy to get to work.

Tang seemed to observe your humiliation, but if he did he never mentioned it, only turned the conversation back to your comfort zone. Books.

You slowly began to relax and after a few hours you even pulled off your hood. M.k, as you learned his name to be, quipped in on your conversation and you three geeked out about the monkey king for hours. M.k even showed you his artist book of Monkey King's entire life.

It was the most fun you had in years. And then someone stepped into the store.

At first you didn't pay them any heed until they walked up behind you and rested a hand on your shoulder.

The grip made you jolt and freeze mid sentence.

"Hey sis." Dean's voice had a pleasant tone but you noticed the under current of steel in his words. He was undoubtedly livid.

Your blood chilled and you held completely still as he addressed your newfound friends and Tang.

"Hey, I hate to break up the party. But my sister is terrible with watching the clock and must have forgotten-"

His grip on your shoulder tightened painfully.

"She has a job interview in the morning and she will need her rest."

Tang frowned as he watched you. Your eyes looked panicked, and your body language was tense. His gaze flickered to Y/n's brother's hand on her shoulder. His grip was so tight it had to be painful. Tang pressed himself up from his seat.

"Listen, we are sorry we kept her out so long. But it's nice to finally meet you." Tang held out his left hand so he'd brother would be forced to shake it with his right and would have to release her shoulder to do so.

The brother eyed him warily then released and shook Tang's outstretched hand. His grip a vice that was painful. But y/n's shoulder relaxed some and Tang's suspicion solidified.

"Actually, there's no need for an interview tomarrow." Tang explained shooting pigsy a look of warning and slight apology. "Y/n got a job here."

Her brother rose his brows.

Y/n's head snapped up with a shocked look that quickly dissolved into a look Tang guessed people who M.k saved gave him when they realized they were safe. A pride of heroism swelled in Tang's stomach and he decided to push it a bit further.

"And don't worry I'll take her home very soon, we were just gonna show her around the kitchen so she can get a little situated before being trained tomarrow. I'll have her back home in about an hour."

The brother's look darkened and y/n's eyes rekindled their previous fear.

"Why can't she just do that tomarrow?"

M.k looked very confused and went to speak but pigsy quickly covered his mouth.

"It's a real crazy day tomarrow she'll need to be aquatinted with the kitchen to keep up. "

Tang smiled at pigsy then returned his attention to the brother.

"That settles it. She'll see you in an hour?"

The brother gave her a look and Y/n shrunk in her seat.

Seemingly satisfied he turned and walked towards the door.

"One hour." He called over his shoulder before stepping out the door.

Y/n breathed a sign of relief and Tang glanced at the clock. He had one hour to convince pigsy to help him get her a job and get her an escape route, but first-

Tang sat next to Y/n and shot her a no nonsense look his glasses catching the light.

"Y/n, is there something about your brother you're not telling me?"

You bristled at the question.

"What Mr. Ta-mmph!" M.k's question was cut short as Pigsy covered his mouth and dragged him back into the kitchen.

"Y/n." Tang's mention of your name refocused your attention. "He hurts you, doesn't he?"

The accusation brought your world falling down around your ears. You thought you had hidden it so well. At least we'll enough for passing. Dean was right, you were useless. Tears began to pool in your eyes and Tang's hand rested gently on yours.

"Y/n I can help you, but I need you to work with me." One lens of his glasses revealed his eye pleading and loving. "I need you to tell me."

You stared at him a moment, then slowly you gave a nod.

Tang gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

"It's ok. I'm gonna help you out of this."

*Yes I know it's technically a cliffhanger. I couldn't figure out where else to go I'm sorry. 😭 This was requested by Maylover_dogs *