#oote!sage

Tho this would probably be ooc(I mean, they're your characters, and it will go the way you are thinking, not me). So if you ever write it down, feed me with the correct version lol

~💜

i don't think i like this one, i wasn't in a good place writing it. but i genuinely don't know what else id do rn

Rob tucked his arms close to his stomach, praying that nobody could see the stain on his black work shirt. The wound there throbbed, but he dutifully ignored it and kept a straight face. The last thing he needed right now was another staff member noticing him.

“Rob? The king is summoning you to their quarters.”

He froze, turning slowly to see one of Sage’s guards. “Uh- right now?”

They fixed him with a stony look. “Yes, they’re expecting you now.”

Rob sighed, slouching as he followed the guard across the castle toward Sage’s tower. Each step tore at the slice across his stomach, and when the guard left him at the bottom of the spiral staircase he finally let out the breath he’d been holding. Going up the stairs was worse somehow, and he groaned a little bit with each stair

Just a few minutes Rob thought, keeping his forearms firmly pressed over his stomach. Just a few minutes, and then I’ll slip out and take care of it myself.

He could see the end of the staircase now, and just as he let go of himself to take the railing, Sage appeared at the top.

“Rob!” they said, grinning. “Come on up!”

His hand flew back to his side, and he returned their smile with a forced one of his own. “Hello,” he said, swallowing the urge to say “sir” at the end. 

Rob reached the top step, but as he put his other foot out it caught on the edge, sending him sprawling. He put his arms out instinctively to catch his fall, bracing for impact.

Before he knew it Sage had caught him around the middle, dragging him back upright. “There you go,” they said, frowning a little. “You alright?”

They both froze, each realizing that Sage was now touching Rob’s shirt. Rob’s very bloodsoaked shirt. 

“Rob? What is that?”

The boy winced as their hand ghosted over his wound. “It’s nothing, I spilled some water earlier-”

Sage took their hand away, eyes widening at the streaks of red across their palm. “Are you bleeding?” 

Rob hung his head in defeat. “Not badly,” he muttered, twisting the hem of his shirt nervously. His vision was getting blurrier now, and he stumbled a little when Sage pulled their other supporting hand back.

“-kid? Can you hear me?”

He squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. “‘m so sorry,” he breathed, swaying where he stood. “I-”

“-stay with me, okay? Just-”

Rob could feel the air rushing around him, and then his head hit the ground.

almost went with a much sadder version of this with ffg!rob and spencer, but i think y'all will like this more. still super down to write the other one if anyone wants it though

“I’m serious, Rob, you don’t look too good. Are you sure you’re alright?”

The kid nodded, looking down at his feet nervously as he rocked back and forth. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

Sage’s heart nearly broke. “Don’t be,” they said simply, knowing any more would be overwhelming. “I just want to help, sunshine. I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be!” Rob stood up straighter immediately, and Sage saw pain ghost over his face for just a moment. “I promise I’m fine, sir. Just a little tired. I can still work, though,” he added, sounding a little frightened.

“You don’t have to work,” Sage assured him, kneeling to be eye level with the boy. “I’m asking because I care about you, Rob. Not what you can do.”

Rob blinked like he had been slapped. “I-I don’t know what you mean, sir.”

God, Sage was going to kill this kid’s parents if they ever got their fucking hands on them. “Sunshine,” they started, hesitating a little when Rob’s eyes went wide at the nickname. “I like you because you’re you, okay? Because you’re funny, and smart, and resilient as hell.”

He sniffled. “I-I didn’t know y-you felt that way,” Rob said, and then he burst into tears.

“Oh, kiddo, I’m sorry,” Sage said, chest tightening at the sight. “Come here, it’s alright.”

Rob fell into them without hesitation, wrapping his arms around their chest. “Thank you,” he whispered, choking back a sob. “T-Thank you so much, sir, I-”

“It’s nothing,” they said quietly, rubbing his back in gentle circles. “It’s alright, Rob. Let it out.”