#twau reader

The one that demanded answers.

The one she only used when she was worried.

No little girl wandered into Bigby’s office without a cause.

And she had a bad feeling.

“I’m taking care of her.”

Snow raised a brow.

Bigby stared at her.

Then stood.

Tugging her out of the room.

“She needs help so I’m helping her.”

“Where are her parents?”

Bigby only stared.

And Snow sighed.

Knowing what his silence meant;

Like so many Fables, she’d been abandoned.

Her family, probably unable to care for them.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

And she turned away.

Bigby wasn’t entirely lying.

The young girl had been abandoned.

He had just taken her in.

Long ago.

He had just kept it a secret.

He wanted it to be only his.

He wanted to be a father without external pressure.

He wanted to learn how to care for her;

How to cook and clean,

And braid her hair,

And buy her school supplies,

Without any help.

He deserved to be able to focus entirely on her.

His reputation shouldn’t have been a factor in her life.

“Who was that, daddy?”

Bigby closed the door firmly behind him.

Praying Snow hadn’t heard her.

But he could hear her heels stop in the hallway.

And he knew she was returning to his door.

She stood there.

Face pale.

Jaw gape.

Eyes bright and twinkling.

With possibly an underlying hint of hurt.

“Daddy?” Snow asked, horrified.

Bigby didn’t think he’d ever hear her say that.

They were taken to Snow’s office.

There, the girl could sit and play.

Colour and draw.

And Snow and Bigby could talk over coffee.

Privately.

But just as they were to begin, the girl whined.

Sitting on the couch.

Casting a gaze toward her father off to the side.

He offered her a sweet smile.

“I’ll be right there, little one.”

And she smiled.

Easing back in her seat.

Glancing around the room.

Fiddling with the rubix cube Snow had given her mindlessly.

And Snow passed.

Staring at him.

Cheeks ed and ears pink.

Amazed.

“I can tell you really care about her.” Snow said softly.

Her gaze, unable to leave Bigby’s.

Bigby raised a brow.

Taking a sip of his black coffee.

Snow gave a meek smile.

“You wouldn’t protect someone this much that you didn’t care about.”

Bigby smiled to himself against his coffee mug.

Grumbling to himself as he gulped.

“I do really care about her.”

He was looking at her.

Smiling.

Chuckling lowly when she excitedly showed off to him her non-solved rubix cube.

And Snow sled.

Her chest, warm and fuzzy.

She couldn’t wait to see how everyone else would react.

Because she knew everyone would be surprised.

But she also knew that deep down, everyone would find it endearing.

Y/N followed him to the office every day.

And sat on the couch in Snow’s office.

And read.

And read and read.

Anything they could get their hands on.

Snow was often the one who supplied the books.

Y/N was the one who returned them.

“What did you think of the last one?” Snow asked.

Passing Y/N a new book.

“I thought it was really interesting!”

“What was your favourite part?”

Y/N chuckled. “The meat costume.”

Snow giggled alongside them.

And Bigby, off in the corner, smiled.

Those were moments he’d miss once they were adopted.

And every night, Bigby offered his bed.

And made sure they had all they need.

Even though Y/N always asked him not to fuss.

Snow tried to offer her home as often as she could.

And offered Bigby her spare bedroom.

But Bigby declined.

Resting on the couch instead.

“Bigby.”

It had been almost a year.

Of this back of forth.

And he had free roam of the house.

Both of them knew that.

Bigby looked up from the couch.

And sat upright.

Eyes, tired.

Demeanor, exhausted.

And Snow hugged her robe tighter around her body.

“Please come upstairs.”

He stood.

And sighed.

Pacing closer.

“Snow, I—”

“Please.” She said softly.

Stepping closer.

Making their gaze more intimate.

Then, she looked away.

“I would prefer that.”

Bigby hesitated.

Running a hand through his hair.

Stuffing one into his pocket.

Then, he set a hand on the small of her back.

Guiding her up the stairs.

Following behind her.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

Bigby said nothing.

And when Snow crawled under the covers,

He crawled on top.

But Snow’s head slid onto his shoulder.

Her hold tightened on his arm.

And she closed her eyes.

Sighed.

And was off to sleep.

And Bigby smiled.

His cheek resting on the top of her head.

Resting alongside her.

Routinely, Bigby popped in to visit the two in Snow’s office.

Y/N on the couch reading.

Snow working away.

And Y/N would pop into Bigby’s office whenever Snow had a meeting.

“I like your office.” They’d say softly.

And Bigby would smile.

And chuckle.

And toss them a candy from his dish.

(Fresh ones he’d bought just for them).

“I need a couch like Snow.”

And Y/N’s lit up like stars.

Excited at the idea.

And Bigby was amazed they were interested in that.

At night, Y/N would slip their hand into Bigby’s.

And smile to themselves.

Saying nothing.

And Bigby always smiled.

Feeling the most important person in the world.

“Can I watch a movie with you?”

Y/N asked almost every night.

Bigby would say yes a few times a week.

Then they’d excitedly mark a spot on the couch.

And when they fell asleep,

Normally only an hour in,

Bigby would scoop them into his arms and take them to bed.

His bed.

And tuck them in.

And vanish to the couch.

He had no words for how badly he’d miss them if they were adopted.

Y/N was a saint.

But they needed to be given their work.

And seemed to be a good influence on Bigby.

They were his level head.

Placed a hand on his arm when he got worked up.

Talked him through his frustration or confusion.

Helped him with work when he got overwhelmed.

They never swore.

They were always smiling and cheery.

Always delicate and understanding.

They were the perfect contract for Bigby.

And we’re changing his life for the better.

The two walked hand-in-hand down the street.

Off for their date night.

The one they took every Friday.

Bigby traced his thumb along the back of their hand.

Y/N wrapped their free arm around one of his.

Smiling.

Letting him guide them to dinner.

And then out for drinks.

They went to their usual favourites.

Ordering their usual meals.

Usual drinks.

Then, after two hours, trotted down to the bar.

Their usual spots were reserved.

Holly always reserved them on Fridays.

And smiled cheekily when they rolled in.

She found Y/N adorable.

And thought they kept the reigns on Bigby.

So she loved having the couple in the bar.

Now she did, at least.

Their usuals were poured.

Set down for the two of them.

Before they’d even sat down.

“Punctual. I like it.”

“I try to be.” Y/N said with a warm smile.

Popping a big tip into the tip jar.

Watching Holly’s genuine smile as they did so.

They sat and chatted.

Sipping on their beers.

Humming to hands draped over one another.

Bigby’s arm over the back of their chair.

Y/N’s hand resting against one of his arms.

Both smiling at each other.

Each sipping on their beers with bright ears and cheeks.

Then, the seat beside them shifted.

“Hey beautiful.”

And Y/N tensed.

And Bigby frowned.

Y/N turned around.

Spotting the stranger.

Doing a once over.

Trying to see if they knew him from somewhere.

“Do I know you?”

The stranger chuckled.

“No, but you’ll want to.”

And he leaned forward.

Smile slick and sickening.

“Hey—”

Y/N squeezed his arm.

Giving him a look.

Then turned back to the stranger.

“I think I’ll pass.”

He scoffed.

“Come on baby, you’re no fun.”

Bigby stiffened.

Y/N glared. “I said no.”

The stranger set a hand on their shoulder.

Offering a drunk, creepy smirk.

“At least give me a chance, bab—”

“If you don’t get your hands off of me right fucking now,”

Bigby froze.

Holly, across the bar, turned.

Eyes wide.

“I will throw you across this damn bar.” They finished.

The stranger blinked.

The statement still computing.

So Y/N swipe their hand off.

“Back the fuck off before I kick your ass.”

Finally understanding, the stranger glared.

Scoffing.

Offended.

Then turned away.

And drunkenly sauntered off.

Y/N turned back to Bigby.

Adjusting their hair as young nothing had happened.

Then flashed their signature sweet smile.

“Did we decide on pasta for dinner tomorrow?”

Bigby blinked.

Ears red.

Amazed at their power.

He smirked.

Pleased.

They were only ever discussing things they heard.

And Bigby was hesitant.

Bigby stood from where he was sitting in the corner.

“Did you see anything?”

He was met with silence.

“No.” They hushed. “Only heard.”

Bigby turned to Snow.

Snow shrugged.

“Anything else?” She asked.

Y/N shook their head. “I can’t remember anything else.”

“When did the husband leave?” Snow asked.

“Around 11:30.”

“How do you know?’

“I heard him slam the door.”

Snow closed her notebook and closed her eyes.

“Thank you, Y/N.” She said softly. “You’ve been a big help.”

Y/N nodded.

Then shifted in their seat.

“Can someone walk me out?”

Snow turned to Bigby.

Gesturing with her hand for him to do so.

He frowned and uncrossed his arms.

“Follow me.” He finally grumbled.

They struggled to their feet.

Hanging their bag over their arm and reaching inside.

Removing a walking stick.

Bigby stood in the hall and waited as they slowly made their way out.

He watched them.

Wandering behind them.

Pausing at the elevator.

“Here.” He said softly.

He held the door open for them.

Watching as they slowly made their way inside.

And immediately, somehow, Bigby knew what he’d been missing.

And felt a weight of guilt on his chest.

Once they hit the main floor, he held the door open.

Watching as they slowly made their way out the doors.

Starting for the exit.

“Careful,” he said softly. “Those stairs are off.”

Y/N smiled in his general direction.

“Thank you.” They said softly. “For being so patient with me.”

In a way, Bigby felt guilty.

“Yeah,” he said softly, “of course.”

As they drew closer to the door, Bigby cleared his throat.

“We might have more questions.” He said, holding the door open.

Guiding them out the narrow door with his voice.

“So we may call you for another interview.”

Y/N nodded.

“Then maybe I’ll see you both soon.”

Bigby gave a small smile.

Somehow sad they weren’t able to see it.

Making his way back upstairs, his smile vanished.

His expression growing heavy and tense in the elevator.

And sliding his way back into Snow’s office.

“Why didn’t you tell me they were blind?”

Snow blinked. “I thought it was obvious.”

Bigby glared.

Snow frowned. “Bigby--”

He waved his hand and wandered away.

The next day, they needed to bring them back for further questioning.

Bigby made his way out of the room.

“Where are you going?” Snow questioned.

Brows furrowed.

“To meet them downstairs.” he said.

Really, he felt guilty.

Guilty for his impatience the previous day.

Snow only smiled.

Knowingly.

And looked away.

Maybe the Big Bad Wolf did have a heart.

Bigby met them downstairs.

Introducing himself.

Guiding them back to the elevator.

Back up the stairs.

“It makes everything a lot easier having someone with me.” They said.

Offering a meek laugh.

Bigby only smiled.

Warmly.

Even if he knew they couldn’t see it.

He was patient during their questioning.

Sat by idly and politely.

Lighting a cigarette by Snow’s open window.

Killing time as Snow rattled through the last of their questions.

Bigby glanced over.

Checking in every now and then.

Hoping they were doing alright.

They stared blankly ahead.

Playing with their hair and hands as a direction.

Softly answering every question.

“I can only remember so much.” They apologized.

Visibly upset.

Snow frowned and Bigby glanced away.

His chest thick with guilt.

It wasn’t their fault.

He found himself growing softer toward Y/N.

More patient.

More protective.

Feeling an urge to be around them whenever they entered the building.

People there weren’t patient.

They were cold and selfish.

And the last thing Bigby wanted as Y/N being caught in the cross-fire.

For the remainder of the case, Bigby stood by them.

Doing little favours to make their lives easier.

Speaking gently to them during interview breaks.

Standing by their side when they felt overwhelmed or upset.

“I’m trying my best.” They confessed weakly.

“We know.” Bigby said. “It’s more than enough.”

And Y/N truly believed him.

Glancing over, Snow believed him too.

The Big Bad Wolf was growing soft.

For the first time in a long time, she was seeing his heart.

Both of them were.

Y/N tired hiding his cigarettes.

In the back of pantries or under heaps of clothing.

He found them every time.

“I have the nose of a dog.” He said.

Y/N glared.

He smirked and popped out another cigarette.

“You can’t hide anything from me.”

Y/N glared harder.

So, Y/N dumped his cigarettes in the toilet.

In the garbage.

Burying them under rotten food.

Ensuring he couldn’t get to them.

Each time, he’d come home with a new pack.

Smirking.

Lighting up.

“Keep trying.”

Y/N was getting mad.

Livid.

“Bigby,” they whined.

Drawing out the ‘y.’

Bigby stared.

Finished his drag.

Then raised a brow.

“Why does this matter so much to you?”

“Because I don’t want you to die from this.”

Bigby blinked.

Then frowned.

Then pat out his cigarette in an ashtray.

“I won’t die by smoking.”

“You can.”

“But I won’t.”

“But how do you know?” They scoffed.

Arms crossed.

Gaze blaring.

Bigby paused.

Taking a moment to study them.

He could see they were angry.

But deep down, there was something else.

Fear.

Genuine panic.

He frowned deeper.

“Y/N, he said softly.

Y/N crossed their arms.

Upset and determined.

“If I’m going to die, it’s not going to be by a cigarette.”

Y/N blinked.

Then frowned deeper.

“Is that supposed to make me feel /better/?”

Bigby’s expression went deadpan.

He was bad at this.

“You know what I do for work.”

Y/N raised a horrified eyebrow.

“If I’m going to die, it’ll be through some asshole throwing me out a window.”

Y/N blinked.

Arms still firmly crossed.

“That’s not comforting.”

Bigby blinked.

And frowned.

At a loss.

But at the notion, Y/N’s demeanour changed.

They didn’t look his way every time he smoked.

They didn’t hide his packs.

Instead, they grew tense when he left for work.

“Be safe?” they’d ask.

And Bigby would turn.

Giving a sad smile.

“Always.” he said softly.

“I’ll see you later?” They asked.

He leaned in.

Pressing a kiss to their forehead.

“Of course.”

It was then that he realized the real issue.

Not his smoking.

It was his safety.

And to that, he felt a warmth in his heart.

A reassurance.

He was loved.

He was cared for.

That was all Y/N had ever hoped for.

He was going to keep his promises.

He was going to come home.

He always would.

They often spent weekend nights in the bar.

Their usual drinks.

Holly cracking jokes with the other regulars.

Everything peaceful and content.

Until the new guy rolled in.

The weeknight regular.

The guy Grendel and Y/N had yet to meet.

“Fuck.” Holly whispered.

Irritated and under her breath.

And Grendel raised a brow.

Turning to follow her glare.

“That’s our new regular.” She hissed.

Pretending to clean the counter.

Acting as though she wasn’t gossiping.

“And he’s the biggest ass I’ve ever met.”

Grendel raised a brow.

Bigby was a regular.

And if this guy was the biggest ass?

Yikes.

The stranger grinned.

Friendly slapping the backs of everyone he passed.

Getting nothing but harsh glares in return.

Until he slipped up to the bar.

And flashed a cheeky smile.

“The usual.” He spat Holly’s way.

She glared.

But obeyed.

And begrudgingly passed him a beer.

He sat silently.

Surveying the bar.

Drinking it as he studied the passersby.

A brow raised.

A smirk present.

He finished beer after beer.

Slurring and demanding Holly pour him more.

And each time Grendel glared his way.

Hesitantly surveying Y/N.

Finally, after his fourth beer, he studied the couple.

Brow raised.

A hand sweeping over his chin.

“Hey,” the hushed.

Y/N turned.

Realizing the stranger was speaking to him.

And scrunched their nose.

“Hi?”

He leaned forward.

“What’s your name?”

Grendel stood, ready to reach over for him.

Spit in his face that they were taken.

But Y/N held out a hand.

Stopping him.

“Why do you want to know.” They asked.

Arms crossed.

For the time being, they just wanted to see where this went.

“Because you’re cute.” He smirked.

Grendel flinched.

“And I wanna get to know you better.”

Y/N gave a tense smile.

“I’m taken,” they said.

Gesturing to Grendel.

“So no, sorry. I’m not interested.”

“Come ooon,” he whined.

Setting a hand on their arm.

Brushing at their cheek.

Y/N shimmied away.

“I’m not interested.” They asserted.

Glaring.

“Please leave me alone.”

“Can we not share a beer?”

Pouting playfully.

Y/N’s glare didn’t waver.

“No.” They pushed. “I’m not interested.”

Y/N tried to slide their arm out.

The stranger’s grip didn’t waver.

And their heart froze.

They didn’t want to panic Grendel.

So spoke quietly.

“Let go of me.” They hissed.

Glaring.

And the stranger drunkenly smiled.

“Come on cutie, just ease u--”

With a huff, Y/N pushed their arm away.

Grabbed it.

Heaved them off their feet.

And chucked them.

Straight out the front window.

The room went pin-drop silent.

All jaws dropped.

And Grendel guffawed.

“Holy shit.” He breathed.

Amazed.

“Well,” Holly began.

Slowly closing her gawked jaw.

Shattering the stunned silence the room had built.

“I was gonna throw him out. Thanks for doing it for me.”

In response, Y/N smiled.

Somewhat sheepishly.

“I’ll pay to fix the window.”

Grendel only smiled.

Eyes soft and hopeful.

More in love with them than he had ever been.

Absolutely smitten.

“That was fuckin amazing.” He’d said.

Whispering to them on their walk home.

Y/N smiled.

“Just wanted to keep ya on your toes, you know?”

And Grendel just smiled.

Bigby knew exactly who she was talking about.

Her ex.

The one that used to beat her up daily.

Curse at her

Break her belongings.

Bigby extinguished his cigarette.

Turning to her.

Shoulders stiff.

“Really?”

She put her phone against the coffee table.

Staring at it.

Body stiff as she coiled into herself.

“Really.”

She took a deep breath.

Eyes closed.

And he instinctively wrapped an arm around her.

Pulling her into his side.

“Hey, you’re okay.”

Minutes later, she stood.

“I’m going to bed.”

Bigby stared after her.

“Not feeling well.” She elaborated.

Bigby stared after her.

Feeling heavy.

Feeling a pain in his chest.

And cast his gaze over to her phone.

He looked away.

Growled under his breath.

And stared for the kitchen to get her water.

When he heard it again.

The buzzing.

He started for the table.

Spotting the familiar number.

And tensed.

Glared.

And snatched the phone from the table.

He answered it.

“If you ever call this number again, it’ll be the last call you ever make.”

There was silence on the other end.

“Who the fuck are you?” The voice snapped back.

“Her fucking boyfriend.”

Then he hung up.

He went to their room.

A glass of water to set on her bedside table.

Then rolled in beside her.

Even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to get a good sleep.

He was up before she was.

Smoking in the kitchen.

Taking sips of coffee between puffs.

And bitter, agitated sighs.

Then, she woke up.

Making her way into the living room.

Stifling a small gasp.

Bigby turned and spotted her.

Holding her phone.

Hand pressed to her mouth.

Pale and shaking.

“Y/N?” He asked.

He didn’t get a response.

So he approached.

And felt his blood pressure spike.

Her screen was flooded with missed calls.

Text messages.

Social media messages.

FaceTime requests.

Everything.

Bigby snarled.

Taking her phone.

Watching her curl into the couch.

“He’s never going to leave me alone.”

“Y/N,”

“I’ll never be free.”

They had to run errands that afternoon.

And Y/N was terrified.

So Bigby held her hand.

Stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

Settling a hand on the small of her back.

Draping an arm around her shoulders.

Keeping her close.

And secure.

And safe.

When she wasn’t looking, he blocked him.

On everything.

So he wouldn’t be able to contact her anymore.

And slipped her phone back.

“Do you think he’ll come for me?” She asked weakly.

Walking down the street.

Clutching one of his hands with both of her own.

He glanced over.

Studying her fear.

And leaned in closer to whisper.

“I’d never let him get close to you.”

Bigby kept her close.

Out of harm's way.

And she barely left his side for the following days.

He held her hand everywhere.

Calming her when she jumped in public.

Holding her close during the night.

Reassuring her whenever she worried.

He meant it.

He refused to let him get close to her.

He clenched his jaw just thinking about it.