Hanon

"Are you sure you don't want me to come pick you up? We can walk home together" Kai suggested as I was getting ready to leave for work.

If Cameron sees him, he might try to hurt him as well just because I am with him, or he might embarrass me in front of him.

I couldn't let Kai know about Cameron. I didn't want him to try to get involved and potentially get hurt.

But why does he suddenly want to come and pick me up?

"Kai" I called his name and walked closer to him before wrapping my arms around his neck, "I love coming home because you're here. I don't want to change that"

"But you can start to love just finishing your shift and seeing me waiting for you" He murmured. 

I need to distract him more.

I got on my tip toes, my hold on him tightening, and buried my face in his neck.

Kai was weak to intimacy. I wasn't sure why, but he liked it so much that he couldn't even think straight when we got too close. Maybe because he still wasn't used to it. I liked being close to him too, so it was a win-win

"Kai, home is my safe place and you're my comfort person. Don't you think these two belong together?" My lips were rubbing against his neck and I felt him shiver.

He hummed in reply.

"That's right. So you'll stay home and wait for me" I whispered and kissed his neck.

"Yes"

"Good job, Kai" I kissed his cheek and looked at him.

I wanted to giggle at the sight. His face was so flushed and his eyebrows were furrowed like he was having a hard time.

"I have to go now" I smiled at him and pulled away from our embrace.

He still seemed distracted, but he nodded and murmured a 'bye' to me before I left.

_________

"You don't deserve any of the tips" Cameron snapped and tried to take the tips that belonged to me.

"Give it back" I firmly said.

I was fine with him bullying me. I was fine with him humiliating me. All because I was getting money in the end.

But I wasn't going to let him take the money that belonged to me.

"Why? So you can go spend it on makeup?"

"I don't wear makeup and even if I did, it's none of your business what I do with my money. Now give me the tips"

I was glaring at him and everyone else just stood and stared at us. Hopefully, all the customers were gone by now.

"You are such a lazy person. You only get tips from thirsty men because they are so desperate for a fuck"

I widened my eyes and just stared.

"Hey, that's a bit too far, dude" Isaac spoke up.

"Is it? I think it's true"

I sighed trying to keep my calm, "Cameron. Even if the only people that give me tips are men, like you said, the money is still mine. Give it to me now or else I will tell Mr. John"

Mr.John was the owner of the cafe. He was a nice man, but he was distant.

"I've been his employee for many more years before you and he trusts me. Do you think he will believe you over me?"

"I have witnesses" I hesitated and looked around at everyone.

But everyone just lowered their head.

Of course they didn't want to get involved. Cameron just laughed at me.

"Right. Now let's share this"

But I wasn't going to let him take my money. The money I earned working hard, working over time, working seven days a week.

"Give that here" I said through gritted teeth and tried to take the money from his hand.

"You, bitch!" He yelled and caught my wrist.

He gripped my wirst so hard that I was worried it would crack. My body wasn't strong.

This will definitely bruise.

"Hey, enough" Isaac said and pushed him back, "Give her the money"

Cameron gave him a dirty look, but Isaac insisted.

"You want to fuck her too?" Cameron glared at him.

"No, I'm just not being an asshole. Now give her the money or I'll tell Mr.John and you know he will believe me"

Cameron gave me a disgusted look, as if he wanted to spit at me and threw the money at me.

Isaac helped me pick it up from the ground and then gave me an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry that you have to deal with this asshole"

"It's fine. I have no choice anyway"

"You went through a lot today, do you want me to drive you home? You must be tired"

"No, but thank you for the offer" I politely smiled at him.

There was no hesitation in my voice. I didn't want anyone from work near our home. I didn't want them in my personal life outside of work.

"Are you sure? It's pretty late"  He insisted with a worried look.

"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you, though"

He looked a little disappointed, but he let it go and we said goodbye.

__________

"Do you have to work this weekend too? Do you like working so much?" He whined.

My poor Kai has no clue I hate working. I wish I could be with him everyday so he would never be lonely.

But it's better that way.

"Yes, my coworkers need some help and I can't say no to them" I lied. I was working more because I needed the money.

"I've been thinking of getting a job"

Not again.

"Why? Don't you like it here?" I asked trying to seem calm, but inside I was panicked.

"I do, but I get lonely when you're not here"

"Kai", I scooted closer to him and then got on his lap, "You can work if you want" I started, "But our schedules might not match and we might never see each other around the house and when we do we will probably be too tired, so be ready for that"

"I will make sure they match"

I sighed.

"What is it really, Hanon? Why don't you want me to work?"

"I'm worried"

"What are you so worried about?" He asked and cupped my face.

How do I even explain this to him without it sounding weird?

"I'm worried that you will be treated badly. Not every boss is good. I'm also worried about your father"

He sighed, "You're right"

"Now, how about we go take a nap?" I suggested taking his big hand in mine. He nodded with a small smile playing on his lips.

_______

"Nap?"

"Yes, a nap"

We both stared at each other and I sighed when I realized, "You don't know what that is, do you?"

He gave me an embarrassed look and lowered his head, "I've heard you say it before but.." He trailed off.

It was devastating to see him be embarrassed of something that wasn't even his fault. It was even sadder to know that he was fourteen and didn't know what a nap was, but I forced a smile to make him feel better.

"It's when you sleep for a short time during the day" I explained and touched his forearm soothingly.

He nodded and smiled, "Okay, let's take a nap then"

I sat on the couch and opened my  arms wide, "Come here" I told him with a smile.

He was very hesitant. He wasn't used to anyone being close to him, but he was fine when I was close to him.

"Oh, sorry. I'll take the other couch" I apologized and was about to stand up.

"No!"

I stopped and sat back down.

"Let's cuddle" He murmured. 

It was so strange to hear him say that and I couldn't hold back my chuckle.

"What?" He asked with a flushed face, "You said it meant hugging" He mumbled.

"Yes, you're right. Let's cuddle"

He sat down next to me and hugged my waist, hiding his face in my neck.

Soon after, we got comfortable and fell asleep.