Chapter Text
River’s mother hired maids to clean their house every Monday and Thursday. She usually hired the same three each time, unless one didn’t meet her expectations, then a new one is hired the next day.
Cleanliness was the only thing that his mother was really strict about. He was required to shower at least every other day. She set up this rule when he was 13 because, at the time, River often forgot or couldn’t find the energy to shower. Once he was diagnosed with depression and able to get therapy and meds, he got his shower schedule back on track. His mother made him get dressed every morning so he wasn’t wearing pajamas all day. Once he adjusted to his meds, he was able to get enough energy to get ready without his mom nagging him to do so. No shoes were allowed on carpet, and other rules similar to that. Other than those rules, his mom was pretty cool. Always supportive and kind.
He tried to be friendly with the maids that came, but he tried not to get into conversations, as that may lead to a friendship with the maid. Which wouldn’t be that bad, it’s just that his mom has eventually fired every maid they’ve had.
There was one when he was little named Joan. She lived with the family, and River quickly became attached to her, as his mother was busy running the family business. She would bring him to the park, make him snacks, play with him, and taught him how to read. It was amazing, having a friend like that. After a few months, he began seeing Joan as another mother figure. He strived to be just as kind and patient as she was. He loved her like family.
But then the inevitable happened, and she was fired.
River wouldn't come out of his room for days, refusing to eat and drink. He did nothing but sleep and cry. His mother and father didn’t know why. When he looked back on the event, he’s positive that if his mom knew how important Joan was to him, she wouldn't have let her go. He never got close to a maid again, in fear of the same thing happening. River developed since then, and if that were to happen now, it would probably feel worse. He feels everything.
He really wished he didn’t.
~•~
Tonight was one of the only nights that River’s parents didn’t order out. Usually by the time dinner rolls around, his mother is too tired to cook, and his father is not to be trusted in the kitchen. But by some miracle, his dad was able to cook something that didn’t catch on fire. Which meant he wanted something from his mom.
The beginning of dinner went fine. The usual “how was your day” talk and general discussions. But River couldn’t help but notice the tense vibe in the room. He knew his father was just waiting for the opportunity to pitch whatever idea he had. A few minutes passed, filled with mostly silence before he decided to break the tension.
“So… I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I wanted to know your opinions on it.”
His mom immediately sighed in amusement and leaned back in her chair. “So that’s what this is about. Go on.”
River’s dad breathed out in relief. “ Okay, so I was considering the idea of hiring a live-in maid. Who could cook and clean up the little messes we make and stuff like that…” He was nervous, River could tell by his tics he picked up over the years. His father was a fairly anxious man.
His mother took a moment to think.
“I think there's more to your proposition than just having a maid, Steven.” She smirked.
He laughed nervously. “Well, there was this orphan boy looking for work and a home…”
“A boy? You better not be trying to get a 10-year-old to work for us.”
“No no! He’s River’s age. He dropped out of high school so he doesn’t have a home or work, and the orphanage he’s at seems really eager to let him go…”
“Dad,” River speaks up. “Did you happen to talk to this boy before?”
Steven smiled sheepishly and nodded. “I was out for a walk, and I came across him in the park. He looked so skinny, so I offered to get him lunch. He refused at first but eventually caved. We had a conversation, and he told me about his… situation. So off the top of my head, I suggested he could be a maid for us, and… I swear his eyes lit up. When I mentioned he could live here as well, I didn’t think a kid could be as happy as River was for his first Christmas, but.”
A moment of silence passed, River’s mother considering the proposal.
“You know I can’t say no, right?” She smiled playfully, then shook her head. “Okay, we’ll hire him. River and I will get his room ready and you will tell him the news.”
“What’s his name?” River asked.
“Oh right! His name is Payton. He may seem aloof or cold, but he’s okay. Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
~•~
Two days later, Payton was moving in. River hasn’t met him in person yet, but based on what his parents had told him, Payton seemed a little… weird, if River’s going to be honest. He seemed very reserved and unpleasant. But he could make it work. He’s known for befriending stubborn people.
The boy had moved in when he was at school. He could tell by the organized shoe closet and the cleaned-up vase his father had bumped and broken while in a rush this morning. He could smell food cooking, which was normal as he gets home from lacrosse practice at 5. River followed his usual routine of setting down his bags in his room, then taking a quick shower.
He was nervous to meet Payton. Probably because he’s going to have a boy his age cleaning up after him, which is very weird if you think about it. Why wasn’t he in school? Why does he need work anyway? Shouldn’t the orphanage he’s at provide for him?
His thoughts are interrupted by his mother calling him down for dinner. He headed for the dining room, where his parents were.
“Hello, River. How was school?” His father asked.
The family carried out small talk until Payton emerged from the kitchen with their food. He had made some sort of stew that looked really good. River smiled as he placed the bowl in front of him.
“Thank you-” River looked up at him.
Payton is fucking adorable.
The first thing River noticed is the boy’s clothes. His uniform is a simple black vest over a button up shirt
with dress pants and shoes. It worked well for him. Then he saw his face. He had a serious yet blank expression, his round glasses highlighting the professional aura he has. But as he looked at Payton a little bit more, he found some concerning qualities the boy had. He seemed pretty small for being 17, and he looked underweight. What orphanage was this boy being treated this way in?
“Payton, would you like to join us for dinner?” His mother offered.
Payton shook his head. “No thank you. I wouldn’t want to intrude, and I’m not good at conversation. Enjoy your meal.” And with that, he left.. River wished he stayed for dinner.
“He’s very polite but Isee what you mean about him being cold. He seems nice, Steven.” His mom said.
“Ah, good. I was afraid that you wouldn’t like him too much. What about you, River? What do you think of him?”
River smiled. “I think he’s cute. It’ll be nice having him around.”
“I don’t know if cute is the word I would use. I guess I can kind of see it.” His mom commented.
The rest of the dinner went by normally. The stew Payton made was amazing. The boy had returned a few times to refill drinks or bring seconds if asked. Once the family finished eating, his parents went up to their room while River decided to help Payton clean up a bit. The two cleaned in silence for a while.
“How was the food?” Payton asked, breaking the quiet.
“Really good. Have you made it before?”
Payton shook his head. “No. This was my first time cooking something like this.”
River laughed. “Really? I wouldn't have guessed. I’m looking forward to your other meals.”
The silenced resumed for a few minutes.
“Did you eat?” River asked.
“I’m going to have the leftovers of what you three didn’t eat.” Payton replied. River looked over to the stove where the stew was being kept warm. There was about half a bowl left in there.
“Are you sure that’s enough for you? It’s a really small portion.”
“Yes. Your mother provided lunch for me, so this will be more than enough.” Payton said. The statement stuck with River. He didn’t know why.
“I’ll handle the rest. You can go to bed, River.” Payton told him. River nodded and headed to his room. He wanted to work on homework but his new maid kept him thinking. Something about him was… enthralling. Interesting. River wanted to get to know him more.