#Chloe: such nerds (exclaimed also a nerd)

[luluy33art]

Second chance: One what if Chloe decides to let Alya and Adrien join her and Sabrina cospaly, Alya can be a convincing Queen Bee and Adrien get to play Hawkmoth he does the villain role better than Jean.

I think Alya and Adrien really got into the role

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[timetravesty]

Tearing Hughes Apart

(This is a kinda weird fic idea I had that I thought would be fun to write. I hope it's fun to read, so please enjoy! Also, if anyone has any requests regarding Poppy x MC, I'm open to trying some out, just some fun drabbles compared to the Parent AU and the upcoming Future AU.)

Warnings: Cursing, Mild NSFW

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Bea walked down the quad, typing away on her phone and waiting, patiently, for any message from Poppy. She had intro to chem in a couple of minutes which was why Bea was heading to the science building, but she was walking very slowly, in case Poppy might call.

Since when did she become such a simp?

Watching the clock tick by, Bea pocketed her phone sadly, placing it in her back pocket and picking up her pace towards the science building. Poppy would call when she wanted too… probably.

Standing at the top of the steps, a few of the Zeta girls stood around with a small basket of glass bottles. Bea slowed her steps, watching as Chloe picked one up and sprayed it over Ohio.

“SweetCreek! You’re just in time for our protest against the science building!” Ohio yelled just as a large spritz of perfume hit her square in the chest. She waved her hands to spread the perfume as Chloe rolled her eyes.

“Ohio, this protest is for students who weren’t allowed in the science building after a…bad incident.” Bea laughed, remembering the last time the Zetas went into the science building. They had posted selfies with the Bunsen burners which led to Ohio’s hair catching on fire after she sprayed perfume around the room.

“To be fair, you did earn it.” Bea said as Chloe rolled her eyes, picking up the box of sprays and shoving it in Bea’s hands. She barely caught it, smelling the contents that reeked.

“Yuck, what is all this?” Bea asked, picking up a bottle as Chloe smiled to herself as the other Zetas did as well. Creepy…

“It’s a formula I had the nerds whip up. It’s fireproof and smells heavenly.” Chloe spritzed some on herself before tossing the bottle into the box. “I had five different types made.”

Bea tried to catch the bottle Chloe tossed, but the glass hit the others and shattered a couple in the box, leaking out the sides and soaking Bea’s shirt. “Aw, what the heck Chloe?” Bea complained as the ‘perfume’ seeped into her shirt and coated her hands.

“Bea! You ruined my bottles!” Chloe complained as she grabbed the box from Bea and pushed the girl away. “Ugh, I’ll do this myself, let’s go ladies.” The Zetas marched off as Bea stood with a now wet shirt and wet hands, covered in the ‘chemicals’ that Bea definitely didn’t trust.

She lifted her hand to smell the contents and reeled back. It was bad before but now it was unbearable. She shook off her hands to get rid of any water droplets and walked away from the science building and towards her dorm. Intro to Chem was an easy class anyways.

Walking in the quad was… a different experience. Even though her clothes were still damp, she felt all kinds of eyes on her whenever she passed. A ding from her phone alerted Bea that she would have to wait at least ten minutes before entering their dorm since Zoey had a phone call, so Bea took a seat at one of the quad tables, swiping around on her phone and trying not to gag at the weird mix of perfumes on her.

A few minutes later, Veronica waltzed up, sniffing the air as Bea looked at her. “SweetCreek, do you smell that?”

“Yea, Chloe broke a bunch of chemicals on me so I-”

“It smells… amazing!” Veronica exclaimed as Bea raised a brow. She stepped closer, leaning down and bringing her face right against Bea’s as she took a dramatic sniff. “I never knew you smelled so good Bea…” She turned her head just as Bea backed away, scrambling to stand as Veronica placed both of her hands on the table.

“How about I take you out tonight?” Veronica asked as she walked closer, sniffing the air dramatically as Bea held up her hands.

“Veronica, are you feeling okay? This stuff reeks!” Bea said as Veronica nodded, stepping closer and placing her hand behind Bea’s head to smash their foreheads together.

“I’m wonderful SweetCreek, but you smell heavenly…” She drawled out her words as Bea ducked out of her grasp, just as Chloe and the other Zetas walked up, Chloe setting her basket on the table as she looked at Veronica.

“What are you two doin-” She sniffed the air, slowly as the other Zeta’s followed. Bea’s eyes widened as Chloe smiled brightly.

“Something smells amazing!” She yelled as Veronica, oh so casually, pointed at Bea who swallowed hard. The other Zetas chimed in agreement as they began to advance on Bea, smelling the air dramatically as Bea yelped in horror.

“You guys are insane!!” Bea yelled as she took off with all of the girls following, some girls getting up from their tables and running after Bea as well. She had about fifteen women on her tail as Bea jumped over a bush and ducked under an umbrella. She pushed past several people on the sidewalk as she ran into her dorm house and scrambled up the stairs.

Her heart was pounding when Bea finally made it to her dorm door, hearing the click of heels against the staircases as the girls still followed. What the hell was going on?!

“ZO! OPEN THE DOOR!” Bea yelled as she banged her fists against the wood. Zoey opened a minute later, looking stylish as she raised her brows.

“Bea, what the hell did I- Hey, something smells really good.” She said, lifting her head to sniff the air as Bea gasped, reeling back just as the elevator dinged and half of the Zetas walked out.

“THERE SHE IS!” They yelled in unison as Bea screamed in horror before taking off down the hallway and down the exit stairs.

“Bea, wait!” Zoey yelled after her as she ran with the other girl’s, just as Bea broke out of the dorm house and ran far, far away.

Her feet led her there on their own as Bea found herself in front of the Zeta house. She pivoted through the bushes as she grabbed onto the vines growing up the side of one of the windows. She climbed it quickly, adrenaline pushing her through before she reached the bay window, specifically, Poppy’s bay window.

“Pops!” Bea hissed through the window as she glanced down. Bad idea considering she was like three stories up. Turning her head, Bea could hear the girls still running after her, some even coming into view off in the distance.

“Pops, please! Poppy! Poppy Min-Sinclair!” Bea yelled, groaning to herself just as the bay windows opened.

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Should she call Bea?

Poppy tossed her phone on her bed, scrapping another message to the brunette as she brought a pillow to her face and screamed into it. A therapeutic scream after, Poppy let the pillow just rest on her face.

“This is so fucking stupid.” She mumbled as she tossed the pillow away. She was bored and she didn’t want to study for her upcoming Marketing Midterm, but she didn’t exactly want to call Bea either.

Bea had only been there last night, staying over like she usually did, but that occurrence shouldn’t have been considered usual now. She left early in the morning and now Poppy wanted to call her back to her dorm room, but she had class. Even though she knew for a fact that Bea would ditch her class for anything Poppy asked.

That was good ammunition and a little flattering too.

She picked up her phone again, looking over her texts and thinking to herself. Would it be weird to text? Maybe she should call, so that Bea wouldn’t misunderstand the situation of course.

She tossed away her phone once again, pulling herself up from her bed and walking over to her desk. Sitting casually in the center was a single rose that Bea had brought last night. She frequently climbed up Poppy’s vine towards her balcony window every other night even though Poppy told her she could use the door like a normal person. At the floor level, the Zeta house had many rose bushes that Bea enjoyed vandalizing, specifically to bring one to Poppy when she found a good one.

Picking up the rose, Poppy turned it over in her hands. It was corny, but a little sweet. Setting it down, Poppy grabbed her marketing textbook, flipping open the book and trying her best to study the material, but failing miserably ten minutes in.

Her mind wandered for a bit, thinking over the Zetas upcoming schedule and a certain, infuriating brunette. Maybe she should have made that call…

A prompt rapt of knuckles hit Poppy’s window which startled her as she glanced behind her to see a very scared looking Bea. Who would have thought?

Poppy heard the girl yelling her name like a frantic plea as Poppy got up from her bed and cracked the windows open.

Relief filled Bea’s eyes as Poppy opened the windows wider, letting Bea tumble in with a fall as she cursed at her poor landing. The pillows Poppy had put there were apparently no help as she stood over Bea who was currently panting on the floor.

Sniffing the air, Poppy reeled back in horror as Bea took a deep breath and released it a second after. She smelled…awful!

“You smell like a wet dog!” Poppy complained as Bea scrambled to her feet, brushing her shirt as if she didn’t hear Poppy.

“Look, if you get crazy on me too, I have a better chance of def- Wait, did you say I smell like a wet dog?” Bea asked as Poppy nodded, pinching her nose as she glanced at Bea. Combined with the girl’s sweat, it was almost unbearable.

“You smell disgusting. What the hell happened to you?” Bea broke into a wide grin, rushing in to hug Poppy who jolted as if electrocuted. She usually liked how warm Bea was whenever she hugged her, but she smelled absolutely terrible. So, Poppy shoved her off and glanced down at Bea’s shirt.

“Your shirt is soaking wet.” Poppy stated as Bea sighed heavily, looking down at her clothes.

“Chloe had the nerds make her a ton of fireproof perfume and she spilled some on me. After that, all the girls at Belvoire were chasing me down the street cause they liked how I smelled. I ran through a sprinkler to get here.”

“Well you’re dripping water on my floor. Get out of that disgusting shirt and I’ll burn it for you.” Poppy said as Bea whined.

“I like this shirt! It’s not my fault that Chloe’s chemicals had a weird reaction to people. Thank goodness it didn’t affect you though.” Bea smiled as Poppy scrunched up her nose.

“Of course it wouldn’t. You probably smell worse than that pigsty you call home.”

“Even Zoey was attracted to it! I think it reeks.” Bea mumbled as she grabbed the ends of her long sleeve t-shirt, trying to pull it over her head as she stood close to Poppy.

Poppy swallowed hard as Bea moved. Her arms flexed as she tried to wrangle the shirt over her head, exposing the slim definition of her abs and her black trainee bra. Perfectly tanned skin with only a single mole on her right side that was a darker contrast. Sweat dripped down the girl’s stomach as Poppy followed the drop as Bea continued to struggle in her shirt.

“Shit I can’t-” Poppy shook her head, escaping her daze as she reached to help Bea pull on her shirt only for the girl to move too quickly and tangle Poppy as well. When her head popped through and the shirt was off, she lost her balance, falling face forward with Poppy falling on her back.

“Ah!” Poppy yelped as the two fell backwards and onto Poppy’s carpet. “Dammit Bea!” Poppy yelled as Bea tossed her shirt to the side. Her arms were placed on either side of Poppy’s head as her chain necklace dangled between them. Staring up into Bea’s eyes, Poppy found herself blushing as she gulped.

Sniffing the air, Poppy cleared her throat. It…it definitely didn’t smell bad anymore. “Sorry, this stuff got on my hands too.” Bea complained as she moved off of Poppy and collapsed sadly on the floor.

“I’ve read comics like this before. I hope I can rinse this stuff off.” Bea said as she glanced at her hands and her shirt that was tossed to the side. Poppy sat up quickly, turning her head and smelling the air once more.

It was different than before. Without the shirt on, Bea actually smelled… good. She leaned a little closer as Bea’s eyes widened.

“What are you-”

“Be quiet Hughes.” Poppy said as she leaned a little closer. She could hear Bea’s heart beating as the skin on her chest blushed red. Poppy moved to the side, one leg swung over Bea’s as she placed a hand on Bea’s shoulder and leaned closer to her neck.

Poppy could smell Bea’s cologne and her soap, but there was something else. Something that actually smelled really good. Poppy ducked her head and pressed a small kiss to Bea’s pulse point as Bea winced.

Poppy trailed her fingers up the length of Bea’s tattooed arm, scraping her nail against her muscle as Bea pulled back to look into Poppy’s eyes that were a little dazed.

“Don’t tell me you’re affected by it now?” Bea asked as Poppy bit her lip. Right, the chemicals, that was what was wrong with her.

“I’m just…wondering what it smells like. It’s familiar.” Poppy justified, before leaning closer towards Bea’s ear. She blew softly as Bea stiffened. The edge turned bright red as Poppy smirked, that was cute.

“Wait, I don’t want-”

“Hughes, calm down.” Poppy instructed as she let her hand slip lower, resting against Bea’s abs as she gently traced her fingertips across the planes of her stomach. She could feel the lingering remains of sweat as Bea swallowed hard.

“It- it’s just the chemicals.” Poppy mumbled as she leaned closer, looking Bea straight in the eyes. The scent had gotten to her head, making her feel dizzy as she tilted Bea’s chin up with her pointer finger. Bea smelled absolutely delicious and Poppy… Poppy wanted a taste.

Cupping the back of the girl’s neck, Poppy leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Bea’ lips as Bea opened her mouth to the kiss. Bea, forgetting about her chemical situation, moved to rest her hands on Poppy’s back as the girl leaned closer to get a better angle to kiss Bea. She kissed her aggressively, biting Bea’s lower lip as the girl groaned under Poppy’s touch.

Poppy could smell the ‘perfume’ stronger now, making her head swarm with thoughts as she creeped her hand up towards Bea’s black sports bra just as a loud bang came from outside Poppy’s door.

The two broke apart quickly, but Poppy still sat on top of Bea’s leg as Zoey’s voice rang through the door.

“Bea? Bea, are you in there with Poppy?” Zoey asked as Bea was about to reply before Poppy slapped a hand across the girl’s mouth to silence her.

“What the hell do you want Wade?” Poppy yelled back as Bea mumbled protests against Poppy’s hand. She darted out her tongue to lick Poppy’s hand as she reeled back.

“How dare you-” Poppy hissed as Zoey sighed from outside the door.

“I’m looking for Bea. I think we really scared her guys.” Zoey said to the Zeta girls and others who probably stood outside Poppy’s door. “We were just joking around, making Bea think that she had some irresistible scent.” Zoey laughed as did the other girls outside the door.

“She smelled awful, but it was so funny.” Chloe chimed in as Poppy’s eyes widened in horror. She glanced down at Bea who looked just as shocked.

“Anyway, if you see her. Tell her it was a joke and that she needs to take an extra long shower tonight.” Zoey left a second later, all the girls following her as the house went silent once more.

Poppy didn’t dare look at Bea as Bea remained quiet too. The only sound between them was the distant noise of Belvoire as Bea looked at her shirt, then at her arms, and finally at Poppy who was half-hazardly sitting on her lap.

“...it was a joke.” Bea mumbled before biting her lip. “Wait, what about you-” Poppy slapped a hand across the girl’s mouth again as Bea rolled her eyes. She was getting used to that apparently.

“Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut. Up.” Poppy hissed as Bea raised a brow before Poppy could feel her smirk underneath Poppy’s palm.

“Not. A. Word. SweetCreek. Or I’ll kill you now and send your remains to your family in Whoville.”

Bea shook her head gently as Poppy removed her hand. She slid off Bea’s lap a minute later, staying on the floor as Bea relaxed on the carpet, propping her head up with her hand as she looked at Poppy.

It was a joke and Poppy probably just made a fool of herself. Glancing to the side, Bea was still watching Poppy, smiling like the Cheshire cat as Poppy sighed heavily, before moving down and pressing a kiss to Bea’s lips.

She still smelled amazing and Poppy’s head was still spinning. She pulled away a second later, still sitting close to Bea who opened her eyes.

“...What was that?” Bea asked as Poppy rested a hand against the side of Bea’s head, threading her slender fingers through Bea’s short brown hair that fell in fine strands. She shrugged, pushing down the smile that threatened as she moved back down to give Bea another kiss.

“Probably the chemicals.”

[kendrickslmanburg]

Let me refer you to someone else

SUMMARY: This is just my twist on the activities fair scene lmaooo also my box is open for requests

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A yellow cab stopped by the entrance of Barden University, Beca Mitchell was forced to attend college by her father's favor which was annoying for her. She wanted to fly to LA and be a music producer, not suffer for four years in a college somewhere in Atlanta. "Hi! Welcome to Barden University, what dorm?" A blonde girl wearing a green polo greeted her as she stepped out of the cab grabbing her bags from the trunk, this is going to be the hell that she's going to be in for four years... wow... amazing. "Uhm, Baker Hall... I think." She responded, after miss annoying blondie tour guide talked Beca down about the directory, which she never listened. She headed to her dorm building, While she grabbed the keys from her back pocket a familiar face noticed her in the hallways "Beca Mitchell?!?" A voice called her name. Beca turns around to see none other than Stacie Conrad, her bestfriend since what? Third grade? Finally a miracle happened as she stepped foot in the campus.

"Stacie Conrad?!?!?" Beca exclaimed to see her friend after she moved schools after eight grade. Stacie pulls Beca in for a tight hug, she lightly shoves the taller woman away "What brings you here to Barden? It's been so long, and you're still short." Stacie teased by placing her hand on her head, Beca swatted her arm away stifling a laugh "Stop! You got taller, how the hell did you get taller?" Beca tried to compliment her friend's height.

"Volleyball." Stacie responded, Beca slowly nods as an answer "Anyways, I am going to the activities fair. Wanna come?" Stacie changes the subject and encourages Beca to go with her to the campus grounds. "Sure, let me just drop off my bags and I'll go with you." Beca smiled at Stacie as she entered her dorm room.

Meanwhile at the activities fair, Chloe Beale and Aubrey Posen are handing out flyers to every single woman in the entire campus, and the only one who somehow was interested was an Australian who calls herself "Fat Amy". Chloe looks at the crowd of people and sees Beca who is all alone, Stacie had to go and check out the science clubs around the campus, nerd.

"Oh what about her?" She asked Aubrey, Aubrey took a look on who Chloe was looking. She looks displeased, Aubrey looks at Chloe "No, she looks a little "Alternative" to be-"

"Hi any interest in joining our acapella group?" Chloe didn't listen to Aubrey and decided to ask Beca the question, Beca grabs the flyer from the redhead's hand and looks back up at the two bellas.

"So this is like a thing now?" Beca asked

"Yes, we sing without any instruments, it's all from our mouths!" Chloe enthusiastically responded to Beca. Beca just winced at the though "Yikes, sorry it's not my thing. But! I can refer you to someone I know who fits this whole criteria thing you got going on, her name's Stacie. I'll let her know about this whole thing you have going on." Beca backs away from the two ladies and starts to run to where Stacie is. Chloe and Aubrey looks at Beca running and back at each other, Aubrey shrugs "Just keep flyer-ing!" She commanded the redhead.

[thr-333]

Just Another Class Trip :) Part 8

News gets out and everyone handles it calmly and respectfully.

First< Previous >Next

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“Hi Tom, Sabine, how are you,” Selina gives a fake smile, not waiting for them to answer, “So Marinette's in town,”

“Yes is something wrong?” Tom asks worriedly.

“No nothing is wrong,” If you didn’t count the villain attacking the pool yesterday as wrong, “It’s just um, you know how I never told you who her father was?”

“Yes,”

“Well, apparently Gotham didn’t need the help and figured it out pretty much immediately,”

“So does that mean we finally get to be in the loop?” Tom’s eyes sparkle, he had always bothered her for the identity of his adopted daughter's father.

“Oh no one special, you probably haven’t heard of him,” They most certainly have, “Bruce Wayne?”

“... You dated Bruce Wayne?” The man who had become like a brother to her asks.

“I’m actually engaged to him now,” that already sounded so complicated and it wasn't even the tip of the iceberg. How did her life become so complicated? Well, at least she had managed to keep Marinette from it, well at least for a while.

“Congratulations!” He booms, “Oh what's the theme? We'll make you a cake! Wait no we cant send it by plane… what am I talking about! We’ll come to Gotham to make it! Unless it’s a destination wedding? A beach might be hard but I’m always up for a challenge,”

“Tom, Tom, it’s exciting I know,” Where did Marinette fall on the nature vs nurture scale? Because these two reacted exactly the same way, “But we have bigger problems right now!”

“What's the matter, Selina?” Sabine asks with motherly concern, much better than Selina could ever hope to manage.

“People figured it out… pretty much the second she stepped into Gotham at that,” Selina sighs, “The press is going crazy with theories, paparazzi basically stalking Marinette, Bruce is trying to talk to her about it … and he saw me with her, he knows somethings up,”

“Do you think it’s time we spilled the beans?” Tom asks, calming down from his wedding excitement, “Marinette's always known she was adopted but…”

“Not that I’m her mother? Yeah,” Silence hangs in the air for a while, the screen being the only source of light in her dark safe house, “You know I can try and work through this, no one has to know,”

“Hm…. if you think it’s best,” Sabine nods, before looking to her husband, “But if you want or need to tell people this would be the time,”

“Is… is that alright with you?”

“We love Marinette, and we know she’ll still love us no matter what, if our little family wants to grow then we should let it!” Tom exclaims, she should have known they would be fine with it, always so accepting that's one of the reasons she chose them to take care of her daughter.

“I’ll think about it,” She promises, cutting off the call to be alone with her thoughts.

Apparently her biggest hurdle was actually plucking up the courage to tell everyone. She thought she should at least tell Marinette, but lo and behold here they were in the Wayne manor waiting to hold a meeting about how to handle the rumor and Marinette is still in the dark. Well, she has no other choice but to commit now, try and get Marinette through her trip and out of the city without anyone being the wiser. Hell, she had kept the world's greatest detective from knowing for all these years surely this would be no more trouble.

Despite that, she ran into a little bitty problem while Bruce was explaining to Marinette how to handle the press; her conscience. It had been this annoying thing that started growing more and more as she spent time around Bruce. And now that they were engaged it decided to be a royal pain in her neck trying to convince her to be honest and tell the truth, how was that going to help with their marriage!

Surely this would be the worst possible place to admit it. Not only was Marinette and Bruce here, but the entire damn Batfamily to boot, sans Jason. If she were to tell now there would no doubt be bloodshed. No, the best way, if she was going to tell them, would be later in private, she could get Bruce to drive them back to the hotel and take a detour along the way, then she could tell them and bam! They would both know and her conscience would leave her alone, that was certainly the best plan of action-

And then Marinette smiled at him and Bruce smiled back, she didn’t even know what was said but goddammit-

“Marinette's our daughter!”

Everything in the room stops. Even those happy to mill about their conversation on the other size pause, a glass drops, she doesn't even wait for it to shatter before continuing. Floodgates are open now, no going back.

“Seventeen years ago, took her to Paris, pretended to be her Aunt, let Tom and Sabine raise her!” She stood up, bolting from the room, not stopping until she was far from Wayne manor.

Yep, I think I handled that well.

They all stood frozen, staring at the door Aunt, no Selina, her Mother had just run out. Everything was silent, for about two seconds before incomprehensible screeching. Or at least that's what it sounded like to her as everyone started shouting over each other.

“Did you know!?”

“No! How would I know?!”

“How could you not know! Everyone else did!”

“You didn’t!”

“That's because he said it wasn't true!”

“How the fuck-”

“Bruce why ,”

“By god how reckless can you be!?”

“This is… wow,”

Marinette didn’t stick around to hear the rest, slipping out the door Selina had disappeared through, like mother like daughter she guessed. Speaking of, she needed to call her Maman and Papa first, had the known all along? She was meant to just be an average girl… who’s a superhero… and vigilante…. And famous fashion designer…. And guardian- ok maybe she hadn't done a great job at the whole ‘ordinary girl’ thing, be she had liked to think she was normal at least once in her life… apparently not.

“Marinette sweetie!” Her Papa’s voice boomed over the call, “How are you?”

“Aunt Selina- not- how- I-”

“Oh, she told you?” Her Maman spoke more quietly than her Papa, calm voice calming her down.

“Me, and everyone else,” Marinette sat down at the steps to Wayne Manor, looking out at the front gardens without really seeing anything.

“Yes we thought she might, are you ok sweetie?”

“I’m shocked,”

“Yes well knowing her she didn’t handle it too well,” Papa spoke knowingly.

“She bolted now I’m stuck at Wayne Manor,” Marinette supplies, not that she really had a better place to be.

“Yes, that's like her,” She can hear her Maman laugh a little, “How are you feeling?”

“A little confused,” A lot confused.

“When she was pregnant with you she came to us, she and Bruce apparently didn’t have a very stable relationship back then and didn’t think either of them could take care of you,” Maman explains, “So she came to us, asking for just to raise you, she wasn't going to be a part of your life but I think she loved you more than expected because she kept coming back and eventually became your Auntie Selina,”

“Thats… wow,”

“Need some time?”

“Yeah,”

“Take all the time you need,” Papa encouraged, “We’re always here for you, and we love you,”

“I love you too,” Marinette smiles, letting the call drop staring off into nothingness.

The Kwamis came out of hiding to cuddle close but left her to her thoughts which Marinette appreciated. They sat in silence for a long time, Marinette worked out that she didn’t mind so much. Sure it was a shock, but it didn’t change how much she loved her parents, and it meant her family had just gotten a little bigger, or a lot bigger as Bruce had introduced her to a lot of people. The only thing left to worry about was the others, they didn’t seem very happy at the news.

Before Marinette can let the dread of that fester too long the front door opens, catching her attention as Bruce steps through. He seemed tired, and was that bruise a punch mark!?- no nevermind she wasn't going to ask. He comes to sit down next to her, neither talking for a while as they both stare out at the garden.

“... So Selina left?” He asks eventually.

“Yep, and I don’t think she’s coming back any time soon,”

“Of course not,” She shakes his head, a little amused, “Did she tell you?”

“No, but my parents knew- wait I didn’t mean!-”

“It’s fine,” He assures, settling her panic, “I just found out, I can hardly be considered a parent,”

“Guess not… What about the others?”

“Oh they’re a little shocked,” Bruce puts it lightly, his bruise being a dead give away, “I think they expected me to adopt you long before suspecting we were already related,”

“Just how many siblings do I have,” Marinette half mutters to herself, “wait- are they my siblings?”

“Depends who you ask, Dick? Yes, I think he already left to find decorations for your room,”

“I have a room?”

“If Dick has anything to say about it, also I suspect Alfred already set you up one, although I couldn't tell you when,”

“Of course he did,” That man seemed to know more than all of them combined, “So does that mean I can stay over some time?”

“Certainly, although I might suggest waiting a day or two,” He looks back at the mansion, light-catching his bruise.

“I might give it three, just to be sure,” She smiles, still wondering what happened there.

They start talking, catching up on each other's lives. Marinette skirts around anything that doesn't pertain to her identity as Marinette, Ladybug, MDC, Starling the whole gang. They are only interrupted by Marinette's phone buzzing, she picks it up, Adrien was the one to call but both Chloe and Kagami are there with him.

“Marinette,” Adrien says urgently, “Remember Cuppy?”

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Taglist (sorry put the taglist for another fic before fixed it now)

@smolplantmum @flufflepuffle296 @dawnwave16  @caffeinetheory   @g-arya   @Maribat-2k20   @ladybug-182    @Actual-disaster-human    @fusser90   @messrs-weasley   @soap-lady  @paintedhope7   @zeneralla    @mochegato     @random-nerd-3 @clumsy-owl-4178  @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen   @too0bsessedformyowngood @certifiedbidisaster  @Purplegeekypanda @awkward0ghostfan @theymakeupfairies @tikki-marinette @insane-fangirl-of-everything @elmokingkong @inarachi02 @slytherinhquinn @moongoddesskiana @dast218 @buginetye @redscarlet95 @biodad-bruce-month @hansa-12 @waiting247 @toodaloo-kangaroo @how-to-fuction-properly @trippingovermyfeet @greekmythgal @whatthefox22 @the-alice-of-hearts @bigpicklebananatree @indecisive-mess-named-me @nalu-ismyjam @deepestobservationwombat @salamonka

[moonreed]

My reviews for Singled Out and Brave The Last Dance

Cute episode, but a little disappointing. Not because of Francisco's absence, not only. 😒 I didn't really like this episode so much because it seemed not to be very well developed and it almost happened in a rather hurried way. Lynn lied to her friends saying she finally had a new boyfriend as she actually didn't and didn't even confess at the end that it was all a fiction, and neither did the friends apologize to her for neglecting her because of their partners. The story of exploiting a fake engagement doesn't seem like a very positive thing, and I didn't find the whole initial part of the episode as much fun.😕😑😵 😅Fortunately, there were also positive things in this episode: In the end, Lynn confesses to Dexter that she is not very inclined to lead a relationship, as she hates romance a little. This episode also teaches that it is not important to have a romantic partner if you are already happy even so. Having a romantic partner doesn't necessarily mean it's the only thing that can lead you to happiness. No, you can be happy even without a partner and without extreme romance. A nice lesson for singles, therefore (And I'm single). Another nice thing is that the crew wanted to represent another LGBT couple in the show. And this romantic moment between the two girls was short but exciting. I was pleasantly surprised by the show's courage to include other new LGBT characters.🤩🥰👍

A nice 7.5 / 10 😌👌

😍This is truly amazing! Much better than this singled out! I really loved it so much, maybe this is the best Clyde episode of the whole show .... Emma and Chloe are two girls definitely both very adorable and cute. But I liked Chloe even more, because at least she didn't reject Clyde, she confessed that she likes him and then she agreed to dance with him. Much unlike Emma. I'm sorry that Emma rejected him by preferring friendship, while Chloe is been great instead! Maybe it's better this way: despite being adorable, Emma would be a little too similar to Luan. Some people would end up exclaiming, confusing Emma with Luan: What ??? Clyde x Luan?😅

Luckily, Clyde ended up being with a very different but still very nice, sweet and kind girl: Chloe.

Now this is definitely my new OTP, one of my favorite couples. Before, with Clyde my favorite couple was Clydeku (ClydexHaiku). My least favorite? ClydexPenelope.

Of all the possible couples with Clyde like ClydexStella, ClydexHaiku, ClydexLynn and ClydexSid ... well, ClydexPenelope is the only couple I don't like. Of course, it would be nice for Clyde to overcome the crush on Lori by falling in love with a new girl, but honestly I don't want Penelope to be that girl. I would prefer more Haiku or Sid. I don't really like Penelope As girlfriend for Clyde because it's too cliche, too similar to Clyde: Same nerd air, same big glasses, same curly hair and same shy character. 😅 Eh, yes. (When I saw it for the first time, in “Green House”, I mistaken her for a boy .) And then, I am more for couples "opposites attract". I believe that Clyde needs a slightly different girl. A sweet but lively and cheerful girl, not at all shy, who could involve dragging Clyde with her on some adventure and encouraging him to do more new things, all full of enthusiasm.🤩🥰 and Chloe is absolutely perfect for him! 

P.Š. 😅 Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Penelope. This character is cute, but it's just ok for me. Nothing special but ok. I just don't like Penelope as a girlfriend for Clyde. That's all. 😉

However, in this episode, certainly this is been a good development for Clyde when he found the courage to invite Chloe to dance with him and when he faced his anxieties by eliminating fainting and robotic stuttering. And I hope he continues to do it that way, and I hope so much that Chloe will come back again in the next episodes, he seems to me a very interesting character. Surely, the best Clyde episode! 

Rating 10/10 💖💖💖👍

P.s. Do you know a funny thing? Hours before the broadcast of this episode, I posted a post on twitter in which I said I noticed a curious thing after watching the Sneak Peek video: 🤔 Why does this Asian girl almost always appear next to Emma? In fact, I expressed suspicion by assuming that Chloe was perhaps romantically involved in this affair too, in case of failure with Emma. And in fact I guessed it! https://twitter.com/ChiccaBluMare/status/1228600621303058434

This premise would be very similar to that in L is for Love: Initially, many of us thought that Luna's crush was that brown boy called Sully, but then surprisingly turns out to be a girl instead. But there is also someone who already has noticed why there is always this blonde girl next to Sully, unlike other couples. so he suspects that Sam couldn't have been a simple appearance. 😉

[blueishfood]

Her handsome boy, (Prologue)

Pairing: Adrienette, Ninya (in the background)

Words: 1,4 k

Warning(s): Swearing, cheeky mentioning of sex

Summary: Alya, Marinette, Nino and Adrien are seniors (18 y/o) and as Marinette, biker- and bad-girl, discovers Alya’s crush on the music-nerd Nino Lahiffe she starts to question if she has a crush on a certain goody-two-shoes herself.

A/N: I got the idea from @marionettedupaincheng ‘s post, so thanks! This is the typical bad boy falls for the good girl plot but switched around. I really hope you like it, feedback is always great!

Marinette groaned as she pulled her bike into the schools parking lot. She hated school. She really did. She made her engine roar a little extra as she passed Choe, making her choke on her coffee and Marinette snickered. That quickly became the favourite part of her lousy day. Pulling the bike to a stop, Marinette stepped off the seat and pulled her helmet off. She locked the black and red motorbike and ruffled a hand through her shoulder length hair.

“Marinette Dupain Cheng!” She rolled her eyes as a pissed Chole stormed towards her. “How dare you even be remotely near me?!” Marinette put her helmet under her arm, hoisted her bag and walked off, ignoring the brat completely. She could hear the sharp clicking of heels as Chloe and her ‘friend’ Sabrina proceeded to follow her. “Cheng! Don’t you walk away from me!” Marinette didn’t turn around, if she did, she would probably punch Chole in her perfect teeth.

As Chloe slowed down behind her, Marinette made sure to speed up until she heard the clicking stop. “Cheng! You just wait, I will ruin you!” Marinette laughed out loud, flipping Chloe off with a grin.

As she walked into the high school she hated so intensely, Marinette was greeted with a wonderous sight she would never ever let her best friend live down. It was Alya Césaire flirting with the one and only Nino Lahiffe. Marinette guffawed out loud. “No. Fricking. Way.” She exclaimed slowly as Alya turned with wide eyes to look at her friend.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later Nino, bye!” Alya shouted, slamming her locker shut and running towards Marinette. She hooked her arm around the bluenette’s and stormed off. “Shut your face.” She mumbled under her breath as Marinette stole a few glances back at Nino. He looked after Alya in aw, and Marinette swore it looked like he thought it had been a dream. Marinette fought off a giggle at the pissed off look Alya was wearing behind her fiery red hair and grinned obnoxiously instead. “A single word…” Alya warned, and Marinette’s hands shot up into the air.

“I didn’t say nothing!” She laughed and hoisted her helmet once more. As they passed the blue lockers, a few students stopped to look at the bickering pair with wide eyes. Alya and Marinette being angry wasn’t anything new, but it was gossip, and this school lived for it.

Alya looked over at her best friend and frowned. “You were thinking something.” The redhead accused and shoved away a peer who came to close. He stumbled to the ground but Alya didn’t bother to look. The students were used to her fiery bad temper and they knew not to get too close when her eyes were blazing. And Anthony was a creep anyway.

“Was not.” Marinettes voice hinted at something else entirely but Alya simply rolled her eyes.

“It’s not like he’s anything serious anyway. It’s just some fun, that’s all.” Marinette glanced back at Nino, as they had not yet taken a turn, and nodded. The poor nerd was stuffing books in his locker only for them to fall out immediately.

“Yeah, sure.” She answered, turning her eyes back at her best friend and a grin crept back onto her face. “He’s cute though.” Marinette smirked, but Alya didn’t even blink.

“Yes. He is. You know he’s got this music collection of these old records, like I mean vinyl kind of old. And he keeps comparing them with new tunes, like the things my dad works on with his agency and he’s got all of these crazy theories about Elvis and Elton John, that newer artists actually copy their stuff without anyone noticing, it’s really interesting and I…” Alya trailed off as she saw Marinette’s grin widening significantly. “Oh, fuck you Mari.” She said, punching her friend’s shoulder. They opened the door to their biology class. The inside was old and the technology ancient, but they were still learning.

“No, no, don’t stop, let me hear about his wonderful taste in music and how you really want to wake up in his ar-” “Shut up or I’ll make you!” Alya warned, taking a step into the classroom. “…with the birds singin’ and the sun shinin’ and the naked Nino smilin’…” Alya hurried to their spot, hissing curses at the teasing Marinette behind her before they finally popped down by their desk. And she realized that Marinette had gone… silent? Well, that was a new one.

Alya turned to look at the girl she would be willing to push off a cliff now and saw something that would turn the tables. “What, so I talk to Nino, but you stare at his best friend? And you can tease me?”

Marinette turned her attention from the golden boy a seat ahead of them and to Alya who was talking about something apparently. “Huh?” She blinked slowly and smiled teasingly at her friend. “Were you talking about darling Nino?” Alya laughed and shook her head.

“No, I was talking about Mr. Agreste.” Marinette glanced at the blonde and back at the redhead. “What about him?” She asked, pretending to be oblivious to Alya’s smirk. Alya shrugged and didn’t mind lowering her voice as the teacher walked into class, starting the lesson. “Just his oblivious crush on you.” Marinette swore she saw Adrien flinch as he picked up his notebook and she smiled slightly.

“Don’t talk so loudly.” Marinette scolded in a harsh whisper, leaning her head on the palm of her hand. She tried to turn her attention to the class going on before her, but Alya’s intense stare dragged her away from her focus. But she was not going to give up.

“What?” Okay, so maybe she gave up. The teacher was boring old Jeanine anyways, it wasn’t like trying to pay attention would give Marinette a higher grade. She was sure Jeanine hated both her and Alya.

“What are you going to do about it?” Alya asked, prodding Marinette with her painted black nails. Marinette pushed Alya’s harsh finger away from her arm and raised an eyebrow. “What about it?” She didn’t see what Alya was hinting towards. “It’s not like he’s even crushing on me.”

Alya rolled her eyes and smiled. “Of course he is, you’re super cute!” A cold scowl was directed her way and Alya reformed her sentence. “…You’re badass?” Marinette rolled her eyes fondly but shook her head. “Even if he does, I really don’t care. Dating don’t interest me.”

Alya turned her eyes back to the boy in front of them and scanned his broad shoulders. “Not even if it involves sweaty, hot sex? Honey, you can’t deny, he has really grown over the years.” The redhead laughed as she saw Marinettes ears turn red. She squinted and tilted her head to the side slightly before she nodded approvingly. “My hot-radar is blinking girl.”

Marinette watched how Adrien’s muscles clenched through his black t-shirt and shook her head quickly. “With him?!” She hissed at her grinning friend. They both turned the volume down as the teacher angrily stared back at them and then they waited until she turned back around. Marinette’s blue eyes were glinting dangerously and Alya nodded at her previous outburst. The bluenette grabbed her leather jacket and pulled it more tightly around her body. “No. He’s Adrien Agreste. He’d run off scared.” She mumbled lowly.

“He would not.” Marinette raised her eyebrows at her friend. “Do you even know who he is? Adrien Agreste uses months in preparation to every test. He knows what we’re getting for exams before the teachers does.” She picked up her bag as Jeanine dismissed them with a hateful stare towards Marinette.

“He gets A’s only and he’s picked up by a limo every day because his parents are afraid of him tripping over a stone while walking.” Alya let Marinette talk as they walked through the entrance and out towards their lockers. “He models Christmas sweaters and tuxes. He dated the china ambassador’s daughter for like two months and they didn’t even kiss once. He is a snobby rich kid and I do not like him.” Marinette heaved a breath. Alya lifted her hands slowly.

“You sure put some thought into that.” The redhead commented with a grin, opening her locker with a combination Marinette knew backwards. The grin widened slightly. “Also, I didn’t accuse you of liking him.” Marinette sighed and leaned her forehead one of the cold lockers. “Just… shut up Alya.”

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! In the prologue you didn’t see much of Marinette’s bad-girl side. This is because she’s only around Alya. Alya has known her since forever and is not even remotely scared of her. I’ll probably continue this, but if you liked it, let me know!

Chapter 1

[ironicallyirwin]

Hi! I heard about the ship thing from Chloe. I’m Lottie and I can be really quiet and I like books but I can be VERY loud once I get comfortable with people. Im a Leo so I will attack anyone who pays any attention to me with love lmao.

Hi Lottie, I’m Alexa and it’s nice to meet you!! And honestly, I’m the same way when it comes to being loud with people i’m comfortable with.

Ship: Ashton | Calum | Luke | Michael

Gif of your ship:

Blurb: you and luke had met in high school. you were both the “quiet kids” who never really talked to anyone and liked to keep to yourself. one day as you were sitting in your school’s library reading during a free period, you noticed as some guys walked in. they were part of the school’s football team and they were scanning the library for someone. you continued to watch them, as being the quiet kid you were pretty much invisible to those around you, and you saw them go up to luke who was sitting at the other end of the library. the librarian had walked into the back room just moments before these guys walked in and you felt a lump in your throat form knowing exactly what was about to happen. “hey nerd,” you heard one of the guys say to luke, “you told me you’d have my chemistry homework done by fifth period and right now it’s seventh. i have chem next period so it better be done!” you watched as luke’s face got beet red and he quickly started digging through his backpack. “h-here it is. i could only answer questions one through eight. the last two needed a reference table that i couldn’t find.” he said to the jock. suddenly the jock lunged over the table and grabbed luke by the collar of his shirt. “listen here dweeb, i want you to do these two questions for me right now or i will pound your face into the ground.” you decided you’d had enough of watching luke be bullied like this. you dropped your book and quickly walked over to the jocks and luke. “leave him alone!” you exclaimed. the jocks turned their attention to you, the one not letting go of luke’s collar. “oh look, it’s your girlfriend.” one of the others said. “i said, leave him alone.” you repeated. the jock let go of luke’s collar and walked over to you menacingly. “i wouldn’t try anything, the librarian is going to come out in a minute and if she sees you, you’ll get at least three day’s worth of detention,” you started, “also your chem homework wouldn’t get done.” you reached over to the paper and took the pen that was lying by luke’s bag. “here.” you said, quickly scribbling down answers and then handing the paper to the jock. “are these right?” he asked. you nodded your head and the jock guy smiled stupidly. “sweet. thanks.” they walked out of the library just as the librarian came out of the back room. you took a seat next to luke and he gave you a shy smile. “thanks for sticking up for me back there.” he said. “it’s no problem, we have to stick together.” you told him. “were those answers right that you gave him? because i thought you needed-” “honestly i don’t know. i think i wrote random numbers down and just gave him the paper.” you said, cutting him off. the both of you chuckled and the librarian looked your way and hushed you both. “wanna go get lunch from the cafeteria?” you asked luke. he nodded and the both of you gathered your things and walked out of the library together.  

Blog rate: 1000000000000/10 LIGHT BLUE IS MY FAVE ALSO YOU JUST HAVE A REALLY CUTE BLOG 

i’m doing ships!

[beca-mitchell]

remember the day, pt. 3

Summary: The beginning of Beca’s visit to Portland. Also on AO3.

Word count: 3394

part 1 (intro/prompt) | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

It’s about one-and-a-half weeks before Beca’s scheduled visit to Portland.

Chloe is picking up some groceries from the New Seasons just outside her neighbourhood. As much as she likes these menial tasks her parents send her on, she longs for something more.

She doesn’t want to know about the life and career she left behind in Los Angeles, despite her parents’ encouragement that she reach out to her professors and supervisors.

She shakes her head at the thought.

“What...what do I do?” Chloe asks hesitantly. She plays nervously with the fringe of her blanket. She remembers finishing her third year at Barden. She doesn’t remember knowing what she wanted to do with the rest of her life at that stage.

Beca is nervous, hesitant. “Maybe I should...get Aubrey. Or your parents.”

Chloe’s nerves have been worn thin since waking up and discovering that she has an entire six years of life to catch up on. It’s odd thinking that she’s twenty-one when she’s really on the verge of turning twenty-seven.

It’s odd thinking that she’s engaged to this woman in front of her.

Despite it all, she trusts Beca, almost instinctively. That instinct is something she grapples to hold on to - the only solid foothold she has in this whole mess.

“No,” she says, when Beca gets up. “I...I think you’d know best,” she admits slowly.

Beca has never tried to push her or guilt her into remembering their love, these past couple of weeks in the hospital. Chloe sees hope shining through her.

“Okay,” Beca says, rubbing her palms on her jeans nervously as she sits back down. “I’m here for you.”

Chloe sighs heavily.

How is she supposed to return to her life when she doesn’t even know if she has the skills to do it?

I’m afraid.

These bursts of fear aren’t new, but they still debilitate her. She grits her teeth, forcing her legs to move as she pushes down the aisle.

In the middle of the canned goods aisle, her phone dings with a message from her brother.

Nick (2:59 p.m.) chlo can you get me some of that soup i really like the Uhh cheesy broccoli one

Chloe (3:00 p.m.) i remember the one I got u <3

Turning, she inspects the variety of Campbell’s soup cans lining the shelves. She frowns when she realizes there’s one lone can of Broccoli Cheese sitting on the topmost shelf, taunting her with its cheerful lettering.

She’s not the shortest person in the world, but her fingers still only manage to just graze the side of the can, inadvertently pushing it further back.

“Damnit,” she mutters, rocking back on her feet. She glances around, wondering if she can just climb into her cart and-

“I got that for you,” a voice says, startling her out of her reverie.

“Thank you,” she says, turning to her saviour. “My brother wouldn’t have let me live that down.”

He grins at her. “No problem. Really desperate for that soup, huh?” It’s a pleasant smile, friendly and inviting.

She blushes, mostly from embarrassment but a little bit of something else as well - something that makes her stomach twist slightly.

Chloe clears her throat. “Yeah, I guess he is.”

“What’s your favourite?” he asks, casually plucking a couple cans off the shelf.

“My favourite what?” she asks blankly.

“Soup.”

“Oh.” Oh. He’s teasing her. “I...can’t say I have a favourite,” she says lightly. She does smile in return, pleased at the distraction from her day.

“Well, maybe when you decide, you could shoot me a message and I can grab it from the top shelf for you?” he asks, slowly lifting his phone. He seems nervous, hesitant, and tentative.

Chloe can’t deny that she’s mildly attracted - quite attracted - to him; he’s tall, all dark hair and hazel eyes.

Still, she thinks of cobalt blue and gentle brown tresses as Beca’s face and name float into her mind.

Her head throbs.

“Okay,” she agrees, nonplussed by her own agreement. She tries not to let the wince show on her face even as her migraine begins to form. “I...I’m Chloe, by the way.”

“Matthew,” he says, gently reaching out to shake her hand. “Nice to meet you, Chloe.”

Chloe forgets about it a week later.

Beca is a bundle of nerves and more on the flight. She wrings her hands nervously, unable to bring herself to listen to music even though she has her noise-cancelling headphones on.

She tells herself that seeing Chloe again will mean nothing. It’s just her concern for her not-fiancée. Her friend. Her best friend.

She heaves a breath.

Aubrey and Fat Amy watch Beca sympathetically as she stuffs her jeans into her duffel.

“Are you nervous?” Aubrey asks, plucking a shirt out of Beca’s grasp and folding it neatly.

“That’s a silly question,” Amy tells her. “Of course she’s nervous. She’s meeting Chloe’s parents for the first time.”

Beca stares, confused. “No, I’m not. I’ve met them many times.”

“Yeah...but Red doesn’t know that, does she?” Amy flings one of Beca’s socks into her bag.

Beca grits her teeth. “Thanks for the reminder, Amy.”

Aubrey looks at Fat Amy disapprovingly before turning her attention back to Beca. “Are you sure you want to do this? Isn’t it too soon?”

“She said she wanted me to visit,” Beca says firmly. “I’m not going back on my promise to her.”

“Your feelings matter too, Beca,” Aubrey says gently. “Have you tried just telling her everything?”

“I’m not going to overwhelm her. I can’t.”

“Just two weeks ago, you told me your biggest fear was that Chloe would fall in love with somebody else,” Aubrey accuses.

“Yeah, and just two weeks ago, you told me that it’d be fine if she did,” Beca shoots back. She hears a whispered “not cool,” from Amy and Aubrey’s ensuing huff.

“I just...Beca are you sure you’re going to be okay on this trip?”

“Yes,” Beca enunciates. “I...I just have to see her, if anything. And if I spend some time with her in an environment where she feels comfortable, maybe I can eventually convince her that she can come back to Los Angeles. She needs to work on routine if she wants a shot at getting her memory back.”

“If you want a shot,” Aubrey corrects quietly.

Beca swallows the lump in her throat and stares into her duffel bag.

"Beca?" Beca turns to see that Amy looks serious. "Chloe will come around, you know that, right?"

"You know what? Everyone keeps telling me that,” Beca says slowly. “But I don't feel it."

When Beca lands, she fully expects to be greeted by Chloe’s parents or brother.

Instead, she catches sight of a familiar head of hair and a radiant smile directed straight at her.

“Chloe,” she breathes, sliding her headphones off so they’re around her neck. She strides purposefully towards her, lugging her oversized duffel bag along the way.

“Hello,” Chloe greets, friendly, if not a little formal. “I hope you don’t mind. I wanted to come along to pick you up.”

Beca thinks that Chloe could wink and everything would feel like normal again. The slightly teasing lilt to her voice, the way her hair is swept to one-side and just slightly windswept and messy, the way her hands are stuffed nervously into her jean pockets....it endears Beca to Chloe more.

She has missed Chloe so much over the past few weeks. Their house feels empty and too silent. Beca feels like she could drown in that silence.

But now - standing in front of Chloe, she suddenly feels the most awake she has in a while.

“Here you are,” Beca says quietly. “Do we, uh,” she gestures awkwardly, blushing furiously when Chloe tilts her head, confused.

“Do we what?”

“I don’t know. Shake hands? Like a nice to see you again kind of thing?”

She doesn’t tell Chloe that her first impulse was to run into her arms and kiss her. That all she wants to do is wrap Chloe up in her arms and tell her how much she missed her; how much she loves her.

Chloe’s smile is gentle amidst her hesitance. “How about a hug?”

Beca drops her duffel and rushes straight into Chloe’s arms. She buries her nose into the soft fabric of her sweater and tries not to think about how simultaneously familiar and foreign this feels.

“Thank you,” Beca whispers, muffled against Chloe’s shoulder.

Chloe’s heart only races faster. She fights back the confusion and aggravation, focusing on enjoying how Beca feels in her arms. She swallows the lump in her throat and nods, cheek brushing against Beca’s hair. “Thank you,” she echoes before quickly pulling back.

Beca climbs into the backseat of Nick’s Volvo after tossing her bag in the trunk. Chloe is fiddling with the radio, obnoxiously changing stations wildly much to Nick’s apparent chagrin.

“Just pick one, nerd,” he exclaims, laughing at Chloe’s antics. He grins, twisting to face Beca. “Beca Mitchell, how have you been?” He reaches around to hold a hand up for a high five. Beca rolls her eyes, but she appreciates at the normalcy.

She high fives him, but pauses when she catches the solemn expression on Chloe’s face.

“Uh, so are we just heading back to your place?” Beca asks, leaning back quickly.

“Yeah. Mom and dad wanted to have a nice dinner in. I figured you’d want to shower and settle in and stuff.”

Beca nods, trying to decide between staring out the window and staring surreptitiously at the side of Chloe’s head.

She settles on cautiously alternating between both, reflecting on the last time she was in Portland with Chloe, celebrating their engagement with her parents and close family friends.

We were so happy.

She watches the light highlight the curve of Chloe’s nose, the arch of her cheekbone - only just barely restraining the long sigh that threatens to escape.

Chloe’s humming startles her from her morose thoughts. Beca’s eyes are drawn to the casual way Chloe has her legs crossed on her seat, remembering how long it took for Chloe to get back in a car, let alone sit comfortably.

Now, she’s humming, tapping on her thighs along with the rhythm.

Beca can’t deny that being in Portland has helped because this Chloe - this Chloe is miles away from the Chloe that Beca got back after the accident.

Unbidden, Beca sinks into a flashback.

“Chlo!” Beca exclaims. “You can’t put your feet on my lap while I’m driving!”

Chloe groans. “Then let me drive!”

“You know you’re a pretty terrible driver, right? Like, that’s actually a thing. You’re a terrible driver.”

“I’m so offended that you think I’m a terrible driver.”

“Okay!” Beca laughs, shoving Chloe’s foot away when she begins jabbing her thigh. “Okay, you’re not terrible. You just have a little bit of road rage. Other than that, you’re pretty careful.”

Chloe nods, moving her legs back to her side. “Thank you. It’s everybody else that’s terrible. I merely enforce the social norms.”

“Is that so?”

Chloe hushes her, turning up the volume on the radio. “I love this song,” she says, humming along.

Beca rolls her eyes even as a blush rises up her neck. “You only love it because I wrote it.”

Chloe hums for a moment longer. “Of course, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t think it’s wonderful on its own.” She reaches across the console to cup Beca’s cheek. “You’re so talented, Bec,” she says quietly.

Beca tilts her head, nuzzling into the palm of Chloe’s hand. “I love you,” she murmurs.

Chloe brushes her hand through her hair. “I love you, too.”

She could spend the rest of her life riding in cars with this woman.

Beca doesn’t realize she’s crying until she slowly fades back to reality. The reality where she has to remind herself that Chloe is years behind her.

She slowly wipes her cheeks hoping not to draw attention to herself. Glancing up at the mirror, she pauses when she feels Chloe’s eyes on her from the front seat. Chloe turns quickly when Beca meets her gaze.

Beca tries not to feel too hurt by that.

(She’ll wait if she has to. Chloe did.)

Chloe continues humming.

Beca doesn’t bother telling her that she wrote this song for her.

Chloe pauses when Beca and Nick walk up to the porch together, chatting in a friendly manner.

If anything, it makes Chloe believe that Beca and Nick are close friends. It throws her for a loop, seeing that Beca knows her family with such intimacy and familiarity.

Her mother greets Beca with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Her father does the same.

Chloe tilts her head, wondering how Beca had been when she first met her parents. In a kind of imaginative, twisted fantasy, she pictures Beca with an adorably nervous expression on her face, stuttering, but pushing herself to impress Chloe’s parents no matter what.

It makes her smile for a moment, but she only ends up feeling even worse because she hates that she can’t remember.

At dinner, all traces of crying are gone, but Beca thinks that Chloe couldn’t look more uncomfortable if she tried. She’s not sure how they got here from hugging each other at the airport like old friends.

Well, she kind of does know - Doctor Forham and Doctor Lin had mentioned that Chloe’s mood swings would likely come out in full force.

She watches the way Chloe pushes her food around on her place. While not completely sullen, there’s a quiet, serious aura about Chloe, which seems out of place for her usually cheerful disposition.

Beca supposes there’s not much to be cheerful about these days.

“How’s dinner, Beca?”

Chloe looks up at her mother’s question, watching Beca with curious eyes.

“It’s great,” Beca replies honestly. She locks eyes with Chloe. “Thanks for having me.”

“You’re very welcome, Beca. We’re happy to see you again. You’re practically family.”

Chloe winces at that and looks back down quickly. Beca sees her mouth the word ‘family’ though it’s without malice or disdain. Merely like she’s testing it out on her lips.

The embers of hope haven’t quite faded away.

Beca fans at them quickly. “Family,” she repeats quietly.

She sees Chloe glance at her.

After dinner, Beca and Chloe are attempting to help clean up, but are being warded off by Chloe’s parents.

“Chloe, why don’t you bring Beca to the guest room?” Chloe’s father suggests.

Nick smirks at Beca. “Ooh, the guest room.”

Beca’s blush reaches her forehead. Chloe scowls and swats him quickly.

“Nicholas, stop bothering them and let them get settled in,” her mother admonishes.

Chloe nods, satisfied with that reprimand. She reaches out to help Beca with her bag in the living room. “This is huge,” she mutters. “It’s larger than you are.”

Beca laughs at that. “Height jokes, huh, Beale?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be short on those,” Chloe says.

Beca gapes at her for a moment, pausing before entering the room.

She tries not to think about how odd it is to be staying in the guest room as opposed to Chloe’s room.

Beca throws herself on the bed when she’s within launching distance. She sighs happily at the soft mattress against her sore back. When she opens her eyes, Chloe is still watching her, though she hovers awkwardly in the doorway.

“Chloe,” Beca says gently. “What’s going on?”

“I...why were you crying in the car earlier?” Chloe asks, as blunt as ever.

"I just had something in my eye," Beca says quickly. 

“Don’t lie to me.” 

That exchange is so familiar that Beca forgets for a moment. She softens. “I could never lie to you. I’m sorry.”

“Why were you crying?” Chloe asks, stepping slowly towards Beca. 

“...because you don’t remember me and it’s so clear that it hurts you that you can’t remember anything,” Beca responds, finally. “And I still don’t really know what to do with that information.”

“You blame me a little, don’t you?” Her voice cracks and it makes Beca shoot up off the bed. 

I blame myself, she thinks savagely. Somehow, I blame myself. "No, I will never blame you," she says with conviction 

“I’m so confused,” Chloe whimpers. “And now you’re here and you - you just know my family, maybe even better than I do because I’m missing the last six years of their life.”

Beca wants to...she doesn’t fucking know anymore. She wants to just drop to her knees and tell Chloe to just take whatever she wants from her own head. She wants to offer her own memories if it means that Chloe gets to live even just a modicum of the life she once had. Even if it means Beca has to give up some of her own.

This tug-of-war of happiness drains Beca’s life every day, so she can’t imagine what Chloe’s going through.

“This isn’t easy on anybody, baby,” Beca replies before she can stop herself. Neither of the notice or comment on the slip-up. She’s cupping Chloe’s cheeks, tenderly rubbing tears away. “We want to help you, okay?”

Briefly, Chloe wonders if this is helpful; if this proximity to Beca and resisting the temptation to simply kiss Beca right then there are helpful to the situation at all.

Beca’s eyes are wide, tearful, and filled with love and affection. 

They’re not particularly helpful.

She inhales shakily and steps out of Beca’s orbit. 

“Let’s just...work on this while you’re here, okay?” Chloe asks softly. “Just...figuring stuff out.” Us. “I want to...try,” Chloe says, testing the word out on her tongue.

It’s more than Beca can remember being offered within the past few months. 

She’ll take whatever she can get.

They settle on a movie after dinner and unpacking. It’s that first night - that one where Beca really dives back into assessing how in love with Chloe she still is, in every way, shape, and form.

They watch a random thriller set in space recommended by Netflix.

‘Watch’ is loose. Beca tries to remember how to breathe, sitting in such close proximity to Chloe.

Chloe falls asleep about halfway through and ends up curling into Beca’s side, dead to the world by the time the halfway point of the movie comes around.

"Chloe, are you awake?" Beca slowly begins to untangle herself from Chloe. The movie credits play in the background.

When she finally succeeds, she huffs, brushing her hair out of her face. Chloe is sprawled on the couch, mouth cracked open carelessly. A very quiet snore escapes her lips.

Beca thinks this is the youngest Chloe has looked in recent months, without the constant worry or distress marring her beautiful features. She sighs, kneeling so she’s eye-level with Chloe’s head. “Chlo?” she tries again.

She considers waking Chloe up fully to bring her to her bedroom for a more comfortable sleep. Chloe grunts quietly in her sleep and twists, turning her head fully so that she’s face to face with Beca suddenly. Beca stumbles, nearly falling backwards but she manages to catch herself on the coffee table.

Slowly moving forward again, she reaches out to brush a strand of hair from Chloe’s cheek before letting her fingers glide down soft, warm skin.

In her mind, she sees the bruise that had marred Chloe’s cheek and the cuts along her forehead and jaw.

Now, Chloe sleeps peacefully in front of her, like it never happened. If Beca forces herself to simply imagine, she can pretend like nothing has changed.

Selfishly, she wonders if Chloe dreams of her.

“I love you,” she says, feeling shy as she talks directly to Chloe’s sleeping form. “I love you and everything you are. Even if you don’t remember all the ways you made my life better, I know that I will always love you.” She wills herself not to cry. “I promise I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

Beca pauses, taking a shaky breath. She gently combs through Chloe’s hair, thankful that Chloe appears to be as heavy a sleeper as she always was.

“Even if you can’t say it back – if you can’t mean it in the same way, I’ll never be able to love anyone else as much I love you."

tbc // fic tag

[justwritethatdown]

Bechloe Week - Friday 27

Road Trip

It’s been a little more than a year since Beca moved to LA, she had this very successful career and could afford her own apartment now with a proper bed, a double size one actually, all for herself, nothing to do with that tiny folded out bed she had to share with Chloe in Brooklyn. “mmmh I love your new bed” she heard mumbling against her neck and chuckled stretching her arm that went numb from the night spent under the girl lying besides her “yeah me too, even if it’s weird to sleep in here alone” she confessed and the other girl left out a light groan “well you will from tonight... while I'll be back on that damn couch” complained the redhead turning on her back. Beca followed her movement resting on her side to hover over her friend “you sure you can’t stay a little longer?” she asked already knowing the answer, her hand was gently resting on the redhead's abdomen when the girl brought her own hand to cover it “Becs... You know I have class in two days” lamented Chloe looking at her “yeah I know" she huffed “it’s just that... I’m lonely here and you only stayed three days this time” complained the brunette pouting and the older girl rolled her eyes “well if you actually went out and tried to meet new people...” pointed out the redhead. Beca wasn’t exactly the definition of friendly, she didn’t like to meet new people and make new friendships, she only had her Bellas because Chloe basically forced her to be part of that, and she would challenge anybody to spend as much time with those nerds without loving them. She had her friends and didn’t want new ones, but living in LA without any of them, most of all without Chloe and Amy, who had been pushing her boundaries basically since the day they met, felt odd and she missed the lack of personal space of their Brooklyn apartment.

“What time is it? You don’t wanna miss your flight" exclaimed Beca ignoring Chloe's suggestion “it's 8:15 we should get up I want to take a shower before leaving if that’s okay?” she asked starting to get up before getting an answer “of course” chuckled the brunette “you don’t have to ask, I’ll make coffee” she added getting up.

When the redhead left the bathroom, breakfast was waiting for her and she went straight to the kitchen table with just a towel covering her naked body. Beca was used to it - see the lack of personal space from before - but that didn’t keep her heart to drop every time. Chloe was gorgeous and even if the brunette made peace with the knowledge that they would never be anything more than friends, no matter how much her heart wished it, she couldn’t keep her eyes from lingering for a while too long in situations like this. The redhead never seemed to notice and Beca was glad about that because she really didn’t want to explain why she couldn’t help but stare. “I see you learned how to make pancakes” stated in amusement the older girl “well I had to... leaving alone, no one to make them for me...” answered Beca and Chloe chuckled shaking her head. In Brooklyn the redhead used to make most of the meals because Beca couldn’t seem to cook anything without burning it and Amy never even bothered trying.

They arrived to the airport one hour before Chloe’s flight, just to find out a strike was taking place there. The woman at the info desk told them it could last from one to three days and suggested the redhead a bus to Las Vegas to take a flight from there, but she really couldn’t afford a last minute flight from Vegas, even with the refund she would get of her current ticket, so she started panicking and tears quickly formed into her eyes, ready to roll down her cheeks. “hey calm down! What if I take you to Denver and you take a plane from there?” suggested Beca “What? Are you offering to drive me to Denver?” asked Chloe in shock “What? No, are you crazy? It’s like fifteen hours, we'll take shifts!” sarcastically answered the brunette knowing full well that it wasn’t what Chloe was asking “would you do this for me?” asked again the older girl with a bright smile, Beca would do anything for Chloe “yeah... it’s not big deal” played it off the brunette but her friend wasn’t buying it, it was a huge deal. The redhead thrown her arms around Beca's neck “thank you thank you thank you”.

After four hours of driving the two girls decided to stop for lunch in a gas station near Las Vegas and Beca thought about offering to pay for a plane ticket and make things easier for both of them but truth was, she didn’t want Chloe to leave, not yet, so she filled up the tank instead and went back on the driver seat ready to leave “uhm excuse me, weren’t we taking shifts?” asked the redhead “I’m not tired yet c'mon” assured her the brunette turning the engine on. Beca didn’t mind driving, she was actually pretty good at it and liked it, while she knew it stressed Chloe out, so she decided to make her drive only if really necessary.

The ride was quite enjoyable that far, the two friends talked about random things and played silly games, like ‘zitchdog’ or ‘I spy’ while listening to an old mix Beca made in her Barden years, sharing memories every time another song came up. Three hours of chatting and singing along later, the petite girl finally let Chloe drive for a while, it’s been seven hours and they weren’t even halfway through yet, she was starting to think this wasn’t a great idea after all.

Around eight they decided to make a stop to Thompson to have dinner, the place wasn't anything special but the cook was good and they were starving. “why don’t we stay for the night?” suggested the redhead once they finished their meals “Chlo we are four hours away I can drive” argued Beca “come on, it’s late we're tired” “you can sleep while I drive I don't mind-” “I will not let you drive while I sleep” “what, you don't trust me?” asked the brunette furrowing her eyebrows “of course I trust you, but I know you’re tired too, we’ve ban awake the same amount of time and you’ve been driving all day. You’re just stubborn” stated Chloe crossing her arms and Beca took a look around, she didn’t like this place “Oh my god, are you scared to stay here?” gasped the redhead amused, the brunette pretended to be a badass but she was really soft actually and Chloe loved when she caught a glimpse of that “I am not” spotted Beca outraged “it’s just that... I don’t like motels okay” she added a little uneasy “you’re scared” repeated Chloe with a smirk “everybody knows that people get killed in motels Chloe, I don’t make the rules!” argued the younger girl “I shouldn’t have let you watch Psycho last night” stated the taller girl shaking her head “I’m not scared” repeated Beca “prove it!” challenged her the redhead, she knew the petite girl couldn’t back down in front of a challenge, no matter how much it scared her “fine! Let’s get a room”.

They found a crappy motel where Beca was sure they would be killed, but she didn’t say anything to prevent her friend from making fun of her again. The room had two small beds and one bathroom, Chloe told her to pick one bed while she went freshening up so the brunette thrown herself on one of the two beds that immediately crashed making her fall on the dusty moquette with a thud. “Becs? What happened?” called Chloe from the bathroom “my bed is broken...” answered Beca getting up and the redhead walked out of the bathroom shrugging “we'll share the other one. Do you want to brush your teeth?” she asked handing her toothbrush to her “I... I do actually, are you sure this is okay?” “yeah I don’t mind” shrugged again Chloe before adding “you can also choose one of my t-shirts to sleep in since you didn’t plan to sleep out and obviously didn’t bring any clothes” “yeah thanks” smiled the brunette taking the toothbrush and walking to the bathroom. This was crazy, she never shared a toothbrush with anyone before, not even Jesse, but Chloe somehow managed to make all these things feel natural so she didn’t think about it too much. When she got out Chloe was already in bed, she picked a t-shirt from her bag and changed there in from of her, she did that so many times while they were sharing an apartment that she didn’t even think about it before doing it, until she heard the redhead clear her throat “I-I took the first one that I found, is this okay?” she rushed to ask “yeah that's... that’s prefect, do you have some water?” mumbled Chloe a little flushed, she had seen Beca topless many times before but somehow it felt different this time, more intimate... “sure, here” said the brunette handing her an half bottle of water before getting into bed with her “wow, that’s a very small bed” she chuckled “yeah but we don’t need a lot of space anyway” stated the redhead opening her arms to make room for Beca who immediately snuggled into her “goodnight Chlo” mumbled the brunette against her neck, breath tickling her “night” whispered the redhead wrapping her arms around Beca's body.

When she woke up Beca didn’t want to move, she couldn’t bare the thought of waking up without the redhead the next morning. In this year she's been living in LA they visited each other almost every month and the first morning alone after that was always the toughest. She tightened her hug around Chloe at the thought, burying her face further into her and heard the redhead hum happily at that “I love your smell” she mumbled before realizing what she was saying and then she froze hoping that the redhead didn't hear her somehow but Chloe giggled and she knew she was screwed. Instead of teasing her about it the redhead started running featherlight fingertips along her side, from her hip up to her ribs and back down, Beca felt like it was too much and decided to pull away a little but soon realised it was a terrible decision when their noses brushed together and her eyes looked with ocean blue ones and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Chloe licked he lips and her heart stopped, she needed to get away from there if she wanted to stay alive “Do you want me to go get breakfast?” softly offered the redhead snapping her out of the trance she was in “no..” she breathed out biting her bottom lip “we'll take it to go, we have four more hours until Denver” exclaimed her rolling out of bed “wow, you really can’t wait to get rid of me huh?” joked the redhead “you have no idea Beale” chuckled Beca locking herself in the bathroom.

Chloe rolled on her back with a sigh, this was heaven and hell all at once. She loved to be this close to Beca, but at the same time it was torture not being able to have more. She'd been in love with her since college, Beca’s sophomore year to be specific, and even if she craved this kind of connection with her sometimes it really was too much. This morning she really thought Beca was going to kiss her for a moment, before remembering that she is straight and their relationship is just platonic.

Beca leaned over the sink and stared at her reflection in the morrow, she was still wearing Chloe’s shirt, for a moment she thought about keeping it to make one of those creepy pillows to hold at night, but then she scoffed at herself and opened the cold water to was her face and hopefully cool off a bit. It took her a long time to figure out what her feelings for Chloe were, even Jesse understood she was in love with her friend before she did, but when she finally let herself admit that she was in love with Chloe there was no going back. The redhead took over every single thought in her mind and to live together for two years only made things worse.

Two hours on the road and Chloe didn't shut up for a second, not that Beca minded, she loved to hear her talk or sing along to whatever song came out from Beca's old mix, but that made it painfully obvious the way she was stunned into silence when ‘Titanium’ started playing. From the first note Beca’s heart sunk, flashbacks of a very naked Chloe Beale forcing her to sing started popping up in her brain and she almost thought she had to pull over, but she didn't, she couldn’t explain to a suddenly silent Chloe why this song affected her so much that she couldn’t keep driving- “I am sorry...” whispered Chloe snapping her out of her thoughts “huh?” “for attacking you in the showers... I know it was weird, I regretted it right away you must have though I was a pervert” she laughed awkwardly “yeah kinda” chuckled the brunette “well... I’m sorry” repeated Chloe “I’m not” exclaimed Beca and the redhead looked at her in confusion “I mean yes, you scared me a little... but singing with you was awesome, and that’s totally the only reason why I joined the Bellas” she confessed “so you could sing with me again?” smirked Chloe teasing her and Beca rolled her eyes “shut up”.

They arrived at Denver for lunch and Chloe insisted they went in a nice restaurant to make up for the crappy tavern they ate in the night before. The waiter thought they were a couple and they didn’t bother correcting him, thinking that would have only made things awkward, but after a while they wished they did, since he did everything he could to make their lunch “as romantic as possible”. Chloe wouldn't have minded if only her heart didn't break at the thought that this was exactly everything she wanted and just couldn’t have. Beca was uncharacteristically nice and didn’t complain or roll her eyes at any of the cheesy things the waiter suggested them, like sharing the dessert or drinking intertwining their arms for example, which only made things even more painfully perfect.

“I didn’t know you were such a good actress” stated Chloe as soon as they got out of there “yeah again, you know nothing” joked Beca but it wasn’t a joke really, it was the painful truth, because she didn't know how much in love she was with her and she could never know. If a fake lunch date was the most romantic thing she could ever have with Chloe she’d gladly accept it and play along, it was better than nothing after all.

When they got to the airport Beca grabbed her arm suddenly and stopped before getting in, Chloe looked at her with concern “you okay?” she asked “look I... I know we will say goodbye later but...” she trailed off and hugged her tight Chloe's arms reached around her in autopilot to hug her back, their hearts hurt at the thought of saying goodbye once again and at the things they couldn’t say out loud

how can I let you go?

I don’t wanna leave

“I wish you didn’t have to leave” breathed out the brunette and Chloe for a second wondered if she said that aloud instead of just thinking it “I know you have to but...” she added and the redhead exhaled pulling back from the hug “I have a crazy idea! What if we arrive to Brooklyn by car?” she asked with a huge smile “but... but your second year starts tomorrow...” tried to argue Beca “ yes I know but I can jump the first week, I’ll catch up” “so you wanna drive to Brooklyn...?” “yeah we can stop in some cities along the way...” “like a road trip?” asked Beca, a smile was starting to form on her lips “Yes, like a road trip. What do you say?” “I'm in!”

[ferns-garden]

Girl Advice (Michael x Brooke)

Chapter 1 - Dating Girls

Read it on Ao3 here!

This was originally for @robot-anon‘s competition, buuuuut I took it too far and now it’s a multi-chapter fanfic. “Oops”

“Jeremy. Jeremiah. My heterosexual friend. My cishet pal. My dude,” Michael rambled, totally not trying to avoid whatever he’d called Jeremy over to talk about.

“You’re rambling, Mike. Just spit it out,” Jeremy mumbled in response. Michael nodded and took a deep breath before letting it out.

“I need girl advice. Like, dating girls advice.”

There was a short pause, in which Jeremy gave Michael the most confused look Michael had ever seen.

“Michael, you’re gay,” Jeremy stated plainly, causing Michael to suddenly shift forward in his beanbag and startle Jeremy.

“I THOUGHT SO TOO, DUDE!” Michael exclaimed, waving his hands. “Like- I’ve only liked dudes before. Jake? Hot. Rich? A solid maybe. But girls? Always been a pass for me! Until, like, yesterday-ish!” Michael flopped back into his beanbag, dragging a hand through his hair.

Jeremy cocked an eyebrow, grinning slightly. “So what you’re saying is… you have a crush on someone?”

“Yes!” Michael exclaimed. “Not just, like, some random gal either! I’ve known her for, like, a year now!”

“Oh my god, do you mean Christine?!” Jeremy asked, eyes wide. “You know she’s dating Rich, right?”

Michael made an exasperated noise in response, nodding. “Yes, I do,” he huffed, crossing his arms. “It’s not her, though. It’s Brooke.”

There was a moment of silence before Michael heard Jeremy snickering. Michael gasped, sitting up. “Traitor!” He accused in mock-seriousness. “I’m here in emotional distress and you laugh at me?! How dare!”

That just made Jeremy laugh harder before he got control over his giggles. “Okay, okay, I’m here to help, man. For real,” he said, giving Michael a soft smile. Michael smiled back. “But there’s, like, nothing I can do to help.” Michael stopped smiling.

“Damn. You’re, like, my go-to het friend,” Michael grumbled. Jeremy punched his arm playfully in response, chuckling.

“Shut up, man!” Jeremy joked, falling back into his beanbag chair with a giggle. “But for real- what made you notice? Like, what made you realize you liked Brooke?”

Michael blushed lightly, shrugging and sinking into his chair a bit. “I dunno, man, just, like… she’s just super nice and so smart and giggly…” He paused for a second, smiling at the ceiling. “I think I realized yesterday, when we were all at the mall together. Like, we were wandering around in one of those fashion joints and she came up behind me and told me to follow her. She showed me this display of patches n’ shit and said she noticed I liked patches so she thought of me.” Michael let out a big, happy sign and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I guess just kinda the fact that she thought of me solidified it? I dunno, man.”

Jeremy gave a soft “awww” and put his hand to his chest. “That’s super sweet!” He chirped. “Super sappy, though.”

“Shut up, man. You were the same way with Christine!” Michael protested, crossing his arms before looking back up at Jeremy. “Speaking of relationships, how’re you and Chloe doing? Still good?”

A light blush dusted Jeremy’s cheeks as he gave a shy smile. “We’re still doing great, yeah,” he replied, glancing away. “She recently started, um, started gymnastics! Well, she didn’t start gymnastics, but she told me about it recently!”

“Oh sweet! Have you seen her do it yet?” Michael asked, leaning forward a bit in his beanbag chair.

At that, Jeremy’s blush darkened and he gave a nervous chuckle. “Uh, yeah, she has! She’s, um, she’s super good at it. Like, it’s so beautiful how she’s just s-so, um, so confident i-in what she’s doing! She’s also just, uh, j-just, like… crazy flexible, a-and the costumes she wears for her performances, and-” Jeremy rambled, face progressively growing darker before Michael cut him off.

“Jeez, okay, ya perv. I get it, gymnastics are sexy,” Michael teased, smirking at Jeremy. The taller was instantly stammering, embarrassed.

“Gymnastics a-aren’t sexy, Michael!” Jeremy blurted out, flapping his hands slightly. Michael replied with a mumbled “Whatever you say,” which made Jeremy fall back into his beanbag chair with a huff. “I’m seriousssss,” he groaned, crossing his arms.

“I know,” Michael chuckled. “Doesn’t mean I won’t tease you for it, though.”

Jeremy rolled his eyes, huffing. “Whatever, man. Let’s just, like, play AotD or something. Enough feelings talk.” He paused for a moment. “Unless you have anything else to confess?”

“Wouldn’t call it a ‘confession’, but nah. That was it. Brooke’s pretty hot,” Michael hummed in response, earning a nod from the other boy.

“Gotcha. Level 10 of AotD it is, then.”

“You did what now?” Michael asked his friend, who shifted nervously across the shitty cafeteria table from him.

“Kinda sorta set you up. On a date. W-with Brooke, though!” Jeremy explained, fidgeting with Chloe’s hand in his. The brunette nodded, giving a small smile.

“Jer and I have been planning on going out to a movie or something for a while, soooo I thought, why not bring our best friends to help these nerds find happiness with each other?” Chloe explained. Michael was quiet for a minute before squinting at her. “Bringing me was originally a joke, wasn’t it?”

Chloe nodded. “Pretty much.”

“Well, I appreciate the honesty,” Michael mumbled, rolling his eyes. He stood up, tray and half-eaten lunch in hand. “So, when is this thing?”

“Tonight?” Jeremy offered sheepishly.

Michael shrugged. “Could be worse. I’ll see you there,” he hummed, turning around and taking a step before realizing his mistake. “Where is it, by the way?” He asked, turning back to face the couple.

Chloe shrugged, taking a sip of her iced tea. “We’ll figure it out later. Jer’ll text you the details.”

“Cool, cool,” Michael nodded, calmly turning around again and heading to the trash can. Little did anyone else know, Michael was anything but calm. He prayed his hands weren’t shaking as the realization hit him that he was going to go on a double date with Brooke. He was going on a date with Brooke.

“Tonight” couldn’t come fast enough.

[katelides]

One Shot 43 - Plane Adventure

Before you start reading I want to make something clear... I DO NOT know anything about flying so if I made mistakes I’m really sorry! I also know that it’s not allowed to have passengers in the cockpit but just for the sake of the story let me have this one.

It took me long to write this but I got there eventually haha, I just moved to a different country (Greece) and found an apartment but I don’t have electricity so I don’t know how long it will take for me to upload again and at work there are no phones and stuff allowed but I’ll try to upload as fast as I can!

Enjoy the story!!! Till next time you awesome nerds!

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12670274/43/Little-Big-One-Shots

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12940941/chapters/35312192

One Shot 43: Plane adventure

Chloe hates traveling by plane with her three year daughter. Not because her daughter is a little brat that will scream her lungs out if she doesn’t get her way. No, she’s the sweetest angel in the world but she gets so excited while flying and she starts bothering the other people sitting around them. If they have the window and middle seat Sarah will take the middle seat so she can talk to the person sitting next to her, even though her vocabulary isn’t big. If they’re sitting in the middle and isle seat, Sarah will make sure she’s sitting at the isle so she can talk to everyone around them.

The redhead thanks the stars that today they were assigned the window and middle seat. Now the only thing she can hope for right now is that the person they’re sitting next to isn’t someone who hates kids or will look at Chloe as if she’s the worst mother in the world because she can’t contain her own child. Chloe walks up the isle with Sarah in her arms, trying to carry a bag with her as well. “17 A and B.” She quietly mutters when she approaches her row.

She internally groans when she notices someone already sitting in the row. She was at least hoping that the person would arrive later so she could at least try to talk to her daughter. The brunette that is going to be sitting next to them is really gorgeous, Chloe has to admit to herself. She slowly makes her way to the row and stops just close enough for the stranger to notice but far enough so the other woman can step out into the isle. “Miss is pretty.” Sarah giggles to her mother, making the redhead blush profusely. She hopes the stranger didn’t hear but luck is not at her side.

The brunette looks up with a raised eye brow and a gentle smile. She gets up from her seat so Chloe can get in. “Thank you little girl.” She softly says, smiling at the redheaded mother. “You’re very pretty too.” She says, slightly confusing Chloe. Is she talking to me or Sarah? Is the only thing that bounces through her head as she sits down. Chloe tries to put Sarah by the window but the three year old is having none of it. “I don’t mind sitting next your daughter.”

The stranger holds out her arms so she can take little Sarah who looks exactly like her mother from Chloe’s arms while the redhead settles in her seat. Sarah wraps her tiny ams around the brunette and gives her a tight squeeze. “Thank you miss.” The little girl says after the brunette helps her settle in her seat. She wants to answer but gets interrupted by a loud ding and a voice ringing through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Stacie Conrad and I’m your chief flight attendant. On behalf of the entire crew, welcome aboard JetBlue airlines. Our fight will be of five hours and 45 minutes. At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your seat belt is correctly fastened. Also, your portable electronic devices must be set to ‘airplane’ mode until an announcement is made upon arrival.”

A tall leggy flight attendant walks past their row but stops when she notices the brunette sitting at the aisle. “Beca, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you last. You should fly more often so we can see you.” The brunette rolls her eyes playfully. “Shut it Conrad and go do your job.” The tall brunette chuckles and walks away to do her job. Beca turns her head to the little girl next to her. “Are you excited about the flight?” She asks the little girl. “Yes.” Sarah exclaims, jumping in her seat.

Chloe shushes her daughter slightly in attempt to calm her down a bit, at least for take off. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to direct your attention to the television monitors. We will be showing our safety demonstration and would like the next few minutes of your complete attention.” As the safety demonstration is shown Sarah is trying to get something from her bag while her mother tries to stop her. “Honey you need to leave your stuff in your bag until we’re up int he air.”

“But mommy.” The little girl whines. “Hey, Sarah was it?” The girl looks to her right as well as her mother. “Do you want to listen to some music?” Beca is holding out her headphones with a smile. Sarah looks back at her mother and then at the headphones. Beca doesn’t hesitate to put the Beats on the girl’s head and presses play on her phone. “This will keep her busy for a while.” Beca says to Chloe. “Oh and my name is Beca but I’m assuming your heard it already from Stacie.”

“Thank you so much Beca, I really want to apologise in advance, she usually is an angel but for some reason she gets fussy or excited during flights.” Beca smirks gently. “That’s alright, I’m used to flying with little kids and I know how to entertain them. She’s actually an angel. Oh and I never caught your name.” Chloe can feel a blush creeping up her cheeks, and she has no idea why. “Oh uh m-my name is uhm Chloe.” Beca chuckles at the stammering redhead. “Well Chloe, if you need a break to just take a nap or watch a movie or something I can watch Sarah for a bit.”

Chloe’s eyes widen. No one has ever offered to do that, ever. So she has no idea how to react to it. But apparently her face is doing much of the reacting for her. “I’m guessing that’s a yes?” Beca asks carefully, still trying to gauge her reaction. “I mean you look great and all but you look like you might need a nap after an exhausting week, you know? Not that you look tired or something but...” Beca lets out a heavy sigh. “You know what, I’ll just shut up now and hope you’ll forget what I just said.” Letting her head hang in shame.

It’s only when she hears a soft chuckle coming from the redhead’s direction that she dare to look up again. “I am exhausted actually, visiting my strict catholic family with my daughter that was born out of wedlock after having a drunken one night stand because I felt bad about myself.” The confession made Beca’s heart burn. “Well, if your family can’t accept you or your daughter there are other people that will be there for you, even when you less expect them to be.”

Chloe looks to her right with a confused look in her eyes. How was this stranger so nice to her even though she didn’t know her? All of her friends except for Aubrey, Jessica and Ashley had dropped her once they found out she was pregnant. Aubrey had been there all the way, babysitting Sarah so Chloe could have some free time to study or work. No one ever cared, her own parents barely even wanted to see her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned off the fasten seat belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However we always recommend to keep your seat belt fastened fastened while you’re seated.”

Beca gently smiles at Chloe and then looks down at Sarah. “I don’t want to force you to look after her.” Chloe finally says. “You aren’t forcing me to do anything, I really do want to play some games with Sarah and help you relax for a bit.” The genuine tone and gentle eyes create butterflies in Chloe’s stomach. “How about you tell me what she likes and I’ll keep an eye one her while you sleep for a bit? I’ll wake you up if something’s wrong, deal?” Chloe nods her head slowly with a huge smile creeping up her face. She had forgotten how it felt to be happy. “She like to draw and read stories but if she really doesn’t want to do those I let her watch a movie on the tablet or she listens to music.”

Beca nods her head while listening to the information she’s receiving. “Alright, do I need to know something about medical issues? I mean I know that we get peanuts on the plane so I’d rather ask.” Chloe shakes her head. “No, she has no allergies but she strongly dislikes tomatoes for some reason.” The redhead says with a chuckle. “Good to know, I’ll store that away.” Beca strongly believes she did not just say that out loud but judging by Chloe’s look she knows she’s wrong. “Well, I guess I should hand you the bag.” Chloe says with a laugh. “I guess you should.” Beca answers with a grin.

The minute Sarah notices the movement of her mother crouching down to grab the bag she instantly forgets about the music playing in her ears. Beca manages to grab her phone just in time before it can hit the floor. “I play now?” The little girl says in the most adorable voice, making Beca’s smile grow. “Yes sweetie, this nice lady wants to play some games with you so mommy can take a nap. Is that ok?” Sarah looks confused and seems to think about the question. Slowly she starts nodding her head yes when the question is fully processed. “Alright sweetie, this lady’s name is Beca and if you need anything just ask her, alright?” Once again the girl nods her head, turning herself to face her neighbour.

“What do you want to do?” Beca asks sweetly. “Color.” Chloe slowly sits back to watch her daughter interact with the gorgeous stranger that is making her week great again. She looks at them while they’re colouring and smiles when Beca lets out an animal noise while colouring a zoo picture. It’s not long before she doses off with a dopey grin on her face and one thing running through her mind. I have never been this happy in my life.

Beca notices the exhausted mother’s eyes close slowly and smile when she sees the redhead breathing steadily. She flags Stacie down just as quick without losing interest in the little girl talking animatedly to her. “What’s up DJ.” Beca rolls her eyes at Stacie. “Can you bring a blanket for Chloe? We both know she’ll catch a cold if she keeps sleeping like that.” Stacie raises her brow. “Chloe, huh?” Stacie teases with a knowing grin. “Just do your job Conrad.” The leggy brunette holds her arms up in defence. “No need to get defensive Becs, I’ll bring her a blanket.”

Two hours into the flight and Beca has coloured with Sarah, watched a few episodes of Princess Sofia and played with some dolls. It all goes well until Beca gets tapped on her shoulder by Stacie. “Uhm Becs? Can you come to the front for a minute?” Beca shoots the tall brunette a confused look before looking down at the little redhead next to her. “Uhm I’m kind of looking after the kid so the mother can sleep, how important is it?” Stacie slips Beca a little note that makes her insides twist.

The pilots had a bad sandwich bar-fore take off. We need you to take over!

Beca looks up with wide eyes, trying not to alert any of the other passengers. “Stacie, are you for real?” The leggy brunette nods her head. “Ok, I’ll come in a minute. But I can’t wake Chloe up because she’ll ask question which means explaining which will mean people will panic.” Beca whispers just loud enough for Stacie to hear her. “I’m taking Sarah to see the cockpit, I strongly believe she will behave.” Stacie lets out a sigh but knows she can’t argue. “Fine, we don’t really have another choice do we?” Beca shakes her head. “No we don’t, but I need a favour.” Stacie nods her head with a nervous smile. “When Chloe wakes up send her to us.”

“No problem Becs, I’ll warn the rest of the crew.” With a huge load of off her shoulders Stacie walks back to the front of the plane to warn the rest of the crew, leaving Beca to try and explain what’s going to happen. “Hey Sarah, do you want to see how to fly a plane?” Beca tries with an insecure smile. “We can?” Sarah asks with a incredulous look on her face. “Yes, we can go look but you have to promise you won’t touch anything.” Of course Sarah nods her head vigorously. “Alright, lets go, mommy will come see us later.” With a smile Beca picks Sarah up and grabs her phone and Sarah’s bag just in case.

Beca slowly makes her way to the front and goes past the little curtain separating the passengers from the crew. “Beca you’re our hero!” Jesse says with a relieved smile. “You’re welcome dude, now let me in so I ca take over. We can’t stay on autopilot for ever.” With that Beca walks into the cockpit and settles Sarah down in the co-pilot seat. “Alright Sarah, are you ready to see how it works?” The three year old has no idea where to look, there is so much to see and only two tiny eyes.

-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

A little over two hours later Chloe wakes up and panics slightly when she doesn’t see neither her daughter nor Beca next to her. She doesn’t get a chance to really panic because a few minutes later Stacie appears next to her. “Hi, I’m Stacie, Beca’s friend. She wanted me to tell you that she’s in the cockpit with your daughter. She will explain everything and insists on you joining them.” Chloe looks at the brunette with a confused expression. “W-What?” She manages to stemmer out. “Just follow me to the front, it will become clear very soon.”

Chloe just does as told but finds it difficult to stand up with a blanket wrapped around her. Her even more confused expression does not go unnoticed by Stacie. “Oh yeah, Beca insisted on covering you with a blanket because she didn’t want you to catch a cold.” Chloe’s heart flutters at the thoughtfulness coming from Beca. “Oh.” She manages to push out softly. “Whenever you’re ready we can go up to them if you’d like.” This kickstarts the redhead and she gets up from her row and follows the flight attendant to the cockpit. “They’re in here, just step inside but try to strap yourself in as fast as possible, for safety reasons.” Stacie says before letting Chloe step inside. “Of course, thank you very much.”

When Stacie walks away to continue her job Chloe finally looks inside of the cockpit and finds the sight before her heart warming. “This little arrow shows us how fast we’re going.” Beca explains with a smile. Chloe watches Beca push some buttons and flick some switches before turning to face Sarah. “Are you ready to help me fly the plane?” Sarah lets out a happy giggle and  lets Beca lift her out of the seat into her lap. “Ok, put your hands on the yoke and try to keep the arrow right there.”

Seeing the pure concentration on her three year old’s face makes Chloe’s heart swell with pride. It’s no surprise that its only Beca who notices her in the doorway. The brunette waves her in and points to the empty seat. Chloe quietly makes her way to it, careful not to distract her daughter. She’s still unsure of how to feel about her daughter flying the plane. But it’s like Beca can sense the feeling and shoots her a measuring smile before mouthing ‘autopilot’ and watches the redhead’s shoulders relax.

It takes Sarah a few minutes to realise that her mother had sat down beside them in the cockpit. She was so caught up in the thrill of thinking that she’s really flying a plane and Beca’s explanations about all the different buttons and switches and arrows. “Mommy you here!” The little redhead tries to scramble out of Beca’s lap so Beca left her up and hands her to Chloe who immediately wraps her arms around her little baby. “Yes, sweetie I’m here.”

Beca turns her attention back to the yoke and takes the plane of off auto pilot. The three stay quiet for a while but Chloe is buzzing in her seat, wanting to ask a billion questions. So her bursting out in a word vomit is no surprise, not even for Beca. “You’re a pilot? Are we even allowed to be here? What happened? Where are the pilots? Should we go back to our seats?”

Chloe takes a deep breath when she’s done, which makes Beca laugh. “Alright so if I forget to answer any questions just remind me of them.” Chloe nods her head in understanding. “Ok, uhm... so the pilots ate a the pilots ate a bad sandwich earlier and both fell sick. So Stacie begged me to jump in since I’ve been a pilot with this crew before. I graduated top of my class as a pilot 2 years after graduating high school and I worked as a pilot for 12 years. I decided that I wanted to do something different so now I work at festivals and clubs from time to time.”

“Flight HEZ361 do you receive?”

“Flight HEZ361 loud and clear, do you copy?”

“We copy HEZ361, are you ready for descent?”

“We are, 20 minutes away, copy?”

“We copy HEZ361, you’re cleared for descent.”

“Thank you.”

Chloe listens intently to the brunette, becoming more and more infatuated with her and slowly and without realising it falling for her. “I’m actually working at the April Nights Festival Weekend in 2 months, I could get you some tickets if you want? It’s the 23rd and 24th.” Chloe snaps out of her vague daze she was in while listening and clears her throat. “Oh uhm yeah that would be cool but uhm that weekend Sarah has her 4th birthday and we’re kind of planning something.” The redhead says apologetically. “Oh uhm yeah, no that’s cool.” Beca says awkwardly, making her loon adorable to Chloe. “If you would uhm change your mind or want some tickets for another festival or club or something you can always give me a call, and I’ll arrange something.”

Beca hears Chloe chuckle beside her when she finished talking. “Are you offering your number?” Beca’s jaw drops slightly but just as quick snaps it back shut. “Would you actually call me if I did?” The brunette’s voice is soft and insecure. “If you don’t mind a pre-schooler joining us.” Chloe jokes halfheartedly. “I wouldn’t, I actually really like Sarah.” The little redhead lets out a giggle at the mention of her name being distracted only for a brief second from all the blinking lights.

The slight reaction makes Chloe’s heart swell. “I guess I would call you since you like my daughter. I mean I could use a babysit while I’m at the festival with your ticket.” Beca cracks out a warm laugh. “I guess that’s close enough.” Beca puts the plane back into autopilot and holds out her hand. (Because no matter what you’re doing, don’t text or distract yourself with your phone while biking, driving or flying!) “Give me your phone so I can give you my number.” Chloe hesitates for a brief second but she hands the brunette her phone with a bright smile.

“Alright, everything is set for des-” Stacie walks into the cockpit but stops dead in her tracks when she sees Beca typing away on a phone. “Uhm Becs, what happened to no phones while flying?” Beca turns to face her best friend with an unamused expression. “We’re ready to descend in 15 minutes so it’s time to get everyone prepared. I’ll make the announcement.” With a short nod Stacie leaves the cockpit, leaving in mind that she would have to drill her best friend about this new ‘friend’ later.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have just been cleared to land at JFK airport. Please make sure one last time your seatbelt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you.”

Once again Chloe is just fully starstruck. With every passing moment she can’t imagine not having the brunette in her life. “Uhm Chloe, I really hate to do this but you gave to go back to your seat. I can’t have you here for the landing.” Chloe nods her head in understanding. “Of course, I totally understand.” Still a bit reluctant but surely Chloe gets up and ushers her daughter out of the cabin, surprisingly without too much difficulty. She straps herself and Sarah in safely and awaits the descent of the plane. For the first time she isn’t scared of something going wrong because she trusts the captain.

A little over 30 minutes later everyone is slowly making their way out of the plane. Once it’s Chloe’s turn to step out she gets stopped by Beca. “Hey do you need any help?” The brunette already is reaching out and takes Sarah out of her arms and the little girl instantly wraps herself around Beca. “Lets get your luggage and back home, it’s been a long day.” Beca says with a gentle smile. “Oh and Stacie, do you need a ride home?” The leggy brunette shakes her head. “No, I’m meeting someone tonight so I’ll be taking a cab into the city.”

“Alright, I’ll leave the key in its usual spot.” Beca says with a playful eye roll. “I doubt it’ll be necessary, I think I’ll be getting lucky.” Beca groans and lets out a heavy sigh. “Just stay safe and use protection.” Chloe really has to try to hold in her laughter. Beca and Stacie really remind her of herself and Aubrey. “Don’t worry Becs, I’ll be safe.” With that Stacie gently pushes the pair out of the plane and watches them walk away with a smile. They look like a real family.

Beca drops the two off at the arrivals gate where Chloe’s best friend was waiting for her. She says goodbye to Sarah and Chloe after helping them with their luggage. “It was nice meeting you Chloe, and if you need a babysit to just get a day of don’t hesitate to call me.” She the crouches down so she’s on Sarah’s level. “You be a good girl for mommy, alright? She needs you, just as you need her.”

Sarah nods her head and gives Beca a tight hug and a kiss on the brunette’s cheek, which takes Beca of guard. “Miss Bec, love you.” Beca holds back her tears. This little girl had made a big impact on her in only a few hours time. She really felt a deep connection with both redheads and normally it would scare her but it didn’t.

With an awkward wave directed towards Aubrey Beca leaves for her own home. “She seems nice and all and I will drill you about this later but I have a date tonight and I need your help.” Chloe laughs at her best friend. “Alright Bree, lets go, we don’t want your date to fail.”

-,-,-,-,-,-

Lets us recap a little how things are going.  It’s been a while since Beca and Chloe met. They have kept contact and have become really close. The first time Chloe had called Beca as a joke to babysit her daughter but when Beca accepted it without skipping a beat arrangements were made. Chloe was set up on a date by her best friend. When she came home in tears Beca had comforted her while making sure Sarah was put to bed.

Beca stayed all night and held the redhead until she fell asleep. Even after Chloe fell asleep Beca stayed and made sure Sarah slept through the night. The little girl woke up once to go to the toilet and then begged Beca to snuggle with her. Surely both fell into a deep sleep and only in the early morning Beca woke up because she’s used to it. She prepared breakfast for them and felt like she belonged for the first time. After that the brunette would come over eat least once a week to see Sarah and Chloe.

2 MONTHS AFTER THE FLIGHT

Beca is nervously wiping her right hand off her jeans and readjusts her snapback once more before knocking on the door. She can hear little footsteps approaching fast towards the door. So she crouches down and awaits the inevitable bone crushing hug from Sarah. She places the flowers she bought for Chloe next to her so she can open up her arms.

Surely the door opens and two tiny arms wrap themselves around Beca’s neck. The brunette instantly wraps her own arms around the little girl. “Hey Pickle, how have you been?” The little redhead breaks the hug with a huge smile. “Mommy gave me new book.” Beca gasps playfully for the girl’s amusement. “Really?” Sarah nods her head. “Yeah Chacho’s web.” Beca’s eyes widen and a grin forms on her face. “Charlot’s web, huh? Are you going to ask Aubrey to read it to you?”

The little girl shakes her head vigorously. Sarah’s reaction does shock Beca a bit. “No? Why not?” Beca asks gently. “You read! I love you read!” Beca’s heart swells up. And unbeknownst to the brunette so did Chloe’s heart. She had heard the entire conversation and she couldn’t help the huge smile appearing on her face. “Alright Pickle, where’s mommy?” Sarah runs back into the apartment screaming for her mommy. This gives Beca the chance to stand up and dust off her knees and pick up the flowers.

Chloe appears a few minutes later with Sarah closely behind her. “Hi Beca, come on in. We can leave soon, Aubrey is on her way to look after Sarah. She and her girlfriend are going to take her to the park.” Beca nods her head and awkwardly looks down at the flowers in her, not really sure of what to do. “A-are those for me?” Chloe asks carefully. “Uhm yeah, I know you love flowers and I thought I’d bring you some?”

“Thank you so much Beca, you didn’t have too.” The brunette brushes the woman off with a smile. “It’s nothing.” In reality it wasn’t nothing. She had stood in the flower shop for over an hour, picking out each and every flower separately. But Chloe doesn’t have to know that. “I’ll uhm I’ll put them in the kitchen.” Beca mutters quietly as she walks past Chloe, her cheeks turning bright red. Chloe just follows her with a knowing smile.

Sarah wriggles herself out of her mother’s arms and runs up to Beca and pulls the brunette down to her level. “Hey Pickle, what’s going on?” The little redhead lets out a giggle. “Read me?” Beca picks the girl up and twirls her around. “You want me to read you a story, Pickle?” Sarah nods her head with a pair of pleading eyes. “If Beca reads you a story now, what will you do with Aubrey before bed?” Chloe asks her daughter curiously. Sarah shrugs and looks up at Beca with puppy dog eyes that Chloe usually can’t refuse.

Beca on the other hand isn’t much of a push-over, no matter how much she cares about the little girl. “Ok, let us make a deal. If you behave like the perfect little angel I know you are while you’re with Aubrey, I’ll read you a story the next time I’m here.” Chloe can see the internal struggle on her daughter’s face. The little girl slowly but surely accepts the proposal and goes off to her room in silence.

Beca lets out a heavy sigh and lets her head hang low. “I’ll go talk to her.” She says with an apologetic looks on her face. “Oh no Beca, she’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about it.” The brunette shakes her head. “No, I feel like she’s really disappointed that I won’t read to her.” Beca looks past Chloe into the living room, trying to look into Sarah’s room. “Do you mind if I just check on her? I mean I know this is supposed to be our time and it will be but I ju-”

Chloe cuts Beca off by kissing her on the cheek, eliciting a tiny squeak from the brunette. “You just keep surprising me Becs, in all the good ways.” Beca is slowly turning bright red as she hurries off, in the hope that Chloe doesn’t notice.

Sarah is sitting on her bed, looking at a book she’s holding in her hands. She only looks up when Beca knocks on her door. “Can I come in pickle?” The little redhead nods her head and refocuses her attention on the book now in her lap. “I know you’re upset that I can’t read you a story but your mommy and I going out soon and I won’t be able to finish it.” Sarah just shrugs her shoulders in response, confusing Beca a bit. “What’s going on Sarah, is something bothering you?”

Beca walks in and sits down on the bed next to Sarah. “You know you can always talk to me.” Sarah looks up into Beca’s metallic blue eyes. “Me scared lose mommy and you.” Baker raises eyebrow in confusion. “What are you talking about? You will never lose your mommy and me. Why would you think that?” Sarah shrugs shoulders and looks back down to her book. “Scared you no spend time with me any more.” Beca’s jaw drops. She cannot believe Sarah would think that Chloe and she wouldn't spend time with her any more.

“Sweetie your mom and I will always find time to spend with you. But if you really don't want we can stay at home and go to the park all together.” Chloe who is standing on the other side of the door can barely keep her tears inside. She wants to walk in in hug them both but the soft knock on the door makes stop. So she turns around and goes to open the door for Aubrey.

Meanwhile Beca wraps her arms around Sarah and holds and very tight. “You make mommy happy.” Sarah finally says, shocking Beca completely. “W-why would you say t-that.” Beca manages to choke out. “Mommy always smile, no stop talk.” The brunette’s heart is beating so fast that it might be on the verge of exploding. If what Sarah is saying is true, then there is a slight chance that her mother might feel the same way about her. Yet before Beca can question the little girl, Chloe’s voice rings through the apartment. “Becs, can you uhm can you come in here for a minute?” Beca can hear the confusion in the redhead’s voice so scoops up Sarah and walks towards the living room.

“What’s wrong Chlo?” Beca stops in the doorway when she sees who is standing next to Aubrey. “S-Stacie? W-what are you doing here?” The leggy brunette grins at her friend with a knowing look on her face. “I came to help my girlfriend out while she has to babysit her best friend’s daughter. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was Chloe from the plane.” If it was physically possible Beca would have wanted the floor to swallow her there and then. “You look good with a kid on your hip but as much as I want to enjoy teasing you, if you don’t leave now you’ll miss the shows.”  Beca swallows loudly at Stacie’s comment but still presses a gentle kiss on Sarah’s cheek before putting her down.

Chloe does the same but kneels down infant of her daughter. “Sarah be good to auntie Bree and her girlfriend. I will be home tonight.” Sarah nods her head and kisses her mom on the cheek as well. “Bec be here morning?” The little redhead asks her mother softly. “That’s uhm she uhm...” Chloe is at a loss for words. The only time Beca had stayed over was because she had comforted her after a bad date or because she had babysat Sarah so she could go out (and felt guilty about it afterwards). “If you want I can come over for breakfast instead?” Beca offers Chloe in attempt to help. The redhead shoots her a grateful smile while Aubrey and Stacy share amused looks. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Chloe says, staring into Beca’s eyes.

“Alright, I have no idea what’s going on here right now but you have to get going before you miss all the good bands and DJ’s.” Chloe gets up and adjusts her shirt and looks at Aubrey for the final approval. “Don’t look at me Chlo, you’re going out with her, ask her what she think.” Aubrey says, pointing at Beca. “You uhm you look amazing Chlo, I’ll have to make sure I don’t lose you tonight.” Chloe blushes profusely at Beca’s compliment and turns red, matching her hair. “Thank you Becs, and just so you know. You will never lose me.” Stacie and Aubrey let out a long ‘Aaaawwww’ which each respectively earns them a glare from Beca and Chloe. ���I guess that’s our queue to leave so... after you?” Beca says, pointing at the front door. “Yes, we should get going. Bye everyone, see you later.”

“Bye pickle, be nice for Aubrey and Stacie and we’ll see each other very soon.” Sarah waves her mom and Beca out and stays behind with her aunty Aubrey and Stacie. “How much longer do you think it will take them to admit they have feelings for each other?” Aubrey asks while she closes the door. “You noticed too huh? Well, knowing Beca she has probably done and said things that will show Chloe that she really like her but they are mostly subtle so if you don’t know how to look for them Chloe might not notice.” Stacie says with a shrug. “Is bringing her flowers one of those things?” Stacie nods. “Yes, why?” The blond points at a vase on the kitchen counter. “Oh wow she really likes her.”

Sarah giggles behind the two women and that of course catches their attention. “What’s so funny Sarah?” Aubrey asks sweetly. “Mommy not like Bec she loooove Bec.” Both women’s eyes widen. “Did mommy tell you that?” Stacie asks but Sarah just shakes her head. “Mommy yelled one night love Beca.” Aubrey scrunches her nose, trying very hard not to imagine why her best friend had screamed that particular sentence in the middle of the night. “You ok there Bree?” Stacie asks with a grin. “Y-yeah... Anyway, do you want to go to the zoo?” Aubrey proposes seeing it’s still early. Sarah’s excitement goes through the roof so the girls get ready to leave with huge smiles.

-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

Beca and Chloe are walking hand in hand (don’t ask either how it happened because neither knows) towards the festival, after Beca had parked her car. Beca is also carrying a large picnic basket with food and drinks. When they arrive at the entrance they are met by an afro American woman. “Yo shawshank never thought I’d see ya on ya day off.” Beca visibly rolls her eyes. “Well CR, I have wonderful company here today so I don’t mind being here.” Chloe blushes and awkwardly waves at the other women. “Dayum B, so this is the beauty you can’t stop talking about?” Beca tries to shush her friend but is too late. “You talk about me?” Chloe asks in a confused voice. “Yeah, I mean you and Sarah mean a lot to me so I talk about you.” CR lets out a laugh. “Honey she don’t talk about anything else. She even has your picture on her desk.”

Chloe tries to remember what picture Beca could possibly have put on her desk. “Remember when we went to the park and had ice-cream with Sarah?” Beca asks Chloe, trying to help her remember. “Yes, her face was completely covered in ice-cream and when she offered me some she got some on my nose.” Beca nods with a huge smile forming, thinking back at the memory. “Yeah, I took a picture of the both you laughing. It’s my favourite picture of the two of you.” The brunette take-out her phone and shows her lock screen. It’s the exact picture she had just described to the redhead. “Yeah so uhm maybe we should go inside?” Chloe nods her head slowly, still in complete aw of the woman she’s head over heals in love with. Maybe today is the perfect day to finally tell her how she feels.

“Yo B if you don’t put a ring on it you’ll regret it.” CR whispers when the non couple walks past her. Beca just glares at her but doesn’t get a chance to say anything because Chloe is already pulling her inside. “This looks like a nice spot.” Chloe points at a nice open place underneath a tree, far enough from the other people but not far enough not to hear the music anymore. “It’s perfect.”

Beca pulls out a blanket from the basket and puts it on the floor so they can sit down. Beca sits with her back against the tree and sees that Chloe hesitates before sitting down herself. “Oh sorry, I never asked if you wanted to sit against the tree.” The brunette wants to move but gets stopped. “No I... this might sound weird but I actually wanted to lean against you? But not if you don’t want to of course!” Beca chuckles and repositions herself so the redhead can easily sit between her legs. She even goes as far to hold out her arms, inviting the redhead into a hug. Chloe of course doesn’t hesitate and quickly positions herself comfortably and lets out a content sigh when she’s settled. She feels Beca’s arms wrap around her and the brunette’s chin finds its way on her shoulder.

The two sat in comfortable silence, sipping from some wine while listening to the music. The band that was playing is relatively new but they were good. They women are softly swaying to the music and Chloe turns her head to ask Beca something but doesn’t get the chance when she accidentally kisses the brunette. It’s like fireworks had gone off in her entire body. She pulls her head back and is met by a pair of soft eyes looking back at her. Beca doesn’t give Chloe a chance to apologise or say anything else because she leans in and captures the redhead’s lips to which Chloe easily complies. One of Beca’s hands gently rubs circles on Chloe’s knee while the fingers of the other hand tangle themselves in the red hair.

They have no idea how long they have been kissing but they are vaguely aware of someone clearing their throat next to them. They break apart, out of breath but with huge smiles plastered on their faces. “Uhm B?” Beca looks past Chloe with an annoyed look on her face. She can already feel something bad is about to happen. “Yes CR.” The brunette says with a heavy sigh. “Don got sick and we really need you to step in.” Chloe slightly panics at hearing that Beca would have to leave. “CR this is my only day off this month.” CR has a guilty look on her face. “If I wasn’t here with Chloe I would have said yes but I can’t bail on her.” Beca explains, holding Chloe tighter. “I know B but there’s no one else we can ask. Please I’m begging you. I’ll make sure you’ll get some more days off but we really really need you.”

Beca can hear the desperation in her friend���s voice. “Go.” Chloe’s voice is soft and filled with sadness. “CR if I’m doing this Chloe has to be backstage with me, that’s my condition.” CR nods her head frantically. “You can have anyone you backstage, thank you so much for doing this!” Beca rolls her eyes. “CR make sure everything is set. My stuff is still there.” Once again CR nods her head and runs off to do what Beca had asked her.

“I’m really sorry about this Chloe, I really didn’t think this would have happened, especially today.” Beca drops her head on Chloe’s shoulder with a heavy sigh. “It’s ok, it’s not your fault.” Chloe tries to sooth the brunette but doesn’t really manage. “No, it’s not ok. This was supposed to be a special experience for the both of us. I wanted to get to know you better and maybe find the courage to tell you how I feel about you. And now everything is ruined.” Chloe lets out a cute giggle, to which Beca finally lifts her head with a frown. “Oh Beca, nothing is ruined. This has been the best ‘non official’ date I’ve ever had in my life.”

“Really?” Beca asks with a pout. Chloe kisses the pout away. “Really really. And maybe, once you finish work, we can get to know each other?” The little wink at the end of that sentence makes Beca’s mouth run dry. The brunette gently pushes Chloe of off her and stands up with a determined look on her face. “Lets go Beale, I have a job to do.” The two quickly gather their things and BEca leads them through the crowd towards the backstage area.

Once they arrive Beca gets swarmed by a group of people, separating her from Chloe. The redhead panics slightly at first but relaxes when CR waves her over. “Don’t worry, she’ll be ready in a minute.” CR says with a gentle smile. “What does Beca do exactly? She has never really told me what she does for a living.” Chloe sees CR tense up. “You’ll see soon enough.” CR chokes out. “CR, what’s going on?” The woman wants to answer but doesn’t get a chance when Beca speaks up. “I’m a DJ/Producer/Singer-Songwriter. And CR is my manager.” Chloe’s usually bright face turns into a frown, which of course in turn makes Beca panic. “Chlo I really wanted to tell you but I didn’t want you to think of me differently. The person you knew before all of...” Beca waves her arms around her. “... this. Is who I really am. Believe me, I never wanted to keep this from you.”

“You never actually lied to me.” Chloe finally says. “You did tell me you worked in clubs and festivals. I just assumed you worked in the management or something. And all of this...” Now it’s Chloe’s our to wave her arms around. “... means nothing to me because I do know the real Beca Mitchell. The one that reads stories to my daughter, the one that stayed with me when things got rough. The mystery woman on the plane that gave a mother some time to take a nap. That is the Beca I fell for. Every day I learn something new about you, and over and over again I fall harder and harder.”

Beca slowly moves closer to Chloe and closes the gap between them by pulling the redhead in for a passionate kiss, eliciting loud whoops and hollers from the people that had heard everything. “I love you Chloe Beale, which every fibre in my body. I love your daughter just as much and I hope that one day we can be a real family together. I never thought I would need someone in my life, I stopped believing in love after my parent’s divorce but when I met you and Sarah all of that changed. So Chloe Beale will you please let me take you out on a real date when all of this is over?”

Chloe nods her head. “I would but if you don’t go out there right now, I think you’ll start a riot.” Beca lets out a chuckle and looks back at CR. “Ready for the announcement B?” The woman asks. “As ready as I can be.” CR shoots the brunette a thumbs up and makes her way up the stage to announce the DJ. “Good afternoon everybody! I know ya’ll are waiting for DJ Don Juan but he unfortunately caught a bug and won’t be able to perfume. BUT! We found another amazing treat for ya’ll... she has won multiple awards and is the greatest DJ please welcome DJ BMitch!”

The boos that were shouted when CR started speaking quickly turned into loud cheers. And the noise became even louder when Beca stepped up upon the stage. “Hello everybody! Are you enjoining yourselves?” The crowd goes crazy as Beca steps up behind her turning tables. “Alright, lets do this thing!” The first tunes of Beca’s world famous 500 miles X Titanium remix starts blasting through the speakers and Chloe’s jaw drops. She had been spending all this time with her most favourite artist ever and she never connected the dots. She just knew that the minute Beca would walk off that stage she’s kiss her senseless. There was no way she would ever let her go again. She had been in love with her before she even knew her and now she really knows how special the brunette is.

I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING!!!

REVIEWS = HAPPY ME

HAPPY ME = QUIKER UPDATES

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[pyrewriter]

Explanations (Part 3)

The class had mixed reactions to hearing about the things Adrien had done and the pain he hid behind the mask of being a young male model for a world renowned designer. Marinette and Alya had perhaps the most visceral reactions, Nino stood silent clenching his fist and teeth trying his best to restrain himself from calling Adrien out right then and there. Marinette was crying through most of the story, she was coming to the realization that she didn't know Adrien as well as she once thought. The rest ,including Chloe, were sheepish as the same revelation dawned on them.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm more driven than ever to make sure Adrien's ok" Chloe stated trying to turn the dour atmosphere that had set in. 

Fe' could see spirits flare at Chloe's words as they raised their fists letting out a collective "YEAH!!" thanking Chloe for being the one to say what they needed to hear. The mood had shifted to one of conviction even Marinette ,who was just on the verge of collapse, had seemed to regain her footing and looked more determined than any other.

"Oh and one more thing about Adrien before you go" the class looked at Fe' "He's a total dork and absolute mega nerd, best chance of finding him is at an expo". Adrien whistled a tune that caught the attention of Fe' and the class, Fe' repeated the tune in a different key "Apologies ,I seem to have dragged on, please go have fun" she said with a warm smile. The class was puzzled by what had happened but brushed it off and went on to enjoy the following hours at the pool.

Juleka had gone back to the main pool to talk to Nino "Your 'shy friend' told me to talk to you" he looked to Adrien who was watching from the hot tub.

When he received a confirming nod Nino gave Juleka the address of his uncle's tavern "Go there at around 10:00pm and he'll show you what you need to know". Juleka nodded before returning to Rose's side and enjoying the rest of their time at the pool with the class. Adrien stayed in the hot tub for most of the time but decided to cool off and to see how long he could hold his breath at the bottom of the pool. Nino had noticed him get into the main pool at first but went over to tease him when he did.

"Don't be such a stranger Bro, you decide to finally join the living" he asked jokingly, unfortunately his conversation caught the attention of the class. The girls took a notable interest in Nino's covered friend and were murmuring to one another as the two of them talked.

Adrien spoke quietly and in a timid manner "Hehe sorry man, you know how I get when there's people around" he waved his hand gesturing around him. "Hey do you mind timing me real quick? I want to see how long I can hold my breath at the bottom" he asked pointing toward the deep end of the pool.

Nino gave him a thumbs up "Of course Bro, I'll start counting when you hit the bottom and stop when you breach". Adrien closed his eyes, took a deep breath and let himself sink, once at the bottom he sat cross legged focusing on his heart beat. The girls wanted to get a better look at the boy who covered his head, as Adrien sat the girls all dove swimming toward him. Nino was occupied counting the seconds to notice the girls all swimming past him ,he was at 40 now, the girls swam close enough to touch him when they saw his scars and muscle tone. Adrien had noticed the distinct shift in light and felt the current around him churn and sway, he opened his eyes to see he was surrounded.

His focus broke and he shot himself to the surface gasping for air as he reached the surface, the girls breached soon after ,also gasping for air, around him keeping him from escaping. Adrien's instincts took over and he dove under again pushing off the wall behind him to dive underneath and past them. Before anybody knew what had happened and the girls figured out where he went he was on the opposite side of the pool plastered to the wall. Nino began to swim over and Adrien's head snapped to the noise like a cornered animal, the girls were surprised by his reaction and concerned.

Nino tried to calm his friend "Dude, dude, easy you're fine" he said holding his hands in front of him as he slowly approached getting close enough to grab his shoulders. "Calm down" Nino hushed his voice "Adrien you're fine" he said trying to stop his erratic breathing, slowly Adrien began to calm and his breathing became slow and deep. Adrien's eyes followed the girls as they began to swim closer, Nino raised his to normal speaking level "I think you should go do some breathing in the changing room". Adrien nodded in agreement and got out hustling to the boys locker room wrapping himself in a towel to cover the scars as he did.

"Is...is he going to be ok?" Marinette asked voicing the concern of the group.

Nino rubbed the back of his neck "Yeah he'll be fine, you guys really spooked him though" he said adding with a chuckle "I didn't know he could move that fast". He looked to the changing room "Gonna have to ask him what that was about, though considering his past I can probably make an educated guess".

Fe' was concerned "I think I should get going" she announced "-it was a lot of fun hanging out with you all, and thank you for your hospitality". She waved to the class as she entered the changing room, while she changed she called Adrien's cell.

"What's up Fe', everything ok?" Adrien asked answering his phone.

"I should be the one asking that question" Fe' replied then asking "Must've been a pretty bad flashback huh?".

Adrien rubbed his eyes trying to stop the slight burning from the pool water "Yeah, you leaving too or should I come pick you up later?" he asked as he began changing into jeans and a hoodie.

Fe' sighed and crossed her arms "I told them I was leaving so we can hang at my place until you need to go be a hero".

Adrien finished changing and grabbed his helmet "Sounds like a plan ,meet me outside by the bike, I've gotta talk to Nino real quick" Fe' hung up and left to wait outside. He entered the main pool area with his mask on and and hood up carrying his helmet in one hand, whistling to get Nino's attention as he approached the edge of the pool. Nino swam to meet him halfway but stayed mostly submerged, Adrien squatted down to talk with him as the girls watched sheepishly from the other side of the pool.

"You headin out, Bro?" Nino asked.

Adrien nodded "Yeah and I'm taking Fe' with me so I'll be at her place until later tonight, I'll probably be spending my spare time doing reno at the tavern". He held out his fist "See you later Nino, and tell the girls I said 'sorry, my anxiety flares when I get surrounded' for me".

Nino reached up pounding his fist against Adrien's "Sure thing Bro ,I got you, you go relax" Adrien chuckled before standing and exiting through the changing room. Nino went back to enjoying his time at the pool. Marinette recognized the bike helmet letting her quickly identify the hooded boy as the one who's been picking up Fe' on his bike.

She was curious though "What's his connection to Miss Fe', is he her boyfriend or something, and if he's so shy why ride a motorcycle, what is Nino not telling us" she thought to herself. "Follow me girls, it's time Nino gave us some deets on his friend" she said swimming over to him "Hey Nino, do you mind telling us more about your friend?" she asked.

Nino resorted to telling half truths again "Uhm-well thing is, that's actually the first time I've seen him without a shirt on and he doesn't talk about himself much so...".

Juleka helped him "So you don't know anything about all those scars?" she said pushing hair out of her face to wink.

"Yeah, he told me that he's pretty self conscious and came from a bad place but I never asked out of respect for his privacy" Nino said rolling off Juleka's question. The girls continued to question him for a while but Nino only told what he thought wouldn’t reveal too much or feigned ignorance telling them he didn't know or the subject never came up. Ultimately Marinette wasn't able to learn anything more than what she had already been able to surmise or guess from her observations. Meanwhile Adrien and Fe' were making the short ride to the apartment arriving about three hours before Adrien needed to be Chat and go on patrol with Ladybug.

They were greeted by Belial jumping onto Adrein's head and batting at his face, Adrien blocked his paw "Alright, alright, I'm sorry for leaving you alone for so long" he said removing his mask.

Fe' smiled "He must really have a connection with you hehe".

"Well we were both strays when we met and now we got it good, all things considered" Adrien explained grabbing Belial holding him in his arms like a baby "Isn't that right".

Plagg flew from his pocket "Hey what am I sliced cheddar?" he exclaimed.

"Aww come here you little incarnate of destruction" Adrien said reaching up with one arm catching Plagg and nuzzling him "You started this cat troupe".

"Egh! Fe', help me he's being a dork again" Plagg pleaded.

She tried to stifle her laugh but it came out anyway "Hahahaha"

Adrien paused "what so funny?" he asked.

Fe' had to wipe a tear from her eye before answering "Nothing, nothing it's just nice to see you've got a family even though Father treated you like property" she said.

Adrien put Belial on his shoulder and reached over Fe's shoulders, pulling her in "Don't act like you're not part of this Familia". She looked into his eyes before returning his embrace, they stayed inside watching funny videos and playing video games for two and a half hours before Adrien needed to be Chat. He took Belial with him on patrol and planned on taking him to the tavern while he worked to make up for leaving him alone for so long. Adrien transformed in the bathroom "Plagg claws out" and opened the window to leave putting Belial on his usual spot.

"Don't get shot ok" Fe' called from the couch as he left.

He laughed "I make no paw-mises" he called back closing the window and jumping from wall to wall digging his claws into the bricks to make finger holds. Once on the roof he started his patrol route for his half of Paris waiting for Ladybug at the Eiffel tower when he was done but she never showed. "Well looks like LB has her hands full in her civilian life...again" Chat thought aloud "-not like I haven't patrolled the whole city alone before so why should tonight be any different?".

Marinette was hanging out with Alya and the other girls in her room talking about Nino's mysterious friend "I think he’s with Miss Fe'" she said.

"Like..together, what makes you say that?" Mylene asked.

"Marinette, they haven't even been our counselor for two days and has only been in Paris for three, what makes you think they’re connected?" Alya added.

"The helmet" Marinette stated, everyone looked at her puzzled and the room fell silent.

Alix spoke up "You mean the motorcycle helmet, what about it?" she asked.

Marinette began to pace "The past two days after school Miss Fe' got on a bike with someone but I couldn't see the rider's face, and Nino’s friend had it when he came out" she explained. The others expressions still looked lost "Each time she got on she held him, like really close and tight" she elaborated adding "-does that not sound like they know each other?". They continued to gossip through the night while Chat patrolled Paris alone, stopping to wait for Ladybug at the tower one more time.

Chat sat and waited until he was about to de-transform *BEEP BEEP* "Well the city's quiet tonight and I got stuff to do at the tavern" he said to himself scratching behind Belial's ears. He shook his head "First she acts like she despises me, then she acts concerned and willing to listen, then she ditches me? Ok LB, sure, fine, great" he exclaimed annoyed. Extending his staff to the ground he slid down it like a fireman's pole and de-transformed, he wasn't in the mood to care. It was dark and he was wearing a hood and mask ,no one would be able to tell who he was, he walked to Fe's apartment to pick up his bike. It was getting late and Adrien didn't want to bother Fe' to get his Helmet so he decided to ride without one and pick it up tomorrow after patrol. The sound of the bike starting caught the attention of Marinette and the girls, they all rushed to the balcony to see where it was coming from.

Alya spotted the bike's light from across the street pointing to it asking "Is that the bike you were talking about, Mari?".

"Yeah that's it but he still has his face covered and no helmet" Marinette replied "Maybe if we get down there fast en-" he was already down the street before she could finish her thought.

"Darn!" Alya exclaimed "Well at least we know where he'll be tomorrow, question now is when" she said. Then as if a light bulb went on in her mind "Hey why don't we stay the night and take shifts watching the building" she suggested.

"Ooooh like a stake out?" Rose asked practically jumping at the thought.

Alya winked "Exactly" she said making a finger gun.

Juleka raised a finger stating "We should go get our pajamas and sleeping bags if we're staking out that 'shy friend' of Nino's" everyone looked to each other giving a determined agreeing nod. All at once they filed off Marinette's balcony and out the door running to their houses, Juleka took a different route than normal to go to the address Nino had given her.

With everyone out of the room Tikki flew out from behind the books she had been hiding behind "Marinette, you were supposed to be on Patrol with Chat tonight" she said.

Marinette pulled at her hair "Oh no you're right, do you think we can still catch him?".

Tikki face palmed "That was hours ago, Chat's probably finished by now" she looked around looking like she was searching for something "But I don't feel Plagg's presence".

"So then he might still be out there" Marinette said taking her stance "Tikki-".

"WAIT!" Tikki shouted "If you're not here when your friends come back they'll be suspicious" she explained with a serious tone "Chat will be fine". Marinette raised a hand to argue but Tikki cut her off "You'll have to make it up to him later ,for now, you should get ready for guests don't you think?".

Marinette deflated "You're right, I'll go make some snacks and grab snacks" she said with a defeated sigh.

Juleka was almost at the address but she was hesitant to enter the alley that was supposed to lead her to it "Is this really where Adrien’s been hiding all this time?" she asked aloud. The sound of a motorcycle approaching filled her ears, Adrien saw her looking at him standing at the entrance of the alley. He was curious as to what Juleka was doing out so late let alone staring into alleys like a little kid who's scared of what's crawling in the fog.

Adrien stopped next to her "What are you doing all the way out here, isn't you place down by the river?" he asked taking his hood down to reveal his blonde hair.

Juleka rubbed her arm replying "Nino told me to go to this address around this time and that 'you'd show me everything I needed to know' but I think I've got the wrong street".

"No you got the right street, taverns right down there" he said shaking his head and pointing into the mist filled alley.

Juleka shrunk back "Uhm" Adrien got off his bike and held out his arm toward her, Belail walked across over his arm jumping to her. She caught him in her arms and he began to nuzzle her purring loudly.

"Hold him" he said offering her his hand, Juleka took it holding Belial close with her other arm as they walked through the fog. After a few feet in the front of the tavern became visible, he opened the door gently pulling her through the door way trying to warn her "Mind the step". The warning didn't come fast enough and she tripped dropping Belial and letting out a surprised yelp, Adrien still had her hand and managed to catch her before she fell. Belial had landed on his feet but was spooked and ran behind the bar, Juleka might as well have been hugging Adrien thanks to the position they were in.

"I got ya, Jule?" Adrien said not moving out of fear she would fall again ,she tightened her hold around him, "Uh Jule, are you ok?".

"You have everyone worried sick" she said tightening her hold again "Why won't you just come back?" she asked demandingly.

Adrien sighed "I would have thought the pool story would be enough reason, but if it was then you wouldn't be here" he said. She let go and he went to turn on the lights pulling out a chair along the way telling her "You might want to sit down" as the lights came on, Juleka refused. "Then at least stand in front of it, trust me" he pleaded, begrudgingly she sat in the chair and waited for him to explain "Thank you" he said. Slowly he reached up and began to remove his mask, stopping just before he moved it away from his face "Last chance to take the story as explanation," he told her. Juleka was silent "Alright" moving the mask away he showed his bare teeth and large scar.

Juleka gasped and covered her mouth looking like she was about to pass out from shock, Adrien chuckled "Told you".

Previous Chapter(Part 2)   Next Chapter   Chapter Guide

[thetwoplayergays]

ok um i'm trash but um can i have a fic where like michael is really protective of jeremy (for whatever reason) and just everyone is gay and it's great

Ay, back at it again with the late replies to asks I should have done ages ago (IM SORRY). Hope this will suffice, thank you for the prompt!

——

The plan was for Jeremy to get out of hospital, ask out Christine and live a normal high school life as a normal high school teenager - now with a few more friends. What Jeremy wasn’t anticipating was Michael’s change in attitude when he got back.

Michael, his best friend for twelve years, had suddenly become very… attached to Jeremy. He hadn’t noticed at first, focusing more on his plan to ask out Christine or catching up on any work that The Squip had previously deemed ‘uncool’ or 'useless’. But as the days went by Jeremy began to notice Michael’s presence more and more. Sure, it wasn’t uncommon for Michael to have his bad days and follow Jeremy around for the majority of the school day but by the end of the week Jeremy couldn’t think of one instance where Michael had left his side.

When Monday came, Jeremy found Michael waiting outside his house to walk to school. The two stood side by side as Michael hopped along the pavement with his headphones around his neck, looking around as if he was expecting someone to pop out behind the passing houses. As he began to calm down, Jeremy took a closer look at his best friend. He noticed that his eyes were slightly more droopy than normal, little bags had begun to form underneath them. His hair was ruffled and he was wearing the wrong shoes, as if he was in a hurry to leave the house. Despite this, Michael still wore his generic giddy smile on his face, the look which made Jeremy’s heart melt slightly on the inside.

At lunch time, Rich and Jake approached the two, asking if they wanted to join them at their table in the far corner of the cafeteria. There sat the rest of the group - Brooke, Chloe, Jenna and Christine - eagerly waving at the best friends. Before Jeremy could reply with some cheap excuse as to why he wasn’t feeling well all of a sudden, Michael jumped in between them, turning to Jeremy.

“Come on dude, lets go sit with them! It’ll- It’ll be fun,” he stammered out the last past, suddenly dragging his best friend across the hall before he had a chance to protest. Under his breath, Jeremy heard him mutter “no harm done yeah? Yeah…”

Jeremy, naive Jeremy, brushed off the encounter as Michael just acting up as he sometimes did. But a few days later Jeremy was walking down the hallway on the way to his next class when he heard Michael catch up to him, skidding to a stop once he reached his best friend.

“How was math?” He small talked, slurping the remains of his slushie.

“It was fine, I guess. I wish Mr David would ease up on the homework though, I’m starting to get-” before Jeremy could continue, he was stopped in his tracks by Michael. He turned to see a mixture of anger and fright on his face, a look that really didn’t suit him. Jeremy tried to follow his line of sight but was cut off by Christine shouting his name from down the hallway. He looked back and waved, but when he returned to his best friend’s gaze it was gone, replaced with what looked to be a sympathetic smile as he saw Christine.

“I’ll… uh- catch up with you later Jer,” he mumbled before setting off in the opposite direction without letting Jeremy say a word.

Jeremy tried to give Christine a decent conversation but it was clear he was distracted by something else. He kept turning to look down the hallway in which Michael had seen something, making him stop dead in his tracks. He couldn’t help but wonder what he had seen. Jeremy briefly heard Christine asking if he was alright, to which he replied some rehearsed nonsense about being tired from schoolwork while he continued to focus on the hallway.

It wasn’t until Friday afternoon that he discovered what Michael had been so frightened of.

Jeremy had just finished play rehearsal with the gang and was making his way through the school hallways to go home. Just as the doors came into sight, he spotted a group of - maybe two or three - boys hanging around the doorway, blocking the entrance. They seemed to be waiting for someone, so Jeremy naturally assumed they were one of the many friends of Jake or Chloe. However, as he began to approach, one of the boys spotted him coming and alerted the other two of his arrival. Confused, Jeremy stopped walking and spoke up;

“Um hi… could I get past please? You’re kind of blocking the door,” he stuttered, trying not to mess up his wording in front of the intimidating boys. But neither moved an inch. Instead, the main boy came forward, speaking slowly and articulating his words so precisely it sent a shiver down Jeremy’s spine.

“That was kind of the point mate,” he chuckled and the other two joined in. “We were just waiting for someone…”

“Oh…” said Jeremy, slowly shifting his feet. “W-who?”

Deep down, he already knew the answer.

“You.”

Now, Jeremy had dealt with bullies before, being a loser and all. He was used to the unoriginal insults and the occasional shove. But these guys were clearly not messing around, going out of their way to wait for him after school and everything. Jeremy took a step backwards in fear.

“You’re the guy that possessed my brother yeah?” The main boy snarled. Jeremy’s face twitched for a second, taking another step back.

“P-possessed?!”

“He told me bout it. Said some dude in his drama rehearsal tried to take over the whole cast. Course, the guy doesn’t care now. He’s way too forgiving for his own good my brother,” the boy continued, slowly inching forwards. His friends had now joined his march a few feet behind him. “Fortunately for you, I’m nothing like the guy. I’m a solid believer that you deserve what’s coming to you buddy.”

Jeremy wasn’t entirely sure what to do. He couldn’t keep retreating forever, the gang would eventually catch up to him, and there was no way he was going to slip past these three boys. Caught up in his thinking, he stopped retreating. Jeremy realised his mistake too late as he felt his whole body smash up against a locker. His head smacked the metal plating behind him, causing an immediate headache to rush into his head. He blinked and locked eyes with the bully.

“Or maybe, I just want an excuse to beat up a nerd,” he smirked, lifting his fist to the air. His two friends stood back, watching the whole ordeal go down without interfering. Jeremy shut his eyes closed and tensed up, preparing himself for a blow to the face at any moment.

Instead, he felt his body suddenly drop the ground as a loud grunt came from the boy. Confused, he peeled his eyes open to see the previously menacing boy sprawled across the floor with a bloody nose. His two friends had stepped back in fear at the cause of the punch. The guy responsible stepped forward and glared at the two, signalling - or warning - for them to leave. They did as instructed, picking up the brother and rushing out the door without saying a word.

Jeremy’s head had began to ease up just enough for him to start to process what had just happened when his arm was flown over a shoulder and he was heaved up onto his feat. The familiar smell of weed and slushie suddenly hit him and he knew exactly who had come to him rescue.

“Michael?” He spat out, turning to face the boy. Now that he was fully standing on his own, he could focus on the boy. Michael’s face was covered in sweat. His eyes glimmered with a hint of fear and relief at the sight of his best friend and a large bruise had begun to form on his knuckle from where he had punched the bully.

“Michael,” he said again, this time more definite. It was at that point where Michael’s intimidating persona faded as his eyes began to well up with tears. He flung himself onto Jeremy and dug his head in his neck as he began to sob.

“I’m- I’m sorry I just…” he muttered through his tears, “I heard them… when you came back to school- they were talking about what they were going to do to you- and I just… I just wanted to make sure that you were ok-”

“Thank you Michael,” was all Jeremy could muster before his eyes too began to fill up with tears. The boys sat there, in the school hallway, for about ten minutes silently crying until Jeremy sat up and pulled Michael up with him as they slowly made their way out of the building.

——

“Morning!” Jeremy greeted his friends by the school entrance. By his side was Michael with his bandaged knuckle and huge smile on his face.

“Morning bro!” Replied Jake. The group shared a quick conversation before entering the school and as they walked down the hallway Michael stood proudly by Jeremy’s side.

“Oh my gosh Michael,” exclaimed Christine as she noticed the white bandages across his hand, “what happened? Are you hurt?”

“Don’t worry Chris,” replied Jeremy, putting a hand on his best friend’s shoulder, “he’s got it under control.”

Just up ahead, a brief conversation between Rich and Jake could be heard.

“Now that I think about it, my bro was acting a little strange last night. He came home with a broken nose and started ranting on about this dude in a hoodie.”

“No way!” Rich cried, “your bro got beat up by some kid in a jacket?”

“Yeah yeash,” replied Jake who appeared to be pondering the thought. “He said someone about him being utterly terrifying, looming over him and protecting his lanky best-”

Slowly, the two boys locked eyes and turned to find Michael’s hand bruised after Christine insisted on changing the bandage. He looked up to see the boys staring and smirked. Turning to Jeremy, he flew an arm around his shoulder and paraded forward, passing the two as he went. Turning round, Michael brought his damaged hand up to his eyes and returned the glare, signalling NOT to touch his best friend in case they also wanted a piece of what he could do.

Deep down, Michael just wanted his hand to heal quicker. He couldn’t press the buttons on the controller properly with a bruised knuckle, but the image of being a type of bodyguard for Jeremy - it made it all worthwhile.

[actual-cryptid-leshy]

The sky’s gonna hurt when it falls

Jeremy doesn’t keep many secrets, but maybe he’s gone a bit too far with this one. It’s totally fine though, really! He just has to lie a little more, and then it’ll all be fine again. He just has to show his friends why he loves theatre so much, and then they won’t all leave him when he tells them he’s been keeping it from them for basically their whole friendship! Haha. Yeah…

Jeremy wants to be in the school musical (true), because he wants to get to know Christine (also technically true). Because he has a crush on her (not true)

Word count: 33.5k

Read on AO3

Jermey Heere has a fool-fucking-proof plan.

Well okay, it’s a Jeremy-proof plan, and he’s the biggest idiot he knows, so same thing. No he’s being too harsh on himself again. He’s not that incompetent. He can do this. Definitely maybe. Anyway the point is that it’s a pretty solid plan, and if he follows it everything will be okay. Most likely. Probably. Oh fucking hell who’s he kidding this is gonna end terribly, but he’s sort of stuck with it now.

It started when he said he had a crush on Christine. Wait no it started when he needed an excuse to be in the musical. Actually it probably started the day Mr. Reyes said that they were gonna hold auditions for Heathers The Musical in three weeks. Yup that seems about right. The announcement had come over lunch one crisp September morning and it had marked the beginning of something, or maybe the end. Jeremy isn’t sure yet. He was seated at the usual table, Michael to his left like always, Brooke on his right for a change. Jenna usually sat at his right, but she was on the other side of the table talking Chloes ear off. Not that it looked like Chloe minded, because apparently this was some grade A Gossip-with-a-capital-G. Rich sat next to Michael, and across from Jake. The two were talking about The Game. Jeremy was assuming it was a football game, but he couldn’t be sure, no matter what sport the two talked about it always sounded the same. But it was nice seeing how enthusiastic they were. He was about to add something to the conversation Brooke and Michael had started up about Wonder Woman when Mr. Reyes had coughed loudly into the overhead system, making most of the people in the cafeteria wince.

‘’The drama department would like to announce that this years production is going to be Heathers, that is The Musical. Auditions will be held September 26th. Lines and songs for auditions can be picked up at my office at regular hours, a sign up sheet will be posted on the noticeboard within the week. Have a nice day.’’ and then the system went quiet, and so did everything in Jeremys head. Heathers. They were gonna do Heathers. He’s doomed.

There’s not much Jeremy doesn’t tell his friends, and even less he doesn’t tell Michael, but there are two very big secrets that he has never told a living soul. One of them is that he’s a fucking theatre geek. It hadn’t started as a secret, just something he was a little bit embarrassed to admit to anyone, but then his obsession grew and he still didn’t tell anyone and now it just feels like a big secret even though it might not be that important. It feels important. It feels like his friends are gonna be angry if he tells them now. Either because he’s a nerd or because he kept it from them for so long or maybe even both. It’s irrational, he knows. He never meant for it to build up into this huge thing, but he certainly never planned on telling them either, so make what you want of that. He had a plan. He was gonna ignore it until high school was over, and then he was gonna do…something. Probably either tell them or like gradually open up about liking show tunes or something. Except now there was a wrench in his plans. A Heathers shaped wrench. See, Heathers is Jeremys favorite musical, go figure. He’s wanted to try and be JD in a production for a long while now, and here was his chance. Who knows when he’ll get another opportunity like this? Freeze your brain starts playing on repeat in his head as he watches Michael sip the slushie he got from the 7/11 around the corner, and his heart clenches almost painfully. He’s kept this secret not only form his friends, but also his Best Friend, for a long while now. He’s almost scared. But maybe this can be it? Maybe he can use this to show them how amazing theatre is? God he hopes that’s how it’s gonna work out. At least he can change his name and run away to Seattle if he needs to. He laughs to himself at the reference, and notices Brooke and Michael staring at him. ‘’What?’’

‘’You’re spacing out dude, you okay?’’ Michael asks, a touch of concern in his voice. Brooke nods her head on the other side of him, her hair gently flowing with the motion.

‘’Yeah I’m fine, what were you guys talking about?’’ Jeremy answers. Michael giver him a look that very clearly says he doesn’t believe him, and they will talk about this later. But for now he simply launches back into the debate Brooke and him were having about which Wonder Woman outfit was the coolest.

‘’I mean the movie version is very clearly inspired by actual armor, it’s the most practical and it still stays true to the original design!’’ Brooke argues, and Jeremy nods along. ‘’Okay yes but the original comic book one is iconic, it’s the basis for what we know and love today, and the movie armor wouldn’t have the stylish look if it weren’t for the original.’’ Michael counters. He’s a sucker for source material, even though he can accept the faults of earlier versions of things he likes.

‘’I hear you both,’’ Jeremy says diplomatically.

‘’but also consider issue #209 when she fights Medusa.’’ The other two look scandalized.

‘’Those shoes were terrible!’’ Michael declares.

‘’That wasn’t even close to real armor.’’ Brooke huffs at the same time.

‘’I see my diplomatic skills are unwanted, and will take my leave.’’ Jeremy makes as if to stand up, but the two latch onto one arm each.

‘’You’re not going anywhere until we discuss your terrible taste.’’ Brooke says, a smile tugging at her lips. Michael isn’t as good at schooling his features, and is full on grinning as Jermey gets comfortable in his seat again.

‘’Yeah dude, the movie outfit is way better than that one. Like yeah it’s cool, i mean it’s Wonder Woman, but no. Story 10 outta 10, outfit a solid 4.5.’’ He says, looking to Brooke who nods.

‘’Yeah, I mean I’d have to admit i prefer the original outfit to that glorified monstrosity. I never understood why they always felt like plastering an entire gold eagle on her boobs, Seems inconvenient for fighting.’’ Michael is nodding along sagely.

‘’Peace at last!’’ Jeremy exclaims, and they both punch him in the arm as the three of them descend into giggles. The bell rings, signaling the end of lunch.

Jeremy has almost forgotten about the musical as he heads to Michaels car. He can see him leaning against the drivers door, headphones on and eyes closed, bobbing his head to a beat. It’s such a familiar and comforting sight that warmth blooms in his chest just by seeing it. And then Michael opens his eyes and sees him, a small but bright smile stretching across his face and the warmth increases tenfold. Jeremy raises the hand not clutching the strap of his backpack to wave, even though he’s only about five cars away. ‘’Michael!’’ he shouts happily, as if he hand’t seen him next to last period. Michaels smile widens a bit and he lowers his headphones to the customary position around his neck.

‘’Hey dude! Ready for some Zombie ass kicking?’’ Michael asks, as if the answer isn’t obvious.

‘’With you? Always.’’ Jeremy says with cheer in his voice as he gets into the passenger side of the car. The stereo is on and blasting some sort of punk, Michael leans over to turn the volume down, the bass line rumbling trough the car.

‘’So, are you going to Richs’ party?’’ Michael asks, eyes on the road. Jeremy consider it for a bit. Rich throws some cool parties, but they tend to be loud, and crowded, and usually something breaks.

‘’Maybe, depends on how I’m doing I guess. You?’’ Jeremy is looking directly at Michael, staring really, because he knows Michael will keep his eyes on the road anyway.

‘’I mean if you go I’ll go. No offense to any of our friends, but i don’t really like drunk people, so you’re really the only one worth hanging around at parties.’’ Something in Jeremys chest tightens again.

‘’I’m not the only sober one at parties though, you know Jenna doesn’t drink, and Chloe goes light on her booze too.’’ He counters, he doesn’t know why, but he just needs to hear what Michael will say next.

‘’Yeah, but they’re not you.’’ Oh, okay yeah, good answer. He’s glad he asked after all.

They finally turn onto the street the two of them live on, and Michael parks his car in front of his house. It’s a quick hello to his moms before they both disappear into the basement. They throw their bags by the bottom of the stairs and collapse into their respective beanbags.

‘’Okay so I’ve given it some thought and i genuinely believe we can just ignore the first dude and just go.’’ Michael says as he boots up the game. Blood dripping letters appear on the screen as the scream track plays something that the game developers must have thought of as ‘bloodcurdling’.

‘’Really? He doesn’t like come after us or anything?’’ Jeremy asks almost disbelievingly. He watches as Michael selects their save. Level 9.

‘’Yeah I tested it out briefly, if we just push past him he’s gone.’’ Michael confirms, pressing start. The level music for The Cafetorium leaks trough the speakers. Tinny and 8bit, and Jeremy is pretty sure he’s never gonna get that melody out of his head after how many times he’s heard it on repeat just trying to beat this god damned level.

‘’Alright dude, let’s go!’’ Michael whoops, as if it’s the two of them actually gearing up to mad dash by a raving lunatic.

‘’Right behind you!’’ Jeremy yells back, and then they exit the double doors right behind the pixelated avatar of their enemy. The first wave of zombies rushes them, but they’re prepared.

The musical doesn’t really enter Jeremys head again until he’s back home. His dad was sat on the sofa, pants-less of course, and had ignored him as he trekked up to his own room. Lying in bed he puts his headset on, he doesn’t use it as often as Michael uses his, but it’s still important to him. He puts his music on shuffle, and almost like a sign ‘I am damaged’ starts playing. He listens to JD beg Veronica to back away. He can picture the scene in his head. The song is only one and a half minutes long, but he feels the explosion at the end reverberating inside his skull. He gets up and skips ahead until ‘freeze your brain’ comes on, and then he lip syncs the entire number as he envisions himself strolling trough a stage set up of 7/11. With each pretend word he sings he feels his courage build, until he forgets to only pretend to sing. He can’t really hear himself over the music in his ears, but he feels the sound in his throat as he sings the words.

Freeze your brain

Shatter your skull

Fight pain with more pain

Forget who you are

Unburden your load

‘’JEREMY!’’ he hears his dad shout from downstairs. He pauses the music, pulls the headphones off.

‘’Sorry dad!’’ He shouts back, listens as his dad walks away from the staircase and back to the sofa. Jeremy sighs and looks at himself in the full length mirror on his closet door. He doesn’t really look like a JD. He’s skinny, gangly, eyes too big and face too…awkward. He opens his closet and pulls something out from the very back. It’s a very long very black something. He slips the trench coat on, flips the collar up, stuffs his hands in his pockets. Tries to look vaguely threatening. It doesn’t really work, so he tries for angry. Nope, still no good. He tries to make his face a blank mask, and for a second he thinks he has something, and he breaks into a grin from the joy of it. Oh wait. He sighs, runs his hands trough his hair, messing it up. He’s really thinking about doing this. Maybe he can just lie to his friends? Pretend he’s doing something else? But no that wouldn’t work. Plus he doesn’t feel too comfortable lying even more to his friends.

His mind drifts for a bit. Remembers last years performance of Romeo and Juliet. They’d all gone to see it together, just because. Supporting your local actors or whatever. Christine had been an amazing Juliet. He’s pretty sure he saw Jake cry when she killed herself at the end. Christine is an amazing person overall, she has such endless enthusiasm for theatre. Actually she has it for just about everything she does. Jeremy has kinda admired that about her since freshman year. And maybe secretly wanted to be her friend too. He’s just…way too awkward to make friends. Honestly? He’s only part of the friend group he is in now because of Michael. He’s known Michael since kindergarten, but Michael befriended Rich, and Rich brought along Jake, and Jake used to date Chloe but they’re friends now, and Chloe brought along Brooke and Jenna, and here they are. Somehow they all get along, and it’s nice. They’re all different, but they mesh in different ways and it’s pretty great. His mind drifts back to Christine again, and it hits him.

The Perfect Plan.

It’s Wednesday, and the audition sign up sheet is on the noticeboard. I repeat, the audition sign up sheet is on the noticeboard. Jeremy had seen it as he headed into lunch that day, and he couldn’t get it out of his head. He’d briefly glanced at the names already written, and he had seen Christines. It was the only one written in glitter gel pen. God that’s adorable. It takes Michael three tries to get Jeremy to notice him, so he’s already suspicious when Jeremy makes his way over and sits down next to him. He’s the third to arrive, Michael and Rich have History together.

‘’Dude, you’ve been totally spaced this week. Everything okay?’’ Michael asks, there’s concern in his voice and his eyes, and Jeremy feels so lucky. Michael is the best friend anyone could ask for, especially Jeremy. He knows Michael is asking about a lot of different things with that question alone.

‘’I’ve just been thinking about something, I’ll tell you when the others get here.’’ Michael raises an eyebrow, but drops it all the same. Best friend ever.

It doesn’t take long for the rest to show up, and Jeremy has to keep himself from laughing as Michael fidgets. Obviously anxious for Jeremy to share what he’s been keeping to himself for three days straight. That’s a long time for Jeremy to keep a lid on something in his book.

‘’So…’’ Jeremy starts, before the different conversations within the group really have a chance to begin. They all look at him, noticing that he wants their attention. They’re good friends, he finds himself thinking again.

‘’I’ve been thinking about joining the musical this year.’’ he says, feeling his confidence and his voice slowly draining away as they look at him. Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

‘’Really?’’ Chloe asks in that Voice, and he knows she doesn’t mean it like that but it’s a blow to his confidence all the same.

‘’Yeah I-I uh, I’ve kinda been uhm… c-c-crushing on Christine for a while.’’ he admits softly, staring at the table now instead of meeting anyones eyes. He misses the look that passes between them.

‘’And she uh, s-she always… participates? In productions?’’ he glances up, he can feel his face heat up and he’s pretty sure he matches the shade of Michaels hoodie at this point. Hiding his face in said hoodie sounds like a very good option right about now, but he soldiers on.

‘’I f-figured I could get to, like, know her? And maybe ask her out?’’ he glances over at Michael, and for a split second he doesn’t know what to feel, because Michaels face has an expression that he’s never seen before. It feels like someone has ripped the floorboards out from underneath him, and he’s falling and floating at the same time, in uncharted void, as he holds Michael stare for a second. Then Michael gives him a reassuring smile, and he’s dumped back into his body, moment over. He glances around at the rest of their friends, and they’re all wearing something similar. Encouraging. Friendly. Jeremy feels his shoulders sink from where they’d hunched up around his ears, tension easing away.

‘’Go for it dude!’’ Michael says, and it’s as if he has given the signal, because suddenly they’re all encouraging him. Not to be in the musical, but to go after Christine. It’s alright, he thinks, but he can’t help the slight stab of sadness in his gut. The encouragement is nice though, even if it’s for the most untrue part of this plan.

At the end of lunch Michael follows him to the notice board, watches as Jeremy pulls out a green sharpie and hovers the tip over the next blank line. Jeremy hesitates. Michael notices.

‘’Even if you don’t get a part, you can probably talk to her during auditions, or even bond over the experience. Either way it’ll be fine dude.’’ Michael places a hand on Jeremys shoulder, it’s warm trough the thin fabric of his cardigan, and he feels the warmth seep into his bones, calming him. He takes a deep fortifying breath, and writes his name, followed by the part he’s auditioning for. Michael reads over his shoulder. ‘’JD? Isn’t he like, the main character?’’ Jeremy stiffens a bit.

‘’U-uh yeah, I figured Christine would be Veronica, so why not?’’ he can’t look Michael in the eyes as he says it, looks at the wall instead. He feels something bad and rotten in his stomach. He really doesn’t like lying to his friends, but he consoles himself that it’ll all be over after this. He’ll come clean. It doesn’t really make him feel much better.

‘’Do you want me to come watch your audition, for y’know, moral support?’’ Michael offers, and it’s a sweet thought, really.

‘’No!’’ Jeremy answers way too quickly. He clears his throat, tries again.

‘’No, it’s fine, really. I think I’d be more nervous with you there actually.’’ he mutters, looking up at Michael quick enough to catch the slightly hurt expression. He backtracks like a pro.

‘’N-not that it’s a bad thing or anything, it’s just that I’d be way more worried about messing up in front of you since you’re my best friend and stuff.’’ he rushes trough the sentence in one breath, eyes darting to the wall and back to Michaels face again. Michael has a slight smile, and worried eyes. He slings one arm around Jeremys shoulders, and it’s one of the few instances Jeremy appreciates being a few inches shorter than Michael. It feels safe, reassuring.

‘’It’s cool, dude. I get it.’’ Michael says lightly, in a tone that means he really does get it. It makes Jeremy relax instantly, almost melting into Michaels warm side. He could stay there forever, probably. Tucked away from the world, surrounded by the smell of the basement that’s ingrained itself in every piece of clothing Michael owns. the bell rings, completely shattering the moment. Jeremy is going to kill that bell one day, he swears it.

‘’Time for class, let’s go to hell.’’ Michael says as he steers them towards their shared math class. The only bearable thing in math class is Michael, Jeremy thinks bitterly, but allows himself to be roped along.

They head back to Michaels after school, as is customary, but this time the rest of the gang tags along. Michael and Jeremy have been complaining about Apocalypse of the Damned for what feels like forever, and they wanna see what it’s all about. It’s not the first time they’ve had gaming sessions like this at Michaels. They’ve had some intense game-night-turned-game-weekend sessions. Michaels mother greet them all as they enter, his other mom is still at work.

‘’Want me to bring you kids some snacks?’’ she asks, and Michael bounds over to kiss her on the cheek.

‘’Yes please and thank you, Ina!’’ he chirps. There’s a chorus of ‘Thank you Mrs. Mell’ from the rest of the teens as they all make their way down the dark stairway.

‘’One day someone is gonna trip and die on these stairs.’’ Rich says, like he does every time he has to walk down the steps in the dark. Nobody really pays him any mind. When they’ve all made it down safely, the extra beanbag is pulled up next to the other two, and the small sofa is shoved up behind them. Michael and Jeremy take up their usual spaces. Jeremy on the far right, Michael in the middle, and then Rich plops down on the far left one. Jenna curls up in the right corner of the sofa, Brooke and Chloe cuddle up in the middle, and Jake lounges on the left side. The seating is gonna get scrambled as soon as they start switching seats to give the others a go, but it starts like this. Michael boots up them game, finds the level 9 save file, and Jeremy feels like he’s going insane as soon as the first few notes of music hits his ears. Without further ado they push past the first guy, bursting trough the double doors at the back. The first wave of zombies hit them, and they both duck for cover behind upturned tables.

‘’Cover!’’ Michael shouts as he spots the opening in the wave pattern, advancing as Jeremy shoots down the zombies that get too close. Michaels pixelated avatar crouches behind another table, a small box right next to it. He selects it and adds the grenades to his inventory. In the meantime Jeremys character has jumped behind the counter, and armed itself with a knife. As Jeremy makes his way back to where Michaels avatar is, with some helpful cover fire, they wait for the opening. Jeremy spots where the mass of approaching zombies is the thinnest first.

‘’Upper level!’’ he says, and Michael responds with a simple ‘’I see it.’’ Michael launches a grenade and the wave opens. ‘’Dash!’’ he yells, doing just that. Jeremy takes up the rear, making sure the wave doesn’t close in around them from the back, while Michael keeps it open in the front as they advance. The game progresses like this, the two of them only communicating in short words, but otherwise knowing exactly where they need to be. The others are at the edges of their seats. It’s not a terribly exciting game, but it’s an experience watching the two of them play it together.

‘’Shit!’’ Michael swears, as he accidentally makes his avatar go the way jeremys was supposed to go. They’ve played it a lot of times, and Jeremy is the one who’s most used to dealing with this part of the level. He notices, of course.

‘’Switch.’’ Jeremy says, and almost as quick as lightning the two of them switch controllers, leaving Michael free to go where he needs to, and Jeremy to take care of the area Michael had wandered into.

They almost make it. Michael lets out a dramatic ‘Jeremyyyyyy!’ as his avatar crumples to the ground in a pixelated heap. Jeremy croaks in his best death rattle,

‘’It’s up to you now Mikey, you’ve gotta go on.’’ and go on he does. He fights valiantly, and gets further than the two ever did before. He can see what he thinks might be the exit, and also the end of the level, but before he reaches it the final wave overpowers him.

‘’This one’s for Miah.’’ he says in his best action hero-y voice as he sets off the final grenade, taking down almost all of the zombies surrounding him, and his own avatar.  The other laugh and whoop and start a small fight over who gets to go next. Michael hands his controller to Rich, and gets up to switch places with Jake. Jeremy gives Jake his controller as he sits down. Michael curls up on the sofa and watches the blue light form a halo around Jeremys fluffy hair. He sighs, and Brooke catches his eye and lifts one perfectly shaped eyebrow. He shrugs her look off, goes back to watching Rich and Jake get overrun by zombies, and trying not to back seat game. When they’ve died five times in a row Chloe gets up and stands next to Jeremy until he gets then hint. Jeremy gets up and plops down in the open space next to Michael while Chloe demands that Jake hands over the controller, citing that he’s obviously the weaker link. Jeremy feels tired, he’s been stressing about a lot of things lately, so he does what feels natural. Which of course is lean on Michael to get comfortable and then promptly fall asleep. He vaguely feels Michael wrap an arm around him before he’s completely gone. It’s warm, safe, and smells a little bit like weed. Not that he minds. It’s come to the point where weed literally just reminds him of Michael.

‘’Nap time?’’ he hears Michaels voice, far away. It sounds lower than usual, as if he’s whispering. Jeremy faintly feels the breath of the words ghost across his cheek. He nods slowly, effectively smooshing his face further into Michaels hoodie, making the other laugh a little. A hand settles in his hair, and then he’s out like a light.

September 26th approaches with a vengeance, and Jeremy feels like he’s gonna explode from the nerves. Sure he’s excited, there are butterflies in what feels like every little nook and cranny of his body, even his fingertips are tingling with it. But oh god the crushing feeling of impending doom isn’t something he can easily ignore. His friends notice it all throughout the day, from his fidgeting in class to the way he keeps spacing out trying to get to his next one. When lunch rolls around Jeremy is the first one seated at their table, he looks like a statue, body and face frozen in a neutral pose. It’s worrying, to say the least.

‘’Heyyyy buddy!’’ Rich says as he plops down i the seat on Jeremys right.

‘’How’s it hanging?’’ Michael adds on as he settles in on the left. Jeremys hands are shaking where they rest on the table, but doesn’t acknowledge their arrival. Michael and Rich share a concerned look as the others settle in around them. Brooke leans over from her seat across from Jeremy to cover his hands with hers. His head snaps up to look at her, as if he just realized they were all there.

‘’You know you can back out, right? You can find another way to talk to Christine I’m sure.’’ she offers him, her tone is reassuring, aiming for comforting. Jenna joins in from Brookes right,

‘’Yeah Jerm, we could even talk to her for you. This is like, really stressing you out.’’

He appreciates the effort, but it’s all aimed at the wrong thing so he can’t really find solace in what they’re telling him. He takes a deep breath, trying to get his voice under control.

‘’I’m mostly just sc-cared of making a f-fool out of myself. What if I do a terrible job? What if I’m not a convincing JD? What if my voice cracks when I sing?’’ he’s shooting off rapid-fire what-ifs and Michael decides he needs to put a stop to this.

‘’Jerbear, look at me.’’ he cuts in. Jeremy snaps his mouth shut, whips his head around to look at Michael.

‘’You’ll do fine, you’ve been reading like crazy, and don’t think I haven’t caught on to the song you’ve been humming for the past week and a half. You’re gonna go in there, you’re gonna do your thing, and it’ll be great.’’ Michaels warm brown eyes are deep, and looking like they’re begging for Jeremy to calm down. So he does. His shoulders sag as the tension in his body releases, his hands uncurling. Brookes hands are still holding onto his, and they’re warm and nice. A lot warmer than his are, that’s for sure. Also a lot less clammy. Ew.

‘’Are you sure you don’t want us to come as moral support?’’ Rich asks for what feels like the 100th time. They’ve all offered, and Jeremy has declined each time, just as he’s doing now.

‘’Yeah, no. I really appreciate the gesture, but if I know you’re watching I’ll just get more nervous.’’

They can sense that he’d rather leave it alone for now, so that’s what they do. Lunch passes relatively quiet for the otherwise rowdy bunch.

‘’I’m just saying, he said he’d be nervous if he KNEW we were there, so if he doesn’t know it’ll be fine, right?’’ Jake argues. Rich is by his side, nodding enthusiastically.

‘’What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right?’’ Brooke adds on carefully.

‘’We’re still going behind his back, doing something he doesn’t want us to do!’’ Michael argues.

‘’As his friends we really should respect what he wants.’’ Jenna says, flanking Michael. The two stare down Jake and Rich as Brooke and Chloe keep to the sidelines, holding hands.

‘’If we keep arguing about this we’re gonna miss it!’’ Rich almost yells. They’ve been periodically peeking in trough the side door, to the annoyance of some of the people close by, trying to keep track of where Jeremy is in the lineup. As Jake peeks in once more he suddenly snaps to attention.

‘’It’s his turn!’’ he whisper-yells excitedly. He’d caught Jeremy introducing himself, he was gonna start singing soon! Michael steps in front of the door.

‘’I’m not letting you do this.’’ he says as he adopts a defensive stance. They all know it’ll create too much of a commotion if they were to try and get past Michael. Something in Richs eyes flash, and then he grabs Jakes arm and runs for the staircase. The others stare after them in confusion before Chloe realizes where they’re headed.

‘’The back entrance!’’ she yells, taking off after them and dragging Brooke behind her. Michael and Jenna are quick to follow. They catch sight of Rich and Jake right as they sneak in trough the door, and hurry to follow them as quietly as they can.

‘’Don’t open a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeein!’’ Jeremy sings from the stage, and they freeze. Sure, they’ve all heard him sing before, but nothing like this. His voice is raw with emotion, lifting and falling, his eyebrows are drawn and he stares across the empty auditorium as if he isn’t really seeing it but is still looking for an answer somewhere out there. Michael feels like those eyes are staring into the very core of his soul. His voice grows softer.

‘’Just freeeeeze your braaaaaaiiiin. Freeeeze your braaiiiiiiin. Go on and freeeeze your braaaiiiin.’’

The music cuts out suddenly, and Jeremy is left standing there. Wholly himself again and flushed with nerves. He says thank you and leaves the stage.

It had all been over in a flash for Jeremy. He’d gone up there, stomach protesting and hands cold and clammy. Then the music started and he fell into the well practiced words with ease. Let the music carry him and tell him who and where to be. It’s over before he registers the tightness in his chest. As if the music had dragged his voice out of him before his nerves could protest. He’s not sure if he did good or bad, can barely remember how he’d moved while he’d been singing those words. It was almost like back home, just singing because he liked it, letting the music carry him away. He steps off the stage with legs that feel like they’re gonna give out from under him any second, and thus stumbles into Christine. He’d watched as she’d delivered the section from the opening number as Veronica, and of course she had been perfect. She reaches out and steadies him, the next one in the lineup steps past them to go on stage.

‘’Woah hey there, you okay?’’ she asks. He fights with the lump in his throat, trying to force words out instead of weird grunting noises.

‘’U-u-uh ye-yeah. Yeah. I’m fine. Fine. Totally fine. Peachy, even.’’ he tries for a smile, but it obviously doesn’t work from the look on her face.

‘’Why don’t we go sit over there?’’ She points to a few seats off to the side, and he nods dumbly. She leads him over, guides him to sit in the chair before taking the one next to him. She doesn’t let go of his arm.

‘’You were amazing.’’ she says finally, and he chokes on air.

‘’Th-thank you. You too. Amazing. I’m pretty sure you’re gonna get the part.’’ he says once he can breathe somewhat normal again. She blushes and smiles. Geez that smile is brighter than the stage lights. It looks good on her.

‘’Thanks, I’m pretty sure you’ll get JD too actually.’’ and yup he’s out again.

‘’I don’t know about that. This is literally the first time I’ve auditioned for anything. I barely remember even going up there.’’ he says in a soft voice. She stares at him, almost as if in disbelief.

‘’That was your first? Oh my gosh! That’s so cool!’’ She says brightly, volume rising, and that smile is back and he’s pretty sure he’s gonna be blind by the time he’s introduced himself properly. Oh right, introductions.

‘’I’m Jeremy.’’ he says without any preamble, because that’s what his brain has decided on apparently.

‘’I’m Christine! Nice to meet you!’’ she answers anyway, volume increasing once again, because apparently she’s very used to dealing with weirdos. It wouldn’t surprise him really.

‘’My friends and I are gonna go get milkshakes after this, as a celebration I guess, wanna come with?’’ and hoo boy okay brain please slow down and check in once in a while before making him say things like that holy hell. This was not what he was planning but apparently he’s lost his god damned mind. Christine just smiles, her eyes crinkling and teeth pearly white.

‘’I’d love to!’’ she says, and this time someone does shush her.

The gang watches Christine grab Jeremys arm and lead him over to the chairs by the wall.

‘’Oh my god is he panicking? I can’t tell from here!’’ Brooke whisper-yells at the others. They all watch as the two of them talk, Christines smile never leaving, Jeremys face a bright red. And then the auditions are over and they’re getting up to leave.

‘’Shit we gotta go back!’’ Jake exclaims, clambering for the door. They’d promised Jeremy they’d wait outside the auditorium for him. The six of them rush out the back door and fly down the staircase, having just enough time to catch their breaths before Jeremy spots them trough the throng of students, he waves at them and as he comes closer they see Christine trailing behind him.

Holy.

Shit.

‘’H-hey guys.’’ he says as he gets within hearing range.

‘’I asked if Christine wanted to come with, is that c-cool?’’ his face is still very red. It takes a second for the question to register, and then they’re all clambering to reassure them both that yeah that’s totally fine and cool, the more the merrier. They all start heading towards the parking lot, Christine and Jeremy end up at the back of the group, and the others leave them be. Except they’re all totally listening in of course.

‘’I really loved you performance in Romeo and Juliet by the way. The way you handled the death scene was so good. I cried.’’ Jeremy says, and the others want to smack him upside the head. Yes he’d cried, but you don’t say that to someone. Except Christine doesn’t look too bothered about it, she looks…happy?

‘’Really? That’s such a huge compliment! Romeo and Juliet always moves me to tears when done right, to know that I managed to do the same is a great feeling!’’ her enthusiasm is never ending it seems, as she keeps up the conversation for the most part, Jeremy nodding and smiling, interjecting comments here and there. When they reach the parking lot they automatically split up, Rich and Jake heading to Jakes car, Brooke leading Chloe and Jenna to hers, which leaves Christine to follow Jeremy to Michaels car.

‘’It’s cool if she rides with us, right?’’ Jeremy asks Michael, and it’s probably the most at ease he’s sounded since he exited the auditorium. Michael doesn’t know how to feel about the fact that it’s probably because Jeremy is talking to him.

‘’Of course dude!’’ he turns to Christine to shoot her a grin, but she’s already beaten him to it. She opens the door to the backseat and sits in the middle, so she can lean forwards and be a part of any conversation going on in the front. Michael takes his seat behind the wheel and Jeremy claims shot gun as per usual. Michael briefly wonders if he should banish Jeremy to the backseat, so that he can sit next to Christine, but the thought doesn’t sit right with him so he leaves it be.

‘’How’d your auditions go?’’ Michael asks nonchalantly. Glancing at Christine in the rearview mirror, and then sideways at Jeremy.

‘’I-I don’t know dude, I don’t remember much between getting up there and practically stumbling off stage afterwards. It could have been worse?’’ Jeremy says in an unsure voice, switching between looking at the road ahead and looking at Michael. He’s about to respond when Christine cuts him off,

‘’Are you kidding me? You were the best JD candidate by far! You hit every note perfectly, and the level of emotion! Wow! You said this was your first audition? You handled it like a pro! Even though you seemed a bit nervous, but most people are during auditions anyway.’’ Christine rambles. Michael watches Jeremys face, which had recently reverted to a somewhat normal hue, flare back into brilliant red. His hands creep up and up until he’s covering his eyes, and then he wraps his arms around his head as if he’s trying to hide.

‘’I think you broke him.’’ Michael says with a laugh catching Christines eye in the mirror, she looks worried.

‘’It’s fine, if he was as good as you say, he deserves all the praise.’’ Michael amends, lifting one hand off of the steering wheel to ruffle Jeremys hair. Christine is beaming again, and Jeremy lowers his arms a bit before speaking up,

‘’You were amazing too, you know. You’d make the best Veronica for sure.’’ he doesn’t say much more, too embarrassed to go on, but Christine soaks up the praise nonetheless.

September makes way for October. Halloween is quickly approaching, and Jeremy has officially known Christine for about a month. She’s started sitting at their table, always next to Jeremy, always on his right side. Michael sits in his seat to Jeremeys left, and he doesn’t know how Christine knew that was the usual deal, but he’s glad he can keep sitting there without any uncomfortable confrontations. It’s a small piece of normal in what’s been an unusual month so far. Jeremy spends a lot of his free time practicing with Christine. This means he spends less time with his other friends. Oh sure the two of them join the group for stuff, but they always sort of keep to themselves a little. It’s like they’re seeing a new side of Jeremy. It’s sort of cute, seeing him blush and stumble over his words, like he did with all of them before he settled into his space within the group, until he got comfortable with them and started trusting them. But it’s also a bit…disconcerting in a way. They haven’t seen Jeremy this enthused over almost anything, except maybe video game night with Michael. It also doesn’t help that he’s become somewhat stagnant in his pursuit of Christine.

They see how she looks at him, she hangs onto every word and encourages him to open up, she latches onto his right arm (always the right arm) every time they hang out. It’s so obvious that she like him! Like, look at them right now;

‘’A-and then I-I started doing her lines instead of mine!’’ Jeremy admits to the table during his re-telling of last night rehearsal fiasco. His face is red, but he’s smiling, and there’s laughter in his voice. He’s so comfortable admitting to ding something wrong, it’s strange, because the Jeremy they know is so scared of failure.Always second guessing himself and worrying about what other people think. He worries a bit less that they’ll thing anything bad about him, but he had admitted once that even then he sometimes worries just because he can’t help it. Even though he logically knows that he doesn’t have to. So to see him like this, at ease with telling them about something embarrassing he did, Christine clothing his arm and laughing along with the story, interjecting a few comments from her perspective of the whole ordeal. It paints a strange, yet pleasant picture.

They’re good for each other, that much is plain for all to see. Christine used to hop lunch tables, not uncommon for someone with so many different interests, but it seems like it’s doing her some good with stable friendships. She’s been talking to the other girls a lot outside of school for instance. Connecting and sharing gossip, sharing tips and tricks for their daily lives. They’ve also found that while she isn’t that into video games she still likes watching them play, and she’s a blast to bring to the arcade. Watching her decimate previous high scores on the Dance Dance Revolution and karaoke machines is sight to behold. She looks so alive and happy with the neon lights illuminating her face, the cheers of support from the sidelines egging her on further than ever before. The Undefeated Queen of DDR is legendary.

Chatroom: F I G H T

AmericanDragon: hey hey hEYYYYY

AmericanDragon: HALLOWEEN PARTY CONFIRMED™

AmericanDragon: ur all comin no excuses

RichBich: hells yeah dude!

Player1: f yea

DDRqueen: I love halloween parties!!

MythicBinch: sure

GossipGirl: I’ll be there!

BeanieBabe: yay!!!! i’m gonna get my costume ready!!!!

Player2: nice!

AmericanDragon added RichBich, GossipGirl, BeanieBabe, MythicBinch and Player1 to the chat

AmericanDragon named chat ‘now kiss’

AmericanDragon: lets get our boy some ACTION

Player1: wtf jake

GossipGirl: What’s the plan?

AmericanDragon: good attitude

AmericanDragon: we’re gonna get jerms n chrissy together if its the last thing we do on halloween

BeanieBabe: but how???

MythicBinch: easy. truth or dare

Player1: remind me to never cross u

MythicBinch: do u even need a reminder?

Player1: good point

Player1: okay so we get drunk, we play truth or dare, then what? and isn’t this a bit juvenile?

AmericanDragon: nah this is perf!

RichBich: omfg yea totes, we dare him to tell her

Player1: that’s never gonna work dude, he’d just get mad at us

GossipGirl: We dare Chrissy to kiss Jerms, and then proceed from there?

RichBich: better plan okay fine i bow down in the dust for the power of Rolan

GosspiGirl: Finally, the respect I deserve

Player1: that might just work actually, let’s go

The party is in full swing that weekend. It’s mainly the gang and a few friends from their classes, but everyone is singing and drinking and dancing and having a good time. Jake is pretty sure he just saw Brooke dressed as the dog filter on snapchat, that’s fucking awesome. He wanders towards the kitchen and finds Christine talking to Jenna. She’s wearing a floor-length gown in deep purple, and she looks regal. Jenna is wearing a t-shirt that someone has written ‘COSTUME’ on in sharpie. It makes him chuckle. Christine catches his eye and she smiles, so he walks closer.

‘’So I said What the hell Michael Mell, and I didn’t even notice I was doing the rhyming thing too!’’ Jenna says and Christine bursts out laughing.

‘’Is that where it’s from? Jeremy says it all the time!’’ Christine says once she can breathe again. Jenna raises an eyebrow.

‘’He hasn’t told you? Doesn’t he talk about Michael?’’ Jenna asks, and Jake wants to shake her just a little bit. Jenna shoots him a glance as if she knows what he’s thinking, and telling him to let her do her thing. He swallows nervously.

‘’Oh all the time! It’s nice, they’ve been friends for so long so he has a lot of good stories.’’ Christine smiles, not a trace of jealousy in her expression. Jenna wants to frown. Christine is just too sweet for such a tactic.

‘’Speaking of Jeremy, you heard anything from him or Michael? They’re running late.’’ Jenna transitions smoothly. Christine looks expectantly at Jake.

‘’Nothing, I’ll text Jeremy. Michaels probably driving.’’ Jake says as he finds his phone.

To Jeremy:

yo dude where u guys at?

The phone in Jeremys pocket buzzes with the incoming text, but he doesn’t notice. He’s sitting in Michaels car, looking at Jakes front door, and not moving. He’s been like that for the past 5 minutes. Trying to convince himself that going in there won’t be the most horrible kind of torture he could put himself trough. It’s not working. He knows he’ll have a good time if he just goes. He always has a good time at Jakes parties, he always always has a good time with his friends, and lately also with Christine. And she’s in there too. The thought makes the weight in his stomach turn over nauseatingly. The thought of people looking at him is really no appealing though. He vaguely finds himself wishing he could just crawl into a deep dark abyss and never come back. Just disappear into nothingness so he doesn’t have to deal with everything.

‘’You ready?’’ Michael asks him. He’d said he needed a minute to prepare. And it’s true, sometimes he just needs to psyche himself up before social events like these. And then he goes out there and he’s fine and he has his friends if he’s not fine and it’s good. It’s all good.

It’s not working. Jeremy glances over and looks at Michaels expectant face. He doesn’t look too happy about this party either, but he hides it better than Jeremy, that’s for sure.

‘’I-I-I-I ca-a-an’t M-Mikey.’’ Jeremy stutters out. His hands are so cold. His skin feels like it’s too big and too tight, as if it’s been stretched over shapes it’s not supposed to cover. God he’s so uncomfortable. He closes his eyes, curls up in the passenger seat. Michael looks him over, then sighs.

‘’Wanna go home?’’ he asks, voice soft and understanding. He knows the feeling all too well himself. Jeremy peeks out at him, and the sight makes Michael a little sad. There’s so much tension in his posture, so much worry in his eyes. Michael has the urge to gather him up and tuck him away from the uncaring and unforgiving world Jeremy has built around himself.

‘’I’m sorry. You can drop me off and then come back.’’ he says in a tiny voice. Michaels heart breaks a little more.

‘’Nah dude, I’d rather hang with you.’’ Michael smiles, and starts the car before Jeremy can protest.

Chatroom: F I G H T

Player1: i’m taking miah home

RichBich: shot hopes he feels better soon!

RichBich: *shit

GosspiGirl: Send him our love!

BeanieBabe: <3 <3 <3 !!!

MythicBinch: <3

AmericanDragon: damn, keep him safe

Christine looks up from her phone as the messages stop appearing one after another. She looks over to Jenna quizzically, and when she catches her eye Jenna sighs.

‘’You’ve noticed that Jeremy gets nervous a lot, right?’’ she opens with, and Christine can only nod. Of course she knew, it wasn’t really something you could easily miss about the boy.

‘’Well he has like, social anxiety? It gets to him sometimes. Michael has it too, so he understands the best, and they usually take care of each other when it gets rough.’’ Jenna explains. Short and to the point. Christine is quick to unlock her phone again, pulling up the group chat.

DDRqueen: <3!!

The chat is a weird place for her sometimes. There are a lot of references she doesn’t get. Like why the chat is named ‘F I G H T’. Jeremy had mentioned it was left over from an argument they’d had about pastries ages ago, and then it had just stuck. But she enjoyed it nonetheless.

Then there are times like these when someone will say something and everyone has the same response and she’s left sitting in the dust until someone explains it to her. She’d admitted at one point that she felt a bit stupid when that happened, but they’d all quickly reassured her that it was fine. It was a lot of fun trying to explain the different things to her, and they wanted her to be able to join in of course, she was part of the group now! Sometimes she still felt like Jeremys tag along though. Like right now, she felt a little lost, adrift in a sea of people she doesn’t know all that well, with no Jeremy to tie her down. Oh well, she muses. No better time to get to know them better, right? She jumps back into animated conversation with Jenna and Jake.

When Jeremy gets home he collapses face first into his bed before clutching his pillow to his chest and curling up on his side, facing outwards. Michael puts the ‘Sad Chill’ playlist on from Jeremys laptop. The soft notes slowly fill the room, and Michael sits down with his back against the bed. While the circumstances aren’t ideal, it feels nice, being just the two of them again. Jeremys arm creeps out over the edge of the bed and dangles next to Michaels shoulder. He reaches up and grabs it, running his fingers over the knuckles and noting the way it’s slowly warming up. Jeremy sighs deeply, trying to melt into the welcoming softness of his bedsheets. Maybe if he could just disappear into the comforting softness it would all be better. The warm hand holding his isn’t too bad either.

‘’Wanna talk?’’ Michaels voice cuts into the music, but Jeremy doesn’t really mind. He likes Michaels voice.

‘’I’m sorry for stopping you from going to the part.’’ Jeremy says instead of a real answer. Michael squeezes his hand.

‘’Don’t apologize dude, it’s cool. You’d do the same for me.’’ Jeremy smiles slightly and tucks his face into the pillow.

‘’Yeah, I would.’’ is the muffled answer, but Michael still hears it, and it makes him smile. It’s the quickest way to get Jeremy to stop beating himself up over something like this. They both know Jermey would drop just about anything to come to Michaels aid, and vice versa. It’s a good feeling to be able to trust someone like that. Of course there are always things you just can’t drop, instances where just being there isn’t an option, but the good thing about friends is that they understand that too.

‘’You’re my favorite person, Mikey.’’ Jeremy says, and he sounds so very tired, and it’s adorable. It’s not the first time a half-asleep Jeremy has said something like that to him, but it doesn’t stop the way his stomach flutters, the way his fave heats up and a smile involuntarily stretches across his lips.

‘’You’re mine too, Miah. Now take a nap’’ he answers. The hand in his goes slack not soon after, breaths evening out. He doesn’t let go.

Chatroom: now kiss

RichBich: well thats that plan out the window

RichBich: any other suggestions?

Player1: i’m sorta happy we didn’t go trough with the plan, looking back it’s a terrible plan

GosspiGirl: How dare you

Player1: no i’m serious! it would be a hell of an uncommon sitch

Player1: we’ll just figure out something else

AmericanDragon: i’ve got an idea!

BeanieBabe:??

MythicBinch: jake?

RichBich: Where’d he go?

GosspiGirl: I see him, he’s talking to Chrissy

AmericanDragon: what??

Player1: well what he sayin?

GosspiGirl: idk hang on

Jake had made his way over to Christine with purpose in his step. She’d been hanging by the wall, taking a break from trying to interact with people, and didn’t notice Jake until he’d leaned up against the wall next to her. She turned her head and smiled at him, but before she could say anything he started speaking.

‘’Look, I need to tell you something.’’ he said it with the most serious tone she’d ever heard him use, and that put her on edge immediately.

‘’Jeremy joined the musical so he could ask you out, but we think he’s starting to doubt himself again, so as his friends we’re stepping in. We see the way you are together, and you’re good for each other. I mean, you like him, don’t you?’’ Jake looks at hr like he already knows the answer, as if she herself has admitted to him she’s completely gone for Jeremy Heere. She doesn’t answer him, only stares in stunned silence, feeling a stab of something run trough her stomach.

‘’Next week, Pinkberry? You guys could get lunch and just, i dunno, talk about stuff?’’ he looks like he’s not 100% sure where he’s going with this, which leaves Christine even more lost. Had Jake just asked her out, on behalf of Jeremy. All the new information turns over in her head slowly, before she nods at him, Her eyes tighten just a bit, her smile is forced for once. But he doesn’t know her well enough to spot it. If Jeremy was here he’d recognize the smile, the facial expression, but he’s not, so Jake is left to give her a relieved smile before he nods and heads off. HE’s immediately intercepted by Jenna.

‘’I can’t believe you just did that!’’ she almost shouts at him.

‘’Hey! It worked, didn’t it?’’ he says defensively.

‘’Wait, it did?’’ Jenna asks, her face morphing from rage to confusion in the blink of an eye.

‘’Totally!’’ Jake answers cheerfully, smiling from ear to ear.

‘’What worked, exactly?’’ Jenna asks, reproachful.

Chatroom: now kiss

GosspiGirl: JAKE WTF

MythicBinch: o shit rolan pulled out the caps, how much did he fuck up?

AmericanDragon: HEY

AmericanDragon: i thought i did good!

AmericanDragon: i got her to agree to go on a date with jerms next week!

BeanieBabe: !!!!!!!!!!!

MythicBinch: o dhit

Player1: YOU DID WHAT

MythicBinch: *shit

‘’I don’t care if it’s awkward for you to tell him! You did this! This situation is aallll cause a you, my dude. You get to figure it out yourself.’’ Michael whispers furiously at Jake during their first class together that Monday. Jake looks like he’d rather sink trough the floor than talk to Jeremy. He’s such a pathetic sight Michael almost takes pity on him. Almost. He waits for the teacher to turn back to the board.

‘’Look, Christine has one less class than us on Mondays, just tell her to wait for Jeremy at Pinkberrys and then we send him over there at the end of the day.’’ he sighs, and when he glances over at Jake. The dude’s gone fucking starry eyed on him. Great. He reaches across the small space between their desks and shoves at Jakes face, who only laughs. The teacher sends them a stern glance and Michael quickly retracts his hand, smiling sheepishly, before glaring at Jake. Jake does not look sorry in the slightest. He looks like Michael just saved his entire day. Michael just sighs.

Jeremy shares his first class with Brooke and Christine, and usually they sit two next to each other, and then one in front or behind one of them. It’s easier to talk to each other like that, creating a small triangle instead of a line. Christine is the last of the trio to arrive that day, and she sits down next to Brooke, effectively putting Brooke between her and Jeremy. His stomach immediately drops. He must have done something wrong, or something to offend her. He thinks frantically trough everything he’s said to her over the weekend to see if he can find something that might make her mad at him, and while nothing jumps out at him at first, enough overthinking can make anything into the reason she’s not speaking to him. And it does. Suddenly he can’t help but feel that she’s only tolerated him this past month. Surely she’s just been putting up with him. She’s probably closer to the other girls in the group now, but he’s in the friend group so she can’t just stop talking to him. Hell maybe she regretted ever taking him up on the milkshake offer. She probably does. She’s probably really fed up with him by now. All his stammering and the way he awkwardly hugs her and how his face is probably red about 60% of the time they talk and his cold clammy hands and-

The bell rings. Jeremy can’t remember having heard anything the teacher’s said all class. He’s been staring at the blank page of his notebook. When he glances up it’s just in time to see Christine walk out. She hadn’t said a word to him. Brooke looks like she’s unaware of the inner turmoil Jeremy is facing, which is fine. He’d rather not tell her anyway. He doesn’t really wanna start anything within the group anyway. They’d probably go for Christine over him. Who wouldn’t? She’s so happy and perfect and she doesn’t blow off plans last minute because her stupid brain decides that it’s time to freak out. He smiles at Brooke, who smiles back, before heading to his next class.

It doesn’t get any less awkward at lunch. Oh sure Christine is sitting next to him this time, but he’s acutely aware of how she avoids touching him. Even with her flailing gesturing as she speaks, she never once brushes against him like usual. Doesn’t nudge him in a friendly way. Doesn’t hold his arm like she sometimes does. Like he’s come to find comforting over the time he’s gotten to know her. He feels adrift, like he’s looking at her from the outside. Looking at the conversation going on around him from the outside. Michael is a solid weight against his arm, a solid being in a world that’s suddenly full of smoke and mirrors. It anchors him, but he can’t look at Michael. If he looks at Michael he’ll know something’s up, and if he knows then he’ll ask, and if he asks Jeremy will answer. Because that’s how they work. But if he tells Michael that Christine doesn’t actually want to hang around him anymore he’ll create a divide in the friend group. Michael will go with him because he’s a stupidly marvelously good best friend. But the others will surely go with Christine. He’s pretty sure he’d chose Christine over himself too. This ends up cutting Michael off from all of his other friends, friends he connected with without any help from Jeremy. He feels nauseous. The food in front of him doesn’t look appealing anymore.

He’s so caught up in his own head that he doesn’t notice Christine excusing herself, and leaving lunch early. She doesn’t say bye to him, so he can only watch her go, his mind a million miles away.

‘’Is she mad at me?’’

Which is probably why he only realizes he’s said something when the others have stopped talking and are now staring at him. He faces them, eyes wide and face beginning to redden.

‘’What?’’ Jake asks.

‘’S-she’s, Christine, has been…uh, a-avoiding me? All morning? I think.’’ he stammers out, voice small and unsure. This is exactly what he wanted to avoid. He glances over at Michael and yup, that’s worry. That is Michaels worried face. Great. Fucking fantastic. If only the void would take him now. He misses the looks the group exchanges, and misses the glares sent Jakes way, misses Chloe as she mouthes ‘Fix. It’ at Jake. What he doesn’t miss is Rich getting up and sitting down in the vacant seat Christine left. He puts an arm around Jeremy, and while it doesn’t calm him down it does make him feel a bit better. Rich is a good person.

‘’Maybe she just needs some time to figure things out. It’s very easy to withdraw from someone once you realize something in your relationship has changed, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing! She’ll talk about it when she’s ready. I mean it’s Christine, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t have a bad bone in her body!’’ Brooke says, breaking the silence. Jeremy looks at her, feels the prickling behind his eyes and his face heating up even more. He keeps the tears back, but can’t stop his eyes from watering a little. He gives Brooke a shaky smile.

‘’Thanks Brookie.’’ she only smiles, big and happy and endlessly confident that this will all blow over soon, and they’ll be back to normal and happier for it. Jeremy wishes he could believe in that smile fully, but he’ll take the temporary comfort.

To Chrissy:

u willing to meet w Jerms at Pibkberry today

To Jake:

yeah okay, i’ll be waiting

To Chrissy:

r u mad?

To Jake:

I don’t know

Jake stares, dread pooling in the pit of his stomach. He feels like he’s sending Jeremy into the lions den when he approaches him at the end of the day.

‘’Jeremy!’’ he calls. Jeremy turns around and gives him a lopsided smile. Jake can’t help but think he looks small right then and there, even though he’s the second tallest person in their group. Well technically third, Jake and Michael are about the same height, but Jeremy isn’t that far behind. Jeremy stops to let Jake catch up to him.

‘’What’s up Jake?’’ Jeremys shoulders are lowered, his posture easy. He’s so clearly comfortable just talking to Jake right now and Jake hates that he knows exactly what’s gonna happen when he says the lines he’s been rehearsing in his head for the past hour or so.

‘’Chrissy said she’d meet you at Pinkberry after school today. I think she wants to talk?’’ as he expected Jeremys shoulders twitch, wanting to hunch up. His face becomes drawn, the smile a bit strained. Jake can see the worry seeping into his eyes.

‘’Okay. Great. Cool. I’ll see you later.’’ he says, and leaves. Jake watches him go, feeling helplessly lost in the sea of students around him.

Chatroom: now kiss

Player1: jerms just texted me saying he’s heading to pinkberry and that i should just go home

AmericanDragon: i have made a Mistake

RichBich: jake wtf

AmericanDragon: chrissy is acting so strange and i asked if she was mad n she just said idk????

AmericanDragon: n now jerms is headed to talk to her and im freakin out haha

GossipGirl: That’s it we’re going to Pinkberrys. Jerms is walking there so if we drive we can sneak in and sit, find Chrissy, find a good spot close where we can eavesdrop, and then possibly also step in if shit hits the fan. We owe Jerms that much.

BeanieBabe: yes!!! good plan!!!

MythicBinch: they might see us

GossipGirl: Leave that to me!

They take the other way around the school to drive to the mall, just in case Jeremy spots their cars. Or well, in case he spots Michaels car. It’s a very recognizable car what with all the bumper stickers and the fuzzy pacman hanging from his rearview mirror. It had been a gift from Jeremy, just a placeholder until Jeremy had been old enough to get his tattoo, so that they could finally match. The drive feels longer than it is, and Michael is sure it has something to do with the quiet in his car, he doesn’t really feel like putting on any music. They park their cars and meet up at the entrance. Everyone looks to Jenna.

‘’Michael you gotta take off your hoodie, it’s way too recognizable. Jake you take off your football jacket and give it to Rich.’’ they do as instructed as Jenna hands Chloe a beanie and a pair of sunglasses to Brooke. Jenna puts a baseball cap on and tucks her hair in.

‘’Clothes you wear regularly and hair are some of the most recognizable traits, this way if they glance in our direction it’ll be easier to go unrecognized.’’ she explains.

‘’You should work for the CIA or something in the future’’ Michael says. Jenna winks at him.

‘’Who says I’m not already’’ she smirks before leading the party into the mall.

There are two entrances to the pinkberry, since it’s sort of in the middle strip of stores, meaning you can walk straight trough it to the other side. They aim for the entrance that’s technically in the back, and get lucky. Christine is sitting in a booth with her back to them, meaning they can sneak into the next booth over and settle in without being noticed. Now all that’s left is for Jeremy to arrive and hopefully not spot them.

Jeremy makes his way to the mall slowly. It’s not that far away from the school to be honest, but he doesn’t wanna be drenched in sweat when he arrives. Also he might be a little scared. Who is he kidding he’s very scared, very worried, and he’s already sweating a lot. What a good Monday this is shaping up to be. Despite his slow pace he makes it to the mall relatively quickly. He makes his way to Pinkberry in a daze, and once he gets there his eyes zeroes in on Christine immediately. She’s looking at her phone. As he approaches he feels like he’s approaching his own death sentence. He stops in front of the booth and tries to swallow the lump in his throat.

‘’H-hey.’’ he says lamely, and Christine finally looks up. She doesn’t smile and Jeremy feels like he might already be dead. She nods to the seat across from her and he slides in. He doesn’t say anything, waits for her to start. On the other side of the divider behind Christine everyone holds their breath.

‘’Jake told me the truth.’’ Christine starts, and it throws Jeremy for a loop. He ends up staring at her and very intelligently stammer out,

‘’W-what?’’ in a meek voice. Christine huffs, her face pinching and he’s never seen her like this. Angry. And hurt. He doesn’t know what he did but he knows he’ll do anything in his power to undo it, just to get her to stop looking like that.

‘’You never wanted to be in the musical.’’ she accuses him, and it’s like a knife to the gut. Oh. She knows. She knows the truth that’s actually a lie and thinks the actual truth is an actual lie. Fuck.

‘’Chris-‘’ he tries to start, but she cuts him off,

‘’No. I can’t believe I actually believed you. And you were so nice and I thought I found someone who loved theatre as much as I did, was that all fake too?’’ she glares at him, and he feels so very small. He feels like he’s being pulled under, like he can’t breathe, and he wants to cry but he can’t cry now, how pathetic would that be?

‘’This isn’t the first time this has happened, and I’m so sick of it. I thought you were different.’’

Every word is like a blow, his chest keeps tightening and he feels guilty for something that isn’t even true, but he is a liar and a terrible person even though it’s not in the way she thinks.

‘’I thought you were better.’’ she says finally, and she sounds tired. She sounds tired and broken and Jeremy recognizes himself in that tone of voice. That might be what finally snaps him out of the downward spiral into the cold murky waters of despair, because when she gets up to leave his hand shoots out to stop her, catching her wrist. He can’t meet her eyes for a second, can’t find his voice, and the air between them is tense as he tries to get his scrambled brain to form a coherent sentence. She doesn’t pull her arm away.

Rich had been seconds away from getting out of his seat to stop Christine, but Jeremy actually beats him to it. The tension between the two seep into the air between the other six, and it feels like the tiniest movement could shatter the world. Jeremy breaks the silence after a small eternity, his hand clammy around Christines wrist. He looks up at her finally,

‘’Will you let me explain?’’ he asks, surprising himself. In the small eternity between grabbing onto her and opening his mouth he’s decided to tel her everything. Tell her the truth, the real truth. She’d understand, wouldn’t she? Or maybe she’d hate him, and then go tell his friends and then they’d hate him too and then the seven of them would leave him behind and they’d all be better off without hi-

His chain of thought is broken by Christine sitting back down and crossing her arms. He stares at her for moment before snatching his hand back and staring into the tabletop.

‘’Alright. Explain.’’ Christine says neutrally. He can tell she’s a bit annoyed, but she stayed. That has to mean something. He takes a deep breath and prepares to put words to thoughts he’s never let leave his head.

‘’It’s true that I lied, but I didn’t lie to you.’’ he glances at her, she uncrosses her arms, eyebrows raising, he looks back down.

‘’I lied to everyone else.’’ he admits. It’s freeing and terrible at the same time, like releasing a burden only to replace it with a heavier one.

‘’I told them I had a crush on you as an excuse to join the musical, because I didn’t want to tell them that I like theatre.’’ he almost whispers, but it’s still loud enough for the others to hear. Their faces all share the same shocked expression, and they feel… lost for words. Not that they’d say anything but, it’s like everything grinds to a halt all at once.

‘’That doesn’t make any sense.’’ Christine says, but there’s no accusation in her tone, only confusion. Uncertainty.

‘’I know!’’ Jeremy almost shouts, such a contrast to his last statement. He pushes his hair away from his face and oh yup that’s definitely tears sliding down his face. He avoids meeting her eyes as he raises his head, scrubbing an arm across his face. Trying ton hold back the tears.

‘’I know it doesn’t make sense. It was never supposed to be a secret but I just never told them and then I kept not telling them and then suddenly it was this huge secret. And it felt like I’d lied to them for so long and I don’t even know why and for some reason I thought they’d be mad at me? And it sounds so stupid when I’m saying it out loud because they’re good people, they’re the b-best people, and I thought something so bad about them but I just-‘’ he cuts himself off, taking a deep and shaky breath. No more tears leak out, and he’s grateful for that small mercy. He can’t bring himself to look at Christine yet.

‘’When I heard which musical we were putting on I decided I had to try to be in it, it’s my favorite musical of all time and I’ve always wanted to see if I was good enough to play JD. So I needed a good enough excuse to sign up for auditions, and then there you were.’’ now he does look at her. Her eyes are open, staring at him, her arms resting on the table. He smiles at her, shaky, and there must be something in his expression because she breathes in shakily.

‘’I’ve admired you since freshman year, when I saw you in Romeo and Juliet. Because after that I kept noticing you, and you were so…so unapologetically enthusiastic about what you loved, and at first I was so jealous of you, and then I started wishing we could be friends. But I’m terrible at making friends!’’ he laughs brokenly at that.

‘’I’m only in the friend group I’m in because of Michael, and on some level I’m always terrified they’ll realize I’m not worth hanging around.’’ at the other table Brooke looks like she’s about to cry, and the others can’t help but internally agree.

‘’It’s all in my head too, I know they’re not that mean, but I can’t help it sometimes. But yeah…I figured I could tell them I liked you, try out for the play, connect with you and maybe even be acquaintances? So honestly the fact that you’re in the group now is better than I’d ever imagined.’’ his face is red, both from the almost crying and the embarrassment, but he’s smiling slightly. Christine is speechless, hanging onto every word.

‘’I figured I’d tell them it didn’t work out with you, and leave it at that. But then I actually got the part and I somehow convinced myself that if I did a good enough job, if they saw me be an amazing JD, I could tell them that this is what I wanna do with my life.’’ he admits. And then he finally looks at her, he can’t really read her expression.

‘’I’m sorry I got you caught up in my lies, I didn’t mean to hurt you and I know I did anyway, and I hope you can forgive me for being a hurtful idiot.’’ he finishes. He feels wrung out, both emotionally and physically. There’s an ache in his chest, like a festering wound. It’s soon forgotten when he see the small sympathetic smile blossoming on her face. Her eyes shine as she says,

‘’Of course I forgive you.’’

The smile that stretches across his face is probably the biggest one that’s graced his face the entire day.

‘’I do have a demand though. You have to tell them after opening night. And I mean everything. They’re you’re friends, they care about you, they’d never hate you for something you love.’’ she says.

‘’Yeah, you’re right. I mean I already feel better having told you. And deep down I know they won’t be mad but it’s just…difficult to start a conversation like that sometimes.’’

‘’I can be there as moral support, if you want?’’

‘’Would you?’’ he looks so hopeful it almost breaks her heart.

‘’Of course!’’ she reaches out and grabs both his hands, beaming at him.

‘’Why Heathers though?’’ she asks him once they sit back down. After all that emotion they decided to actually get some frozen yoghurt. Jeremy has mint chocolate chip, and Christine has strawberry with mini marshmallows. The others are still there, Brooke having snuck off to grab her own frozen yogurt (peach flavor), and brings back blueberry for Jenna, vanilla for Chloe, and mint chocolate chip fro Michael. They all make faces as he digs in.

‘’I guess I’ve always seen some similarities between me and JD, not in a I’m-gonna-snap-and-blow-the-school-up way, but in the way he closes himself off from the world, how he’s hurting. Oh, and the songs are amazing, of course. Freeze your brain is my favorite cus we see the vulnerable side of JD. And it’s about slushies, so it reminds me of Michael. Even though it’s a sad song it cheers me up because of that.’’

At the other table all eyes shoot to Michael, who’s blushing.

‘’Speaking of Michael…’’Christen opens, and congratulates herself on the smooth change of topic.

‘’The others, I kinda get why you didn’t talk to them, but why not Michael? He’s your best friend, right?’’ Christine asks, fishing around for the last mini marshmallows in her cup. Jeremy blushes again.

‘’Oh well…I think it’s because he is my best friend. It feels even worse keeping secrets from him than the others.’’ Christine immediately latches onto the plural s.

‘’Secrets? As in, more than one?’’ she asks, leaning across the table just a little. The others pick it up too, and sharpen their ears. Apparently today is a day for learning your long time friends deepest darkest secrets. Jeremy is quickly going even redder.

‘’Okay! Okay! Yes, more secrets. There’s only two though, and you already know the first one.’’ he pleads.

‘’Is it bigger or smaller than the you being a musical nerd one?’’ he snorts at that, but quickly becomes serious as he considers it.

‘’Probably bigger.’’ he admits, knowing full well she’ll demand to him to tell her.

‘’I demand that you tell me.’’ she says with mock seriousness in her voice. And yes there’s a hint of deep curiosity there, but the good thing about Christine is that he knows he can just say no. Just tell her he doesn’t wanna share it and she’ll be fine with it. But it felt so good sharing the other, maybe it’ll be easier if he tells her this one too? The other table is quiet, full of tension as they desperately hope Jeremy will share this second secret with Christine and, unknowingly, with them.

‘’I’m in love with Michael.’’

Michael remembers the first time he saw Jeremy. Really saw him.

The moving truck had parked outside the house down the street late December. Pretty close to christmas, and Michael had wondered who could be bothered to move this close to Christmas. He’d glimpse the new people every now and then, two adults and a small figure in a bright blue coat.

His Ina had said they were a couple with a son about his age, and that he’d probably be starting in Michaels class in January. Nanay had told him to be nice to the new boy once school started, since it was always difficult to start in the middle of the school year.

‘’But why can’t we go over and say hi, we could be friends and then he’d have someone to hang out with when school starts!’’ Ina had smiled.

‘’You’re so kind, anak, I’m proud of you. But they’ve asked for some time to settle, so for now we give them their space.’’ he had nodded in understanding, even though he didn’t really.

This had lead to the first time he actually saw Jeremy being the first day back to second grade that January. He remembers the skinny kid with the floppy brown hair, hands twisting in his soft blue cardigan, a missing front tooth, big blue eyes. He’d stuttered out his own name, face a little rosy, and the teacher had seated him next to Michael. You’d think such an epic friendship would have had a grander beginning. Michael defending Jeremy as someone made fun of his stutter, Jeremy befriending the friendless Michael. But no, it starts with Jeremy sitting down next to Michael nervously glancing over at him, and Michael answering him with a blinding smile.

Jeremy is the first person Michael calls when he gets the new gaming system.

Michael is the first person Jeremy calls when he gets a pet rabbit.

Jeremy is the first person Michael calls when there’s a new movie he wants to see.

Michael is the first person Jeremy calls when he was getting braces.

Jeremy is the first person Michael calls when his grandma dies.

Michael is the first person Jeremy calls when anything happens.

Jeremy is the first person Michael calls when everything happens.

Michael is the first person Jeremy calls when his mom leaves.

They’ve been friends for four years, but it feels like forever. You can always find one with the other. They lean on each other and find strength in each other. They also keep each other on the right track. When she leaves Jeremy is inconsolable at first. He doesn’t understand.

‘’Did I do something?’’ he asks his dad, he gets a shaky smile and a shake of the head. And then his dad is gone again. Not like his mom is gone, but he’s just not there.

He spends a lot of time at Michaels place that year, goes there after school, hangs out during the weekends. Talks to his moms. Talks to his moms a lot actually. He latches onto them like he’s dying, and they notice. It leads to them sitting him down one evening, along with Michael, and having a lengthy discussion about how Jeremy’s feeling. Apparently nobody had really thought to ask him. Except Michael, of course, but Michael only has child like reassurances. And no means to better the situation on his own. He’s glad when his moms step in, because he was starting to feel like Jeremy might be slipping away. The talks become regular, and Reyna and Ami start visiting the Heere household to talk to Jeremys dad as well. He’s slowly getting better, and keeps thanking them for looking after Jeremy while he was being an idiot. His own words. But there’s something missing from the equation. The Heere boys keep saying she left because she was tired of dealing with something. It switches from money problems, to being a mother, to being a wife, to health issues, to some indistinct worry about the future. But it’s all strangely centered around Jeremy. They just don’t know why, until the end of that summer.

They’re looking trough the Mell family photo albums when they come across Michaels baby pictures. Michael, predictably, tries to snatch the album away. Reyna stops him however.

‘’I was in labour for seven hours, I deserve to gush about these photos.’’ she argues, and shows Jeremy the pictures of a very small Michael. He’s screaming, small face scrunched up and hilarious looking. Jeremy tries not to laugh, but a snort escapes anyway. Michael tries to tackle him, but Ami stops him.

‘’Now be nice anak.’’ she says, voice soft and full of fondness. Jeremy glances at her, then back to the picture again.

‘’If you gave birth to Michael, does that mean he has a dad somewhere?’’ he asks, quite innocently. Reyna and Ami share a look over the boys’ heads, and Ami gestures that she’ll handle it.

‘’You see Jeremy, Michael is our biological son. I’m what you call Trans, which means-‘’ she’s cut off as Jeremy gasps loudly, and it’s surprising enough that she just stops talking. All three Mells are looking at him in confusion, but he doesn’t notice, just stares at Ami with big eyes.

‘’You are? You’re married! And you have a family! And you’re happy!’’Jeremy exclaims.

‘’Uuuuuuuh…yes?’’ is the answer Ami gives him, and then he’s laughing. Laughing like he’s relieved. And then he’s crying, and Ami understands. She gets up and gathers Jeremy into her arms, and he clings onto her, buries his face in her shirt without a trace of embarrassment. He knows he’s safe here, so it’s okay. He cries himself out as Ami rocks him gently, petting his hair and shushing him. Michel gets up and settles in next to them, waiting for his turn to hug his best friend.

‘’Are you-‘’ she’s cut off by the frantic nodding of Jeremys head, and she sighs. Not long after Jermey releases his grip, and then he’s got his arms full of a different Mell instead. Michael clutches him tight, trying to squeeze every bit of love and understanding into Jeremy.

‘’I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s part of why we moved here in the first place. Fresh start.’’ Jeremy mutters into Michaels shoulder. Michael only shakes his head.

‘’It’s okay.’’ he says, and Jeremy would cry again if his head didn’t already hurt so much.

Nothing changes between them. Except now Michael knows why Jeremy changes in the bathroom instead of the locker rooms. Jeremy had always said he was uncomfortable in the locker rooms, and Michael figures that’s still true anyway. His Ina also tells Jeremys dad about puberty blockers, and tells him everything he can do for his son. She becomes an invaluable resource for Mr. Heere, and someone he can come to with questions he can’t ask his son. Everything seems to be on track to become better, maybe not just like it was before, but who says that’s not a good thing? That is, until Ami overhears Jeremy tell Michael something. She knows she shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but she can’t help it.

‘’I think my mom left cus she couldn’t deal with me. I heard her shouting at dad a week before she left, about how she wouldn’t be able to handle what I’m putting her trough.’’

It breaks her heart, so she steps in like the nosy woman she is. She knocks gently on the door, and the boys go quiet immediately. She cracks the door open, leans into the room.

‘’I’m sorry for listening in, but can I speak with you for a moment Jeremy?’’

Said boy glances at Michael before carefully nodding his head. She steps in fully and joins the two boys on the floor in front of the small tv the gaming system is hooked up to.

‘’As a child, it isn’t your responsibility to make sure you’re someone your parents can… deal with…or whatever. Your only job is to be you, and their jobs as parents are to accept you and love you, teach you and guide you, be there for you. It isn’t your fault your mom left, and I’m sure your dad would say the same.’’ Ami says in a confident voice. And he does. Not as eloquently, but twice as reassuring. Ten times as loving. A hundred times as accepting.

‘’Your mom didn’t leave because you couldn’t be a good child, she left because she couldn’t be good mother. It just wasn’t who she was supposed to be, and she hurt us in the process, so it’s okay to be mad at her, but in the end we just have to let her go, and move on. We can make it together, Heere men have always been resilient.’’ he says, and smiles, and Jeremy believes him.

They stick together trough thick and thin, Michael and Jeremy, Jeremy and Michael.

Player 1 and Player 2

The two of them against the world (against middle school).

Michael doesn’t notice at first. How could he? Jeremy is Jeremy, and Jeremy is his best friend. They play video games together, lounging across each other, sitting in each others laps, falling asleep holding each other, waking up still holding each other. Jeremy likes to cuddle, Jeremy likes hugs, Jeremy likes soft and warm things and Michael is soft and warm personified. Jeremy calms him down after panic attacks, Jeremy tells him he’s the best when his brain says he’s the worst, Jeremy says he’s his favorite person, Jeremy stops stuttering around him, Jeremy grows his hair out a bit, Jeremy calls his moms Ina and Nanay, Jeremy grows up.

Jeremy is cute.

The realization that he’s gay isn’t really a surprise. Well, he’s surprised he didn’t realize sooner. He tells his moms with little fanfare, and Jeremy with even less (who in turn admits he’s probably bi). Life goes on. Until his 14th birthday party. Jeremy is there. Of course he’s there, if you asked him he’d say he wouldn’t miss it for the world, and he’d mean it. They’re out in the garden, having a barbecue. Rich, a kid they met first year in middle school, is there as well. He likes video games and has a lisp, and Michael think’s he’s cool. He’s probably the fastest kid in their class. He’d sat next to Michael in math and then they’d been friends, and then Jeremy had slowly warmed up to him, and they’d bonded over their speech impediments. Michael feels like it should be a big deal figuring out you’re in love with your best friend, but it isn’t. It’s looking up into the tree that’s been in your back yard since forever, laughing and worrying at the same time that Jeremy is gonna fall and break something, and thinking you could spend the rest of your life like that. Laughing and worrying and loving this idiot. He starts high school knowing he likes Jeremy, he finishes freshman year knowing he loves him. He tells Rich, because he’s Michaels closest friend after Jeremy. And now he has to make that distinction because suddenly they have even more friends.

He makes it to junior year with his unrequited feelings. He’s also discovered that getting high chills him out, and helps when he’s feeling strung out and worn down. That’s also how the rest of the gang, excluding Jeremy, gets wind of his crush during sophomore year. It’s an old group chat they used to discuss what to get Jeremy for his birthday back in October, but the first word is ‘Jerms’ in the title and then he’s going for it.

Chatroom: jerms gon party

Player1: i’m so gay for jeremy

And that was that.

They promise not to tell Jeremy, like the good friends they are, but they all agree it’s hard to tell if Jeremy likes him back, beaches they’ve just always been that close. Sometimes Michael hates how close they are, and then he changes his mind about five seconds later. That also means that when Jeremy says he’s crushing on Christine, the others immediately pounce on him, making sure he’s okay. And what can he tell them? That he’s heartbroken? That he kinda wishes Christine would go away? That he kinda wants to sabotage Jeremy, just so he will keep being single, so Michael doesn’t have to deal with this? No. He doesn’t say all that, even though somewhere in the back of his mind he wishes he did. He wishes he had told them and they’d help him get Christine far away from Jeremy. But he doesn’t. He’s a good friend. He’s Jeremys best friend. He wants him to be happy. And if Christine is what will make Jeremy happy, he’s not gonna stand in the way of that. So he tells them that they’re gonna help Jeremy get Christine, because that’s what friends do, and he ignores the ache in his chest and the way he feels his heart break over and over again. He smiles and makes sure Jeremy is okay, and he’s glad he’s been dealing with these feelings for so long, because Jeremy doesn’t notice even now. Maybe Michael wishes he would.

Michael is pretty sure his head is gonna explode. What the fuck. What the actual fuck. The others are looking at him as if they absolutely agree.

What the fuck.

In the next booth over the conversation continues, as if Michaels entire world hadn’t just fallen apart only to be rebuilt again.

‘’Really?’’ Christine exclaims with glee, Jeremy is still bright red, but he’s smiling and nodding shyly. He looks…happy. He looks like he’s in love. Michael has never seen him like that before, but he can’t tear his eyes away. It’s like magic. Like a moth to a flame, and Jeremy is burning brighter than ever, and Michael is only one small moth feeling like he’s chasing the moon.

‘’Yeah, I think I started crushing on him when I was like 12 or something. It’s really stupid. I don’t even know if he thinks of me like that, if I’m even an option. But it’s fine, he keeps me grounded just by being next to me.’’ he looks off into the distance, all dreamy, and okay yeah Christine realizes he could never have been in love with her. This is Jeremy Heere in love, and she’s never seen him like this. Wistful, longing, and so at peace with it, more content to simply exist in the world than she’s ever seen him.

‘’Don’t you wanna tell him that?’’ she asks, and Michael could kiss Christine, he really could right then and there. Jeremy is silent, his face falling a little, like his awareness of the world around him is seeping back in, brining back his anxious demeanor. Michael wishes he could hold onto the place Jeremy and been in, bottle it up and give it to him so he could stay there forever. Just being happy.

‘’I don’t know.’’ oh god please hit this boy over the head with something so he can get it trough his thick skull that Michael is head over heels in love with him so he should really say something oh god please just say something.

‘’What if you tell him on opening night, after you tell everyone about you being a huge nerd?’’ Christine suggests. Michael is gonna shower her in gifts he’s so fucking thankful for her right now. Jeremy snorts.

‘’’Are you ever gonna stop calling me a nerd?’’ he asks jokingly. She gleefully shakes her head no, and he sighs, then his face turns serious again.

‘’Is it a good idea to tell him that right after admitting I’ve been lying to everyone for years because of my own dumb insecurities?’’ his worries are closing in on him, trapping him in a corner.

‘’First off, they’re not dumb. They might be irrational, but that doesn’t make them any less real. Second, isn’t it good to just get it all out, over and done with?’’ Christine tries to reason with his anxieties, and she sees some of the worry clear away. She’s getting trough.

‘’Maybe…yeah okay.’’ he’s smiling slightly, light filling his eyes.

‘’Okay?’’ she asks, urges him on, smile splitting her face.

‘’Okay!’’ he exclaims, laughing, smiling bigger, drunk on love and foolish bravery. She looks at him expectantly, and he only sends her a questioning look back. She groans, but her eyes are still smiling so he knows she’s not actually that exasperated with him yet.

‘’How? How are you gonna do it? I know you, Jeremy Heere, and you need a plan. You need a goal to work towards. So what’s your plan?’’ she puts her arms on the table, leans against them and gets up close and personal with his face. He swallows, his hands shaking just a little.

‘’Uhh, okay. So I meet everyone after opening night, hopefully they’re all amazed at our performance, I tell them I’m a theatre nerd and that my big dream is to go to Broadway-‘’ Christine cuts him off with a squeal of joy, but quickly makes hand motions for him to continue, and the others can’t help but share that sentiment. This is a new side of Jeremy, and they kinda really like it, this new found budding confidence Christine and the musical has inspired in him. Jeremy gives her a crooked smile before continuing,

‘’Then I’ll ask if Michael can drop me off at home, or I’ll probably ask him beforehand, or he’ll offer. He’ll probably offer actually, he’s a good friend like that. Anyway so I’ll wait until he’s dropping me off at home, and then I’ll tell him, and then when it gets really awkward I can just go home and hide in my room forever.’’ Jeremy finishes on an almost false note of cheer. Christine sighs, but smiles tiredly at him.

‘’It was good all the way up to the end. Promise me you’ll hear him out before you run off?’’ she asks.

‘’I promise.’’ Jeremy says.

The six of them watch as Jeremy and Christine leave, and breathe a sigh of relief at having gone unnoticed during the entire ordeal.

‘’How’d you feel dude?’’ Rich asks Michael, and honestly he doesn’t really know how to answer.

‘’I am dead and dying.’’ he offers, and he feels like that should explain everything.

‘’I’m impressed, those states are usually mutually exclusive.’’ Jenna says sarcastically. Michael covers his face with his hands, pushing his glasses up, and leans his head back until it connects with the top of the bech behind him.

‘’Time is an illusion.’’ he mutters trough his hands before dragging them down his face, then reaching up and settling his glasses back into their rightful place.

‘’No but for real I think I’m about to either explode from glee or frustration. Maybe both. He’s closer than ever and I can’t even take the final step towards him, even though it would be so easy.’’ he tries to explain, it must not get across well enough, because the others look mostly confused.

‘’Why can’t you take the final step?’’ Brooke asks.

‘’He’s got a plan. Christine said it, Jeremy needs a set goal and he needs to accomplish it on his own terms. If I went up and told him I liked him I’d throw him off kilter, I might even destroy his concentration and confidence for the play, and he needs that. All I have to do is wait, not do anything out of the ordinary, and wait.’’ he’s looking at his own hands, curled into fists on the table. His emotions are waging a war against each other, but the pure happiness wins over everything else, he remembers the look Jeremy had had when he’d thought about him, thought about Michael, thought about being in love with Michael. He feels something similar creep onto his own fave, feels the red rise in his cheeks, feels the goofy smile, he wouldn’t be surprised if hearts were visible in his eyes right then. He starts giggling, then laughing, from the unabashed joy in his chest. Swelling and swelling and swelling ever outwards, filling his chest and there’s not a single trace of the ache he’s been feeling for years. The others only stare at him, a certain kind of relief in their hearts. It’s just such a good thing to see your friends find happiness they never thought they’d have.

School the next day is instantly so much better. Christine acts like she always has with him again, which is a relief. Their other friends ask if they can sit in on one of their rehearsals, and while yeah that would be great, Jeremy and Christine explain that it’s mostly learning the songs and their lines and their cues as of now, but when they starts rehearsing more coherent parts, like the choreography and stuff like that, they’ can definitely sit in. Which does Jeremys heart some good, because it gives him time to psyche himself up. The best thing however, had to be Michael. To Jeremy, Michael is probably the best part of his day, but he’s just…lighter. Brighter. He seems happier, and Jeremy doesn’t understand why in the slightest, but when Michael smiles at him he sees all that happiness radiating off of him and it makes his insides all warm and tingly. Michael doesn’t smile like that at anyone else either, the extra happiness is noticeable in practically every way if you know how to look, but Jeremy sees it the best when it’s directed at him. That has to be a good sign, right? Something in his head tries to tell him there’s something going on, something sinister even, but Jeremy refuses to listen. He flat out refuses. His favorite person in the whole world is happier than Jeremy has seen in in what feels like forever, and he’s not about to let his own stupid head but a dark spin on that. Michael in turn sees the happiness he knows he’s radiating being reflected right back to him by Jeremy. He didn’t know he could make Jeremy so happy just by being happy himself. He feels like they’re mirrors or something, endlessly reflecting this happiness back and forth, brighter and brighter. So maybe he lets the hugs linger a little longer than their already long hugging time, so maybe he’s finding even more excuses to touch Jeremy casually just to feel his warmth, jus to feel his heart beating steady in his chest so he can relish in knowing it belongs to him, so maybe he tries to tell Jeremy he loves him in every way without being too obvious, in hopes that Jeremy will realize soon. Maybe he does all this despite promising himself nothing would change. Maybe he doesn’t care.

Christine corners Jake at the end of the day. For someone of her size, she sure can be intimidating when she wants to. He’s suddenly glad she is the person that she is, that sh has the heart she has, that they’re friends now instead of something else.

‘’I know you tried to do the right thing, but you shouldn’t meddle in other peoples lives like that. You have to give them time and space to figure things out on their own, and maybe a nudge here and there yes I’ll admit. Just thing things trough a bit more next time, okay?’’ she asks. Gosh she’s so nice. Like an angel. He only nods.

‘’And you guys better be the loudest ones clapping at the end of that Musical.’’ she say in a cheerful voice, with an underlying tone of threat that does not go unnoticed. He swallows, gives his best smile, and watches her walk away.

AmericanDragon changed group name from ‘now kiss’ to ‘Official Canigula Heere Fanclub’

AmericanDragon: i just got threatened by chrissy

AmericanDragon: 0/10 would not recommend

AmericanDragon: she did tell me we needed to be the loudest ppl clapping at opening night so we are now their official fan club

AmericanDragon: our first order of business is to make matching t-shirts

AmericanDragon: I also nominate brooke for cheer captain

AmericanDragon: michael ur in charge of the signs

AmericanDragon: rich ur gonna be out hype man

AmericanDragon: i’m gonna make an official twitter for us, and jenna ur in charge of it

AmericanDragon: it’s evryones duty to like and retweet everything to their personals

AmericanDragon: chloe idk what you should be in charge of but you need to be in charge of something cus you’re good at that

AmericanDragon: taht’s all

AmericanDragon *that’s

Player1: jake wtf

GossipGirl: No I like it. Let’s do this. We owe Jeremy that much, right?

RichBich: yea i mean he rly did not want to tell us he was into musicals n shit

Player1: that’s not our fault tho. u know how jeremy is, sometimes he gets too caught up in his own head and then his idiot brain makes up stuff that isn’t true because he’s so anxious

Player1: this isn’t about him not trusting us, or us not being supportive enough

Player1: this isn’t about what we did or didn’t do before

Player1: this is about how we support him going forward

Player1: make sure he knows he can tell us these things, that we won’t judge him or hate him

Player1: i changed my mind this fan club is the best idea fucking ever let’s go

BeanieBabe: yaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!

MythicBinch: also i’m obviously in charge. period. i am now the leader of this fan club. go spread the word my pretties.

Player1: hear that guys? chloe thinks we’re all preeeeeeettyyyyyyyyyy

RichBich: well jerms already seems to think so abt u mike

Player1: alright 1 don’t ever call me mike

Player1: E V E R

Player1: and 2

Player1: i am now deceased i hope ur happy with urself

RichBich: oh noon, whatever are we gonna do abt jeremys broken heart :’c

Player1: don’t do me like this ranch

RichBich: do you like u want jerms to do u??

RichBich: ALSO I THOIGH THE RANCH NAME DIED PLS DON’T BRING IT BACK

Player1: iF U FUCKIN STOP CALLIN ME OUT LIKE THIS MAYBE I WILL

RichBich: oh so u admit u want jerms to do u ;3c

Player1: that’s it

RichBich: wait no

RichBich: michael i didn’t mean it i’m sorry pls don’t do this to me im begging u

Player1: shoulda thought of that sooner

Player1 changed RichBich’s nickname to RanchDressingBoy

RanchDressingBoy: nooooooooooooooooooo

Chatroom: F I G H T

Player1 changed group name from ‘F I G H T’ to ‘Ranch Boy’s Back In Town’

Player1 changed RichBich’s nickname to RanchDressingBoy

RanchDressingBoy: i don’t deserve this

Player2: wtf did u do rich????

Player1: HIS NAME IS RANCH NOW

Player1: HE HAS WRONGED ME FOR THE LAST TIME

Player2: *wtf did u do ranch????

Player1: better

RanchDressingBoy: et tu, jerms?

MythicBinch: why are our friends so fucking weird

GossipGirl changed MythicBinch’s nickname to OneOfUs

They’ve been rehearsing the routine for Fight for Me for a few weeks when their friends request comes up again. Jeremy has been learning to fight in slow motion and he’s actually having a lot of fun. He also feels like he’s become good enough at this to show their friends. Christine even says he looks bad ass, which is something he never thought he could accomplish. But he has to admit he does feel rather bad ass with the long coat swishing around at his motions, and taking down two rather burly looking guys with a book as his weapon of choice. During rehearsal that week in December, Christine and him sneak them into the auditorium right before rehearsal starts. They giggle quietly, trying to shush their friends as they settle into the seats without being noticed. They sneak them as close to the stage as they can, wanting them to have a good view. There’s only five minutes left until rehearsals start when Jeremy and Christine start making their way down to the stage. Michael grabs for Jeremy one last time,

‘’You’re gonna be awesome.’’ he says, leaning in close so he won’t have to raise his voice, Jeremys face is a light pink, and he can feel the heat rise in his own face, then he lets go. Jeremy smiles shyly, then it grows into something confident, and he walks away. Michael is left sitting there, leaned forward slightly, awestruck. That confident smile was new. And it was hot. Shit. He’s so gay. He realizes he hasn’t moved, and Jeremy and Christine are almost down by the stage, so he sits back in his seat quickly. It does nothing to alleviate the knowing looks and smirks he receives from his friends. He glares back, before very pointedly turning back to look at the stage. Mr.Reyes has just arrived and he’s directing the cast into position, not that they don’t really know them already. They’ve been in these positions for what feels like way too long.

Mr. Reyes yells action, and it’s like the stage comes alive with a new world. Jeremy approaches Christine, long black coat swaying lightly. It looks almost a little weird to see him with his regular clothes underneath, but the coat helps show off how tall he actually is, gives his shoulders a little more width.

‘’You shouldn’t have bowed down to the swatch dogs and the diet coke heads. They’re gonna crush that girl.’’ Jeremy says, his voice holds no nervousness, there’s not a trace of his stutter. But he’s not really Jeremy anymore, is he? He’s like a different person. Christine looks at him.

‘’I’m sorry, what?’’ Jeremy does not look amused at her words,

‘’You’ve clearly got a soul, you just need to work hard keeping it clean. We are all born marked for evil.’’ he says, and moves as if to walk away, Christine lunges after him, stopping him in his tracks.

‘’Ok, don’t just quote Baudelaire at me and then walk away. I don’t think I caught your name?’’ she says.

‘’I didn’t throw it.’’ Jeremy snaps back, and Rich has to stifle a snort. Christine backs off, further right on the stage, while Jeremy takes front and centre stage, opening his hardcover book. Two guys in football jackets to the left start talking, gesturing to Jeremy as he minds his own business.

‘'Who does that guy in the jacket think he is anyway, Bo Diddley?’’  one says.

‘’Veronica’s into his act no doubt.’’ the other observes.

‘’Let’s kick his ass!’’ the first exclaims.

‘’Nah, we’re seniors man, we’re too old for that shit!’’ but his valiant effort is ignored as knucklehead #1 pushes past, approaching Jeremy.

‘’Hey sweetheart! What did your boyfriend say when you told him you were moving to Sherwood, Ohio?’’ and good lord he is so obnoxious. Knucklehead #2 follows swiftly, walking up and smacking the back of Jeremys head as he speaks,

‘’My buddy Kurt just asked you a question!’’ okay yeah they’re both obnoxious. The small group in the seats have officially had enough of them.

‘’Hey Ram, doesn’t the cafeteria have a no gays allowed rule?’’ Knucklehead #1 says, and if he was a real dude he would be getting his ass kicked at this very moment. Jeremy doesn’t even look fazed though, he just looks…annoyed. Which isn’t the reaction they’d expect from their Jeremy.

‘’They seem to have an open door policy for assholes though.’’ Jeremy snaps, putting extra force behind the word ‘assholes’. The other two look outraged, the six in the seats have to hold back from yelling in support of their boy.

‘’Hold his arms.’’ Knucklehead #1 says, and Knucklehead #2 forces Jeremys arms behind his back. He draws his right arm back as far as he can for show. As he lunges forward to punch Jeremy breaks free and blocks it with the book, before swinging around and smacking it across the face of the guy who was holding him. It’s very close, but it shows that the hits didn’t actually connect, but the actors are good at following trough with the motions, reeling back and falling to the floor dramatically. It all happens very fast, and then then the cast starts singing. Multiple voices echo across the auditorium exclaiming ‘holy shit!’ to a beat that isn’t playing. The first guy who tried to punch Jeremy is coming back for more, but Jeremy blocks him and pretends to kick him in the crotch. He goes down as the other guy steadies himself on his feet.. The cast is still singing those two words. As he approaches Jeremy turns, sees him, and throws an arm back. He swings it towards the guys face, slowing down as the cast drags the last word out, freezing as he’s about to connect what looks to be a solid slow-mo punch. The cast goes quiet and Christine has finally looked up from the notepad. As Jeremy stills completely, the guy in front of him freezing with what is probably an accurate grimace of someone about to get sucker punched in the face, Christine steps up and points directly at Jeremy. Her face is one of pure awe, with maybe some lovestruck splashed in for good measure. Michael can’t help but agree.

The guy who was kicked in the nuts is frozen on the ground, legs spread and hands clutching his crotch, while everyone else is frozen in various poses of shock, all over exaggerated to enhance the comedic effect of the scene. Christine is still moving, looking like she’s been placed outside of time. It’s mesmerizing. And then she starts singing,

‘'Why when you see boys fight, does it look so horrible yet…..feel so riiiiight?’’ her voice is clear and carries across the auditorium.

‘’I shouldn’t watch this crap, that’s not who I am, but with this kid…daaaaaaaamn!’’ she’s rocking back and forth a bit, trying to convey how something like love at first sight is supposed to have kicked in. She doesn’t move gracefully like other productions have called for, because here she’s playing something she knows how to be in real life. Just an awkward teenager, trying to survive high school.

‘’Hey, mister no-name-kid, so who might you be?’’ she turns her head to look at Jeremy, his face is frozen in an outraged snarl, not really ideal for longingly gazing at, but hey.

‘’And could you fight for me?’’ she kets her knees bend, moving back a little, before moving forward at the start of her next line,

‘’And hey, could you face the crowd?’’ she’s looking directly at Jeremy, but heads around behind the guy he’s almost punching in the face.

‘’Could you be seen with me, and still act proud?’’ she ducks under his outstretched arm, standing between the two frozen-in-place boys, facing Jeremy. She takes a moment to point and give a short ‘HA’ in her clear crisp voice at the guy on the ground.

‘’Hey, could you hold my hand?’’ at this she reaches out and takes hold of Jeremys other hand, his fingers are spread out and she fits her own between the spaces perfectly, gently holding on.

‘’And could you carry me trough no mans laaaand?’’ she lets go, walking away, back to where she was standing when the fight broke out.

‘’It’s fine, if you don’t agree, but i would fight for you,’’ she turns her head back, looking at Jeremy again,

‘’if you would fight for meeeeeeeeee.’’ as she drags the last note out Knucklehead #2 starts moving his arms upward, Jeremys fist is oh so slowly creeping closer to his face, and the others around them are seemingly unfreezing as well.

‘’Let them drive us underground, I don’t care how faaaaar.’’ at this point the dude looks like he’s doing a terrible velociraptor parody, and it’s sort of fucking hilarious.

‘’You can sent my broken booones, and I know CPR.’’ Christine sways a bit and Jeremys fist connects with the guys jaw, his face turning, and it’s like a ripple is set trough the cast as they increase the tempo a notch. Knucklehead #1 is struggling to get on all fours trough the imaginary pain.

‘’Well woah, you can punch real good.’’ Knucklehead #2 finally falls to the ground as the other gains his footing.

‘’You’ve lasted longer than I thought you wouuuuuld.’’ as he turns he takes a swing at Jeremy, arm flying around in a wide arc, still a little slower than real life.

‘’So hey, mister no-name-kid,’’ and he misses completely, Jeremy is standing there watching the fist fly by with an obvious distance between it and himself. Christine is walking up behind him, watching the fight intently, clearly part of this worlds time flow again as she moves at the same speed. Her singing remains the same.

‘’If sometime you’re freeeeeeeeeeee.’’ Jeremy makes a show of raising his arms, splaying them out in disbelief before reaching for the other guys head, leaning his own as far back as it will go.

‘’Wanna fiiiiiiiiiight for meeeeeeeeeee?’’ Christine raies a fist in the air as Jeremy slwoly, oh so slowly, brings his own head and the other guys head together. It looks like they’re just touching foreheads, which is kind of hilarious, but the expressions and the way they almost instantly part again makes it clear. This is supposed to look very painful.

‘’If you’re still aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiive,’’ Chrisitne sings, pumping her fist in the air, very on board with the show of violence in front of her. Jeremy leans all the way back, holding the other guys head out as far as he can reach, he pulls an intense face before slowly bringing them back yet again.

‘'I would fight for youuuuuuu,’’ Jeremy repeats the movements again, but as he leans back this time he lets go of the guys face. Christine is still pumping he fist in the air, looking super excited about the fight, looking super excited about Jeremy. The cast around them is coming alive singing their chorus of ‘holy shit’s.

‘’If you would fight for meeeeeeeeeee!’’ Knucklehead #2 goes down, clutching his forehead. Christine is still holing the final note as she steps to the front side by side with Jeremy. He raises a hand to smooth down his hair as she points to him with her thumb, nodding at a, somewhat, non existing audience as if to say ‘did you just see what he did?’. The small audience in the stands can’t help but agree. Oh yeah they just saw that. And it was fucking incredible. They have to fight the urge to stand up and clap. Jeremys eyes focus on them, and he gives a small mock bow, when he straightnes up again Michael swears he sees those blue eyes lock onto him. They hold him captive for a second before Mr. Reyes asks them to resume the start positions and then Michael finds he can breathe again. He swallows, mouth gone a little dry. He avoids eye contact with the others, but he knows there looking at him again. He just knows it.

They watch the same scene unfold another five times, but Mr. Reyes keeps stopping them, correcting movements or stances or timings or facial expressions. He’s a bit of a nit picker, Michael realizes, but he does see the improvement his directions have on the scene. They experiment a bit with what Christine can do as she moves trough the scene, unstuck in time. Try out different timings fro little things, trying to land the punch lines (ha) in the best ways possible. They’re on run trough number seven, perfecting the fake punches and trying to make them believable, when Jeremy holds the book just a little too close to his face, and the guy who’s pretending to swing at him miscalculates, and hit’s the book with a bit too much force. Jeremy puts one leg out behind him to steady himself, the heel of his foot making contact with the stage echoes loudly trough the room, and everyone stops. He’s looking at the black cover of the hardcover book, feeling something warm trickle down onto his upper lip, his eyes are watering from the sting in his nose, he sneaks his tongue out and yeah that’s definitely blood.

‘’Jeremy?’’ the guy who just punched him, Martin his name is he’s a real sweet kid really, asks worriedly. He realizes he’s been staring at the book for a few good seconds now. He lowers it, and as soon as his nose comes into view Martin gasps.

‘’Oh my god! Jeremy! I’m so sorry!’’ he practically yells, rains his arms and letting his hands hover in the space in front of Jeremys face, wanting to touch, to help, in any way he can but not knowing how. Christine rushes up beside him.

‘’Jermey! Oh my god are you okay?’’ she asks, holing onto his arm. Her hands are warm. He turns as if in a daze to look at her, sees her worried face and seem stop snap out of hit. Bringing a hand up to stop the steady drip of blood.

‘Yeah. Yeah I’m fine.’’ he glances down at his t-shirt, and sees a couple of small red dots. Oh great, this was one of his favorite t-shirts! Mr. Reyes steps up to have a look at him.

‘’Do you feel okay?’’ he asks, and Jeremy nods. His nose doesn’t really feel broken or anything, it’s just a little sore.

‘’Okay, go tot the bathroom and get cleaned up. Everyone else take 5!’’ Mr. Reyes says to the others as Jeremy makes his way to the exit. Michaelis up and out of his seat before anyone else gets a word in. He runs around the outside of the auditorium to meet up with Jeremy.

‘’You okay dude?’’ he asks, once Jeremy is within earshot. Jeremy turns, and he makes for quite the sight. Long dramatic black coat, slightly damp hair from all the physical activity, and blood smeared on his face. He looks…well not intimidating really, but he does look like someone you wouldn’t wanna meet in an alleyway at night.

‘’Yeah I’m fine, just need to go wash. I think it’s stopped bleeding already.’’ he says, selfconsciously rubbing the back of his neck with his not bloodied hand.

‘’I’ll help.’’ Michael decides and starts walking towards the bathroom, Jeremy having to catch up a bit. He looks like he’s about to protest, but seems to change his mind, settling on smiling instead.

‘’Thanks.’’ is all he simply says, but there’s a small smile there, under all the dried blood. Michael leads him to the closest bathroom, directs him to sit on a closed toilet lid, and proceeds to wipe the blood off of him with wet paper towels. Michael is concentrating on not agitating the most likely sore nose, and also getting rid of the dried blood under his chin, that he doesn’t notice Jeremy staring for a little bit. He glances up and catches Jeremys eye, raising one of his eyebrows he asks,

‘’What?’’ but Jeremy only smiles again, that same soft content smile, eyes crinkling and gaze so fond it feels like it might swallow Michael whole, might suffocate him, but wouldn’t that be a way to go? Smothered with love and affection. Sounds like it wouldn’t be the worst, especially if it was from Jeremy, Michael finds himself thinking. He’s glad it isn’t as easy to tell when he’s blushing as compared to Jeremy. Who has seemingly realized he’s been caught staring and is effectively turning into a tomato.

‘’Thanks.’’ is all he says, before averting his gaze, letting Michael finish up the job. He doesn’t protest like Michael thought he would, doesn’t insists that he could do it himself, really. He just…lets it happen. And when Michael’s done and happy with the clean up job, they walk back to the auditorium together, Michael showering him in praise over how bad ass Jeremy looked on stage, and Jeremy figure that one secret might go over very well with him. He wishes that wasn’t the one he was the least worried about to begin with anyway.

Opening night is right after Michaels birthday that May. His birthday is spent in the basement, like so many birthdays before, playing videogames and trying to land all seven of them in food comas. Well, eight this time around. Christine is there. The doorbell and rung one final time at 7:13 pm, and for a second Michael was confused, but it was just a second, because once he realized who was missing he was eagerly running to the door, throwing it open and yanking Christine into a hug.

‘’Yes! Now everyone’s here!’’ he shouts back into the house, and the gaggle of teens gather in the hallway, welcoming Christine. Jeremy is the next to hug her, after she’s removed her shoes (bright yellow doc martens) and jacket (denim and slowly filling up with pins), and she hangs onto him as they lead the way down.

‘’Woah! It’s like a hideout or something! This is so cool!’’ Christine exclaims as she reaches the bottom. And yeah, after having spent years in the same basement they might have gotten used to the decor, but this is Christines first time seeing it. The walls are lined with posters of all kinds, from games to movies to albums to artists to nonsensical shit Michael has found hanging around the city. He’s especially proud of the Swedish one reading ‘Jesus kommer snart, är du redo?’. There are also shelves upon shelves of games, movies, comics, and books covering one entire wall, along with a few stacks underneath the tv, and a few more in the corners. Michaels bed is unmade, covered in blankets and pillows, pac man printed sheets and a Link plushie lying on the floor by the foot of the bed. There’s also a desk (covered in papers) and a desk chair (covered in clothes that are clean enough for one more use, but not yet dirty enough to go in the hamper). It’s very much a lived in space, a little warm and a little dark, but it’s cozy. Jeremy always feels safe as soon as he descends into the atmosphere of the basement.

‘’Welcome to the humble abode of one Michael Mell.’’ Michael announces with a flourish and a bow, Christine giggles and offers up a courtesy of her own, pulling at her shark print t-shirt as if it were a dress,

‘’I humbly accept the invitation.’’ she manages trough her giggles, and when Michael looks up at her he breaks down into laughter of his own. It’s so easy to forget Christine wasn’t always a part of them, and it makes Jeremy happy to know he can have everything he wanted. He has his friends, he has Michael, he has his musical, and he has Christine, and they’re all mixing together and painting the most wonderful sight Jeremy thought he’d never see. He feels like he was afraid everything would get murky, but it just looks like the sky at dusk. Brooke is the soft yellow streaks in the clouds, sunshine rays breaking trough. Chloe is the light pink, turning into deeper darker shades as it enfolds the clouds in perfect harmony with yellow. Jenna is the deep magenta, commandeering and impossible not to notice, but so soft and playful and it wouldn’t be the same without her. Rich is the red burning across the sky, setting the horizon on fire with the raging end of the day, so much energy in such a little space. Jake is golden orange, stretching into the blue of the sky, up and up, keeping the red tethered and the clouds close. Christine is every shade of purple, from the light fluffy purple that bounces on the clouds to the deep purple that burns so brightly alongside the red, she’s ever present and fitting in between everything else. Michael is the deep deep blue, encompassing everything and promising the cover of night, a sky full of stars to admire, a blanket of comforting sleep to be draped over the world. These are his friends, and Jeremy loves them. And they keep reminding Jeremy that they love him too, and he’s convinced that one day they’ll even convince the little voice in his head that keeps lying to him. Jeremy knows where he fits into the picture. He is stormy grey, soft and muffling ashen, fluffy white on his very best days. He feels colorless, but even grey come sin different shades.

‘’I’m gonna kick everyones ass!’’ Rich yells as he belly flops into a beanbag.

‘’You don’t even know what we’re playing yet!’’ Jake accuses him, sitting down on the sofa. There are snacks and soda littered around the small seating area, unopened. The piazza has been ordered and all that’s left to do is to agree on what to play and watch for the night. Michael gets first pick as the birthday boy.

‘’I’m feeling very…gay today.’’ Michael says with a smirk, and the others stare at him in something akin to amused horror.

‘’What?’’ Christine asks, looking around at the others.

‘’Time to get good friends, it’s rainbow road time.’’ Michael exclaims as the others groan and laugh.

Rich does not kick anyones ass. Michael kicks most of their asses actually, Jeremy a close second, and Christine a surprising but well earned third. When the pizza arrives they settle dow to watch the movie Brooke brought. Hush. As a horror enthusiast she’s always armed with at least a couple of either very new or very old copies of movies at all times. The movie keeps them in suspense for just about the entire duration, and Jeremy finds himself with one arm full of Michael and the other arm full of Christine. Jeremy himself doesn’t mind scary movies all that much, there are even some he re-watches, but apparently Christine is as scared as Michael is. He doesn’t mind offering them  comfort and safety, plus it feels nice being basically cuddled in between the two and their high body temperatures. Chloe is clutching onto Brooke as per usual, Jeremy figures that this must be a regular date night thing for the two. Jenna and Jake are pretty relaxed, jumping a few times at the jumpscares, but otherwise not reacting much. Rich hid behind the sofa as soon as something scary happened, and Jeremy has only seen brief glimpses of his hair peeking over the back, before something on screen startles him back down to the relative safeness of the floor, out of the view of the tv. By the end they’re all shouting, rooting for the lady and yelling at her to kick the creeps ass. When it’s over Jeremy turns to Brooke,

‘’That was fucking awesome! Maddie is a kick ass lady, holy shit! Did you see that final move? Corkscrew, the asshole never even saw it coming. Damn.’’ he gushes, and Brooke nods along enthusiastically.

‘’Right? I really like how the movie turned her weakness into her strength as well. And she definitely kicked some serious ass. Women are not to be messed with.’’ she says proudly.

‘’You got that right.’’ Chloe says, no less forceful despite the fact she’s still hiding behind her girlfriend. Although said girlfriend could probably survive any horror movie with her extensive knowledge. Maybe not the worst choice after all. Jeremy chuckles.

‘’You say that as if we don’t know it already.’’ he says with a smile, and Brooke smiles crookedly back at him.

‘’Ah! No! No no no no nononononononoooooooooooooooooooo!’’ Jake collapses defeated into the beanbag as the character on screen goes down. The small pixels disintegrating. Christine sits next to him, having died quite a while before Jake. They’ve tried their hand at level 5 of Apocalypse of the Damned, but alas, no one has gotten anywhere.

‘’This game is super hard! It’s gonna take forever to finish.’’ Christine whines. Rich laughs,

‘’It’s not meant to be finished, the real joy is struggling for your life trying not to be outsmarted by a videogame that’s older than we are.’’ he says.

‘’Yeah, me and Michael have been playing it forever, and we’re only on level 13.’’ the others stare at him,

‘’What?’’ he asks, bewildered.

‘’You guys didn’t tell us you made it past level 12!’’ Jenna complains.

‘’Yeah! Show us the new level.’’ Brooke agrees. Christine looks slightly confused, but relents the bean bag as Jeremy and Michael approach to take their seats.

‘’Okay so like, Jenna was totally right.’’ Michael says, and Jenna fist bumps the air. Jeremy navigates the menu to find the save file.

‘’Yeah, so this is the roof scene and there’s this one guy and you can’t even talk to him but he’s not a zombie or anything and we’re kinda trapped up there? You can’t go back down after going trough the door but it’s just a roof and the zombies are climbing up the walls.’’ Jeremy explains as the save file loads. And sure enough, the two pixelated avatars are on a roof top. There’s a little pixel dude that looks like he’s in a suit standing at the other end, and then zombies start climbing the sides of the building.

‘’You can’t interact with him at all?’’ Jake asks, and Michael shakes his head, eyes trained on the screen. Him and Jeremy are standing facing opposite directions, backs to each other. The best strategy not to get overrun.

‘’We’ve tried just about everything.’’ Jeremy says, cleaving a zombie in two with the fire axe he found in the staircase level. They cut down zombie after zombie, make a path to the guy, but they can’t even touch him. He takes no damage from hits, can’t be interacted with. They’d think he was a statue of he didn’t have the idle animation their own avatars also have. After a few more rounds of fighting, Michael having to drop his gun after running out of bullets, now slashing at the approaching hoards with a kitchen knife, they die. Jeremy first, and without Jeremy to watch his back Michael goes down not too long after.

‘’Fuck!’’ he shouts, throwing the controller on the ground.

‘’Start it up again.’’ Christine says with an intense look on her face. She’s leaning forward slightly, caught up in her own head, and Jeremy hits the blinking RETRY on the screen.

It’s the same short animation of the two avatars exiting the door onto the roof. The other guy stands there. Then the zombies come. Jeremy and Michael hold them off as best they can, waiting for Christine to say something. Which she does. Loudly.

‘’There! Jump off the roof!’’ she shouts, pointing to something in the lower right corner. Jeremy and Michael glance at each other, and before their eyes fully return to the tv in front of them they’re moving to the ledge Christine had indicated. They jump in tandem. The screen goes black and they hold their breaths. The game fades back in and they recognize the pixelated background as a football field.

‘’Christine you’re amazing!’’ Michael yells, and Jeremy throws an arm back to give her a very awkward hug. She giggles and watches as Michael and Jeremy expertly tackle the waves of football gear clad zombies rushing onto the football field.

It’s closing in on 1am, games have been played, movies watched, and now they’re mostly staying up for the hell of it. They’re all sprawled out across Michaels room. Chloe and Brooke have taken the sofa hostage, claimed for their cuddling needs. Christine and Jenna are sprawled across all three bean bags. Jake and Rich are on the floor. The floor is good. And Michael and Jeremy are on Michaels bed, legs dangling off the edge and staring at the ceiling. They’ve been like this for half an hour now, when one of them decided sitting upright wasn’t worth it anymore.

‘’Truth.’’ Brooke says, and Christine makes a thoughtful hum.

‘’What is…your biggest…pet peeve?’’ she finally decides on.

‘’Uuuuuuuuuuhh…oh! when I’m wearing one of those really long cardigans and it gets stuck on stuff like corners and ugh, I hate when that happens.’’ Brooke says, earning a giggle from Chloe and a sympathetic hum from Jeremy and his cardigan loving self.

‘’Jeremy, truth or dare?’’ Brooke asks.

‘’Truth.’’ he answers, not really wanting to risk having to move if he picked dare.

‘’What’s the deal with Ranch Dressing Boy?’’ she asks. Rich groans so loud it almost drowns out Michael and Jeremy laughing. Almost.

‘’Okay okay, so,’’ Jeremy begins once he’s calmed down again.

‘’This story is really stupid, but me and Michael made a pact that we would never let him forget it, and now we are swearing all of the people present into the same pact. Never forget what I’m about to tell you.’’ he sits up slightly and watches as they all nod, sealing the pact.

‘'In middle school Michael, Rich, and I became friends, right? Well middle school Rich was a weird kid, which is why we liked him I guess. He was weird in a good way, in a I-know-I’m-weird-but-I’m-owning-it way.’’ Jeremy begins.

‘’Awwwwww, you guys thought I was cool!’’ Rich interrupts before Jake smacks him lightly and makes shushing noises.

‘’Dude of course.’’ Michael says, clambering up so he’s leaning against the wall next to Jeremy.

‘'Well okay so one day the cafeteria staff are like freaking out about something, it’s a huge mess and they’re all running around trying to keep it secret that someone broke into the backroom and stole something. No one has any idea what’s been stolen. Everyone’s making theories from pudding to a teachers porn stash, at one point someone started a rumor that there had been like loads of drugs in there, and the week after someone had told their parents that a teacher had stashed drugs at school and that a kid had it now, so the parents call the police and then the police shows up and starts asking everyone if a teacher has ever tried to sell them drugs.’’ Jeremy is rambling as if he’s told this story a million times, but the other are listening intently. Rich looks like he wants to sink into the floor. Michael is looking at Jeremy, letting the words wash over him, looking at Jeremy as he gestures with his hands.

‘’Turns out! The math teacher was dealing drugs, so he gets arrested, then the police finally get to know what was actually stolen from the backroom, and then they all just leave with the math teacher. Mr. Thompson was a jerk though, so nobody really cared. Anyway, fast forward three weeks and we’re hanging out on the roof like the rebels we are, and then Rich pulls out a fucking crate. A crate! And he’s all dramatic like he’s confessing to a crime. He stole 27 bottles of ranch dressing from the backroom in the cafeteria, and why? What was the brilliant response you had for us as we scrambled to understand?’’ Jeremy gestures for Rich to reenact his response, and Rich covers his face, heaves a sigh, and says,

‘’I had a feeling it would help during the invasion.’’ Rich says, with no real feeling in his voice. The others erupt into wheezing laughter peppered with questions of why? and what?.

‘’We never got him to tell us what the fuck he meant by that.’’ Michael says, shrugging.

‘’It’s a mystery for the ages.’’ Jeremy agrees, making eye contact with Michael, and then they’re laughing again.

‘’And so it will remain!’’ Rich yells,

‘'Cus fuck if I remember why I said that.’’ he finishes, and they’re all sent back into hysterics.

‘’Ranch Boy.’’ Jake leans over and whispers into Richs’ ear, who promptly smacks him upside the head. It does nothing to stop the laughter.

‘’Michael, truth or dare?’’ Jeremy asks once everyone has calmed down into giggles.

‘’Truth.’’ Michael says, also not really wanting to risk a dare entailing moving from his spot, shoulder to shoulder with Jeremy.

‘’What’s something I don’t know about you?’’ Jeremy asks after a little bit. For a second it’s so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The Michael says,

‘’Oh man, that’s hard, you know basically everything already dude.’’ but in his head he’s running trough secrets he’s kept over the years. They all sound about the same. I haven’t told you this thing because it leads back to me being in love with you. He scrambles to think of something, anything, and hides it with the very believable fact that they tell each other everything. Or well, he thought they did, but he doesn’t actually blame Jeremy for that. Plus it could have been a lot worse, a lot less fixable, than a love for performing and theatre and musicals. Oh. Maybe that’s something?

‘’I listened to the soundtrack to Heathers and then I got obsessed with it so I started listening to other soundtracks like Wicked and The Addams Family, so now I have like a whole playlist of super dramatic musical numbers that I usually listen to in the shower or in the car.’’ Michael says. And it’s true. He has found himself seeking out musicals after learning of Jeremys obsession. They do that a lot, the two of them. If one starts showing interest in something the other will soon follow suit, and then they’ll eventually start obsessing over it together. Their taste in things are so similar that there is rarely anything something one enjoys and the other doesn’t, but when those do crop up it’s not a big deal. It’s more of an I’ll-listen-to-you-rant-even-though-I-don’t-like-this-thing-as-much-as-you-do situation. It’s a pretty good system too. Michael glances over at Jeremy, who looks like he might as well have emptied the night sky of its stars, his eyes are stinging so bright. Michael smiles. Jeremy smiles back.

‘’Thanks.’’ he says, an understanding passing between them. Jeremy knowing Michael has figured it out at least a little, and is accepting this new aspect of his best friend, likes it even. Jeremy leans into Michaels shoulder a bit more.

Another hour passes like so, truths being shared, nothing major, a few sweet moments here and there. Until Chloe strikes.

‘’Truth or dare, Michael?’’ she asks him, and like an idiot he answers,

‘’Dare.’’ because he feels adventurous.

‘’I dare you to kiss Jeremy.’’ she says, smirk on her lips and deviousness in her eyes. It’s 2:21am and thus both too early and too late for this shit. Jeremy has gone bright red next to him.

‘’What the fuck, Chloe?’’ he says, ignoring that Jeremy has sort of frozen beside him.

‘’If you don’t wanna do it then you get to do a penalty instead. Here’s a hint, the penalty is the same, but worse. Choose your poison.’’ she says, and they’re all very very tired so the others are mostly giggling at the situation. He wishes they’d look at him and Jeremy and understand that they’re both kind of dying right now.

‘’You realize Jeremy has final say, I’m not gonna kiss him if he doesn’t want to.’’ Michael says, finally looking at Jeremy, who is still red, and fidgeting, whose eyes have gone just a tad glassy. Michael is hit with the thought that Jeremy probably wants this just as much as him. Then he realizes Jeremy doesn’t know Michael wants to as well. Oh boy. Jeremy makes fleeting eye contact with him, before his gaze darts away again.

‘’I don’t mind dude.’’ he says in a small voice. Michael reaches for Jeremys face before his mind can catch up with what he’s doing. He turns Jeremys head towards him gently, distantly nothing that his fingers have stilled but that his hands are still hovering in front of his chest. Michael leans in, guiding Jeremys head to tilt a little so their noses won’t crash, and connects their lips gently. Jeremy has a tendency to bite his lips when he’s nervous, and he’s nervous a lot, as a result his lips are always chapped. Michael feels it, but he also feels how soft and pliant Jeremy is, and is again hit with the thought that Jeremy must be enjoying this too, and it’s almost too good to be true. Jeremys arms unfreeze and reach out to hold onto the front of Michaels hoodie carefully, as if he’ll disappear if he holds on too tight. Michael smiles into the kiss, and that’s what breaks it. It feels like it lasted a lifetime, and Michael would have been happy to spend his life like that. Warm and comfortable next to Jeremy, kissing him into eternity and loving him even longer than that. In real time it was only like six seconds. He opens his eyes before Jeremy, and gets to see his long lashes flutter against his face, before staring into those deep blue eyes he’s found himself drowning in and saved by in equal measures.

‘’Not too bad.’’ Michael jokes, trying to ease the tension he can see in Jeremys shoulders. It helps a little, as Jeremy cracks a small smile. Bad move, Mell, Michael thinks to himself. Jeremy is flushed red, eyes sparkling, smile pure and radiant joy. He looks so fucking adorable Michael is sure if he wasn’t already in love with him he’d fall right then and there. Fuck he’s so gay. He turns to Jenna.

‘’Truth or dare?’’ he asks her, ignore the knowing looks they’re sending  him, missing the knowing look Christine sends Jeremy.

‘’Truth.’’ Jenna says.

‘’What would you always make sure to have with you during a zombie apocalypse?’’ he asks her.

‘’Nerd.’’ she answers in a fond voice, before actually thinking it over.

‘’A car or some other sort of transportation.’’ she decides, and Michael nods his approval.

‘’Jeremy, truth or dare?’’ she asks next.

‘’Truth.’’ he answers, still slightly red faced.

‘’Who was your first kiss?’’ And he’s right back to full blown tomato. He covers his face with his hands.

‘’Michael.’’

‘’Wait what? That was your first kiss?’’ Michael asks, shocked. Jeremy can only nod.

‘’I thought you kissed Christine in the show? Haven’t you practiced?’’ Jake asks innocently enough. Jeremy hunches down.

‘’We were supposed to but I always chicken out.’’ he says in a meek voice, and Michael puts an arm around him.

‘’It’s cool as long as it’s cool with you.’’ Michael says, and he feels Jeremy relax a little under his arm.

‘’It’s cool.’’ Jeremy responds, peeking out from behind his hands.

Chatroom: Official Canigula Heere Fanclub

MythicBinch kicked Player 1 from the chat

MythicBinch changed group name from ‘Official Canigula Heere Fanclub’ to ‘Too Gay To Function’

MythicBinch added DDRqueen to the chat

MythicBinch: ey chrissy get this mikey has a huge gay crush on jerms and we r p sure jerms has a huge gay crush on mikey

MythicBinch: so we gon get these two idiots together if it’s the last thing we do

DDRqueen: Jermey has a huge gay crush on Michael #confirmed

DDRqueen: oh my god am I glad to know I was right

DDRqueen: but I do feel like I should be the voice of reason and tell you to let them figure it out themselves

DDRqueen: no offence, but meddling isn’t you guys’ strong suit

AmericanDragon: i claim responsibility for that one

DDRqueen: just give them some time

DDRqueen: until like, after opening night DDRqueen: if nothing happens after that I’ll talk to Jeremy

MythicBinch: deal

It’s the day before opening night, a Friday to be exact, and Jeremy comes to school wearing a beanie. His floppy bangs have been pushed underneath the dark blue knitted hat, and only the widows peak of his hairline is showing.

‘’What’s up with the hat?’’ Michael asks when he picks him up for school that morning. Not that he minds or anything, Jeremy looks really cute with the hat.

‘’Promise you wont laugh?’’ Jeremy asks, knowing deep down that Michael would never, but still needing to make sure to ease the nerves. Michael makes an x over his heart, and Jeremy smiles. He wrings his hands together, reaches up and grabs a fistful of the material, hesitates for a second before seemingly steeling himself and snatching it off in one quick jerky movement. He hair is fluffy and slightly curly, a bit messy from having been shoved under the hat. Oh and yeah, it’s pitch black. Michael is at a loss for words. Jeremy won’t look at him, running his hands trough his unruly hair and trying to het it to lie down somewhat normally. Michael reaches out with a hand, and Jeremy is so caught up in not looking at him that he flinches slightly when the hand touches his hair.

‘’Sorry.’’ Michael whispers. He doesn’t know why he’s whispering. Just runs his hand trough to help Jeremy conquer his hair problem.

‘’It’s okay.’’ Jeremy whispers back, because when someone whispers to you you gotta whisper back that’s the rule. He lets his own hands fall away, leaving Michael to fix it. Jeremy feels calmer, and it surprises him because he thought this would stress him out more. But the atmosphere in the car now is just, quiet and soft, calm. The music from the speakers having been turned down in favor of conversation now provides a gentle background noise. Michael retracts his hand after only a few seconds, looking over his handiwork and smiling, satisfied with the result.

‘’It looks nice, dude.’’ he says. Jeremy blushes slightly, smiling and tugging at a lock of hair behind his ear.

‘'Thanks dude.’’ he says.

Once they pull up to school however, the anxiety has returned full force. Michael is one thing. Michael is safe and accepting and the best human being Jeremy knows. School is different. School is prying eyes and whispers in the hallways and laughter that might not even be directed at him but his head will tell him it is and he’ll feel like everyone’s staring even if they’re not and just, no. No. He puts the beanie back on, and Michael gives him an understanding look and a one armed hug before they head into the building together.

Lunch rolls around, like it always does, and Jeremy is the last to arrive at the table.

‘’What’s up with the snazzy looking hat, homie?’’ Jake asks, and gets a raised eyebrow as an answer. Jeremy pulls his chair out and sits down between Michael and Christine. Jake sighs,

‘’I thought way too long about how to bring it up and it turned into something weird, sorry. But for real, hat?’’ Jake tries again, Rich tries to hide a snort behind his hand, it doesn’t work.

‘’Yeah, I mean it’s cute and a good color for you, but what’s up? Bad hair cut?’’ Brooke asks.

Jeremy heaves a sigh, makes eye contact with Michael for moral support, he puts a hand on Jeremys shoulder, then Jeremy reaches for the hat just like he did in the car. He pulls the hat off, ruffling his hands trough his hair to get rid of his hat hair. Christine squeals.

‘’You dyed your hair! You’re gonna be the best JD ever!’’ she yells before flinging both arms around his neck, Michael dodges out of the way of a wayward hand, but he’s smiling.

‘’Damn dude, cool!’’ Rich says, reaching out across the table to ruffle his had trough it. Chloe stops him. They make eye contact and Rich seems to catch himself.

‘’Oh, sorry, can I touch it?’’ he asks, arm still hovering in the space between them, he’s leaned out if his seat just about as far as he can, so Jeremy bends forwards and says,

‘’Yeah sure dude.’’ with a small giggle, and then Rich is running his hand trough the locks of black hair. Jeremy is staring at the table, and smiling. They all take a turn ruffling his hair, and Jeremy just keeps smiling brighter and brighter. Christine finishes ruffling his hair fondly, and that just leaves Michael. But he’s had his fill of ruffling, so he simply reaches out and fixes Jeremys hair like he did that morning, tucking a bit of hair behind his ear and smiling. His hand brushes against Jermeys cheek as he pulls it back.

‘’You gonna leave the hat off now?’’ he asks, with no expectations behind it. Jeremy bites his lip, glancing at the others at the table, they all give him reassuring looks.

‘’Yeah, I guess.’’  he says finally.

A few minutes before the bell rings Michael excuses himself from the table,

‘’I forgot a book in my locker, I’ll see you in English class, yeah?’’ he tells Jeremy, who nods happily before turning back to his conversation with Jenna. Michael garbs his bag, heavy with all the books he needs, and heads to the front desk.

‘’Are there any more tickets for the show tomorrow?’’ he asks.

‘’Just a few, none of them are next to each other though.’’ the lady answers.

‘’That’s okay I just need one.’’ Michael says.

Saturday morning Jeremy wakes up more excited and more worried than he’s ever felt before. He showers, gets dressed in a floral t-shirt, fluffs up his hair in the mirror. He’s still not really used to seeing himself with black hair, but he gets a small kick every time he catches sight of it in a reflective surface. It makes everything even more real. This is happening. Oh god this is happening. His smile falls a little. No. No we’re not going down that road. He shakes himself, waving the thoughts away, ignoring the rolling waves of nausea trying to overtake him. He mutes the urge in him to crawl back into bed, ignores the voice that says his clothes are terrible, he looks terrible, everything is terribly, being seen by anyone is going to be the worst thing ever today. He swallows, avoids looking at his reflection as he exits his bedroom, heads down into the kitchen. It’s 11am, and he’s going to head out to meet the others for something like lunch, before him and Christine head to the school to get ready for later that evening.

‘’I’m heading out dad!’’ He shouts behind him, opening the door and watching as Michaels PT Cruiser pulls up to the curb.

‘’When will you be home?’’ his dad shouts back.

‘’Like 9 at the latest I think, I’ll text you if I run late.’’ he slips on his converse, foregoes a jacket, deeming his cardigan enough for the pleasant warmth of spring.

‘’Have fun with your friends.’’ his dad says finally, and then Jeremy is out the door. Michael is rocking out to a song Jeremy can’t hear, singing along and dancing in his seat. Jeremy opens the door and

‘’Cut the monsters! Cut the curses! Keep the intro! Cut the verses!’’ Michael sings along.

‘’Are you listening to Shrek?’’ Jeremy asks, laughter in his voice. He settles in and closes the door, Michael ignores him in favor of dramatically flailing along to the song,

‘’And the waiting! The waiting! The waiting! The waiting! The waaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiing!’’ Michael pauses the song as the long tone ends, cutting Fiona off at the start of the next line.

‘’Hey don’t knock it!’’ Michael says, half defensive half laughing.

‘’I’m not!’’ Jeremy replies, giggling. He stops, looks down at his folded hands in his lap.

‘’But can we not listen to musicals, my nerves are kinda all over the place, I think I need something wordless.’’ he says, Michael reaches over and puts a hand on his shoulder.

‘’Of course dude.’’ he says, and then Rain by Sinitus Tempo is filtering trough the speakers. Slow and steady.

‘’There’s the star!’’ Jenna exclaims as Christine walks over, the lat to arrive at their chosen cafe. Christine makes a show of twirling and bowing gracefully, and the table claps as she sits down. Jeremy hands her the peppermint tea and blueberry muffin they’d gotten her earlier, and she smiles gratefully.

‘’So, how’re you feeling?’’ Michael asks, sipping his iced mocha.

‘’Like…like I’m about to explode from happiness and joy and nerves and the impatience of finally putting this show on for everyone to see.’’ Christine answers in a breath, and the others are smiling, laughing a little as she giggles. Jeremy smiles timidly, and Michael knocks his shoulder against his gently. Jeremy leans into the touch gratefully.

‘’I feel like I’m gonna vomit.’’ Jeremy admits, laughing nervously. Chloe raises an eyebrow.

‘’You almost always feel like that though, right?’’ Jeremy nods hesitantly.

‘’And it always turns out okay in the end.’’ Chloe finishes, matter of factly, like it’s a given nothing bad can happen.

‘’Yeah, chill out dude, you’ve practiced for a reason!’’ Rich says, reaching over and knocking his fist against Jeremys arm gently.

‘’Yeah Jeremy, if the rest of the performance is half as good as the part we saw in December, everything’s gonna be fine!’’ Brooke adds. Jeremy smiles gratefully.

‘’I’m so excited though, this is gonna be the first of many productions you’ll star in Jeremy, I’m sure of it! You’re gonna take the world by storm someday.’’ Christine says, jostling him slightly.

‘’Same goes for you Christine, I mean you’re already taking Middle Borough by storm, the world will follow.’’ Jeremy murmurs, lips quirked up at one side, eyes a little unsure.

‘’Well duh!’’ Christine says smiling brightly,

‘’But this is your first show, I’m an experienced veteran of the theatre!’’ she says, mock seriously.

They share a laugh.

The clock inches ever closer to 3pm, and Christine and Jeremy head off to get ready for the show at 5. They wave their goodbyes as the two exit.

‘’I need to go take care of something.’’ Michael says not long after, when he’s sure Jeremy and Christine are well on their way.

‘’What?’’ Rich asks.

‘’I’m gonna talk to Jeremys dad.’’ Michael says, and they let him go.

‘’We’ll meet you at the park, the one with the fountain.’’ Chloe says as he exits. and he gives a wave over his shoulder to let her know he heard her. He plays Wicked, hums along as he drives, and he finds himself outside the Heere household again in not too long. He feels in his pocket, touching the sliver of paper, and makes his way to the door. He rings the doorbell, and waits. Mr. Heere opens the door in a bathrobe, and is seemingly startled to see him there.

‘’Michael? Didn’t you pick Jeremy up earlier?’’ he asks.

‘’Uh, yeah. I’m actually here to talk to you.’’ he answers. Mr. Heere raises an eyebrow, but gestures for him to come in anyway, Michael does. They sit at the kitchen table. Michael pulls out the ticket he bought yesterday, places it on the table, and slides it towards him.

‘’Jeremy is in this. He’s good. I don’t think he told you, but I think he’d appreciate it if you came.’’ is all he says. Mr. Heere picks up the small sliver of paper.

‘’A musical?’’ Michael nods.

‘’I mean, he sings all the time, but I didn’t know he was this serious about it.’’ Mr. Heere admits.

‘’It’s today, at five.’’ Michael says. Mr. Heere looks at him with deep brown eyes, and they might be different in color, but he recognizes Jeremy in the sadness he sees there, in the regret, in the way they look both younger and older at the same time.

‘’Thank you, Michael.’’ is all he says.

The lights lower and the audience falls silent as if a spell has been cast. Thought the darkness Christines voice rings out, loud and confident.

‘’September first, 1989. Dear diary.’’ then the music kicks in. The light illuminates the stage, and there she is. Her hair is lightly curled, giving it volume.

‘’I believe I’m a good person.’’ they watch as she gestures her way across stage.

‘’I think there’s good in everyone, but here we are, first day of senior year and… I look around at all these kids I’ve known all my life and I ask myself.’’ she flings her arms out, book in one hand, a pen in the other.

‘’What happened?’’ she pleads, eyes searching the audience as if she can actually see anyones face over the blinding lights trained on her. The rest of the stage is illuminated, revealing the ensemble cast. Jeremy hasn’t made his entrance yet. Actually he doesn’t show up until the part they saw at rehearsal. Except it’s something else entirely. With he stage lighting and the full costume. His dark floppy hair styled and hanging in his face. He doesn’t look like Jeremy, his posture is relaxed and confident, and when those two guys walk up he doesn’t even flinch. He looks so unbothered by it all. The fight scene is even better this time around, and Christine sings her heart out, moving across the stage, hitting her cues and the comedic cues. The audience is wonderfully responsive as well. Laughing when the punchline drops and not being ashamed to do it. Jeremy and Christine had told them that sometimes people just don’t laugh during theatre even though some parts are supposed to be funny, just because they’re at the theater and feel like laughing isn’t appropriate, and then they get that trend going for the whole night and, yeah they’d been a bit nervous about that. The group make sure to laugh loudly and freely, just in case someone isn’t pulling their weight in the audience.

Jeremy doesn’t show up again until he’s striding into the makeshift stage set of a pink plastic 7/11.

‘’Greetings and salutations. Want a slushie with that?’’ he says, voice lowered just a little and tone confident. The black coat sways as he walks, moving with every motion, making his whole being that much more dramatic. It could be funny, if Jeremy wasn’t displaying the persona he’s currently putting on. The banter continues a bit, back and forth, Jermey picking up a cup and placing a straw in it.

‘’What’s a Baudelaire quoting badass like you doing in Sherwood Ohio?’’ she asks eventually.

‘’My dads work. He owns a deconstruction company.’’ he says, leaning casually against the pink shelf.

‘’DE-construction?’’ she stares quizzically at him.

‘’Yeah, the old man seems to enjoy tearing things down.’’ he un-slouches, planting his feet wide and making a slightly weird face with an equally weird voice,

‘’My name’s Big Bud Dean and if it’s in the way, I’ll make your day!’’ he says, gesturing with the hand not holding the slushie.

‘’Oh yeah! Then he pushes the plunger and the whole screen blows up.’’ Christine says, laughing kinda dorkily, looking out at the audience. Then she freezes, as if realizing what she’s just said.

‘’Uh, that’s…that’s your dad?’’ she says, looking back at him awkwardly. The audience laughs at her awkward tone.

‘’In all his semi psychotic glory.’’ Jeremy says offhandedly.

‘’Hmm, yeah well, everybody’s life’s got static.’’ she throws out, and on cue a very long very loud car horn drowns out all other sound, followed by a shout from off stage,

‘’VERONICAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!’’ the two on stage stare off to the side, as if looking at the source somewhere beyond the edge. Once it dies out Jeremy looks back, and Christine waves her arms around as if to say ‘yeah’.

‘’For example, I don’t really like my friends.’’ she explains.

‘’I don’t really like your friends either.’’ Jeremy is quick to add.

‘’Bag the party, hang out here?’’ he offers her, easy smile on his face. The music starts up, gently in the background.

‘’Ooooh, seven eleven, swanky first date.’’ Christine answers, wagging her eyebrows a bit as she gets some candy from one of the few things that aren’t pink but actually looks real. She’s smiling bright, taking a couple steps closer.

‘’Come on, I love this place.’’ he answers, sweeping his arms out as if he is showing her some grand kingdom and not a small, mostly pink, seven eleven.

‘’No offense, but why?’’ she says, nibbling on the candy she picked up.

‘’I’ve been trough ten high schools, they start to get blurry.’’ he starts off, his voice is low and gentle, as if he’s still only in conversation with her. His profile is lit by the stage lights, and he looks magnificent. His face is open, tiptoeing around vulnerable, for the first time in the show.

‘’No point planting roots, cause you’re gone in a hurry.’’ he’s leaning on the pink shelf again, holding onto the cup like a lifeline. Michael isn’t sure if that’s Jeremy or JD, but it doesn’t look out of place anyway.

‘’My dad keeps two suitcases packed in the den, so it’s only a matter of when.’’ he shrugs as if he’s not bothered, but it’s a lie, his face looks sad, and Michael isn’t sure if it’s because he knows Jeremy or if Jeremy is just that good. He wouldn’t doubt his talents though.

‘’I don’t learn their names, don’t bother with faces.’’ the music swell slightly, and so does Jeremys voice.

‘’All I can trust is this concrete oasis.’’ he fondly runs a hand along the pink shelf, glancing around as if he’s appreciating the sight.

‘’Seems every time I’m about to despair, there’s a seven eleven right there.’’ he finally looks out across the audience, holding his hands up as if visualizing the corner store on the street up ahead of him. A crooked smile is playing on his lips, his hands are not shaking even though he’s now loosely holding onto the cup. Michael sees Jeremys shoulders lower slightly, and he knows. Jeremy’s got this in the bag.

‘’Each store is the same, form Las Vegas to Boston, linoleum isles that I love to get lost in.’’ he moves away, walking around the shelf, but keeping his eyes on Christine, walking towards her once he rounds the shelf.

‘’I pray at my altar of slush, yeah I live for that sweet frozen rush.’’ Jeremy stops in front of her and takes a long sip trough the straw, then makes a show of grimacing and putting his hand to his temple.

‘’Freeze your brain, suck on that straw, get lost in the pain.’’ his voice is back to slightly gentle, and the lights adopt a blue tinge as he turns to Christine again, who’s backing up very slowly.

‘’Happiness comes when everything numbs, who needs cocaine?’’ he takes a step closer, and she takes a step back, until they’re leaning against the edge of the raised part of the stage in the back.

‘’Freeze your brain, freeze your brain.’’ he sings gently, extending the cup towards her.

‘’Care for a hit?’’ he offers, speaking now.

‘’Does your mom know you drink all that crap?’’ she retorts.

‘’Not anymore.’’ he says simply, then he steps away from the edge, towards the audience.

‘’When mom was alive, we lived halfway normal.’’ he shrugs, Christine looks slightly scandalized. The audience chuckle at her dramatic face.

‘’Now it’s just me and my dad we’re less formal.’’ he gives the audience a ‘what can you do’ kinda face, but his eyebrows are pinched slightly.

‘’I learned to cook pasta, I learned to pay rent. Learnt the world doesn’t owe you a cent.’’ he sings, facing the audience fully.

‘’You’re planning your future, Veronica Sawyer.’’ as he sings her name, he whips his head around to stare at her again

‘’You’ll go to some college, and marry a lawyer.’’ he’s slowly turning around to face her again.

‘’But the sky’s gonna hurt when it faaaaalls, so you better start building some waaaaaalls.’’ He raises his arms, slushy cup still in his hand, and then lowers them slowly, finally coming to face her again.

‘’Freeze your brain.’’ he sings, raising the cup into the air now.

‘’Swim in the ice, get lost in the pain.’’ he sways it in front of her, as if trying to tempt her.

‘’Shut your eyes tight, til you vanish from sight, let nothing remaaaaaiiiiin.’’ his smile grows, as if this is a fact he is extremely happy about, slushy cup still held out in front of him, like temptation. Like salvation. Michael remembers what Jeremy had said about this song.

‘’Freeze your brain.’’ he turns back to the audience, walking towards the edge of the stage.

‘’Shatter your skull, fight pain with more pain.’’ he raises a hand an makes a motion as if something is exploding next to his head. His face is intense, but Michael can see Jeremy slipping though the cracks as JD breaks.

‘’Forget who you are, unburden your load.’’ his arm lowers, he’s singing his heart out, desperately flinging his heart out into the air.

‘’Forget in six weeks you’ll be back on the road.’’ he’s staring out into the bright lights and the darkness beyond. Michaels remembers how Jeremy had said he saw himself in JD.

‘’When the voice in your head says you’re better off dead, don’t open a veeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin.’’ the last word is sung like a desperate plea, voice rising rising rising. it’s so raw, like an exposed nerve, like a sore spot you keep touching just because it hurts. He remembers how he said he saw himself in JDs vulnerability. The music pauses as Jeremy heaves a few desperate gasps. There’s a moment of silence, as if he finds that calm space again.

‘’Just freeze your brain.’’ his voice is so soft and gentle, his eyes close, he brings his hands together, he looks serene. He looks at peace, like he finds the calm again.

‘’Freeze your brain.’’ his eyes open again, his face almost expressionless. Christine approaches from behind.

‘’Go on and freeze your brain.’’ he turns to look at her as she steps closer, singing the last few notes at her. Then the music changes.

‘’Try it.’’ he syas, the music playing a few sudden loud notes as he thrusts his arm out, offering it to her. The audience explodes. They’re clapping, and Jake is wolf-whistling, Michael is close to tears. He made a point not to listen to the song beforehand. He wanted Jeremy to be the one who sang it for him first, because it meant a lot to him, and now he knows. And he kind of wants to run on stage and hug his best friend, but he can’t, so he sits there, clapping like his life depends on it. Jeremy and Christine have to freeze for a second, as the clapping just keeps going, and Michael can see Jeremy fighting a smile, sees the pleased flush of his face, even though it’s barely visible from the lights. Christine grabs the cup as the applause finally dies down, and takes a good, long sip of it.

‘’Yeah, I don’t really get the big dea- Oh son of a bitch!’’ she bends over, putting a hand to her temple, and the fact that Christine just swore startles a laugh out of the six of them. They look at each other as if to convoke each other that yeah they really just heard that.

‘’Veronica!’’ Heather yells from off stage again

‘’Ah, I gotta go.’’ she hands the cup back as she gestures with a thumb over her shoulder, taking a step backwards to where the shout came from.

‘’So I see.’’ Jeremy replies, a coy smile on his lips a she reaches out and takes the cup back. He looks fine again, as if Jeremy hadn’t been seconds away from some sort of breakdown. Michael swallows thickly, tries to tell himself Jeremy sees it as a comfort song, because it reminds him of Michael. He feels slight pinpricks behind his eyes, but holds it back.

Michael gapes trough the scene where Jeremy literally kills someone holy shit what the fuck. And then Jeremy steps back onto stage holding two guns and oh my god, Okay yeah things just got a whole lot more real.

‘’Woah, are those real?’’ Christine says, voicing Michaels own question out loud. Logically he knows it isn’t real, like in the real scope of things. But in the play? Who knows anymore.

‘’Yeah, but we’re filling them with ‘Ich Luge’ bullets.’’ Jeremy says, and Michael doesn’t know german but he’s pretty sure that’s bullshit.

He was right that’s total bullshit.

‘’Three.’’ Jeremy says as he steps out of the shadows at the edge of the stage. A shot louder than thunder sounds trough the entire auditorium, and then one of the two boys standing there in boxer falls to his knees, and collapses. Christine shoots at the other, but he runs away. Christine laughs at first, then Jeremy chases after the guy who ran away, and as they shout off stage, Christine edges closer to the boy on the floor.

‘’Ram? …Ram you’re just unconscious, right?’’ she shakes him violently, desperation in her voice, fear in her eyes.

‘’Ram!? Ram!?!’’ she’s shaking him furiously now. The still alive boy runs back onstage, Jeremy hot on his heels. Jeremy looks furious, waving a gun around. He actually looks kinda scary.

He shoots the kid, and it’s just a play, but right then and there he’s channeling JD so well Michael forgets it’s actually Jeremy. Then he sees the gun shake slightly, and he knows Jeremy is still in there, and probably a little horrified at having pretended to kills someone.

‘’What the fuck have you done!?’’ Christine yells in anguish, and Jeremy turns to her, shadows hiding his face slightly as he stares down at her, singing as he approaches.

‘’I worship you. I’d trade my life for yours. We’ll make them disappear. We’ll plant our garden here.’’

Christine falls to her knees, crying, and Michaels heart aches. Jeremy approaches, tries to hug her, but she pushes him away.

‘’Our love is god. Our love is god.’’ Jeremy sings as he embraces her anyway, forcing her to let him hold her, and if Michael didn’t know Jeremy he’d be include to punch him right then and there.

They sing that line again and again, together, until the ensemble cast approaches from behind and the lights dim.

‘’Our love is god!’’ Jeremy sings one final time, and then the stage is plunged into darkness.

The lights come on signaling intermission, and Michael leans forward to look down the row at his friends, and they look back at him with the same expression.

Holy.

Shit.

‘’This is fucking intense dude.’’ Jake says, collapsing back in his seat, Rich nodding his agreement.

‘’Like, I knew it was dramatic, but damn.’’ Jenna says.

‘’I need a snack.’’ Michael says, and stands up as if in a daze.

‘’I’ll come with.’’ Brooke says, and together they make their way out.

‘’Jeremy’s like…a whole other person on stage, isn’t he?’’ Brooke says as they exit the auditorium.

‘’Yeah.’’ Michael agrees, a very intelligent and in depth response he knows, but it’s all he’s capable of. They continue making smalltalk, buying drinks and snacks for their friends, before heading back in for act 2. It starts of with organ music, and Christine centre stage with a spotlight trained on her. The sombre atmosphere fades away as ‘I love my dead gay son’ kicks off. Michael thinks this dude might be one of his faves so far. The stage goes dark as they finish, the backdrop lighting up in rainbows before the lights go back up, leaving Jeremy standing with his arms outstretched and Christine with a confused expression and stance. A generally confused everything. Jeremy starts sniffing the air as he steps closer to Christine.

‘’What’s that smell? is that?…tolerance?’’ the audience laughs. Christine begs him to give up on killing people, and it seems to work. For now. It’s all downhill from there however. Michael feels his heartbeat speed up to a rhythm he didn’t think the human body was capable of as the ghostly forms of the three dead teenagers follow Christine to her room.

‘’Sorry for coming in trough the window, dreadful etiquette I know!’’ Jeremy says, not looking the least bit sorry. He jumps down onto the stage, leaving Christine on the raised back part.

‘’All is forgiven baby! Come on get dressed, you’re my date to the pep rally tonight!’’ he shouts. He looks like a mad man. Stepping forward so he’s facing the audience he starts singing,

‘’You chucked me out like I was trash for that you should be dead. But, but, but.’’ he waves his hand in time with the beats.

‘’Then it hit me like a flash, what if high school went away instead!’’ he gestures wildly with the piece of paper.

‘’Those assholes are the key, they’re keeping you away from me.’’ he gestures angrily, his voice is slightly strained, and there’s a certain look on his face. Like he’s keeping back the anger, the hurt. Michael didn’t know Jeremy could look like that. He’s actually very glad he’s never seen him have reason to look like that.

‘’They made you blind, messed up you mind, but I can set you free!’’ he sings out towards the audience, gesturing wildly with his arms.

‘’You left me and I fell apart, I punched the wall and cried.’’ he walks backwards, turning towards the raised part of the stage, drawing his arm back,

‘’Bam! Bam! Bam!’’ he punches it three times, yelling each time. Christine flinches where she stands above him.

‘’Then I found you changed my heart and set loose all that truthful shit inside.’’ walking back out towards the audience, he gestures to his chest, almost punching himself in the ribs.

‘’And so I built a bomb, tonight our school is Vietnam!’’ at the side of the stage the ensemble cast, the students, walk out, a spotlight illuminating them.

‘’Let’s guarantee they’ll never see their senior prooom!’’ Jeremy stalks towards them, like an animal stalking towards its prey.

‘’I was meant to be yours. We were meant to be one. Don’t give up on me now. Finish with we’ve begun. I was meant to be yours.’’ his voice changes, going back to that gentle sweet voice as the lights illuminate the stage, he looks almost innocent where he stands next to the students. But he’s dressed in all black, in contrast to their colorful wardrobe, and he looks more like a harbinger of death that anything else. The Stage plunges into almost darkness again,

‘’So when the high school gym goes BOOM with everyone inside,’’ he’s back to angry gesturing, face contorting in anger. He turns to the group students,

‘’Pchw! Pchw! Pchw!’’ pretending to shoot them as a red spotlight illuminates him, casting odd shadows across his face, his mad grin standing out like nothing they’ve ever seen before.

‘’In the rubble of their tomb, we’ll plant this note explaining why they died!’’ he walks back, until he’s centre stage again, the music cuts out, as the voices of every single student rise in ominous harmony,

‘’We the students of Westerburg High, will die. Our burnt bodies may finally get trough, to you. Your society turns out slaves and blanks, no thanks. Signed the students of Westerburg High. Goodbye.’’ he throws his arms out again, letting his voice pour out,

‘’We’ll watch the smoke pour out the doors, bring marshmallows we’ll make s’mores. We can smile and cuddle while the fire rooooaaaaaars.’’ the students are bathed in red light, a grim visualization of what he’s got planned, but Jeremy looks thrilled.

‘’I was meant to be yours, we were meant to be one.’’ the light shifts again, back to illuminating, back to something akin to comfortable.

‘’I can’t take it alone, finish what we’ve begun.’’ Christine looks horrified where she stands, staring at him, glancing at the students, glancing at the three dead teenagers next to her.

‘’You were meant to be mine!’’ he pounds his chest again, basically screaming the words instead of singing.

‘’I am all that you need!’’ he sounds so desperate, pleading, broken open and spilling everywhere.

‘’You carved open my heart!’’ he tugs something out from beneath his coat, brandishing the gun.

‘’Can’t just leave me to bleed!’’ he clutches the gun to his chest, before running off towards the small staircase leading up to the raised part of the stage. The lights go out, except for a spot on him from the back of the stage, his back is encased in a halo of white light, and he is the consuming black void in the middle.

‘’Veronica open the- open the door please. Veronica open the door.’’ he holds a hand out towards the upper level, where it’s dark and they can’t really see much besides four shapes scrambling around.

‘’Veronica can we not, fight anymore, please. Can we not fight anymore?’’ he takes a step closer to the staircase, hand still reaching out. Then all the lights go out, and it’s just Jeremy.

‘’Veronica, sure, you’re scared. I’ve been there. I can set you free!’’ he’s barely visible, a spotlight from above all that makes his black frame stand out against the blackness of the rest of the stage. His hair makes the light shape a halo around him. Like an angel of death.

‘’Veronica, don’t make me come in there! I’m gonna count to three!’’ he shouts, aiming the gun into the darkness. Then the lights go out totally.

‘’One.’’ he stand still, barely visible.

‘’Two. Fuck it.’’ the staircase lights up, and he scrambles towards them, as if he’s running for his life. As he reaches the top the lights come back on and Christine is hanging there with a noose around her neck, swaying lightly. Jeremy falls to his knees, broken.

‘’Oh god…No! Veronica!’’ he shuffles closer, just a little, makes as if to reach out.

‘’Please don’t leave me alone, you are all I could trust, I can’t do this alone.’’ his hand falls to the floor, he bows his head, voice shaky.

‘’Still I will if I muuuuuuuuuuuust!’’ his voice grows, he looks up into the light that shines on veronica, hands balled into fists. The stage goes dark.

‘’Veronica?’’ the girl playing her mom asks the darkness.

‘’I brought you a snack.’’ she says, appearing at the edge of the stage.

‘’Veronica?’’ she asks a final time, and the lights flood back, revealing that Jeremy is gone, but Christine is still dangling from a noose. She approaches the staircase, catches sight of Christine and she screams. Christine slips her head out immediately, and it devolves into the two just screaming at each other. The dad comes in as well, and they talk before Christine grabs the croquet mallet to arm herself, and steps towards the centre of the stage. A red spot makes her blue jacket purple, and her voice is strong and filled with a mix of anger and regret as she sings.

‘’I wanted someone strong who could protect me.’’ she starts, her voice shaking with anger.

‘’I let his anger fester and infect meeee. His solution is a lie, no one here deserves to die. Except for me and the monster i’ve createeeeed, Yeeaaah.Yeeaaaaaaaah.’’ her voice rises, filled with resolution, and her face is fierce and grimly determined.

‘’Heads up JD, I’m a dead girl walking.’’ she raises the mallet into the air, brandishing it as a weapon. The students enter from the side, singing in the background.

‘’Can’t hide from me, I’m a dead girl walking.’’ she sings, still holding the mallet aloft.

‘’And there’s your final bell,’’ she lowers the mallet and raises her other arm, pointing up to an unseen bell, but it rings all the same.

‘’it’s one more dance and then farewell.’’ she gestures her arm in a slashing motion, like a vicious knife, cutting across the air and bringing an end to everything.

‘’Cheek to cheek in hell, with a dead giiiiirl waaaaalking.’’ she has the mallet raised again, and the students begin marching up onto the raised part of the stage. The lights are red, and everything looks red, and Michael has always always like the color red, but he could do with a little less red right about now.

‘’Veronica! Jason Dean told me you’d just committed suicide.’’ the teen playing Mrs. Flemming exclaims as she practically runs into Christine.

‘’Yeah well, he’s wrong about a lot of things.’’ Christine throws out, swinging the mallet slightly.

‘’I threw together a lovely tribute, especially considering the short notice.’’ she sounds almost sad, Christine seems to ignore her,

‘’Mrs. Flemming what’s underneath the gym?’’ she asks instead.

‘’Boiler room.’’ Mrs. Flemming answers, straight to the point.

‘’That’s it.’’ Christine says and makes to walk off.

‘’What’s going on?’’ the question is thrown after her, Christine twirls around, still moving,

‘’Got no time to talk I’m a dead girl walking!’’ and then she twirls back, running off stage. The lights dim and the red illuminates the back of the stage, where the students are lined up with pom poms.

‘’Hey yo, Westerberg! Hey yo, Westerberg! Tell me what’s that sound? Here comes Westerberg Comin’ to put you in the ground! Go go, Westerberg! Give a great big yell! Westerberg will knock you out, and send you straight to hell!’’ the lights switch, illuminating the lower part as the students turn their backs to the audience. Jeremy is there, Clutching something and then turning away to place it on the ground. He’s obscuring exactly what it is, but it’s not a difficult guess. He places it on the small wall of the raised stage, and then Christine enters.

‘’Step away from the bomb.’’ she says, decisive, no room for argument. And Jeremy jerks back, revealing that yeah, that is a bomb actually. Fucking hell.

‘’And here I thought you’d lost your taste for faking suicides.’’ Jeremy says as he gets up again.

‘’Oh, and this little thing?’’ he says lightly, almost jokingly, pointing at the bomb, bending over a bit as if to inspect it.

‘’I’d hardly call this a bomb.’’ he concludes. He walks closer to her.

‘’This is just to trigger the packs of thermals upstairs.’’ he says, pointing upwards at different spots as he approaches.

‘’Those are bombs.’’ his voice drops again, dangerously low, and he pulls the gun out from his coat again. Levels it at Christine, who stands there, staring it down as if she doesn’t fear death. Michael holds his breath.

‘’People are gonna see the ashes of Westerberg High School and they’re gonna think ‘there’s a school that self-destructed not because society doesn’t care but because that school was society’.’’  he steps closer, grabbing hold of the gun with both hands. Is voice is cold, rising every now and then, and he looks so threatening Michael is impressed with Christine for standing her ground.

‘’The only place that Heathers and Marthas can get along,’’ he cocks the gun,

‘’Heaven!’’ he finishes forcefully.

‘’I wish your mom had been a little stronger. I wish she stayed around a little longer.’’ she sings gently, stepping closer, and he steps back to avoid her.

‘’I wish your dad were good! I wish grown-ups understood!’’ she keep advancing, and he keeps backing up, her voice growing in power. They stop centre stage.

‘’I wish we’d met before, they convinced you life is war!’’ he adjusts his grip on the gun, it’s shaking slightly, and Christine is pleading with him, trying to reach out, but he won’t budge.

‘’I wish you’d come with me-‘’ she tries, only to be interrupted,

‘’I wish I had more TNT!’’  Jeremy almost screams, glancing at the thing stuck to the wall. Christine knocks his arm away, and starts grappling with him. She has to drop the mallet, but then she’s trying to pry his had off of the gun, which seems like a smart move. They keep grappling for it, changing positions and the lights are slowly dimming making it hard to see where the gun is. They’re chest to chest and then it goes off. A spot illuminates the two, Jeremys shocked face, Christines tense shoulders. She takes a small step away, and Jeremy goes down, gun still clutched in his hand. He makes a dull thud in the silence as he hits the floor. Michaels heart lurches in his chest at the small sound he makes on impact.

‘’Was that good for you, cus it kinda sucked for me.’’ Jeremy says, voice strained with imaginary pain, but it sounds so real. He still has the gun, aiming it at Christine, but it looks like he can barely hold his head up to look at her. It proves to much, because his head falls back again, this time for good it seems. Christine rushes over, falling to her knees.

‘’It’s over, it’s over JD, it’s gonna be okay, which wire do I pull? Which wire do I pull, JD?’’ she asks, desperately, voice on the verge of crying as she leans over him. Then she realizes, and she falls back to sit on the floor, hand covering her mouth and eyes glistening. She glances to the bobm, and struggles to get to her feet. She’s limping, clothing the edge of the raised stage part, and then she grabs the bomb, and the stage goes dark. When the lights come back on they’re green, and Christines voice fills the silence.

‘’Dear diary, the irony of this is that I never got to write my own suicide note.’’ she’s clutching the bomb to her chest, and a few sparse chuckles sound from the audience.

‘’Smart girl.’’ Jeremy says from the other side of the stage, he’s holding onto his stomach, clutching the small staircase on that side for support, his voice is laced with pain and he can barely stand. Christine steps back, even though she’s on the opposite side, almost as far away as she can get, already.

‘’Bring the trigger bomb, out here to the football field, and nobody dies. Except you, if you keep holding onto that thing.’’ he uses the edge of the raised part of the stage to make his way closer, pausing to suck in air trough the pain every now and then. He sounds so sad.

‘’I don’t deserve to live.’’ the words are barely out of her mouth before Jeremy retorts,

‘’I respectfully disagree.’’ he lets go of the edge, taking a few stumbling steps towards her.

‘’Give it to me.’’ he says reaching for it, but she steps away, he falls to the floor without the support. ‘’Stay away from me.’’ she says as she goes down with him, stumbling as she’s stepping backwards.

‘’Or what?’’ he asks, almost breathlessly.

‘’I am damaged, far too damaged.’’ he sings, leaning back a little. He does sound…damaged. Defeated.

‘’But you’re not beyond repair.’’ he sings to her, as if realizing he’s beyond saying, but maybe she isn’t. He locks his eyes on her, as fi he’s spotted the last way out, the last chance at salvation, the last good deed he’ll ever be capable of doing. Letting her live.

‘’Stick around here, make things better.’’ he crawls closer, dragging himself by his arms, and he gets so close he’s almost hovering over her. Then he reaches out with the arm not supporting his weight.

‘’Cause you beat me fair and square.’’ he tugs at the bomb, pulling it from her limps arms, and hurries to get out of her reach again. Clambering until he’s standing again, almost like he’s forget ting he has an injury, spurred on by adrenaline and the knowledge it’ll all be gone soon.

‘’Please stand back now.’’ he sings gently, and Christine struggles to her get up, leg still bothering her, but she makes it in the end.

‘’Little further.’’ he sings, and she limps away.

‘’Don’t know what this thing will do. Hope you’ll miss me. Wish you’d kiss me.’’ he’s walking towards the centre stage, and once he reaches it he looks back at her.

‘’Then you’d know I worship you.’’ he turns to face her completely, face resigned, posture ramrod straight and determined.

‘’I’ll trade my life for yours.’’ his voice grows.

‘’Oh my god.’’ Christine sings slightly louder, the events catching up to her.

‘’And once I disappear.’’ he raises his voice over hers again.

‘’Wait hold on-’’ she increase her volume too, desperately so.

‘’Clean up the mess down here.’’ Michael feels tears on his face.

‘’Not this waaaaayyy!’’ Christine pleads one final time.

‘’Our love is god, our love is god, our love is god, our love is god, our love is gooooooooooood.’’ the music swells, ever louder, ever approaching the inevitable. The stage darkening slightly.

‘’Say hi to god.’’ Christine barely manages to get out, her voice choked up. Then the explosion happens. Chloe screams, Michael feels himself startle, feels Jake do the same next to him. The stage had glowed a vibrant orange for a split second, then smoke had erupted from somewhere, and the stage had gone dark. The thought that he’ll get to see Jeremy and hug him and hold him and make sure this isn’t real is the only thing that keeps the sobs from breaking out, and Michael is sorta happy he isn’t breaking down into hysterics because of a musical. He’s just, very close to breaking down into hysterics because of a musical.

The lights come back on and the residual cloud of smoke hangs over the back of the stage. The students and teachers make their way onto the fully lit stage, they’re talking amongst each other, one of them might crack a joke but Michael sin’t really paying attention. Christine limps her way onto the stage, stopping in the centre. The other stare at her, and then the two remaining Heathers approach her, she kisses one on the cheek.

‘’Listen up folks, war is over, brand new sheriffs come to town.’’ she sings, holding the red scrunchie above her head.

‘’We are done with acting evil, we will lay our weapons down. We’re all damaged, we’re all frightened.’’ she sings, tying her hair with it.

‘’We’re all freaks but that’s alright. We’ll endure it, we’ll survive it.’’ her arms fall to her sides, she looks so tired, but then a smile blooms across her face as she looks at Martha,

‘’Martha, are you free tonight?’’ her voice lifts, the tiredness the hurt the pain, all vanishing in an instant. Like she has let it go, like it was nothing, like she can move on.

‘’What?’’ the girl asks, looking like a question-mark, arm in a sling.

‘’Um, my date for the pep rally kind of blew-…me off. So, I was wondering, if you weren’t doing anything tonight, maybe we could pop some Jiffy Pop, rent a video, something with a happy ending?’’ she says, approaching her.

‘’Are there happy endings?’’ it sounds defeated, but there’s a strand of hope in there that Christine tugs on. They sing their way to a happy ending together. They finish strong, and the applause has started even before the lights go out, but it just continues as they come back on, The stage is empty. Backstage Christine has her arms around Jeremys neck, hugging him as the ensemble cast run back onstage.

‘’You were amazing.’’ she whispers into his hair, and he can do nothing but return it,

‘’So were you.’’ he says, and then he has to go. He sees the lights open up before him, runs out onto centre stage. The applause doubles, triples, someone wolf-whistles, and he smiles the biggest he’s probably ever smiled as he lets it wash over him, and he bows. Then he steps to the side and Christine steps out. The audience goes absolutely crazy. She does a bow, then grabs for his hand so they can bow together. The entire cast bows, gestures to the sound and light crew, and then they’re running offstage again.

He gets changed in a blur, he’s so sweaty but he’s riding a high the likes of which he’s never felt before, and in this moment he feels invincible. Like he could take on anything, and maybe even win. Like he could tell his secrets to the people who could hurt him the easiest, and live. He’s back in his street clothes. Pastel yellow floral t-shirt, baby blue jeans, cardigan. He feels so light, like he could soar off into the sky at any moment. Then he exits the dressing rooms and sees Michael, and he knows he wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else than here, right now.

‘’Michael!’’ he yells, he actually yells. He’s so excited. Michaels head snaps to him, and okay yeah no, this is the biggest he’s ever smiled. Michael answers his smile with a blinding one of his own and Jeremys heart leaps. He could kiss him, right there, he could. He feels like he could. Just lean in, press Michael up against the wall and kiss him senseless.

‘’Jeremy!’’ Jenna calls, and he sees the rest of the group making their way over, and then Christine is exiting the dressing rooms and they’re all there.

‘’You were amazing!’’ Jake yells, and everyone joins in, complimenting, sharing their enthusiasm, clambering to tell the two how amazing they were. It takes a few minutes for them all to calm down, but pressed together in that small corner of the hallway, Jeremy feels surrounded by love, so he decides to jump into it, hoping they’ll catch him.

‘’I’ve got something I really need to say.’’ and they all go quiet, he didn’t really expect that, but they look at him, so expectant, he doesn’t want to disappoint them.

‘’I’ve been obsessed with musicals and theatre for a few years now and I kinda wanna get on Broadway one day if I can manage?’’ he says in a rush, voice dying down towards the end and lifting at the very end, so it’s more a question than a statement. They don’t seem to care.

‘’You’re gonna rock the world, Jeremy.’’ Chloe says confidently. and then he gets caught up in another wave of compliments and reassuring and the wave carries them out into the parking lot after a while. Jeremy feels indestructible.

‘’I’ll drive you home, yeah?’’ Michael says as the other part ways, the promise of a proper hang out tomorrow to celebrate having been established.

‘’Yeah, thanks dude.’’ Jeremy says, and they get into the car, into the old worn and comfortably familiar seats. Player 1 and Player 2. Against the world. Jeremy is practically buzzing the entire ride over, making small talk and discussing the show and it alternates between Jeremy gushing over how much fun he had and Michael gushing over how amazing he was. Jeremy doesn’t notice the way Michael keeps tightening his hands on the wheel, how he’s waiting for something. It’s so close, Michael can swear he can taste it in the air between them. He’s waited so long for tonight, and Jeremy is happy like he’s never seen him before, so confidently talking about the things he thought he did good. He pulls into Jeremys driveway far too quickly. He just sits there for a moment, letting Jeremy finish the tangent he had started, just looking at him. Just taking in the glowing eyes the smile the blush the way he’s gesturing. Everything that makes Jeremy, Jeremy, Everything that makes him love him.

‘’But uh, yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow?’’ Jeremy finishes, and Michael hesitates for a second, only a second, before he’s smiling and nodding.

‘’Yeah dude! Gotta party properly, but I can tell you’re about to crash, so go get some rest.’’ he says, and there’s a pit opening in his chest, a black hole nestled in-between his lungs, trying so very valiantly to swallow him whole. He keeps it at bay. Jeremy opens the door. He’s got a leg outside the door when he turns back, looks at Michael and tries to find the courage he had earlier, in the hallway. When he thought he could conquer the world, and have everything he wanted, when he thought he deserved to be happy. Something aches in his chest, and the ache makes him open his mouth, makes him say,

‘’Michael? I…’’ he hesitates, looks down at his lap, back up at Michael, back down to his lap.

‘’Yeah?’’ Michael urges, tense and exited all in one, as if he’s on the brink of falling. He doesn’t know if it’s a goof fall or a bad fall yet.

‘’It’s nothing.’’ Jeremy says, and gets out. Michael stares at the door as it closes, wants to reach out, wants to take what he knows he can have, wants to grab a hold of Jeremy and never let him go. Jeremy is making his way around the car, up towards his door. Michael lets the voice in him win for once, opens the door, gets out, takes a step. Then Jeremy turns.

‘’Michael, wait! I-‘’ he turns and comes face to face with Michael. He looks puzzled.

‘’Sorry, it just…it seemed important.’’ Michael says lamely. Jeremy smiles.

‘’I guess it kinda is.’’ he takes another step closer, and Michael resist taking a step back, letting the distance between them close.

‘’Michael, I’m…’’ he starts, trying to find it in himself to finish, There’s something in the pit of his stomach, something dark and writhing and nauseating and it wants to consume him, wants to drag him down and-

‘’You?’’ Michael asks, and he looks, hopeful? He looks like he needs to know what Jeremy has to say, and the dark feeling is suddenly flooded over with butterflies. His chest fills with warmth and he thinks that even if Michael were to break his heart right now, he could live. He could. Probably.

‘’I love you.’’ he says. It hangs in the air between them, the space that seems to be shrinking, inch by agonizing inch. Michaels face blooms into the most beautiful smile Jeremy has seen in his entire life, and he’s leaning closer closer.

‘’I love you too.’’ Michael whispers into the scant inch that’s left between them, then he reaches up and cups Jeremys face with his hands, closing the distance. Jeremy lets his arms rise, latching onto the front of his hoodie like he did in the basement, what feels like forever ago. It’s not as good as the first one, it’s so much better. It’s so much more. It might even be perfect.

[acindra]

Do You Got Room For One More Troubled Soul?

Pairing: Jeremy Heere/Michael Mell

Words: 4.247

Summary: “Stop. Buying. Things. From. Japan. You. Idiot.”

“You weren’t complaining when I showed you the hentai!” Rich protested, batting away Jake.

(Mistletoe and the squip squad’s Christmas party)

Read on AO3 or under the cut

A/N: I headcanon that Michael generally wears hoodies and sweaters unless he’s very very comfortable (or high) and would freak out or be very sensitive if his hoodie was suddenly not available to him. I used to be like that.

The first time, they didn’t know.

The air was crisp and cold when they arrived at Jake’s house. The house was decorated with colourful fairy lights and a lone reindeer perched on the edge of the roof.

“Looks like we’re early.” Michael said, noting the few cars parked outside. “Do you want to wait until more people arrive? Be fashionably late?”

Jeremy shook his head. “Nah. It’s just the squip squad and us this time.”

Michael fidgeted. “Are you sure it’s alright for me to be here, then? I’m not-”

“Of course you’re welcome. You’re my best friend.” Jeremy butted in, waving his hands like he could wave away Michael’s concern and unease.

“If you say so.” Michael said, doubtful, but he got out of the car just the same.

Jeremy nabbed his backpack from the backseat and slung it over his shoulder, shivering a little at the chill in the air. “I should’ve grabbed a jacket.” he mumbled.

Michael laughed. “Are you sure it would help? You’re a twiglet. Be the popsicle you know you are!”

Jeremy grumbled at him, shoving at his side.

“Bad touch! Bad touch!” Michael continued to laugh as he danced away from him.

“I’ll show you bad touch.” Jeremy threatened, chasing after him.

Michael headed up the path to the door and banged on it loudly. “Asylum, help!” He had to flee from the doorway before it opened, though.

When Jake opened the door it was to find Jeremy perched on top of Michael, mercilessly tickling him on the lawn.

“Dude, gay.” he surmised, shaking his head. He watched for a few seconds before calling out to them. “Hey, either get your asses in here or make out already! I’m letting out the heating!”

Jeremy relented, crawling off of Michael and standing up, offering him a hand up.

Michael eyed the hand distrustfully but took it anyways, then brushed the dead grass off of himself.

They made their way up to the door.

“Nerd boy.” Jake acknowledged, clapping Jeremy on the back. “Nerd boy two-point-oh.” he ushered them inside. “You’re name’s Mikey, right?”

“Michael.”

“Close enough.”

They didn’t get far into the foyer before they encountered Rich.

“Tall-ass! It’s good to see you alive and kicking.” he greeted. “And you brought headphones kid! Good. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” he sobered a little. “Thanks for saving our lives, dude. You’re a star.”

“No problem?”

“Now, let’s party!” he exclaimed, pushing red solo cups full of what was presumable eggnog into their hands.

“C’mon Michael, let’s go put the presents under the tree.” Jeremy said, dragging him by the sleeve through the archway to the living room.

“We were supposed to bring-?”

They only got a few steps into the room before they bumped into an invisible wall.

“OW!” they said simultaneously, the eggnog sloshing precariously in their cups.

“What the fuck?” Jeremy rubbed at his face while Michael poked at the invisible barrier.

Rich was laughing on the other side of the archway. “I didn’t think that’d work!” he informed them.

Jake was looking at them like they had gone insane. “What happened?” he turned to Rich. “What did you do?”

Rich was still laughing but pointed up.

In the archway was a sprig of oddly shiny mistletoe.

“Rich-”

“It’s from Japan!”

As Michael muttered “Hay naku,” Jake took off his hat and started hitting Rich with it.

“Stop. Buying. Things. From. Japan. You. Idiot.”

“You weren’t complaining when I showed you the hentai!” Rich protested, batting away Jake.

“What is it.” Jeremy asked, sighing.

“It’s mistletoe, duh!”

Michael could feel a sinking feeling in his stomach; this wasn’t going to end well.

“Yeah I got that, I meant what does it do.”

“What do you think it does, genius? You gotta kiss!”

Jeremy and Michael glanced at each other, then turned away, blushing.

“That’s so gay.” Jake piped in.

“So?”

“What happens if we don’t?” Jeremy asked.

“Then you’ll be there. Forever.”

“I guess we gotta, then.” Michael whispered, turning to Jeremy.

Jeremy’s hands were suddenly clammy. “W-well. At least the girls aren’t here.” he reasoned, but it didn’t make him feel any better. He bit his lip. “Here take this back.” he said handing over the eggnog.

Rich also took Michael’s and both he and Jake looked at them expectantly.

Michael put a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder, pulling him down a little so they’d be level and pressed his lips against Jeremy’s quickly. “There. Painless, right?” he forced a laugh.

“Aw, lame. You gotta do a proper kiss!” Rich cajoled.

Jeremy was frozen in place, but Michael turned away and tried to escape the prying eyes, his face red.

Unfortunately, the mistletoe seemed to agree with Rich, as he bumped into the invisible wall again.

He refrained from repeatedly smacking his head against it, but it was a close thing. He didn’t want to have to confront his feelings now, of all nights, (or maybe ever) but it seemed the world was against him.

Jeremy had unfrozen and had his hand over his lips, a confused expression on his face. “You kissed me.” he mumbled.

“Man tall-ass, you’re pretty slow, aren’tcha?” Rich laughed.

Michael sighed, turning away from the invisible wall and back to Jeremy. “Once more, with feeling?” he asked, but neither of them laughed.

Jeremy fidgeted. “O-ok.”

They shuffled closer together awkwardly.

Jeremy brought his hands up to hold Michael’s face and leaned down to kiss him, mouth open slightly. His eyes fluttered shut. He knew he was terrible, but he made an effort to copy what he had learned from his minimal experience with girls.

Michael, for his part, was equally as terrible so he didn’t mind much.

Jeremy might have gotten a little enthusiastic and poked his eye with the edge of Michael’s glasses.

They were just getting to a point where the kiss was getting more comfortable and less awkward when the snapping of a camera shutter was heard. They broke away from each other and turned to see Jenna Rolan standing there, holding her phone with a big grin.

Peeking out from behind her were Chloe, Brooke, and Christine.

Jeremy’s entire face was blazing red.

Michael suddenly pushed past Jeremy and beelined to the bathroom.

“Michael?” Jeremy asked, chasing after him.

The door slammed in his face.

Michael locked the door behind him and sat with his back against it, his face in his hands. His emotions were overwhelming him, and tears welled up in his eyes as he listened and felt Jeremy banging on the door.

The residual feeling of Jeremy’s hands burned on his skin and he swore he could still just barely feel Jeremy’s lips on his. The worst part was, on top of his emotions, he had enjoyed the kiss a little... too much.

“Who the fuck gets turned on from a little kissing… with your best friend… that you’ve been in love with for years?” he mumbled to himself. “How lame can you get?”

He focused on willing away his erection and trying not to cry.

The banging stopped all of a sudden.

“Michael!”

His heart clenched at how desperate Jeremy sounded.

“I know you’re in there! I mean. Where else would you be it’s not like you can climb out the window.”

Michael eyed the tiny window across from him, thoughtfully.

Unfortunately Jeremy was right, so he wouldn’t be able to escape his problems that easily.

“Michael you can’t hide in there forever!”

He knew that was true. He took a deep, shuddering breath and tried to pull himself together.

“Talk to me, goddamnit. I don’t know what I did wrong! Was the kiss really that bad? I’m sorry! Just talk to me- please?”

Michael dragged himself up off the tiles and turned on the sink so he could splash some water on his face.

The coolness of the water helped push his feelings from the forefront of his mind. He pasted a grin onto his face then spent a couple seconds trying to make it not look so fake.

“I’m so-”

He opened the door and Jeremy fell onto him; he had been leaning against the door.

They collapsed in a heap on the tiled floor.

Michael scooched back and kicked the door closed. “We gotta stop meeting in this bathroom like this.”

“Michael! Are you ok?” Jeremy asked, scrambling off of him and helping him sit up.

“I’m fiiiine. I just had to pee, stop freaking out.”

Jeremy gave him the deepest disbelieving look he could manage. “Don’t lie to me.”

Michael shrugged. “Fine. Then don’t ask for things you don’t want to know.”

“I want to know.”

“You really don’t.”

“I’m your best friend, of course I want to know! I tell you everything!”

Michael snorted. “You do not. And before you start telling me things- I do not want to know things like- like- like who you jack off to or whatever.”

Jeremy blushed. “I wouldn’t-”

“Exactly.”

Jeremy frowned. “Wait are you saying you were-”

“NO! That was just an example. Get your mind out of the gutter for once in your life.”

Jeremy nodded. “Are you ok, though?”

Michael shrugged again. “I’m fine. See?” he said, patting himself all over. “I’m all in one piece. I’m sorry I freaked you out.”

“I was just worried.” Jeremy hugged him.

“I know.”

There was a pause for a few seconds while they hugged it out.

They pulled away from each other, smiling.

“Um.” Jeremy looked down and fingered at the hem of Michael’s hoodie.

“Spit it out.”

“Was- was the kissing ok?”

“I have literally no frame of reference to compare it to, so yes. Best kiss I’ve ever had.” He made a kissy face at Jeremy.

Jeremy pushed his face away.

There was a knock on the door. “Um. Are you two having sex in there? Only, I need to pee so if you could hurry it up.”

Jeremy hopped up and pulled the door open. “Why would we have sex in the bathroom?”

Chloe shrugged. “Don’t knock shower sex til you try it. Now get out.”

Jeremy offered his hand to Michael and pulled him up and they vacated the bathroom.

-

The second time it was an accident.

The boys entered the living room where the tree was.

And boy what a tree it was. It almost reached the top of the ceiling and was weighed down by strings upon strings of lights, tinsel, ornaments, and a twinkling star at the top.

They stopped to stare at it for a few seconds, awed.

There was no one else in the room, but voices were carrying out from the kitchen.

“C’mon let’s add the presents.” Jeremy said, crouching down in front of the tree. He dug into his backpack and started pulling out neatly wrapped gifts.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to bring any.” Michael told him, reaching into the bag to pull out more of the gifts.

“Don’t worry, I wrote that they were from both of us.”

“Oh, ok. Why is this one so heavy?” he asked, brandishing a large rectangular present.

“Oh that one is for Christine. It’s all of Shakespeare's plays.”

“It’s a book? Are you sure? It feels more like a lethal brick.”

“Then don’t go throwing it around.”

“What else did you get?”

“Well, I-”

Jeremy was interrupted by Rich coming through the archway, laughing and holding three cups.

“Hey! You’re out!”

“Have been for a few years now.” Michael joked, pointing to the rainbow patch on his left shoulder.

“Eyyy.” Rich gave off the distinct impression that if his hands were free he’d be making finger guns at them. He set down the cups he was holding on the coffee table next to them. “Those are yours.” he said, pointing to two of them. “Don’t know how well you hold your booze so we didn’t put a lot in.”

“Thanks.” Jeremy smiled up at him before finishing pulling out the rest of the presents.

Slowly the others trickled in, Chloe from the bathroom, and the rest one by one from the kitchen, being sure not to get caught under the mistletoe.

“So now that we’re here, what are we going to do?” Christine asked Jake, after everyone had settled around the coffee table.

Jake shrugged. “I don’t know, get high?”

Christine gave him a very disappointed look.

“Um. I actually brought a board game?” Jeremy suggested.

Everyone stared at him.

“What? I thought it’d be fun.”

Brooke took pity on him. “What game is it?”

“It’s called Carcassonne.” he said, pulling the game out of his bag.

Michael’s eyes lit up. “Oh, it’s a lot of fun! You have to place tiles and then meeple on the tiles that you want to count towards your point total. Tiles are worth more if they have landmarks and stuff. It’s named after a medieval town from France.”

“What the fuck is a meeple?” Jenna asked.

Jeremy popped open the box and picked out a small human-chalk-outline looking figurine.

And so they played Carcassonne.

In the end, the Chloe just beat out Jeremy’s score, much to his horror.

“I’m the King of Carcassonne!” she crowed, throwing both arms up into the air.

“That’s not really how it-” Jeremy started, but was silenced by her glare.

Michael stood up, stumbling slightly after having been sat cross legged for the hour or so of gameplay. He stepped over Jeremy and Brooke to escape the circle, then bowed low to Chloe. “My liege, would you like some more to drink?”

“Yes, thank you. At least someone respects my authority.” She said haughtily, handing Michael her cup.

“Eggnog is in the fridge door.” Brooke told him, helpfully.

“Rum is on the counter.” Jake chipped in.

Once they had finished clearing away the game, Jeremy excused himself to go put his backpack by the door so he wouldn’t forget it.

He smiled at Michael as they passed each other in the archway.

A few steps later they walked smack into an invisible wall on either side of said archway.

“Ow!” They exclaimed at the same time.

They turned to each other with identical looks of horror on their faces.

In the living room, the group turned their attention to the boys and burst out laughing.

“How did you manage to get caught again?” Jenna asked through her giggles.

Chloe hopped up and retrieved her and Michael’s drinks from him. She backed away so everyone could see the boys again, sipping at her drink.

Jeremy swallowed heavily, and Michael’s eyes tracked the movement.

What he would give to kiss his neck. But- he would get to kiss him again.

Unfortunately, the peanut gallery was a little hard to ignore as they progressed from laughter to catcalling.

“Well? Are you going to just stand there? Get on with it!” Chloe demanded.

“You can’t rush perfection.” Jeremy told her before he realized what he was saying. He slapped a hand over his face when he did.

Both he and Michael blushed.

“Perfection, eh? Is this why you didn’t want to have sex with me?”

“Please stop talking. You’re making this very-”

“Entertaining?”

“-hard.”

“Do I really need to say the obvious joke here?”

Jeremy sighed into his hand.

“With friends like these, who needs enemies?” Michael asked, sticking his tongue out at her. “C’mon.” he dragged Jeremy to the other side of the archway and back behind the wall where the majority of the others wouldn’t be able to see them. He leaned against the wall, awkwardly. “You ok?”

“Yeah, are you?”

Michael nodded. “Just. Nervous?”

“I feel that.”

Jeremy came closer and placed a hand on the wall beside Michael’s head.

Michael mentally cursed at himself as the thrill of it shot up his spine.

Jeremy leaned down to capture his lips, pressing his body against him.

Michael was startled by this, but was not complaining as he kissed back.

Jeremy pulled away after a few seconds, but Michael chased after him, cupping the back of Jeremy’s head and tugging him forward.

They kissed for a few seconds more before they broke away for air, making eye contact and then looking away, blushing.

Michael removed his hand from Jeremy’s curls, feeling very self conscious. He mentally berated himself- he had allowed himself to get carried away.

But god was it worth it.

There was a beat as they continued to avoid looking at each other.

“Um.” he said, looking down.

“Yeah?”

He tapped the hand Jeremy had not placed on the wall which had found its way to the drawstrings of Michael’s hood.

“Oh! Sorry.” he said, letting go and backing away abruptly. “I’m just gonna…” he gestured behind himself.

“Ok.” Michael took a deep breath and steeled himself for the comments the peanut gallery would make.

To his surprise, the others were all seated back around the coffee table, talking amongst themselves about the next school play.

Christine looked up and smiled, patting the space beside her where he had been sitting earlier.

Chloe grabbed his sleeve while he made his way over, handing him his drink. He smiled and stepped over Brooke to re-take his place.

Jeremy reappeared shortly after and joined the conversation seamlessly. He bumped his shoulder against Michael’s in greeting and he felt like maybe everything would be ok after all.

-

The third time was…

Once the conversation petered out, it was decided that they would open presents.

Jeremy’s (and Michael’s) presents were handed out first, since he was the last one to show up and put his gifts under the tree.

Rich opened his first and was confused to find a tank top that read ‘Both? Both. Both. Both is Good.’ in pink, purple, and blue text.

Michael’s eyes widened when Rich showed it to the them. “It’s the bisexual flag colours!”

“Ohh.” Rich grinned. “Thanks guys! You’re the best!”

Brooke received a stuffed puppy. She smiled at Jeremy.

“I figured, you always get stuffed cats-”

“But no one ever gets you a stuffed dog.” She finished.

Christine was ecstatic to receive her book and immediately started reciting random passages to herself. She leaned over to hug Michael since he was closest, barely keeping her excitement in check.

Jake got a pair of pink shutter sunglasses which he immediately put on (and refused to take off for the rest of the night).

Jenna’s gift was a journal, which she seemed confused by.

“I figured since you know everything, you might like something to put your thoughts about everything in.” Jeremy told her, sheepishly.

“That’s a really sweet and thoughtful gift, Jeremy. Thank you.”

Chloe’s gift was a makeup kit and a set of sparkly nail polish.

“Switch places with me, Brooke.” She demanded, heaving herself out of her armchair and gracefully sitting on the floor next to Jeremy. “What colour do you want?” she asked, opening the package the nail polish was in.

“He wants red.” Michael chimed in.

“Red it is!”

“Ah! Hang on.” Jeremy stalled as she grabbed his closest hand. He pulled another gift from under the tree and handed it to Michael.

“But we always give gifts the day after Christmas.” Michael protested, flipping the small rectangle over and wondering what it was.

“I know, and we will. This is just something extra I thought you might like.”

Michael opened it to find a cassette tape with no label. “What’s on it?”

“That’s for you to find out- later.” Jeremy told him, winking.

“Yes, yes, enough flirting. You guys can make out later.” Chloe said, rolling her eyes. “Hands.”

Jeremy obediently gave her his hands.

They continued to open presents.

The first time someone (who wasn’t Jeremy) handed Michael a gift, he was dumbfounded. It made his heart feel warmed that he was included in the group.

“Well? Open it!” Rich egged him on.

Inside was a CD of some obscure band he had never heard of. The other gifts were much the same, for both Michael and Jeremy; music and a couple old school video games.

The only outlier was their gift from Christine.

“It’s for both of you.”

Jeremy ended up opening it, because Chloe had moved on to painting Michael’s nails by that point (navy blue, if you were wondering).

Inside the little box were two necklaces, the pendants being a pacman and a ghost. The pacman had ‘player one’ etched inside of it and the ghost had ‘player two’.

“I saw it at the store and I just figured- cuz you both have the pacman tattoo. And Jeremy sometimes calls you his player one and-”

“Dude, that is awesome!” Michael exclaimed. “Put it on me, put it on me!”

Jeremy had the biggest smile on his face as he waved Michael away. “Alright, alright. Keep your pants on, jesus christ.”

It took him a few seconds to untangle them, but it wasn’t long before he was slinging the pacman necklace around Michael’s neck and then the ghost around his.

“Thank you, Christine! These really are wonderful.” he said, running a finger over the etched words.

Christine beamed at him.

Eventually all of the presents were opened and they cleared away the wrapping paper debris.

“This has been a really fun night.” Christine remarked, playing with the fidget spinner Jenna had gotten her.

There was a chorus of agreement.

“I really-” Brooke started, but was interrupted when the fidget spinner flew out of Christine’s hand and knocked over her drink, spilling it all over Michael.

“Ah!”

Both Michael and Jeremy bolted up, tripping over Brooke in their rush to get to the bathroom.

“Quickly, take it off.” Jeremy demanded as soon as the door was closed, turning the faucet to the sink on.

Michael tugged it off and handed it over to Jeremy, who quickly started scrubbing at the spill.

“Go over there.” Jeremy said, waving over to the other side of the bathroom and staring very hard at the hoodie. “I won’t look on purpose, but I might on accident so…”

“It’s ok.” Michael said, coming closer. “I don’t mind. If it’s you.”

Jeremy looked up in surprise. “R- really?” he asked, averting his eyes again.

“Really.” Michael smiled as Jeremy forced himself to look at Michael. He steeled himself. “There’s actually... a lot of things I don’t mind, if it’s you.”

Jeremy finished washing the eggnog out of Michael’s hoodie and hung it over the shower curtain rod so it could dry. “What do you mean by that?” he asked, turning to stare questioningly at Michael. He felt like he was being given a gift, seeing Michael only in his white undershirt.

Michael swallowed; was he ready to do this?

Jeremy looked sincerely curious and he already had his foot in the door.

Time to hurl the rest of his body through it.

“Things like when we sleep in the same bed and I wake up to you being an octopus-”

Jeremy pouted. “I can’t help that.”

“I know. Things like holding your hand when we watch scary movies.”

Jeremy ran a hand through his hair and made a vague noise.

“Things like… like kissing you under the mistletoe.”

“What- what are you saying, Michael?”

He took the plunge. “I’m saying that I like you. In a more-than-friends way.”

Jeremy scanned Michael’s face. “You’re not joking, are you?”

“Why would I joke about this?”

“I don’t know- I just am having a hard time believing this is real.”

“Well. It is. I like your lame ass, Jeremy Heere.”

Jeremy grinned and turned slightly to show him his butt. “It is a nice ass, isn’t it?”

Michael shoved at him lightly. “It really is, though. Sometimes I dream about-”

“Ah!” Jeremy clapped a hand over Michael’s mouth frantically.

Michael licked the hand over his mouth and wiggled his eyebrows when Jeremy pulled it away.

Jeremy wiped his hand on his jeans, grimacing.

“You don’t hate me, right?”

Jeremy’s eyes softened around the edges. “I could never hate you, Michael.”

Relief flooded through him.

“Especially not when I like you, too.”

Michael blinked, hardly believing his ears. “You what?”

Jeremy shuffled closer. “I like you, too.” He repeated, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Can I kiss you again?”

“Yeah.” Michael replied breathlessly, going on his tippytoes as Jeremy leaned down.

They met halfway. Unlike the other kisses, there was no pressure and no prying eyes. They kissed lazily, smiling, enjoying the feel of the other against them.

When they finally broke away, Jeremy rested his forehead on Michael’s. “Thank you for telling me. I don’t think I would have had the courage to tell you otherwise.”

“I’m sure we would have figured it out eventually.” Michael said, optimistically.

“Yeah… but now we don’t have to.” He pulled away, and glanced at Michael’s hoodie. “Do you want me to go get your spare hoodie from the car?”

“Could we just leave instead?”

“Sure.”

Michael parted from Jeremy reluctantly, and pulled on the wet hoodie, grimacing as the cold, wet part made his undershirt damp.

They exited the bathroom.

“Oh, I have an idea.” Jeremy whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Guys, we have to tell you something.”

Everyone turned to look at them.

Jeremy grabbed Michael’s hand and nodded his head towards the archway to the foyer.

They walked over and deliberately stood under the mistletoe. They kissed to the sounds of their friends cheering.

The first time they didn’t know.

The second time it was an accident.

The third time was an announcement.

Art by @k8lex

[gedachtenextracten]

the Wonders of Autocorrect (part 16) - a rookie blue ff

(previous parts - read on AO3)

As soon as the doorbell rang, Gail sprung up from the sofa and rushed over to open the door.

“Finally!” she exclaimed, as three girls entered the house.

“Gail.” Traci gave her a stern look. “You texted us maybe ten minutes ago.”

“So, what’s wrong?” Andy asked.

Gail closed the door and let out a melodramatic sigh. “ Everything. I need your help for damage control.”

Traci shrugged off her coat and went into the living room, where Holly and two other people she didn’t know were sitting on the sofas.

Holly stood up to greet the other girl and introduced everyone. “So Lisa, Rachel. Meet Andy, Traci, and…?”

“Chloe,” the redhead answered.

“She’s another friend from school,” Gail explained. “I usually try to avoid her, but she will be very useful since she’s a social media expert. Aren’t you, princess?”

“Yes!” Chloe beamed, even though given Gail’s tone Holly wasn’t sure it was meant as a compliment. Chloe didn’t take offence either way.

Andy plopped down on the sofa next to Lisa, while Gail and Holly handed out mugs and glasses. Andy turned to Lisa. “So… I gather you are in Gail’s bad books?” It hadn’t escaped her how often Gail threw a dirty look in her direction.

Lisa glanced sideways. “Yeah.” She paused. “Deserved it, though.”

“What did you do? Sleep with her boyfriend?”

Lisa took a double take. “Um. No. I did not do that , thank God. I’m not that stupid.” Then she saw how Andy’s shoulders slumped a little. “Oh. Oh! You mean you did ?”

Andy refused to meet her eyes.

Oops, Lisa thought. Poor Gail.  “Although, looking at Holly, if her taste in boys is as good as her taste in girls…” Lisa started.

Luckily, this train wreck of a conversation was stopped by Gail trying to gather the troops’ attention. When she asked if any of them opened their Facebooks since school was out, they all shook their heads.

“Only messenger,” Andy said.

Gail sighed, both relieved because that meant maybe other people hadn’t seen it either, and annoyed because it meant she had to explain. She really wasn’t looking forward to that. “I’ll send you the screenshots.”

Chloe was already pulling her device out of her back pocket and unlocking the screen. “Oh.” She pursed her lips. “This is kinda bad. Real bad.”

“Are you OP Lisa?” Andy asked, looking at Lisa.

Lisa nodded, averting her eyes.

“Oh, that’s bad .”

“Like you’re one to talk.”

“At least I’m sorry about what I did.”

“I am too!” Lisa growled.

“You should be,” Holly pointedly stated. “Because this was a low blow if I’ve ever seen one.”

“I know.” Lisa sighed. “I didn’t know you were being serious about seeing each other. I mean…”

“Why did you read her diary?” Chloe asked. “Isn’t that, like, a breach of privacy?”

Lisa winced.

“Yeah, I have been meaning to ask. When did you?” asked Holly. “How long have you been playing detective for?”

“Remember when I came over all these months ago…” Lisa looked at her folded hands in her lap. “You weren’t in your room but you had left your diary open and I know I shouldn’t have read it but my eye fell on it… You sounded so smitten, but you said yourself that it was just for pretending, so I kept reading… And that’s how I found out about all of this… being… fake?” She looked up at Holly. “I just wanted to protect you,” she pleaded. “If I had known, before today, I would never have done anything like this.”

“Then why did you?” asked Traci.

“I tried before to tell Holly that I didn’t think this was the right kind of relationship for her, that she deserved something real . And I was convinced this wasn’t real, up until today.”

“But why the public smear campaign? You must have known it would affect both Gail and Holly.”

“I… I couldn’t convince her before. And I thought that, maybe, other people sharing my opinion and expressing it might.” Her voice broke a little. “I know it was wrong. I shouldn’t have. But I can’t take it back.”

“But if you read her diary, how come you didn’t know that it did become real?”

“I only read it that one time. After that, I felt too guilty about it to ever do it again. I never meant to use it as blackmail. I just thought… I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Obviously.” Gail rolled her eyes.

“So what are we going to do about this?” Rachel cut in. “Because bickering back and forth isn’t going to help.”

“Luckily we have all weekend to figure this out.”

“Not for our parents,” Gail pointed out. “Superintendent Peck will want to know what’s going on. She always does.”

“Right.” Holly took a pen and paper. “Does anyone have any suggestions?”

______________

Chloe had suggested they ask for the boys’ help too. Gail vetoed that, saying that she did not want to add Nick to this clusterfuck.

“Maybe Chris and Dov, though?” Traci suggested.

“We should ask Nick, too.” Holly spoke softly. “He might get involved in this, as well.”

“I doubt that,” Gail said. “Lisa posted it so all of her friends may have seen it, as may yours. She did tag me, but I have accepted less than twenty friend requests so I think the damage at our school will be manageable.”

“But our school is an all-girl, very much anti-LGBT school,” Rachel said sadly. “That’s why Holly wasn’t actually out.”

“Oh my God,” Chloe exclaimed, startling everyone. “Lisa, how could you do that to your friend? Not only outing her secret but also outing her other secret  a nd outing her?” Her eyes practically bulged out of their sockets.

In any other situation, Gail might have laughed at the absurdity of the statement. “Calm down, princess. If your eyes get any bigger they might squish your brain.”

“That’s physically impossible.”

Gail smiled. “I know, nerd.” She heard Chloe aww at that but chose to ignore her. “So, everyone. Sit down.”

Holly threw Gail a pointed look.

“… Please.” Gail rolled her eyes, while Holly smiled.

“So, to recapitulate.” Gail unfolded Holly’s notes. “We’ve got three main topics: social media, parents and school, the latter including our darling male friends and exes. We’ve got Chloe on social media. Holly and I will try to keep mother from finding out. The boys are left for Andy – no pun intended. Rachel’s in charge of damage control and Lisa just has to stay clear of everything.”

Andy sighed heavily. “This is getting old, dude.”

“This will never get old, dude,” Gail retorted. “I’m going to milk this until the end of my days. Or rather, yours. Because I strongly believe you will die first.” Holly pinched her. “Ow. What?! I didn’t say anything.”

Holly leaned her head on Gail’s shoulder. “Of course you didn’t.”

“Nah. McNally and I are buddies, aren’t we.” She grinned, showing her canines.

“Um, sure,” Andy replied.

“Okay. So now all of this is out of the way, I want everyone to leave the house and get on with it. Except Holly,” Gail smiled genuinely this time. “She can stay.”

Chloe was practically vibrating by now.

“What’s up, princess?”

“You two are so in love.”

Gail threw her a disgusted look. “Shut it.”

But as everyone left the room, Gail took hold of Holly’s arm and murmured. “She has no idea. Textbook fairytale doesn’t even cover us.”