Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

(Cover art made by 2dlsR98332 on Twitter, go show him some love!)

The lone traveler, seeking salvation,

Journeys to a distant paradise,

He has reached his destination,

For his revival, or his demise.

Anon: Guess it's time to head out… (I mutter with a sigh) Life waits for no one, after all.

I double check myself: New-ish green sweater? Check. Old T-Shirt under said sweater? Also check. Old blue pants and beat-up black sneakers? Check and check. Shining bald head? Yep, still firmly planted on my shoulders.

I may end up dying from a heatstroke with what I’m wearing, but I like this outfit, and I’m not changing it anytime soon.

Now for my ragged backpack… yep, all my school supplies seem to be right where they belong. There isn’t much to be proud of, but it’s enough.

I grab my earphones before doing a double take and looking around: Where is my phone?

Searching my pockets allows me to locate the missing culprit in just a couple seconds.

Anon: Found ya. (I chuckle lightly) Now where is… ah, there you are.

I grab a black notebook from the nearby desk, holding it in my hands for a couple seconds with a longing look.

We’ve been through a lot, old friend… Here's hoping we can deal with whatever comes next.

Placing my personal notebook inside the backpack is the last thing I do before slinging said backpack over my shoulders.

Open the door, leave the room, go down the stairs and into the street.

Making my way out of the apartment I’m currently living in, I put on some music to help calm the nerves as I start walking. The gentle piano instrumental does wonders to help relieve some of the anxiety.

First day at a new school, in a new town, with new people…

Volcano High, Volcaldera Bluffs, and all the dino folk around, respectively.

I don’t know if it just hasn’t sunk in, but the feeling of dread has been awfully absent for the past few minutes. I’m somewhat anxious, but it hasn’t gotten too out of hand yet.

I mean, realistically, what’s there to be worried about?

Being a loner? I’m used to that.

Hard topics in the classes? Just gotta study harder.

Someone finding out about my poems? That’s… okay, that one might be bad, all things considered.

But as long as I keep to myself and don’t get involved with nosy people, I should be fine.

Keyword: Should.

After Rock Bottom, I really can’t be sure of anything anymore.

Who knew it was this easy to develop trust issues…

“See you on Monday, Anon!”

I raise a hand to the bridge of my nose, rubbing the spot slightly. 

Stopping at a green light, I watch the cars pass by while collecting my thoughts.

…don’t think too hard about it, Anon.

The more you think, the more you overthink, and the worse it gets.

Just take it easy and keep your cool.

It won’t happen again.

…never again.

The light turns red, the cars stop, and I resume the journey towards my new school.

— — — — — — —

Rounding the corner I notice I’ve already made it to the front of the school, and crossing the street one last time lets me reach the bottom of the front steps. 

Taking in the scene around me…  there’s a lot of dinos here. More than I’m used to seeing, in fact.

Then again, I guess Volcadera is mostly populated by dinos, so I’m the weird one out.

…and that extends to the student population as well, as I seem to be the only human in the place. At least currently, that is.

Oh, they’re all staring at me now. Whispers come and go, with snickering and quiet laughs mixed in as well.

"Look! A spear-chucker!" 

"Did he get lost on the way to his cave?" 

"The head of that skinnie is so shiny! It looks like a bowling ball!"

Awesome, school hasn’t even started yet and I’m already being judged.

I should’ve expected that, to be honest. Just gotta ignore them and focus on getting to class.

…except I arrived too early, so I have to kill time before being able to head inside the school.

Nice job, idiot.

I should find somewhere else to wait, don’t wanna draw more attention than necessary.

Heading up the stairs and looking to get to the side of the school, however, someone catches my eye. A light-skinned… scaled? A light-scaled ptero girl… that sounds weird to say, but oh well.

The reason she caught my eye is because, unlike everyone else, her whole outfit is made up of one single color: black. Her long silver hair and wings compliment it nicely as well, making for a nice fit all around. 

The only weird thing about it is her left wing. It’s smaller than the other one, like it didn’t develop properly or something of the sort. It’s about half the size of the right wing, from the looks of it. a couple scars here and there, but it looks mostly fine

A (somewhat) monotone beacon amidst the sea of colors, contrasting everyone else and calling for attention despite having a messed up wing. I can respect that.

She’s kinda like…

Anon: …a beautiful death omen. (I mumble to myself)

And then she slowly turns around to look at me. 

Her gaze meets my eyes with such intensity it could’ve blown up my brain had she tried slightly harder.

Her amber eyes made me freeze like a deer in headlights, completely taken aback by it. It fits surprisingly well with the whole “black and silver” look she has, and the makeup certainly enhances the look even further.

She looked me up and down, seeing if the “new guy” was anything special, and after a couple seconds of staring, she smiled.

…

She… smiled?

Before I could properly process it, she had turned back towards her friends. 

That… really caught me off guard. But now that I replay the smile in my head, it wasn’t really a happy smile, but more like a “what a loser” type of smirk.

…I’m probably gonna be the butt of a joke in their group soon enough.

And yet, despite wanting to feel angry about it, my attention is somewhere else. That somewhere else being her eyes.

They’re so… alluring. Something about them is messing with my brain, but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s like a lighthouse during a stormy night, or a guiding light in the pitch-black darkness.

…

I should probably put these thoughts onto some paper before they decide to overtake my mind throughout the day, shouldn’t I?

I quickly made my way up the stairs and to the side of the building, not taking longer than a few seconds to do so.

Checking my phone lets me know I still have some time to kill before school starts. I scan my surroundings and find a worn down bench nearby, and despite it looking horrible , I’d rather have that than to sit on the ground. 

It seemed like it was about to collapse, but I quite frankly couldn't care less. If it is to be, then it shall be.

Sitting down on said bench, I pulled out my notebook to deal with the emotions currently clouding my thoughts.

A new life, in a new place,

A new day, as a new face,

Drawing attention, not by desire,

All the whispers, they feed the fire.

Rushing quietly to be left alone,

Stopped in my tracks, chilled to the bone,

Her eyes are a beacon, a powerful light,

They show she’s a person with the will to fight.

A moment of solace, perhaps understanding?

Wishing that someone gets how I feel,

A smile that gives me a slight sense of hope,

And a smirk that pulls me towards what is real.

Yet, in the end, she’s just like the rest,

Judging who I am, without a word spoken,

A reminder that despite me doing my best,

They’ll never know how much I’ve been broken.

…yeah, I guess that works. Hopefully I haven’t lost my touch with these.

I can think more clearly now, and it seems to be about time that classes start.

Time to get a move on and get up.

*CRACK*

…you gotta be kidding me-

As I fall on the floor after the bench gave out underneath me, I clutch my notebook tightly to my chest. 

Hitting the ground doesn’t hurt as much as I expected it to, but it still sucks. What a great first day so far…

Guess I ended up sitting on the ground either way, huh?

I hear footsteps approaching, and a shadow appears soon after, looming over me. It covers the sun while allowing me to look at the person… well, dino, casting the shadow.

It’s a dark-scaled ptero dude, with some orange bits here and there. His right wing being smaller than the other draws my attention, and I furrow my brows in silent questioning.

That’s… kinda like the girl from earlier. Wrong wing, but still.

Something’s off and I’m calling shenanigans. Once is a surprise and twice is a coincidence, but if I see one more ptero with a messed up wing I’ll start getting paranoid.

There’s no way these two are related, right? I mean, they look nothing alike! But it’s still possible… I guess I can shelve that information for now and ask either of them about it later.

???: Hey dude, you okay? (He asks me with slight worry) Are you hurt?

Anon: Could be worse, I guess. (I say as I tuck my notebook into my backpack)  

He offers me his hand, and I manage to get up easily with his help. Still holding his hand, I take a better look at him.

His appearance doesn’t seem to have been affected by the light, but his clothes…

He either has a very tacky sense of fashion, or he just doesn’t care about it in the slightest, because that floral shirt is atrocious.

Naser: Name’s Naser, pleasure to meet you. (His voice brought me back to reality)

Anon: Anon, and thanks for the help. (I shook his hand firmly before letting go)

???: Hey, wait for me! (A feminine voice calls out from a slight distance)

I look towards the voice, and notice that its owner is a light pink parasaur.

She’s out of breath by the time she catches up to us, raising a finger to ask for some time.

I look at Naser, who gives me an awkward smile in return.

The girl manages to catch her breath, and tidies up her clothes before offering me a hand, which I carefully take.

Naomi: I’m Naomi! (She shakes my hand with great enthusiasm) It’s a pleasure to meet you, Anon!

Anon: Likewise. (I nod once before something clicks in my head. She was kinda far away, so then…) Wait, how do you know my name?

Naomi: Student council president. (She points at herself) I kinda have to know when a new student is arriving at the school so I can give them a proper introduction. (With a warm smile she puts her hands behind her back) And that includes knowing their name!

Anon: Right, right, makes sense. (I look back towards Naser) So then you…?

Naser: Captain of the track team, nothing more. (He raises one hand as if to say “I swear”) I just happen to be where Naomi is sometimes because I’m her boyfriend.

I look back between them a couple times.

Kinda cliche, isn’t it? The student council president and the track team captain being a couple… then again, I shouldn’t judge them like that, we just barely met after all.

Complaining about others judging me without any knowledge, and then doing that exact same thing to these two… yeah, no. Let’s see what their deal is before I make any wild guesses.

Anon: Well, it’s nice meeting you both. (I then look at the broken bench, rubbing the nape of my neck) …and uh, sorry about that. I didn’t think it would break.

Naser: Stuff happens, can’t help it. (He looks towards the front of the school while saying that, then turns to Naomi) Hey, quick question, did you go over the paperwork for the concert?

Naomi: Yep, everything’s in order! (She nods once) Now it’s just up to Fang and their band to get the instruments set up properly in the auditorium.

Naser: Sweet! (Naser does a small celebration, which makes Naomi laugh) Thanks again for helping despite the sheer amount of technical stuff you had to go over.

Naomi: Just doing my best to help. (Naomi’s smile falters slightly, and she sighs) It’s the least I can do, after all.

Naser puts a hand on Naomi’s shoulder, and she looks him in the eyes.

She smiles weakly before hugging Naser, and he gently wraps his good wing around her.

They stay silent for a couple seconds, and despite how awkward I feel, I also know better than to interrupt them.

Whatever it is that got Naomi so down so quickly, must be important.

After some more time passes, Naomi pulls away from the hug.

She takes off her glasses, wipes her eyes, cleans the glasses, and puts them back on. She shares a smile with Naser, and he replies in kind.

Then, and only then, do both of them remember that I’m still here. They get visibly flustered and I can’t help but smile slightly.

Naser: Uh, sorry dude, we kinda… (He moves his hands around, trying to come up with an explanation)

Anon: All good. (Now, to shift the topic so they don’t die of embarrassment) But are we just gonna stay here all day or…?

Naomi: Oh, right, that reminds me! (All her energy from before comes flowing back, and she pulls out a brochure from her back pocket… somehow without needing to fold it first) Here, have this. It covers the basics about the school, but I can answer any questions you may have.

Anon: Alright, just give me a second…

I take the brochure from her and start speed reading, seeing if there’s anything of interest on it.

While I’m reading, however, Naser bids his farewell to both of us while making his way towards the front of the school, and Naomi slowly guides me inside the place.

Since classes are starting soon, she wanted me to know the layout of the school before the rush of students came in.

While I’m trying to balance reading and looking around, one topic in particular catches my eye: “Financial assistance for the lunch period”. Considering that the lunch options seem to be… expensive, this might be really important for me.

I bring it up to Naomi, and she quickly explains to me how it works: I get a card that I can use to pay for the food in the cafeteria, and everything that I pay for gets added onto my tab, which I’d have to pay after the school year ends. Not necessarily IMMEDIATELY after I graduate, but still, I’d have to pay for everything I ate while studying here.

That doesn’t sound too bad, honestly. So long as I don’t go overboard, I should be fine.

Anon: Okay, how can I get one of these cards?

Naomi: We’d need to talk to Principal Spears so he can get everything set up for you. (She puts her hands on her hips and raises her head with a slight air of pride) Best case scenario, we can give you one before lunch today!

Anon: And worst case scenario? (I raise an eyebrow)

Naomi: …tomorrow morning. (She says with so much shame that if feels like an unforgivable sin)

Anon: Hey, so long as I get the card within these last six months of school, then it’s already better than where I used to study. (I shrug)

Naomi: Oh yeah, you haven’t mentioned your old school so far. (...fucking damnit, Anon) Where did you use to study before moving here?

Anon: I’d rather not talk about it. (I keep my reply short and simple, because there’s no way I’m elaborating about Rock Bottom)

Naomi: Why…? (There’s concern in her voice) Did something bad happen?

Anon: Just… (Letting out a big sigh, I already regret starting this conversation) There was a very good reason for me to wanna move schools, and I’d rather leave it at that.

Naomi: Alright, I won’t ask further then. (That… was surprisingly easy. I thought she was gonna pester me with questions until I caved in)

Anon: Thanks, I appreciate it. (I feel much more at ease now. Gotta be more cautious, though)

Naomi: Don’t mention it. (She waves her hands dismissively before coming to a sudden stop) Oh, here we are.

I look at where she’s looking, and see a door with “PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE” written on it.

Guess it’s kinda hard to miss it like that, huh?

Naomi knocks on the door a couple times and peeks her head inside.

Principal Spears(?): Yes, Naomi? (The voice is somewhat muffled, but still, that guy sounds loud )

Naomi: Principal Spears, the new student would like to apply for the financial assistance program.

Principal Spears: Understood. I’m busy at the moment, but tell him I will prepare the paperwork to get that settled swiftly.

Naomi: Yes sir!

Naomi un-peeks her head from inside the office and closes the door soon after. She turns towards me and opens her mouth, probably to relay what the principal said, but I quickly raise a hand.

Anon: I could hear him from here, don’t worry. (She closes her mouth and nods once) So… what now?

Naomi: Well, do you have your class schedule on you?

I take a small piece of paper from my pocket and carefully unfold it, showing Naomi my schedule.

She gently takes it from me, scanning the paper before smiling.

Naomi: Hey, we share some classes! (She returns the piece of paper to me) I guess I’ll have something to look forward to today!

Anon: And that would be…? (I tilt my head slightly)

Naomi: Talking to you, silly! (...huh) Getting to know a new student is always fun, and I hope we can be friends going forward!

Anon: The feeling is mutual. (No it ain’t)

Naomi: Come on, homeroom is starting soon, we can’t waste any time! (She says while grabbing my hand and dragging me along)

Today’s gonna be a looooong day…

— — — — — — —

After getting dragged to the second floor by Naomi, I claim a desk at the back of the class while waiting for the teacher to arrive.

Naomi sits at the front, so we can’t talk like this, and I’d honestly rather keep it this way.

She’s nice and all, but I’m not trusting anyone else so easily after what happened in Rock Bottom.

Besides, there’s clearly something eating away at her, though I don’t know exactly what it is and I’m not very keen on finding out.

Oh, the teacher arrived. Time to focus back on reality.

If I recall correctly, we’ll be having English with… Mr. Tsuki? I think I got his name right.

Mr. Tsuki: Good morning class. (He seems to be a green Pachycephalosaurus, dressed formally and with a gentle smile on his face. His hair is tied into a bun, almost samurai-like, and he’s wearing rectangular glasses) Today you have a new classmate attending Volcano High. 

That’s me. Get ready, Anon, because you’ll have to introduce yourself several times today…

Mr. Tsuki: Mister… Anon, is it? (His eyes rest on me and I tense up before nodding once) Would you kindly introduce yourself to the class? 

I give him another nod, though much more slowly this time around.

Getting up from my seat, I take a quick look around the room.

All those eyes, the silent judgement, the apathetic stares, the cocky smiles and snickering…

…it’s all awfully absent. The other students are all busy talking to each other or messing around with their phones.

No one seems to be looking at me while I prepare to introduce myself, with the only exception being Naomi. She’s giving me a reassuring smile and a thumbs up, which I find unnecessary.

Since the pressure of the introduction is basically gone, I clear my throat and decide to get this over with as soon as possible.

Anon: Hi, my name is Anon Mous and I’m the new transfer student. (This introduction sounds almost robotic, but it’s better than nothing) I like listening to music and cooking sometimes. That’s about it, really.

Mr. Tsuki: Thank you for your introduction, Anon. (His smile hasn’t wavered, yet it doesn’t look forced) You may sit down now.

I give him a third nod and do as told, plopping myself back down on the chair.

I have to admit, it wasn’t all that bad. I was expecting people to be assholes, but I guess they just don’t care about the new guy.

…except Naomi, who was still smiling at me up until Mr. Tsuki called for the class’ attention.

Honestly, what’s her deal?

She’s trying to be all buddy-buddy with me, but why? And do I care enough to want to know why?

Maybe she’s just being nice, but it’s hard to give people the benefit of the doubt after what happened last time.

I just want to breeze through the rest of the school year and find something worth doing after this. I don’t want nor need more people to take advantage of me by pretending to be my friends again.

Once was already too much, don’t need a second time.

…argh, I’m getting sidetracked again! Twice in a day, damnit.

Not enough to warrant a poem, but still…

I guess I can try and mute my inner voices by paying attention to class.

…and thinking on how to better introduce myself later.

This day is gonna suck. 

— — — — — — —

Didn’t suck as much as I thought it would, to be honest. The introductions went smoothly since the other students don’t seem to care about me all that much.

I was also called into Principal Spear’s office, and had a small chat with him while he handed over my lunch card. 

He gave me the typical “you’re not the only person in the world, everyone’s fighting their own battles” spiel that adults say to make you care more about other people.

And despite me nodding along to his advice, I can already tell that it won’t do much for me.

Grandpa gave me similar advice in the past and all it did was lead me to getting tossed around by a bunch of jackasses. Not to say that Gramps or Spears gave me bad advice, just that their advice doesn’t work if you’re the only one putting in the effort to make it work.

I’ll just stick to my starting plan and avoid any would-be friendships, lest I end up getting backstabbed again.

But all of those thoughts can be set aside for later, right now I need to pick something edible for lunch.

Maybe just a sandwich? Can’t really go wrong with a sandwich.

I’d get more, but since I’ll have to pay for what I grab at the end of the year… I really shouldn’t go overboard.

Now, to find somewhere to sit so I can eat in pea-

Naser: Hey, Anon? (He speaks from behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder)

I almost jumped through the roof, cartoon style and all, after Naser appeared out of thin air. Thankfully I managed to control myself just enough so my lunch wouldn’t end up scattered on the floor.

Sloooowly turning around, I give him a death stare that makes him retract his hand from my shoulder while smiling apologetically.

Anon: Do that again and you might just give me a heart attack.

Naser: Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you. (He rubs the nape of his neck) I just wanted to know if you’d like to eat lunch with Naomi and I? (He points with his thumb at a nearby table, where Naomi is munching peacefully on a salad)

“No, I really don’t.” 

“Just wanna be by myself.” 

“Don’t feel like it.”

Anon: Sure, why not. (Note to self: learn how to say “no”, dumbass)

Naser: Cool! (He smiles brightly) Let’s go, then.

Anon: Yeah, let’s go. (Ughhhhh…)

After we sit at the table, Naomi looks up towards us, giving me a smile while chewing on her greens.

Said smile also lets me see a piece of lettuce stuck between her teeth. 

That speck of lettuce seems to be testing my ability to hold my laughter, and it is definitely winning this standoff.

Thankfully, Naser speaks up before I lose my composure. 

Naser: Naomi… (He points at his teeth) You got something there.

Naomi: Oh! (She reaches into her backpack, pulling out a handheld mirror and a pack of toothpicks)

After removing the green culprit from between her teeth, she checks herself once more in the mirror before putting it back into her backpack and setting the toothpick aside.

She clears her throat and smiles again, with Naser giving her a thumbs up.

Naomi: Much better. (She looks at me and her smile brightens, which only makes me more uneasy) Anon! I’m happy you decided to join us for lunch today!

Anon: It’s not that big of a deal, really.

Naomi: Regardless, it’s good to have a new face around! (She laughs quietly before going back to stabbing gracefully at her salad bowl)

Naser: So, Anon, how’s your day been so far? (He asks while unwrapping a sandwich from its packaging, and I do the same with mine) Anything interesting happened?

Anon: Not really, no. (Making small talk is not my strong suit, but I can at least try) It’s been a quiet day, which I do actually enjoy quite a bit.

Naser: Guess that’s a good thing then. (He chuckles) Oh by the way, do you remember me talking to Naomi earlier about a concert?

Anon: Sure do. (I say after swallowing a bite from my own sandwich) What’s that all about, anyway?

Naser: Well, my sibling will be playing a show after school at the auditorium! (The enthusiasm in his voice is clear, but I latch on to the word “sibling” while remembering the goth ptero girl from earlier) Naomi and I have been helping with organizing stuff and making sure it all runs smoothly.

Anon: Sounds cool. (Please don’t ask me to go with you guys…)

Naser: Well, I was thinking… Since it’s your first day here, why not go with us to watch the concert? (As he asks that, I see Naomi paying more attention to our talk)

Reject his offer! 

Tell him you have somewhere else to be! 

Say something, damnit!

Anon: …sure. (Oh for fu-)

Naser: Nice! (He pumps the air with his fist a couple times) Thanks, Anon. I’m sure you’ll love Fang’s music!

Anon: Fang?

Naser: Oh, right, you haven’t met them yet. (He pulls out his phone and seems to search for a picture while talking) Fang is my sibling, and they’re a ptero just like me, broken wing included! (He chuckles, but it’s in a half-hearted tone) Though in their case, it’s the left wing which is broken. They usually wear all black and have gray-ish blue scales, so unless you look at the wings, you’d have no clue we’re siblings.

Soon after saying that, he turns his phone towards me to see a picture of his sibling.

Lo and behold: It’s the punk/goth ptero chick from the stairs. No surprises to be had here. I knew there was some sort of connection between them

Though one thing has been bothering me…

Anon: Why do you keep saying “they”, “them” and “sibling”? (I tilt my head sideways) Isn’t she a girl? Shouldn’t you just call her your sister?

Both Naser and Naomi look at each other for a couple seconds with serious expressions, seemingly having a silent conversation with their eyes.

Naomi opens her mouth first.

Naomi: Fang identifies as non-binary, so we refer to them with gender neutral pronouns. (...now THAT’S something I wasn’t expecting at all ) They won’t get too pissed off if you misgender them by accident, just… don’t do it on purpose, please.

Naser: The last guy who did that ended up with more than just a couple broken bones… (Naser rubs his forehead and sighs) It was a huge mess, trust me.

Anon: Alright, alright, Fang is non-binary, gotcha. (Hopefully that information will become irrelevant as soon as these two stop interacting with me. Won’t need to worry about Fang either by then) So, what now?

Naser: Now we eat our lunch and wait for the end of the day. The concert will start soon after the final bell rings.

Anon: Cool, can’t wait. (Can’t wait to go home, that is)

The rest of the lunch period came and went without much to talk about, and I darted towards my next class as soon as I could.

After finding a desk to call my own and introducing myself to the class, I quickly opened my notebook.

Gotta get this one out before I agree to more shit I don’t wanna do.

From ashes to ashes, and dust to dust,

Staying alone is truly a must,

To avoid further pain, it’s no longer a choice,

Living quietly with a muted voice.

Appearances deceive, they play and pretend,

Play with your trust, pretend to be friends,

Pushing you to your sanity’s end,

They break you forever, to never make amends.

Trust not their words, trust not their voices,

It’s through our mistakes that we make better choices,

Trust not their smiles, trust not their eyes,

Trust only yourself, don’t fall for their lies.

…that works, I guess.

And now we wait.

— — — — — — —

Waiting outside the school’s auditorium with a ptero-parasaur couple to watch a music concert really wasn’t in my bingo card for today.

They’re chatting between themselves as we wait for the green light to enter the auditorium and watch the show.

Some other students are nearby as well, and I can hear constant muttering about me. Racist comments included.

I should’ve just gone home…

Naser: Alright, Fang gave us the go ahead to enter, so they should be ready to start the show. (He smiles at us)

Naomi: Sweet! (She clasps her hands together) It’s been some time since I last heard them play, so I’m pretty excited!

Spears: I must agree with you, Naomi, it sure has been a while.

We all turn out attention to Principal Spears, who seems to have arrived to check in on the situation.

The man is an absolute mountain of a neanderthal, and honestly scares the living shit out of me.

His gentle smile does put me at ease, though. It has a fatherly aura to it that reminds me of grandpa.

Spears and Naser open the doors to the auditorium and let the other students enter first, while Naomi and I wait outside with them.

After the last student goes through, we head inside soon after with Principal Spears staying outside.

The place is pretty big, I have to admit. There’s a couple tables completely STACKED with pizza boxes, and an absurd amount of soda cans as well.

I grab a few slices for myself and a can of Bepsi, Naser does the same and grabs a Kola, while Naomi opts for a simple bottle of water and no pizza.

We stay at the top row of the auditorium, waiting patiently while the other students talk about the upcoming concert.

???: Think it’ll be as good as the last?

???: Sure hoping it is, I dropped my ranked matches to be here.

???: There’s no way they can fuck this up, their sound is really good.

???: There’s always a first time for everything, homie.

There’s a lot of praise being sent around, which does make me wonder how good the band actually is. Despite some people showing negativity, the majority seem to be in favor of the band.

Oh well, no time like the present to find out if it was worth it to watch the show.

And as if on cue, the lights dim and the curtains are drawn open.

On the stage is a trio of students around my age.

A pink raptor dude on the drums, a purple triceratops girl holding a bass, and Fang the ptero, who is also holding a bass.

…

Back the fuck up just a second.

Two basses?!

What are they? Clinically insane?!?!

There’s no way a setup like that can actually work, right?

I look at Naser and Naomi, about to ask them why the band is gonna play with two basses, when I see the confusion on their faces.

They didn’t know either? What the fuck?

A bunch of students are muttering about the band, and I hear the word “bass” being thrown around a lot.

Before the muttering could get out of control, the tricera girl started plucking at her bass, no band introduction needed.

…and it all went downhill from there.

The sounds they were dishing out were too heavy, like a cacophony of banshees. It was a complete disaster. If you took a bunch of cats and threw them in a wood chipper, it would somehow sound better than… this.

But then the vocals kicked in.

And I lost the ability to hear the instruments.

Fang's voice was beautiful. 

An angelic voice, yet the lyrics they were screeching out were full of pain and agony, misery and hatred.

Full of emotion, the emotions of someone who had fought long and hard to be heard, yet were still being silenced...

It was-

???: I TOLD YOU THEY FUCKING SUCKED!!

???: I dropped my gaming session for this shit? That shit’s awful!

???: Is that really the future of music? We’re so damn fucked…

Insult after insult was being hurled at the band, and when I realized, the music had already been cut out. 

The drummer was slowly inching off the stage with a fearful look, while the purple bassist showed anger and sadness. They seemed divided between wanting to cry and scream.

But Fang...

Fang had an expression of “I knew it” on their face. It’s like they expected the show to go like this. 

That… doesn’t make sense, though. There were a lot of people praising the band before the show started, so why is Fang acting like this was all destined to happen?

Regardless of what I may think, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. 

But before following their bandmates, they left one last comment for the jeering crowd:

Fang: Fuck you too, assholes.

With a heavy sigh and a flip of the bird, Fang went backstage with the other members of the band.

There were still a lot of people talking shit about the band, and honestly? I was about ready to tell them all to shut the fuck up.

Not because I cared about either of those three, but simply because I knew what it was like to be mocked for doing something you love.

And it’s not a good feeling, far from it actually.

I managed to contain my emotions, however. Wasn’t just gonna make myself a target on the first day of school.

Naser, on the other hand, was positively vibrating with anger. 

I had to do my best to stop him from lunging at the other students while Naomi got him to gradually calm down. He was still glaring daggers at everyone else though.

If looks could kill, Naomi and I would’ve witnessed a bloodbath.

We quickly exited the auditorium, and were met by a confused Principal Spears.

Spears: Everything alright in there? I hear a lot of chatter among the students.

Anon: Well… (I didn’t have the courage to tell Spears how the concert went down)

Naomi: The… the band started playing their first song with two basses, and the other students didn’t like the sound. (Naomi is being very careful with her words) They-

Naser: They cursed my sibling and their band off of the stage, every single one of them. (Raptor Jesus, Naser sounds about ready to rip someone in half…) I’m sorry, sir, but I’m extremely angry right now.

Spears: I see. (His glasses became foggy and his expression hardened) The three of you may go home. I guess I have some students who need a reminder on how to properly treat their peers.

Naomi: We’ll go at once, Principal Spears. (Naomi nods, and I do the same. Naser mumbles something angrily, but nods regardless)

Spears: Take care, you three. (He entered the auditorium) Who here is going to tell me what this ruckus is all about?!

…looks like a good time to head home.

— — — — — — —

Back at my apartment, I thought about the concert a lot. It was a disaster, a shitshow, a clusterfuck. 

Yet the only thing I could actively remember was Fang. 

Their voice, to be precise.

That voice that cut through the heavy music and pierced the depths of my soul.

In the midst of a musical battlefield, where there were two basses tearing at each other apart, fighting for dominance… I actually had a semblance of a positive memory.

Fuck, why am I getting so worked up over the voice of someone I haven't even personally talked to yet?

I ended up overwhelmed with Naomi being all sunshine and rainbows, and now the same thing happens with Fang being all doom and gloom?

It’s not like Fang knows I exis- scratch that, they do know I exist and didn’t show anything other than judgment when they first saw me. Even more of a reason for me to not give a fuck about them.

They may be Naser's sis- sibling, but that doesn’t mean they get a free pass to my good side. Hell, Naser himself doesn’t get that honor… despite how much I sympathize with him after what happened earlier.

Fang is still a stranger to me, no matter how touching their vocals were.

Like, yeah, sure, their voice was amazing, their clothes are rad, the emotion in the lyrics was evident, their passion for music is inspiring…

...

Fucking hell, I need to write again.

An invitation to a show like no other,

Up front and center is their golden glare,

Great expectation turns into horror,

As echoing insults fill in the air.

The confidence vanishes up into smoke,

Layers of hopes are crushed into dust,

To the jeering crowd this is but a joke,

More than unfair, it’s truly unjust.

The pointing of fingers and mocking in laughs,

To those that lack talent, this is their show,

Unable to do better, they yell and provoke,

So that the talented will also fall low.

And despite all of that, the passion still lingers,

In the voice of the singer is a true resolution,

The determination of an untamed spirit,

A ptero pariah, bringer of revolution.

…thrice in a day. I really did become a mess after Rock Bottom, huh?

Hopefully this keeps Fang far away from my thoughts for some time.

God knows I don’t need more people to worry about when my own life is already such a trainwreck.

Either way, time to head to bed.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better than today.

— — — — — — —

Anon: Shit shit shit! Damn alarm! Why must you fail me so often?! (I mutter to myself while speed walking to school and being violently reminded to start working out more)

Being late on your second day is really hard to do, but leave it to me to make it happen.

After almost dying from exhaustion while making my way to school, I take a couple minutes to catch my breath before entering the building.

Checking my phone I realize I made it just in time, which allows my heartbeat to slow down gradually.

I don’t have anything better to do at the moment, so I could just walk around the school for a bit, I think.

I take some time to wander around the halls and among the sea of multicolored scales and feathers, making mental notes of where everything is located.

Turns out it’s much easier to concentrate without a living manifestation of the color pink dragging you around the place.

*Thump*

And it also turns out it’s MUCH easier to bump into someone else if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.

Y’know, like a dumbass.

???: Oops, s-sorry dude. (The pink raptor I bumped into quickly apologizes, despite me being the one in the wrong) I shouldn’t have stopped in the middle of the hallway.

Anon: It’s alright, my fault for not looking where I’m going anyway. (I reply while already walking past him) Take care.

???: You too, bro.

Huh, he was surprisingly nice. Most of the dinos here just seem to dislike me from the start.

What’s different with that raptor?

…

Hold that thought. A pink raptor?

I quickly turn around, scanning the hallway for any sign of the guy I just bumped into, but he’s already mixed in with the tidal wave of students.

…must be imagining things. Yeah, let’s go with that.

The bell rings soon after, halting my train of thought short in its track and making the students start shuffling into their respective classrooms.

Time to head to my first class again.

It’s just another day, Anon, you can handle it.

— — — — — — —

Lunch rolls around soon enough, and with it comes a herculean task:

Talking to Naser and Naomi about yesterday.

Despite me not being fond of mister broken wing and miss sugar rush, I do kinda feel bad for what happened at the concert.

Just… one last act of kindness, then I can go back to not existing to anyone else.

After grabbing something to eat from the omnivore line, I made my way towards the table that currently housed Naser and Naomi, sitting down after arriving there.

Naomi looks worried, barely touching her salad, while Naser stares a hole through his steak with nothing but anger.

Anon: Hey you two. (I say calmly, not wanting to incur his wrath)

Naser: Hey. (He gives me a nonchalant wave)

Naomi: Hello, Anon! (She tries to sounds happy, but it doesn’t fit the current mood at the table)

Anon: How are you guys doing? (I ask while knowing full well what one of those answers will be)

Naomi: Could be better, could be worse. (She shrugs, poking at her salad)

Naser: Angry would be an understatement… (He mumbles with a scowl)

Anon: Did anything else happen after yesterday? (I ask while unwrapping my sandwich)

Naser: Fang came home and shut themselves in their room for the rest of the day. (He let out a grunt, followed by a sigh) Refused to go down and eat dinner, so I left a plate with food at their door.

Anon: Are they…?

Naser: They’re mostly fine, but are “feeling like shit” after yesterday. (He makes air quotes while explaining, probably referring to what Fang had said) Justifiably so, to be honest.

Naomi: Just… give them some time. (Naomi puts a gentle hand on Naser’s shoulder) I’m sure they’ll bounce back from this soon enough, Naser. You know how Fang is.

Naser: Yeah, yeah… I guess I can’t stay angry forever. (He takes a deep breath, finally digging into the steak in front of him, albeit very slowly)

Naomi smiles slightly after seeing Naser eating again, and I can’t hide my own smile as it creeps its way to the corner of my mouth.

We all eat peacefully, using the constant chatter of the cafeteria as background noise.

…I guess doing something good every so often doesn’t hurt, even if I didn’t really do anything.

Still, I could’ve maybe done something yesterday if I wasn’t so scared of being made into a target… then again, the same could be said for Naser. 

He did try dealing with things in a physical way, but that would’ve been more problematic than anything else.

Can’t solve all your problems with sticks and stones, after all.

Lord knows I’d have tried that a long time ago.

— — — — — — —

The rest of the day was mundane, to say the least.

School ended, I went home, did my homework, ate dinner, and now am wasting some time before heading to bed.

Today was… calm.

No more drama, but at least I helped a fri- an acquaintance, I helped an acquaintance calm down slightly.

Don’t let your guard down just yet, Anon.

You never know what could happen.

But all of this reflecting is getting tiresome. Time to pack my mental bags and head inside the dreamland express.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

Chapter Text

Being alone is but one choice,

We eventually have to make,

Is it a blessing, or a mistake?

Will it help heal, or further break?

Your forcefully muted inner voice.

--Two Days Later--

Alarm is off, get up from the bed, stretch.

Take a shower and put on some clothes, have a quick breakfast, brush teeth.

Check the bag, remember the deodorant, grab the cellphone.

Maintaining this routine should be easy enough, just gotta do it for the next six months.

It’s been a challenge to remain all by myself with how much Naser and Naomi simply do not leave me alone, but I’m trying my best regardless. Finally learned the layout of the school as well, so there’s no chance of me getting lost.

It’s just… something’s feeling off recently. I can’t quite put it into words, nor can I pinpoint what is causing this feeling, but it lingers in the back of my mind all day long.

I’ll probably figure out what it is sooner or later, just need to keep moving forward and not dwell too much on it. Trying to force it out won’t help.

Enough monologuing, and onwards to a new day.

— — — — — — —

The walk to school isn’t all that daunting once you’ve done it a few times already. It’s basically second nature at this point.

Listening to music sure helps me keep my thoughts at bay, and walking as fast as possible does the same to ensure I get to Volcano High un-stabbed.

I’ve just been struggling a bit with my poems, to be honest. Finding yourself in a creative rut when you only have one outlet for your ideas is pretty tiresome to say the least.

I’m itching to write something, but the ideas just aren’t there.  

It’s weird to make at least one poem everyday, and then find yourself not being able to write down a single coherent stanza a couple days later. I'll probably recover, but it’s still an extremely annoying feeling.

Naomi: Hey, Anon! (Speaking of annoying…) Wait up!

With a masked sigh, I turn around and wait for Naomi to catch up so we can keep walking towards school. Turns out that our paths end up crossing once I’m slightly out of Skin Row, and she decided to make it a “thing” to walk with me, both when we’re going to school and after we’re dismissed for the day.

I asked her why she doesn’t simply drive with Naser to school (since the guy has a car and managed to get his driver’s license despite being only 17… so I guess the state allows it?), to which she responded that “Naser always drives to school with Fang, so I don’t wanna make it awkward for them”.

I mean, fair enough, but why do I have to be stuck with her?

Naomi: How are you doing on this fine morning we’re having, Anon? (She smiles, but it feels like a forced smile. She’s been giving me a lot of those after the concert)

Anon: Doing good. (Was better when she wasn’t here) You?

Naomi: I’m… (She hesitates for a second, which makes me raise an eyebrow) I’m doing fine, I guess.

Anon: No one who’s “doing fine” takes that long to say it. (She flinches, looking down nervously) What’s bothering you?

…why did I even ask that?

I don’t care for her, or what could possibly be making her feel so down. I just want to be left alone.

But if that’s the case, then why can’t I just shut the fuck up and let people deal with their own damn problems?! 

I couldn’t leave Naser alone regarding the concert, and I seem unable to leave Naomi alone regarding whatever it is she’s going through right now. 

I just… can’t help but worry for them. It’s a feeling that overrides my plan of being alone.

Naomi’s already opening her mouth, so it’s too late to change my mind about this whole situation regardless of what I want to do now.

Here we go…

Naomi: It’s just… (She sighs, taking off her glasses) I’m really worried about Fang, you know?

Anon: Fang? (I fail to hide the surprise in my voice) Not Naser?

Naomi: No, not Naser. (She shakes her head) We’re very open about our feelings, so I don’t worry all that much since just talking tends to put his mind at ease.

Anon: And it doesn’t do the same for you?

Naomi: Unfortunately not. (She puts her glasses back on, a frown on full display right below it) I only feel better after what’s bothering is resolved, but with Fang… it’s complicated, to say the least.

Anon: How complicated are we talking? (Fifty bucks says I regret asking that question)

Naomi: “Childhood friendship ending after I did something utterly stupid”, type of complicated. (Aaaaaand I do regret asking!)

Anon: Sorry to hear that. (Nothing else I can really say about that, really. Doesn’t sound like it was a pleasant experience and I’d rather not add fuel to the fire)

Naomi: It’s alright, I guess I kinda got what I deserved anyway. (She furrows her eyebrows after noticing the weight of what she’s talking about) I… shouldn’t be bothering you with these details, sorry.

Anon: Well I did ask, but if you wanna keep it to yourself then I won’t object. (She left me alone regarding Rock Bottom, so it’s the least I can do to repay her)

Naomi: Thank you, that’s probably a topic for another time. (With a grateful smile from her part and a curt nod from mine, we resume or walk towards school in a peaceful silence)

So, Fang and her used to be friends, but that friendship ended because Naomi did something “utterly stupid” in the past.

As much as I keep admonishing myself for sticking my nose in other people’s business instead of sticking to my own, I’m kinda curious now.

I should-

Stop. No.

I shouldn’t dig deeper into that, it’s none of my concern. I don’t like Naomi, I don’t care for Fang, and I don’t see Naser as anything more than an acquaintance.

…let’s hopefully keep it that way.

— — — — — — —

Getting to school didn’t take long after that, and Naomi waved me goodbye before heading off to deal with her student council duties.

Finally, some peace and quiet.

I check the time, and decide to make haste towards class. I guess the little chat I had with Naomi took longer than I realized.

*Thump*

…I swear I gotta start paying more attention when walking in the halls.

Anon: Sorry, my bad. (I immediately apologize to-)

Fang: Yeah yeah, you’re fine… (Sh- They reply with no energy whatsoever, not even looking at me, but at their phone instead) Can I ask you something real quick?

Anon: Uh, go for it. (I shrug, keenly aware that my brain is slowly grinding to a halt as I try and calculate just how unlucky I am to run into Fang of all people)

Fang: Have you seen Trish or Reed any- (They finally look up from their phone, and straight into my eyes) -where…?

We’re briefly locked in a stalemate, with neither of us knowing what to say or do next.

Thankfully, my brain starts working just enough that I manage to reply.

Anon: Who? (I tilt my head slightly, hoping that they leave me alone)

Fang: N-Nevermind, forget I asked. (They speed-walk past me, muttering something under their breath)

They… really left me alone.

I was half expecting them to kick my shit into the ground for being at the concert, and the other half was expecting a racist joke due to me being a human.

Turns out they were just looking for some friends, I guess.

Trish and Reed… I assume those two are their bandmates? The tricera and the raptor, respectively? Maybe the other way around.

I have a feeling I’ll find out if I’m right whether I want to or not. 

Argh! Wish those “feelings” would fuck off, don’t need any more than I already have.

Whatever, time to go to class.

Same shit, different day.

— — — — — — —

Things have been smooth sailing so far. No random talks with Naomi, no more bumping into any other members of Fang’s band, and Naser hasn’t shown up behind me yet.

It’s been pretty quiet.…almost too quiet, in fact. 

Hopefully I’m just overthinking, but I know better than to believe things couldn’t take a sudden turn for the worse. Been there, felt that.

Nothing of extreme importance really happened today, aside from that talk with Naomi and the run-in with Fang.

I could write a poem, but…

…

Nope, nothing comes to mind. Maybe I’ll find my inspiration sooner rather than later, but right now science class calls my name.

I assumed everyone was already seated, but it seems that we were missing one last student, as they make their presence known by-

Oh for fuck sake, it’s Fang.

They arrived right before the bell rang looking completely out of breath, quickly finding an empty seat and claiming it as their own.

Have we been sharing this period since the first day? I don’t remember seeing them here before.

There are quiet snickers heard across the room, and some people are trying and failing to stare at Fang without being noticed. Fang doesn’t seem to react, for the most part. I can see them sighing, but nothing more than that. Guess they recovered from the concert pretty quickly.

A sudden clap makes everyone turn their heads towards the teacher, Ms. Paracelsus. I can only assume she’s smiling since her face is mostly covered by the Plague Doctor-esque mask she wears, alongside the goggles that come with it. The rest of her outfit looks almost medieval-like, with lots of brown, gray, green and black scattered all around in several layers of clothing.

I have no clue if that’s even allowed in the school, but her lessons are pretty good, so I’m not gonna cause a ruckus just because of how she chooses to dress herself. She also happens to be one of the two human teachers in the school, and I swear she’s treating me with much more kindness than every other teacher else because of that.

I like her, she’s a good teacher.

Ms. Paracelsus: Greeting, class! (She addresses the class with eagerness in her voice) I am aware the semester has just recently started, but I’ve decided to have you all work in pairs for today’s lesson in toxins and antivenoms. (She hands out a few worksheets and gets ready to write on the blackboard) Find yourself a partner, and get to work!

I retract my previous statement, she’s an evil teacher.

Working in pairs is a fucking pain when you don’t know anyone in class, only beaten by having to work in a group.

I watch in silence as pairs begin to be formed, uncomfortably aware that I don’t have anyone to partner up with. A thought crosses my mind, thinking that I could potentially ask to do today’s assignment alone.

“No one knows everything, not even me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or work with someone else, for overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer, which can and will affect not only your grades but your sanity as well if you let it do so.”

Ms. Paracelsus’ little speech from a couple days ago rings loud and clear in my mind. There’s no way she’ll let me work alone.

By this point, everyone else has a pair of their own.

Everyone… except Fang.

I can already see where this is going, and I don’t like it one bit.

If I don’t move to sit with Fang, the teacher will call attention to it, and it’ll only make the situation more awkward for us. Guess things really did take a turn for the worse, huh?

Can’t delay the inevitable, time to go partner up with a punk ptero. Here’s hoping they don’t kill me.

As I find myself sitting to Fang’s left, they look at me with a raised eyebrow.

Fang: What are you doing? (Their voice isn’t confrontational, per say, but it gets close to that)

Anon: Becoming your partner before the teacher forces us to do so. (I quickly place my school supplies on the table, accepting the worksheet that was handed to me by someone else and putting one in front of Fang) I would much rather avoid the attention. We don’t have to talk, just don’t want Ms. Paracelsus to cause a scene, is all.

Fang: …fair enough. (Fang takes the worksheet and frowns upon looking at it) Shit.

Anon: Hm? (I turn my head slightly in their direction)

Fang: Just… (Their face sours, and they speak again much more quietly than before) Science isn’t my strong suit, and I can’t make heads or tails of this.

Anon: Neither is it mine, but I can understand the subject pretty clearly. (I look at my worksheet, and don’t see anything too over the top about it)

Fang: Lucky you. (They mutter angrily)

I inhale and exhale veeeeery slowly.

Easy, Anon. Don’t cause conflict. Neither of you want to work together, but the sooner you’re done, the sooner you can go back to ignoring each other.

Anon: I could help you. (Fang looks at me skeptically) Only if you want my help, of course.

Fang: And how would you do that? (They smirk smugly, as if provoking me)

I look back at my sheet, quickly writing down the answers while Fang looks on with great interest.

My eyes never leave the page, but I hear a quiet “what the fuck” from my right, which makes me smile.

In about two minutes or so, I have finished the entire worksheet. There’s no additional harder questions, so it was a piece of cake.

Guess it pays to have a good teacher, and to say that Fang looked shocked was an understatement.

I carefully slide the answers in their direction, a gentle smile on my face.

They look between me and the worksheet a couple times before I decide to be a smartass.

I don’t get many moments like this one, better savor it while it lasts.

Anon: That… (I tap the sheet a couple times with my index finger) Is how I can help ya. Offer is on the table, no strings attached, no need to pay me back.

Fang: You’re annoying. (They huff, but never break eye contact from the sheet)

Anon: Is that a no? (I slowly move my hand to take the assignment back)

They quickly grab the worksheet, giving me a sly smile before starting to copy my answers.

Fang: Never said anything like that. (A slight chuckle leaves their lips)

Anon: Thought so. (I repay their smile in kind)

After Fang had successfully copied over my answers, they returned my worksheet back to me and we handed in our work to Ms. Paracelsus, who gave both of us a nod of approval.

We went back to our desks, sitting side by side while waiting for class to end.

Fang was idly scrolling through their phone while I stared at a blank page from my poem notebook.

No ideas yet… Better luck next time, I guess. Deciding to close my notebook and save the writing for later, I take a small peek at Fang’s stuff. They’re close to me and I don’t know how else to kill time.

I found nothing that I wasn’t expecting, honestly. Some music related pins, a couple skull adornments, and an LGBT flag that I could only assume is there because they’re non-binary.

Taking an even quicker peek at Fang, I notice their broken left wing. It seems to be able to move just like the right one, but its size is almost less than half of their good wing.

Wonder what happened to leave them like that. Maybe it was the accident that Naomi mentioned? No, it couldn’t be, otherwise she wouldn’t be that close to Naser…

What is the cause, then? What could it be…

It’s only when the teacher stops by our desk I get reminded that class is still in session.

Ms. Paracelsus: Anon and Fang, the first pairing of today to hand in their worksheet done with no mistakes present! (She says with pride, but doesn’t speak loud enough to gather the attention of the class) You two certainly worked fast, and with great efficiency to match. I assume you’re getting along well, yes?

Fang: He’s certainly not terrible to be around. (Even without looking at them, I can FEEL their smirk appearing behind me)

Ms. Paracelsus: And would you say the same, Anon? (The way she tilts her head is slightly funny since the mask follows the same movement)

Anon: Eh, they’re alright. (I shrug) I’ve definitely been put together with worse people before.

The teacher gives us a simple nod before moving on to the next pair.

Fang pokes me with their elbow, and I turn to look at them.

Fang: So, do you know about my pronouns or was that just a fluke? (They raise an eyebrow)

Anon: Was made aware of them on my first day. (I nod)

Fang: Was it from Naser? (Not wrong, not fully right either)

Anon: Naomi too. (I decide to test the waters between Fang and Naomi)

And as expected, Fang’s face sours at the mention of the parasaur. Just like she said, they’re no longer friends, but it was worth confirming for myself.

They mutter something along the lines of “pink piece of plastic” before taking a deep breath and talking to me again.

Fang: Anyway, cool to know you actually remembered it. (They offer me a handshake) Name’s Fang, but you probably knew that already.

Anon: Anon, I’m the new kid in town. (I accept their handshake with slight suspicion) Not that hard to tell, I’d wager.

Fang: The only human student with a shining bald head? (They smirk) Yeah, not that hard.

Anon: Well, with the unnecessary introductions out of the way, do you wanna just vibe until class ends? (Please say yes please say yes please say yes-)

Fang: I don’t bother you, you don’t bother me. (This time they offer me a closed fist) Deal?

Anon: Deal. (I bump their fist with my own, internally sighing with relief)

The rest of the period goes by without anything major happening, just like how I wanted it to go from the start. Though it feels soulless, in a sense. Having someone I could potentially talk to, but ignoring each other on purpose… 

Shouldn’t think too hard about it.

After the period ends, I grab my stuff and make my way to the next class on my schedule: math.

Math is a shitty subject, but despite our teacher being an oddball, he’s not terrible at his job.

Hopefully no one tries to piss him off today.

— — — — — — —

I’m tapping away at my notebook while the teacher tries his best to explain a pretty difficult equation to the rest of the class.

He’s been calling people to the blackboard and asking them to try and solve said equation, with no one having had any luck so far.

Usually, failing in front of the class would end up with you getting laughed at while the teacher explains how to properly solve the question on the blackboard.

Things are not quite like that for Mr. Baldi’s class.

For starters, he doesn’t tolerate any hecklers or insults of any kind. He ADAMANTLY believes that failing is normal, and doesn’t expect everyone to understand the subject from the get-go.

On the first day, a kid made a snarky comment regarding how useless all of this would be outside of school, and that caused Mr. Baldi to frown angrily before whipping out his ruler.

He doesn’t hit anyone or anything like that, but the sheer threat of the ruler is enough to instill fear in the hearts of any would-be smartasses. 

No matter where you are in the school, if you hear the notorious sound of Mr. Baldi smacking his ruler against the palm of his hand, you immediately know someone tried (and failed) to be a douche. Aside from those moments, he’s a genuinely kind teacher and a very patient one too. 

He’s a bald human like myself, though he still has one single strand of hair to his name while I don’t have any. His shirt is neon-green, and his pants are a pretty vibrant tone of dark blue, with simple brown shoes to tie it all together.

It’s… certainly an outfit you can decide to wear, yup.

Mr. Baldi: Anoooon. (He drags out my name as he speaks, which is something he usually does when finishing a sentence or when calling someone’s name. It isn’t always the case, but it’s something you either grow to hate or end up finding funny) Could you please stand up and solve the problem on the boooard?

Anon: Will do my best. (I get up and make my way to the front of the class)

When I’m halfway to the blackboard, my foot catches on something and I lose my balance.

Before I can fall down and become a laughing stock outside of Mr. Baldi’s class, someone grabs my arm and helps me find my footing.

I look at my savior, and-

“-but I know better than to believe things couldn’t take a sudden turn for the worse.”

…it’s one of Fang’s bandmates, the raptor guy. The tricera girl is sitting right beside him, which only makes me scream internally at the cosmic amount of bullshit being thrown my way today.

Reed(?): Hey dude, you alright? (He releases my arm)

Anon: Uh, yeah, thanks for the help. (I rub the spot where he grabbed me, because Raptor Jesus is that guy strong. Or maybe I’m just too lanky. Or both)

Reed(?): Anytime, bro. (He gives me a friendly wave before I continue on my journey)

Trying to solve the equation was a painful process, but once I see Mr. Baldi’s smile I know I managed to get it right.

He gives me a shiny quarter before sending me back to my seat. The quarter is, well, a regular quarter. It makes me feel happy nonetheless as a token of my knowledge. Wonder if I can buy a soda or a chocolate bar with this… probably not though.

After explaining to the rest of the class how the equation was supposed to be solved, Mr. Baldi gives us about fifteen minutes of free time before class ends to either relax or get a headstart on the homework he gave us.

I have a mental debate on whether or not to do the homework now and have free time later, or leave it for when I get home since I wouldn’t have much else to do anyway.

Choosing the latter, I pack my things up and decide to stare at my poem notebook in hopes that SOMETHING will come to mind so I can finally get rid of this writer’s block.

What happens next isn’t a moment of clarity or an epiphany, however.

*Donk*

It’s me getting hit in the head with a paper ball.

I look up to see who threw it, and notice Reed and Trish are waving me over to their desk.

God, why me?

I pack up the rest of my stuff and quickly walk over to the duo since I don’t see a point in stalling. There’s an empty chair nearby that I quickly borrow so I can sit with them.

Anon: You called? (I ask, hoping that this doesn’t take long)

Trish(?): Just wanted to talk to ya for a sec, new guy. (The tricera replies in a flat tone)

Anon: Name’s Anon. (I tilt my head slightly) Yours?

Trish: I’m Trish, and this goofball over here is Reed. (She points at the raptor, who gives me a salute with a smile)

Reed: At your service, my dude. (I nod once and make sure to remember their names)

Anon: So you two are the duo that Fang was looking for earlier… 

Trish: What do you mean? (Trish’s eyebrows raises themselves at a comically fast speed)

Anon: Bumped into them before the first period, they asked me about you two. (I recount the events of earlier)

Reed: We were supposed to meet before class started, but some shit happened and we arrived late. (Reed explains, which I reply to with a quick nod)

Trish: Anyway. (She quickly changes the subject) I was wondering if you could tell us more about yourself, Anon.

Anon: Why would I do that? (I look from the tricera to the raptor a couple times) I just met you guys.

Trish: Well, because… (She seems to be trying and failing to come with a good reason)

Reed: That’s exactly the reason! (Reed chimes in happily) You’re Fang’s partner in science, so we wanna know more about a potential new friend since you’ll be hanging out with them a lot.

Trish: Thank you Reed, I’m awful with words. (She chuckles and gets bonked on the head by the raptor)

Anon: I still don’t see why I should tell you two anything about myself. (I cross my arms) I didn’t pry Fang for any information about them, so why should I be the first one to talk?

Reed: We’ll tell you about-

Trish: Jeez, why are you being so defensive? (She interjects before Reed can finish his sentence) Do you not trust us?

Anon: No, I don’t. (I state loud and clear)

That answer takes Trish by complete surprise while Reed simply sighs.

I’m glaring at Trish, who looks extremely uncomfortable under my gaze.

Anon: I don’t care if I’m Fang’s science partner, that doesn’t give you the right to pry into my life after the only thing you told me was your name. (My glare hardens on her, and she shrinks)

Trish: S-Sorry. (She looks away and I rub the bridge of my nose in a mix of annoyance and self-reproach)

Anon: I… I’d like to apologize as well, should have measured my words better. (I still stand by my statement though)

Reed: How about we take this talk to the cafeteria after class ends? (He suggests, looking at both of us with hope in his eyes)

Anon: Why…?

Reed: So we can get to know each other better. (Where is he going with this?) We’ll talk about ourselves and what we like to do, and you can do the same if you want to.

Trish: …that way it’s not unfair for either side. (Trish pieces it together as Reed nods)

Reed: So, whaddya say, Anon? (Reed offers me a hand, and I stare at it for a couple seconds)

By all accounts, I should just refuse their offer here and now. There’s no guarantee that they’ll tell me the truth about themselves, especially not after I just said that I don’t trust them.

…but doesn’t that apply to me as well?

I don’t need to tell them the truth about what I like to do and my past, though that feels like an extremely shitty thing to do. They’re just trying to get to know me better because I’m stuck being Fang’s lab partner, and they weren’t assholes about it either. 

Trish mentioned being bad with words, so I can kind of forgive her for being blunt since I was as gentle as a metal bat to the face with my reply. Meanwhile Reed seems like a cool dude, and I don’t really get any bad vibes from either of them.

I may come to regret this decision, but…

Anon: Sounds like a plan, I guess. (I shrug, but both of them smile at my positive reply)

Reed: Cool! (He checks his phone before looking back at me) Class is gonna end soon, so why don’t you just walk to the cafeteria with us?

Anon: Sure, just let me just grab my stuff first and I’ll go with you guys. (I say while getting up and heading over to my desk)

Trish: Take your time, we’re in no rush. (Trish adds with a smile on her face before I go too far away)

After grabbing my backpack I double checked that everything I brought today is still inside it, including my personal notebook. Nothing out of place, good.

The bell rings not long after, and I lock eyes with the band duo.

Mr. Baldi: Class dismissed!

I walk over to Trish and Reed, and we move to the cafeteria as a trio. It feels like I’m getting dragged to an execution with how silently I’m following them, but that’s just me being dramatic.

We enter the cafeteria and join the lunch lines immediately after. While waiting, however, the third member of their band shows up.

And they’re more than confused, to say the least.

Fang: Trish, Reed, why is Anon here? (They don’t even look in my direction while asking that. Rude)

Anon: Could’ve at least addressed me in that question. (I huff and cross my arms)

Reed: We share math class with him, and since he’s your science partner… well, we wanted to get to know him better. (Reed smiles warmly, which seems to put Fang at ease)

Trish: A friend of a friend is my friend too, right? (She adds from the herbivore line a couple steps over)

Fang and I exchange a quick, silent look.

The only thing I can really do is hope they decipher the “this wasn’t my idea” expression I currently have plastered all across my face and ask me to leave.

…they don’t.

Fang: Fine, don’t see why not. (With a shrug, they enter the line just ahead of Reed, which causes some commotion from the people behind us) Let’s just grab lunch first.

Reed: Aye aye!

Trish: Okay!

Anon: Sure…

We don’t wait for long, as the lines move forward with impressive speed. It’s only when we have to pay for our lunch that I get unwanted attention due a certain card I need to use.

The first to notice it is Trish.

Trish: Anon, what kind of card is that? (That draws the attention of both Reed and Fang, whom end up with wide eyes upon seeing the card)

Anon: The lunch card you get via the financial assistance program. (I reply flatly, which prompts Trish to widen her eyes as well) Why the question?

They stare at each other in silence, trading quick glances while looking back at the card in my hand.

Fang opens their mouth with a deeply concerned look.

Fang: We didn’t know you were struggling so much with food, Anon. (Huh?)

Reed: Yeah dude. (He nods sympathetically) We could always share our lunch with you if you really need it that much.

Trish: I always thought the existence of that lunch card was a myth… (Trish says quietly)

I sigh while rubbing my eyes in annoyance.

Already regretting accepting Reed’s offer.

Anon: Let’s just find a table to eat at, okay? (They all nod and we start moving towards an empty table)  

While making my way there with the band, I notice Naser and Naomi sitting together at a nearby table. Both of them look at me walking with the trio, and I shoot them a silent but desperate plea for help.

Naomi smiles warmly while Naser gives me a thumbs up, and then they go back to eating their lunch peacefully.

Can no one in this school read facial expressions?! And why didn’t Naser react since I’m walking with Fang?!? Do something, damnit!

It doesn’t take long for us to arrive at a table. I instantly start munching on a sandwich as Fang and Reed have a heated debate about some game I never heard of. Trish butts in occasionally to correct one of the two, but keeps mostly to herself.

Watching them like this makes me feel funny. I’m not part of their group, but it’s clear that they’re very close to each other. Fang is front and center while Reed and Trish sit by their sides, meanwhile I’m sitting opposite to them, as far away as possible.

After Fang ends up winning the argument against Reed, he sighs in defeat before turning towards me.

Reed: Hey, Anon. (I raise my head and look at him) Did you know that the three of us are in a band?

Anon: Now that you mention it, I kinda remember Naser saying something of the sort on Monday. (I rub my chin in feign ignorance) What do you guys play?

Fang: Mostly punk-rock, but we can adapt to other genres if given enough time to practice. (The first image that comes to mind is them playing a country song while dressed like cowboys, and I work really hard to suppress a smile) Though the chaotic energy of punk-rock songs is where we feel most at ease.

Anon: Cool, who plays what? (Just double-checking something)

Reed: I’m the drummer, though I do know my way around an acoustic guitar as well. (Huh, good to know)

Trish: Bass, plain and simple. (She raises two fingers in a peace sign)

Fang: I’m the guitarist and vocalist. (They smirk) Got a couple other instruments in my bag of tricks as well, but none that we use in the band.

Reed: Aside from the bass a couple days ago. (Fang’s face immediately sours and Trish looks away. Reed remains neutral for the most part)

Fang: …yes, aside from that disaster. (They stare at their lunch with renewed disinterest)

Trish: I said I was sorry! (Trish almost yells it out for the entire cafeteria to hear, but Reed signs for her to tone it down) I didn’t mean to snap your string while tuning the guitar…

Fang: I know, Trish, and I forgave you already. (Fang nods, still gloomy) I’m just mad at myself for not bringing spares.

Reed: Well, it was the first time one of your strings snapped, so we couldn’t have known. (He puts a hand on Fang’s right shoulder in reassurance, and Trish does the same from the opposite side)

Fang: Better to be safe than sorry! (They huff in annoyance before resuming their angry tangent) I made a newbie mistake, and rightfully paid the price for it. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to kick the asses of everyone who laughed at us, but still.

Anon: What are you all even talking about? (Pretending to not know what they’re talking about is not something I’m proud of, but I wanna avoid any potential damage to myself if Fang really is that angry)

Trish: We held a concert after class on Monday, but I accidentally caused one of Fang’s guitar strings to snap right before the show. (She rubs the nape of her neck) We tried playing with two basses, but…

Fang: It was bad. (They sigh) Like, really bad.

Reed: At least it’s behind us now, and we only need to worry about the future. (Reed points out something good in the middle of all the negativity, which makes the other two nod in agreement)

Trish: You’re right, we need to focus on what we can do going forward, not what we would’ve changed in the past.

Fang: I guess you two do have a point. (They turn their head to look at me, and I feel like a deer caught in headlights) I’m just surprised you didn’t know about the concert since you talked with Naser on Monday.

Anon: Just had other things that needed my attention, so I went home pretty quickly. (Lying to their face leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but I don’t fully trust that they won’t end me just yet) Didn’t get to talk much with him after that.

Fang: Makes sense. (They nod) But now I’m curious about something… do you play any instruments?  

Anon: Tried learning to play the flute once, but never got too far with it. (I shrug with indifference) Aside from that, I got nothing.

Trish: Damn, you could’ve been a good addition to our roster. (She ponders with a dreamy look in her eyes) Imagine a calming flute solo before an absurdly intense beat drop! That shit would've been awesome!

Fang: Would that even match VVURM DRAMA’s sound? (Is… is that their band’s name? It’s certainly unique)

Reed: Aren’t you the one who’s always experimenting with new stuff? (Answering a question with a better question, nice counter) And who also said we can adapt to different styles?

Fang: Touché. (Fang raises their hands in surrender with a smile as Trish and Reed laugh at them)

I end up smiling together with them while looking at the scene before me.

Heh, what a bunch of dorks.

— — — — — — —

The rest of the lunch period flew by without much to write home about. They talked about their band and asked me mundane questions here and there. Things like what’s my favorite food, favorite movie, favorite color, yadda yadda yadda. Felt like I was in middle school all over again.

It… wasn’t half bad, to be honest. I get a better vibe from them than I do from Naomi and Naser. Maybe I won’t regret hanging out with the band trio, but we’ll have to wait and see about that.

And after that, the rest of the periods were mostly a blur. I found out I share the music period with Fang, but we came to the same agreement as before during science: I don’t bother them, they don’t bother me.

Seems like I’m not the only one who’s being careful, but that’s alright. They must have their reasons as well, and I’m not gonna ask about theirs if they don’t ask about mine.

Arriving at my apartment, I leave my backpack at the foot of the bed while searching for my poem notebook inside it. 

Notebook in hand, I sit down at the small bedside desk and get to writing.

I finally have an idea or two.

A silent choice made, stick to your path,

Don’t bother to stray, it’ll lead to your death,

But is this choice of yours based solely on fear?

As you keep pushing away all who try to get near.

Step by step, one word at a time,

Given a new chance, would you accept or decline?

A shot at redemption, to have a few friends,

Can you get over yourself and learn to make amends?

Trust and distrust may go hand-in-hand,

But not every story must have a bad end,

That ending is not always carved into stone,

You have time to rewrite it, 

Will you thrive with your friends? 

Or will you end up alone?

Smiling at the newly made poem, I close the notebook and get ready to take a shower.

Today didn’t go as expected. Then again, when do my plans go according to?

I wasn’t expecting to talk to Naomi about her past friendship with Fang, neither was I planning to become Fang’s partner in science, nor was I wanting to have lunch with the band.

And yet here I am, enjoying the company of other people. 

I guess I wasn’t made to be alone, no matter how much I try to force that upon myself. I feel better when around others, even if I’m not the one doing the talking. Maybe I’ve been too harsh with Naomi and Naser as well, they deserve better. “Everyone’s fighting their own battles”, or something like what Spears said.

Friendships are… what’s the term again? “Acquired taste”? Sure, let’s go with that.

Friendships are an acquired taste for someone who was so keen on having none after a bad experience before.

Naomi and Naser, and the band as well…

Maybe I won’t end the school year all alone like I had planned, not like that was a great plan to begin with. It’s just surprising how much one day can change your perspective on things.

For better… or for worse.

In this case, I certainly hope it was for the better.

We’ll try again tomorrow, maybe hanging out with Naomi and Naser for a bit?

I’ll think of something by then.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

Chapter Text

In front of a mirror you see your reflection,

The one who won’t change, the one that you know,

But beneath the surface, having lost its direction,

Is your inner self, who struggles to grow,

With the need to fly high after falling so low.

--January 13th, Monday--

Never thought I’d look forward to math class, to be honest, but Trish and Reed managed to make that happen. 

I haven’t had that much time to grow used to them yet, but I can say for sure that I don’t hate them. Hell, after spending some more time with Naser and Naomi on Friday? I’m warming up to more people than I’d like to admit.

Will take some time until I’m able to fully trust someone here, but any progress is good progress.

Even if I may not talk much while around the band or the lovebirds, just having someone there to keep you company while you listen in on their banter is much better than being left alone with your thoughts.

*Donk*

Speaking of the devils.

I look up from my notebook and see Reed waving me over with an uneasy smile on his face. That’s… strange.

Moving my attention over to Trish, she seems to be in a foul mood with a barely contained scowl on her face.

…the fuck happened to her?

I bring my chair and backpack over to their desks, facing the two of them with a neutral expression.

Anon: Hey there you two. 

Reed: Hey Anon. (The uneasy smile from before is still there, and his gaze shifts slightly towards Trish)

Trish: Hey… (She sounds extremely pissed off)

Anon: Everything alright? (BZZT! Wrong question, dumbass! Does she look alright to you?)

Trish: Yeah yeah, everything’s fucking fantastic! (I flinch as she raises her voice and throws her hands up in the air)

Reed: Trish, remember to take deep breaths. (He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder)

Trish: I know, just… (She sighs and leans forward, puts her elbows on the table, and hides her face between her hands for a solid ten seconds before looking at Reed again) Of all days, it had to be today, huh?

Anon: Mind filling me in on what happened? (I flick my gaze between the musicians and Trish is the first to look back at me)

Trish: Forgot my meds at home, can’t ask my parents to bring the bottle over since they’re both at work, and I already received several texts from our babysitter about my siblings being demons. (DeepSigh.mp3) Again!

Anon: Back it up a second, medicine for what? (I raise an eyebrow as this is new information for me)

Trish: Anger management issues, the fuck else do you think? (She glares at me with rage-filled eyes and I lean away from her instinctively)

Reed: Trish. (He squeezes her shoulder, and she seems to break out from… whatever it is that just happened)

Trish: …sorry, I didn’t mean to be so aggressive. (She looks away in shame before throwing a glance in my direction) Sorry, Anon.

Anon: All good, don’t worry. (Yeah, not like I saw my life flashing before my eyes or anything of the sort…) I just didn’t know you needed something like that.

Trish: I’m not the only one, by the way. (She looks at Reed, who rubs the nape of his neck)

Reed: Guilty as charged, though in my case it’s for my anxiety issues. (He removes his hand from Trish’s shoulder and pulls out a small yellow bottle from his pocket, shaking it slightly) Long story short, I thought getting high on carfentanyl would help with my nerves, but it only made things worse, so now I’m using legal drugs after going through rehab. (He pockets the bottle back into his pants) Still a major issue, but I’m getting better.

Anon: Dare I ask if Fang also needs something of the sort? (Trish immediately snaps her gaze from Reed to me)

Fuck me, why did I poke the triceratops with a short stick?

Trish: What are you insinua-

Reed: Nah, Fang’s good as far as I know. (He covers Trish’s mouth and answers my question before the tricera could tear me a new one. The man absolutely saved my ass, I guess I owe him now) What about you, Anon?

Anon: On the same boat as Fang if that’s the case. (He nods with a smile)

Reed: Neat, hoping it stays that way. (Trish removes his hand from her face and pokes her tongue at him, which he either doesn’t notice or simply doesn’t care for) Having to rely on pills so you don’t lose your temper or have a panic attack is a really, really shitty thing.

Anon: Isn’t there therapy to help deal with those things? (I scratch my bald head in thought) Unless I’m remembering wrong…

Trish: There is, but it’s a slow process. (She looks at the ceiling, thinking for a bit before staring at me with a serious expression) Imagine that the meds are potions of temporary strength that you use to fight strong enemies, while therapy is you training to improve yourself slowly over time. Eventually you’ll have trained enough that you’re able to fight those enemies without the potions, but that doesn’t make the enemies weaker, it just makes you better at dealing with them. (She blinks twice before furrowing her brows) That make any sense?

Anon: Enough for me to understand. (I nod and smile) I like those analogies of yours, by the way.

Trish: Thanks, using gamer talk makes it easier to explain stuff. (For the first time all period, she smiles at me)

Anon: So… would it be better for me to keep my distance today? (I direct the question to Trish) Or do you want more company to help lighten the mood?

Trish: Probably better if you stay away for the time being, honestly. (I nod in understanding) Today has been going from bad to worse at mach speed, and I don’t wanna blow up on ya anymore than I already did.

Reed: Leave the “keeping company” thing to me, I’m a specialist on that end. (He smiles and pulls Trish into a sideways hug. She doesn’t object, but blushes slightly at the action)

Anon: Sure you’re not gonna die? (I raise an eyebrow with a smirk)

Reed: Nah, my girlfriend wouldn’t kill me that easily. (He mirrors me with a smirk of his own…)

Trish: Shut. (…and looks even more cocky once Trish clamps his snout shut with her hand)

Anon: Wait, you two…? (I point from one to the other)

Trish: Yeah, we’re a thing, so what? Got a problem with- (She says with annoyance before checking herself and muttering a quiet “damn it”) …sorry.

Anon: Don’t worry, I was just caught off guard. (I smile warmly at them) Glad to know you two have already found your better halves, though.

Trish: Hard to call him the “better” half when I’m already perfect. (She smirks and lets go of his snout, allowing him to defend himself)

Reed: Agree to disagree, I’m the coolest dino around and that’s a fact. (He strikes a pose, showing off his muscles while staring Trish in the eyes with the biggest shit-eating grin to ever be seen on a snout)

Trish: …fuck you. (She looks away while pouting and blushing, with Reed laughing before gently ruffling her hair soon after)

I expected Trish to lash out at the action, but instead she leans into him and melts at his touch.

Both of them have happy expressions, which makes me smile. Despite us currently being at school and in the middle of class, they look like they’re having a casual moment on a date at the park.

God, they’re adorable.

Reed shoots me a “I got it from here” look while Trish has her eyes closed, and I nod in understanding before grabbing my stuff (chair included) and moving back to my desk.

Today’s work isn’t all that hard, and I manage to solve it without any issues. Occasionally I look at the musical lovebirds just a couple seats in front of me, feeling a warm sensation in my chest whenever they do something goofy together.

…am I feeling happy because they’re happy? Huh, been a while since that last happened.

But I can’t really complain about it, they deserve to be happy considering what they have to deal with on a daily basis regarding their personal issues.

Looking back at them, I notice Reed saying something that makes Trish snort and laugh like there’s no tomorrow, with him following suit just a couple seconds later. Seems like he really knows how to reset her mood into a calmer state, because it’s a complete one-eighty from the anger of earlier.

If they’re happy, I guess I’m happy as well.

Anon: …good for them. (I mutter with a smile)

— — — — — — —

Going into lunch today, one thing I wasn’t expecting to see was Naser without Naomi, since they seem to orbit each other 24/7. From a distance, he certainly seems worried, and the absence of his girlfriend gives me a pretty good reason as to why that is the case.

Feels like I need to talk to him, right? If nothing else, just lending an ear for him to vent about his problems should be enough.

I grab my food and decide to check in on the lonely ptero, he sure looks like he could use some company.

Sitting down at the table seems to catch his attention as he greets me with a smile. A forced one, but a smile nonetheless.

Naser: Hey Anon, fancy seeing you here. (He says with little enthusiasm in his voice. Seems like he barely even touched his lunch as well since the steak on his plate looks pretty intact)

Anon: Fancy seeing you here all by yourself, Naser. (I reply while adjusting myself to give him my full attention) Where’s your pink princess?

Naser: She… stayed home today. (He sighs) Naomi rarely stays home, and she hasn’t replied to my texts yet, so I have no clue about what happened.

Anon: You worried about her? (I ask while preparing to dig into my sandwich, though I don’t think that’ll happen anytime soon)

Naser: I know she’s more than capable of taking care of herself, but a guy has the right to worry about his girlfriend, right? (He looks at me for reassurance)

Anon: That’s fair, I guess. (I rub the nape of my neck) Have you tried calling her yet?

Naser: Sure did, but no dice either. I’m starting to think she stayed home because of- (He bites his tongue and his wings flare out in response to the pain)

Anon: Because of…? (I wait for him to finish the sentence, but that never happens)

Naser: …sorry, it’s not my right to tell you about it. (He doesn’t meet my eyes, but I have a vague idea of what he meant by that)

Anon: It’s something about Naomi and Fang being old friends, right? (My educated guess warrants a wide-eyed reaction from Naser)

Naser: How did you- (He takes a deep breath and exhales before talking again) Which one of them told you about the fight?

Anon: Naomi mentioned that Fang and her used to be friends before she, and I quote, “did something utterly stupid”. (Naser sighs and nods, which tells me that Naomi was indeed in the wrong) Didn’t mention a fight of any kind, but I guess that was somewhat implied.

Naser: Yeah, that’s pretty much on point with what happened. (He clenches his teeth and seems to be deep in thought before looking back at me) I can’t go into detail about it because it wasn’t my fight at the end of the day, but Naomi and Fang used to be best buddies a few years back.

Anon: On a scale of one to ten, how much would you say they hate each other right now? (I have lost all interest on my sandwich by this point)

Naser: In Naomi’s case, I’d say maybe a one or a two. (He replies with calm confidence) I think she’s mostly guilty and remorseful, but not angry. Fang, however… (His expression shifts to a more conflicted and worried one) High nine, maybe a ten.

Well shit, that can’t be good.

Naser: No, it really isn't. (Fuck, I thought I had a good grip on that mumbling habit) It’s a pain trying to stop Fang from blowing up at Naomi because of the past, and helping Naomi make friends ever since what happened is a different issue. Fang holds a mean grudge, and Naomi believes the same thing can happen again, even though I know that’s not the case.

Anon: What do you mean by- (He shakes his head before I can finish. Right, not his fight, not his talk) But wait, if one of them is your girlfriend, and the other is your sibling… 

Naser: Not a happy place to be in, yeah. (He nods in defeat a few times) I love both of them, but there’s only so much I can do in my current position.

We stay silent for a bit, digesting the information instead of our lunches.

Naser’s eyes widened suddenly, but not in a surprised way.

Seems like he had an idea.

…

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Naser: Anon, do you think you could help me bring them together again? (He leans in towards me)

Anon: Come again? (I have to do a double take to process what he just said)

Naser: Look, you’re the new guy in school, you still have the ability to fit yourself into any group and hangout with whoever you want.   (He explains with a nervous smile) I know it’s selfish of me, but I can feel that you’re a good dude, and I at least need to ask for help here.

Anon: Cut to the chase, what do you want from me? (I cross my arms and stare at him)

Naser: Is there any way you could potentially get Fang to reconsider talking to Naomi? (He smiles awkwardly) I dunno, help them see that Naomi isn’t all that bad?

Anon: Naser, I don’t know how I feel about you asking me to do something like this, especially since it’s your sibling we’re talking about. (I pinch the bridge of my nose) Also, let’s not forget the fact that my knowledge of this whole incident is very limited, so until I’m more informed about what the fuck actually happened between them I’m not doing anything of the sort.

Naser: Please, Anon! (He puts his hands together, almost begging) I’ve been trying for so long and-

Anon: No means no, Naser. (My cold answer combined with the harsh glare makes Naser flinch before he deflates)

An uncomfortable silence hangs between us before I let out a sigh and rub my forehead.

I get where he’s coming from, I really do, and I understand wanting to help them. 

But if the guy who’s known them for so fucking long can’t get ‘em to make peace, then what chance do I have?!

I’m given minimal information about the situation and then suddenly am expected to try and mend the absolute chasm between two people I barely know?

Fuck. That.

Naser: Sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you so much. (…maybe I went a little overboard on how harsh I was? That seems to happen a lot) Just… forget about it. I’ll try to help them mend their friendship, even if I can’t do much about it.

Anon: Apology accepted, and sorry for being harsh on you. (I pick my sandwich back up with one hand) I’ll… try to help however I can, but don’t forget that I’m just one man as well. (The “I’ll try to help” makes him look at me in shock) I can’t do miracles, but I can lend a hand every once in a while.

Naser: You’re really gonna help?! (He leans forward again, a smile full of hope on his face)

Anon: Don’t expect me to get Fang and Naomi to talk right away. (I raise an open hand towards him in an attempt to get him to sit back down) First and foremost, I need to know what happened between them. After that, I can talk to Fang and see what exactly is bothering them so much. (He adjusts himself and nods once)  

Naser: Thank you, Anon, truly. (He wipes a tear away. Oh the drama…) I promise I’ll make it up to you.

Anon: You can start by not asking me to meddle with the personal topics of others in the future, and also keeping in mind that I’m not too thrilled about this either, yeah? (He flinches and rubs the nape of his neck, laughing awkwardly)

Naser: Y-Yeah, will do. (He’s bearing a nervous look on his face now, but I can see the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth)

Anon: Glad we understand each other. (I then point at his plate) You should probably eat before your food goes cold.

Naser: Right, right. (He nods before grabbing his fork and knife, digging into his lunch with a happy expression)

With that out of the way, the rest of lunch passes by quietly.

Only in the terms of speaking, though, because my mind is an absolute mess

Getting Fang and Naomi to talk, huh? What the fuck did I get myself into…

I don’t need to make it work, but it can’t hurt to try. Actually I take that back, it probably can and will hurt to try.

But I only need to do what I can. No pushing any buttons, no rubbing salt on old wounds, no stepping over any boundaries.

If Fang doesn’t wanna tell me shit then I’ll leave it at that. Doesn’t mean I have to start asking right away though.

Eh, I can think more about all of this later. Should probably focus on making my way to class without bumping into any more dinos.

And just as I think about that, I narrowly dodge a green stegosaur girl while walking through the hallways.

???: Sorry, I almost bumped into you! 

Anon: All good, don’t worry about it. (I wave my hand in dismissal)

???: Hey, you’re the new student… (She steps closer, a bright smile on her face) Do you mind if I give you a tarot reading?

Anon: A tarot reading? (That sounds familiar) You actually do those?

???: Yeah! (She takes out a tarot deck and shuffles it before fanning out said deck) Here, just pick three cards and I’ll quickly tell you about your past, your present, and your future based on them!

Without giving it much thought, I gently pull my first card from the fanned deck…

The Tower. This one symbolizes my past, right? I forgot what it meant.

The second card…

Judgement. This one is the present, I guess. Been a while since I’ve seen any of these.

And my last card…

The Fool. Fool? What does that mean again? And since it’s upside-down…

???: Hm, interesting… (She takes the cards from me, looking at them with great interest)

Anon: What can you tell me from this? (I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow)

???: It seems you suffered from a disaster of some sort in your past, as represented by the Tower, and maybe that “something” was what led you here? (My eyes widen slightly at her guessing accuracy)

Anon: Okay… (That’s kinda amazing, to be honest) What about the present?

???: Judgement shows that you’re in deep reflection about your actions and what you need to do to grow as a person, which is a sign that you’re aware you need to improve and are already working on doing so. (That’s not bad, and actually makes sense with how I’ve been acting recently)

Anon: And for the future? (I’m fully hooked by now. I don’t remember tarot being so interesting)

???: The Inverted Fool is a warning, as it means that you could act without thinking about the consequences of your choices, or get taken advantage of by others. (A chill runs down my spine as she looks me in the eyes with a serious expression) Remember that your actions have consequences, and that not everyone is friendly just for the sake of it.

Anon: That’s… really good advice, wow. (I rub my chin) Thanks for the reading…? (I trail off, realizing I don’t know her name)

Stella: Name’s Stella, and thank you for letting me do a reading on you! (She grabs my hand and shakes it happily) People usually call me all sorts of names just because I’m into the occult, so it’s a welcome change of pace.

Anon: Sorry you have to deal with that. I’m Anon, by the way. (I smile) Nice to meet you, Stella.

Stella: The pleasure’s all mine! (She giggles while not letting go of my hand)

Anon: Well, I need to get going, but the reading was nice. (I pull my hand out of her grasp) Have a good day.

Stella: Same to you, Anon!

With a wave of goodbye, we both go our separate ways.

Stella’s nice, but the tarot thing is certainly a unique quirk. I only ever met one other person who was into it, but I haven’t heard from them in a while.

The one person I was friends with who didn’t stab me in the back, even though they vanished without a trace.

I enjoyed the days I spent talking about astrology and the meaning of destiny with WishingStegoStar, or just StegoStar, as they liked to be called.

…waaaaaaait a damn minute. StegoStar? 

Surely it’s just a coincidence…

Wait another minute, isn’t “Stella” a word for “star” in some other language out there? Greek, Latin… some shit like that? I’m pretty sure StegoStar told me some time ago that was the origin of their name.

“StegoStar, lover of all things related to astrology, occult enthusiast!”

This may be the biggest reach of the century, but it’s absurd enough that I might just be right.

I should-

*DING, DONG, BING, BONG*

Fuck. Put a pin on it for later and get your ass to class now, Anon!

Time waits for no one, and neither do the teachers!

— — — — — — —

Music class, one of the few that I share with Fang.

Honestly, this period would be lame as all hell if the teacher wasn’t such a bro.

He’s a compsognathus and raptor hybrid, being pretty tall for that mix, with his color palette being composed mostly of greens and yellows with some tones of blue here and there. He has these long dreads and green tinted glasses that look more like a visor than anything else, and his clothes are far more casual than any of the other teachers’, but that just makes you feel more at ease when talking to him.

And even though we refer to him as Mr. Santos, he expressed that it’s completely fine if we just call him Lúcio, which is his first name.

He’s very energetic, helps us whenever we don’t know something or need that slight boost somewhere else, and best of all: he actually teaches us how to play different instruments.

The process is simple: He picks an instrument, then a song from his homeland, and plays the instrument while singing. After that he teaches us step-by-step how to play said instrument. Last week he played a song that translates to “I Don’t Want No Money”, I think. 

Not only is he insanely skilled, but also has damn good vocals. Straight up unfair, I tell ya.

It’s only a let down when he has to leave due to another job he works at where he’s promoting a product of some kind. Something about “Lúci-Oh’s”, I think. Haven’t gotten around to checking it out yet.

Another cool thing is that he lets us work with however many people we want. Wanna work alone? Sure. In a pair? Go ahead. Half the class together? Don’t see why not.

Today he gave us a written test about the basics of the instruments he played last week, and I actually know what to write.

Music class is so much more fun with him around.

Unfortunately, it seems like he’ll be having to leave soon due to that other work of his. Shame, but at least we’ll have the rest of the period for ourselves.

Mr. Santos: Alright y'all, I gotta bounce now, but I’ll still give out points for the correct answer on the worksheet, so don’t slack off! Like we always say where I’m from: “Life’s not a strawberry, so do your jumps!” (I have no clue what the fuck he means by that) Enjoy the rest of your day! Peace!

We all wave goodbye to him, going back to our own worksheets right after.

And not five seconds later, a familiar ptero sits down beside me with a guitar in one hand and their backpack on the other.

Fang: Heya. (They wave after putting the backpack down)

Anon: Hey there. (I wave back) You finished already?

Fang: Sure did. (They give me the cockiest smile they could muster) Music is my domain, after all.

Anon: Lucky you. (I shake my head with a grin) I may know what to write, but it still takes a minute or two to remember everything Mr. Santos taught us.

Fang: Sounds like an ish-you not an ish-me. (Oh you absolute-)

Anon: Jackass, I’m not helping you during science anymore. (I cross my arms and look away, pretending to be hurt)

Fang: H-Hey now, let’s not do anything too drastic! (They quickly jump from their seat)

We both look at each other and laugh before Fang gives me some pointers for the questions I was struggling with the most.

After finishing my work, I pull out my phone to check in on something, or rather, someone.

Let’s see, let’s see…

Ah, found you.

“WishingStegoStar (StegoStar)”

A message won’t hurt, right?

Best case scenario, they reply to me.

Worst case scenario, nothing changes.

August 21st

Hey StegoStar? You there? [Anon]

Hello? [Anon]

Today

Poet to StegoStar, are you alive? [Anon]

…still nothing, damnit.

The message wasn't even received.

Was worth a shot. Maybe I can talk to Stella some other time and ask her about it?

Would be one hell of a discovery if she turned out to be my online penpal from the past. Though I may have to question her on what happened that caused the radio silence.

Although, what if she's not StegoStar? That would be awkward, but do I really wanna take the gamble? The odds do seem to be in my favor...

Hm...

Fang: Hey, you good over there? (They snap me back to reality with a single question)

Anon: Hm? Oh, yeah yeah, sorry. (I pocket my phone) Was just checking something real quick. By the way, did you talk to Trish today?

Fang: At her request, no I didn’t. (Fang sighs with a worried look) Our practice session today has been canceled as well, but that’s understandable. She has to go home ASAP to deal with her siblings after class ends, not to mention needing to take her meds as well. 

Anon: Reed did drag me to a convo with them earlier, and honestly, I didn’t know Trish could be that scary. (I shudder remembering how her head snapped towards me when I asked about Fang possibly needing medication as well)

Fang: An angry Trish is a Trish only Reed can calm down, and I’m honestly surprised you didn’t die. (They pat me on the back a couple times)

Anon: Reed worked his raptor magic and got her to relax, which means I owe him one. (I cross my arms, prepared to change the topic) So, is there something else you wanna do now? 

Fang: Well… (They rub the nape of their neck) I was wondering if you could help me with science homework? (A strained smile appears on their face) Pretty please?

Anon: You’re hopeless, you know that? (I give them my best shit-eating grin)

Fang: Hey! What’s wrong with asking a friend for help? (A friend, huh?)

Anon: Relax you dork, I got your back. (I wave my hand in dismissal while pulling out my own homework to compare notes with them) Which question is giving you a headache?

Fang: Would you get mad if I said it was all of them? (The awkward smile on their face is absolutely hilarious, and I feel like I need to capitalize on this moment)

Anon: Not mad, just disappointed. (I shake my head)

Fang: Come on, you know that’s worse! (They cross their arms and pout, their one good wing flaring out, and the smaller one doing its best to mimic it)

Anon: Hah! (I snort before recomposing myself) Alright alright, let’s get to it already.

Fang: Fucking dweeb… (I feel like I’m gonna be hearing that a lot more often from now on)

Working with Fang on the science homework didn’t take long, mostly because it was easy for me to guide them towards the right answers. And instead of staying in our own corners after that, we made small talk about random topics while Fang idly played some tunes for us.

Music, games, movies, food… you name it, we talked about it.

Fang is incredibly talkative when they aren't doomscrolling on their phone, and the same is true for me when I’m not actively holding myself back from interacting with others.

The only things I keep under wraps are my past in Rock Bottom, the poem notebook, and my presence at the show last week.

My interests are mostly fair game.

Before the period ends though, Fang throws me a question I wasn’t prepared for at all.

Fang: Hey, you wanna come with me to the band’s practice session one of these days? (I put a hand on my chin, thinking) We’re gonna be trying out some new sounds, and feedback could be good. 

After mulling over the offer, I simply reply with:

Anon: Sure, sounds fun.

Fang smiles and gives me a fist bump.

Guess I’ll be giving some musical feedback soon enough. And like I said, it does sound fun.

Our conversation resumes even after the bell rings, and we move together out of the class. Waving goodbye to each other in front of the school, we head to our homes for the day.

Sure, today was intense, but not bad.

Not bad at all.

— — — — — — —

Arriving home means I can let my creativity run rampant with a new poem.

So, what do we have for today?

Hm…

Suffering to keep her emotions at bay,

She has a true love that won’t let herself go,

But poke at the beast, and you should beware,

Her hot-headed temper might just overflow.

A one-winged runner, sitting all by himself,

His lovely companion is nowhere to be found,

He pleas for assistance to lessen a burden,

An offer to help will pick him up from the ground.

The occultist encounter happens purely by fate,

A word of advice in the midst of the night,

Indulge in the cards, don’t show any hate,

She’s here to guide you towards the starlight.

A moment of quiet with the silver musician,

After the work comes a serene melody,

A background of music to fill in the silence,

While two careful souls do their best to act free.

If nothing else, writing about other people sure seems to work.

To be honest, I could do better with more time and more motivation, but this isn’t that bad.

I swear to all that is holy, if I get an idea to polish it while trying to sleep I WILL kill a bitch.

Guess I’ll close the notebook for now and do some chores before going to sleep.

Two things I need to keep in mind are if Stella really is StegoStar, and if I really wanna dig deeper into what happened between Fang and Naomi.

The former sounds easier to deal with, so I may start with that.

We’ll see what happens with the latter. All in due time, Anon.

For now, I need to take a shower. The thinking can wait until tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

Chapter Text

You lived your life, and made your own choices,

Found some friends, remember their voices?

Gone are good times when things were alright,

You chose to keep quiet, and brought up a fight,

But perhaps you’ll find solace within the starlight.

--January 20th, Lunch Period--

Spending time with the band is probably what I look forward to the most at the start of every day. Being part of the gardening club is nice, don’t get me wrong, but these three share the same SINGULAR brain cell and hanging out with them is an amazing experience.

They’re currently having a heated debate about a game I’ve never played before, and to say it is comical would be an understatement.

Trish: What do you mean “just don’t get hit”?! (Trish raises her voice at Reed) That’s the hardest fight in the game!

Fang: Skill issue, sucks to be you. (Fang shrugs with a smirk)

Reed: Please, neither of you have fought the post-game bosses yet. (He crosses his arms with a proud smile) Get on my level first, then we can talk.

Fang: You bulldozed through almost every enemy with a fucking caveman club, I don’t wanna hear it from you! (They point at him with narrowed eyes)

Trish: Says the one spamming magic from the other side of the map, you coward! (Trish retaliates and Fang rolls their eyes)

Reed: You don’t even use your swords properly, T. (Reed snaps his gaze towards Trish) How ‘bout you stop spamming skills and actually study the blade for a change?

Trish: Your weapon is the physical manifestation of spamming, you absolute table! (She facepalms as he cackles happily) 

I fucking love them, and the smile on my face is proof of it. There’s not a single dull moment when you’re with VVURM DRAMA, and being part of their group is a blast.

Which only makes me feel even shittier for not telling them about the fact I was at the concert. 

I’m sure Trish and Reed wouldn’t mind, but Fang might get very angry at me if they found out. I still remember how pissed off they were when we talked at lunch before, and I don’t wanna be on the receiving end of their righteous fury.

While the group bicker and banter about what’s the most honorable way of beating that game, I take a peek at my phone, reading a convo that ended just a couple minutes ago.

[StellaStar] Hey hey, you still down to watch anime later this week?

[StellaStar] Been a good while since I had an anime sesh with a friend :3

I’m still debating if I forgive you or not for leaving me in total radio silence since last year [Anon]

[StellaStar] C’mon, I already apologized! Besides, it's not my fault that Ghibli ran with my phone into the rain and left it outside…

And you left it within his reach. Sounds like it really was your fault, Star >:v [Anon] 

[StellaStar] Shush!

But yeah, we’re still set for watching some anime. [Anon]

You better pick something cool, or else I’m going back home (jk) [Anon]

[StellaStar] Don’t worry, you can trust me.

[StellaStar] The cards told me you might like Killing Note.

Is it because I also have a notebook of my own? [Anon]

[StellaStar] …maybe?

[StellaStar] Just trust me on this, I’ll make it worth your time. It’s the least I can do after not being here when you needed me.

[StellaStar] Btw if you ever wanna talk about what happened in detail, be it in person or through our phones, I’ll be here.

[StellaStar] I know I was out of your life for a while, but you’re still my best friend, Anon.

[StellaStar] Gtg now, ttyl. Take care.

Thanks, Stella [Anon]

Ttyl, take care as well [Anon]

Turns out Stella really was WishingStegoStar, which meant we had a lot to catch up on after I joined the gardening club and managed to get her number. She also introduced me to Rosa, her girlfriend and leader of the gardening club itself. Apparently they both went through a lot to be an official couple since Rosa’s family is very religious while Stella’s were wanting her to find a boyfriend and have children.

“This bloodline dies with me” she said with a joyful smile on her face, and it made me laugh so hard I ran out of air. Rosa smacked her girlfriend behind the head with a pout and spoke something in spanish I didn’t really understand, but it made Stella giggle and say she wouldn’t do that again.

Although I often feel like a third-wheel when hanging out with them, they’re still good company. Rosa has been shoving as many nature-related facts as she can inside my head, meanwhile Stella is teaching me the constellations of the night sky, and I feel extremely at ease with both of them. They know that I had to move over here after an incident at my old school, but…

“See you on Monday, Anon! Hope you realized how little you’re actually worth!”

…I don’t think I want to dive into the details with them just yet. Stella would beat herself up about it way too much, and I’m not comfortable enough to share the event with Rosa right now. I trust Stella, and I guess I do kinda trust Rosa, but still…

Maybe another time.

Reed: Yo, Anon! (Reed’s shouting brings me out of my own mind)

Anon: Huh? (I look at the band, all of them with some level of concern in their eyes)

Trish: You good over there, dude? (She speaks softly) We’ve been calling your name for a solid ten seconds now.

Anon: Sorry, sorry, my mind just wandered into Foreverland for a bit. (I sigh while shaking my head. They seem to accept that answer, and their expressions change from worried to content) What can I help you guys with?

Fang: Which one do you think is the most fair method to beat Older Circlet: Using magic, swords, or a club? (Ah, they want the opinion of a third-party on their debate, makes sense)

Anon: Fighting bare-handed sounds like a more honorable way to do it. (I cross my arms, pretending I know what I’m talking about) I mean, you literally have nothing else but your fists, so you can only rely on your skill as a player, right?

They all go silent while staring at each other for a couple seconds.

Reed: Whoever beats the first boss with no weapons, abilities or summons is the most skilled one between us! (He declares with a challenging smirk, looking at his bandmates)

Trish: Hey, no fair! (She crosses her arms and pouts) You don’t have five siblings to take care of, and I can’t play the game until the weekend!

Fang: And I have detention on Saturday… (They rub the nape of their neck)

Reed: Trish’s siblings I understand, but what did you do to warrant garden duty, Fang? (Both Trish and Reed stare at the ptero with raised eyebrows)

Fang: Came to class tardy one too many times. (They sigh) It’ll be just this Saturday, so nothing to worry about too much.

Anon: Guess I’ll be seeing you on Saturday too, then. (I smirk and all three of them look at me)

Fang: How did you get detention?! (They’re completely shocked, but very wrong in their assumption)

Anon: Didn’t. (I place a hand on my chest, smiling in a more friendly way) I’m a new member of the gardening club.

Trish: Rosa hasn’t killed you with work yet? (I nod and both her eyebrows shoot up) Admirable resistance.

Anon: Hey, she’s not that bad! (The three of them look at me with narrowed eyes, clearly not buying it) Maybe a little too enthusiastic about plants, but if you get along with her, she’s a treat to be around.

Reed: Our little human is already making more friends. (He feigns crying while smirking) I’m so damn proud of him… 

Fang: His ptero wings will show themselves soon enough, I’m sure. (They poke their tongue out, joining the joke Reed started)

Trish: I can’t believe he’s already grabbing life by the horns at such a young age! (She clasps her hands together while trying to fight back a smile)

Anon: Oh, fuck off! (I say with a smile as the three of them fall back with laughter, and it makes me giggle as well while shaking my head)

Reed: But seriously, I’m glad you’re already part of another friend group. (He flashes me a genuine smile while sitting back up) You can never have too many friends around you.

Anon: Yeah, you’re right. (Part of me doubts that, but so far I haven’t had any problems with making friends in Volcaldera. Maybe not everyone is trying to ruin my reputation after all)

They change the banter topic to something I can actually follow this time around, and I decide to stop thinking about my past and just lose myself in the present. 

I’ll tackle that topic when the time comes, but for now? Time to shut off my brain and join the discussion VVURM DRAMA is having: Something about the word “yeet”, I think.

--Later in Music Class--

Mr. Santos had to leave early today again, which doesn’t surprise anyone anymore. Fang and I dealt with the worksheet in no time flat, but due to our lack of conversation topics, we’re just sitting side by side in silence.

They invited me to watch the band practice a bit yesterday at Reed’s house. I got to meet his sister, Reeda, and had front row seats for their practice sesh. It was a really damn good performance, and it sparked some creativity into me.

And said creativity currently has abandoned me as I struggle to finish the poem I’ve started about them.

The sole spectator of a private show,

Melodious lyrics sung with passion, heart and soul,

An eternal fire that burns in all that they play,

A

…a what, Anon? You’ve been stuck here for over a day, so what’s the plan?

Fang: Whatcha doing? (They slide closer to me)

Anon: Writing a poem. (I reply absent-mindedly) My mind just blanked out for a sec, is all.

Fang: Can I see it? (They extend an open hand towards me) Might be able to help since I deal with song lyrics, and they don’t seem to be all that different from one another.

Anon: Yeah, sur-

The sentence gets cut short and my body freezes midway through the motion of handing the notebook to Fang.

What the fuck am I doing?!

It’s not the end of the world if they know about my habit of writing poems, but handing over my notebook? Get a fucking grip, Anon. The last time it happened you became a social pariah, never forget that.

I pull the notebook back and close it, clutching it tightly to my chest and giving Fang a wide-eyed stare. They recoil in surprise at my reaction, and raise both their eyebrows.

Fang: Uh, you good?

Anon: Y-Yeah, sorry. (I pick up my backpack and shove my notebook inside it as fast as possible)

Fang: So, do you still want my help or…? (They lower their outstretched hand slowly)

Anon: Nope, I’m good, don’t worry about it! (I force a nervous smile onto my face)

Fang: What do you even have in that notebook that’s so important? (They cross their arms with a questioning look)

Anon: It’s not about what’s in the book, it’s about what it means to me. (I avoid meeting their eyes)

Fang: And what does it mean to you? (Their voice softens slightly)

Anon: It means a lot, that’s all you need to know. (I put my backpack down, still looking away)

Fang: You’re not very convincing, Anon. (They shake their head with a sly smile)

Anon: I just don’t like people seeing what I work on during my free time, okay? (I’m the one with arms crossed now)

Fang: Don’t you want others to see the things you make? (They smile dreamily at no one in particular) That’s why I love music so much, because I can share my passion with the world.

Anon: I’d rather keep my poems to myself, thank you very much. (I look down at my backpack, not noticing my mumbling) It’s safer that way…

Fang: Whatever floats your boat, I guess. (They sigh before pulling their phone out again)

The rest of the period goes by in an uncomfortable silence between us, with no one wanting to start any banter. Fang just mindlessly scrolls on their phone while I stare a hole into the wall.

I just had an idea to finish that poem, but I don’t want Fang to see it…

…

Y’know what? Fuck it. 

They already know I write poems and that I have a notebook dedicated to it, there’s no use being all shy about that shit. I’ll still be careful with my notebook around other people, but hiding it from Fang is currently pointless.

I take out my notebook again, staring at the stanza before quickly finishing it.

The sole spectator of a private show,

Melodious lyrics sung with passion, heart and soul,

An eternal fire that burns in all that they play,

A drive to push past anything in the way.

Guitar, bass, and drums all in sync,

Honed second nature, so why overthink?

It grabs your attention, you’re unable to blink,

They have a truly unbreakable link,

Their tale will forever rest proudly in ink.

A small smile graces my face as I put away the notebook before the bell rings soon after. Fang and I get up at the same time, looking at each other with mixed emotions. They have a hint of worry in their face while I’m still feeling awkward from earlier. 

…

I should say something… right?

Anon: Hey, uh… (I rub the nape of my neck before looking down) Sorry about earlier, I’m just really not fond of people trying to look into my notebook. 

Fang: All good, I shouldn’t have been so nosy anyway. (They look away while fidgeting around with their hands)

Anon: I’d still like to apologize. (I offer them a handshake with a tentative smile) No bad blood?

Fang: None at all. (They take my hand and shake it, a smile of their own appearing at the same time)

With that, we go our separate ways after school ends. I think over our interaction on my way back home, which does little to soothe my worries that Fang will bash my head in after they find out I lied about being present at the concert on the first day.

I’m already clearly hiding things from the band, and they may not take too kindly to the fact that I’m also a liar.

…I may be overthinking things, to be quite honest, but it’s better than just not thinking about how my actions affect others. Let’s save the deeper introspection for later though, right now I need to get home.

This week shouldn’t be all that bad.

--Saturday, at the School Garden--

Stella: …then he cuts the demon’s neck clean off with this crazy spin slash and-

Anon: Stella, if you want me to watch Demon Killer, you should at least not tell me everything that happens in it, y’know? (I chuckle while she stops mid-sentence)

Stella: Hehe, sorry! (Her tail coils around her leg while she smiles proudly) I’m just really hyped to watch anime with you later today, and I need to know what you’ll wanna watch so I can make it the best experience possible!

Anon: You’re gonna spoil just about every anime under the sun to me if you keep over-explaining like that. (I snicker and she pouts at the comment)

Stella: But talking about them is fun, and I haven’t had a chance like this ever since we first met online! (She visibly sags down, and I place a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her) We spent so long without being able to talk that I don’t want chances like these to go to waste…

Anon: Don’t worry, I don’t think we’re gonna lose contact with each other anytime soon, and there’s a lot I still wanna hear from you about anime. (I reassure her with a gentle pat, and she smiles with a nod)

Stella: Then you better prepare yourself, because there’s also a lot I wanna talk about! (She giggles happily with her hands on her hips)

Rosa: Ah, there you two are!

We turn towards our club leader with an ever-present smile on her face, and wave as she gets closer to us. She’s always full of passion about the things she loves, which makes it a treat to hang out with her if you can match that same energy.

Rosa is an actual gem of a dino, and despite my lanky build I’ll personally kick the ass of anyone who says otherwise – with the help of Stella, most likely.

Reaching Stella and I, she gently pecks the former on the cheek with a chaste kiss before pulling me into a tight hug. Thankfully it doesn’t break any bones, but one of these days she’ll end up paying for my hospital bill.

Rosa: So, are you excited for today? (She clasps her hands together)

Anon: As excited as one can be for gardening, Rosa. (I stick my tongue out playfully and Rosa narrows her eyes in response. She knows I’m just joking, which prevents La Chancla from being used against me)

Stella: She’s gonna make you work twice as hard if you keep up with that attitude. (Stella nudges me with her elbow, a smirk from ear to ear accompanying it)

Anon: The extra workload is gonna help me get into shape faster, and I’ve been needing that. (I cross my arms and raise my head proudly)

Fang: And yet no amount of manual labor can ever make you stop being a dweeb, Anon. (The one-winged vocalist from VVURM DRAMA’s calls out to me with a grin)

Anon: Good morning to you too, Fang. (I give them a two-finger salute and they respond with a wave) Was starting to wonder if you had skipped detention today. 

Fang: Spears would have my ass on a platter if I skipped. (They snort while shaking their head) I don’t like gardening, but I very much value my life.

Anon: Well, it’ll be a pleasure weeding out the garden alongside you regardless. (They wave their hand in a “whatever” motion, but I can see the hint of a smile on their face)

Rosa: Let’s join the other students in front of the school since Principal Spears often has an announcement to make before we start our duties for the day. (We all nod in agreement and follow her to the huge gathering of multicolored dinos who’ll be performing gardening with us today)

Stella and I engage in idle banter on our way over, still debating on which anime to watch later and what snacks we’ll have during our binge sesh. It’s a very welcome change of pace to make plans with someone rather than just expect everyone else to avoid me.

I missed having someone I could simply talk to without a care in the world.

Arriving in front of the school, we all gather to hear Spear’s usual talk about thinking over what we do in the future and making better choices for ourselves. Most of us aren’t listening, either due to disinterest or from already having heard it before.

After he finishes his speech, Rosa orders everyone else to split off into pairs and start working on different tasks around the garden. As much as I’d like to work with Stella and Rosa just as we always do, Fang doesn’t have a partner yet, so I’m tagging along with them.

Anon: Heya there, stranger. (I speak in a cowboy-esque accent while tipping an invisible hat)

Fang: Who are you again? (They ask in a monotone voice before we both chuckle and start talking normally again) What’s our current task, garden boy?

Anon: We’re stuck with trimming the vines, so someone has to hold the stairs while the other does the actual cutting. (A pretty simple two person job)

Fang: I can cut the vines with my claws. (Showing off the sharpness of their claws to prove a point, I nod in agreement and decide to be on ladder duty) Should be easy enough. 

Anon: If you drop any vines on me, I’m shaking the ladder and making you fall. (I state loud and clear)

Fang: Rosa’s gonna kick your ass if you do that, and so will I. (They snicker)

Anon: Then don’t make me into a Medusa and we’ll be fine. (I poke my tongue at them)

Fang: No promises, dweeb. (We end our conversation with a shared chuckle)

We gather the necessary equipment and start working on trimming the vines. I’m getting more used to the garden work, so we move quickly from start to finish. Other students are still dealing with the easier tasks by the time Fang and I finish ours.

Rosa notices Fang climbing down the ladder and approaches us with a smile.

Rosa: Muy bien, you two! (She scans the row of vines, nodding before turning back to us) You did a fantastic job, so take a break for now and we’ll take care of the rest.

Anon: Aye aye ma’am. (I salute her with a carefree smile)

Fang: Understood. (They simply give Rosa a thumbs up)

Stella: Rosa, could you give me a little help over here? (She calls out to our club leader from nearby)

Rosa: Coming! (She goes back to helping her girlfriend while Fang and I sit at a nearby bench)

Anon: Told ya Rosa isn’t all that bad with the amount of work she makes us do. (I smirk as Fang raises an eyebrow)

Fang: You barely even did anything, what’re you talking about? (They snicker while cocking their head sideways)

Anon: Excuse me, who made sure you didn’t fall flat on your ass while clipping the vines? (I cross my arms with a sly smile) I deserve at least some credit here since I kept you stable up there.

Fang: You talk as if I’m extremely heavy. (The biggest shit-eating grin appears on my face after they say that)

Anon: Well, I didn’t mention it, but-

Fang: Shut it before you magically end up in a hospital room. (They lightly punch my arm while smirking)

Anon: Point taken. (I lean back into the bench and relax)

We maintain a simple conversation going for a bit, bouncing back and forth between music and games. It’s simply to pass time since we did our work for the day, and Rosa is pretty fair with how much she assigns to other students. Eventually though, we hit a roadblock with the fact that there's not much else we can talk about aside from topics that one of us masters while the other knows jackshit about it. And after a couple minutes, our conversation falls into silence.

That silence gets broken up by Fang with a question that not only catches me incredibly off guard, but also triggers a great amount of panic inside my heart.

Fang: Hey, Anon? (They turn their attention to me with an uncharacteristically neutral expression)

Anon: Yeah? (I reply without much thought)

Fang: Why didn’t you say you were at our concert during the first day? (My eyes widened with fear. How do they fucking know?!)

Anon: W-What do you mean? (I try not to sound nervous, but my emotions betray me without a second thought) I wasn’t-  

Fang: I talked to Naser earlier this week and he mentioned you went to the concert with him, yet you keep saying you didn’t go to it. (Their eyes narrow while they cross their arms together) Which one of you is lying?

Even though I didn’t laugh at the band – with Naser and Naomi being witnesses to that – I still freeze up when they question me. The only reason I haven’t come clean to them is because of what Fang kept saying about hating “the assholes who laughed at us”.

I know it’s extremely stupid for me to be afraid of something I didn’t even do, but you never know how other people might react to that kind of stuff… though I guess it’s too late to think about it right now.

Anon: …sorry. (I look away, rubbing the nape of my neck) I was at the concert, just afraid of saying so.

Fang: Why though? (Their voice isn’t aggressive, they sound more confused than anything else)

Anon: You kept talking about how much you hated the guys who laughed at your band, and I got worried you might hate me for being there! (I look down at the ground, feeling uncomfortable under their gaze)

Fang: You fucking laughed at us?! (They stand up, and people start looking in our direction)

Anon: I didn’t, I swear! (I stand up too while putting one hand over my heart)

Fang: Then why the fuck were you so damn scared to say anything?! (Their good wing flares out behind them as they lean forward)

Anon: Because I didn’t wanna cause any fights, just like this one! (I cover my eyes with both my hands, slowly getting worked up over this discussion)

Fang: God fucking damnit, Anon, you keep hiding things from us and it’s getting harder and harder to let it slide! (They start walking away and into the school, so naturally, I follow them) You barely talk about your past, lie about being at the concert, and I’m starting to doubt you actually just write poems in that notebook of yours!

Anon: Hey, you don’t talk about your past either! (I snap back at them just as we enter the building) I still don’t know why your wing is broken like that, nor what the hell happened between you and Naomi to make you hate her so much, but you don’t see me prying into YOUR life!

Fang: And I’m starting to get the feeling you just don’t give a shit about other people! (They turn around with an annoyed expression and stare at me in the middle of the hallway) If you really cared, you’d be asking!

Anon: I’m just trying to respect the privacy of others, and you’d be doing the same thing as me if you went through what I did! (I point at myself with a thumb, fighting back tears with gritted teeth)

Fang: It’d help a lot to know what you went throu- OH WAIT, you never fucking talk about it! (They give me “see the problem?” look which is followed shortly after by an angry scowl)

Anon: I have the right to keep a traumatic event a secret, don’t I?!

It takes me only a moment to notice my choice of words, with Fang’s expression going from angry to worried as their broken wing twitches behind them, and me finding myself holding one of my arms while thinking back on painful memories. The mocking laughs, pointing fingers, unending insults…

All because of a fucking notebook.

Fang: …what did you have to endure, Anon? (The aggressiveness in their voice is gone, replaced by a careful tone)

Anon: I don’t wanna talk about it, Fang. (My eyes are getting wetter by the second, and I refuse to look at the ptero) It’s better if I just forget.

Fang: But you can’t, can you? (I hear them taking a step forward)

Anon: I’ll be able to, eventually. (I hold my elbows, trying to stop myself from shaking) It’s only a matter of time.

Fang: What if you don’t have enough time? (Another step closer) Life won’t wait for you to get over your past, Anon. You have to-

Anon: I KNOW, OKAY?! (I finally look at them, raising my voice in anger)

Fang flinches and steps back while I take my own step forward. Moments like these are rare for me, but I couldn’t help it this time.

Anon: I KNOW I NEED TO GET OVER WHAT HAPPENED! (Another step) I KNOW I NEED TO LEAVE IT BEHIND AND LIVE MY LIFE! (And one more) BUT I. FUCKING. CAN’T!

Fang and I are standing mere steps away from each other, and they look at me with a mix of shock and surprise while my own expression should be easy to describe with one single word: Misery.

I hold my head with both of my hands, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm down.

Anon: I… I know what I need to do, I’m just not good enough to actually do it. (I lean against the lockers nearby, still holding my head)

Fang: And why is that? (I hear them lean against the locker near me)

“Why?”

I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I don’t. My mind constantly spirals downward whenever I think about it, so I just avoid the topic altogether.

Getting over what happened, focusing on the future instead of attaching myself to the past, allowing myself to trust other people again…

Why is it so hard?

“Why?”

Anon: I… 

“I don’t know”, but I should, shouldn’t I? 

“I want to know”, yet I don’t make an effort of it.

“I wish I knew”, but would it even matter?

Anon: I need a minute, sorry. (I start walking away)

Fang: Wait, Anon-

They call out as I rush to the nearest bathroom, but don’t try to follow me.

Entering the bathroom, I wash my face in hopes to get rid of both my tears and the whirlwind of thoughts inside my head. I didn’t bring my notebook today, and even if I had, it wouldn’t be with me right now.

I need to ground myself without help.

“Look at you, without any friends by your side… Get used to it, vermin.”

…fuck you, Drec. You manipulative piece of garbage, hope you get what you deserve.

“I don’t like you, Mous. Never did, and never will. Now forget about me and fuck off.”

To think I actually fell for you, Eris. You’re nothing but a bitch, and I should’ve seen that sooner. Way sooner.

“C’mon, Anon, I’m curious about your poems! Knowing you, they’re probably very well written too!”

Nothing but empty words uttered by someone who didn’t care about me. Sure hope what you did was worth it, Beth.

My hands grip the bathroom sink as I stare at my own reflection. I can see faceless ghosts, all pointing and laughing at me while I clutch my notebook close to my chest.

When I was younger and just a little kid trying to fit in with my classmates.

When I became a teen and hoped everything would be different this time around.

When I got made into a pariah a couple months ago in front of the whole school.

Things never changed, they never got better, and I’ve barely been able to handle all of it. It’s my hobby, it’s something I enjoy doing and that has helped me stay sane ever since I was little.

“What a nerd!”

I just…

“That’s a lame-ass hobby, bro.”

Why doesn’t anyone else get it?

“Try doing something actually useful in your life, Baldy.”

Why does no one else ever even try to?!

“See you and your precious book on Monday, Anon!”

SHUT THE FUCK UP!

*SMASH*

*Crack*

“Why is our mirror broken into pieces, Anon?”

“There was a spider on there and I hit it with too much strength.”

“With your fist?”

“…yes, Dad.”

Fuck, not again…

One look at the cracked bathroom mirror and my bloodied hand is more than enough to pull me back to reality. The pain makes me want to scream, but I can’t find the energy to do so.

Above all else, I’m just exhausted.

I gotta get my hand patched up though, and I doubt Rosa or Stella would let me just leave looking like this.

“Btw if you ever wanna talk about what happened in detail, be it in person or through our phones, I’ll be here.”

Stella…

Maybe there is someone who gets it, and I’ve just been too dense to realize it. 

After washing my hand and failing to make it look unharmed, I leave the bathroom expecting Fang to be waiting for me and wanting to talk again. But no, they’re nowhere in sight.

In their place lies a very, very worried Rosa.

Rosa: An-on, are you oka- ¡Dios mio! (She looks at my bloodied hand and covers her mouth in horror) What happened to you, Anon?!

Anon: Had a fight with a mirror and lost. (I rub the nape of my neck with my good hand) Is the nurse still here by any chance?

Rosa: No, but I do have access to the infirmary. (She produces an old-looking key from her pockets) Come, I’ll make sure you’re okay.

Anon: Thanks, Rosa. (Despite my absolutely shitty state, I manage to smile at her)

Rosa: Don’t mention it, Stella wouldn’t forgive me if I left you like that. (She puts a gentle hand on my shoulder) Besides, you’re a friend, and friends help each other.

Anon: Thank you for being my friend, then. (She nods and takes me towards the infirmary)

The next couple minutes are spent in silence as Rosa patches up my hand after checking it for glass shards, broken bones, or any possible infections. She doesn’t question why my hand is like that nor demands an explanation for why I vanished earlier. I guess she’s just giving me some space to collect my thoughts.

I start looking around the room to occupy myself, and end up noticing through the analog clock mounted on the wall that it’s been roughly twenty minutes since Fang and I had our argument. Did I really spend that much time reliving my past? It felt like it started and ended in less than a minute…

It makes sense why Rosa looked so worried after I left the bathroom as well. I disappear while arguing with Fang, stay gone for almost half an hour, and when I come back my hand is bleeding. 

I’d be worried too.

As she finishes wrapping my hand in bandages and motions for me to stay seated, her phone audibly announces that she just got a couple new texts from someone. She picks it up and swiftly replies to whoever just messaged her.

Looking over at the open door, she pockets the phone and crosses her arms before sitting beside me.

Rosa: She should be arriving soon. (Rosa says calmly while still staring at said door)

Anon: Who? (My reply is barely audible, which allows me to hear the squeaking of sneakers rapidly approaching our current location)

Stella: I’m here! (She almost zooms past the room, but catches herself on the doorframe) Is Anon-

Her worried eyes land on me, and I slowly wave with my bandaged hand. She switches her focus from me in general, to specifically that hand, and her eyes promptly shrink into pinpricks.

She approaches me slowly, taking my hand into hers and looking it over carefully before raising her head to look me in the eyes.

Stella: Who did this to you? (…that’s quite possibly the most menacing tone of voice I’ve heard from Stella so far)

Anon: I did it to myself. (I confess while refusing to meet her gaze) Got stuck in the past and punched a mirror in the process of coming back, sorry.

Stella: …do you wanna talk about it? (Her voice loses its anger and gains a hint of softness to it)

Anon: Not right now, no. (I shrink slightly, feeling like shit for not giving them anything to work with after what just happened) I don’t want to travel back in time again so soon.

Stella: Do you wanna come home with me? (I finally look up, only to see her giving me a smile that mixes hope and worry) We can watch anime and just forget about everything for a couple hours. 

Anon: …yeah, I’d like that. (I smile weakly and nod my head)

Rosa: I’ll tell Spears what happened and that you’re both going home early. (She moves towards the door before looking back at us with a smile) Take care, you two.

Stella: Thank you, Sunflower. (Her tail swishes from side to side as she smiles lovingly while looking at Rosa)

Rosa: Just doing what I can, Starlight. (She repays the smile in kind before leaving the room)

Stella: Ready to go? (She offers me a hand)

Anon: As ready as I’ll ever be. (I take it with my uninjured hand)

Stella and I exit through the side of the school and start walking towards her house, slipping out of sight from the other students and allowing me to avoid Fang. She lives quite close to Volcano High, so we don’t walk too much before arriving at our destination.

Her house looks pretty neat from the outside, being colored in a light blue tone and with a small garden that clearly gets taken care of very well. I assume Stella herself is the one who keeps the flowers in such a pretty state considering she dates the gardening club’s leader.

We step up to the door and Stella looks for her keys while making idle conversation.

Stella: My parents are out of the house for today and will probably only come back late into the night, so don’t be in any rush to go home, ‘kay? (She gives me a comforting smile) Just relax and let your mind be blown by my objectively correct anime selection.

Anon: Won’t your parents be worried that we’re alone in here? (I imagine they wouldn't be very keen on leaving their daughter with a boy they’ve never met before)

Stella: They know who you are from how much I talked about my “online best friend” in the past. (Ah, makes sense) Their only condition for you to be here today was that you also visit tomorrow so they can meet you in person.

Anon: Sounds like a fair deal. (I nod as she finally fishes out the key from her pockets)

Stella: You do get to meet the fourth member of the family today though. (She giggles while unlocking the door)

Anon: The one who ruined your old phone? (I smirk)

Stella: The culprit in both flesh and fur. (We start hearing the pitter-patter of very small paws as she twists the key into the lock)

She opens the door and gets immediately tackled by a cloud-like dog shaped missile. Ghibli happily licks her face and lets out high-pitched barks while Stella giggles with joy. Ghibli is a white Samoyed that they adopted around four years ago, I think. His supply of happiness is never-ending and he's an adult dog despite being incredibly short, having the size of a Miniature Spitz.

Essentially, he’s a living cloud who’s just happy to be here.

Stella: Love you too, buddy! (She pats him energetically for a couple seconds)

She picks him up in her arms and turns towards me with a smile. Ghibli notices there’s a new face around and stops his shenanigans to stare at me while tilting his head sideways. Stella puts him on the floor and he rushes over to me while I kneel down.

I offer him my good hand and he sniffs it for a couple seconds before licking it and barking at me with a dorky smile on his face. He gets up on his hind paws and leans forward on my arm. I pick him up carefully and he barks a couple more times, licking my chin while I can’t help but laugh.

Man, dogs are fucking awesome.

Stella: You have passed the Ghibli inspection, you may enter the Dubois household. (She mock bows and gestures to the open door)

Anon: Thank you, milady. (I bow as well and we both enter the house while laughing)

The inside of the house is fancy, but not overly luxurious. I take my shoes off and we head up the stairs, Ghibli still coming with us in my arms. It seems that he noticed my injured hand and shifted his position in my arms to sniff it. He looks between the hand and me a couple times before jumping towards the ground and speeding off somewhere else.

Okay…?

Anon: I was expecting us to have a mascot during the mini anime marathon, but it seems he has other business to attend to. (Stella chuckles at my remark)

Stella: He’ll be back sooner or later, don’t worry. (She turns back to look at me with a menacing expression) You can never escape from Ghibli!

Anon: That would instill more fear if he wasn’t made entirely of sugar, positivity and joy. (I smirk and she laughs so hard that it makes her almost trip on the stairs)

While recovering from her fit of laughter, Stella leads me over to her room and opens the door with excessive extravagance in her actions.

Stella: Welcome to the best room in the house, and make yourself comfortable while you’re at it! (She says with wide open arms)

Taking a look around, I can’t help but be amazed.

There’s a carpet with zodiac signs in the middle of the room, several different constellations drawn on the ceiling, a couple of anime posters on the walls, and a pretty tall shelf with a mix of tarot, astrology and anime decorations. She has a TV mounted on the wall opposite to her bed and a pair of bean bag chairs near said bed as well.

The more I look around, the more minute details I notice about the room: dog toys scattered around the floor in some corners, astrology books out of place, an upright Strength tarot card framed and nailed above her head, and…

…several familiar pieces of poetry scribbled all over the walls.

I absent-mindedly walk over to the nearest one and read it quietly.

The stars spell out the truth,

You just have to heed their call,

 Providing guidance on your journey,

Never will they let you fall.

Stella: Out of touch, but not out of mind. (She nudges me with her elbow while smiling)

Anon: You wrote my old poems on your walls? (I’m completely dumbfounded as Stella simply nods) But why?

Stella: I like to fill out my room with things that make me happy or remind me of my friends, and your poems do both. (She turns her back on me and walks over to a nearby bookshelf) 

I silently watch as Stella comes back to me and shows me what she had inside her notebook: Several doodles and sketches to match the poetry I made in the past. 

A spread out and very detailed tarot deck with the Death card being the focus of it, the constellation of Canis Minor with a happy Ghibli acting as an outline, and a drawing of herself hugging a star with closed eyes while listening to music. 

Her drawing skills have improved by quite a lot since we lost contact with each other.

Stella: It really has, hasn’t it? (Heck, gotta get a better grip on that mumbling. Thankfully it hasn’t gotten me into trouble just yet, but it’s only a matter of time) I knew you would keep working on your poetry even if we weren’t talking anymore, so I had to try and get better as well for when we inevitably found each other again.

Anon: You’re right about me working on honing my craft, and I’m happy you did the same with yours. (For the second time today I wished my notebook was within my possession) Who knows, maybe we can work together to make something fun another time.

Stella: I’d absolutely love that! (She puts her notebook back in its place while replying with enthusiasm)

Anon: It’s settled, then. (I chuckle) But for now, how about we watch some anime?

Stella: Of course, let me set it all up. (She turns on the TV and starts messing with some settings)

Anon: I’ll make myself comfortable then. (I receive a thumbs up from her while her eyes are glued to the TV)

I head over to the bean bag chairs and sink into one of them as a familiar pitter patter comes rushing into the room. Ghibli jumps on my lap with something small in his mouth: a smiling plushy heart with a bandage around it.

He drops the heart on my stomach and nudges me to grab it, so I do.

Anon: Hey, Stella, any idea what Ghibli is doing right now? (I shake the toy as she turns around)

Stella: Hm? Oh! (She smiles with a giggle) He noticed that you’re injured and went to grab his heart plushy to wish you a speedy recovery.

Anon: How the hell is your dog so smart? (I say while giving him head scritches)

Stella: No clue, but he just is. (She finishes setting everything up and lies down on the bean bag beside me) Well, occasionally he forgets to use his brain, but I think everyone can relate to that.

Anon: Yeah, agreed. (I chuckle as Ghibli moves from my lap to hers. You traitor!)

Stella: So! (She asks with clear excitement shining in her eyes) What do you wanna watch first?

Anon: Surprise me. (I lean back and smile)

Stella: Then how about… (She enters a thinking pose and Ghibli copies her after noticing what she’s doing)

She scrolls through several anime options before landing on something called Mob Psycho 200 and clicking it without hesitation. Well, time to unwind some stress and forget about the past, even if for only a moment. Today was kinda rough, but if anyone can make it end on a high note, that someone is Stella. Slowly, bit by bit, things will change for the better… at least I hope they do.

 I’ll be visiting again soon enough to meet her parents, so I can say this with confidence:

Tomorrow will be a new day.

Chapter Text

The past weighs heavily on your soul, 

Fear of repetition will bring a new low,

Unless you manage to set yourself free,

Leave the doubt behind, allow your heart to see,

That to unlock a better future, you’re the lone bearer of its key.

--January 27th, Monday--

The weekend was nice despite what happened between me and Fang on Saturday, and I’ll take that change of pace. Stella managed to flip my mood entirely from “feeling like shit” to “this isn’t so bad” in a matter of two anime episodes, and it was only uphill from there.

Her parents were really friendly when I met them yesterday, so I think it’s safe to assume they like me. Thankfully my hand healed just enough for me to take off the bandages before any introductions were made, so there was no need to explain the situation I went through during detention.

It was the first time I went to someone else’s house and there wasn’t any shouting or fights going on, though maybe that was just a thing from Rock Bottom. God, I hated having to do group projects…

Anyway.

It was nice talking to Mr. and Mrs. Dubois, not only because they treated me with genuine kindness, but also because they told me plenty of embarrassing stories starring my green stego friend, who totally didn’t threaten me to keep quiet about them. 

It took all my willpower not to text Rosa the moment I got home and tell her everything I learned. I’m pretty sure she already had the same talk with Stella’s parents, but it’d make for a fun topic to talk about.

Ms. Paracelsus: Alright everyone, that concludes today’s lesson. (I’m snapped back to the present by the teacher clasping her hands together) If you have any questions feel free to ask away. Otherwise, you may spend the last few minutes of class however you want, so long as you don’t cause a ruckus.

A slight ruffling of feathers reminds me of the person I’ve been mentally – and physically – avoiding since Saturday: Fang.

We’ve been sitting in an uncomfortable silence since the period started, not-so-sneakily stealing glances at each other during the lesson. It’s clear we both want to talk, but no one’s making the first move.

I couldn’t tell you why they are so quiet, considering they said I “don’t care” about others because I don’t ask about their past, so I was expecting them to take the initiative. Maybe they’re waiting for me to grow a pair and start a conversation since they also took the first step during Saturday? I’m not sure, but what I do know is that’s not happening. 

I’m not gonna talk about my past and the drama it entails in a crowded room with someone who I’m actively struggling to even look at in the first place. I shared some of it with Stella, but still kept a lot of the details out of the small venting session, and I do appreciate the fact she’s not prying into it.

Fang’s curiosity can be seen as a sign they care, I think, but it’s… complicated.

*Poke poke*

Fang’s claws gently poke my arm, making me flinch and look at them with surprise. Their head is turned away, but a folded piece of paper lies in their hand. They shake the note slightly, and I pick it up after a second.

Unfolding it reveals…

Hey, sorry about Saturday. You wanna talk later? It’s cool if not though.

Right, Stella told me that Fang might try to make amends today. I mean… I’m not opposed to the idea, but how are we gonna go about this?

Hm…

Sure. When and where?

I slide the note towards Fang’s desk, noticing their wings flaring a bit after they look at it.

They take the note and quickly write something before sliding it back to me.

The rooftop during lunch. Just us, okay?

We’re gonna be in so much trouble if Spears catches us, but y’know what? Sure. Things can’t get more awkward than they already are.

Alright, I’ll meet you there.

I gently place the note in front of them and look away. After they seemingly unfold it and read what I wrote, I expected to hear more scribbling before receiving another message.

Fang: Thanks, Anon. (It’s the first time in days that I hear their voice, and it catches me completely off guard with how happy they sound)

I feel compelled to reply, but I can’t think of anything that wouldn’t sound extremely awkward to say. A nod of my head is all I manage to get out before we fall back into silence again. The last few minutes of class pass by in a flash, and we head out after everyone else has left.

Fang walks in front of me, turning around briefly at the door with a worried smile.

Fang: Talk to you later, then? (There’s a hint of hope in their voice)

Anon: Yeah, later. (I smile awkwardly, still not fully comfortable)

Fang seems to perk up after hearing my reply, walking away with a little more pep in their step. After going our separate ways, I’m reminded of another hurdle I’ll have to jump over before talking to Fang at lunch: Trish and Reed.

Here’s hoping they’ll want to hear me out.

— — — — — — —

Mr. Baldi: Now everyone, split into groups of three and get to woooork! (There’s the opening I’ve been waiting for)

Usually I’d be thrilled to talk with Trish and Reed during this class, but by the way they looked at me when I stepped into the room I can already tell Fang caught them up with what happened on Saturday. Not sure if they know about our little deal earlier, though.

They didn’t look at me with anger or apathy. It was more like a mix of worry and disappointment… at least I think it was. I’ll take the latter over the former any day of the week.

With Mr. Baldi telling us to make groups of three, I’m already getting up to join the duo and mentally preparing for the upcoming conversation. Hopefully we can still be friends, because I genuinely do enjoy their company. 

Sitting close to them in silence, I receive a welcoming nod from Reed.

Reed: Heya bro, you doing alright? (I can see his eyes shift momentarily to look at my previously injured hand)

Anon: Yeah, I guess so. (I rub the nape of my neck while looking away) Could be better, could be worse.

Trish: Fang told us what happened. (She sounds serious, but not angry. That’s a good sign as far as I’m aware) Why didn’t you say you were at the concert, Anon?

Anon: Feared you three might’ve resented me because of it. (I sigh, still reeling from how stupid it was in hindsight) I know Fang only hated the people that laughed at you, but I was still scared. I know it’s dumb, and I do apologize for lying.

Reed: Figured you had a good reason to lie. (That’s… not what I was expecting to hear) Something of the sort happened to you before?

Anon: Not exactly, but I’ve been caught in the crossfire of punishment from something I didn’t even do in the past several times. (Too many to count) I did kinda make it a bigger deal than it needed to be though, so it was solely my fault. Again, sorry for lying.

Trish: I really want to believe you, but I think I’m justified in being a little skeptical after you just admitted to lying. (She crosses her arms)

Anon: I’m not gonna hold it against you, that’s completely fair. (I nod in understanding)

Reed: I trust you. (He leans back lazily) People lie for a myriad of reasons, but if Stella vouches for you, then I have no reason to doubt your intentions.

Anon: You’re friends with Stella too? (I raise an eyebrow in sheer surprise)

Reed: She likes L&L and so do I, which means we became friends over dice rolls and playing pretend. (He shrugs with a smile. To be honest, that came out of left field COMPLETELY) She told me you’re prone to doing stupid things, but not out of malicious intent, so there’s my reason for trusting you still.

Anon: Thank you, Reed. (I silently thank Stella while giving him a weak smile before turning towards his girlfriend) And I hope you can trust me again soon, Trish.

Trish: I hope so too, because you’re really fun to be around when you’re not sitting silently in your own corner. (She’s trying to hold back a smile to still appear disappointed with me)

Anon: It’s what I’m used to, sorry. (I rub the back of my head with an awkward chuckle)

Reed: What do you mean by that? (Reed tilts his head)

Anon: I… don’t wanna talk about it. (He stops leaning back and sits up straight. Trish even leans forward to hear me out) There are several reasons I don’t like to bring up my past, and school life is one of them.

Reed: Relatable, the past isn’t always pretty. (He shivers for a second before shaking his head and giving me an awkward smile)

Anon: You can say that again, ugh… (I look down at the table)

Silence hangs in the air for a couple seconds, and I feel that all three of us are thinking of where to take this conversation next.

Trish is the first one to get her bearings and break the silence.

Trish: Say, have you talked to Fang yet? (Her voice sounds much gentler now than it did when she first addressed me earlier)

Anon: I mean, kinda? (She tilts her head, waiting for me to continue) We kept passing notes around instead of talking, but it had basically the same effect.

Reed: They were beating themselves over the fact that they didn’t get to apologize to you on Saturday, something about you “vanishing out of thin air” after entering the bathroom. (I suck in air through my teeth, realizing I’ll have to explain what happened after)

Anon: Yeah… I kinda punched a mirror and Rosa patched me up before Stella took me to her house. (Both Trish and Reed raise an eyebrow each. Context, Anon, context…) We had already planned to watch anime together, so she took the opportunity to make me feel less shitty for what happened with Fang.

Reed: Makes sense. (He smiles) Did you pass the Ghibli inspection?

Anon: …does she do it with everyone who visits? (I can only picture Ghibli in a secret agent suit “inspecting” every new person that comes to Stella’s home)

Trish: You gotta pass Ghibli’s vibe check before entering the house. (She nods her head and so does Reed) It’s the law.

Anon: I’ll take that as a yes then. (We chuckle as the air around the table feels lighter)

Reed: So, you said you spoke to Fang. (He leans back again) What happened?

Anon: It was mostly just us agreeing to talk in more detail later. (I remember how happy Fang sounded when they thanked me, and it does make me look forward to lunch)

Trish: Do you want us to be there as well? (I don’t see why that’d be necessary… unless Trish is worried things might go from bad to worse? I dunno)

Anon: No, Fang said that it should be just me and them. (I cross my arms and look away, speaking quietly) We started it, so we need to finish it.

Trish: Fair enough. (She nods in understanding) Hope you two can talk it out without any more drama.

Anon: Trust me, you’re not the only one. (I reply with a smile)

Trish: So are we gonna start on the math work or…? (She looks at Reed)

Reed: Way ahead of ya. (He smirks while waving his completed work sheet in front of us)

Anon: You know what? I’m not even gonna question how you do that anymore. (He lets out a chuckle while pulling out his notes to show us what he did to get the results)

After addressing the elephant in the room and lightening the mood, we actually started working on the assignment that Mr. Baldi gave us. Reed’s stupidly smart when it comes to math, so it feels like cheating by having his help, but hey, I’m not complaining.

The rest of the period flew by pretty quickly, and despite Trish claiming she doesn’t trust me after what happened, there was still some banter between us while I was at her table. I did head back to my own after a bit to think, but I have to admit it was fun talking to them again.

I don’t get to do much thinking before the bell rings though, and start heading straight towards the rooftop as soon as I’m out the door. I do, however, think a bit on the way over, with something tugging at the back of my mind regarding the dinos I came to call my friends.

To be precise, it was the fact that Fang’s the only one I’ve been keeping my distance from for no real reason.

I tried getting closer to Naomi and Naser after the first few days, the same being true for Reed and Trish, and joining the gardening club reunited me with Stella, as well as letting me get to know Rosa.

Then… why am I so avoidant of Fang?

They hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary prior to what happened on Saturday, yet I was much more closed off from them compared to everyone else. I know they were also keeping to themselves a lot, but that was mostly when we were still barely friends to begin with.

I guess that’s what culminated into our rooftop meeting happening today, huh? Maybe it’s for the best. Going up the stairs after reflecting on my past actions halts my train of thought for a moment, and reaching the door to the rooftop gets the gears moving again. 

I’m nervous, of course, but at the same time I don’t want to back down. I feel like this needs to happen whether I like it or not, but I haven’t had enough friendships to know if this is normal.

…I’m stalling, aren’t I? Hah… alright, let’s get this over with.

As my hands move towards the doorknob, I notice the door is slightly open and being kept that way by an old schoolbook on the ground. If said door locks on its own after closing, then the book is a pretty smart move.

Anon: Come on, Anon, you can do this… (I reassure myself before extending a hand towards the door)

*Creeeeak *

I involuntarily stop after stepping foot onto the rooftop, shielding my eyes for a moment.

The blinding sunlight is the first thing that hits me.

The gentle breeze is the second.

And lastly, after lowering my arms and looking around the roof for someone in particular…

POV:

Fang

--Right before Anon enters the Rooftop--

Fuck, all this waiting is killing me. I’ve felt terrible ever since what Anon told me on Saturday, even though it wasn’t much.

“I don’t wanna talk about it, Fang. It’s better if I just forget.” Should’ve figured it was something bad if he wanted to keep it a secret…

“I KNOW I NEED TO LEAVE IT BEHIND AND LIVE MY LIFE! BUT I. FUCKING. CAN’T!” First time I saw such raw emotion from him. It was kinda scary, to be honest.

“I know what I need to do, I’m just not good enough to actually do it.” …yeah, that one hits way too close to home.

I knew he was hiding something, just wasn’t expecting it to be trauma. Not that I’m any different, but I’ve managed to get over the fall after some time. Naser seems to be doing well too, and I’m thankful for that.

But Anon…

What the fuck happened to you?

I can only assume it’s something to do with that notebook of his since he was so terrified of sharing it with me. Actually, it seems he’s afraid of sharing it with people in general. Does it have some personal information, or something like that? I can only guess at this point.

He should be getting here soon.

Doubt starts creeping into the corners of my mind, and I wonder if this is really the best course of action. I mean, the guy CLEARLY didn’t want to talk about it before, but suddenly accepted to do it now? Did he do it to tell me to fuck off from his life?

*Ping*

Fuck! That actually scared me!

Too deep into your own thoughts again, Fang…

Let’s see who’s-

Stella

-Yesterday-

[Stella] I’ll see what I can do about it, but you better not hurt him, Fang.

I won’t, I swear [Fang]

[Stella] Good.

[Stella] Because if I find out that you’re fucking with him, I’ll make sure both your wings match by the end of next week.

[Stella] Consider this your first and only warning: don’t you dare lay a single finger on him.

[Stella] Have a good night, Fang.

You too, Stella [Fang]

And thanks again [Fang]

[Stella] I haven’t done anything yet, no need to thank me.

You let me know Anon is fine, and that’s already a lot [Fang]

I’ll make sure to talk to him [Fang]

[Stella] Don’t force him into anything, you hear?

[Stella] If he doesn’t want to talk, you leave it at that.

Understood [Fang]

[Stella] Alright.

[Stella] Go to sleep, Fang.

[Stella] I’ll check in on him.

Okay, talk to you later [Fang]

[Stella] Ditto, though hopefully on better terms.

-Today-

We’re gonna meet on the rooftop during lunch [Fang]

He agreed to it [Fang]

[Stella] That’s good.

[Stella] He didn’t talk to me about it, so I don’t have anything to help you.

[Stella] Just don’t go overboard, yeah?

I’ll take it easy, you have my word [Fang]

[Stella] Best of luck.

[Stella] You’ll need it.

-1 unread message-

[Stella] Saw him heading up the stairs, he’ll probably be there soon.

Thank you for the heads up. [Fang]

…Stella, right.

Y’know, I never thought I’d be threatened by her of all people. I have no clue what connection she has to Anon, but if she’s willing to break my right wing to match the left should I hurt him, then they must mean a lot to each other. I could ask him about that too, but I’m not sure he’d share much with me.

…hold on, he’s on his way over here right now, isn’t he?

I put my phone down and look at the entrance to the rooftop, hearing quiet footsteps coming up the stairs from beyond it. They get a bit louder before stopping right at the door, and assuming Anon is preparing to push it open, I take a deep breath.

It’ll be fine, we’re just going to talk.

Just the two of us…

…

You know, suddenly this feels like a very bad ide-

*Creeeeak *

-aaaaand nevermind, too late to back out.

Anon walks into the rooftop, shielding his eyes from the giant ball of flames up in the sky. He blinks a couple times before lowering his arm and looking at me. His expression shows he’s probably still adjusting to the sudden brightness, but he raises a waving hand regardless.

Anon: Heya. (He steps closer to the ladder while lowering his hand, climbing it in just a few seconds)

Fang: Hey you. (I wave back, looking out towards the city after replying to him)

Anon: So… (He sits beside me, and I lock eyes with him as he’s about to keep talking)  

Fang: Look, before you say anything, I just want to apologize for how I acted during detention. (His mouth closes immediately after I start talking) I assumed a lot of things in a fit of anger without letting you properly explain your side of the story, so that’s my fault.

Anon: I didn’t really make it easy on you with how little I talked about myself after all this time, and the whole thing about the show was kinda warranted too. (He rubs the nape of his neck and sighs) Should’ve known better than to just lie and expect nothing to come out of it.

Fang: Mutual agreement that we fucked up? (I offer him a handshake)

Anon: Agreed. (He shakes my hand and we share a slight chuckle)

Fang: So, with that out of the way, mind telling me a bit about your past? (I lean back a little)

Anon: Only if you do the same. (He crosses his arms with a neutral expression)

Fang: Don’t worry, I will. (I raise an open hand in a show of honesty) We got here by hiding shit, so it’s about time we change that a little bit.

Anon: Okay, okay… (He breathes in and exhales slowly) What do you wanna know?

Fang: What’s the deal with that notebook of yours? (He winces as if having just bitten a lemon)

Anon: Going for the throat, huh? (I give him an apologetic smile while he pulls the notebook out of his backpack) Well, this notebook is something I’ve had for a pretty long time, though I had to replace its pages a couple times after they were completely filled out. (He shoots me a glare before I can even question anything) And before you ask why I didn’t just buy a new notebook, it’s because the one I have was a gift from my grandpa.

Fang: So you don’t buy a new one, but it’s okay to rip off its pages to replace them? (I tilt my head)

Anon: It’s a metaphor for change. (I… kind of get it, I think?) We stay roughly the same on the outside, but change gradually over time as we grow older, sometimes even becoming completely different people because of it. (He shrugs with a smile) Grandpa’s idea, not mine.

Fang: It’s a good metaphor. (I nod before going for another topic that’s been bothering me) Now, why are you so reluctant to show it to other people?

Anon: Last time I showed it to someone, I became a social pariah and got a permanent scar on my face as well, even though I can make it blend in using a little bit of makeup base. (He taps the bridge of his nose a few times. I guess that’s where the scar is hiding) And before that, others would make fun of me for having poetry as a hobby because they saw it as a worthless thing to spend your time on.

Fang: Well damn, didn’t know you got so much hate simply from writing stuff. (I rub the nape of my neck) You did mention a scar though… how did that happen?

Anon: It’s… (A million emotions cross his eyes in the span of a couple seconds) …a long story.

Fang: I’m listening. (I stretch my legs and lean back using my arms for support, waiting for him to continue)

Anon: I don’t feel comfortable talking about it right now. (He looks towards the city with a pained expression) Not my happiest memory.

Fang: You need to get it out sooner or later, y’know? (I sigh in disappointment, though I understand where he’s coming from) But if you wanna leave it for some other time, then I won’t pry.

Anon: Thanks… I mean it. (He smiles a little, and I can’t help but mirror the action)

Fang: No worries. (I lean forward with an even bigger grin on my face) Now, what do you want to know about me? Is it about my wing?

Anon: Actually, there’s something else. (That… actually caught me by surprise) What happened between you and Naomi?

Fang: …that’s none of your business, Anon. (I reply through clenched teeth and with a growl rising in my throat. I hate thinking about Naomi)

Anon: Alright then, I’ll take my leave. (He starts getting up)

Fang: Wait, you’re going back down already?! (I follow suit, wondering what the fuck he’s doing)

Anon: I told you a bit about myself, but if you don’t want to talk about your past then we have nothing else to discuss… (He shoots me an angry glare, but I catch a hint of reluctance in his eyes) I’m not asking you to tell me everything, but if you’re telling me nothing, then I’ll pack my secrets and go wait for class to resume.

Fang: Look, I really don’t want to talk about Naomi, can’t I just tell you about my wing? (Exasperation is clear in my voice as I try to bargain with him, because if he leaves there’s a good chance I’ll have two broken wings soon enough)

Anon: You’re avoiding the topic just like I did with my poetry book in the past, and I want to know something of equal worth to it. (He slings his backpack over his shoulder) If you don’t want that, then I’ll just go.

Fang: Fucking… fine! (I relent with a sigh, both of my wings drooping in defeat. I sit back down and ask a question while he’s doing the same) But I want to know who told you about how much I hate her.

Anon: Naomi vented to me about it by accident once, and Naser told me how hard it is to be in between you two, since you’re his sibling and she’s his girlfriend. (He puts his backpack down on the floor… roof, again, and waits for my inevitable next question)

Fang: How much do you know? (I lean in his direction, trying to figure out what lies he’s been told)

Anon: I know that Naomi did something extremely dumb back when you two were friends, but that’s all. (That… was accurate enough, ugh) Care to enlighten me on the rest?

Fang: I’ll tell you what she did! (I know I shouldn’t raise my voice while up here, but she just makes my blood boil so fucking much!) She had the fucking audacity to tell me I’m not non-binary and that it was “only a phase” when I came out! We argued for an hour straight, and she couldn’t get it in that dense head of hers that I’m enbie now! (I throw my hands up in frustration) For fuck’s sake, who does she think she is to tell me who I am?!

Anon: …how long ago was that? (He seems stunned by my display of anger, but his questions comes out calmly)

Fang: Three years ago, maybe a bit longer than that. (I shrug) Why does it matter?

Anon: Have you tried talking to her after that? (He raises an eyebrow)

Fang: Fuck no, why would I? (I scoff, bitterly smiling while doing so)

Anon: Did she try to reach out to you? (He crosses his arms, and I feel my face getting hot all of a sudden)

Fang: …yeah, she did. (I admit without looking at him) Tried a couple times to talk to me over the phone and in person after our fight, but I really didn’t wanna look at her face at the time. (My voice softens as I listen to myself talk, realizing how stupid this situation is) After that she just left me alone, and we’ve been like this ever since.

Anon: So she tried to apologize for what she did, and you pushed her away without listening? (I flinch and wince. Had he punched me, it’d have hurt less)

Fang: I-I mean, when you put it like that… (I look down in shame)

Anon: I’m not saying your anger wasn’t warranted, but Naomi did recognize the negative impact her actions caused on you and tried to make amends, which is more than most people do when they’re fifteen years old. (Is he telling me that we were both right and wrong at the same time?!)

Fang: What does it matter now, though? (I look up at the sky, cloud gazing, since the only visible star right now would burn my eyes out) She probably grew to hate me too after how I treated her all this time. It wouldn’t change things if I tried to talk to her about it.

Anon: You did hear me when I said that Naomi vented to me about what happened, right? (I think I was too busy being pissy to notice that detail) She didn’t show anger or apathy. If anything, she looked like she missed the times when you two used to be friends.

Fang: How do I know she’s not just waiting to tear me a new one for how I acted towards her all this time? (I question with worry clear in my eyes)

Anon: Are you planning to carry that question to your grave? (He asks with a tilt of his head) You’ll never know until you talk to her about it.

Fang: I guess so… (I sigh while holding my head in my hands, slowly realizing how stubborn I’ve been) Man, no one ever talked to me like that about Naomi before. How did you know exactly what to say? (He shrugs with a smile) Didn’t you mention you barely had friends in the past? 

Anon: Grandpa taught me most of what I know in regard to helping others. (He looks out at the city, with an expression of longing) Sometimes you should just let them talk, and others you have to step in for a reality check. It varies from person to person, but it’s advice that applies to most people.

Fang: Your grandpa sounds like he’s a cool guy. (I add with a smile of my own)

Anon: …yeah, he was. (His expression shifts from longing to grief, and it doesn’t take me long to realize what he meant by that)

Fang: Oh shit, I’m sorry… (I recoil with worry, fearing the wrath of a certain stego if I push him too far regarding this topic)

Anon: Don’t be, you didn’t know. (He looks down, frowning) That’d be my fault for not saying anything in regards to my own life.

Fang: Hey, you can talk to me about him right now. If you want to, that is. (He shifts his gaze to my direction after the offer, seemingly considering it) A trip down memory lane can’t hurt, right?

Anon: Well, where should I begin…? (He does as I did before and looks up at the sky, staring at the clouds)

Fang: From wherever you feel most comfortable. (I saw a small smile appear on his face)

Anon lowers his head after that, and I see his expression change a couple of times as he tries to find a good place to start talking. He grabs his notebook and opens it, staring at its pages for a few more seconds before doing anything.

His hand moves on its own as he speaks to me, though his focus is clearly on the notebook.

Anon: Grandpa Epon was just the coolest war vet you’d meet in your whole life, and he had a lot of stories and advice for me. (Anon’s smile softens as he starts talking) He told me about his time in war and how he struggled to get home in one piece, he told me about his days as a teen and all the drama that happened while he was first dating Grandma Myst, and he also told me about all the lessons that adulthood taught him through trial and error.

Anon chuckles, shaking his head and raising it to look out the rooftop’s fence. His expression is melancholic, and even though I want to say something, I don’t know what I could say to help.

Anon: I’d spend hours upon hours sitting in front of him and listening to his rambles about the past, all the while smiles remained plastered on both our faces and snacks were occasionally brought to us by Grandma. (He looks back down, writing again) She’d join the storytelling every once in a while too, and the days where they would team up for a retelling of the past were amazing.

…maybe I don’t have to say anything. I’ll just let him talk and get it off of his chest, just like he said earlier.

Anon: They took care of me for a good chunk of my life, considering how little my parents were present during it. (His expression sours, hands stop for a moment before going back to work with renewed purpose) I lived under the same roof as them, but it’s hard to say we were a family, since I don’t recall the last time I heard an “I love you” that wasn’t from my grandparents.

My wings twitch upon hearing that, and I feel the overwhelming need to just… do something for him, but I can’t interrupt his train of thought.

Anon: When Grandpa passed away, I went through the first four stages of grief before falling back into denial for a good while… actually, I’m almost sure I never left it after all this time. (I had a similar experience in terms of how hard it hit me, though it was something I was eventually able to overcome) Even though I would still go visit Grandma, she was heavily mourning Grandpa’s death and barely talked to me after that. It wasn’t out of malice though, she was still reeling from losing someone she loved so dearly, and I can’t blame her for how closed off she became during that time. (He sighs, looking up at the sky with clear sadness painted on his face) When she passed away not long after, I lost both people who actually cared for me during my childhood.

We both went through rough moments, but unlike him, I had family and friends to rely on after the fall… I wonder how rough things would’ve been if I was totally alone…

I inch closer to him, though he doesn’t seem to notice.

Anon: To say it was painful to essentially not have any family or friends at the grand age of thirteen would be an understatement. (...thirteen? He’s been alone since he was thirteen?!) You guys were the first to not treat me like garbage from the get-go, and that kind of threw a wrench into my plans. I thought I’d have to blend into the crowd one last time before school ended and I was thrown into adulthood, but I got pulled into three different directions by several of you, and it’s a change of pace I’m still getting used to. (He chuckles while rubbing the nape of his neck)

His hand moves much more slowly across the notebook's page, but its grip onto the pencil remains tight.

Anon: I miss Grandpa and Grandma, and though I know I’ll never get them back into my life, it’s about time I try and focus on the good instead of the bad. (His smile isn’t the brightest, but it shows a hint of hope. It’s one that says everything will be okay, even if things are bad right now… one that I’m pretty familiar with) It’ll probably take a while for me to fully open up, so that’s a heads up for you.

He seemingly finishes writing what he was working on throughout this entire venting session, and a look of realization lands on his face, followed by a sheepish smile.

Anon: …sorry, I kinda got sidetracked there. (He rubs one of his arms seemingly in shame, looking away from me)

Fang: It’s all good. I’m just trying to process everything I heard right now… (He nods as I think on what to do next) Do you like, want a hug? ( Now his head turns in my direction) I’m not as good as you with talking to others about their problems, but I can try my best to offer some comfort.

Anon: Hah, I’m not the best either, but I wouldn’t complain about a hug right now. (He slides closer to me, and I pull him into a hug)

I cover him with my one good wing, and his breathing seems to relax a little over the course of a couple seconds. We stayed like that a little bit longer, and even though it feels weird to hug someone I’m still getting to know, it just felt like the right thing to do.

I let him talk because he needed to, but since I’m not good with words, I’ll just make up for it with actions. Feeling his skin on my scales is a new experience too… I don’t recall ever meeting another human before, so I’m trying to be extra careful to avoid hurting him.

It doesn’t take long for him to break off from the hug, and he picks up his notebook immediately after doing so.

Anon: Hey, could you give me a sec? (He starts getting up from the ground with the book in hand)

Fang: Need something? (I tilt my head)

Anon: Just to get a thing off of my chest. (He smiles) I’ll be quick.

Fang: Suit yourself, I’ll be waiting. (I lean back, not feeling like getting up right now)

Anon looks at his notebook while facing the city. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, raising his head up high before opening his eyes again.

Then, he starts reciting a poem.

A feeling, a memory, a need,

You helped me grow up when I was all alone,

We laugh, we cry, we bleed,

And for so long after, I was left on my own.

Is… is that what he was working on during our talk?

I miss you so much, yet you're not here to hear,

You helped me a lot, but I can't pay you back,

Your guidance saved me when there was nothing but fear,

Your voice is what led me to get back on track.

He keeps staring into the distance while talking to no one in particular.

I thought that I had no one but myself,

That I would fight alone 'till the toll of the bell,

That in my heart there was nothing but hate,

But someone has helped me break free from that fate.

He turned to look at me with a smile during that last line, and my heart fluttered for a second. Just as quickly as he gave me his attention, he went back to gazing upon the horizon.

I miss talking to you, but there's no use in regret,

All your advice, I will never forget,

You taught me to be someone better than this,

I'll fight to crawl out of this self-made abyss,

Because if there's a lesson I made sure not to miss,

Is to take life by the horns every chance that I get.

The more I listen, the more intrigued I feel. If this is the level of his writing, then I definitely want to see what else he has in store.

You may be out of reach, but I love you all the same,

I don't strive to be rich, not for glory or fame,

Not wanting to be standing out in the crowd,

Though I want people to remember my name,

My desire is to one day make you feel truly proud.

Anon closes his notebook, raising his voice and portraying a determined look on his face. Whatever he says now probably isn’t anything he wrote, but is most likely coming directly from his soul.

I’m listening…

Even if just for a moment in time,

Even if just for a day in my life,

Even if just for a second at all,

Even if I won’t stand very tall,

Even if it doesn’t last for that long,

Even if I struggle to prove I am strong,

Even if fate truly wants me to fail,

Even if it all ends up to no avail,

Even if it is the dream of a fool,

All of their mockery I will overrule,

For all of my dreams are in honor to you.

…well damn, that was raw.

Anon falls to his knees, smiling shakily while clutching the notebook tightly to his chest. I crawl over to him and place a hand on his shoulder, to which he replies by looking at me.

Anon: I’m alright, don’t worry. (He waves his hand in reassurance)

Fang: That was one hell of a performance, y’know? (I can’t help but pat him on the back while laughing) Your grandfather would be proud.

Anon: Yeah… (Anon smiles, looking at the city in the distance) I think he would.

We hear the bell ringing, reminding us that we were on a time limit all along, but I just don’t really feel like going back to class right now.

I open my mouth to tell Anon he can go if he wants to.

Fang: Hey-

Anon: Wanna stay here for a little longer? (Oh, that’s new!) I kinda don’t care about getting detention if we get caught, so if you’re cool with that we can just chill.

Fang: You know what? Yeah, let’s just kill some time until someone remembers we exist. (I chuckle)

Anon: And if that someone is Spears? (He raises an eyebrow)

Fang: We’ll get there when we get there. (I lie down and close my eyes)

Anon: Fair enough. (I can only assume he mirrors my position while laughing)

We stay in relative silence after that, simply enjoying each other’s presence and occasionally talking about poetry or music. It’s nice, and I honestly can’t find anything to complain about our current situation.

Sure, we still have a lot to talk about regarding our past experiences in life, but that’ll come with time. Today is a good day to enjoy the air and sun before getting busted by the school principal for being where we shouldn’t be.

Tomorrow?

I’m sure it’ll be better.

Chapter Text

I know that you know, I know that you see,

My secrets and soul, my true destiny,

I can see yours as well, clear as the sky,

Battered and bruised, yet soaring up high,

Along with our friends we’ll learn how to fly.

--February 1st, Saturday--

The laughs and jokes are par for the course after we finish working on the gardens. They’re a pretty common occurrence once it’s just me and the gardening couple, but today we have an extra member that stayed after everyone else went home.

And to say that their presence is a breath of fresh air would be putting it mildly.

Stella: Not to be a bad influence or anything, but you should get detention more often, Fang. (She says between giggles) Either that or join the gardening club, because it’s nice to hang around you.

Even though Fang is only here because Spears caught us napping on the rooftop, they don’t seem all that bothered to be losing their free time on a Saturday. If anything, I’m glad they’re not angry at me for suggesting we stay up there.

“Nah, I chose to stay there with you, so I’m just dealing with the consequences of my own actions.”

Thank Raptor Jesus that’s their way of thinking. I’ll have to deal with homeroom detention since I’m already part of the gardening club, but it was one hundred percent worth it.

Fang: If I get detention one more time so soon I’ll probably get grounded until next month. (Fang laughs awkwardly, rubbing the nape of their neck) And gardening isn’t really my thing, I’d rather play music or be in one of Reed’s L&L sessions.

Rosa: That reminds me, when is he hosting the next one? (Rosa tilts her head slightly) I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now.

Anon: Isn’t L&L that tabletop RPG thing? (All three of them either nod or give me a thumbs up in response) I’ve heard Reed mention it before, but got no clue about how it works.

Stella: Hey, you could join our campaign! (Stella’s eyes shine with joy) I know just what class would fit you!

Fang: Bard, end of question. (Fang smirks, and Stella nods in agreement)

Anon: Shut it, I’m not reciting poetry so openly like that. (I roll my eyes, still feeling somewhat ashamed from what happened on Monday. That was a one time thing!)

Fang: Not with that attitude, you won’t. (They jab my side with their elbow) Trust me when I say your poems are good.

Anon: I dunno…

Stella: I can certainly vouch for how good they are. (She portrays a devious smile while saying that)

Anon: You’re not helping! (I cross my arms as Fang and Stella share a high five)

Rosa: Oh, wait a second. (She rubs her chin, thinking) Pretty sure I forgot to put something back in the gardening club shed. Gonna go fix that, volveré pronto. (She gets up, quickly getting rid of the dust and dirt from her floral dress)

Anon: Let me help then. (I follow suit, rising to my feet as well)

Rosa: You sure it won’t be too heavy for you? (She puts one hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow)

Anon: Gotta keep working out if I want to stop being lanky. (I flex my not-so-lanky arm. Any progress is better than no progress at all) It’s been effective so far, and I wanna maintain the routine.

Rosa: Alright then, let’s go! (She nods with her head towards where we’re going)

And with that we went towards a patch of flowers that was farther away, leaving Fang and Stella to talk a bit on their own. From what I gathered, they’re somewhat close friends, but nowhere near like how tight-knit VVURM DRAMA is.

Considering that they seem to be part of Reed’s L&L sessions, it should be fine for them to stay together while Rosa and I are busy. 

Rosa: So, An-on, how have you been holding up? (She makes idle chit chat while we move towards… well, whatever was left behind)

Anon: Doing fine, surprisingly. (I look up at the sky, though still being careful to not step on any of Rosa’s flowers) Between almost breaking my hand on a mirror last week and talking with Fang at the start of this one, it’s been pretty chill.

Rosa: That’s good to hear. (She lets out a sigh, though it sounds like one of relief) You know, Stella was really worried when she learned that you’d be talking to Fang on the rooftop, and it took me a lot to convince her to not march up there to check in on you.

Anon: She does seem extremely protective of me, though I don’t know exactly why. (I rub my eyes closed, trying to piece together the reason for Stella doing what she does) Both her and Fang told me about the threat regarding a second broken wing for the ptero if anything happened to me, and it honestly took me a while to process that Stella would do such a thing.

Rosa: You were not the only one. (Now this sigh sounds like one of anger) I was gonna make Stella apologize because she definitely went too far, but by that point she’d already made up with Fang. I do have a guess for why she worries about you so much, though. (Rosa looks to me as we approach a set of tools that were abandoned on the ground)

Anon: Care to share? (I pick up half of them and she gets the other half, leaving our hands completely full. We start making our way to the garden’s shed right after that)

Rosa: Well, you may not know this, but she was at an extremely low point when you two lost contact a while ago. (Rosa points at me with a gardening trowel) I was only an acquaintance to her by then, but it was through my actions to help her deal with “losing” you that we became friends, which led us to start dating soon after. In a way, you kinda brought us two together.

Anon: You should be thanking Ghibli, the little rascal was the one who dragged Stella’s phone into the rain. (I scoff, shaking my head)

Rosa: It’s hard to thank someone when your best friend is spiraling down a mental rabbit hole. (Okay, bad time for a joke, then)

Anon: …was it really that bad? (I inquire with disbelief) Stella told me things were rough when we lost contact, but never went into detail about it, so I just thought…

Rosa: She didn’t want to worry you, even though your safety is on the forefront of her mind at all times. (Rosa shakes her head with a tired smile) I’m still getting to understand how her brain works, but she seems to worry a lot about her friends while not wanting others to do the same for her.

Anon: That’s not healthy in the slightest. (I point out and she nods in agreement)

Rosa: It isn’t, but she’s trying to change her way of thinking. (Oh, that’s good!) I’m doing my best to encourage her too, but she slips up here and there when the topic is you. Remember her reaction to seeing your injured hand? (Rosa smirks slightly)

Anon: I did notice she had this extremely angry expression, but none of this crossed my mind at the time. (I went to rub the nape of my neck, however all the tools in my hands quickly cut that idea short)

Rosa: To be fair you were pretty exhausted, so it’s understandable that you didn’t press her about it at the time. (Hm, I still should’ve said something, I think…)  

We stayed in silence for a bit until we reached the shed. Once Rosa unlocks the door, we put everything back where it should be, with me stepping outside first. Rosa locks the place back up after double-checking that we’re not missing anything, nodding with satisfaction.

Rosa: And we’re done here! (Her smile comes up naturally as she dusts off her hands) Thank you for the help, An-on. Let’s head back now. (She turns around, ready to start walking)

Anon: Wait, Rosa. (I step closer to her)

Rosa: ¿Sí? (She turns around, though I’m already in the middle of something)

And that something is a grateful hug that I pull her into.

It takes a second for her to register it, but once she does, I’m getting hugged back as well. The difference in strength between us is obvious, as I’m clearly struggling to not have my spine broken in half, but right now I don’t really care.

Anon: Thank you for being there for Stella when I couldn’t. (I gently tap shoulder twice, and she pulls away from the hug) If you ever need anything, feel free to ask me for help, ‘kay?

Rosa: Alright, I’ll hold you to it. (She giggles before giving me a pleading look) And please, if anything happens, keep in touch with Stella, ¿de acuerdo?

Anon: You have my word. (I put a hand on top of where my heart is while making the promise) Though I don’t plan on going anywhere so soon. 

Rosa: You better not! (She grabs my ear with a smirk, tugging on it slightly)

Anon: H-Hey, that hurts! (My laugh gives away the fact that I’m only joking, but she releases me all the same)

Rosa: Just making my point clear. (She pats my shoulder apologetically before clearing her throat) Now, shall we go back?

Anon: Right behind ya. (And just like that, we’re moving again)

POV:

Fang

--Right after Anon and Rosa left--

And there goes the power duo, leaving me alone with the astrology and tarot enthusiast.

Honestly, I’m kinda happy we’re on good terms again. Stella is a treat to be around, and invoking her ire once is already one too many times. Even though I’ve been curious about some things regarding her and Anon, I didn’t wanna ask it over the phone.

This gives me a chance to have a better talk with her, just the two of us. Last time I did this with someone things turned out pretty well, so why not do it again?

I turn to face Stella, with her doing the same after watching Anon and Rosa leave.

Fang: I assume my good wing is gonna remain unbroken, then? (I joke, which makes Stella groan in shame)

Stella: I’m sorry again, it was extremely out of line to say something like that to a friend. (She hugs her knees, almost curling into a ball, which I do find slightly amusing) I was worried, but it’s not an excuse for how I acted.

Fang: Hey, don’t sweat it, I understand. (She raises an eyebrow, and I feel obligated to elaborate) Lost count of how many people I threatened in the past when they tried to start shit with Naser, so I’ve been in your shoes before. What I don’t know yet is why you care so much about Anon. (I cross my arms, waiting for an answer that neither of them have given me yet)

Stella: It’s kinda hard to begin explaining, but he was essentially my first real friend, even if we only used to chat online. (She uncurls from the stego-shaped ball, a nostalgic expression on her face) I’d get a lot of hate because I liked astrology and tarot, with some people calling it witchcraft, but Anon showed interest in my hobbies instead of mocking me for it.

Did he now? That’s interesting…

Fang: I think I know why that was the case. (I rub my chin as something he said to me during Monday comes to mind)

Stella: You do? (Both her eyebrows raise this time, and she leans forward, waiting for me to continue)

Fang: Well, I’m not gonna explain everything since that isn’t my story to share, but he told me that his love for poetry made almost everyone he interacted with call him all sorts of names. (I then gesture to her with an open hand)

Stella: So when he saw someone in a position similar to his… (The gears inside her head seem to be turning)

Fang: Yep, a friendship born out of shared isolation. (I nod, giving her a serious look) You should probably talk to him about it later, I doubt he’d keep stuff from you considering you’re such good friends.

Stella: You know, it’s possible that we might’ve been more than that if I hadn’t lost contact with him. (She blushes while saying that, tail wrapping around her leg. Wait, she doesn’t mean…?) When you’re a loner through most of your life and suddenly find someone who just understands you without even having to try… well, it’s hard not to fall in love.

Fang: Wait wait wait, dial it back a bit. (I raise both my hands, asking for a timeout) You were in love with Anon?!

Stella: Yeah, that used to be the case. (She laughs nervously) Keenly aware of how stupid it was too and that he probably didn’t see me that way, but a girl can dream, right? After we couldn’t talk anymore and Rosa started helping me get back on my feet, my feelings for Anon died not long after. (She sighs, looking towards where the duo went together. If it’s because of Rosa, Anon, or both at the same time, I don’t really know)

Fang: Well, that change of heart sure was quick. (Stella’s expression seems to sour for a bit, and I worry about having said something rude)

Stella: If you consider two months to be quick, then sure, it was. (She looks down at the ground) Even though Anon still has a special place inside my heart as my first real friend, Rosa kinda owns the place as my girlfriend. I’m not dumb enough to hold a crush on a person while dating someone else, so Anon is strictly my friend. (She crosses her arms while raising her head and letting out a “hunf!”)

Fang: Hm, good to know. (I only realize what I said once it’s too late)

Stella: …why is that? (She narrows her eyes)

Fang: It’d be extremely awkward to tell Rosa you still love Anon, wouldn’t it? (I deflect, doing my best to steer the conversation towards a different direction) Even though it is in my band’s name, I’d rather avoid all the drama that would bring.

Stella: Alright, fair point. (She shrugs before smirking at me) So, Fang, is there someone who’s caught your attention yet?

Fang: Nope, no one that made that big of an impact. (I look away, trying to hide the growing blush on my face)

Stella: You sure? (She shimmies closer, smirking even wider now) I’m a pretty good secret keeper when the subject is love~

Fang: Shut it, you don’t know how my heart works. (My lips tremble into a smile I can barely contain)

Stella: You have a crush on Anon, don’t you? (She smiles wickedly, and I unfortunately flinch when she says that) You do!

Fang: …one word of this to him and I’ll fold you in half with my bare hands. (I point at her, silence hanging in the air for a few seconds before we start laughing. Yeah, threats are not gonna work between us anymore) But for real, let me think over what this actually is before committing to anything. I don’t wanna find out it was just a fleeting feeling after starting to date him. (I look longingly to where he went with Rosa, wondering if this is just a crush… or something more)

Stella: Like I said, I’m a good secret keeper. (She gently nudges me with an elbow, smiling with nothing but empathy on her face) He’s not gonna hear anything about this conversation from me until you talk to him yourself.

Fang: What conversation? (I smirk)

Stella: Huh, I kinda forgot what we were talking about too, that’s weird. (She mirrors my smirk, shrugging) Oh well!

Fang: Thanks, Stella. (I say after laughing at her little joke)

Stella: Don’t mention it. (She waves her hand dismissively)

Anon: Don’t mention what? (AH, SHIT! How long have they been there?!)

Stella: Just girl talk. (Stella furrows her brow, looking at me) …wait, how do I use this expression with someone who’s enbie?

Fang: Beats me. (I shrug) I’m not gonna force you to invent a word for it though, girl talk is fine.

Stella: Oh thank you, I don’t have the brainpower for that right now. (She rubs her forehead with a tired smile)

Rosa: Should we call it a day? (Rosa asks while offering a hand to pull me off the ground) I’m sure everyone would like to rest after working so much.

Anon: Passing out on my bed for the next few hours doesn’t sound all that bad. (He rubs his chin as he says that)

Fang: Ditto, I’m not built for garden work. (I stretch myself after getting up with Rosa’s help, already wanting to go home)

Stella: There was a new anime episode that dropped earlier today, so… (She rubs the nape of her neck, smiling sheepishly)

Rosa: That settles it, then. (Clasping her hands together, Rosa lays out the final order for today) Let’s go home, everyone.

Fang: Freedom! (I raise my arms in the air, making both girls laugh while Anon shakes his head)

Anon: Pfft, drama queen. (His brow furrow just like Stella’s did, and he looks at me) Erm, drama monarch…? (Turning his attention to Stella and Rosa, he sees them both shrugging before throwing his hands up in defeat) I give up.

Fang: Ya’ll need to chill out, I’m not gonna jump on you like a feral animal for using a general expression. (I chuckle upon seeing the trio’s awkward reaction)

Anon: Phew, thank you. (He sighs in relief)

Fang: Don’t worry about it, dweeb. (I gently whack him with my right wing causing him to momentarily lose balance)

With that, we split off to do our own thing, either driving, walking, or taking the bus back home. I opted to go walking, taking in the scenery and all that. It helps me think on what to do next… though there’s a lot on my mind at once, so the thoughts kinda mix together.

It doesn’t take long for my phone to ping with a message, though. I have a feeling I know who this is.

Taking out my phone, I see…

--4 Unread messages from: Naser (baby bro)--

Thought so. If he managed to convince her, then tomorrow will be a pretty big day. 

Naser (baby bro)

-Yesterday-

[Naser (baby bro)] I’ll try and talk to her, sib, but I can’t guarantee she’ll agree to it.

Anything is better than nothing at this point. Anon gave me a push, but the rest is up to me [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Alright, I’ll work my magic then. Will keep you updated if I make any progress.

K, ty Naser [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Anytime, Fang. 

Love ya [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Love you too.

-Now-

[Naser (baby bro)] She agreed to it, so you better prepare.

[Naser (baby bro)] I think I can give you two enough space to talk alone, though it’d be better if you brought someone else along. Y’know, so I have an excuse to drag that person away and leave you with Naomi.

[Naser (baby bro)] Would be even better if they know what you’re trying to do.

[Naser (baby bro)] Got anyone in mind that is free tomorrow?

Well, Reed’s gonna be at a family gathering, Trish has a therapy session, Rosa and Stella are going on a date… [Fang]

Shit, don’t think I have anyone [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] What about Anon? Surely he’s free tomorrow.

[Naser (baby bro)] You think he’d help?

Sure hope so, ‘cause no one else is gonna be available [Fang]

Man, I wanted to do this without him [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Well, he’ll just be a distraction. Besides, it’s a good chance to show him around the city.

[Naser (baby bro)] And for you two to get closer.

[Naser (baby bro)] :kissy_face:

Shut up! [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Heh.

[Naser (baby bro)] Make me, sib.

You fucker, you’re so dead once I get home [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Love you too! 

[Naser (baby bro)] Gtg now, Mom just finished making lunch, so get your ass over here already.

Omw, be there in 10 [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] Will let her know.

[Naser (baby bro)] Ttyl sib.

Ttyl, baby bro [Fang]

[Naser (baby bro)] :middle_finger:

Heh, I love how rude he gets when I say that. Well, gotta pick up the pace now, otherwise he and Dad won’t leave anything for me to eat. Mom’s food is divine, which means I will throw hands if there’s nothing for me once I get home.

I’ll think about tomorrow after eating lunch, because I need to think about how I’m gonna properly apologize to Naomi. There’s so much I want to say, but I’m not that good with words… Where would I even start?

Those are thoughts for later, I guess. Right now I’m hungry, and there’s food waiting for me at home.

Onwards to a delicious meal!

— — — — — — —

--February 2nd, Sunday--

POV:

Anon

It’s 10:14 in the morning, and I’m out of the apartment already. I was starting to wonder how long it was gonna take for someone else besides Stella to drag me out of my room during the weekend. Turns out, not that long.

Fang asked me yesterday if I wanted to go with them, Naser, and Naomi to watch a movie later today. Having nothing better to do, I accepted… and then they told me why exactly I was invited.

“I’m gonna try and have a one on one conversation with Naomi, and Naser kinda needs an excuse to leave me alone with her. So that’s where you come in.”

I was reassured by both Fang and Naser that I could just enjoy the day without having to worry too much about their little plan, and I’ll take their word for it. If I’m getting out of the apartment, I’d rather it be to do something fun.

There’s only one issue, though: We’re gonna meet ‘em at their house, which means I’ll also be meeting their parents. Fang just told me to be myself, and I honestly hope it doesn’t end poorly for me considering their father is the Commissioner of Police of Volcaldera Bluffs, which is a title that doesn’t do much to calm me down.

“It’ll be fine, dweeb” they said. As if that makes this whole situation any better!

I’m on my way to the Aaron household already, and the longer I spend on this bus, the more I start doubting this whole idea. Even though I…

…

I went to Stella’s house, I met her parents, and even became friends with her dog. Nothing went wrong there, so why would it here? I just gotta calm the fuck down before I mess everything up due to overthinking.

Let’s simplify it a bit.

I’ll meet Mr and Mrs Aaron. Then Fang, Naser, Naomi and I will go out to watch a movie. Sometime during all that, Naser and I will leave Naomi and Fang alone so they can talk it out and start mending their friendship. After everything, we’ll go back to their house, and then Naser can give me a ride back ho-

Ohhhhhh no, he’s gonna find out I live in the shittiest part of town.

Maybe I can just take the bus? Hell, even walking would be better. 

“We got here by hiding shit, so it’s about time we change that a little bit.”

…damn it, Fang, why did you have to make such a good point back then? Guess I’ll just tell ‘em if I’m asked about it, though it’s not something I’ll bring up willingly.

The bus comes to a sudden stop, and I thank the driver before getting out. Looking at my phone, I recheck Gruugle Maps in hopes of finding my way to Fang’s house.

Okay, let’s do this.

It’ll be fine… hopefully.

— — — — — — —

Anon: …This should be it. (I mumble to myself, looking up from my phone at the supposed entrance to the Aaron household and standing before it from across the street)

The house itself looks pretty stereotypical from the outside, almost like those fancy neighborhoods that appear in Berrywood movies to depict when a character is wealthy, but not too much. I’m starting to doubt I got the right place when a window on the second floor opens, and a familiar one-winged ptero waves me over.

Fang: Come on, dweeb! (They move to close the window, smiling at me all the while) Can’t wait all day!

…okay then, I guess this really is their house. Good to know at least one of us has a family that’s doing well in the financial department.

I cross the street and head towards the door, hearing some commotion inside the house. Those footsteps sound quite heavy… heavier than Fang’s boots, to be exact.

The door swings open as a mountain of a man stands before me.

His color scheme is akin to Naser’s, so there’s not a shadow of a doubt that he’s their father.  His expression is a tired one, his posture being somewhat laidback, but his eyes… 

Even with his current indifference towards me, I can feel them staring into my soul with ease, like I’m an open book for him to read. As this information gets processed all at once, my worries about the rest of the day are replaced by something else entirely for a split second:

“What if Fang’s father doesn’t even let me tag along with his children?”

Before that question starts taking too much space inside my mind, the giant ptero steps outside of the house and closes the door behind him.

Oh no.

???: So, you’re the new kid both my children keep talking about. (His tone of voice is calm, which is… good? I sure hope it’s good) Anon, was it?

Anon: Y-Yes sir, that’d be me. (I nod once, pretty sure that my nervousness is showing already)

He lets out a grunt before offering me his hand. I stare at it in confusion for a second before carefully accepting the gesture, expecting him to crush my hand with a wicked grin…

…but the pain of broken bones never comes.

He holds my hand in a firm handshake, hard enough to get his strength across, but gently enough to not actually harm me. That’s… surprising, to say the least.

He lets go of my hand soon after, crossing his arms.

???: Name’s Ripley, kid. (He points a finger at me with a hand) But that’s Mr. Aaron to you, got it?

Anon: Got it, Mr. Aaron. (I nod again, afraid to do much else aside from that)

Ripley: Good. (He grins for a second before falling back to a neutral expression) Look, before you enter my house there’s a few things I gotta ask. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but the last time Lucy brought a guy over he ended up being a huge asshole. (His eyes narrow, staring straight into my soul, if not through it) I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

Anon: …Lucy? (I tilt my head in confusion) But I thought their name was Fang.

Ripley: It’s… (Ripley rubs his eyes, sighing) …complicated, but that’s something Lucy will explain if you ask them about it. I’m happy to know you at least use their correct pronouns, that’s already more than the last guy did. (He says that last part with a smile, though it only lasts for a fleeting moment)

Anon: Uh… (I’m getting mixed signals here, what the hell is his deal? Does he like me or not?) Okay…? You mentioned making sure I’m not an a-hole, so-

Ripley: Both my kids vouched for the fact that you’re a decent guy, but there’s a few things I want to know. (He raises three fingers) What are your hobbies?

Anon: I… like making poems. (Didn’t wanna tell him about that, but it’s better than letting him assume the worst about me) Though I don’t tend to share that fact with other people, Fang knows I do write a lot, so you can ask them about it. (I rub my chin, thinking) Aside from that, I’m also part of the school’s gardening club, so you could probably add that to the list as well.

Ripley: Both a poet and gardener, huh? (He lowers one of his fingers. Two left) Well then, why did someone like you move schools so suddenly?

Anon: That’s… a bit of a sore topic. (I wince and look away) Kinda got bullied into it, and I’d rather leave it at that.

Ripley: Ah, sorry, I didn’t know. (His reply is so gentle in tone that I give up on trying to figure out how his mood works) Let’s wrap this up quickly then. (Another finger goes down. One left) I assume you live with your parents, so where should I go in the case I need to take you home?

My blood goes cold as the question floats in the air. It wasn’t the exact wording I was expecting, nor who I thought would ask me that, but it doesn’t change the fact that I feel like a deer caught in headlights.

“Where do you live?”

Ripley: Well? (He crosses his arms again, raising an eyebrow) I’m waiting.

Anon: I, uh… (I look at the ground, fearing what may happen after I answer his question) I live by myself, in Skin Row.

I can see one of the ptero’s eyes visibly twitch as a scowl forms on his face.

Ripley: And why, pray tell, are you living alone in that cesspool of crime and drug addiction? (His tone of voice is extremely aggressive right now)

Anon: Got shoved in there by my parents to finish the school year. (A visible grimace forms on my face) I don’t want to talk about it.

Ripley: …you will, but not right now. (He sighs, shaking his head) I may worry about my kids, but I’m not overprotective to the point of being irrational. It’s still my duty as the Commissioner of Police to worry about those who live in such a place, so we’ll talk about that when I give you a ride home later today. (Wha- huh?!)

Anon: I can-

Ripley: I don’t care if you can go home by yourself. (My mouth shuts on its own in response to his immediate reprimand) You live in a dangerous neighborhood, and neither of my children would forgive me if I willingly let their friend go home so late to such a dangerous part of town, kid. (He crosses his arms one more time, narrowing his eyes) Was I clear?

Anon: …crystal, Mr. Aaron. (I lower my head without any counter arguments to use)

Ripley: Good. (A gentle pat on my shoulder follows his reply) And sorry for being such a hardass. (He then opens the door, stepping inside the house) Come on in, have a cup of… well, whatever you prefer, since Sam tends to overdo the quantity of snacks.

Anon: Thank you, sir. (As he opens the door and steps inside, I follow him) Is Sam your wife?

Ripley: Yep, and she’ll insist you call her Samantha, so there’s your heads up already. (He chuckles while closing the door behind me)

Anon: Oh, alright then. (I take a look around the house, and-)

Well, this place looks better than I expected. Kinda hard to beat how lavish Stella’s house is, but still, it feels pretty homely here. There’s several family photos lining the walls, though most of them are of Naser and Fang over the years.

From little dorks wearing pirate costumes, to teens with already broken wings, and finally young adults with their current choice of clothing. 

…so their wings weren’t always like that, huh?

I remember Fang trying to tell me about ‘em when we were on the rooftop, but they haven’t mentioned it after that day. I kinda assumed that it was some sort of birth defect they shared with Naser, but thinking better about it reminded me that they’re not twins, so it had to be either an accident or two extremely unfortunate births.

I’ll ask one of them later, though I’m not sure it’ll be a fun talk to have.

Looking around the house a little more, I notice the kitchen to my left, a set of stairs in front of me, and a living room to my righ-

Fang: Yo, dweeb, over here! (Their voice snaps me out of the little introspection session I was having. They pat the seat on the couch next to them) Make yourself comfy.

I enter the living room after Fang called for me, noticing Naser sitting on a pretty comfortable-looking chair, with Ripley having a recliner of his own. Naomi isn’t here yet, from what I can see.

Wait, where’s Samantha?

Samantha: Ah, you must be Anon! (A feminine voice speaks from behind me) Please, dear, have a seat and eat something.

I turn to face the voice, expecting someone around my height to be standing there, but she’s way smaller than I originally thought. I gotta look down to properly see who I’m talking to, since her head barely reaches up to my chest.

She has Fang’s color scheme, so it’s no doubt that the petite ptero woman standing before me is Samantha, the matriarch of the Aaron household. My brief moment of confusion gives way to an awkward smile as I nod.

Anon: Thank you Mrs. A- uh, Samantha. (It feels so weird calling her by the first name, but if that’s what she prefers, then I won’t object)

Samantha: You can thank me by saying which one of the snacks I prepared was your favorite. (She giggles while ushering me towards the couch)  

I find myself sitting to the left of Fang not long after, still kinda processing everything. Maybe the whole “house analyzing” can wait.

My eyes are drawn to the table in front of me, alongside the snacks sitting on top of it.

A tray of chocolate chip cookies right beside a plate of perfectly golden toast slices, another of cinnamon rolls, and even an absurd amount of sandwiches – some of them being made with veggies, most likely for Naomi when she arrives. There was also coffee – with milk to add onto it, because why wouldn’t there be – orange juice, apple juice, and a good ol’ fashioned water jug.

Holy fuck, this is a lot. 

I understand that they’re a family of four with two guests coming over today, but is this really necessary?!

Samantha: Don’t be shy now, eat as much as you want. (I look at her, noticing the expectant expression on her face)

Anon: Uh, can I really…? (It just doesn’t feel right to “eat as much as I want” y’know?)

Fang: Mom’s gonna be offended if you don’t take at least a cookie. (Fang snickers while taking a bite out of a sandwich)

Samantha: Lucy! (Samantha places both hands on her hips)

Ripley: They’re right, dear. (Ripley remarks with a smile) Remember when Naser’s girlfriend didn’t eat anything because she thought it’d be rude?

Samantha: …I have no idea what you’re talking about. (Now she crosses her arms, pouting while looking away)

Naser: Pretty sure you mumbled angrily through the rest of that day, Mom. (Jeez, let the woman breathe!)

Samantha: You three really are just like each other. (She sighs, shaking her head while trying to hide a smile)

Fang: That’s family to ya! (The quartet chuckles together, though I feel a little left out of the interaction)

While they’re laughing with each other, I meekly take a cookie from the tray and bite into it. The cookie dissolves almost immediately despite the initial crunch it had, and the taste of chocolate fills my mouth. Not too sweet, but not flavorless either, it hits just right.

If heaven had a taste, it’d be represented by this cookie, which is not something I was expecting to think after entering this house.

Before I even knew it, I'd eaten half a dozen more within the span of a minute, only stopping after Fang poked my arm.

Fang: Hey, dweeb, you’re gonna end up choking if you eat any faster. (I blink twice, stopping myself from bringing another cookie to my mouth)

Anon: O-Oh, sorry. (I rub the nape of my neck awkwardly) It’s just… these cookies are so good it’s kinda hard to control myself.

Naser: We don’t touch ‘em precisely because of that. (Naser points at me with his piece of toast while talking) You eat one, and the whole tray vanishes in a blink soon after.

Anon: Could’ve used a warning, y’know? (I reply with faux anger, which gets a chuckle out of him)

Fang: Nah, I think that’s enough to make someone’s day, right? (We all look towards Samantha…)

Samantha: Maybe~ (…who’s humming happily to herself. She turns around and struts back into the kitchen, a quiet melody following along with her)

Fang: Great job, you’re on her good side now. (Fang gently whacks me with their wing, wrapping it all the way in front of them to hit me in the face. And here I thought I was safe by sitting on its opposite side)

Ripley: Careful with the snacks, Lucy. (He points at them with his free hand, the other one holding half of a cinnamon roll) I’m grounding you if the cinnamon rolls get damaged in any way, and that includes your feathers.

Fang: I’ll consider it, old man. (Fang bites into their sandwich with a smirk, and Ripley does the same with his pastry)

We munch on our choice of snacks in relative silence, with only Fang and Naser occasionally talking to each other about the upcoming movie we’ll be watching. I pour myself a glass of orange juice to be somewhat healthy, considering how many cookies I’ve eaten so far.

It doesn’t take long for the fourth member of today’s expedition to arrive. She rings the doorbell and is welcomed into the house by Samantha. 

We hear some chit-chat between them before she reaches the living room, her usual cheerfulness getting immediately replaced by confusion and panic.

Naomi’s eyes darted around: from me, to Naser, and finally to Fang.

Naomi: Um… good morning, everyone. (She slowly raises a hand to greet us)

Naser: Morning to you, love. (He smiles at her, and she seems to relax a little)

Anon: Hello, hello. (I do a two-finger salute, though she’s still looking at Naser)

Ripley: Good morning, Naomi. (He nods and she bows her head in return)

Fang: …hey. (Their tone of voice is extremely quiet, but I can still see Naomi flinch while hearing it) 

An awkward silence spreads through the room, though one of the pteros manages to break it effortlessly. She steps out of the kitchen and gently touches Naomi’s shoulder, and I can see from here that she almost jumped from the sudden contact.

Samantha: Don’t just stand there, make yourself comfortable! (She nudges Naomi into the room) You need to eat something before going out to watch that movie, right?

Naomi: W-Well, if you insist…

She steps further into the living room, grabbing a herbie sandwich before quickly walking to stand beside Naser. She eats the sandwich slowly, avoiding eye contact with Fang as much as possible.

The silence from before comes back with full force, with neither of the ptero siblings wanting to speak up, and Naomi not feeling like making smalltalk. I know they said I could just enjoy today instead of partaking in any plans, but I feel like someone has to break this awkwardness.

Might as well be me.

Anon: Hey, Naomi, how are things going within the student council? (I’m terrible at this) Anything nice coming up in the near future?

Naomi: Oh, nothing special, no. (She stops eating to answer me) There should be a mandatory presentation in about a month or so, but other than that… (She looks at nothing in particular, with her brows furrowing for a second before speaking again) Nope, I think that’s it.

Anon: Thank you for the insider knowledge, class prez. (That gets a chuckle out of her) Also, I’ve been told we’re gonna watch a movie today, but no one told me what the movie is about. Care to enlighten me? (I lean forward, noticing a smile forming on the edges of her mouth)

Naomi: Of course! (And there’s her usual enthusiasm!) I’ve been wanting to watch this movie for a couple weeks now, so I’m glad you wanna know! It’s about-

And just like that, Naomi goes on a tangent about a fantasy movie in which the two main characters – dino and human twins  – go on a journey of discovery to try and find their parents after being separated from them at birth. The overall plot seems very interesting, to be honest.

While she’s yapping about the movie, I notice not only the spark of happiness in her eyes, but also the loving expression that Naser has on his face. I can even see Fang smiling out of the corner of my eye, which makes me happy as well.

Naomi: And that’s all I can say without spoiling too much. (She crosses her arms, frowning for a second) The trailer showed some pretty important moments of the story, so I’m protecting you from that.

Anon: Sounds awesome. (I get up from my seat on the couch) So, are we gonna go watch that movie already or what?

Naser: The next session doesn’t start until roughly an hour from now, there’s no point in leaving so soon. (…oh, I see)

Anon: We could just mess around while we wait for that, then. (I offer in return, and he seems to be considering it) Leaving at the last second might cause us to miss it entirely due to a traffic jam or something of the sort.

Fang: He’s got a point. (Fang adds while also getting up. After stretching, they give Naser a devilish grin) Besides, we’d have enough time to do a snack rush.

Naser: I completely forgot we used to do those! (His eyes widen with realization, and he essentially jumps off the chair he was on)

Naomi: Snack rush? (Naomi asks before I can)

Naser: We grab chips, sodas, candies, and whatever else our hearts desire before entering the movie theater. (Naser has a dreamy look on his face while describing what a snack rush is) Since they charge an arm and leg for those, we usually just buy them from nearby stores.

Naomi: Isn’t that against the rules? (Her eyes widen slightly at the prospect of breaking said rules)

Fang: Nah, there’s no official law to enforce that. (Even though it’s Fang talking, Naomi seems to be paying close attention to them) They make it seem like there is one, but if you threaten a lawsuit they give it up.

Anon: Isn’t that a bit extreme? (I rub the nape of my neck before hearing the ptero patriarch move around on his seat)

Ripley: Making up laws to benefit yourself is, as you’d expect, against the law. (Can’t argue with that) There’s some rule or whatever that they can refuse service to anyone who brings stuff from outside, but that disappears the moment you buy something from them before entering the theater. (He waves his hand nonchalantly) Grab some popcorn, and if they keep giving you trouble, then just mention my name.

Fang: We got permission to use the “my dad is a cop” card. (They smirk while looking at Naser) This is gonna be fun.

Ripley: Behave yourself, Lucy. (He adds calmly before going back to munching on a cinnamon roll)

Naser: In any case, we should probably get moving. (He starts heading out of the living room) C’mon, let’s go.

Naomi: Coming! (She’s the second to move)

Anon: Right behind ya. (I’m the third)

Fang: Ditto. (They’re the fourth and final member)

We form a little line behind Naser as he walks us towards the door. Mr. Aaron doesn’t seem to have anything else to say to us, choosing to enjoy his cinnamon rolls in peace. 

…unlike the other ptero parent.

Samantha: Take care, don’t come home late, and call us if anything happens, okay? (She appears out of nowhere, tugging on both of the siblings’ arms for them to lean down)

Naser/Fang: Yes, Mom. (It’s almost like they practiced this with how synchronized that reply was)

Samantha: Enjoy your day out, but please, stay safe. (She gives a forehead kiss to each one, before letting go of their arms with a smile)

Naser/Fang: We will, Mom. (They repay the smile in kind, and out the door we go)

It doesn’t take that long for us to jump into Naser’s car, and soon enough we’re making our way to the movie theater. The funny thing is that we actually did get stuck in a traffic jam for about twenty minutes or so, and Fang told me to go buy a lottery ticket later on the reasoning of me being a prophet.

Not like I actually knew it was gonna happen, but it was a non-zero chance at the end of the day.

The ride is mostly silent aside from Naser angry grumbling at the other drivers on the road, and even though I can’t make out what he says, I’m pretty sure he’s SEETHING with anger. Fang listens to music while scrolling on their phone, I look out the window to take in the landscape of the city, and Naomi keeps trying to reassure Naser into not yelling at anyone.

After the traffic jam clears, Naser keeps driving at barely legal speeds, successfully parking us in front of a pretty huge mall a few minutes later. We step out of the car, and our designated driver lets out a huge sigh of relief.

Naomi: Naser, are you alright? (She touches his shoulder, and he exhales while rubbing his eyes)

Naser: I’m fine, I’m fine… (Sure doesn’t look like it)

Fang: Careful, little bro, you might pop a vein. (Naser inhales sharply, giving Fang a death stare while they hold back a laugh)

Anon: How about we head inside before Naser either knocks someone out or ends up having an aneurysm? (I step forward, drawing attention to myself)

Naser: Please, let’s just go already. (Once again Naser takes the lead, and we follow behind him without any protest)

Switching from a line and into pairs, Fang and Naser take the lead while Naomi and I walk behind them.

The siblings point out several possible stores for us to go buy snacks after we get our movie tickets, and take the opportunity to route where we could go after the movie ends. They debate a lot on where we should eat, with Fang wanting McDinolds and Naser opting for Underway.

Naomi and I have no real preference, mostly because I can eat whatever and she knows that most food brands cater to herbies in one way or another. We let the siblings bicker a little longer, but they call a temporary truce to buy the tickets for us.

Naomi jumps to the front of the group, excited as a puppy that just walked into the toy aisle, almost vibrating with joy. Fang steps back and lets the couple buy the tickets – alongside a voucher for a popcorn combo, which will help a lot when we enter the theater with our snacks.

Thanks for the tip, Mr. Aaron.

With our destiny set in stone, we turn back the way we came to figure out who’s going where to buy what. We only have around half an hour to get the snacks before the movie starts, so if we count the pre-movie ads, it gives us – roughly – an extra five minutes.

Thirty five minutes to get some snacks and rush back to the theater. That’s doable, despite how packed the mall seems to be. It is Sunday, after all.

Naser: Alright, let’s split into groups of two. (He moves to stand beside me) Anon and I can probably carry the most amount of stuff, so we’ll go get the sodas and chip bags. Fang, Naomi, you two are on candy duty. (Naomi visibly flinches when she realizes Fang will be her buddy for the next few minutes)

Fang: Thank god you’re the one doing the heavy lifting. (Fang smirks, leaning forward slightly) Just try not to ruin the sodas by running back here, yeah?

Naser: Shut up, I’m not that dumb. (He rolls his eyes, a smile showing up at the same time)

Naomi: Um, can’t I go with you, dear? (She steps forwards, nervously fidgeting with her hands) There’s some brands I want to avoid and-

Anon: Oh, just message them to me or Naser, and we’ll make sure to grab something else. (The three of them look at me, and I do my best to keep a calm smile on my face)

I see relief on Fang’s face, and a worried frown on Naomi’s. Pretty sure she’s screaming internally right now, and that feeling is an old buddy of mine.

Naser: We gotta go before we run out of time. (He pulls Naomi close and gives her a peck on the cheek. The kiss seems to lift her spirits, even if just by a little bit) Don’t worry, we won’t take long.

Naomi: Okay… (Her voice doesn’t radiate much confidence)

Naser: C’mon Anon, let’s move. (He starts walking away, gesturing for me to follow)

Anon: Lead the way. (I catch up with him before he gets too far)

Naser and I dash to a nearby store, stepping inside and deciding to go for the chips first. I grab two baskets before we head further into the place, just to make sure we’re not trying to juggle everything at once.

I ready the baskets once we get to the correct aisle, letting Naser pick up as many bags of chips as the basket can hold. His phone vibrated once while we’re walking, and after checking it, he confirmed it was Naomi’s list of what she wants us to avoid. 

Naser’s hands move to take what we’ll need, though I notice his pace slowing down. He turns to talk to me, which is something I expected would happen soon.

Naser: Hey, uh, nice quick thinking back there. (He smiles before looking back at the shelf in front of him) Didn’t want you to have a hand in what Fang planned for today, but you kinda kept things afloat twice by now. Sorry for dragging you into this. (He rubbed the nape of his neck with an apologetic look on his face)

Anon: Nah, it’s alright. (I do a small, nonchalant wave with one hand) I was the one who told Fang they needed to talk with Naomi, so being able to help them go through with it doesn’t bother me at all. Besides, I’d probably be stuck at home doing nothing if you two didn’t invite me over. (I laugh, though a touch of bitterness bleeds into it)

Naser: Guess it beats the monotony at least, huh? (We both chuckle and I nod in agreement)

Anon: Dude, it’s been years since I went out to see a movie in theaters, I’d be down to watch a fucking documentary, given the chance! (He signs for me to lower my voice, and I check myself before pissing off someone nearby) Missed being able to do this, y’know?

Naser: Parents are too busy? (He questions while putting some chips in the basket)

Anon: …In a way, yeah. (Naser nods, turning around and motioning to follow him. Soda time, I guess) And getting out of the apartment is probably good for my health too.

Naser: True, true. (He checks his phone, probably trying to remember what brands Naomi doesn’t like) Just be careful on the streets, you never know what might happen in Skin-

He suddenly freezes, standing as stiff as a board, phone almost falling out of his hands.

Naser’s sentence got cut short so suddenly that it takes me a moment to process what he was gonna say, but when I do, the color vanishes from my face.

“You never know what might happen in Skin Row. ”

…he knows.

He… knows?

HE KNOWS?!?!

HOW COULD HE-

…wait a minute.

Anon: Naser? (I ask with anger in my voice)

Naser: Y-Yeah? (He turns his head to look me sideways, but the rest of his body is still facing away from me)

Anon: Were you eavesdropping when your dad was talking to me? (His head hangs down, and he slowly turns around)

Naser: In my defense, the living room window was open. (His eyes don’t meet mine, though I see the worry in them)

Anon: Fucking hell… (I try to rub my forehead, and almost hit myself with the still empty basket) Does Fang know?

Naser: They were talking to Mom when you told Dad about where you live, and jumped on the couch as soon as they heard him walking back into the house. (Okay, don’t have to deal with that so soon)

Anon: Did you tell them? (I step closer to him, feeling oddly similar to how Fang was when I mentioned their fight with Naomi)

Naser: I’ve been in your line of sight ever since you came over, Anon. I physically couldn’t have. (He crosses his arms, and a breath I didn’t know was being held escapes me once I realize how I’m acting)

Anon: Fair enough, I guess. (I look down, a wave of shame hitting me with full force)

Naser: You should tell ‘em, though. (Naser puts a hand on my shoulder with an encouraging smile on display) Would be better if they heard it from you rather than from me or Dad.

Anon: I’ll tell them another time. (Cat’s outta the bag, I guess. Just don’t wanna dive headfirst into why I’m living in Skin Row right now) Don’t wanna ruin the mood today because of something like that.

Naser: Makes sense. (He removes his hand from my shoulder, nodding) And hey, if you ever need a ride in or out of that place, I’m only one call away, yeah?

Anon: Will keep that in mind, though your dad probably wouldn’t let you step foot there. (He rolls his eyes, starting to smirk)

Naser: You’re assuming I’d tell him. (I raise an eyebrow)

Anon: And here I was thinking you were the more responsible of the two siblings. (Naser’s smirk widens, and one forms on my mouth as well)

We share a laugh before moving to the soda section, passing by the candy aisle on the way there. Naser said that Fang and Naomi would have it covered, so we focused on the second part of our objective.

He grabs a few cans once we’re there, inspecting them to see if they’re on Naomi’s blacklist. Even though staying in silence wasn’t all that bad, there were some things I wanted to ask him.

Anon: Hey, Naser, quick question. (I offer him the basket for the sodas)

Naser: Go for it. (He replies absent-mindedly)

Anon: What’s the deal with your parents? (I see him clench his hands, almost crushing the poor soda cans)

Naser: Excuse me? (He gives me his undivided attention, and a death glare to boot)

Anon: Shit, sorry, poor choice of words. (My mind scrambles to reform the sentence, and thankfully it doesn’t leave Naser pissed off for too long) I meant to ask why your dad is so unreadable, and why your mom acted so worried when you and Fang left the house.

Naser: Shoulda started with that, don’t you think? (He checks the soda cans to make sure they’re intact before rubbing his forehead with the back of a hand)

Anon: Again, my bad, I just kinda spoke without thinking. (Coulda have said something WAY worse on accident, but still, that was a fuckup)

Naser: Well… (He puts the cans on the basket, rubbing his chin after while thinking) Dad’s always been like that, with him being a cop and all, but his way of treating others changed drastically over the years because of Fang’s transitioning. He tries to balance being kind and being harsh without going overboard with either one. 

Anon: Jeez, sounds rough. (He nods in agreement) What about your mom?

Naser: She’s… complicated. (He sighs, a look of guilt appearing on his face as he gestures to his broken right wing) Ever since this happened, she’s always been extra caring yet incredibly overprotective of Fang and I, to the point where sometimes she looks to be on the verge of a breakdown while thinking something bad may happen to us.

Anon: Wow, I… don’t even know what to say. (My eyes widened by instinct. Is Samantha really that fragile?)

Naser: There’s more I could add too, but I feel like this is not the time nor the place for it. (Few more cans in the basket, and we’re good to go)

Anon: Agreed. (I quickly count everything we got to make sure there’s enough for everyone before talking to Naser) We should go back to check on-

*Ping, ping*

Naser and I both receive a message at the same time. He takes the soda basket off my hands so I can properly check my phone, and I notice the message that came through is from Fang. 

Well, messages, since they kept sending more while I was taking out my phone.

Fang

[Fang] Hey, I talked to her

[Fang] We’re good, I think 

[Fang] Better than before at least

[Fang] Just please come back already, it’s still kinda awkward here

We’re on our way, dw [Anon]

Just try not to die lol [Anon]

[Fang] Hurry tf up!

I can’t help but smirk at their reply. Looking over at Naser, I notice a smile appearing while he stares at his screen. He turns his gaze over to me, and we pocket our phones.

Naser: Guess we can head back now, yeah? (He gets a better grip on the basket before motioning to the checkout area with his head)

Anon: Sounds like it. (I nod, both of us walking at a calm pace) Gotta pay for this stuff first, but it shouldn’t take long.

Naser: Let’s go then, I’ll cover it. (Oh how I wish I had money to pay for my part)

Anon: If you say so. (Without being able to do much, I follow him)

We pay for our stuff without any issues or delay, thankfully. Sharing the bags between us, Naser carries the chips while I take the sodas, and the walk back to where we split from Fang and Naomi goes by in a pleasant silence.

There’s still a lot I want to know, but that’s a topic best saved for later.

We spot the para-ptero duo sitting on a bench, with Fang lazily holding the bag of candy while Naomi seems to be on the lookout for where we’re coming from. The former notices us approaching, and waves with relief clear in their eyes. I wonder how things played out between them, but eh, I can ask Fang about that later.

It’s not like I can see what happened through their eyes anyway.

POV:

Fang

--Right after Anon and Naser left--

Okay, okay, moment of truth. Hopefully Naomi doesn’t avoid me so much that we barely end up talking to one another.

We’re already walking towards a pretty secluded candy store – mostly because I know the place has good shit for incredibly low prices. People rarely come here, and I have no idea how it is still open to be honest. Maybe I just don’t see the tidal wave of clients?

No matter. There shouldn’t be anyone nearby to hear me talk with Naomi, so I just need to-

Naomi: H-Hey, uh, I’ll just stay right here, okay? (I hear her voice behind me before entering the store)

I turn around to look at her, noticing she’s inching closer to a nearby bench. The moment our eyes make contact, she jumps slightly, and I feel extremely bad knowing she’s so afraid of me. Anon said she wants to make amends, but just like I kept pushing her away all these years, she’s also constantly avoiding me.

…which ties back to me treating her like shit, so I guess it’s still my fault.

Rubbing my eyes with a sigh, I look at Naomi with the most gentle expression I can muster. Should I tell that I want to talk or just hope she understands it by herself?

…she’ll just keep her distance unless I make my intentions clear, won’t she? 

Well well well, if it ain’t the consequences of my past actions. Fuck you, Fang…

Fang: Naomi, I want to talk with you, okay? (She stops mid-step, looking at me with bewilderment) Been wanting to do so all week, just… didn’t find a good time for it before.

Naomi: You… want to talk? (She questions while taking a step forwards this time, eyebrows raised with both curiosity and caution)

Fang: Yeah. (I nod)

Naomi: With me? (Raptor Jesus, girl, you’re making this more difficult than it needs to be!)

Fang: Again, yeah, but it’ll be quieter in there. (I motion to the store with a wing) There’s a lot I have to say, so, please?

Naomi: …alright, I’m coming. (Her voice has a hint of… something, though I can’t exactly place what emotion that was)

Fang: Thank you. (I smile as she catches up to me)

We were finally walking side by side, albeit not comfortably by any stretch of the word.

Entering the store, I grab a basket and wave to the human cashier by the entrance, earning me a smile before he goes back to scrolling on his phone. There’s a spinosarus security guard leaning against a nearby wall that nods to me once we pass by her, and I return the gesture.

Once we’re deeper into the store and behind several shelves lined to the brim with sweets, Naomi pokes my arm.

Naomi: You know them? (She points at where the cashier and security guard are, even with the multitude of shelves between us)

Fang: Since I was little. (I confirm while roaming the aisle we ended up at. There’s no one else around, so I can take a good look at what I wanna grab) Dad is good friends with the security lady, and the cashier has seen Naser and I countless times.

Naomi: Huh, that’s cool. (We’re running out of topics to stall, I see)

Fang: I know, right? (I laugh, though it sounds incredibly forced, probably because it is)

Naomi: So, uh… what did you want to talk about? (I stop dead in my tracks)

Here it comes.

You’ve done this before, Fang. Talking to Anon was already an experience and a half, but this shouldn’t be that hard. You’re just gonna talk with an old friend of yours that you’ve been treating like shit for several years, no biggie.

…Raptor Jesus, give me strength.

Turning to the nearest shelf, I start getting some stuff out of my chest while idly looking for candy.

Fang: I had a talk with a certain someone earlier this week, and they helped me realize that I’ve been childish to an extreme degree when interacting with you. (I don’t look at her. I can’t, because if I do, I’ll end up crying) Before anything else, I’d like to apologize for not noticing that on my own before. I got too fixed onto holding a grudge that I didn’t stop to think about why that grudge existed in the first place.

I keep myself busy by picking up chocolate bars and various types of candy. So long as my hands keep moving, I should be able to avoid the waterfall ready to be unleashed through my eyes.

…how long will that last, though?

Fang: We fought, yeah, but it happened three years ago, and I should’ve been over that fact already. (I sigh, inspecting a pack of N&Ns for way longer than necessary) Not even to mention that you tried to make amends while I only pushed you away, and I want to apologize for that as well.

My hands start shaking, and I have yet to hear anything coming from Naomi.

Please, just… say something, anything.

Fang: I know it’s been a while, and I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but I really want to try and go back to how we used to be, y’know? (Keeping my voice steady is hard, unsurprisingly. I didn’t think it’d be such a challenge, but the connection I had with Naomi seems to be affecting me more than I’d like to admit…) You were my best friend before what went down, and I’ll be the first to admit that I miss our chats from back then.

I finally hear her take a step, though nothing else follows that action.

Is… is she leaving? I can’t tell if she’s coming closer or walking away.

Fang: I should’ve probably trusted Naser’s judgement of character too, considering you two started dating last year, but I never thought anything of it. (I actually hated Naser for a while once that happened. Felt like he was betraying me by getting closer to someone I absolutely despised) If he was willing to stick by you even after I told him about the fight, then he clearly saw something I hadn’t, but again I just…

My hand stops before reaching another candy bar, clutching the air with great frustration.

Fang: I messed up a lot, and let my emotions get in the way of reason more than once, which is something you didn’t let happen to you, so…

I turn to face her, our eyes finally meeting. She seems on the verge of tears, and I’m probably not doing any better.

I take a deep breath.

Fang: I’m truly sorry for all the shit I said, not only to you, but about you as well. (My confidence falters and I lower my head) I’m sorry for being so unstable back then, because you didn’t deserve to be treated like that. I’m sorry for not hearing you out when you tried to apologize, and also for not doing the same all this time. (I start trembling, eyes filled with tears) I’m sorry for… for…

I involuntarily drop to my knees, emotions overflowing and getting the better of me. The basket full of candies lands safely on the floor beside me, and I try to use the handles as support so I don’t fall face-first into the ground.

Fang: …I’m sorry for being a terrible friend for such a long time. (Huh, it’s been a while since my vision got so blurry when talking to someone. I didn’t miss this at all) I’m… I’m sor-

Naomi: That’s enough, Fang.

Naomi pulls me into a fierce hug, and I instinctively cover her with my good wing. I didn’t want to get this emotional in a candy store of all places, but then again, talking to her here was my plan…

Guess I’m not very good with those after all.

She doesn’t hug me any harder, but not any softer either. She keeps me in a steady embrace, letting me calm down slowly, though I can feel her trembling too… wait, no, that’s also me. Fuck, I’m a bigger mess than I originally thought I’d be.

Thankfully it doesn’t take long for me to get a grip and stop crying. Naomi breaks away from the hug, offering me a hand to get up from the ground, and takes the basket with her.

Fang: Sorry, went a little overboard there. (I laugh awkwardly)

Naomi: A cap'n needs nah apologize t' thar crew about somethin' so natural, do they? (She says in a perfect pirate voice, which catches me extremely off guard. I can’t help but laugh at her antics, and the wave of nostalgia hits me like a freight train)

Fang: Been a while since I was captain, Naomi. (She giggles, offering me a handkerchief to wipe away the remaining tears) Can’t believe you still had that at the ready.

Naomi: Hard to forget the good times I had with friends, even if things soured between us. (She shrugs, a smile still on her face)

Fang: Let’s try to sweeten it up, then. (…okay that sounded better in my head)

Naomi: …that was a horrible line, Fang. (She smirks, nudging me with an elbow)

Fang: Shut up, I’m hilarious. (I whack her with my wing)

We chuckle at the lightheartedness of the moment, considering what had happened not long ago. I return Naomi’s handkerchief to her, and she puts it back into her pocket without even folding the thing.

Getting a better grip on the basket, she motions with her head for me to follow, so I do. We pay for the candy, divide it all into two bags, and I carry them as we walk out of the store. Naomi tries to take one from me, but I tell her that it’s no big deal.

Reaching the spot where we separated from Naser and Anon, we sat side by side, waiting in silence.

Naomi: I don’t forgive you. (She speaks up first, making me flinch from how sudden it was) At least, not for now.

Fang: Yeah, can’t blame you, honestly. (I rub the nape of my neck. Even though it still feels bad to hear that)

Naomi: Don’t get me wrong, I want to go back to being friends, but things need time to fall back into place. (She’s right, even if I don’t like that fact. Just like you can’t treat a decapitation with cough drops, you sure as shit can’t fix three years of animosity by saying “sorry”) I do appreciate the apology, though I still have to give you mine since that’s been pending for a while considering how you were acting before. (I wince, still wanting to kick my old self for being so narrow-minded) Maybe once we’re not at risk of being interrupted by the boys I’ll say what I wanted to so long ago.

Fang: I can wait, no worries. (A sigh escapes me, and I finally realize how much talking can tire you out) Took me three years and a reality check from Anon to pull my head out of my ass, so I think I can wait for a couple days to hear what you have in store for me. Please, don’t be afraid to rip me a new one, I probably deserve it. (I chuckle. Already got threatened by Stella, so seeing Naomi get angry would be another new experience)

Naomi: Well, even if there’s still an apology pending and a lot of work to do… (She offers me a hand with a tentative smile on her lips) Friends?

Fang: Yeah, friends. (I accept the handshake with a smile of my own. We let go from each other after a single shake) Should we tell Dumb and Dumber that we’re waiting for them over here?

Naomi: I’ll tell my boyfriend, you tell yours. (She says while pulling out her phone)

Fang: Alr- hey! (I catch myself mid-sentence, blushing while Naomi holds back a laugh) Anon’s not my boyfriend!

Naomi: Not yet, he isn’t. (I whack her with my wing, and she fixes her glasses before grinning at me) C’mon, Fang, there has to be something going on between the two of you!

Fang: A talk for later, Naomi. (I avoid her gaze, opting to stare at the DM I just opened)

“Anon (Dweeb)” sits at the top of the screen. Fuck, I opened his chat without even properly looking. Don’t tell me I’m already used to where he is on my contact list!

Just… relax, Fang.

Naomi: Fine, but if you ever need help winning him over, I know a thing or two that could make your life easier. (She shimmies closer, peeking over at my phone)

Fang: …maybe later. (I turn off the screen, looking away from her)

Naomi: Hehe, alright then~ (She lets go of me, quickly tapping away at her phone to message Naser)

I turn the screen back on, sending Anon a string of messages and basically begging him to come back soon. The absolute dweeb replies with “try not to die”, and I feel like making my way over to wherever he is and whacking him with my wing several times.

Whatever, just gotta wait for them to come back, shouldn’t take long anyway.

…

Oh, speak of the devils, there they are. I wave them over, glad that I’m no longer alone with Naomi solely because I don’t want her to bombard me with questions regarding Anon.

They reach us, and we make our way to the movie theater after a bit of smalltalk. Naser and I take the lead, with Naomi and Anon following behind. We end up bickering again, trying to decide where we’re going to eat after the movie ends.

Swear to all that is holy, I’m kicking his ass if he keeps trying to deny me my dino nuggies.

— — — — — — —

POV:

Anon

--Several hours later--

Today was more enjoyable than I thought it’d be. 

The movie itself was just as good as Naomi had vouched for, and some of the twists caught all four of us completely by surprise. Still can’t believe the twins were the same person, but divided in two by a curse.

After the movie ended, Naser and Fang were bickering about where to get lunch again, so I told them to just solve it with a game of rock, paper, scissors. Fang won 3-0, and much to Naser’s discontent, we headed to McDinolds.

Fang got so many nuggets that I can only describe the pile’s height as “absurd” – and that was all they wanted, apparently – while Naser and I bought two cheeseburgers with fries, and Naomi settled for a veggie burger with salad on the side. We ate in relative silence, only talking about the movie here and there.

After that, we went out for a stroll in a nearby park, just talking about whatever came to mind. At some point Naser and Naomi decided to split from Fang and I, and – even though I didn’t want to come out with it today – I told them about where I live. Fang’s eyes were filled with horror, and the first thing they did was ask me if I wanted to live with their family. I appreciated the thought, but that’s most likely not happening. Hell, I met their parents today, there’s no way in hell they’d let me live with them just like that.

And, well, speaking of their parents…

Ripley: So, let me get this straight. (Mr. Aaron is currently driving me home after the day-long hangout I had with his children – and Naomi. True to his word, he asked me to tell him about my parents and current living condition) Your parents leased you a crappy apartment to live alone for an entire year, said apartment being located inside Skin Row, and they haven’t called you once to see if you’re alright?

Anon: Yep. (I nod, looking out the window of his car. Never been the type of guy to know the difference from one model to another, so all I know is that this one seems to be somewhat expensive)

Ripley: And you’re okay with this? (I can feel the anger in his voice, though I have a suspicion it isn’t targeted at me)

Anon: No, but there’s not much I can do about it. (I shrug, and he clicks his tongue before letting out a low grunt. A second of silence passes before his next question)

Ripley: Why didn’t they get you an apartment somewhere safer? (Good one. “Why didn’t they try to protect their son from possible death?”) I’d sooner be caught dead than let my kids live in Skin Row of all places.

Anon: Probably wanted to save money, I guess. (I stop looking out the window, staring at the road straight ahead)

Ripley: You’re not even sure? (His tone of voice raises slightly)

Anon: Look, Dad’s a teacher and Mom works at some fancy company that does whatever, so for all I know they’re trying to not spend too much money on what’s not important-