Archive of Our Own ^beta

*Tari's POV*

To think, this all started because I got a strange letter in the mail...

The day started like any other, I got up, went to take a shower, had breakfast, then brush my teeth, then grabbed Archibald as we got ready to head out, until I saw I had mail. Not thinking anything of it, I grabbed the letter and decided to read it at the castle.

...

Until I saw there was no return address.

Huh, that was weird.

Maybe the others could help me figure this out?

Hopefully.

I made my way to the castle and saw everyone inside already, well, almost everyone, no sign of Rob, Chris, Swag, and Steve. I did see Mario, Luigi, SMG4,  Boopkins, Bob, Saiko, Whimpu, Meggy, Belle, JubJub, SMG1, SMG2, SMG3, Axol, Melony, and SMG0 though. 'Wait, where's Niles?' I thought as I looked around, only to see Niles walk into the main room from SMG4's room.

Guess he was doing something there?

I dunno.

Neither here nor there.

Anyway, I went over to the gang and showed everyone the letter I received. "Strange" Meggy said, reviewing the envelope, "Why's there no return address?" "Maybe someone forgot to put it there?" Luigi suggested, "That's not how the mail system works," Saiko told him, "in order to possibly return the letter to the sender there needs to be a return address." I nodded at that. " Maybe they delivered it personally?" Boopkins suggested, "That is a possibility" SMG4 stated.

Who would deliver a letter to my house? And why?

I was handed a letter opener by SMG2. "Let's see what it says" he said. I nodded and opened the envelope, pulling the letter out. I took a breath and opened it up, reading it aloud.

"Tari,

I've seen you around town, and every time I see you, I fall for you more and more. Your friends however... I hate more and more. I've seen how they abuse you, I know I would treat you better than any of them would. Everything you do, from gaming to being around ducks, you make me smile. You're like my own personal teenage dream. I hope to spend every day with you, my little birdie~

Your Secret Admirer"

I.... was at a loss for words.

It was... a love letter??

I had a secret admirer?

But... who???

The gang realized what it was and we all tried piecing together who it could be... "God damn, how come Tari gets a love letter, while I get restraining orders?" Whimpu asked. Saiko just shot him a look. "At least you didn't serve prison time." Bob added, getting looks from everyone. Mario read the letter again, and shouted only one thing.

"SIMP!!!!!"

Mario got smacked after that.

As we were piecing together who it could be, Melony was re-reading the letter, and gave a look of shock. "Guys?" she said, "Something's not right..." "what's up Melon girl?" SMG3 asked, "It says here..." Melony continued, "That, this guy doesn't like Tari being with any of us... and that, we abuse her."

Silence.

"This... this guy doesn't like us...?" Boopkins asked, sounding sad. "But why?" SMG1 asked, looking confused. Niles looked away, I knew why. He'd been getting a lot of hate recently, heck I heard a few weeks back he had a run in with some purple Sonic OC who told him he shouldn't exist, and that he should've died in the God Box...

That wasn't nice, to be honest... that was inhumane...

I put a hand on Niles' shoulder. "We know you're changing Niles," i reminded him, "We're here for you."

That got him to smile a bit. "Thanks Tari" he said, I gave a nod. "You're welcome." I replied. SMG0 gave me a smile and finger guns.

Pretty sure he would've given a thumbs up, but uh... three fingers, no thumbs.

Whatever.

Anyways, we were still in shock over this.

Me especially...

This guy thought my friends... were abusing me?

We'd all done stupid stuff to each other in the past, but abuse?

...

Wait... how long had this guy been watching me...?

Now I was getting creeped out just thinking about it.

"You okay Tari?"

Axol...

I looked his way and saw a look of concern on his face. I told him and the others what was on my mind. Thankfully Belle looked pissed. "Oi, if this guys' been watching you since 2018, that's not being in love, he's fucking stalking you." she told me. Everyone nodded in agreement.

So... instead of an admirer... I had a possible stalker?

That was more concerning....

Until everyone started saying how they'd kick this guys ass if he were to show up.

I smiled hearing that.

This guy might've thought my friends were terrible, but hearing they'd protect me from a stalker... makes me happy to have such wonderful friends.

I could only say one thing.

"Thank you guys, really."

Dunno why... but I felt a wave of deja vu when I said that.

Meh, it's probably nothing.

Afterwards it was starting to get late, so we all headed back home. Belle offered to let me stay at her place for the time being, which I accepted. Meggy, Saiko, and Melony tagged along, and we decided to have a slumber party.

Just us girls!

I was so excited!

Little did I know... someone was watching us...

*two days later*

*Axol's POV*

I don't know why Garcy wanted to have a karaoke night, but hey, we were down for a night of singing.

Swag wanted to join too, but got stuck on Graveyard shift.

Thank god.

I'll admit, even I can only stand his singing in small doses.

And by small doses, I mean never.

Dude sounded like a moose giving birth to an elephant.

The entire gang could confirm it.

The only person who liked his singing was that old man. Y'know, the guy who keeps stealing Mario's spaghetti? That guy.

Either he's hard of hearing, or has a bad taste in music.

My guess was both.

Either way, not important.

Right now, Karaoke night at the castle.

Melony and I stepped inside and saw Garcello setting everything up. Looks like he had some help. "Garcy?" I called out as I walked over, Gar peeked over and waved. "Hey Axol, hey Melony." he said with a smile, I noticed who was helping.

SMG2.

I didn't know he was handy with technology.

"Hey guys!" he said cheerily. "You guys are here early."

That's when I realized, the others hadn't shown up yet.

Okay then.

We helped in setting stuff up as the others started showing up. SMG1 and 3 showed up from the graveyard, Mario and Luigi arrived after them, SMG4 came out of his room, guess he had to finish stuff? Oh well. Eventually Bob, Boopkins and JubJub arrived, along with Meggy, Tari, Belle and Saiko. Shroomy arrived with Whimpu in tow, that left two people...

Niles and SMG0.

Thankfully we didn't wait long as both ran inside, panting and catching their breath. Almost like they ran a marathon.

At least they got here.

That was a bonus in my book.

Anyway, we got everything set up. There was food, drinks, and couches set up. I was excited really. Garcello looked over at us all, and gave a smile. "okay guys!" he called out, "let's get this started!" Everyone got food and drinks and made their way to the couches. I took a seat by Melony, with Meggy beside her. Niles told me the two got close after my death.

I know why, Meggy lost Desti, and Melony had lost me, they understood each other. Even now that I was back, the two were still close.

I saw that as a good thing.

Anyways, several people started going up one by one to perform. SMG3 went up and sang Bury a Friend, not Billie Ellish's version, no no.

Who's did he sing?

Creature Feature.

Pretty sure Garcy cheered.

What do you want from me?

Why don't you run from me?

What are you wondering?

What do you know?

Why aren't you scared of me?

Why do you care for me?

When we all fall asleep, where do we go?

Come here...

Say it, spit it out, what is it exactly?

You're payin'?

Is the amount cleanin' you out

Am I satisfactory?

Today, I'm thinkin' about

The things that are deadly

The way I'm drinkin' you down

Like I wanna drown, like I wanna end me

Step on the glass, staple your tongue (Ahh)

Bury a friend, try to wake up (Ahh-ha)

Cannibal class, killin' the son (Ahh)

Bury a friend, I wanna end you

I wanna end you

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna end you

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna–

What do you want from me?

Why don't you run from me?

What are you wondering?

What do you know?

Why aren't you scared of me?

Why do you care for me?

When we all fall asleep, where do we go?

Listen...

Keep you in the dark, what had you expected?

Me to make you my art

And make you a star and get you connected?

I'll meet you in the park

I'll be calm and collected

But we knew right from the start

That you'd fall apart 'cause I'm too expensive

Your talk'll be somethin' that shouldn't be said out loud

Honestly, I thought that I would be dead by now (Wow)

Callin' security, keepin' my head held down

Bury the hatchet or bury your friend right now

For the debt I owe, gotta sell my soul

'Cause I can't say no, no, I can't say no

Then my limbs all froze and my eyes won't close

And I can't say no, I can't say no

Careful...

Step on the glass, staple your tongue (Ahh-ha)

Bury a friend, try to wake up (Ahh-ha)

Cannibal class, killin' the son (Ahh)

Bury a friend, I wanna end you

I wanna end you

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna end you

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna–

What do you want from me?

Why don't you run from me?

What are you wondering?

What do you know?

Why aren't you scared of me?

Why do you care for me?

When we all fall asleep, where do we go?

When he was done, we were clapping and cheering.

Out of all the songs for SMG3 to sing, that was one I did not expect.

Dude could sing though.

I'll give him that.

SMG4 went up next, singing something that got a lot of moans, yet some laughs.

He sang thememe song.

You know which one.

We're no strangers to love

You know the rules and so do I (do I)

A full commitment's what I'm thinking of

You wouldn't get this from any other guy

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling

Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long

Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it (say it)

Inside, we both know what's been going on (going on)

We know the game and we're gonna play it

And if you ask me how I'm feeling

Don't tell me you're too blind to see

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long

Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it (to say it)

Inside, we both know what's been going on (going on)

We know the game and we're gonna play it

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling

Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

When he finished, some were cheering, some were cringing, Mario was on fire in the corner.

Typical reaction to getting RickRolled.

I however was wheezing.

Only SMG4 would sing the ultimate meme song.

Shroomy went up next, along with Whimpu, what'd both sing?

SpongeBob SquarePants.

Shroomy sang as SpongeBob, while Whimpu sang as Patrick.

"I call this one the "Campfire Song Song"

Let's gather around the campfire

And sing our campfire song

Our C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

And if you don't think that we can sing it faster, then you're wrong

But it'll help if you just sing along"

"Bom, bom, bom"

"C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

And if you don't think that we can sing it faster, then you're wrong

But it'll help if you just sing along

C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

Patrick!"

"Song! C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E"

"Squidward!

Good!

It'll help

It'll help

If you just sing along!

Oh yeah!"

When the two were done people were laughing and cheering.

They actually did pretty well.

At least they had that going for them.

Boopkins and JubJub went up together, but given that JubJub was only 2, I don't know what he'd sing. "Oh, JubJub's gonna dance to the music!" Boopkins told us, "JubJub!" JubJub said happily.

That made more sense.

What song did they choose?

Under the Sea.

"Ariel, listen to me

The human world, it's a mess

Life under the sea

Is better than anything they got up there

The seaweed is always greener

In somebody else's lake

You dream about going up there

But that is a big mistake

Just look at the world around you

Right here on the ocean floor

Such wonderful things surround you

What more is you lookin' for?

Under the sea

Under the sea

Darling it's better

Down where it's wetter

Take it from me

Up on the shore they work all day

Out in the sun they slave away

While we devotin'

Full time to floatin'

Under the sea

Down here all the fish is happy

As off through the waves they roll

The fish on the land ain't happy

They sad 'cause they in their bowl

But fish in the bowl is lucky

They in for a worser fate

One day when the boss get hungry

Guess who's gon' be on the plate?

Oh, no, under the sea

Under the sea

Nobody beat us

Fry us and eat us

In fricassee

We what the land folks loves to cook

Under the sea we off the hook

We got no troubles

Life is the bubbles

Under the sea (under the sea)

Under the sea (under the sea)

Since life is sweet here

We got the beat here

Naturally (naturally)

Even the sturgeon and the ray

They get the urge 'n' start to play

We got the spirit

You got to hear it

Under the sea

The newt play the flute

The carp play the harp

The plaice play the bass

And they soundin' sharp

The bass play the brass

The chub play the tub

The fluke is the duke of soul

(Yeah)

The ray he can play

The lings on the strings

The trout rockin' out

The blackfish she sings

The smelt and the sprat

They know where it's at

And oh that blowfish blow

Yeah, under the sea (under the sea)

Under the sea (under the sea)

When the sardine

Begin the beguine

It's music to me (it's music to me)

What do they got? A lot of sand

We got a hot crustacean band

Each little clam here

Know how to jam here

Under the sea

Each little slug here

Cuttin' a rug here

Under the sea

Each little snail here

Know how to wail here

That's why it's hotter

Under the water

Ya we in luck here

Down in the muck here

Under the sea"

Yeah Boopkins butchered the song, but it was cute watching JubJub dance while he brother sang.

Was funnier seeing Mario's head explode and Bob go up in flames though.

That was neither here nor there.

Surprisingly, Meggy went up next, "I'd heard about this song recently," she told us, "Apparently it's from a kids show from the 70's."

Huh?

What kids show?

Apparently this show called Schoolhouse Rock.

I think I remember Garcy showing a couple videos back in the afterlife.

Maybe this song would be one of them?

Apparently not.

Song was called Sufferin' Till Suffrage.

*One week later*

*Tari's POV*

I was so excited to take the gang to an outdoor concert!

Garcy showed me the concert online and we both agreed to get everyone involved.

Thankfully, Rob and Steve were able to come this time. Garcy even invited his friend Annie and his boyfriend Chris along for the ride.

When we arrived, we got some really nice spots. "It was nice of you two to treat us for a day out guys." Meggy told us, "Thanks Meggy" I told her, smiling. "Hey it's no problem" she replied, smiling.

Since it was an outdoor concert, everyone had blankets and chairs set up, which is what we did. Some were on blankets, while others had lawn chairs set up. I did notice right away the couples had blankets set up.

How do I know?

Because I saw the SMG's all set up a big blanket for the six of them, plus I saw Melony and Axol set up one too. Though Annie, Garcy and Chris had a blanket set up for the three of them.

Okay maybe I was wrong.

I joined the girls on their blanket and everyone was excited. Rob passed over some corn on the cob he brought, "May I interest you ladies in some corn?" he asked, we each took an ear and ate.

Nice and warm, and very sweet too.

Everyone was passing food out to one another, which was awesome. It was like we were on a big picnic!

Now that I thought about it... the last time we had a picnic was...

...

Oh... was after War of the Fat Italians last year...

After Axol died.

Was it sad that we lost Axol? Yes. Were we thankful to have him back? Yes.

I think he and Melony were working on a new manga, with Zero and Niles' help. I think Axol said it was about the past two arcs in this universe.

Wow, breaking the fourth wall already.

Surprising.

Anyway, the bands were all coming up one by one, and we were cheering for several!

It was lots of fun.

Then, the last band of the night came up. A group called "Starlight Mayhem" I think I remember Garcello mentioning them once before, something about how one of the band members, lead singer CJ, looked like his friends from the afterlife. I think they were called Henry Morris and Austin Sanders. Meh, that was neither here nor there.

Anyway, the band started up, played quite the number of songs, leading up to the sun starting to set. "Thank you thank you!" CJ said as he finished a song. We were just cheering, because hey, it was good music! After a couple minutes of CJ talking, I heard him pause then saw him look out into the crowd.

Wait, was he looking at our group?

"Hey, is that SMG4? and his friends??"

Wait, he knew who we were???

*SMG4's POV*

Why am I not surprised that I got recognized?

Though, I am surprised CJ didn't recognize Garcello first.

I looked over at CJ in surprise. "Um, yeah, we are." I said, standing. "Sweet!" he said, "dude get you and your friends up here!"

Excuse me, what?

I was debating on who to bring up with me, when the entire group came up with me.

...

Well, minus JubJub and Rob, same with Steve, Whimpu, and Boopkins. I guess Boopkins wanted to stay with his baby brother. SMG3, Mario, Luigi, Bob, and my friends made our way to the stage. Garcy, Annie and Chris followed suite.

Guess since they were our friends they counted too.

Meh, whatever.

"CJ," I began, "I wanna ask why you invited us up here?" "Easy!" he said excitedly, "I want to preform with you guys!"

Wait, what?

Is this guy for real??

"Hold on," Melony began, "Don't you guys have a set schedule to do?" she asked, "Kinda" CJ admitted, "but, we're gonna have to wait though."

Huh? What did that mean?

"See, we're still waiting on my friend Ruby to show up and join us."

Ohh... that made a bit of sense.

Was nice he was waiting for his friend though.

"You're a good friend CJ" I said, tipping my hat at him. CJ gave a smile, "Thanks SMG4." he told me. "Anyways, any of you guys wanna have some fun singing?" Axol raised his hand. "I'll give you a shot." he said with a grin. CJ gave a nod and turned to his band mates, while we climbed off stage. Axol was given a mic and gave it a twirl.

Taking lessons from Agoti are we?

"I think Axol's got this." I heard Garcello say. "He can kick ass" Annie added, with Chris giving a nod. Melony gave a smiles and waved as Axol and CJ began singing together.

Apparently the song was called "Inverted Ascension"

Both CJ and Axol were spitting bars like Mario kicked JubJub.

"KICK THE BABY!"

Speaking of which.

Thankfully Niles was able to catch JubJub before Mario kicked him far. "Dude! We're in the middle of a crowded park, at a live concert, where one of our friends is performing, and you choose to just kick JubJub?" he told him. Mario just stood there, eyes in different directions.

Mario don't go full stupid on us right now.

*Niles's POV*

I was seriously wondering why I even wanted him as my Avatar...

Mario was a complete idiot.

Kicking babies??

Thank god he wasn't with us when we played Baby Blue.

Idiot would've kicked Baby Blue out of my arms, resulting in me losing the game.

Pretty sure SMG0 would've been pissed if I died by him.

"Niles, you're hurting JubJub..."

Shit!

I realized I was practically squishing the poor kid.

JubJub wasn't a baby anymore, he was... what, two?

Anyway, I loosened my hold on him and held him. "Sorry JubJub," I said, JubJub just gave a smile. "Niles!" he said happily.

Wait, he said my name?

Okay, that was cute.

Soon I heard the song end, and I looked up to see Axol and CJ shakes hands. That's when I saw a girl run on stage. 'That must be Ruby' I thought. Turns out I was right. Ruby was apologizing to CJ, explaining why she was late. CJ explained that he was just rocking out with the SMG4 crew, or at least Axol.

That's when I noticed Melony take the stage.

'Melony, what are you planning?'

I watched as CJ suggested that Ruby share a song with Melony. "I-I don't know CJ..." she said, looking nervous, moving her hair aside a bit.

Wait, was she wearing a patch on her eye....?

Did she lose her eye?

Granted I lacked an eye, but for a different reason.

Melony walked over to Ruby, "It's okay Ruby" she told her, "I'm a bit nervous too, but we can do this." Ruby smiled a bit and nodded. "Okay, if you say s-so..." she replied, and the two started performing.

I believe the song was called Echoes.

"Okay that's cute"

Completely forgot Zero was beside me.

I turned and saw him smiling at the stage, We both sat on the grass and watched the girls sing, all the while I felt JubJub dance on my lap.

God this kid was cute, a bit dumb, but cute.

Wait, was Tari filming this?

Couldn't blame her though, JubJub dancing was super cute.

Granted we were bopping along to the beat of the girls singing. Not gonna lie, Ruby had quite the voice. It was so pretty. "You go girls!" I heard Axol shout, followed by everyone in our group cheering the girls on. Even I was cheering them on.

The song soon came to an end, and everyone was clapping now. That's when CJ made a suggestion for a duet, him and Ruby against two of us from the group.

Who did Melony suggest?

"I know two, Niles and Zero are great singers!"

WHAT???

MELONY WHY???

Pretty sure my nerves were on high alert now.

"Well, Niles and Zero get up here then!" CJ said, motioning us up on stage.

Me?? Singing onstage???

Could I even-

"Niles, we're singing together."

Zero had a point.

I took Zero's hand in mine, and we reached the stage. That's when I got an idea. As we got on stage, I swept Zero off his feet, getting a lot of oohs from the crowd.

Dunno why, but holding him in my arms gave me a confidence boost.

"You two ready?" CJ asked, tossing us a mic, thankfully Zero got it and we nodded. "We're more than ready!" I said, blushing a bit, but like I said, having Zero with me, was a confidence boost.

We started the song, called Artificial Lust.

Surprised Zero and I could catch up to both CJ and Ruby with ease.

There were moments where I felt like I was fumbling, but getting a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder told me to keep going.

Then...

"Ha! it's showtime!" CJ said, then the music really picked up.

(Why do I get the feeling someone's gonna say CJ's now BJ?)

Anyways, we were still rocking out, and I swear I saw the rest of the SMG4 crew grab microphones and join in on the singing.

Talk about one big night, and one big performance.

Now the whole crew was singing, Garcy, Annie and Chris included.

Talk about having a jam session together!

Eventually we reached the end of the song, and the crowd went wild.

I was panting from singing, and had to set Zero down, as my arms were hurting from holding him. CJ thanked the crowd for coming out and thanked us for performing with him. We all took each others hands and did one long bow across the stage. It was awesome.

Never thought I'd spend a night rocking out at a concert like this.

In the audience though, unknown to all of us... someone was watching us... or rather... me specifically...

*Niles' POV*

We'd gotten home pretty late, after the concert. SMG0 was tired and yawning. "Tired baby?" I asked, he nodded and yawned again. "Wanna go get to bed honey?" he nodded. I kissed his head, "Go get ready for bed." I told him. Zero nodded and walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth. I sighed, burnt out, and grabbed a Pure Leaf from the fridge. I needed a drink, especially since my throat felt dry. I opened the bottle and took a swig when I heard a knock at the front door. 'The fuck?' I thought as I approached. Taking a peek through the peephole, my heart nearly stopped at who I saw.

It was that same Sonic OC I ran into ages ago.

The same one who said I shouldn't exist, that I should've died in the God Box...

What did this asshole want now?

Sighing, I unlocked the door and opened it, wondering what he wanted. "What do you want?" I asked, annoyed. The purple hedgehog gave a smile. "That's a little rude" he told me, "Anyway, my name's Cree, and I couldn't help but hear you at the concert earlier."

Wait, he saw me at the concert?

Given it was a big event, it made sense.

"So?" I asked, "What about it?" Cree gave a smile, "Well, I noticed you have quite the amazing voice." he told me, "Have you ever considered a career in music?"

A music career??

Given how nervous I was about even singing in front of the others, except Zero.... I didn't want to have a career like that.

"That's gonna be a no from me," I told him, starting to close the door, but Cree stopped me. "C'mon," he told me, "You'd be a smash hit!"

Yeah right.

I'd be nervous out of my mind.

Besides, why was this guy so interested in me now?

Like I'd forget what he told me weeks back?

"I said no." I told him, but Cree was being rather persistent. "C'mon bud, you'll be famous" he told me.

As if that'd persuade me to say yes.

"You'd be rich too!"

Not interested.

"You'd be drowning in girls."

That irked me.

I turned and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and held him inches away from my face. "Look pal," I began, "I don't need any of that, I'm fine being a guardian, I'm happy doing what I'm doing now. Not to mention, I'm already in a relationship. I have a boyfriend." With that, I shoved him outside the apartment. "Also, you think I'd forget what you told me?" I reminded him, "Get the fuck out of my sight Cree."

With that, I slammed the door, locked it, and walked away. Pissed beyond belief.

I needed a drink.

Thankfully I still had my tea.

I downed that and tossed the bottle in the recycle bin by the door. I sat at the counter in the kitchen, rubbing my face. "Ugh...." I groaned, "What was that asshole's deal...?" I sat there in silence for a few minutes, until I heard someone walk into the room. "Niles?" I heard, "Everything okay?" I looked up and saw Zero standing in the hallway corridor, wearing one of my hoodies and a pair of red shorts.

Zero had a thing for sleeping in my hoodies.

It was cute,

"No..." I admitted, "That Sonic OC just showed up..." "What'd he want?" Zero ask, I could hear a mixture of anger and worry in his voice. I explained what Cree wanted and what he said, leaving Zero shocked. "Sounds like he wants to use you for his own selfish desires." he told me.

That made sense to me, but then again, I'd done that before myself.

It might've been while since then, but I was still kicking myself for how I used Zero, killed Fred, Spudnick, and Axol, and even using Melony... All to gain the perfect universe... just for me and Zero...

Even though I no longer wanted that, I still regretted that part of my life...

I felt Zero sit beside me and pull me into a hug. "Just don't give into his demands" he told me, "and if he tries anything, threaten getting the cops involved for stalking."

Why threaten when I could actually do just that? Call the cops?

Hell we were friends with Hal Monitor, and Meggy was a former cop, Shroomy knew how to use a rocket launcher, Swag and Chris were in the military, Annie could become a She-Hulk with her drink, Garcy had a makeshift flamethrower, and his boyfriend was a demon.

Odd how we knew two Chris's, one was friends with Swag, the other was dating Garcy.

But... Zero was right, getting the cops involved was a good idea.

Anyway, I wanted to just get to sleep. I kissed Zero on the cheek and smiled. "Thanks babe." i told him, "Can we cuddle please?" Zero gave a nod and pulled me up and into a hug. I got ready for bed and we cuddled in our room.

Unbeknownst to us, Cree had... other plans for us... or rather... me...

*A few days later*

*SMG0's POV*

Um... how did I get here?

One second I was making flower crowns with Tari, Melony, and Boopkins, the next I'm in this huge hole. It was super deep, like, several feet deep.

It was scary...

"Hello???" I called up, hoping someone would hear me. "Anyone??? Help me!!!"

I kept calling up, scared I'd be stuck down here.

"Someone! Anyone! HELP ME!!"

"Zero?"

One!!!

I looked up and saw SMG1 and SMG2 peering down, both looked nervous and worried. "One! Two!" I called up. "Guys help me get out of here!!" "Hang on Zero!" Two called down, "We'll get you out from there!" "Thanks guys!" I called up.

Soon I saw the rest of the gang, Mario, Luigi, SMG3, SMG4, Shroomy, Boopkins, Bob, the girls, and Axol all came to help.

Wait, where was Niles?

Shouldn't he have come to help?

Uh boy...

*Tari's POV*

Oh dear... poor Zero...

Getting him out of this hole was gonna be an issue.

Garcello came by and threw a walkie talkie down the hole.

There was a small thud followed by a groan

Uh oh...

"Zero?" Garcello called into the Walkie. "Hey Gar," he radioed, "Thanks for the radio" "No problem." he said, smiling. "Listen, we're all gonna work on getting you out okay?" "Okay..." he replied.

Now we needed to find a way to get them out.

I peered down the hole, and could faintly see SMG0 down there. "Are you okay Zero?" I called down, "I'll be fine Tari!!" he shouted back. I saw Saiko aim a flashlight down and saw Zero wave at us."Hang in there bud, we'll get you out!" Saiko called down. "Thanks guys!" he called back.

Soon everyone started to try ways to get him out. Meggy got a fire truck, but the ladder didn't go down, Mario thought to get Ruv, but Garcello said his voice might make the hole collapse in on itself. Though Mario was pissed about that. "If Niles heard you say that he'd kill you." Belle told him.

Mario shut up after that.

Boopkins sent down supplies for him though, mostly food and water.

Good thinking Boopkins.

At least he'd be okay until we got another way figured out...

"Hey, has anyone seen Niles?" Axol asked, looking around, "Haven't seen him." Melony replied, getting the nods from all of us.

You'd think, with his boyfriend in trouble, he'd be over here helping us.

*Axol's POV*

Where the fuck was Niles?

I need to get in contact with him. Or at least let him know that Zero was in trouble. "I'm gonna get in contact with Niles and see where he is." I said, pulling my phone out. "Sounds like a plan" Garcello told me. "Radio Zero to tell him okay?" I asked, getting a nod in reply. While Garcy did that, I tried calling Niles, but it went to voicemail.

Huh, that was weird...

Usually he picks up on the first ring, was he in trouble too?

That's when Niles texted me.

Niles: Sorry Axol, can't answer the phone right now, is something wrong?

Axol: yeah something's wrong! Your boyfriend's in a giant hole!

Niles: ??? are you for real?

Axol: you think I'd make something like this up?

Niles: oh god... I just got texts from Meggy and Belle saying the same things... where are you guys???

Axol: I'll send you my location. Get here asap!

Niles: on it!

After that, I shared my location with Niles and went back to see everyone's efforts.

Still no luck.

"Did you get in contact with Niles?" Belle asked, I nodded, "Yeah, he's on his way." I told her. "Good," Meggy said, "Belle and I also told him to get here too." I nodded and gave her a fist bump. "Smart move Meg" I told her, getting a grin from her.

As for the other attempts.. Mario thought of kicking JubJub down and have him fly Zero back up.

...

JubJub is only a toddler Mario.

Besides he wound up kicking JubJub into the castle.

....

Right into Peach's face.

Got a feeling Mario's not gonna survive the rest of the afternoon.

Anyways, Tari suggested to drop a rope down and have him climb up.

It was a good idea really.

Unfortunately, the rope she had wasn't long enough to reach all the way down.

There was an attempt though.

"I'm sorry..." she said sadly, I just patted her shoulder. "It's okay Tari" I told her, "It was a good idea really, we just need a longer rope." That made her smile.

"GUYS!!!!!"

There was Niles.

*Niles's POV*

Jesus fuck, I can't believe it took me this long to get to the gang! I ran over to the group, rope over my shoulders. "Made it!" I called out, panting. "Did he...?" I looked and saw no sign of Zero.

Was he still in that hole?

I ran over to the hole, and I could faintly make out his silhouette. "ZERO!!!!" I shouted down to the hole, "Niles???" he called back, sounding worried. "Hang on babe I'll get you out!!" I called down. I immediately tied the rope around my waist and tied the other end to a pole near the hole. "someone give me a flashlight." I said, Whimpu tossed me a helmet with a lantern on it. With that, I put the helmet on and jumped down the hole.

Eventually I grabbed the rope and skidded to a stop.

"Niles!"

"Hey Zero," I said with a smile. "come here you." I pulled him into my arms and hugged him tight. "Hold on babe." I said, holding him in my arms. Zero held on tight as I began climbing back up with the rope. As we climbed up I held him tight. "It'll be okay baby" I told him."Thanks daddy~" he whispered.

Oh, he was saying my name now.

We'd fuck when we got home.

"You and me tonight babe~" I whispered back, he blushed at that. "I love you Niles~" he said, blushing. "I love you too Zero~" I said back.

We finally reached the lip of the hole and I saw Axol and Melony reach down to grab Zero. "Grab our hands bud" Melony said. Zero reached up, grabbed both their hands and was pulled out. I was pulled shortly thereafter.

Everyone was cheering when we got out. I couldn't help but smile, though, that smile grew when I felt a certain someone kiss my cheek. "Thanks for saving me Niles" Zero said with a smile. "Heh, it's the least I could do babe." i said, blushing.

After everything settled down, and after I got the rope untied around my waist, I swore I saw Cree watching us from a tree in the distance.

What the fuck was he doing here...?

"Hey Niles!" I heard Bob call out, "We're gonna celebrate, wanna join us?" I turned to the Garo and gave a nod. "Sure why not." I said, joining the rest of the crew.

As we walked, I couldn't help but overhear Bob and Boopkins talk in front of me.

"Hey Bob?"

"Yeah Boopkins?"

"Didn't that whole thing seem, I don't know... familiar?"

".... Now that you mention it, it did seem familiar."

Huh?

What were they talking about?

How was this familiar?

I asked, and Boopkins mentioned how, back in 2018, he was pushed into a well, by Bob of all people, and eventually saved by Bob.

Apparently it was done as a stunt to help promote Bob's rap career.

Bob, you're a fucking idiot.

Though.... now that I thought about it...

This did seem familiar from the whole story they told me...

Did... did someone push SMG0 down that hole?

If so... who?

*One week later*

"SMG4's POV*

Okay who the fuck was this invite from?

And why'd he invite us to a big dinner? And at a huge ass mansion?

So many questions...

Anyway, those that came were obviously me, Mario, Luigi, Shroomy, Boopkins, Bob, JubJub, Saiko, Meggy, Tari, Belle, Melony, Axol, SMG0, and Niles.

Granted... this seemed familiar...

"Hey, guys?" I began "Doesn't this seem familiar?" "How so?" Belle asked, "Well, Belle," I began, "It seems like when Bob held Thanksgiving back in 2018." I told her, "Only difference," Bob said, "It's not a holiday SMG4"

That was a fair point.

Question is... who did invite us?

That was answered when a Purple hedgehog showed up. This guy was wearing a "Freddy Fazbear's Pizza" hat, a black Deadpool shirt, a blue hoodie, a cheeseburger backpack, and sunglasses.

Who the fuck was that?

"Hello everyone!" he said in a loud clear voice. "My name is Cree, and welcome to my mansion!"

Cree?

Why was I having flashbacks to Overwatch?

Also, was this guy a Sonic OC?

Wait, why was Niles glaring at this guy?

*Niles' POV*

Call this Among Us because this is a rather sus situation.

And I do mean, this was very sus.

Thankfully I wasn't the only one who thought that. The rest of the gang got weapons out instantly.

Guess they didn't expect a Sonic OC to be hosting us. Everyone had the following: Mario had grabbed JubJub and put a helmet on him, granted JubJub grabbed a bat nearby. Tari turned her duck into the Pyro duck.

I had several questions.

Belle had a game controller that turned into a gun. That was awesome. Granted Meggy had her Splatgun, Saiko had her hammer, Melony had her sword, and of course Axol had his Ink Weaver. Luigi had his Vacuum, Bob his blade hands, Shroomy somehow had a rocket launcher, and SMG4 had his Beeg counterpart.

Zero and I immediately locked hands and began looking for memes.

Like Hell if we were gonna let this asshole ruin everything.

Cree however held his hands up. "Hold up everyone," he said, trying to defend himself. "All I want is to have a wonderful dinner with you guys."

Something still seemed sus here.

Of course, Mario was happy when he heard there was gonna be food. Fine, the avatar gets the say.

We were lead to a massive dining room, with pictures on the wall of Cree in rather... suggestive poses.

Wait, why was this guy buff?

Dude looked like Sonic.

Sonic's not buff.

Knuckles is, but only in Sonic Boom and the second Sonic movie.

Also... I know I saw him wink at Tari.

Pretty sure she ain't a furry.

Still.... this was... kinda concerning.

Tari showed some... discomfort.

We had every right to worry if that were the case.

"Take a seat everyone!" Cree said, ushering everyone to the table. We all took seats, with Gree insisting that Tari sit right by him.

Aye...

Jesus.

Anyways, we sat at our seats and Cree began talking. "Anyway," he began "I do need some assistance with you all. See, my usual staff isn't here tonight, so I need someone to help make the food for tonight."

Seriously? This guy was gonna put us to work?

Cheap bastard.

Axol, Melony, Boopkins and Bob decided to head into the kitchen to make the food. "Great!" Cree said with a smile, "there's already food out to make too." The four seemed perfect, then Cree suggested that Meggy join them.

Meggy????

No no no, even I know she was a terrible cook.

Everyone was looking at Cree like he was crazy, but he wasn't. "Maybe we'll have her stick to simple stuff." Axol said. Meggy gave a nod. With that, the five went into the kitchen.

If the place went up in flames, we knew who to blame.

"Also" Cree continued, "I think a drink would be in order, but they're upstairs in my special room, it'll be labeled accordingly."

Great, he was sending someone to be his errand boy.

Mario immediately flung himself to the door, guess he wanted to leave?

Made sense to me.

Saiko, JubJub, Zero and I joined him upstairs, which left Belle, Shroomy, SMG4, Luigi, and Tari with Cree.

I swear to god he tries anything I'm gutting him.

*Meanwhile in the kitchen*

*Axol's POV*

Okay, when Cree said he had things set out for us to do, he wasn't kidding.

When we got inside, there was food on the counter. There was a turkey, stuff to make what I'm guessing is a pie, and stuff for a salad.

Seemed easy enough to make.

"Well guys," I said, "let's get to work then. Who wants to do what?" "We should work on the turkey Axol" Melony told me, "Boopkins and I will make the pie." Bob said, "And I'll work on the salad" said Meggy, "This way, I won't try to burn the place down again"

Smart move in our book.

So, we got to work.

Thankfully there were two ovens, one already set to the right temperature for the turkey to cook, while another had the oven set for a pie.

Note to self: thank Cree for doing this.

Hopefully this would work.

Surprisingly, yes. It did.

Boopkins and Bob made a chocolate pie, we got the turkey cooked, and Meggy finished making the salad without any incident.

I saw this as a win!

We all did.

...

Until the salad somehow burst into flames.

Meggy looked done. "I give up that's it." she said, defeated.

Seriously how the fuck do you have a salad go up in flames?

Aye...

I went to get the fire extinguisher.

"You surprised Axol?" I heard Melony ask, I nodded, "Kinda" I told her, getting an extinguisher. "Same..." she told me.

We really shouldn't have been though, this was kinda normal by now.

Poor Meggy...

Hopefully the others were doing alright.

*Meanwhile*

*Saiko's POV*

Ugh... god, this seemed so... familiar...

JubJub was hopping along, singing some tune with no real melody, Mario was hopping on his butt, which was normal by now. Niles and SMG0 followed behind us, looking through each door, maybe to see what they could find?

I dunno.

"Hey, Mario?" I asked, catching his attention. "What's up?" he asked, "Does this seem familiar to you?" Mario arched a brow, "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked, I sighed. "I mean, what we're doing. the guys cooking, us going to find a special drink, it's like when we went to Bob's mansion." Mario paused what he was doing, and thought about it, then gave a solid nod. "I... I guess that's true." he finally said.

At least he knew this.

"Guys? I think we found the room."

Nice eye Niles.

We entered the room, and it looked... oddly normal, compared to when we were in Bob's mansion. It was a standard bedroom, though it looked more like it was used for Storage. That was fine by me.

SMG0 walked to one of the boxes and opened it, finding bottles inside.

One bottle had a strange liquid inside.

Why'd I get the feeling it was gasoline...?

Niles pulled it out and opened the drink. That's when I heard JubJub pull the door...

Only for the door to be locked.

This felt familiar.

SMG0 and Mario both tried for the door, but nothing could make it budge, same for me and Niles, but nothing.

What was this door made of?

"Ugh, this is pointless." Niles said, taking a swig of the drink, only to gag and spit the drink out in disgust. "Niles?" Zero asked, "This is not a drink!" he shouted, "It's fucking gasoline!"

I knew it.

Niles tried to open the window, but it was sealed shut. "Oh you got to be kidding me." he muttered. I was pissed. "Again with this?" I asked, annoyed. "Guess we're stuck" Mario said. Zero, Niles and JubJub looked at us, confused. "Jub?" JubJub asked,  "Could you elaborate Saiko?" Zero asked, with that, Mario and I filled the three in.

Hopefully the mansion wouldn't go up in flames.

*Meanwhile*

*Belle's POV*

Ugh... what was taking the guys so long?

Seriously waiting was getting annoying.

Wasn't helping that Cree wasn't paying attention to us.

Well, except Tari, who he was spending quite a lot of time with.

"Hey, Belle?"

"Yeah SMG4?"

"do you think this guy's flirting with Tari?"

Now I felt uncomfortable.

Why was he flirting with Tari? Did he have a thing for her, or just found her attractive?

I hoped it was that last one.

"Excuse me" SHroomy said, "Can you try to entertain us please? There's only so much we can do by ourselves, it's like we've been waiting for awhile now." Cree looked his way, "Come to think of it," Shroomy continued, "when looking at your invite, you wrote miles instead of kilometers-" Cree interrupted him.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS A KILOMETER????"

SMG4 and I exchanged looks.

Great, we're dealing with an American.

Lovely.

"Mama Mia..." Luigi muttered, getting up from the table. "Um, I'm gonna go see if the guys need help in the kitchen." he said, "Okay bud" SMG4 said, "Call if you need us!" I shouted after him.

Given who was in the kitchen, he'd need help.

"HOLY SHIT!"

Called it.

We went and looked inside, only to see the whole Kitchen up in flames, and Bob was on fire in the corner.

Given Meggy's history with cooking, this was no surprise.

"All I did was make a salad!" Meggy shouted, trying to put the fire out. SMG4 grabbed the fire extinguisher that Axol held, ready to put the fire out.

Only for flames to come out!

Huh???

"That's what made the fire worse!" Axol shouted, running over, "This is not okay!"

He's right, this isn't okay.

Axol and Melony filled us in on what happened while SMG4, Luigi, Shroomy and Meggy tried to put the fire out, Boopkins was busy trying to put Bob out but we had no luck.

"Tari!" I shouted, "We need your help in here!"

She came running in, saw the fire and screamed.

As for Cree, he just sat there, "This is fine" he said. "oh, and the extinguishers? I made them flamethrowers in disguise."

SMG4 looked pissed, hell I did too!

How dumb was this guy?

It was either that or he was insane!

"OI!" I shouted, "We could all die if you don't do something!!" That's when Luigi pointed upward, "Guys!" he shouted, "it's reached the ceiling!"

The ceiling!

The guys were still upstairs!!

Shit!!

*meanwhile upstairs*

*Niles' POV*

Ugh... getting out of here was gonna be a pain.

I tried calling Axol but got no response

We all tried calling the others by now but got no responses.

That's when I saw we weren't getting any bars here.

Fuck me....

"No bars guys" I said, turning my phone off. "This is bullshit!" Saiko said, "Oh you got to be fucking with me!" Mario complained, "Great, now what do we do?" Zero asked. Mario tried kicking JubJub into the door multiple times, but to no avail.

Great...

We're locked into a room, with no cell reception. How the fuck were we gonna get out?! That's when I smelled the air... and I smelled... smoke...? "Hey, you guys smell that?" Zero asked, sampling the air. "It smells like..." Saiko began, before panicking, "smoke!" Mario began to look concerned "You don't think there's a fire again do you?" he asked

That's when I remembered...

I had tried using the bottle to open the door...

Now it was my turn to panic.

"THE GASOLINE!!!"

Before the others began to panic, the whole mansion exploded.

We landed, hard.

Ow....

I was on my back, feeling like shit, my ears ringing. "Ow..." I groaned, holding my head in pain... I turned to my side and curled up in the fetal position. I swear I could hear some people asking if everyone was okay, some crying out, I swear I heard JubJub crying. Poor kid's gonna be scarred. Faintly, I could hear someone calling my name, and felt someone hold me, someone with... three fingers...

Zero...?

"Niles? Niles are you okay?"

I opened my eye.

His figure was blurry, but I knew it was him.

After blinking a couple times my vision cleared, and I could see Zero's look of concern. "Z-Zero...?" I asked, "Are you okay?" he asked, "I feel like shit," I whispered, "You tell me." He sighed and just held me close. That's when I saw everyone else. The others were all getting up, kicking some stuff, while others did have some injuries. Only thing I noticed was Axol's lack of a prosthetic, until I saw it, half melted, laying nearby.

Replacing that was gonna be pricey as fuck.

Cree however, just looked around his now destroyed mansion. "It's all gone..." he said, "you guys destroyed my home." I was about to say something when Axol, looking ready to murder, stepped forward "It wouldn't have been destroyed had you actually done something!" he said, rather loudly. "This whole thing could've been avoided if you just helped!"

Did I miss something???

"Meh, the house was no big deal" Cree said, waving it off like it was nothing. "Excuse me??" Belle said, now pissed herself, "We could've died!!"

She made a fair point.

"Like I said, it's no big deal" Cree reiterated, "I can easily get a new house, I've got millions."

Why did he look at Tari while saying that?

We all sighed in annoyance, and everyone noticed the food was still fine, so... we decided to eat. After a few moments, I was fine enough to sit up on my own.

Everyone was eating, and Axol's arm got fixed, curtesy of mine and Zero's powers, same for Four helping us. Anyways, Zero and I were picking through the bird, and I found the wishbone. "Hey Zero," I said, holding the bone out to him. He took one side and I took the other. With that, we pulled the bone.

SMG0 got the bigger piece.

"Okay babe" I said, "Whatcha wishing for?" Zero thought for a moment, then smiled. "I wish for things here in the Mushroom Kingdom to have positive changes, and to both grow and prosper."

An odd wish, but I could see what he meant.

The Mushroom Kingdom was our home now, and honestly, we loved it here. So, seeing the place grow and change, was definitely a wonderful wish. "It's a sweet wish babe" I told him, and he  just blushed. "Thanks" he told me, "Though, Niles, if you got the bigger piece, what would you have wished for?"

That was a good question, I thought about it for a bit, then shook my head. "I don't know what I'd wish for" i told him, twirling the small bone in my fingers, "I've already for everything I need." Zero gave me a confused look, so I had to elaborate. "I mean," I continued, "I'm happy with what i have. A place to call home, friends who've given me a second chance, even working hard to prove I'm willing to change and still am, people who, genuinely care about me... but I'm glad I can be with the people I love." I turned to face him, "Including you Zero."

He blushed a deep shade of red, "Ohh Niles..." he said, tearing up a bit.

With that, we shared a kiss.

Though, I did notice Cree looking our way...

What was going through that Hedgehog's mind?

*Later that night*

*Niles' POV*

Okay, I was full, and we needed sleep.

After the day we had... no doubt sleep was calling us.

I carried Zero into our apartment, him mumbling in his sleep. Mostly incoherent stuff that made no sense. It was fine though. I just needed to get him to bed. "Come on baby" I said softly, "let's get you to bed okay?" "Okay... " he mumbled, "can we cuddle Niles...?" I chuckled, "Yeah, we can cuddle" I told him. I swear I saw him smile.

I loved this guardian so fucking much.

After I reached our room, I laid him on our bed and got him in his PJ's, which is when he woke up a bit, and got cranky. "I swear you're a toddler sometimes~" I teased, getting a blush and a pout from him. "I'm not a toddler" he whined, still pouting. "Thank god," I said, "I do not wanna go to jail for having sex with you babe"

That got him laughing.

And then brought out his sassy side. "Last time I checked, I'm not jail bait" he commented, "That school girl uniform and maid outfit you have beg to differ" I joked, causing his face to turn red.

Yes Zero had a school girl uniform and a maid outfit.

And yes, I have seen him in both.

Oddly enough both worked well on him.

What?

I thought he looked cute in both outfits!

No one else knew about us owning them, thank god. I'm already judged by Mario for having a daddy kink.

Like his attraction to spaghetti is any better?

Doesn't matter.

"Please don't mention them around the others okay??" Zero asked, blushing, I nodded, lifting his chin. "I won't baby, I'd never" i told him. "We're already getting judged by the fat ass for my daddy kink" he snickered, "Friendly reminder you wanted him as our avatar." he said, "Now I wonder why I did." I said, looking a little relieved that having Mario as our avatar didn't follow through, especially with the shit Three and Four have to deal with.

I considered failing a blessing in disguise.

Yeah there were moments where Mario was actually the smartest person in the room, but they were few and far in between.

Granted there were some random adventures the guys have gone on, like a fucking war breaking out at a zoo, Mario having to save Shroomy and JubJub from a giant washing machine, you get the idea.

Neither here nor there.

"I will admit though" he said as he got his shorts on, "I do miss Fred..." I nodded as I took my jacket off. "I miss him too babe..." I told him, "but, Axol's seen him walking with us, you know he's watching after us." Zero gave a nod and we hugged. Eventually we got in our PJ's and brushed our teeth, both agreeing that today was, well, one Hell of a day.

Surprised I didn't lose my hearing, or was burned alive.

Also surprised by how well Cree handled his mansion exploding.

Though, from what the guys told me, regarding this whole "Rapper Bob Arc" from back in 2018, the guys had gone through something similar. Well, Mario, Luigi, SMG4, Toad, Bowser, Meggy, Tari, Saiko, and Boopkins. Shroomy was only partially involved, and apparently had been turned into a giant robot.

...

What drugs are Luke and Kevin on when coming up with this crap?

I don't think I wanted to know.

Eventually the two of us climbed into bed, me holding Zero in my arms. We were cuddling for awhile, kissing here and there, and him being rather affectionate.

I didn't mind, it was sweet.

"Niles?"

"Yes Zero?"

"Can you sing to me please?"

"Whatcha wanna hear?"

"Fireflies?"

Don't think I've sung that in awhile.

I nodded and kissed his head, "Of course" I told him.

With that, I began to sing softly, rubbing his back as I did.

"You would not believe your eyes

If ten million fireflies

Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they fill the open air

And leave teardrops everywhere

You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs

From ten thousand lightning bugs

As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head

A sock hop beneath my bed

A disco ball is just hanging by a thread (thread, thread)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)

Leave my door open just a crack

Please take me away from here

'Cause I feel like such an insomniac

Please take me away from here

Why do I tire of counting sheep?

Please take me away from here

When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies

I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes

I got misty eyes as they said, "Farewell" (they said farewell)

But I'll know where several are

If my dreams get real bizarre

'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar (jar, jar, jar)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

Because my dreams are bursting at the seams"

When I finished, I heard soft snoring beside me.

I guess I sang him to sleep.

I smiled softly and kissed his forehead. "'Night Zero" I whispered, "I love you."

With that, I fell asleep.

...

Until I heard a knock at my door, a half hour later.

Who the fuck was that?

*Niles' POV*

Who the fuck was knocking at my door?

They had better have a good reason for knocking this late.

If this person was in trouble, I'd understand instantly

Might as well go see who's at the door.

I checked the door, and couldn't believe who I saw.

Cree.

Why was he here this late??

Ugh...

I was very tempted to not answer the door, then he knocked louder. I worried what would happen if he woke up Zero, or if he'd cause a scene....

Uh boy...

Dare I see what he wanted...?

Another loud knock.

I gulped, and reached for the door knob.

Unlocking and opening the door, I glared at Cree, who gave a smirk. "Do you have any idea what time it is?" I asked, voice low and dripping with venom. "Sorry for coming by so late" he said, a bit loudly, "Keep your voice down." I hissed, "Zero's asleep and I don't want you to cause a scene and wake my neighbors." Cree rolled his eyes. "Whatever" he told me, "Anyways, did you consider my offer?"

Offer?

Wait... did he mean...?

For the God Box's sake...

"Still not interested..." I told him. "Now get the fuck out of my sight." I began to close the door, but this time he stopped me. I tried to push him out but he walked right in.

This fucker was trespassing now!

"Get the fuck out of my apartment!" I hissed, eye shifting to the center of my face, and changing. I was beyond pissed. "Why?" he asked, still sounding snarky. "Because my boyfriend is sleeping" I told him. He sighed, "Ugh" he said, "Anyway, my offer?" I was fed up. "I already said no" I reminded him. "I'm still asking you know." he told me. "What part of no do you not get?" I asked, trying to keep my voice down. "Niles, face facts, you're gonna be a star because of me, got it?"

Wait, did he just say that? Did Cree just say that I had no choice in the matter?

Are you serious???

Oh my fucking god....

"I don't have a choice do I...?" I asked,  "Nope!" he said, rather... proudly.

Jesus...

"Ugh..." I groaned, my eye returning to normal... "Fine, I'll do it."

He was about to cheer when I tackled him to clamped his mouth shut. "Wake my boyfriend and I will fucking end you. Got it?" I growled, he nodded. "Good..." i told him, getting off him.

Cree told me that he'd be my manager and he'd schedule my concerts... Ugh...

After that, I shoved him out out of the apartment, with him telling me when my first concert would be.

I ignored him, knowing full well to just block his number and ignore him, or move to another complex with Zero. Maybe Axol and Melony would wanna live with us? We could be roommates, it'd be an idea...

I really didn't want to have a music career, I just wanted to live my life with Zero... especially with what I had planned for him-

Wait... I have an idea!

Question is... would it work?

Hopefully it would.

But still.... I wanted to make this special...

Maybe... this concert might be the best idea for what I wanna do to Zero.

"Niles?"

Speaking of whom...

I looked over at him, seeing him rubbing his eye. I went over and hugged him. "Sorry babe," I told him, "had to answer the door" "Who was at the door?" he asked, I explained what Cree wanted again as we made our way back to bed. He sighed in annoyance. "You had no choice...?" he asked, "Yeah..." I told him, climbing back into bed. "Does this mean... you'll be on tour...?" he asked, "I don't know... but... Zero?" "Yes?" "I'd like you to come along with me."

That made him smile.

At least he was willing to come along.

*One week later*

*SMG0's POV*

I was still surprised that Niles had agreed to do a music career with Cree.

Especially after how much stress he put on Niles regarding his uh... choice of words...

Axol and I both agreed this was rather sus.

Why would Niles even agree to this? I knew he was nervous about performing in front of others, unless I was there.

Anyway, Niles was heading out for his concert. Hell he looked nervous though. Cree however was excited. Mario joined us here, same for Luigi, Axol, and Melony. Niles was panicking over here. I was comforting him as best as I could. It could only do so much.

Mario wasn't much help either.

Him going and speaking in gibberish.

Thankfully Axol smacked him, and with his prosthetic of all things.

Ouch.

"Mario wants to die" Mario said, before falling over face first.

Idiot.

Why did Niles want him as our avatar again?

That doesn't matter.

Anyway, Cree had everything ready. "Okay guys, let's get a move on" he said. "Um, before we go," Niles began, "Can my boyfriend tag along?"

Wait, he didn't ask beforehand?

"Niles" Cree began "I already told you, he can't tag along."

WHAT???

"Oh for fuck's sake!" Niles said, annoyed, "I told you I can't perform unless I know Zero's there! I'll freeze up!" Mario just shot him a look. "GAAAAAAYYYY!" he shouted, before getting smacked again.

This time by me.

I might be a cinnamon roll, but I don't take anyone's crap.

Yeah I said that.

But why was Cree not gonna let me come along?

It made no sense.

"Cree please" Niles begged, but he didn't budge. "I'll allow Axol, Luigi, and Melony to come as security, but not Zero, he'll just distract you."

I felt hurt hearing that.

Why did this guy not like me?

What did I do...?

"Why not include Mario?" Luigi suggested, "He could be helpful."

He's joking right?

Why Mario?

Cree looked annoyed as Luigi kept suggesting that Mario help out. Mario however just picked his nose. Eventually, Cree sighed and said yes. "Fat ass is just gonna cause trouble..." he mumbled as he walked off.

Axol and I heard that, and exchanged looks.

"Zero?"

"Yeah Axol?"

"Try to get tickets to go"

That made my eye light up.

He was right, that was another way to go to the concert. It might not be in the way I wanted to, but it was fine. As long as I still saw Niles, and he still saw me, it'd be fine.

Right?

Eventually, the guys had to leave for the concert. I kissed Niles goodbye and waved as they left.

Now, to get ready to go see the concert.

*Niles's POV*

Ugh... how was I gonna survive...?

I wouldn't make it without Zero...

Looking out the window of the car we were in, I watched Zero wave as we left. I know I'd be fine being away from him, but doing a concert while he's not there?

Could I handle it?

It was concerning.

"You gonna be okay Niles?" I heard Axol ask, "I think I'll be fine..." I told him, Melony gave me a reassuring smile while Luigi tried to keep Mario from sticking his head out the window.

What was he, part dog?

Granted he did pull his head back inside, only to try to piss outside while the car was moving.

I... I have several questions.

Mario... you need Jesus.

Like, you seriously need help.

Ugh.

Why did I want him as my Avatar again?

Neither here nor there.

Eventually, we reached the venue... and there was a lot of people there. I was worried.

Why was there such a crowd already??

I guess Cree had recorded me singing, when I don't know. Where did he put the music anyway? "Quite the crowd" Axol said, pulling his hood over his head. "I'm impressed" Luigi said, looking at the crowd. Mario's looking at the crowd with big eyes. "Well then..." I said, "I'm more surprised by how big the crowd is..." "I agree Niles" Axol said, looking my way. "I think Cree recorded you singing, hold on." He pulled out his phone and searched, sure enough... I was on SoundCloud.

Aye...

I listened to what he recorded, and it was songs that I'd sung to Zero, like when I sang Fireflies to him before going to sleep, when we sang at the Karaoke Night, us singing at the On Command concert, along with songs I'd continued singing throughout the week.

It occurred to me...

These were recorded without my knowledge.

And uploaded without talking with me first.

Was that illegal?

A question for Meggy later.

"Pretty sure if you didn't know about this..." Axol told me, "then he did this illegally."

Fair enough for me.

Soon, we were nearing the crowd, and I looked out the window, the crowd was getting excited upon seeing us pull up. I was getting scared now. Axol gave me a reassuring hug. "I've dealt with crowds like this." he told me, "If you need help calming down, or dealing with them, we got you."

That was, actually reassuring.

But how did Axol know how to deal with crowds?

That's when I remembered: Axol was a manga artist! And a popular one at that. What with him being able to bring anime characters to life with his Ink Weaver and shit like that.

I knew Luigi and Mario were used to crowds like this too, from being Bob's body guards back when he had a rap career in 2018.

I'd listen to his stuff by now... and was questioning what drugs he was on.

Especially with that diss track.

Forgot Meggy was an Inkling before she became human.

And that was mean on Tari dude.

I get she was new to the group but what the fuck??

Ugh.

Soon, the car stopped, and Cree stepped out.

I took a deep breath as Cree approached the car door. Mario, Luigi, Melony and Axol got out first, then Axol held his hand out for me.

When I took it and stepped out, the crowd went wild.

"OMG IT'S NILES!!"

"HE'S SO CUTE!!"

"BE MINE NILES!!"

"NOTICE ME!!"

"WE LOVE YOU!!"

...

Okay... I was a little concerned, because dear god I didn't expect that kind of attention.

Then I heard it.

"HE'S SO PERFECT!!"

Me??

Perfect??

Call me Tankman because I felt like I was ascending.

Axol had to lightly pap my shoulder to bring me back to reality. "You told me yourself that Perfection's overrated dude." he reminded me.

I nodded, "Right, thanks." I said, smiling.

As for the crowd, some people did try to bum rush me, but thankfully Melony and Luigi got the crowd straightened out. As for Mario, Cree had to tell him to put his clothes back on.

At least he was in his boxers.

I did not need to see Mario's dick again.

As for the crowd, while singing in front of them was gonna be a royal pain without Zero, other things weren't that bad, like taking photos with fans or singing autographs. Thank god I had Axol help me with that stuff.

Man, now I really felt bad for... well, the obvious.

Using him as a vessel then killing him.

You get what I mean.

Eventually we had to head inside to get ready, and the venue was nice. Backstage was too, so was the staff.

I was so thankful for that.

Here I noticed Cree was acting different than he had with us, he was actually being a decent person to the staff and crew helping us.

If he could do that with other people... yet around the SMG4 crew completely ignore us or belittle some of us, like Mario... or, according to Belle, constantly flirt with one of us, aka Tari... then something was amiss...

I hoped to god I was wrong.

And I was hoping Zero would find a way to get to the concert.

My hand went into my pocket, and I smiled a bit, knowing full well what I wanted to do tonight if he made it.

If he didn't, then this would've all been for nothing.

*Meanwhile*

*SMG0's POV*

Okay, I was all packed and ready to go!

Thankfully Garcy had gotten us tickets to go to the concert, him being in the music industry and all.

What a nice guy.

"Okay, that should be everything." I said as I got a small bag packed up of things to bring with me. It was mostly my cell, a video camera, some food, a notebook of memes Axol gave me, and ear plugs in case it got loud.

Knowing concerts, they had a tendency to get real loud.

I mean, I could handle the Starlight Mayhem concert as that was outside, but this was indoors, and who knows if the sound echoed throughout the venue?

Aye.

I put everything into a back and got my poncho back on. "Ready Zero?" I heard Two call, I looked to my left and saw my fellow SMG's all getting stuff ready as well. I noticed a few small changes about them as well. SMG1 had a belt on his waist with small bags to hold stuff in, like his reading glasses or even his own meme notebook.

Axol had given one to all of us Meme Guardians.

Just in case we ran into a situation where we needed to use our powers, and there were no memes available.

Another thing I noticed was a small star patch on One's scarf. it was a simple yellow star and looked nice.

I liked it.

SMG2 had on a teddy bear backpack along with some sparkly red sunglasses on his hat. Pretty sure those were symbolic with Spudnick... It'd make sense if they were. I knew Spudnick had a teddy bear he was fond of in life, so maybe Two repurposed that bear to be a backpack?

A question for later.

As for SMG3 and SMG4... they had more different changes...

Three had on a black hoodie over his shirt and overalls, along with a Knuckles backpack that had on a top hat. I knew without a doubt that was symbolic of his old friend Terrance the Ugandan Knuckles. I knew what happened to Terrance back inside the God Box, and I know his sacrifice wasn't in vain. Three also had been growing his hair out too. Don't know why, but it made him stand out a bit from both Four and Mario.

It was a nice change of pace.

I wonder, how would Niles look with his hair long, or in a ponytail?

Now I was blushing.

As for Four's look, he had a white hoodie on, along with a Pepe the frog backpack on. I noticed three pins on his hat too.

I'd ask what they were later.

"Ready to go guys!" I said as I walked over to SMG4's car. "You guys get there safe and sound okay?" Garcello told us, "Don't worry about us Gar" Three said as he hopped in. "We should be fine." "I know" he continued, "I'm just looking out for you guys, that's all."

Axol, you were smart to befriend him in the afterlife.

He was such a sweet guy.

I hugged him. "Thanks for your concern Garcy." i told him. "Oh, before you go Zero" he began, reaching into his pocket "I got something for you." With that, he pulled a locket out. "Look inside."

I opened the locket and was shocked.

inside was a photo, of me, Fred, and Niles.

I smiled and put the locket on, it hid under my bandanna but what can you do, right? "Thanks Garcy. I love it." I told him, "No problem" he said with a smile.

With that, we got in SMG4's car, ready to head out. Four was driving, Three called shot gun, One and Two had the window seats, leaving me in the center.

Granted, Two was tiny, so he could sit in my lap if he wanted.

We waved to Garcello as we drove off.

Next stop, Niles concert!

*Meanwhile*

*Axol's POV*

show time was fast approaching, and Niles was hyperventilating.

Cree wasn't helping by having Mario and Luigi work on setting up the stage.

Also didn't help that Mario was being a little bitch about this.

I was so tempted to just tie him to a chair and force him to watch Boku No Pico, while in the same room as both Boopkins and Whimpu.

God I was so tempted to do that.

But I had other pressing matters.

Like Niles.

I handed him a paper bag to breathe into, that seemed to help calm him down a bit. "Just try to calm down Niles" i told him, reassuringly. "How???" he asked, sounding worried, scared, and I think there was a bit of anxiety there too. "I can't go up on stage and sing in front of thousands of people!" Melony and I exchanged looks, "What are you talking about?" Melony asked. "You sang just fine at the karaoke night." "And at the Starlight Mayhem concert too." I added.

That was when he told us.

"Guys, I can only do those types of performances around Zero." he told us, "if he's not there in the crowd I'm gonna lose it."

That made more sense.

"Is he your safety net?" Melony asked, to which he nodded. "Zero's... what helped keep me sane half the time..." he told us. "when it comes to singing, I feel secure singing to him."

I was surprised.

I remembered back when he sang at the karaoke night, and the concert. Hell I remembered when he sang out his confession to Zero. He felt more confident with singing whenever Zero was around.

I was surprised to hear that. It made sense though.

But, how would he handle this?

"Okay guys" Cree said with a smile, "everything's all set up, and we have our opening acts here too. People should be filing in soon to fill the seats." He looked at Niles "You excited?" Niles didn't even look his way, let alone reply.

I understood why.

Cree did say some terrible things in the past, and didn't let Zero tag along.

My question was... why?

Why wouldn't Cree let Zero join us?

It made no sense.

Niles still ignored him as Cree continued to talk. Melony and I exchanged looks, and that was when... we got an idea, on how to make this work.

*SMG0's POV*

Finally, we made it!

"Here we are guys!" SMG4 stated as we got a spot. After parking and showing our tickets, Axol met us at the front and *GASP!* HE LED US BACKSTAGE!!!

Axol you mad bastard!

the five of us walked to the back, where I saw Mario, Luigi, Melony, Cree and- "NILES!" I shouted, running over.

...

Only for Mario to block me.

"Mario what the heck?" I asked, confused. "Mario let us through" SMG4 said. Mario shook his head, "Sorry guys, but Cree said no." he told me. Axol glared at Cree. "Cree, let them through!" he snarled. Niles gave a pleading look. "Cree please" he begged. Cree finally gave an annoyed sigh and told Mario to let us through. Axol thanked Mario, only for Mario to glare. "Diets are a thing Mario" Melony told him.

Mario backed off.

I ran over to Niles and both hugged and kissed him on the lips. It was deep and passionate. "I'm so glad you could make it baby~" he said when we pulled away. "I wouldn't miss this for the world!" I told him, smiling and blushing. I heard aww's from SMG2, Luigi and Melony, saw thumbs up from SMG's 1, 3 and 4, a nod from Axol, while Mario just gave a look that I knew would lead to-

"Why are you gay?"

Before I could say anything, Niles beat me to it. "Why are you still bitchless? your spaghetti doesn't count Mario."

....

I had no words.

"Gonna need a Sensufor that one."

Did Axol just quote DBZA?

At least I understood that reference.

As for Mario...

Poor guy just sauntered off, making what SMG4 called, "Sad Mario noises"

...

Sounded right.

Soon the venue was full of cheering fans. Luigi went out to introduce the first opening act. Apparently it was this guy Saiko knew, named Kaizo. According to Saiko, Kaizo was her friend back in her game, but it's been four years since they last hung out, so obviously she changed while he was stuck in his glory days.

Not gonna lie, he was... kinda a jerk.

I will say this though, dude can play the drums.

Which is what he played out for the crowd, which got everyone riled up. As he played, Cree gave me a glare. "Listen here Zero" he growled, "You are not to interrupt or ruin Niles' concert, if you do, you'll be in hot water, you understand?" I just looked at him.

My response to that?

"I just wanna be there for my boyfriend, is there a problem with that?"

That shut him up.

"Zero?"

One?

I looked at my fellow SMG's, who looked surprised. "When did you become so sassy?" Two asked me, I just shrugged, "Maybe it's the inner sass in me?" I assumed, "Either that" Three commented, "Or that's your inner Angel Dust coming out."

Angel Dust?

I mean, people do say I sound like him.

Wonder why that it?

Meh, not important.

After a few songs, Kaizo finished his set up while Luigi asked what he thought about being at Niles concert. "Meh, I'd rather it be myconcert really." Kaizo said. I rolled my eye as the next act, who I recognized as A Guy On The Internet, or Agoti, take the stage with his friend, Tabi.

Garcello mentioned knowing them. Apparently he had known them before the whole fiasco with him dying, and before, according to both Garcy and Axol, Agoti was sent to the void, and back when Tabi was human.

What in the God Box's name...?

I'd ask later if they decided to stop by and say hi.

Niles watched with us while Kaizo watched too. "Not gonna lie," he said, "they look badass." I rolled my eye. "They went through a lot though." I muttered, gripping my poncho. Kaizo looked annoyed, and like he wanted to hurt me. "Hey," Niles said walking over, wrapping an arm around me. "Any reason you're bullying my boyfriend Kaizo?" it looked like Kaizo wanted to say something, but backed off.

That was when I saw Niles had changed his eye to his "Zero" eye.

I guess that's one way to tell someone off.

Or at least, to leave you alone.

"Thanks Niles" I said with a smile, "Hey" he told me, "no one's gonna be hurting my baby while I'm here~" I blushed. "Thanks, daddy~" I whispered, making his blush.

I knew how to get him going.

Maybe we'd be able to have some... alone time later?

Odds are he'd need some alone time, as this was gonna be stressful.

Eventually,  Niles had to get geared up to go on stage and perform.He was given a headset and quickly tested, all the while, he was scared.

I knew why.

Axol had told me why Niles only performed when I was around... I didn't mind when he sang to me, but it did make sense as to why he was nervous about performing in front of others.

After he was ready, Luigi went out after Tabi and Agoti finished. Niles got nervous as Luigi went and thanked the two, shaking their hands as the two talked. "Niles?" I whispered, "Will you be okay?" "I don't know..." he whispered back. I nodded and kissed his cheek. "I'll be watching you from here baby." I told him. Niles began to relax and smiled at me. That was when we heard Luigi make the announcement.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!" Luigi called out, "Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together, for Super Meme Guardian Niles!"

Now that was both quite the intro, and quite the title.

The lights went out, and Niles went on stage.

But, not before I saw Axol and Melony whisper something to him.

Did I see a smile?

Axol, Melony, what did you two have planned...?

I'd ask later, as the lights soon came back on, and Niles appeared onstage.

God damn...

The way the light lit him up... it was like he was ascending to Heaven.

Or he got to that part in Guns where Tankman starts to ascend.

You get what I mean.

Soon, Niles looked my way, I gave a smile and nod. "knock 'em dead Niles~" I whispered. He seemed to hear me and nod.

With that, the music started, and Niles gave it his all with several songs. I was cheering him on the entire time from back stage. Hell we all were, Axol, Melony, Luigi, SMG's 1 through 4, Mario, Tabi, Agoti, hell I even heard Kaizo cheering him on.

That was nice to know.

After awhile, Niles did something I wasn't expecting. "Alright everyone" Niles said to the crowd, "There's something I wanna do, with someone very special to me."

Why'd I get the feeling he was gonna bring me out on stage with him?

Niles looked my way and motioned me out on stage. "SMG0, come here." he said, holding his arms out. I knew what that meant. I ran over and leapt into his arms and he twirled me.

We heard the crowd go wild.

I heard some people shout obscenities, but that gave me an idea. "Wanna piss off the homophobes in the crowd?" I quietly asked, Niles smirked. "You read my mind" he whispered back, thankfully it was low enough where his mic didn't pick it up.

With that, he pulled me into a deep and passionate kiss.

The crowd lost their minds.

As they did, Niles whispered something in my ear. "Axol and Melony planned this" he told me, "They want us to perform a song together, and I have... a song for you."

Oh?

A song for me?

Now I was intrigued.

After Niles set me down he explained to the crowd our relationship and what he had planned. Meanwhile Luigi ran out and handed me a microphone. "Thanks Luigi" I said as he did. "No problem!" he said back, smiling.

God he was such a sweetheart.

No wonder he was a fan favorite.

His brother was too, but seeing how Mario was half the time, especially around Bob and Swag... oh god, I could only imagine what chaos would ensue if the three starred in their own episode.

Pretty sure chaos would ensue, and Peach's castle would be destroyed. Again.

Aye.

As for the song Niles chose for us to perform together, I recognized it.

Heaven 2 Hell.

I sang as Charlie while Niles sang as Alastor.

This was gonna be fun.

Attention all sinners! Alastor here!

(And Charlie!)

And we're pleased as punch to tell you about the new Hazbin Hotel!

(Actually, it's the Happy Hot-)

Wonderful! Now listen up!

What would you do if I said there's a place for you?

A place completely free of shame and doubt (well, just about)

What would you do if you could start it all anew?

Well, come to our hotel and you'll find out

You will not want for anything, we'll take it all away

No, actually, we'll give you things 'cause stealing's not okay

Like beds of nails and swarms of bugs

Or cupcakes and a bunch of hugs

We'll make them pay

They'll want to stay

Don't scare them all away

We may not agree on everything as far as we can tell

But we both want this new venture to do well

So, with her passion

And his power

And this rinky-dink hotel

We might just bring some heaven to hell

It's clear to me that you're just looking for control

It's definitely getting out of hand(I agree)

So before we go and tell another tired, tortured soul

I think we need to come up with a plan(good idea!)

We'll ship them in and dress them up and make them look the part

Well, actually, we probably should help them change their heart

By teasing them and baiting them

Or rehabilitating them

Boil them, baste them, slice them up and serve them à la carte

That's horrible!

Don't be such a princess

Go to Hell!

Already there, darling!

We may not agree on everything as far as we can tell

But we both want this new venture to do well

So, with her passion

And his power

And this rinky-dink hotel

We might just bring some heaven to hell

(One more time for the demons in the back!)

With our passion, and our power and this rinky-dink hotel

We might just bring some heaven to hell

Want some hors d'oeuvres?

I'll pass

Yeah!

Thank you, thank you! I'm here for all eternity!

Hahahaha

By the time we were done the crowd was going wild!

I was impressed.

"How was that?" Niles asked, the crowd was going insane, and I think we both were loving it now. "That, was amazing!" i said excitedly. Our friends were cheering for us now, and Niles got ready for the next song, a song for me.

That was when... I noticed Cree.

Where had he gone...?

And... why did he look angry...?

Now I was concerned.

It looked like the others were trying to hold him back from coming on stage, but... why?

I'd done nothing wrong, and the crowd loved us both.

What was the issue?

Something was wrong, I could feel it.

I looked over from the setup and saw Cree glaring at Zero.

Ugh...

What was this Sonic OC's deal?

What did he have against my boyfriend?

I could get what he had against me, but leave my innocent bean of a boyfriend out of it.

I seriously wanted to go over there and talk with him about his behavior regarding Zero, and all of us for that matter, but given that we were... currently at a live concert, there was only so much I could do...

Especially since I had something special planned with this song.

I quietly prayed that nothing would go wrong.

'Zero's gonna love it!' I thought excitedly as I had the lights dim for the song. I chose this as a way to let him know how much I cared about him, without revealing what I had planned.

Keeping this a big secret was a pain.

It'd be worth it though.

At least, I hoped it would be.

I just wanted this to go well...

I took a breath, and got back to Zero.

The crowd watched as the music started, and dry ice was used to create a smoky effect. I smiled as it did. 'Perfect.' I thought as I took steps forward to get the song started.

I watched Zero's face and the look he gave...

Oh, it was priceless.

I smiled, 'God he's cute' I thought.

Soon, it was time to sing.

Here we go!

"Yeah, yeah

Hey, yeah

I got myself a notion

And one I know that you'll understand

We set the world in motion

By reaching out for each other's hand

Maybe we'll discover

What we should have known all along, yeah

One way or another

Together's where we both belong

If we listen to each other's heart

(Oh yeah) we'll find we're never too far apart

And maybe love is the reason why

For the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye

If a wall should come between us

Too high to climb, too hard to break through

I know that love will lead us

And find a way to bring me to you

So don't be in a hurry

Think before you count us out, oh

You don't have to worry

I won't ever let you down (nothing's gonna stop us now)

If we listen to each other's heart

We'll find we're never too far apart

(Oh yeah) and maybe love is the reason why

(Oh yeah) for the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye

Yes, we are (eye to eye, we're seeing it)

Seeing it eye to eye (love is why we're seeing it)

(Eye to eye) seeing it eye to eye (eye to eye)

(We're seeing it) yeah, seeing it eye to eye

(Love is why we're seeing it) I think we're

Seeing it eye to eye (eye to eye, eye to eye)

(We're seeing it) yeah, eye to eye

If you're ever lonely, stop

You don't have to be

After all, it's only

A beat away from you to me

Take a look inside and see, yeah

If we listen to each other's heart

We'll find we're never too far apart

And maybe love is the reason why

For the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye

Whoa (for the first time), for the first time

(Eye to eye) for the first time ever, eye to eye (seeing it)

Seeing it, baby (seeing it eye to eye, for the first time ever), yeah

Yeah, for the first time (we're eye to eye), first time

(Yeah) yeah, baby, (seeing it eye to eye)

We're seeing it (for the first time ever) eye to eye (eye to eye)

Yeah (we're seeing it), come on, baby (seeing it eye to eye)

Eye to eye (eye to eye), eye to eye, eye to eye

Yeah (seeing it eye to eye), for the first time ever, eye to eye"

While I performed Zero and I were dancing together to the beat. Hell I called out the rest of the gang to join us. Axol, Melony, Mario, Luigi, SMG's 1 through 4, even Agoti, Tabi and Kaizo joined us on stage. The crowd was cheering now, and at one point, I looked back, and I saw the anger present on Cree's face.

Meh, let him be angry. We were having fun out here!

That final note hit and we landed a pose...

Only for something to happen that caught us all off guard.

An explosion on stage.

I don't know how, but I got separated from my friends...

When I landed, I could hear screams, but they were muffled... god it was like when the mansion blew up last week...

Wait... were the others okay...?

*Axol's POV*

Ugh... not again...

I don't know where everyone else was, but I did see Luigi evacuating the venue.

Thankfully the explosion wasn't super bad... from what I saw it was a giant balloon that popped, sending everyone flying.

I think I saw Mario hanging from the ceiling by his overalls.

Better than hanging by his neck.

...

Or his pingas.

Seriously how was it still intact after being stuck in a door, twice, the amount of times something hit him there, and even getting kicked there multiple times?

So many questions...

I climbed down from where I was and looked around, "Everyone okay?" I called out. Melony pushed some debris off herself, the SMG's quickly got stuff off each other, Agoti was able to get Mario down, Kaizo was inspecting the damage, and Tabi looked like he was having flashbacks.

Given what I was told, regarding him blowing up a restaurant, I don't blame him.

Surprised both BF and GF got out of there unscathed.

Not important.

"Guess we should get to cleaning up then" Luigi said when he reached the stage. "Um, Mario can't." Mario said, "And why not?" Kaizo asked him, "Mario broke his legs" he replied.

We all shot him looks.

"Y'know Mario..." SMG4 began, "There is such a thing as going Vegan-"

Mario got to work asap.

That'll do it.

I was gonna ask Cree to help but I saw him walk out the back door. I could sense a mile away he was pissed about the show. "Um, I'll go after him" SMG0 said, "You do that." I told him, "I'll go find Niles."

Zero gave a nod and went after Cree, while I went looking after Niles.

'He couldn't have been blown far enough from here...' I thought as I looked around.

That was when I got outside... and heard... crying?

Turning the corner, I saw Niles sitting in the alley, crying into his knees. "Niles...?" I asked, walking over. He sniffled and turned my way. His eye was red from crying, and of course tears were streaming from his eye too. "A-Axol...?" I nodded and sat beside him. "Are you alright?" I asked, he nodded, "Physically... yes, emotionally... no." Niles looked away... "I can't believe everything was ruined..."

What did he mean by that?

"If that explosion didn't happen... I could've given Zero my surprise."

Surprise?

"Niles, could you elaborate...?" I asked,  Niles looked my way, and showed me something that shocked me. "Are you sure you wanna go through with this dude?" I asked, he nodded. "I do." he told me. "Then... let me help you." I told you. "You will?" I nodded, "Yeah, I will." Niles hugged me. "Thanks Axol."

If only we knew what was going on...

*Melony's POV*

Ugh... This was a pain...

Cleaning everything up wasn't easy, but it'd be worth it.

Thankfully Luigi was helpful.

As the two of us carried some bags outside, I heard SMG0 talking with Cree. Luigi and I listened into the conversation.

"Um, Cree?" SMG0 said, approaching him, "I really am sorry about this, if I did anything to upset you that is..." Luigi and I exchanged looks. "But, Zero did nothing wrong..." Luigi whispered, "Yeah, you're right" I whispered back.

That was when Cree said something, that shocked us both.

"YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!!!"

We both jumped and looked back, seeing Zero on his butt. "Huh? What are you-" "YOU. RUINED. EVERYTHING!!!" Cree shouted, I winced a bit, until Cree dropped a bombshell.

"If you didn't go on stage none of this would've happened!!"

Excuse me??

That was mine and Axol's idea to help Niles calm down!

Don't get mad at something that wasn't his fault!

I was ready to hurt this Sonic OC for saying that.

Luigi held me back as we heard more. "YOU SHOULD'VE JUST NOT COME!!" Zero tried to get a word in but Cree wouldn't let him. "Cree please let me explain-!" "ENOUGH!" Cree shouted. "Niles didn't even want you here!"

What???

Zero looked shocked "W-what??" "He was the one who pushed you down that hole!" Cree continued, "and set everything up for the explosion of my mansion last week!"

Now... I was shocked.

That... that couldn't be the case... right...?

Niles told us he was in town when he got the texts from Axol, Meggy, and Saiko regarding Zero. and there' s no way he would've set the mansion on fire, or even the stage either.

"W-what...?" Zero asked, tearing up, "Why do you even try?!" Cree shot at him, "Niles doesn't even love you!"

W-what...?

That... that wasn't true...

Niles loved Zero...  Why would Cree say that?? I was there when Niles confessed his feelings to Zero, and had seen the genuine love the two shared. I... I couldn't believe it...

Zero fell to his knees, tearing up as Cree walked off, "Get the fuck out of here Zero." he said, "and don't come back."

Luigi and I were shocked, as Zero cried his heart out.. I wanted to console him, tell him it was all a lie... what Niles told me and Axol... before I could though, Zero took off running in the opposite direction... "Oh no..." Luigi whispered... "Not again..."

Huh? Again?

I asked for details as the others showed up, Luigi explained while everyone was confused. Mario heard and filled us in too. Apparently, Bob had done something like that to Boopkins, all to raise his rap career...

But... Niles didn't want this...

How would we tell him what happened...?

And... how would I tell Zero the truth...?

He needed to know.

There was one thing I couldn't figure out though...

What did Cree have against Zero...?

*three days later*

*Melony's POV*

"Okay Melony" Bob began, "Repeat after me." I sighed in annoyance as Bob was trying to get me to start a rap career again. "okay then" I said, messing with my microphone. Bob gave a rap. the same one when we found out about Kaizo.

Me?

I sang Baby Shark.

At least I got the SMG's laughing.

Bob poked my cheeks with his blade hands. "Why are you like this?" he asked in that strange whisper voice. "I'd say the same about you Bob." SMG1 commented. Bob looked annoyed, "Say what?" he asked, to which SMG1 gave a smirk. "Did I stutter?"

Ooh...

SMG1 getting sassy over here.

"Don't worry about him Melony" Saiko told me, "Try to do other stuff okay?" I nodded and decided to go on a walk. As I stepped out though, I saw him.

Zero.

He was sitting on the grass outside the castle, and I think I heard him listening to something, it sounded sad... I didn't recognize it at first, until he pressed play again, and started singing along.

That was when I recognized the tune.

Drift Away

"Here in the garden

Let's play a game

I'll show you how it's done

Here in the garden

Stand very still

This'll be so much fun

And then she smiled, that's what I'm after

A smile in her eyes, the sound of her laughter

Happy to listen

Happy to play

Happily watching her drift away

Happily waiting

All on my own

Under the endless sky

Counting the seconds, standing alone

As thousands of years go by

Happily wondering, night after night

Is this how it works?

Am I doing it right?

Happy to listen

Happy to stay

Happily watching her drift away

You keep on turning pages, for people who don't care

People who don't care about you

And still it takes you ages

To see that no one's there

See that no one's there

See that no one's there

Everyone's gone on without you

Finally something

Finally news

About how the story ends

She doesn't exist now

Survived by her son

And all of her brand new friends

Isn't that lovely?

Isn't that cool?

And isn't that cruel?

And aren't I a fool to have

Happily listened

Happy to stay

Happily watching her drift

Drift

Drift away"

I couldn't believe my ears... Zero was really going through heartbreak....

Poor guy...

Though, I wasn't the only one who noticed.

"Is Zero okay?"

Mario?

I looked over and saw Mario looking at Zero, then my way. "Do you think it has to do with Niles?" he asked me, and I just shot him a look. "You tell me." I said, rather bluntly.

With that, Mario walked inside, shrugging.

I quietly walked over to Zero and sat beside him. "Zero...?" I asked, looking worried. Zero didn't even look my way...

I knew this was bad.

Realbad.

I ran back inside, noticing Mario tell everyone about Zero being depressed. Luigi and I exchanged looks, knowing the reason why. "Why don't we try to find ways to help cheer him up?" SMG3 suggested. "It's worth a shot" Whimpu said. Shroomy gave a nod. "Then let's get to work to cheer up SMG0!" he cheered.

The others were excited by this idea too.

Luigi and I... we began to brainstorm how we'd help cheer him up too.

There was only one way though....

While Mario tried to cheer him up with Spaghetti, as usual, Luigi and I got to work on our plan. The plan was to have Toad dress as Niles and have him apologize for what happened. Of course we knew Toad was gonna object, until I bribed him with candy and keeping Toadette away from him for the rest of the month.

He was down after that.

As we dressed Toad up as Niles, Bob and Boopkins saw and came over. "Uh, guys? What are you doing?" Boopkins asked, "Why are you dressing toad like an emo?" Bob asked, "He's supposed to be dressed as Niles" Luigi explained. "It'll be how we're gonna cheer up Zero too." I added.

Bob and Boopkins exchanged looks.

"Um, guys?" Boopkins finally said, "I don't think it's a good idea." I was confused at first, but I then realized why... This would backfire... "What do you mean?" Bob asked, and both Luigi and Boopkins explained what happened back in 2018. Apparently, after Bob had told Boopkins off, Luigi had done the same thing to cheer Boopkins up, and it failed too. Bob seemed to slowly nod. "Shit..." I heard him whisper, he looked... remorseful.

This was the first time I'd seen him look remorseful in the two years I'd known him.

That alone should speak volumes.

Bob was usually a selfish manipulative jerk, so him looking remorseful, was a sight. "But why though?" Bob asked, now sounding confused, "it makes no sense."

That was when Luigi and I filled them in on what we saw.

By this point, Toad had left to go change, since this was a waste of time.

I'd still pay him for doing this though.

It only seemed fair.

When we were done, both were shocked. "Something seems off..." Boopkins said, "What do you mean?" Bob asked, "What would Niles gain from doing that?" he replied, "I mean, think about it. Niles did a lot of things for Zero before, even the whole "making a new universe for them both" thing."

He had a point.

As sad as it was.

That's a fair point..." I said, "Especially since, well, with what Niles told me before the concert." That got the attention of the three. "Um, Melony...?" Luigi began, "What do you mean?"

That's when I told them what Niles told me and Axol, about how he felt better singing around Zero, what happened at the concert, and so on.

The three were shocked.

"Is that true?" Luigi asked, I nodded. "Yup." I said. Boopkins gave a suspicious look. "Something seems fishy about this." he said, "Besides you?" Bob joked.

Boopkins was right though, something did seem rather sus here.

*Tari's POV*

We'd tried everything by this point. Bob tried rapping but somehow that made things worse. Mario tried the spaghetti thing, but nope. That didn't work. At all.

We all tried something to help cheer Zero up.

...

Well, except for me, Belle, Meggy and Saiko.

The four of us got an idea regarding cheering him up. "Hey, Zero?" I said walking over to him, "What is it Tari...?" he asked, sounding glum. "Well, the girls and I have an idea to help cheer you up." Zero looked my way, "um... what do you have in mind...?" he asked. We gave him a smile, "you'll see!" Meggy told him. "You're gonna love it!"

We got into Meggy's car and drove off to a concert hall. Thankfully, we knew Niles would be performing here.

I needed to thank CJ for getting the tickets for us.

Yeah, ever since the Starlight Mayhem concert, we kept in touch with CJ and Ruby. They were wonderful new additions to the crew!

As for Zero, I figured seeing his boyfriend perform would help calm him down.

After parking and getting inside, we spotted Chris and Garcy waving us over. Apparently the two were on a date.

Going to the concert of one your friends, now that's sweet.

"So what brings..." Garcello's voice trailed off as he noticed Zero, we explained what was going on, which shocked him. "Hmm, maybe spending time with friends might help." he said, "Unless it's something else..." Chris muttered.

What did he mean by that?

Did Chris sense something was off?

I get he's a demon but did demons have that kind of power?

"Tari?"

Belle...

"You okay?" she asked, "you look rather nervous." I sighed as we sat and told her what was on my mind. She gave a concerned look. "I hope that's not the case..." Belle whispered.

Honestly, I hoped that too.

But.... what if it was?

Oh dear...

*SMG0's POV*

I was not in the mood for this... Everyone was trying to do stuff with me, when in reality, I just wanted to be alone...

Cree's words still hurt to know...

Did... did Niles really hate me...?

I didn't want to believe it, with how Niles and I were... but that nagging thought... it was still there.

But... others proved otherwise...

Not the best examples... but thoughts, of Niles... back when everything had gone to... well.... shit.

"You and I are gonna make the perfect universe, together."

"Hey Zero, how you been? Ready to get back together?"

"the power of the God Box, is supposed to be OURS!"

"You and I will fix it all!"

"We were supposed to be together in our new universe..."

Yeah what Niles did wasn't exactly the best... but, the fact he did all this for us both... .... still not exactly the best idea, or well thought out... I know he had good intentions... the God Box manipulated him... at least I got through to him before things got even more worse.

As for now... I watched the lights start to dim as Niles stepped onto the stage. I noticed right away he looked massively nervous.

Guess the Peach tea wasn't enough to cut his stage fright down.

Not good.

That was when he started looking through the audience... and his eye fell upon me... I saw him begin to relax, and a small smile came across his face.

With that, he began to perform.

I recognized a few songs here and there, and everyone was having fun.

"I didn't think Niles would get so popular so fast!" Tari said, looking at the crowd, "Kinda reminds me of Bob when he had a rap career" Saiko mentioned. Meggy gave a nod. "Hopefully it won't end like Bob's did." she added. Belle and the boys were confused, as was I. "What happened to Bob's rap career?" Gar asked, so the three filled us in.

Wait, Bob did to Boopkins what happened to me??

Now I was worried that history was repeating itself...

That was when I spotted Cree behind the curtains, and I could see him scanning the crowd.

Now I was scared.

Cree had told me to not come back... if he saw me... oh no...

'Please don't see me...' I thought, hiding under my poncho, 'Please don't see me!'

That was when I heard a familiar tune...

Niles sang this to me years ago... back when Fred was still alive...

He was staying at my house, it was raining out... thunderstorm really. I used to be scared of them. Niles stayed by my side and sang this to help calm me down, "Just focus on my voice" he told me, and he sang this song... Seasons of Love... It was something he'd sing to me whenever I was either scared or nervous... it'd always calm me down, and put me at ease...

Just like I did here...

"If there's any fans of Rent in the audience," Niles began, "here's one for you..." I peeked out, and saw his eye on me. "and for you Zero..." I heard him whisper.

I teared up as he began.

"Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets

In midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles

In laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love?

How about love?

How about love?

Measure in love

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?

It's time now to sing out

Though the story never ends

Let's celebrate

Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

Remember the love, remember the love (oh, love)

Love (oh, give me love now)

Measure in love

(Measure in love

Measure in love

Seasons of love)

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes (seasons of love)

Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear (moments so dear)

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes (seasons of love)

How do you measure, measure a year?

Measure in love (love), sweet love (love)

Seasons of love, oh yeah

Love (love), sweet love (love)

Seasons of love

Love (love), sweet love (love)

Seasons of love

Measure your life in

Seasons of love

Yeah, oh"

When Niles finished, the whole crowd lost it, I smiled softly, 'He remembered...' I thought, a small smile on my face. Did that mean he still cared about me...?

That thought left my mind when I saw Cree walk on stage, with his own microphone. It's also... when he spotted me and glared.

I remembered what he told me...

I got out of there, fast!

When I looked back though, I saw a look of confusion on Niles face...

Now I was confused, what was going on...?

*Saiko's POV*

Oh god, not again...

While Cree was saying something about Niles needing more fans, Zero took off.

I had a feeling something was up.

Question was... what?

I wanted to find out.

"Hey, Tari, Meggy," I said quietly, "I'm gonna go spy on Cree and Niles to find out what's going on, okay?" both nodded and went after Zero, with Belle, Garcello, and Chris in tow.

I however, went backstage.

Someone had to be back here to fill me in...

"Saiko?"

Axol!!

I turned and saw him walk over, Niles right behind him. "What are you doing here?" he asked, looking puzzled. "You mean backstage or the concert?" I asked, Axol shot me a look. "yes." he said.

Freaking smartass.

"In regards to the concert," I began, "the girls and I brought Zero here to help cheer him up." That got Niles attention, "Cheer him up?" he asked, "What's going on, is he okay?"

Zero, your boyfriend's a bigger worrywart than Luigi.

That should say something.

I sighed, "I don't know when this started," I continued, "but, according to Melony, he's in a rather bad depressive episode."

Both looked shocked.

Well, that was short lived for Niles, as he turned pissed. "Did someone hurt him??" he asked, eye changed now. "If someone did I'm gutting them!"

Note to self: tell Zero he's a keeper.

As Niles walked off to cool off, Axol stayed with me, "Why are you backstage though," he whispered to me, "I'm getting the feeling something's up" I whispered back, explaining what happened after Cree went on stage after that last song. Axol looked concerned now. "I have a feeling Cree told him something," he told me, "Niles hasn't been able to get a hold of Zero since that first concert. No texts, calls, emails, not even through letters.It'sas if he's not able, or not allowed, to speak with him anymore."

What. The. Fuck.

Axol had to be joking.

But, when Niles came back, and I asked about it, he looked upset, and lowered his head. "I just wanted to see him and hear his voice..." he whimpered.

I was shocked.

Yet, at the same time, I was right...

Something is clearly going on here.

Niles and Axol both filled me in on their side of the story, with Niles explaining the whole thing of him having bad stage fright, regarding singing, unless Zero's there, and Axol about this surprise Niles wanted to do his first concert.

Just for Zero...

I realized... this wasn't gonna be like what Bob did...

That led me to wonder... Did Cree do something...?

*Meanwhile*

*Meggy's POV*

Ugh... where did Zero go?

He couldn't have gotten far, could he?

I hoped not.

As we ran out to go find him, I noticed Tari getting stopped by, who else, Cree. Looked like he was attempting to flirt with her, ask her if she liked the show, etc. Thankfully she told him she was busy and helped us resume looking.

Is it just me or did he look annoyed?

Dude, you got cock blocked, calm down.

Then again, that happens to Whimpu on a near daily basis, and happened to Mario when he played Smash or Pass.

He got denied, by a sign of all things.

Red, you need serious counseling.

Either that or Jesus.

Let's just hope SMG2 doesn't try hitting him with a Bibble again, asking if he questioned the words of, "The Mighty Jimmy."

Someone likes Aqua Team Hunger Force.

Least I got the reference.

After realizing he wasn't in the building anymore, we went outside looking for him. "SMG0!" Garcello called out, "Dude come on, where are you?!" Chriss shouted. We were all calling out looking for him.

That's when I heard sniffles behind a trash can.

Peering behind it, I saw Zero facing the wall, knees pulled to his chest, quietly crying...

So much for the concert working.

I waved the others over and tried to get Zero to come out from his hiding spot. He didn't budge. Belle moved the cans so we could at least talk with him. "Zero," I said, quietly, "listen, we're real sorry about this. Did something happen?" Zero didn't say a thing, he didn't even look our way...

This was bad.

Coaxing what was wrong out of him wasn't gonna work. But... we needed to do something, at least to cheer him up for now...

While Tari, Belle, Garcello and Chris tried talking with him, I moved to the side and pulled out my phone. Scrolling through my contacts, I found the SMG's. One of them has to be able to help.

I don't know why, but I chose SMG2.

Both were beans and got along like a couple of goobers, it only made sense he might know how to cheer him up, right?

After two rings, Two picked up. "SMG2 here!" he said cheerfully, "Hey Two, it's Meggy," I said, "listen, I need some help." "With what?" he asked, I explained the situation, regarding SMG0, what everyone's tried, the concert, Zero running out, you get the idea. SMG2 was silent the whole time. When I was done, Two finally spoke. "it sounds like something must've happened between him and Niles. Whatever it is, we gotta find out both sides first on what's going on."

That was, actually a good point.

If something did happen between them, then we needed answers.

I told Two how Saiko was gonna spy on Niles and Cree for us, Two reminding me that Axol was working with them, mostly to help Niles.

Right, after the whole blowing up the mansion thing, Axol wasn't exactly... fond of Cree.

Granted, I don't think any of us were with how he reacted to his home going up in flames. ... or the fact he was, according to Belle, constantly flirting with Tari, and ignoring the others.

Some host you are Cree.

"As for right now," Two continued, "I suggest taking him to a cafe to help calm him down." "A cafe?" I asked, "What kind?" "Just a standard cafe Megs," Two assured me, "Zero's not into maid cafe's like Boopkins and Whimpu. Thank god."

Thank god indeed.

"Does he have a favorite?" I asked, Two told me which one Zero liked, in fact, it was one the guys frequented. I think it was the same one Axol, Melony, Niles and Zero went to when they discussed the Bath Game awhile back.

God hard to believe that was ages ago.

I thanked Two and we ended the call. I rejoined the others, and now, Zero was facing the crew, but still silent. "Let me guys." I said, kneeling beside him. "Zero?" I asked, not getting an answer, "Would you like to go and get some food?" He looked my way, "I get that what we've been doing hasn't helped, in cheering you up, but we do wanna help you." I continued, "and, I'm pretty sure you need something to eat right now, right?" before he could say anything, I heard his stomach growl, making a few of us laugh. I saw him smile a bit and chuckle. "I was told there's a cafe you like, wanna go there?" I asked, Zero gave a small smile and nodded.

Let's go!

*SMG0's POV*

It was nice to know my friends cared about me, it really was.

As we drove to the cafe, I stared out the window, lost in thought.

The song Niles sang... told me he did still care about me, but Cree's glare told me another story.

Why was I afraid of a Sonic OC?

...

Wait, given the fandom, and how... toxic, some fans were... I had every right to be.

"Didn't know Niles could sing Seasons of Love." Chris said, catching my attention. "I'm impressed too." Belle added, I turned to the guys, wondering if... I should tell them what that song meant to us both.

Wasn't able to now though, as we reached the cafe.

Thankfully it was still open.

We went inside, ordered drinks and food and got a table for six.

This kinda felt wrong for me and the girls, as it felt like we were impeding Gar and Chris on their date. The two reassured us they didn't mind. "Guys, we're friends" Gar told us, "We wanna help out here in any way possible."

Chris, you were lucky to have a guy like Garcello.

Eventually our food arrived and our drinks got called one by one. I'd ordered a peach tea, per usual, along with a BLT club. As we ate, my mind went over what everyone had done earlier today, at least in attempts to cheer me up.

Yeah, some were ridiculous, like Mario trying to cheer me up with Spaghetti and Bob with his rapping. ... or Boopkins and Whimpu trying to show me a Hentai.

Seriously what the heck you two?

And out of all the hentai, why'd they choose Boku No Pico?

Thank god JubJub walked in and they kicked the DVD out.

As for others, they were genuine attempts. JubJub wanted me to play blocks with him, which, I'll admit, was adorable, Luigi and I made an edible bouquet, mostly of Fruit. Thank goodness Melony didn't find out. Shroomy took me on a walk through the woods, and, well, Melony's was probably the most genuine way.

She told me she knew what happened, and told me what Niles had told her and Axol.

Guess that explained why he looked relieved when he saw me in the crowd.

I looked at my friends, and finally broke my silence. "Um, guys?" I said, "I know that, I've been rather... down lately, and, I get you guys were wanting to cheer me up. I do appreciate it, really." I looked up and saw them all looking my way. "I know that I'm going through a lot right now..." I continued, "but, I'm just glad to know I've got such amazing friends like you guys."

I was hugged by all five of them.

I love them, I really do.

Eventually, it was time to pay and leave. Garcello and Chris offered to spend the night at my apartment, so I wouldn't feel alone. I said they could and they went to get their stuff from Chris's. Guess they were gonna spend the night there originally.

I knew what that was code for.

While they were gone, I went to my room and grabbed something.

My phone.

When I checked my phone, I noticed something, Niles was removed from my contacts. 'Did something happen?' I thought, thinking it was a glitch.

I hoped it was a glitch, and not him blocking me.

Unless Cree took his phone and blocked me.

Jerk.

Sighing in annoyance, I scrolled through my songs I had, planning on fixing the phone issue shortly. Is it here...?

Yes it is!

Thank you God!

I walked out into the main room and put my phone on the counter, pressing play, walking away as the music began... I knew this song fit Niles better than me.

Not to mention, my neighbors were gonna be pissed at me for the noise.

Let them be.

I didn't care.

Right now, the song spoke to me...

And I sang along.

"I was the one who had it all

I was the master of my fate

I never needed anybody in my life

I learned the truth too late

I'll never shake away the pain

I close my eyes but she's still there

I let her steal into my melancholy heart

It's more than I can bear

Now I know she'll never leave me

Even as she runs away

She will still torment me

Calm me, hurt me

Move me, come what may

Wasting in my lonely tower

Waiting by an open door

I'll fool myself, she'll walk right in

And be with me for evermore

I rage against the trials of love

I curse the fading of the light

Though she's already flown so far beyond my reach

She's never out of sight

Now I know she'll never leave me

Even as she fades from view

She will still inspire me

Be a part of everything I do

Wasting in my lonely tower

Waiting by an open door

I'll fool myself, she'll walk right in

And as the long, long nights begin

I'll think of all that might have been

Waiting here for evermore"

When I was done, I paused the song so it wouldn't immediately go to the next.

The joys of having an album when you just want one song.

Should've gone to YouTube.

But... in a way, I could feel what Beast felt there.

I knew from the concert, Niles did still care for me.

Looking out the window, I whispered one simple phrase, one he'd know if he were here....

"We are together Niles, and that's enough."

*Meanwhile*

*Niles's POV*

Zero left...

Shit...

Just thinking of him helped me continue with the concert.

Even if I hated doing it.

After that was said and done, I was stressed beyond belief...

I needed a drink.

Axol handed me a mug of peach tea, which I immediately drank. I started calming down. "It'll be okay Niles," Axol told me, pouring himself a mug, along with one for Saiko as she walked in.

We sat there and quietly talked, thankfully it felt more like we were just hanging out, not performing at a concert.

"You really wanna stop performing don't you?" Saiko asked, I nodded, taking another swig of my tea. Yes it was hot but I didn't care. "I didn't even want to do this to begin with." i told her. "Is there a reason you only like to sing when Zero's there?" Axol asked, I sighed, explaining how, years ago, back in our universe, I once sang to help Zero calm down. "He was afraid of thunderstorms." I told them, "So, I did something that would take his focus off the storm. What better way to sing that song?" "Wait," Saiko interrupted, looking my way, "You mean Seasons of Love, right?" I nodded, "That became our song" I told her. "Whenever Zero needed comfort, or was nervous or, even scared, I sang it to him." I knew one question was on their minds... "And no, I didn't sing it while we were... a monster..." i told them, "I wanted to, so badly, to assure him everything would be okay..." I hung my head, ".... But I couldn't bring myself to."

Eventually it was time to leave. I wanted to go back to my apartment so bad, to sleep in my own bed, in my own room... with my boyfriend in my arms...

But, no.

Cree had booked a hotel for the four of us.

I didn't mind hotels... but I was getting antsy to go home... Cree told me I could go home once the tour was done. "Granted, home will be a mansion for you." he said gleefully.

Why, so it could burn down again?

No thank you.

We got our rooms and went in each one.

I was thankful Axol was across the hall from me, so there was that.

I took a shower and let the water run over me... thinking about what Saiko told me...

What had happened...?

Why was Zero depressed?

I needed answers.

After drying off I got changed into my PJ's and checked my phone to- wait, where were all my contacts???

The SMG's, Mario, Boopkins, Bob, the girls, Shroomy, Whimpu, both Chris's, Swag, Gar, Annie, Luigi, even Axol's was gone.

What was happening?????

I wanted to cry, so badly...

I was being isolated from my friends and I hated it.

I just laid on my bed, letting my tears finally fall.

This was unbearable...

It was like... like...

Ugh...

It hurt like utter Hell!

I don't know why... but the words just... came to me...

"I'm addicted, to the sorrow,

When the buzz ends, by tomorrow,

There's another rush of poison flowing into my veins,

Giving me a dose of pleasure that resides by the pain.

I'm addicted, I'm dependent,

Looking awesome, feeling helpless.

And I know I'm raising cain by every highway in Hell,

Maybe things won't be so terrible inside this hotel..."

....

Dunno why, but Angel's words spoke to me there...

I sniffled as I looked through the photos on my phone, thankful I still had them. I stopped on one of Zero and I, and the tears came back. "We were supposed to be together, in our new universe..." I muttered, remembering that day in the God Box... before it was destroyed...

Somehow, I heard him talk to me... Almost as if... he were there...

"We are together Niles, and that's enough..."

*Three weeks later*

*Luigi's POV*

"Mario..." I groaned as we sat on the sidewalk, "You just had to get us kicked out of another restaurant." "You blaming me??" he asked, faking shock. "Well yeah" I replied, "You just had to get naked and stick your dick in the spaghetti!" "Oh well excuse me princess!" Mario shot back, "I like me Spaghetti, there a problem with that??"

Yes, and you needed counseling for it.

I sighed in annoyance. "Let's just go home." I said, "Maybe we can order spaghetti off Uber Eats."

Why Mario made the Windows starting noise then and there I will never know.

Aye...

My brother was something else, that's for damn sure.

As we were walking though, I couldn't help but notice all the posters and merch that was up and about on the streets. All of which featured Niles...

Oh dear...

Why was I having flashbacks to The Rapper Bob Arc?

"This isn't good..." I said as I looked around, "What do you mean?" Mario asked, when I mentioned how Niles was rising in popularity, Mario didn't see the issue. "So what?" he asked, shrugging, "Niles is just getting popular, what's the big deal?" I sighed, then remember something. "Mario, do you remember the Karaoke night we had last month?" I asked, getting a nod, "yeah, what about it?" he asked, "And the Starlight Mayhem concert?" "Luigi what are you getting at?" he asked, sounding annoyed. "Mario, remember how Niles acted before going up, he was nervous." I told him.

That seemed to get the gears turning in his walnut sized brain.

"I remember those."

Garcello your timing is something else.

"Wait, was he nervous?"

CJ?

I looked over and saw our newest members to the group looking at us, confused. "Is... is that true?" CJ asked, "I didn't notice it during the rap battle we had." "I didn't either during the karaoke night" Garcello added. "There's a reason why." I said, explaining what Melony told me. "I see," Garcello said, "So, Niles only likes to perform when Zero's around..." "That would explain a lot actually," CJ added, "I remember seeing in his first concert, the amount of confidence he had when Zero was on stage with him, and their duet too."

He was right, hell during the karaoke night Niles looked scared to even sing, dude practically downed two bottles of peach tea from that.

SMG1 and SMG0 both told me that's what he drinks when he's nervous.

Apparently it helps calm his nerves.

Guess that's the case for all the SMG's.

Not important right now though.

"If that's true..." CJ continued, "then, how's he been making it so big exactly?" "Good question, but I have a better one." Garcello added, scrolling through his phone, "Why haven't we been able to get in contact with him?"

Heh?

What did he mean?

I pulled my phone out, and noticed that Niles wasn't in my contacts anymore. Mario's either. "What the fuck is going on?" Mario asked, "Um, why don't we talk about this at the castle?" I suggested, "Because, I'm getting a very bad case of Deja vu right now..." The guys nodded and we made our way back to the castle.

*Meanwhile*

*Niles's POV*

Ugh...

I wanted this to be over...

I wanted to go back home...

This was physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. I just wanted this to stop. Unfortunately, Cree was enjoying the fame we'd be gaining.

And over the pan of a month too.

Aye...

Saiko and Axol were damn good company, but I'm sure they could tell this was taking it's toll on me. "You doing alright Niles?" I heard Saiko ask, I turned and faced her, noticing her hair was out of it's pigtails.

Did she have small horns hidden under her hair?

Dear god.

I thought it was cute.

As for her outfit, she was wearing a purple shirt with lace sleeves, jeans, and sandals, along with a necklace with the Darkest Hour logo. Wonder where she got that?

I'd ask later.

"Not exactly," I said, shaking my head. Saiko sighed and sat beside me. "You'll be fine." she told me, running a hand through my hair.

Wait, did my hair get longer?

I noticed it was past my shoulders, hm, maybe I could tie it into a ponytail or something.

"Okay guys!" I heard Cree say as he walked in, "We need something to help raise Niles through the roof!" I sighed and face planted into the pillow I was on. "Can we not?" I said, my voice muffled.

I don't think Cree heard me, as he began rambling on about possible ways to boost my career.

Just kill me.

"Cree," Saiko began, "need I remind you that Niles doesn't want a career in music? This whole thing is stressing him out."

Wait, she... understood?

Oh right, she was a musician, of course she understands.

I was grateful she was on my side.

"Thanks Saiko," I whispered, she nodded and pet my head. Axol came over to us and rubbed my back. "Just try to relax okay?" he told me, "You still have your little surprise for Zero, you'll be able to soon enough."

He was right, I did still want to surprise him...

Question is, would I be able to?

I haven't been able to get in contact with anyone in the crew which sucked.

Actually... it scared me...

Did everyone hate me...?

Please don't be the case... I was hated before by them, and I know why...

Ugh...

"Niles?"

Axol?

I looked his way, and he gave a look of sympathy, "Try to relax okay?" he said, "We're here for you." I nodded and held his hand. "Thanks Axol" I said softly.

As if I didn't regret killing him before, I certainly did now.

Unbeknownst to us, Cree had gone off, apparently to go write a song he had in mind for us.

If only I knew what he had planned for me...

*Meanwhile*

*Tari's POV*

It was a normal day at the castle, well, minus SMG4 and # having an argument about how memes work.

Thankfully SMG1 and SMG2 got them to behave.

"Those two are idiots." Annie told me, "Yeah, but they're our idiots." I said jokingly. "Heh, just like Garcy and me." she jokes back. I laugh. "I wouldn't say that." I told her, "I Would, I heard Chris say.

Wow, smooth move there Chris. Thank god Gar wasn't here ti hear that.

"Guys!"

Never mind, there was Gar.

We all looked over to the door and saw Mario, Luigi, Garcello and CJ run into the castle,  looking surprised. "Guy, we have a bit of an issue." Luigi said, catching everyone attention. "What's up with you guys?" Belle asked, "It's Niles" Luigi said, "dude's rising in popularity, we even can't get in touch with him!"

Wait, was this true?

Most of the others saw nothing wrong with it though, but I noticed right away that Melony, Boopkins and Bob all looked... wary.

I however, noticed Zero looking hurt, like, heartbroken...

Not again...

"How's that a bad thing?" I heard Kaizo ask, messing with his drumsticks. "Dude's popular, he's making a living with his music. I see no issue." Garcello shot him a look. "You can say that because you want a career in music, and you and Niles get along, but listen, I and the rest of the gang know Niles has pretty bad stage fright."

Oh god, he was right!

Niles did have stage fright.

I remember from the karaoke night, and the Starlight Mayhem concert, he had Zero with him every time he was singing.

Same for his first concert, and when we took Zero, I noticed that Niles had his eye on Zero the whole time he sang, looking nervous before, only to relax seeing him.

Wait, that meant...

Oh dear...

there was something I was remembering though.

"Guys, remember the Rapper Bob Arc?" I said, to which Shroomy, Boopkins, Bob, SMG4, SMG3, Mario and Meggy all nodded at, so did Luigi. "This seems similar to what happened then." I said, getting nods from them again. "Um, excuse me," Whimpu said, raising his hand, "But what is the Rapper Bob Arc?"

Right, that happened before Whimpu even joined us, I remember that happened shortly after I joined the crew.

"This must've been long before we joined Whimpu" Belle said, getting nods from the rest of us. "Was this before Axol joined though?" Chris asked, and I shook my head. "This was before Axol joined us," I said, "but after I did." the others again nodded. "Yeah, it was late 2018." Bob told the others, "Right after Waluigi went on a rejection fueled rampage."

I remembered that.

That was around the time I joined the group...

God, seemed like only yesterday.

Before we could explain further, Garcello turned on the TV near by, and saw a music video pop up. "Guys get over here!" he shouted. We all crowded around the TV and watched as it was Niles, with a new song...?

But, he did covers, what the heck?

Apparently, this was a cover...

Of Bob's Ultimate Diss Track.

Even Bob looked appalled.

Can't say I blamed him...

Then, we heard the lyrics...

"Sit down folks,

Let me tell ya a little story.

About the time,

Before all my sexy glory...

I knew a group of people

That was just so irritating

As soon as I met them,

My life became devastating

First was Mario a fat ass bitch;

His pasta fetish made me wanna put him in a ditch.

Then there's Luigi now, he's just dead weight

Oh yeah, then again, he was easy to manipulate.

Don't get me started on any of the girls,

the sound of their voices were like screeching metal.

There was this blue haired chick, but I forgot her name,

When I think about it none of us liked her anyway

All the others, what wastes of space,

The SMG's, each an unfunny disgrace.

Then there was SMG0, oh god why?

His obliviousness made me wanna die!

Ultimate Diss Track, Ultimate Diss Track 

Your dignity in life, you're never getting back

Ultimate Diss Track Ultimate Diss Track 

you're never gonna recover from this ultimate attack.

True Story."

When the video ended, we were all shocked.

We were just stunned by what we saw, and heard...

That... that couldn't be right...

And, what did he mean by that line... about no one liking me...?

I began to tear up... but I wasn't the only one...

Through the tears, I could faintly see Zero run out of the castle, with Garcello running after him...

Oh dear...

*Garcello's POV*

What the fuck was going on??

Why would Niles, who was trying his damn hardest to change, say something like that?? About his friends?? His fellow SMG's?? Even his own boyfriend??

Something was amiss.

I'd deal with that later, right now, find Zero and comfort him.

I knew the others would handle Tari...

"Zero?" I called out, reaching the back garden. "Go away!" he called.

Right behind the fountain. Lovely.

I walked over to him, completely ignoring what he said. "Zero," I said, walking and sitting across from him on the fountain. "are you okay buddy?" "Do I look okay Garcello???" he shouted, tears shedding down his face.  "The man I love just insulted me in a song!! he's ignored me for the last three weeks, blocking us all and I feel hurt!! Do you even think he cares??"

Oh no...

This isn't good...

I sat beside him and just let him cry. I knew he was in no mood to talk. "need a shoulder to lean on then?" I asked, He didn't say anything, just clung to me and cried into my shirt. I wrapped an arm around him and rubbed his back.

We were like that for a while...

Eventually his sobs turned to sniffles, and I could hear him hiccuping here and there. I held him in my arms as I stood up. "You wanna go talk with the others now?" I asked, he sniffled and nodded, leaning his head on my shoulder.

With that, we went back inside.

When I got back to the foyer, everyone was cheering Tari up, and, of course, she was surrounded by ducks.

What better way to cheer up the girl I call Little Duck than with ducks?

As I walked over to the group, the others looked over and saw how bad Zero was right now. "Mama Mia..." Mario said, sounding sad.

That was... a first.

Tari stood and made her way over as I set Zero down. The two immediately hugged tight.

Friendship, right there.

"This makes no sense though..." Belle said softly, "Why the fuck would Niles go and cover a song that even Bob regrets making?"

We were all confused on this. Something was going on here, and I didn't like it.

"Um, guys?" Luigi said, looking at us, "Melony and I have something to tell you." Melony gave a nod, "It'll explain everything."

Sure enough, it did.

Zero was wiping away tears, confirming everything the two were saying. "Please tell me you're joking," SMG4 finally said when they finished. "Cree told you this crap?" CJ asked as well, "And you believe a Sonic OC?" Kaizo added, "Man, you're dense."

Annie drank her liquid and shoved his head in the trash.

That's my bestie.

Shroomy however, brought up something we overlooked. "Hey guys," Shroomy began, pulling the song up on his phone, "There's a lyric that caught my ears, listen."

It was this:

There was this blue haired chick, but I forgot her name,

When I think about it none of us liked her anyway

Wait, what?

"Hold on" CJ said, looking confused, "Why would Niles even say that?" "I think it wasn't Niles who wrote the song," Shroomy answered, "Remember that love letter Tari got last month?"

Love letter?

Tari's eyes went wide, "I still have it actually" she said, Hold on," she ran to her bag and pulled it out, showing it to the rest of us.

Wait, whoever sent it thought we abused her???

Huh???

"Guys..." Tari said, a look of realization dawning on her face, "I think whoever wrote that song is also my secret admirer, or rather, my stalker..."

That seemed to be the most probable choice...

Question was... who were they?

And why would they have Niles sing that song?

Better question...

What did they have against us...?

*Saiko's POV*

What the fuck was that??

We finished everything and... well, Axol and I were just standing off to the side... speechless.

Niles however was in tears over having to sing what he sang.

Calling out our friends like that... even hurting his own boyfriend...

What was going through Cree's mind????

Oh wait, he was enjoying all the popularity the song brought in.

Bastard.

"Looks like the song's doing great guys!" Cree said, a smile on his face. "I think we should celebrate!"

Celebrate???

Was he out of his mind??

"ARE YOU INSANE???"

Niles took the words out of my mouth.

Axol and I looked Niles way, and I saw his eye had changed to his "Zer0" eye.

I knew that he was beyond pissed.

Didn't blame him.

"What you did was insane!!!" Niles shouted, anger present, "Those are my friends you made me diss, in a song Bob wrote ages ago!!" I nodded at that, "He's right Cree" i said, stepping towards him. "It makes no sense making a song that I I called Bob out for, four years ago." Cree just shoots us a look. Whatever.

Cree shot Niles a look, and said something that pissed off all three of us.

"Let's face it Niles, all that song cost you was your supposed friends, nothing of value lost there."

Oh, I was pissed.

Niles however, lost it, running off crying.

Axol started to take off after him, telling Cree that what he said was going too far, but of course, Cree didn't care. He just walked off, while Axol went after Niles to calm him down.

I was furious, and needed to blow off some steam.

However, I also needed to tell the others what happened.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone to call the others, but for some reason my contact list was empty.

Huh?

Not even Kaizo was on the list.

What the fuck was going on?

Call this Among Us because this was very sus.

I was annoyed, until I heard a couple voices nearby, and I knew who they belonged to. "Luigi? Melony?" I called out, sure enough, both walked over, SMG0 trailing behind, though he looked... heartbroken?

Why'd I have a feeling it was because of the song?

"SMG0?" I asked, walking towards him, "What happened?" "Um, Saiko," Luigi began, "It seemed Cree told Zero something... hurtful..."

With that, all three filled me in on what happened.

I was mortified by what I heard...

After they finished, I figured I needed to tell them the truth.

Or at least, what I knew so far.

"Zero" I said, stepping forward again, lifting his head. "lemme say this, right here, and right now. Niles did not write that song. Cree did. Niles has been missing you for the last three weeks. I've seen how being away from you has affected him, and... it's not pretty."

All three looked shocked. "W-wait, you mean...? Niles still loves me...?" Zero asked, his voice cracking. "If that's the case..." Melony began, "Then, why would Cree write that song...?" "Better question," Luigi added, "Why would he say such things to SMG0?"

Those were all very good questions.

Yet, Zero gave the best questions...

"Does he have something against me...? I know he has something against Niles, but why me?"

Something against Niles?

Wait, did he mean...?

"Zero," I began, "Was he the one who said that Niles...?" he nodded, "Same Sonic OC." he told me.

That made things worse now.

We needed to get to the rest of the group.

I had an idea.

*Meanwhile*

*Tari's POV*

God, we needed to get this taken care of, and taken care of now.

Question was... what?

Mario of course suggested we do something illegal, but Meggy shot that down. "You want Hal Monitor on your ass?" she asked.

Mario shrunk down hearing that.

It was an attempt.

Granted, Kaizo and Annie were down for killing someone.

Dammit you two.

Ruby and I suggested something less violent, like a singing competition, but Mario and Kaizo just laughed at us.

Both got smacked by Annie afterwards.

Love ya Annie.

"Guys!" SMG1 said, "we need to focus here!" "I'm with One here" SMG4 said, "We need to come up with something. Anyone try getting in contact with Axol or Saiko?" Everyone shook their heads.

Apparently for some reason, all our contacts were gone in our phones.

Maybe some strange glitch?

Hopefully that was the case.

If it was though, why would it be affecting all our phones???

That I didn't get.

However, on my phone there was one contact that I hadn't put in before.

It was that Cree guy from last month.

I was really confused.

Why would he be in my contacts?

I barely even talked with him, besides the concert.

Before I could show the others though, the doors burst open, and there was Melony, Luigi, and SMG0 with Saiko, and man did she look ready to kill.

"Saiko!" Kaizo said with enthusiasm, "Didn't expect you to show up! Guess you-" "saw the music video while it was being made?" Saiko interrupted, "and saw how Niles reacted afterwards?" This caught us all off guard.

"You saw the music video?" SMG2 asked, to which Saiko nodded, explaining that Cree was the one who wrote the song.

Bob had every right to be pissed.

"Why would Cree write something like that?" I asked, "especially the line about you guys not liking me?" "It-it makes no sense..." SMG3 added, getting nods from everyone, "Hold on," Garcello began, looking confused, "If Cree wrote that song, does he hate Tari?" "I doubt it," Belle said, shaking her head, "I remember from the dinner he invited us to, he was constantly flirting with her, completely ignoring us." Meggy nodded, "She's right, I remember back at Niles concert, when we took Zero, Cree tried to flirt with Tari but she walked away to help us look for Zero." I nodded at that. "It's true," I said. Shroomy brought something up, "Wait, if Cree wrote that song, and everything else, do you think it has something to do with Tari's love letter?"

That was a good question!

"You don't think Cree wrote the letter, do you?" I asked, "It's plausible" CJ suggested. Everyone nodding at that. "What would he even gain from making it look like we hate Tari?" Chris asked, "Fuck if I know." Mario replied. "it makes no sense..." Luigi said, looking confused, "Maybe he's trying to make the group look bad?" Annie suggested, to which the whole group agreed.

If Cree was trying to isolate me from my friends, it wasn't working. My friends had my back, and I loved them. "If this is the case..." I said quietly, "Then, we need a plan to go up against Cree." "I like that spirit Tari," CJ said with a grin, "And I already have an idea," Saiko added, "But, we'll need help from your band CJ." CJ gave a nod, then Kaizo smirked, "Need a drummer?" he asked, getting a nod from Saiko, "Oh yeah" she told him, "We're revealing this wolf in Sheep's clothing, in the best way possible."

Everyone was on board now.

*meanwhile*

*Niles' POV*

Ugh... I wanted to kill someone...

That someone being Cree...

"Guys come on!" Cree shouted from the main room, "I wanna watch the success with you guys!"

Success my ass.

That success cost me those I love, and you don't care.

Axol and I looked at each other, both annoyed as we walked to the main room where Cree had a big TV set up. "Where's Saiko?" Axol asked, Cree just shrugged, "Dunno" he replied.

Why'd I get the feeling she went back to tell everyone what had happened?

If she did, then I saw that as a good thing, she'd tell them what Cree had been doing to me, who knows.

Though, I do know from seeing Bob's own fame fall from doing a song like that, it cost him big time with Darkest Hour.

I'd heard it, and was impressed.

Saiko could sing, that's for damn sure.

We sat on one of the couches while Cree was eagerly going through the success of the song, while I just looked away, both in disgust, and sadness.

This damn hedgehog was the reason my friends possibly hated me now...

What exactly was his end goal...?

To isolate me from my friends? Have the world see me as a monster?

Ugh...

My mind was trying to come up with ways on how to change this whole ordeal, when I swear I heard the notes to Wolf In Sheep's Clothing begin to play, I looked on the TV, and couldn't believe my eye.

It was Saiko, and Starlight Mayhem, along with the rest of the crew!

"What the fuck is this??" Cree asked, sounding surprised. "Easy," I replied, smirking, "This is about you."

That's when the lyrics rolled, and both Saiko, and CJ kicked serious ass

Beware, beware, be skeptical

Of their smiles, their smiles of plated gold

Deceit so natural

But a wolf in sheep's clothing is more than a warning

Baa baa, black sheep, have you any soul?

No sir, by the way, what the hell are morals?

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick

Jill's a little whore, and her alibis are dirty tricks

So could you

Tell me how you're sleeping easy

How you're only thinking of yourself

Show me how you justify

Telling all your lies like second nature

Listen, mark my words, one day (one day)

You will pay, you will pay

Karma's gonna come collect your debt

Aware, aware, you stalk your prey

With criminal mentality

You sink your teeth into the people you depend on

Infecting everyone, you're quite the problem

Fee-fi-fo-fum, you better run and hide

I smell the blood of a petty little coward

Jack be lethal, Jack be slick

Jill will leave you lonely, dying in a filthy ditch

So could you

Tell me how you're sleeping easy

How you're only thinking of yourself

Show me how you justify

Telling all your lies like second nature

Listen, mark my words, one day (one day)

You will pay, you will pay

Karma's gonna come collect your debt

Maybe you'll change

Abandon all your wicked ways

Make amends and start anew again

Maybe you'll see

All the wrongs you did to me

And start all over, start all over again

Who am I kidding?

Now, let's not get overzealous here

You've always been a huge piece of shit

If I could kill you, I would

But it's frowned upon in all fifty states

Having said that, burn in hell, yeah

Oh, oh, oh

So tell me how you're sleeping easy

How you're only thinking of yourself

Show me how you justify

Telling all your lies like second nature

Listen, mark my words, one day (one day)

You will pay, you will pay

Karma's gonna come collect your debt

Karma's gonna come collect your debt

Karma's gonna come collect your debt

Now that, was a cover!

Axol and I were cheering from that, and with Saiko front and center, no doubt it was calling Cree out. "Pssh, that wasn't even good." Cree said, "There's no way people liked it." Axol however pulled his phone out, and saw the numbers to us plummet. "The fans and numbers beg to differ," he said, smirking as well. "You gotta remember this song's a popular one."

He was right, Wolf in Sheep's Clothing had to be one of the best callout songs I'd ever heard. I think I remember Garcello telling me a friend of his back home used this song to call out his dad for something. Forgot what it was, meh, if possible, I'd ask later on.

As we walked out, I was surprised by how quickly Saiko had made an influence song wise. Axol and I fist bumped while Cree lost his mind. "So... you and I might be done with this right?" Axol asked as we began to walk the streets, "Hopefully" I said, "after this, I'm looking forward to seeing our friends again."

That was short lived, as my phone began blowing up...

Specifically my social media...

People who heard the song were spouting hate my way, saying that Saiko and CJ's cover... was aimed at me, for what I said...

Oh dear god...

My heart dropped as I realized...

Either it was misinterpreted by fans... or... the song... really was aimed at me...

Axol couldn't believe it either.

"There's no way it was aimed at you," Axol told me, "With what Saiko might've told them, odds are it was more aimed at Cree. People are pointing fingers too quickly."

Thing was, he was right.

Cree didn't see that.

The fact that I was taking the blame for the song was enough to make almost everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom hate me again...

And after all my hard work to try and redeem myself...

It was all down the drain...

I was so upset...

Axol had gone back to the place we were staying at, as he had to retrieve something, so... it was just me and Cree. "I see this as a small victory for me," he told me, "Like I told you, you don't need those friends of yours."

I. Had. Enough.

"SHUT UP!!"

Cree jumped, looking my way, "Excuse me?" he demanded, "I said shut up!!" I yelled, furious now, "You're the reason all this went to Hell! You're the reason I sang that song in the first place!" I was letting my anger get the better of me, and I didn't care. "it's because of you that my friends hate me, I lost my boyfriend, my chance at redemption is in shambles!" I yelled, practically towering over him.

Cree however, didn't look phased... and what he said next... broke me...

"You don't deserve redemption, not after what you did."

He hadn't changed...

Was this his goal...? To make everyone hate me again...?

I simply slapped him in the face and took off down the road.

"NILES WAIT!"

Zero...

I'm so sorry... but right now, I want to be alone...

*Axol's POV*

What the fuck did I miss?

I'd gone back to grab my stuff, and found something that the whole crew needed to see, but, when I come back, I find Niles yelling at Cree, Cree saying something I couldn't hear, only for Niles to slap him and run down the road...

All while our friends watched inside the cafe we were standing outside of...

Zero tried calling after him, but Niles didn't even look back, he just kept running...

I was left standing there... holding a book in my arms...

A book, that would fill everyone in on what the fuck's been going on...

*several days later*

*Tari's POV*

Apparently, the song had done it's work, but unfortunately, on the wrong person.

We found this out when people began attacking Niles social media, blaming the song on him.

No matter how many times we tried saying it was calling out Cree, not many would listen.

There's always those stubborn ones...

"Jeez," Garcello said as he kept trying to fix this issue on SMG4's computer, "These people are relentless." "No shit they are," CJ said, trying to do the same on his laptop. "These guys either aren't listening or don't care." "Or are just massive trolls." SMG3 stated, "and as someone who has to deal with those troll memes in the Graveyard, I do understand why this could be the case."

Granted, we also had other problems to deal with.

Someone had been spreading false info on almost everyone in the group, one such rumor being that SMG4 had paid Wario to bully me back two years ago. SMG4 had since denied it, as did Wario, which said something, but not many people believed it.

Come to think of it, the only one who didn't have nasty rumors spread about them in the group... was me...

We all suspected it was my stalker, which would make the most sense, since he apparently thought the group abused me.

I wonder if this person thought CJ and Ruby did too?

They were new to our friend group and fit right in. Hell Ruby and I became friends instantly over how shy we were around new people, hell I found out she'd suffered abuse from her parents when she was younger, hence her missing eye.

Let's just say, we clicked fast.

I also wondered, did this guy assume that Annie, Chris and Garcello hurt me too? They were such sweet people, Chris was a chill demon, Annie had her drink, but she was relatively harmless, we were even gamer buds. Garcello, he was like a big brother to me, he even called me "Little Duck" more than once.

I thought it was cute.

"Bah, this is ridiculous!" I heard Tabi shout, getting annoyed. "What does this guy think he's trying to do? separate the group or something?" "Looks like it Tabs," I heard Agoti add, sipping his drink.

Ever since Niles first concert, Tabi and Agoti had also started hanging out with us, it was rather cool. They bonded more so with Kaizo though, with Agoti being a dick of an edgelord and Tabi... well, wanting revenge on GF.

If only he knew we were friends with Boyfriend and Girlfriend.

Not important.

We still had to deal with these rumors.

Most of which I was debunking.

Aye...

There was also still no sign of Niles, and we had no way to get in contact with him, not even Tabi and Agoti, who got his contact info when they met.

For some unknown reason, all our phones contacts were gone.

Whenever we tried adding them back in though, they'd be gone or say the number was invalid.

All of us were so confused.

What was going on??

That thought was short lived when the doors to the castle opened, and who did we see?

Cree.

All of us were glaring now.

"Hello SMG4 crew~" he said with a cheerful tone, "What a surprise to see you-" "Cut the crap Cree." SMG1 stated, "Saiko told us about you writing that song." "And about the lies you told me." Zero added, looking furious. "You think we'd be accepting of you after this shit you've pulled?" Kaizo added, glaring, "Oh please" Cree said, waving his hand at them, "You should be careful, it's not like those rumors you're all dealing with are any indication, hm?"

Great, he knew about those damn rumors being spread.

We were all pissed off, especially when Cree went off about how the rumors were true. "Think about it, SMG4 certainly paid Wario to bully Tari, it only-" "I didn't do that!" SMG4 cut in, "What would I even gain from doing that?" Cree just gave a smirk, "You know it was for views."

I wanted to say something, but thankfully Zero stepped up and told him off.

"It's because of you that the entire kingdom hates my boyfriend, and odds are it's because of you that everyone's starting to hate us! What did we ever do to you??" Cree waved it off, "Oh please" he said, "regarding that purple bastard, he deserved what he got. As for all of you..." I watched him scan the room, "You're getting what you deserve too. That song called you all out for what you really are."

I noticed he was looking right at me as he said that.

"Am I right Tari? Wouldn't you-"

"SHUT UP!!!"

Belle??

"You really are a special kind of messed up, aren't you Cree?" she said, her voice practically dripping with venom, "You lie so much, that you've managed to convince yourself that you're not a monster. What happened to Niles, that happened under your watch. You knew he was trying to change, and yet took his chance of redemption away. Instead of owning up to it, you spread lies, rumors, and blame us, to cover it up." Belle was in his face by this point. "All you ever do is look out for yourself!" she continued, "Well, where did that get you Cree? Right here. Alone."

I don't know why, but I had felt a strange case of deja vu hearing that.

That's when I remembered the song, and what Cree had written...

Specifically about me.

I put my hand on Belle's shoulder, essentially telling her to back off. I looked Cree in the eyes, "You must have me then quite a lot." I told him, "As you said in the song that, "No one liked me anyway."

That's when I saw him backpedal.

"No no Tari," he began, smirking, "These people abuse you, you deserve better than these terrible people. I wanna see that you get only the best treatment."

I put two and two together fast.

Seems the rest of the crew did too, as everyone had silent looks of shock on their faces, which turned to fury.

We knew.

"Well, this was fun," Cree said stretching, "I should be going." With that, he turned, winked at me, and walked out.

No one stopped Mario from calling him a simp this time.

He wasn't wrong.

And I... was rightfully disgusted.

Things seemed to turn up when the doors to the castle slammed open, and Axol ran through, and he looked mortified. "Did Cree come by here??" he asked, sounding frantic.

It's been almost a month since we last saw him, but it was nice to see Axol again.

Melony ran over and hugged him, and he reciprocated as we all explained what happened while Cree was here. That was when I noticed a book in his hands. "Axol?" I asked, "What's that?" Axol sighed and held it out for me to read. "Each of you, need to read this." he told us, "It'll explain everything."

We read it, one by one. I read it first, and was horrified, and disgusted... Several others were the same, even Whimpu was, and he was the biggest simp we knew.

After everyone finished reading the book, it was handed back to Axol. "We need a plan to end this whole thing." SMG4 said. "I agree with you on that." Axol told him, "But someone else needs to read this first..."

And we knew who that was.

"Come one guys," I said, heading towards the door. "We've got a friend to find."

With that, we left the castle and began searching the kingdom.

"Hang on Niles..." I whispered, "We're coming."

*The next day*

*Tari's POV*

Everything had to work. It just had to!

We'd been given the okay by the mall to have a concert today, and Niles had every right to get back at Cree for what he did.

To be fair, we all did.

We were scattered throughout the mall, while CJ, Ruby, Agoti and Tabi set the stage up in the center of the mall. I knew for this to work, I needed to be center stage. I took one quick look at myself in the mirror of the girls' bathroom. Niles wasn't the only one sporting a new look. I was too. I had one a simple blue T-shirt with Pac Man on the front, a hat with a blue wing like logo on it too. Garcello called it the "Project Blue" logo.

I had no idea what Project Blue was supposed to be, but, whatever.

I traded in my khaki pants for black pants, but kept my socks and sandals. I thought they were cool. I also kept my fingerless gloves as well.

Garcello even got me a ducky themed backpack to wear around, but, given the current circumstance, I didn't need the bag right now.

"Ready Tari?"

Oh hey Belle.

I could see her from the mirror, and she also gained a new look. Her hair was still up in it's signature ponytail, but her outfit looked mostly different. She was wearing a white T-shirt and a green short sleeved hoodie. She was still wearing her pants and boots, so there was that. I think it worked well on her. "We ready?" I asked, "Almost." she said, "CJ and Ruby are almost done setting up the stage." I nodded at that. "Hopefully this works." I told her. "It has to work." she replied, walking towards me. "Tari, we're all sick of this. None of us get what his deal is with the rest of us, but if you're the one to expose him, then it'll get the job done."

She had a point.

Hopefully, it'd be enough to have Cree finally leave us alone.

"Girls?"

Meggy!

We looked over and saw her new outfit too. she still had her beanie, her goggle and her headphones, same for her boots. She did however sport a new shirt, a new hoodie, and pants. I think this was the first time we saw her in actual pants and not shorts.

Not gonna lie, she looked good in them.

The pants were more like black Yoga pants, the shirt was white with an red octopus on the front, while the hoodie... I recognized... "Is that Desti's...?" I asked, getting a nod from Meggy, "Well, somewhat." she told us, "It's a zip up with the pattern on the back. And the shirt's a gift from Auri."

Oh yeah! forgot she made a friend in the new Sheriff during her vacation.

One of these days we'd have to meet Auri.

Not today though, we had work to do.

"Anyway," Meggy began, "You guys all set to go?" I nodded, "Yeah, is the stage set up?" I asked, Meggy nodded, "Yeah, the guys are done." she told me. Perfect!

We joined Garcello over where he had his guitar ready. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew had to go into hiding. This would help with the plan. Make it look like I was not with the group. I had my mic ready when I heard Melony over the Walkie.

"We found Cree, he's looking at ducks in the duck store."

At least he was a dick with taste.

Looks like it was go time.

I took a breath and stepped out of the bathroom, seeing Garcy getting his guitar all set up. "Hey Little Duck." he said with a smile, "You ready?" I nodded, "I'm ready." Saiko handed me a microphone and patted my shoulder. "Good luck" she whispered, giving me a smile.

With what we had planned, I was gonna need it.

This plan hinged on me getting the first phase right. Locate Cree, perform some songs with Starlight Mayhem, Garcy, Chris, Annie, maybe even Agoti and Tabi, until we heard the word from Melony regarding Cree saying a certain phrase in the audience...

After that, Phase 2 would be enacted.

This, had to work.

The rest of the SMG4 crew would all be hiding amongst the crowd too... this way, we'd hear what needed to be said by Cree.

"Tari?"

Gar...

I gave him a nod as he had his guitar.

"Let's do this!"

Garcello gave a nod and began to play, while I started the song, which caught Cree's attention instantly.

"You, with your words like knives

And swords and weapons that you use against me

You have knocked me off my feet againGot me feeling like a nothing

You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard

Callin' me out when I'm wounded

You, pickin' on the weaker man

Well, you can take me down

With just one single blow

But you don't know what you don't know

Someday, I'll be livin' in a big old city

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Why you gotta be so mean?

You, with your switching sides

And your wildfire lies and your humiliation

You have pointed out my flaws again

As if I don't already see themI walk with my head down

Tryna block you out 'cause I'll never impress youI just wanna feel okay again

I'll bet you got pushed around

Somebody made you cold

But the cycle ends right now

'Cause you can't lead me down that road

And you don't know what you don't know

Someday, I'll be livin' in a big old city

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Why you gotta be so mean?

And I can see you years from now in a bar talkin' over a football game

With that same big loud opinion, but nobody's listening

Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things

Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing

But all you are is mean

All you are is mean

And a liar, and pathetic

And alone in life and mean

And mean, and mean, and mean

But someday, I'll be livin' in a big old city

And all you're ever gonna be is mean, yeah

Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me

And all you're ever gonna be is mean(

Why you gotta be so mean?)

Someday, I'll be livin' in a big old city (why you gotta be so mean?)

And all you're ever gonna be is mean (why you gotta be so mean?)

Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me (why you gotta be so mean?)

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Why you gotta be so mean?"

As I sang, Gar and I walked down the halls towards the stage, with me looking around and singing, soon the rest of the gang were playing their instruments. Ruby joined me in singing the back up vocals, as did Annie.

Not gonna lie, we sounded good.

After the song ended we had quite the audience.

CJ gave me a light nudge, and pointed into the audience. I looked and saw Cree giving me a wink.

Oh, I needed to get some sense into this butthole.

I looked at Ruby, and she gave a nod.

I sang as Tori, and she as Jade.

This was gonna be great.

Why am I always hit on by the boys I never like?

I can always see 'em coming from the left and from the right

I don't wanna be a priss, I'm just tryna be polite

But it always seems to bite me in the

Asked me for my number

Yeah, you put me on the spot

You think that we should hook up

But I think that we should not