Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Boober woke up to the sound of his alarm clock going off, blasting the opening notes to Mr. Brightside.

He grabbed his phone, kicking his sheets off and immediately running to get dressed.

As he rushed around the room, buttoning up his waistcoat and tying his boots, his sister rolled over in bed and groaned.

"Boober, it's not even eight'o'clock...Lay back down, I'll take care of breakfast this morning..."

"I'm not eating breakfast! I have a really important meeting with the head of campus activities!" "Huh...? What for?"

"My club! Mokey, I explained it to you yesterday!" "Sweetie, I don't remember that...Why did you schedule it so early?" "So I could make my first class on time afterwards! I'll see you later, ok? I gotta get going! Bye!"

He rushed out the door, leaving his sister confused. She sighed, rolling over in bed and falling back asleep.

Boober rushed across campus, as the rising sun bathed the pavement in an orange glow. The few students that were also awake at this time stared at him. It bothered him, but he didn't say anything. He was used to being stared at...

He gripped the strap of his bag aggressively, as if he was worried that it would fly away.

In the single second he took to glance down at his watch, he accidentally bashed into another human being.

"Ow..."
"Ah! Aw geez, I'm so sorry! A-Are you ok? Did you get hurt?" "N-No, I'm fine..."

Boober looked up. Standing above him, was a young man with wild, blonde hair, and a charmingly tacky hawaiian shirt.

"Oh, and you dropped your papers! I'm so sorry, let me help!
"I-It's no big deal, really...I should have been watching where I was going..."

Boober took the papers from the stranger, and placed them back in his bag.

"Let me help you up. Are you sure you're ok?" "N-No, I'm fine...Please don't touch me." "Oh! I-I'm sorry!"

"It's fine. Thank you for helping..." Boober brushed the dust off of his cardigan, and kept walking.

"Bye! I'm sorry again!"
"B-Bye..."

Wembley watched as the stranger with the fluffy bangs walked away, towards the Student Services building.

He picked up the grocery bag he had set down, and made his way back to the dorms.
As he made his way up the stairs, he couldn't decide if he thought the stranger was cute or not...

"Hello? Gobo, I'm back!"
"Oh, good. Wow, you look out of breath. You ok?" "Yeah! I just crashed into someone! Big teal cardigan? Ginger? Bangs in front of his eyes?"

"Ooh, yeah. I've seen him around. You can see that hair from space. You crashed into him?" "Yeah, it was pretty rough... We're both ok, though!" "Oh. Well, as long as you're ok. Did you get his name?" "Nope! He ran off pretty fast!"

"Aw, shame. Well, I see him around campus all the time. You'll bump into him again."

"I hope not! I think I really hurt him! I'll just go up and talk to him instead!" "Wembley..."

Wembley put the grocery bag on the table, and pulled out the breakfast wraps he had grabbed for himself and his brother.

"Are you going to Classics Club tonight?" "Ehh...I dunno. I like the subject matter, sure, but it's kind of an unwelcoming environment. I might stop going."

"Aw, that's a shame! But I mean, it's good if you don't enjoy it!" "Yeah, I guess. I'll just have to find another club to join. And you should come with me, you haven't joined any clubs at all!"

"Well, I only have time for one! A-And there's so many, I don't know what to choose!" "I'm sure there's someone who could help you make that choice."

"I guess...I've just never really found one that clicked with me!" "There's a club fair not too long from now. We'll go together. It'll be fun, eh?" "Yeah! We'll have a great time!"

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Are you two awake!? I left my charger in there, open the door before I kick it down!"

Gobo got up and opened the apartment door.

"Morning, Red." "Move. Hi Wembley."

"Hi Red! Why are you all wet?"
"Laps."
"At seven in the morning?"

"Yes, at seven in the morning!" Red plucked her charger from the wall.

"You're in an awfully big rush. Where're ya headed?" "I gotta make a dumb booth for the dumb swim club for that dumb club fair!" "Dumb?I thought you loved swim club."

"I thought I would! But it's so booooring! We never compete with any other schools, so it's just meeting up every Friday and swimming in circles until it's time to go home! I wanna do something...more! I wanna put on a show, I wanna perform for a crowd! I can just swim by myself..."

Without even saying goodbye, Red left the apartment.

"Wow. I guess we're all looking for a new club, huh?" "Seems like it."

Heading back to her dorm, Red chucked her charger onto her bed. Her roommate, a girl her age whose name always slipped her mind, was out. She was always out, building something with her friends.

Red sighed, leaning over the bathroom sink and squeezing the excess water out of her hair.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, taking in her unhappy appearance. She really was miserable.

College was supposed to be her escape! Instead, she was still trapped in a cycle of monotony and boredom that she desperately hoped for an escape from.

Her phone buzzed. She grabbed it, and checked her messages.

Pogey had texted her, asking for a good time to meet up so they could make the club fair booth. Red texted back that she didn't care, they could pick and she would show up.

'Noon?'
'That works. See you then.'
'Ok! Bye! See you!'

She threw her phone across the room, and groaned into her pillow. She didn't want to go to class...

~~~~~

"So, you're interested in starting a club?"

Boober nodded.

"Alright. What kind of club? Sports? Science? Theater?"

He picked at his cuticles for a moment before responding.

"Puh...P-Puh...Puppets..." "Puppetry? Ok, we can do that. I think it would be good to get more theatrical and creative clubs on campus."

The professor set a stack of paperwork in front of Boober.

"You'll need at least ten members, not including you, by the end of the month. And you'll have to find a staff supervisor. As well as funding and advertising, which the school does not provide."

"...O-O-Ok..."

"And you'll need to sign these papers."

"...ok..."

With trembling hands, he sighed the paper.

"Thank you, m-m-ma'am..."

"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"...no." "We'll send you an e-mail once your club has been approved, and your club room has been selected."

"...how long will it take?" "Not long. A week, at most. And if you'd like, I'll go ahead and sign your club up for the club fair, so you can find new members as soon as possible."

"...o-ok...thank you..."

"You're free to head out. You should get to class."

"Yes ma'am...thank you for all of your help..."

Boober gathered up his belongings, and quickly hurried out of the room, humiliated and overstimulated.

His sister was waiting for him outside.

"There you are, sweetie! How did it go? Did they say yes?"

"...Yeah...but we've gotta wait. And we have to make a booth for the club fair...w-will you...help me?"

Mokey gasped.

"Of course I will! That sounds so much fun!" "...I dunno...L-Look, I have a lecture to get to...Can we talk later?" "Do you want me to walk with you?"

"N-No, I'll go alone. But can we meet up at lunch? I wanna talk to you about the club..."

"Of course! Have a good day, sweetie. Love you." "Bye, Mokey. Love you too..."

Mokey gave her brother a kiss on the head, and turned around, headed straight for the campus pool. She liked working in there. The echo and constant splashing was calming.

She set up on the belchers, pulling out her laptop and opening up her editing program.

A poster for a puppetry club...Well, it should be colourful! Eye catching, and special, ready to attract aspiring puppeteers!

She didn't have a class until 10'o'clock, so she had plenty of time to work.

As she clicked, dragged, typed and drew, she started to garner attention from a single member of the Swim team.

"Hey."

Not knowing she was being spoken too, Mokey kept humming and working.

"Hey!"
"Ah! Oh dear, I apologize...Yes? Is something wrong?"

The girl in the pigtails stared at her laptop.

"Bringing a laptop to a pool? Is that safe?" "Oh, I never get too close."
"Yeah. Yeah, that was a stupid question. You've got, uhh...m-muppet stickers."

"I do!" "Cool. I, uh...don't meet other people our age who are into the Muppets. And I like your hair. That's it. Bye."

Before Mokey could even ask for her name, the mysterious girl was already back in the water.

She looked away, trying to use her cardigan to hide the blush on her cheeks. She had never experienced another girl complimenting her hair like that. She wondered if the girl had seen the lesbian pin on her bag...

Brushing off the experience, she went back to her work.

Red sunk under the water and screamed, desperate to get out all of her embarrassment.

"Wow. You ok, Red?" "Leave me alone, Pogey." "You seem tense." "Ya think!? Ugh, sorry...Yeah, I'm tense. Just leave it, ok? I'll deal with it on my own."

She kicked off of the wall, climbing up the ladder and heading up the diving board. Before she jumped off, she took a glance around the room, and noticed that the girl with blue hair was watching her.

And she waved.

Nervous, Red waved back, before diving off the board, back into the pool.

Once she emerged, she looked to see if the girl was watching, but she had already gone back to her work.

"Ah, dammit..."

~~~~~~~~

"Glue?"

"Glue..."

"Thank you! Oh, while you have a moment, could you mix me some pale blue paint?" "Don't you have some already?"

"No. I like to mix the perfect shade for whatever project I'm working on! I can't just restrict myself to one shade of blue!"

Boober stared at his sister.

"Mokey, sometimes you say something and I have to double check that we both took our medication this morning."

Mokey burst out laughing.

"Oh, Boober! For somebody who claims to hate fun, you're such a riot!" "Shush. Here's your paint."

"Thank you, Boo-bear. So, how do you plan on getting people to join the club? I mean, you've got to grab attention!"

"...I-I had an idea...it's kind of a stupid one, though..." "Oh no, I'd love to hear it!"

"Well...you know the weird little blue puppet I've been working on?" "Yes, with the little hat, just like yours!" "Yeah. Well, I was thinking...M-Maybe I could be performing him at the booth? Like, under the table?"

"Oh. My. Goodness." Mokey gasped. "Boober, that's a brilliant idea! Oh, you simply have to!"

"You're sure? There's gonna be a lot of people there...like...Normal people. I don't want to be bullied..."

"Boober, this isn't High school anymore! It's college! Nobody will bully you. They're all too tired, stressed, or stoned to care."

"...I guess you're right. Yeah! You're right! I-I'm gonna do it!" "That's the spirit! People will love it, I promise!"

Paintbrushes gracefully danced across cardboard, as the siblings made idle conversation about the club.

"So, you need ten members? That's not a lot..." "I know...But I'm not going to question it!" "Well, you have me!"

"... You're going to join?"

"Boober! What kind of sister would I be if I didn't? I'd love to join you!"

Wiping his eyes, Boober leaned against Mokey's shoulder.

"Oh, where would I be without you? Probably dead in a ditch on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere." "Now, now...Don't think about that. I'm happy to be here, supporting you." "Thank you..." "Anything from my baby brother."

~~~~~

"What about a sport? I don't think you give yourself enough credit for how athletic you are." "Sports sound fun! But the people in those clubs are always so competitive, I dunno if I could keep up with them!"

"True. Ok, how about something a little more creative? You're getting a science degree, how about a science club?"

"That sounds fun, too! But it'll probably just feel like extra school work, and I want a club to feel fun!"

"Also true. Well, we could always just wait until the fair. There's bound to be lots of-Oh, the page just updated."

"Oooh, did they add something new?" "Let's see."

Gobo refreshed the page.

"...Wembley, I've got the perfect club for us."

"Yeah? What is it? Lemme see!"

With a proud smile, Gobo turned the computer around to show his brother.

"Puppetry."

~~~~~~~

Over the course of the week, Boober could barely sleep. He was constantly checking his email, and his chest was always tight, like there were rubber bands wrapped around his lungs.

"Dude, are you ok? You look like you're about to pass out."
"I feel like I'm about to pass out! I hate waiting for emails..."

Cotterpin gave her friend a pat on the back.

"You're fine. Perk up." "Easy for you to say..." "It sure is!"

Boober's phone buzzed.

Shooting up from his slumped position, he grabbed it and checked his messages.

"Anything?"

"...no. Just Mokey telling me about the dream she had last night..." "Was it another one about the talking pile of garage?"

"Yup."

The phone buzzed again.

"Her again?"

Silence.

"Boober? You good?"

"...We've been approved."

"You're kidding!"

"No...Room F92... I'm officially president of the Rock University Puppetry club..."

Chapter Text

"Oooh, this is stupid... Really, I shouldn't do this..."

"No, it'll be ok! People will love it, I promise! And he's soooo cute!"

Boober sighed, and slipped his arm into the puppet he had spent months working on. Mokey helped him hide under the table, which had been made extra tall for that exact purpose.

"I'll let you know when people start coming in, ok?" "Ok..."

Mokey dropped the tablecloth, and began laying sign-up and information sheets on the table.

She took a look around the room, observing all the other tables that were in the middle of being set up.

Unfortunately, student activities had placed them in a tiny corner, so she hoped that the sight of her brother's puppet would be enough to draw attention.

The swimming club was setting up a booth not too far away. In fact, lying out the tablecloth and with a face that read 'I don't want to be here', was the girl with red pigtails. She noticed Mokey, and stared at her for a moment.

Mokey waved, and the girl waved back, before going back to her work.

"Oh, goodness..." Mokey held her face in her hands.

"You ok?" Boober called from under the cloth.

"Yes, I'm alright...J-Just thinking...How are you doing? Not too claustrophobic?"

"It's a little squished...But I'll be ok." "Good!"

Fifteen minutes passed, before other students started to trickle into the room.

"Oh! Boober, they're here! Hurry, hurry!"

The puppet popped up from under the table.
Mokey giggled, and took her place next to him.

Students flocked to other tables, ignoring the siblings in favour of the more popular clubs on campus. A few people stopped and stared at the puppet, but nobody came up to the booth.

"Puppetry club! W-We're brand new, and we're very excited to be here!"

Red stared at the empty table, feeling terrible for the girl with blue hair and the...weird blue potato sitting next to her.

"Hold down the fort, Pogey. I'm gonna go over there for a sec."
"Ok!"

She got up, and wandered over, trying her hardest to look cool. Even if she didn't.

"Uh...Hey. What's up?"
"Oh! It's you! Hello, it's so nice to see you again!"
"Yeah, same here...So, uh... puppetry club?" "Yes! Well, it's my brother's club. I'm the first member!"

"... That's your brother?"

Puppet-Boober waved.

"H-Hi...If you're interested in joining, we're hoping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for...anybody interested in puppetry or anything like that...M-My name is Boober..."

"And I'm Mokey!"

"I'm Red...Is that your name or the puppets name?" "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm the only one here."

"Oh, you're that type of performer...Nice. So, can I get a pen?"

Mokey gasped. "Y-Y-You're serious!? But I thought you were on the swim team!"

"I've, uh...been looking for something else to do. This sounds fun. And I mean, you two seem weird, but I like your hair and your laptop stickers."

"Ohmigosh! Yes, yes, of course! Here!"

She handed Red the paper and a pen shaped like a feather.

"Is this a quill?" "Uh-huh! Go ahead, sign! Welcome to the team!"

Red signed the paper.

"We meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30, in room F92. Hope to see you there." "Thank you so much!"

"Awesome! I-I mean...cool. Cool, cool, cool...See you around, Mokey...Keep, uh,...having nice hair."

"Aww!" Mokey giggled. "Thank you, you too! Enjoy the rest of the fair!"

Red wandered back over to the swim club booth.

"Hi Red! You're joining another club? Won't that be too stressful?" "Hm? Oh, no. I, uh...quit Swim team." "What!? When?"

"In about two hours. I'll wait until the fair is over." "But you make swim team fun! I wouldn't have joined if it wasn't for you!"

"...Really? Well, you can take over my place as being the cool one on the team."

"You mean that?" "Yeah. I mean, you weren't there, I would have quit sooner."

Pogey smiled.

"I'll make you proud, Red!" "I know you will. Hi Gobo. Hi Wembley."

"Hiya, Red! What's up?" "I wanna go home." "Aw, shucks...Well, we're here to sign up for something! Do you know where the Puppetry club is?"

Red perked up.

"Uhh...Yeah. Over there, with the... y'know. Puppet."

Wembley looked over and gasped, rushing over to stare at the creature.

"Oh my gosh, look at that! Oh, that's so cute! Is there someone under there? Oooh, he's got a little hat!"

Gobo nodded. "Thanks, Red."

He walked over to his brother, who was still fawning over the puppet.

"H-H-Hello...M-My name is Boober...This is my sister, Mokey...Are you interested in joining the Puppetry club?"

"We sure are!"

"Oh! Oh, there's two of you...Mokey, get them the sheet."

"Of course. Here!"

Mokey handed over the sign up sheet and explained the details she had already explained to Red.

"Tuesdays and Thursdays? Yeah, we can do that. Oh, Red already signed up..." "Yes, we're excited to have her! And make sure to spend the word, we need at least ten members by the end of the month!"

"Oh wow, I'm so excited! Hey, can I see the puppet closer? Did you make him?"

"W-Well, I—"

Boober suddenly stopped. That voice.

The puppet fell limp, and the tablecloth began to shuffle around.

He popped out from underneath, and stared into Wembley's eyes.

"...it's you."
"You! Oh, I thought I'd never see you again! But here you are...A-And you made that!? It's incredible! And wow, you're so talented!"

"...you think so?" "Yeah! So, what is he?" "...W-Well, I haven't even named him yet...He's just...me." "Oh, like a fursona!"

Boober blushed.

"...no. Don't call him that. D-Doesn't matter. Thank you for signing up...Here, I'll take him apart and show you how he works."

He took the puppet and took it apart piece by piece.

"So, the limbs are magnetic...and the torso slips away from the head..." "How long did he take you?" "A while. A few months. But I have a few prototype bases, so I could make more for the club..."

"Wow, that's incredible! So, your name is Boober?"

"...mmhmm." "I'm Wembley! This is my brother, Gobo!" "Nice to meet you both... I'm glad we met again...in less awkward circumstances." "You bet! Well, I guess we'll see you Tuesday! Room F29!"

"92."
"F92!"

"Yeah...See you then..." "Goodbye!"

Mokey waved, as the brothers disappeared down the corridor.

Once they were gone, she nudged Boober with her elbow.

"He's cute, huh~?" "What would you know? You don't like men." "Oh, shush. I'm trying to bond with you." "Find something else."

The rest of the club fair was quiet. A few people stopped by to stare at the puppet, but never stayed long enough to listen to Mokey pitch the club.

By the end of the fair, the two were almost ready to give up.

"Only three...Geez, that's not a lot...I guess this was all hopeless, huh?"
"Boober, don't say that! You still have me! And we still have a month!"

"Three weeks, at best...Face it, this was a mistake..." "It's never a mistake to do what you're passionate about. Why don't we go on a walk? We can put posters up!"

"...I guess..." "Good!"

The table got folded up, and the siblings made their way outside.

Red stared, part of her wanting to follow them, just for another chase to talk to Mokey.

"You ok?" "What?" "You look like you're in a trance!" "I'm fine...I'm gonna head up to my dorm. It was fun being in the club with you, but I'm done. I'm...setting my sights on something new."

Pogey gave a thumbs up.
"Good luck! I'm rooting for you!"

"Thanks, Poe. See ya around."

She left the building, flicking on her sunglasses and heading for her dorm building.

As she passed one of the large houses just outside campus, a random toddler threw a blunt object at her.

"Yaaa! Leave dis pwace!"

"Ah! Dammit, kid! The hell was that for!?"
"Leave!"

She looked at the thing on the ground.
It was a radish. A toddler threw a radish at her. And in all honesty, it was in pretty good condition.

She picked it up, and held it up to him.

"Mine now."
"Hey! Moooommm, a random lady just stole a radish!"

Red stuffed the radish into her pocket, and kept walking, jogging up the stairs and unlocking her door.

"Anyone home?"

"Yeah. Right here." "Hey. What's up?" "I gotta head back out in a sec,. I'm just stopping by to grab my spare boots. How was the club fair?"

"I quit Swim club." "Womp womp." "Yeah, it was time. I joined the puppetry club instead."

Red's roommate (Catterpill? Cetterpon?) turned around.

"You did? Was Boober there?" "Yeah. Dude...his sister is...gorgeous." "Mokey? Yeah, sure. She's pretty." "Pretty doesn't even describe it." "Well, enjoy your pining. I've got a job to do. See you later."

"Bye. Hey, I got a radish off the ground. Do you think it's safe to eat?"

"From that brat in the run-down mansion that likes to throw them?" "Yeah." "Wash it. It's fine."

"Great. See ya."

~~~~

Wembley skipped along the sidewalk, jumping in excitement, as Gobo walked next to him, tuning the strings on his guitar.

"I'm so excited! Do you think we'll put on a show for the school, like the theater clubs do? Ooh, or maybe we'll just make the really nice professional puppets and have fun? And it was really nice to meet those two, they seem nice!"

Gobo looked at his brother.

"Wembley, are you ok?" "Yeah! Why wouldn't I be? Well...Now that you mention it, I do feel a little fidgety..." "Do you need to sit down? Or go somewhere quiet?" "No, I'm ok! Hey, aren't you excited for Tuesday?" "I sure am, buddy. I'm really glad we found them, that club seems perfect to get us out of our slumps." "Yeah! And Mokey told us to spread the word!"

"Well, we don't talk to many other people." "...Oh yeah." "We'll find a way to get more members. And if we don't, well... We'll still have new friends with a shared interest." "Yes! I-I love making new friends! And wow, didn't Boober seem cool? It was so nice to put a name to the face, and he seemed really nice!" "Maybe a little shy."

"Who isn't shy from time to time? I-I really want to get to know him! Maybe I should bring him a gift for our first meeting?" "Gee, Wembley. I don't know if that's a great idea. Maybe just bring yourself? I'm sure he'd be happy just to have us there."

"You're right. I-I guess it's been a while since I've met anyone new. I-I don't even know what to say when we show up!"

"How about...Hello?" "Oh, that's a great idea! You always give the best advice, Gobo!" "That's what a big brother does. Hey, I gotta go get ready for work. Would you mind heading down to the mailbox and grabbing the mail?"

"Oh, sure! You have fun, I'll go do that right away!" "Thanks, bud. I won't."

Making various squeaks and other noises, Wembley skipped down the road to the dorm mailboxes.

And he gasped.

"Boober!"
"AH!"

"Oh, did I scare you? I'm sorry! Gee, I didn't know you lived in this building!"

"I, uh...d-don't. I was putting up posters..." "Oh! Well, want me to take one upstairs? There's a bulletin board in our hallway, I bet lots of people would notice it!"

Boober looked surprised.

"Y-You would do that?"
"I sure would! I love helping out my friends!"

"...are we friends? We've only talked twice...I learned your name an hour ago..." "Well, if we're not friends now, we'll be friends by the end of Tuesday! I think you're cool, Boober! I-I'd love to be your friend!"

"...you would?" Boober trembled, the stack of posters in his hand almost slipped away.

"Yeah! I mean...if it's not too much pressure." "...no. No, it's not...Thank you. Um...Thank you for offering...Here."

He handed Wembley a few posters. As he passed them along, their hands brushed.

Boober gasped, immediately pulling his hand back.

"O-Oh no...Oh, I-I should really get going...I've got stuff to do...See you Tuesday." "Or maybe before! Hehe!"

"...sure. Bye."

He rushed off, leaving Wembley alone.

The blonde dug through the mailbox, grabbing the single postcard and small package inside.

As he took the elevator, upstairs, he looked in the mirror and noticed his pinker than usual cheeks.

Hm. Weird. He didn't feel warm. Or did he? There was a fluttery feeling in his chest that he could quite place... Strange.

But probably nothing!

~~~~

Boober leaned against the wall, clutching his heart with his free hand.

Something was wrong. He was sick. He was dying. The world was ending.

He reached up, and touched his cheek.
He was blushing.

What was happening!? It felt like his heart was going to leap out of his chest, leaving him dead on the floor while it ran off.

He gasped for air, struggling to breathe in the midst of his panic.

"Hello? M-Mokey?"

No response. His sister must still be out.

A soft little thing began to rub against his leg. He looked down.

Lanford, his sister's cat.

"Oh...H-Hello, beautiful. Are you hungry?" Lanford purred, flopping onto his side and crawling toward the kitchen.

After putting the extra posters down, Boober grabbed a scoop of food and placed it in Lanford's bowl.

"There...Happy? Well, that makes one of us..."

He rubbed his cheeks, hoping to force the blush away. He shouldn't be feeling these things...

He'd have to bring it up with Marjory on Wednesday. She'd be able to help.

Chapter Text

Tuesday arrived in the blink of an eye.

Classes seemed to zip by, like the rushing waves of a river, harsh and rough against the shore.

Boober fiddled with his keys, unlocking the door to room F92. The professor that had given him the keys promised it was clean.

It wasn't.

It was covered in dusty cobwebs, and only a single, flickering lightbulb lit up the room.

There was a small, but big enough stage, a stack of chairs, and an empty room, probably used for costumes.

"Well..." Mokey smiled, placing a hand on her brother's shoulder.

"It's a bit of a fixer upper...But it's cute! And we'll clean it up!"

Boober sneezed. "I'm so allergic to everything in here..." "Yes, we'll need to do something about all of this. Why don't we get started, so it can all be clean before our friends arrive?"

"...Y-Yeah! I'll...I-I'll go get my cleaning supplies! Stay here!"

Boober ran off, coming back with a large bucket filled with cleaning supplies.

"C-C-Can you go fill this with water? I'll start getting all those c-c-cobwebs!"

"Are you sure you don't want me to do those?" "No, I'll do it! I-I-I want to! It's ok!"

Mokey smiled. She was happy her brother was in a better mood. He had been acting so strange lately...Whenever she would bring up their new friends, especially Wembley, he would get quiet and ask for a change in subject.

She hoped he was feeling ok. She didn't want him to fall deeper into his already suffering mental state.

Maybe she should have a talk with Marjory, Boober's therapist. Anything to make her poor brother feel better.

She headed to the nearby bathroom, filling up the bucket with water.

On the way back, she bumped into somebody nervously waiting outside the club room.

"Ok...Ok Red, you can do this... just go in there...and be cool."
"Red!"

"AHH! O-Oh, I mean..."
Red leaned on the wall.

"Heeey, Mokey. What's up? Bucket of water? Yeah, that's cool, I carry those around."

Mokey laughed.

"Why are you standing outside? Come in, we're just starting to clean up the room! Would you like to help?" "...Am I early?"

"Yes! We weren't expecting you for another half hour!" "Oh. W-Well...I didn't mean to...I didn't...I didn't want to...Well, I... I'm cool, I promise."

"Hehe!" Mokey opened the door. "I know you are."

Red smiled, and followed Mokey into the room.

"Boober! We have a friend joining us!"
"Heeey, puppet boy. What's up?" "Don't call me that."

Boober tapped his feather duster against the rim of the trash can, letting all the dust and cobwebs fall in. He seemed...happy. Like, really happy. It confused Red. Who could be this happy while cleaning?

"Ooh, Red, could you do a favor?" "Oh, totally? What's up?" "There's a lot of those fold-up tables on the stage...do you think you could help me carry them outside?"

"No help needed! Watch!"

Red marched up onto the small stage, grabbing one of the tables with a single arm, before marching outside and leaning it against the wall.

She turned back towards Mokey, who was looking at her with wide eyes.

"My...v-very impressive!" "You think so!?" "Well, sure! I've never been able to carry something like that! Could you do the rest, please?"

"You got it!"

For the next thirty minutes, the trio worked, trying to get the room to a presentable state.

"Well... I think this is probably the best we can do. What do you think, sweetie?"

Boober looked around the room.
"I'm not sneezing anymore...But it could still use a lot of work... I'll come back and work on it later. I-I need something to get my mind off of school and work...Thanks for helping, Red."

"... Anytime."

"Hey, gang! Are we late?"

"Gobo, Wembley! Oh, welcome, welcome! No, you're not late at all, come in! We're just getting started!"

"T-T-T-Take a seat, everyone... I'll get us started...Um...Why don't we all go around...N-Names...and our majors? I-I'll go first...My name is Boober Desjardins...And I major in costume design."

He motioned to his sister, who stood up.

"My name is Mokey Desjardins! I major in psychology!"

"My name is Red Bouchard. I major in sports coaching."

"W-W-W-Wembley Allen! Fire science!"

"Gobo Singh. Archeology."

There was a small pause. Boober looked around the room, nervous.

"...is that everyone? Ah geez...I was hoping those posters would have done something..."

He looked heartbroken. Wembley felt awful.

Mokey guided her brother into a hug.
"It's ok, Boo-bear. Why don't we keep going? We'll see who shows up!"

"Right, right...S-So, um, I want to start by thanking you...all...three of you, for coming. This is something I've always wanted to do, and it's really surreal, just being here. I was hoping, by the end of the year, to put on a full show, with real puppets, a script, music, sets...everything. I've actually prepared something to get us started..."

He pulled four tubes of fabric out of his bag, and handed them out.

"I've made everyone sock puppets." "Haha! Look at mine, his eyes wobble!"

"Oh, yeah...I didn't sew them on tight enough, but I figured you would like it."
"I love it! He's so cute, I love him!" "Good. How about everyone else, are they ok?"

"Can we decorate them?" "Oh. Well, I don't see why not. But don't get too attached... I'll have real puppets soon enough. Um...Let's get started with some vocal warm up? I've got some scripts we could run through, if that's ok with everyone..."

"That sounds great! Boober, you don't need to be so nervous. We're here to make new friends and share a hobby. You don't need to impress us."

Boober cracked his knuckles and thought about Gobo's words.

"Y-You mean it?" "Of course. Hey, for a vocal warm up, can I lead us through a song? I brought my guitar!"

"...That would be great, thank you."

Boober sat down, taking a few deep breaths to calm his nerves.

Gobo began to strum his guitar, humming a familiar melody.

'I dreamed a dream.'

Everyone sang quiet, all a little bit nervous to be singing in front of other people.

"Aw, c'mon guys! We can do better than that! How about something a little bit more upbeat? Boober, what's your favorite musical?"

"...Ride the Cyclone."

"...Oh. Oh, that's a dark one. Ok, um...Mokey?" "Little Shop of horrors!" "Also a dark one. Wow, you two are just full of surprises, huh?"

"...is that bad?" "Of course not!" Wembley piped up. "Ride the Cyclone is awesome! I-I've never been able to pick a favorite musical, but that's a great one!"

He smiled, trying to ignore the fluttery feeling that had returned to his chest.

Boober tugged at his scarf.

"Well...I-I guess we could do...What Is This Feeling? It's nice..." "Great idea!"

What is this feeling...It really did describe the situation.

As the song flew by, Wembley tried to focus on the fluttery feeling in his chest. He had only gotten it once before, around a girl he knew in middle school. But he could never quite figure out what it meant.

He looked up at Boober, who was swaying side to side with the music.

Even if the feeling was strange, it felt nice. He'd have to thank Boober for being so welcoming.

The song ended, with Mokey dragging out the last note for a few seconds.

"Oh, that was beautiful! Gobo, you're such a good musician! How long have you been playing?" "For as long as I can remember."

"Impressive! Well, I'd say we're all warmed up! I'll pass out the scripts!"

Red looked over the papers Mokey handed her.

"What's this from?" "From? Oh, I wrote it!"
"You wrote it? You can write!?"

"Can't everybody?" "I-I mean, like...You write well! This script is good! Great, even!" "Thank you! That means a lot to me! So, I've taken the time to highlight everyone's lines, just to make sure that you can see them better! Is everyone ready to begin?"

"Mhm."
"Yup!"
"Let's do this!"

Boober slipped his puppet on his arm, and started the show.

It was a simple script, only a few minutes long, about a conflict surrounding, of all things, radishes.

"W-W-Well, maybe me and Boober should just go get our own radishes! We don't need you! C'mon, Boober! Let's go!"

"Wembley...are you ok? That was unusual, even for you."

"I'm fine! I'm just frustrated! Nobody thinks I can do anything! W-We're just little kids to them! Well, I'm not a little kid! A-And I wanna prove it!"

"How are you gonna do that?"

"I'm gonna go on an adventure! I'm gonna travel somewhere nobody has ever gone! And you're gonna come with me!"

"M-M-M-Me!? I can't do that, I'm not built for adventure!" "Sure you are! C'mon, we can do this! Can't we?"

"...I-I guess it won't be so bad if you're there..." "Great! C'mon!"

The story ended there.

"Oh, bravo everyone! That was wonderful, you really brought the words to life!"

"Well, we wouldn't have been able to without such an amazing script! This is great, Mokey!"

"Oh, Wembley! You're too sweet!"

"Hehehe...And Boober, you were great too! I just love him so much, he's so cute!"

Boober squeezed the hem of his skirt, trying to force away the blush that was climbing up his cheeks.

"T-T-Thank you...Would you like to try him out?"

Wembley gasped. "You mean it!?" "Wash your hands, first."

He washed his hands with the sanitizer that Boober passed him.

"When was the last time you were sick?"

"Uhhhh...Gee, a while ago!" "Good. Hold on your hand."

The puppet was slipped onto Wembley's arm. He wiggled his hand into place, and smiled.

"Gobo, look!" "Wow...It really is impressive. Is he your first, Boober?"

"No, I've made others throughout the years...None as impressive as this, though. If you'd like, I could bring in those prototype bases I mentioned, and I could make all of you...more professional puppets."

"Sock puppets aren't professional?" Red teased.

"W-W-Well, they can be! Technically, all puppets are socks. But you typically don't use ones made out of actual socks in professional productions. Actually, a while ago I built Mokey a small Audrey ll, and it's basically a sock puppet! What you do is, you-!"

He suddenly slapped a hand over his mouth. Oh no, he was rambling again.

"S-Sorry...I've been speaking too much. I'll be quiet." "Nonono, now I'm curious! How does it work?"

"...You're sure?" "Yeah!"

"Well...o-ok. Well, the neck is collapsible, so it can switch between sock puppet and hand puppet depending on the circumstance."

Boober explained how the puppet worked, excited to be sharing his interest with his new friends.

Wembley, Red and Gobo stayed silent and listened.

"A-And so on stage, they use a fake arm so the actor can play the plant. But I don't think we'll be doing that, since we'll be hidden behind the sets."

"That's insane...Do you have the plant? Like, can you bring him in?"

"S-Sure! As long as it's ok with Mokey..." "Of course it is! Wembley, what do you think of the puppet?"

"I think he's great! So, he's like a personification of you, right?" "Yeah. I'm thinking of a species of little creatures, but I don't have anything beyond that idea..."

"Oh, that sounds great! Is that what the show will be about?"

"Well, I'd like that...Are the rest of you ok with that?"

"Totally! That sounds awesome! Can we help write?" "Of course. We're a team, we'll work on this together...Should we run over the scene again? Would anybody else like to use Boober?"

"Oh!" Red's hand shot up. "Me! Me, me, me!" "Wash your hands. Wembley, pass him over."

"Aww..."

They ran the scene for a second time, finally beginning to break out of their shells and get more comfortable with each other as a group.

"It's 4:30... We'll have to wrap up soon, I've got to get to work."

"Yeah, me too." Gobo stood up and stretched. "I had a great time together. See you guys on Thursday, eh? C'mon, Wembley."

Red handed the puppet back, and Boober began to back him away into a bag.

"W-Wait! Give me a sec!"

Wembley reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Can I give you my number, Boober? Just so we can...y-y'know, stay in touch?"

As he asked, the fluttery feeling got stronger. His hands began to shake, and his breathing turned rough.

Boober took the phone, and carefully entered Wembley's number into his phone.

"D-D-Done... I'll...I...Bye!"

Without another word, he ran off, leaving his bag behind.

Mokey hummed, picking up his bag, as well as her own.

"That's strange...I'm sorry Wembley, he's just shy." "I figured. Gee, I feel awful!" "Oh, you don't need to feel that way. He just...He feels a lot of things. And sometimes it gets the best of him. I promise, if you give him time and text him later, he'll be ok."

"You think so?" "I'm his sister. I know so. Have a lovely day everyone."

She left, before Red could work up the courage to speak up and ask for her number.

"Dammit...!"

"You ok, Red?" "Hm? Me? Oh yeah, I'm totally cool."

Gobo frowned.
"What's this bit? I don't like it. Stop it." "What bit? I-I-I'm not doing a bit..." "The whole...cool girl attitude. Are you trying to impress her?"

"Her?" "Mokey!" "...Oh. Um...No?" "Just let her see the real you! Red, you're not cool."

"Hey!" "Let me finish! You're not cool. None of us are. I'm not, Wembley's not, Mokey's not. Just be yourself. She'll like it more."

"...I hate it when you're right about romantic things." "I know you do. Now let's get a move on, we've got a flow to get going with, and I have a shift to clock into."

"Ah, dammit...Fine. C'mon, Wem."

"...Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry!"

Back in his dorm, Wembley sat on his bed, nervously staring at his phone.

Every time he typed something, he regretted it, and erased it, only to try again.

That cycle went on for twenty minutes.

Eventually, he smushed his face into one of his pillows.

While he was busy suffocating on cotton, his phone dinged.

Unknown number: This is Wembley right?

You: YES! IT'S ME! HI BOOBER!!!! :DDDDD

Unknown number: Hi. I want to apologize. It was extremely rude of me to do that.

You: oh its no probeml at all! I undrdand, we all get mervous so.etumes!!!!

Unknown number: Thank you. I really enjoyed meeting you today. You were extremely sweet.

You: So were you!!!! See you on Thursday!

Wembley flipped through his settings, and changed Boober's contact name.

Boo-Boo: See you then.

~~~~~

Boober slapped his cheeks, grateful that his makeup was covering up his blush. He put his phone down, and took a moment to think about the situation.

He felt so...strange...He would really need to talk to Marjory about it, he was almost desperate. His head was spinning, and his mind was cloudy.

And his heart...his heart wouldn't stop.

"Mystique! Get over here, you've got a table!"

"Ah! Y-Yes, sorry ma'am!"

Chapter Text

Mokey hummed to herself, doodling in her sketchbook while music blared through her headphones.

She was so distracted by her art, she didn't even notice when someone sat next to her.

Something tapped her arm.

"Hm?"

She yanked an earbud out.

"Red!" "Heeey, Mokes! This spot taken?" "No, no, welcome! It's wonderful to see you! Is this your free period?"

"No. I'm skipping. I didn't want to go to class."

"Red!" "Oh, don't 'Red' me! My professor is a jerk anyway, I can just do my work out here! It's more peaceful, anyway!"

"You think so? Me too...The running water is just so calming..." "I like grabbing coins out of it. Then I put them in a tube sock and smack Gobo with it when I get annoyed at him."

Mokey let out a concerned laugh.

"Oh! I completely forgot, I meant to give you my number before we left!"

She reached into her bag and handed Red a sticky note.

"I'm so sorry, it slipped my mind! Feel free to text me anytime you need anything! I've got a comforting word for any problem!"

Red took the note.

"...w-wow...Um...t-thanks..."

"Of course! So, what are you working on?"

"I have to do a paper about a sports injury. How it happens, where and why, how it heals, y'know. Standard stuff. You?" "I'm... daydreaming. I use this time to think about life, and jot down my feelings for future use."

"Sounds boring. You just sit and think?" "Oh, it's invigorating! Just sit, and...cleanse the mind, clearing out the things that have been bothering me."

"What did you do today?"

Mokey looked into the fountain. Her reflection stared back, distorted by the rippling water.

"I'd...rather not share. It's personal...Family issues...But I'll show you what I did yesterday!"

She handed over her notebook, open on a large page full of random doodles.

"Is this it?" "Yup!" "I thought you were writing?" "Well, sometimes I write. Sometimes I find that words are just too restrictive! So I draw."

"These are really nice. Are they...what are they?"

"Well, I got a burst of inspiration for the story me and Boober are trying to write. So I started drawing characters. See? That's you!"

Red looked at the little yellow thing with pigtails and a sweater.

"...me?"

"And that's me, and Gobo, and Wembley! Do you like them? I think they have to be tweaked a bit...But I think they're nice!"

"I...I don't know if I get them?" "Well, there's not much to get. They're just cute little creatures!"

"Well, I guess they are pretty cute...Do they have names?" "Not yet. We haven't even named the species. Do you have any ideas?"

Red hummed.

"Uhhhhhh...No."

"Ah, Shame. Well, just let me know if you ever think of anything!"

Mokey put a hand on Red's shoulder, and smiled the sweetest smile the other girl had ever seen.

"I'd really appreciate anything that comes from that beautiful mind."

"E-Eeh...hehehe..." Red laughed, looking away.

"Do you talk like this with every girl you meet?" "No. Just the ones I think are the most special."

"Eoough, oh my-! Oh, I'm gonna fall..."

"Oh, don't! Do you need me to hold you upright?" "N-N-No...I'm ok. Geez, That's never happened before."

"No? Are you feeling alright?" "Yeah...I'm fine. Thanks, I'll give you a call later." "Wonderful!"

Mokey went back to doodling in her book, and Red went back to her report.

"...Do you have a cat?" "Yes. He slept on my shawl last night, so I'm covered in hair. His name is Lanford!" "Lanford? That's a weird name, how'd you come up with that?"

"I was meditating. And it was a very windy day. I was trying to come up with a name for him, and the wind just...whispered it to me!"

"So, you can talk to the wind?" "Well, no. I can't speak to it. It speaks to me. It speaks to everyone, but I take the time to slow down..."

She took a deep breath in and out.

"...and listen...Have you ever meditated?" "Nope. Can't sit still for that long." "Ah. That would make it difficult...Well, maybe you could try with me someday! I could help you focus!"

"You would do that? I mean...we just met." "I like to think of strangers as friends I haven't met yet! So I treat everyone like a true friend!"

"Sounds like a great way to get kidnapped." "Hehe! Well, it's never failed me before! You're a nice girl, Red. I truly see us as a pair that will grow closer in the future."

"Yeah? I hope so...Thanks, Mokey." "Anytime, sweetie."

~~~~~~~~~

"So, how have you been doing since we last talked?"

"...not good. I've been having these weird...mood swings lately."

"Mood swings...interesting. Describe them to me?"

"Well...I-I suddenly get this weird, warm feeling in my chest, and my heart starts to beat unusually fast, my cheeks turn red and get all hot...and my mind starts to cloud, and all I feel is just...peace."

Marjory looked up from her clipboard, confused.

"And when do these feelings occur?"

"W-When I'm around this one guy at school. And it's never happened before..."
"And you don't know what these feelings are?"

"No! Is it my medication!? Are they messing with my brain!?" "No. Boober, have you ever had a partner?"

"L-L-Like, romantically? No...I've never had time for something like that...Why does that matter?"

"I'll tell you in a moment. Have you ever heard the phrase 'butterflies in the stomach'?"

"Yeah..." "Usually used to describe how a person feels when they're nervous about an important event, or around somebody they have romantic feelings for."

"I don't...have any events coming up..."

"I know. Here, let me put it a different way. When was the last time you felt... loved?" "L-Loved!? I guess...every day with Mokey?"

"Interesting. Boober, correct me if I'm wrong...But I think you may be in love with the boy you told me about."

"W-W-What!? How!? Why!? I-I've only known him for a few days!"

"Well, you grew up in an abusive household, and you were raised by your older sister. You were sheltered from other people your age, until now, where you're experiencing your first instance of romantic feelings for another person."

Boober gasped, covering his mouth with his scarf.

"No...no, no! I can't be in love! I shouldn't be! Please, how do I fix this!?"

"Fix it? Oh, young Boober...This isn't the sort of thing you can just fix. It's natural for most people your age to feel things like this."

"But-! Oh, I'm so overwhelmed..." "Take all the time you need."

Boober leaned back on the couch, and took a deep breath in and out, as he tried to process what Marjory said.

In love...how could he be in love!? He was unlovable! He was a pathetic coward, nobody could ever love somebody like him! How does he get rid of these feelings!?

He thought back to the other day, when he and Wembley brushed hands. After he fed Lanford, he went to the bathroom and washed and scrubbed until his hands were red.

But no matter how much soap he used, there was still a lingering feeling on his hand.

Was that...love? Was he feeling romantic love for another human being, for the first time in his life?
He didn't even know what romantic love looked like.

He looked up at the ceiling, and let out a shaky sigh.

"Oh, Wembley..." "Why don't you talk to him about it?" "I can't! He already thinks I'm a freak..."

"Is he bullying you?" "No...he's really, really sweet. And...a little dumb. He barely knows me, but he...just makes me feel calm...B-But I don't even know if he likes men!"

"Well, why don't you ask him?" "Isn't that...too obvious?" "Maybe being obvious will help you sort through your feelings quicker. Sometimes it's better to just say it outright, than to keep things bottled up."

"I...I guess? Geez...C-Can we switch the subject? I'm a little overwhelmed..."

"Of course. How's work?" "Fine...I may...quit soon. I don't know if I could see myself working there much longer."

"No? Where do you see yourself in the future?" "Well...maybe a dry cleaner! I-I would love to do laundry for a living! But, um...after I graduate, I'll stick to my plan of making costumes for local theater companies."

"I'm glad you have a sound plan for your future. Not many students your age are sure where their degrees will take them."

"Well, when you love what you do, you never work a day...I just can't help but feel so... insecure about my job...I was excited when I first started, but now I'm worried about being harassed while on the job... I'm not good enough to work there..."

"Boober, it's a bar!" "Yeah, a bar with...frilly costumes and glitter and makeup! I'm... I'm not what people think of when they think of a drag queen."

"Do you think this insecurity comes from what your father said to you when you were young? About how you expressed your gender?"

"...It's hard to say...He was really excited to have a son...but he was so angry when I didn't want to hunt, or get drunk with him...He said I was like my mother...useless..."

Marjory hummed, and wrote something on her clipboard.

"The only people you've opened up to in the past few years are me and your sister. I think, more than anything, you need a few more contacts in your phone."

"...excuse me?" "Make some new friends."

"Oh. I...I guess so...Is that it for today?"

"Our time is up, hon. Have a lovely day, give the boys a treat on the way out!"

"Thank you, Ma'am..."

Boober got up from his seat, and slipped treats between the bars of the rat cage Marjory kept next to her desk.

He left the room, squeezing the strap of his bag. He checked his phone for the first time in two hours, only to notice that somebody had texted him.

Wembley: I fojdn a realy cool rock on the way back home!!!!!! Wanaa see?

Wembley: oh im sorry boober that's was meant for Gobo

You: That's ok. Are you doing ok tonight? Ready for our meetup tomorrow?

Wembley: YEAH I'M REALLY WXCITED!!!

You: That's good. I'll see you then.

Wembley: what are you doing thsi aftrnoon?

You: I have work.

Wembley: Aw. Well, have fun! See you tomorrow!

You: Bye. See you then.

He put his phone away, gazing off into the sky with a longing smile.

The butterflies were back.

~~~~~

"You look happy, Wembs. Talkin' to somebody?" "Yeah! Boober! Oh, he's really nice! Y-Y'know, we should invite him and Mokey to movie night!"

"Yeah? That would be fun, having some new friends around. Why don't you ask him?"

"...Well, I...I'm a little nervous. I dunno what it is about him, but whenever I talk to him, I get all...flustered, and my cheeks turn pink! I dunno what it is!"

"...Hm. That is weird..." "I really want to invite him over, but it feels...different than like, Lou or Pogey! Maybe it's because we haven't been friends for a long time?"

"Well, I've never felt anything like that before. Maybe talk to him in person tomorrow? It's probably a lot harder to do it over text."

"...Yeah! You're right! I just need to...To talk to him in person...and hear his voice, and...Oh, Gobo! Now I'm even more nervous! What's going on!?"

"Ok, calm down! We're gonna calm down, and we're gonna breathe through this" "Breathe... breathe. Ok, I'm good. Geez the last time I felt this way was...middle school? Back when I first met Lou!"

"Didn't you have a crush on her at first?" "Yeah! I mean, later down the line I realized that we just weren't meant for each other, but I think I'm feeling something similar here!"

"...Wembley, do you have something you want to tell me?" "Uh, gee...I don't think so! Maybe I should just ask Mokey, and she can just bring Boober with her! A-And then I can show him my rock collection!"

"Good for you, bud. Hey, I gotta run out and deliver a paper to one of my professors. You hang tight, ok?" "Got it!"

Gobo left, leaving Wembley alone with his thoughts...What were these feelings? Awfully confusing. Maybe he could talk to Lou about it! Or Mokey! Or anybody that WASN'T Boober!

On the way to his lecture hall, Gobo turned the corner, only to be ambushed by a shaggy, grey thing.

"Sprocket! Sprocket, no! Leave him alone! Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. He's never like this, I promise!" "Aw, it's ok. He's just excited. Cute little thing, isn't he?"

The dog's owner, a young woman dressed in wild colours, laughed.

"I don't know about little. In fact, I'm surprised you didn't hit the ground!"

Gobo chuckled.

"Hey, you look familiar. Aren't you in my ancient inventions class?"

"Yeah! My Great Uncle teaches it! I'm his assistant. I graduated last year, hoping to be a professor myself. That kinda thing."

"Well, tell your Uncle he's a great professor. I'm Gobo." He held his hands out.

"I'm Doc! What? No I'm not. Sorry, that's just a nickname. I'm Dorothy." "Nice to meet'cha, Dorothy. Can I still call you Doc?"

"Oh, I'd love that! Thanks. So, Gobo...Gobo Singh?" "That's me." "Oh my god. Come with me. Please."

"Huh? Is something wrong?"

"I have something to give you. It'll only take a sec, come on. C'mon, Sprocky! This way!"

She led him into a lecture hall, down the stairs, and to her Great Uncle's desk."

"I knew I recognized your name!"

She slammed a huge pile of postcards down on the desk.

"We have SO many of these. I have no idea how they all ended up with us, but it became a huge problem...like, really fast."

"Oh, wow! Gee, thanks Doc!" "Who's sending you so many postcards? And they're all just from different places in Canada?" "My Uncle Matt. He's an explorer."

"Huh. Well, I'm just glad to get those off my hands. Sorry for rushing you in here, I probably sounded like a kidnapper." "A little. Thanks anyway. But it's ok."

Gobo dropped a piece of paper into the Turn-In box on the desk.

"I had to come here anyway. See you next class."

"Bye!"

~~~~~

*CLUNK*
.
.
.
*CLUNK*

"Boober? Sweetie, what are you doing...? It's almost midnight..." "I'm making cookies. I don't want to sleep." "Cookies? Why are you making cookies?" "To bring to the club." "That's sweet...But can't you do it in the morning? Come to bed."

"But I wanna make cookies..." "Put the dough in the fridge, and come here. I'll sing you to sleep, if you'd like." "...No. I'm ok..."

Boober wrapped the bowl with saran wrap, and popped it in the fridge. He snuggled into bed, and Mokey tucked the blankets over him.

"There...Is it something that happened in therapy today?" "Yeah...I don't want to talk about it..." "I won't pry. Just make sure to get a good night's sleep, ok? Kisses and hugs."

"Kisses and hugs..." Boober buried himself in his mountain of pillows, and fell asleep, still thinking about what Marjory said.

A crush...a crush on Wembley...

Chapter Text

Thursday was here.

Club Rehearsal arrived in the blink of an eye, and before anyone knew it, they were back in the circle of chairs.

Boober handed out little baggies of cookies with everyone, not saying anything. When asked why he did it, he just shook his head and refused to answer.

"I just wanted to..."

"Soooo, how was everyone's day? I'll go first! Somebody in my lab almost set the room on fire!"

"D-Did anybody get hurt!?" "Nope! I mean, I almost got burnt, but I'm ok!"

 "Wembley!" Boober scolded. "You should be more careful! A bad enough burn could change your entire life!" "I'm careful! I promise, I really am!" "Well, I trust you, but...The world is just so dangerous. I don't want you getting hurt. If something like that ever happens, you come to me, ok? I know a lot about medicine and sicknesses. I could help."

Boober didn't even know why he was saying these things. The words were just flying out of his mouth. But even then, he still felt such a strong urge to take care of Wembley, like how Mokey had taken care of him throughout the years.

"You do? Oh, wow! Well, I-I might ask for some help soon! I've been having weird symptoms of something lately..."

"Oh, um...ok?"

"What about everyone else? Mokey, how was your day?" "Well, I drew some lovely sketches for the puppets Boober is planning to make for us! I was wondering if we could look them over today?"

"Oooh, let me see, let me see!"

Red scooted her chair next to Mokey's, and peered into the sketchbook. The drawings on the open page ranged from rough sketches, to hyper realistic blueprints for building the puppets.

"...Woah." "What do you think? Boober wanted to base them on us, so I turned those designs I showed you into sewing patterns!" "And I've got foam bases already. Adding the hair, skin, and tails shouldn't take too long." 

"These are incredible!" Wembley cheered. "You two really came prepared! I-Is there anything we can do to help?"

"... Actually, that's something I'd like to discuss today. Me and Mokey think we should...hand out jobs. She's going to be our head writer, and I'm going to be in charge of puppets and costumes. Gobo...Do you think you could be our songwriter."

Gobo's eyes lit up. "I would love that! You can count on me, Boobs!"

"Do NOT call me that. Ever. Red, you're a strong mover...Do you think you could be our choreographer?"

"Sure! ...What does that mean?" "You tell us how to move. Have you ever been in a dance class?" "Who hasn't? Alright, I'll do it."

"G-Great...And...Wembley?"

"Uh-huh?"

Boober looked at Wembley, who was smiling wide and proud.

"Y-You...I-I'm sorry, I need a minute..."

"Are you ok?" "Yeah...I-I-I-I-I..."

Wembley put a hand on his friends shoulder. He hated seeing him like this...Or anyone, really. But especially Boober. 

"Do you want a hug? That always makes me feel better!"

Thump 

Thump

Thump 

"I...Y-Yes, please..."

"Hugs!!!"

Two strong arms wrapped around Boober's shoulders.

Thump 
Thump
Thump
Thump
Thump 

"Thanks, Wembley..."

"Anytime! I love making my friends feel better!"

Boober put a hand on one of Wembley's arms.

"Do you think you could handle props? I think you would be good at that..." "Sure! I'd love to!"

"What about sets? Aren't we gonna need those?" "...I have somebody in mind."

The rest of rehearsal sped by, discussing different ideas they had for the creatures.

"What if they lived in like...a cave system?"

"A cave system!? Gobo, don't tell me that has to do with your spelunking addiction." "It sure does! Just think about it! Seeing the all the waterfalls, and plant life! And getting to explore all the little crevices!"

"Oooh, I love that! Boober, what do you think?"

"Just thinking about it is making me claustrophobic...But it's a smart idea. I like it...We'll have to come up with a name for it."

Red shrugged.
"Fraggle Rock."

"You want to name it after this stupid town? Why?" "Because Fraggle Rock is a stupid name for a town! It sounds like the name of a cave in British Columbia! We can call the creatures Fraggles!"

Mokey squealed.
"Oh, Red! That's such a good idea!" "...You think so?" "Yes!" 

"Mokey, this town is inescapable, and it's going to kill us all." "Well, it's celebrating where we come from!"

"...I guess so. Fraggle...I-I guess it does sound the like name of cute little creatures. Thanks, Red."

Rehearsal wrapped up a little later than usual. The group had gotten caught up in complaining about their town. It was inescapable, after all.

"I only know one person who's ever left. And it's my uncle." "My parents used to leave all the time. But it was usually for business meetings, and stuff like that." "They didn't take you with them?"

Red shrugged. "I had nannies. What about you and Boober?" "We're trying to leave...U-Um...Speaking of which, we should get going!"

"Oh, yeah. Probably...Bye guys. Today was fun." "Byyye!"

"I, uh...might stick around for a while...just to clean up." "Oh? Well, I'll be at home, ok? Call me if you need anything."

 "I will..."

 Mokey, Gobo and Red all left, leaving Wembley and Boober alone in the room.

"...Did you have a good time today?" "Yeah! I love hanging out with my friends!"

"Good...I-I...I've never been good at...being fun." "What do you mean? I think you're tons of fun! You've always got something funny to say, or a cool idea to share!"

"...I've never had somebody say that to me..." "What!? Oh, that's terrible!"

"I mean, I don't like thinking I'm fun...Fun is what gets people hurt." "What? Wait, then what did you do growing up?"

"I read books. I taught myself how to cook and sew. I did chores for my dad."

"Have you ever played laser tag?"
"What the hell is laser tag!?" "You get a gun that fires fake lasers, and you run around a big maze, and try and shoot other players!"

"That sounds terrifying! S-Somebody could run into a wall and get a concussion! A-And we shouldn't just give people laser guns!"

"But it's fun! And it's safe! Have you ever been to an arcade?" "No! That's so many germs!" "Did you play games with other kids  while you were growing up?"

"Other kids didn't like me. I just spent all my time with Mokey."

Wembley looked horrified.

"Oh, Boober..." "What? A-Are you gonna cry?"  "That's so sad! You never did anything fun growing up!?" "No...It's not that sad..." "It's terrible! I want to take you to an arcade now!" "Don't! Please, I could get really sick!" 

"You won't get sick, I promise! It'll be so much fun!"

"...you're sure it'll be safe?" "Of course! We'll go, just the two of us!" "...the two of us?" "Yeah! When are you free? Are you free tomorrow?" "No. Saturday. I work on weekdays..."

"Oh." 
"But, um...You can drop by my work, if you want to see a show...Do you drink?"
"Occasionally! Where do you work?"

Boober cracked his knuckles, and picked at his lip.

"...Promise you won't judge?" "Absolutely!"

"The, um...the Glitterini...it's a drag bar."

"AH! Oh my god, I have a friend that knows the owner of that place! You work there!?"

 "Y-Yeah...you've been?" "Nope! I wouldn't feel safe going alone, but it's not really Gobo's kind of place, y'know? Well, I didn't think it would be your kind of place, either!"

"Well, I like big, frilly costumes...And it's a kind of escapism for me. My, um...therapist recommended I try and embrace a new side of me, so I...I got a job there. And, y'know. It tips well."

"Do you perform?" "M-Me!? Oh, no, no, no, no....I could never. I just serve drinks." "Oh. Well, I'll see if I can drop by tonight! Can Pogey come? They're the friend that knows the owner."

"Umm...S-Sure? Just...don't tell anybody else, ok? It's really embarrassing..."

Wembley mimicked zipping his lips shut, and wrapped Boober in another tight hug.

"Can't wait!"

Boober, nervous and trembling, hugged back.

"Yeah...S-See you there..."

~~~~~

"Are either of you busy tonight?" "Yeah, I got work to do. Papers, and stuff. Sorry, Mokes."

"Aah, shame...Red? Are you free?" "M-M-Me!? Uh...Well, I was just going to, the um...the gym...But I can make time."

"Oh, don't let me interrupt your plans! We'll do something another day!" 

Gobo elbowed Red in the side.

"Ow!" 
"Are you alright?" "Y-Yeah! Hey, I don't mind at all! I'd rather hang out anyway! What did you, uh...have in mind?" 

"Some tea and conversation in my dorm?"

Red smiled, just a bit too wide. But could you blame her? She was so excited!

"Sure! I-I'd love to!" "Oh, wonderful! Gobo, you did wonderful today, and we'll see you later! Goodbye!"

"Bye! You two have fun!"

Mokey reached out her hand to Red.

"I'll show you the way."

Red grabbed her hand, and smiled even wider.

"Let's go!" 

Mokey and Boober's dorm was the cleanest dorm room Red had ever seen. Everything was absolutely spotless. 

When Mokey opened the cupboard to get two mugs, all of the cups were organized by shape, colour and material.

"Wow."

"If you think that's impressive, you should see our closets. What kind of tea do you like?"

"I'm not much of a tea drinker...I drink a lot of monster, usually." "Oh, don't tell Boober. He'll have a panic attack just hearing that. How about lavender?"

"Sure."

Mokey took out a massive, decorative box, and opened it up to reveal a large collection of tea leaves and bags.

"Here we are."

She poured boiling water into two Muppet themed mugs, and dunked the tea bag in.

"There!"
"Thanks...AH! Oh, that's hot!" "It's boiling water, silly! Be careful!"

Red blew into the mug. "Whoever I drink tea,  it's usually iced...and mixed with lemonade." 

"Hehe! Would you like some cookies?" "Oh! Um, sure? Thanks!"

She took one of the tea sweets, and took a bite.

"They're good. Thanks" "Anytime! So, how's swimming going, now that you've quit the club?"

"I've actually been having a much better time...It's not my entire life anymore, so it's been more fun." "Oh, wonderful! You know, I've seen you swim. You're so talented! How long have you been competitive?"

"Not long, actually. I've been swimming my whole life, but I only started entering competitions in my senior year, when I could drive myself."

"Your parents wouldn't drive you?"

Red laughed into her mug.

"No way. They wouldn't have cared. After I got my license, I could drive myself, I just...Drove. And I drove, and I drove, and then... Suddenly, I was attending college."

"Oh...Oh, Red..." "Eh, you shouldn't feel bad. My parents never cared about me, so I never cared about them. Why care about your child, when you can care about money!? Why bother showing up to her sporting events, or listen to her when she cried!? Why bother—!"

"Red! Red, it's ok! It's alright...They're not here...they can't hurt you anymore. You are in a safe, loving environment, and I'm here for you. And you're squeezing the mug, don't let it break."

"Oh. Right...Thanks. Did you learn that in class?"

"...No. It's what I tell Boober when he has night terrors about our father." "Oh."

"I'd rather not dwell on it. Let's...let's change the subject."

Suddenly, Lanford leaped up onto the table.

"Oooh, hello my beautiful baby! Could you tell that mama was sad?"

He purred at her. 

"Yes, I'm sorry... I'm ruining the vibes with my horrid mood...Why don't you say hi to our new friend?"

Red stared at the cat, a little frightened.

"Uuuh...hey, little guy..." "I promise he won't bite!"

She reached out to pet him, but he swiped and hissed at her.

"AH!" 

"Oh, dear! I'm so sorry!" "No, it's fine...cats have never really liked me...He's cute, though."

"He's the cutest! Oooh, who's Mommy's little sweetie pie? Yes, that's my little baby!"

Mokey scratched the top of Lanford's head, making Red chuckle. 

"So, um...You're hoping to be a therapist, huh?" 

"Well, I just want to help people get in touch with their inner selves...I want to help them move past traumatic events, or realize things about themselves...Or become more comfortable with the world, and who they are."

"Oh, that's sweet..." "I'm a protector...it's how I cope with things."

"By making sure that other people feel safe?" "Exactly! You understand me!" "I'm a protector, too...more physically, though. I fight."

She flexed, and Mokey coughed. 

"U-Um...Y-Yes! I can see that...Goodness..." "You ok?" "I'm alright...I guess we're not too different, huh?" "Nope. And I like that. Cause  I like you. As a friend! As a friend, you're a great friend, Mokey!"

Mokey laughed, and placed her hand on top of Red's.

"Yes, I like it too... Somebody who seems so different, but is actually quite similar...It's so poetic, isn't it? And beautiful."

Red gazed into Mokey's eyes, her cheeks flushing her namesake colour.

"Yeah...So beautiful..."

Chapter Text

You: Can we talk?

Doozer: Depends. Am I in trouble?

You: No. I just have a huge favour to ask

Doozer: Hit me.

You: Do you think you would like building sets for the puppetry club?

Doozer: lmao

You: Cotterpin, please.

Doozer: Wait are you serious

You: Yeah. Do you think you could do it? We would help, of course. But we need somebody who knows what she's doing.

Doozer: Absolutely, dude. That sounds awesome. What do I do?

You: Just show up on Tuesday. I'll explain more in person, but I gotta get back to work

Doozer: Sounds sick. Good luck tonight.

You: Just kill me now.

"Mystique! Somebody just asked for you by name!"

"Coming!"

Madame Mystique grabbed her tray, and made her way out to the bar.

Wembley was there, looking a little nervous.

Mystique felt a little conflicted. Does she put on her act? This was somebody she knew...Somebody she liked! It felt wrong.

"Boober...?"

She swallowed, and flashed a smile.

"Hey, sugar! How are you doing tonight? Can I get you something to drink~?"

"A-Ah...!" Wembley blushed, immediately nervous by the flirting.

"Hi, Boober!" "Hello~! I assume you must be Pogey, then?" "That's me! I'm Pogey!"

"Well, it's lovely to meet you! Red's told me all about you!" "Has she? How's she doing?"

"I'd say good! She's happy with the club..." "Are you still accepting new members? I-I-I think it sounds fun!"

Boober almost dropped the tray.

"R-Really?" "Yeah!" "O-Oh...Well, I...I'd really appreciate that! Just show up on Tuesday, Wembley can show you the way to our room. Um... Wembley?"

"Huh? What? What's going on?"

Mystique snapped back into character, and giggled. "Can I get you something, sweetie? A Shirley Temple, maybe?"

"O-Oh! Yeah, shhh...sh-sh-sure!" "Good! I'll be right back!"

She walked away, leaving Wembley alone, a blushing mess.

"Wembley? Are you ok?"

"I-I-I...I don't know...I-I've never...I've never felt like this before..." "You've never been flirted with?" "I-I-I mean, I have! But this time is different!"

"Because you're friends?" "...n-n-no...I...I've been having these...weird symptoms lately? Like, my heart has been going really fast, and my head is spinning..."

"A heart attack?" "No! I-It's always floaty, and dreamy, and it always happens when I talk to Boober..."

Wembley grabbed a fistfull of hair and sighed.

"W-Whenever I think about him, I get all nervous...But I like it! I really like being around him! Pogey...I think I have a crush on him!"

Pogey gasped, and grabbed their friends shoulders.

"Wembley, that's amazing!!!" "N-Not so loud! I don't want him to hear!" "Oh! Sorry!"

"It's ok...I-It is pretty exciting! But...geez, it's also really scary...I-I mean, should I tell him!? W-What if he doesn't like me!? What if he thinks I'm weird!?" "You are weird!" "But, like...the bad kind of weird!"

"He wouldn't invite you if he thought you were bad weird!" "...I guess so..."

"And, here we are! Two Shirley Temples, on the house~! Think of it as a thank you...For being supportive."

"Oh, Boober...! Thank you!"

"If you need anything else, just call me over, ok? I'll be right over."

"H-How much longer is your shift?" "A few hours. I go until closing, but you don't have to stay that long." "Ok! Well, thank you!"

"Anytime, hon~!"

Mystique walked away, stopping at a few tables, picking up empty glasses and making conversation.

Wembley kept his eyes on her the entire time, nervous about his newly released feelings. He couldn't even pay attention to the music, or whoever was on the stage in the middle of the bar.

Mystique walked up to the bar, and placed the tray of dirty glasses on the counter.

"I'm gonna need a Bloody Mary, a grapefruit martini, and a shot of whiskey. "Comin' right up, doll. Sooo, who's the cutie in the cargo shorts~?"

"...A-Ah...Just a friend from school...Drop it."

Tosh chuckled.

"Sure, sure. Here's your drinks."

"Thanks."

Mystique downed the whiskey, and took the other two drinks to their table. She could hear Tosh laughing as she walked away.

"And, here are your drinks! Just let me know if you need anything else, ok?"

She walked away, stopping back at Wembley and Pogey's table.

"And how are my favorites of the night doing~?"

"O-Oh, we're just fine! You?" "Oh, I'm doing just...just fine."

"Just fine? Are you ok?"

"Don't you worry about me, sweetie. We've got another show up on stage in a minute! You just sit back, and enjoy that, ok?"

"W-We will! Is it, um... usually this busy? You look panicked!"

"Only on Thursdays. The owner performs...And they'll be on soon. We're about to get a big crowd, so will you be ok without me for a while?"

"Yeah, we'll be ok!"

Turns out, Mystique was right. About 20 minutes before the owner came out to perform, the bar got packed.

Wembley and Pogey watched Mystique rush around, looking more and more weary as the evening went on.

"I might head home soon, Wembles! I'm just gonna say hi to the Glitterini first!"

"Gee, ok Pogey...See you tomorrow, hopefully... I'm gonna stay back, and walk Boober home!"

"Well, ok! Goodnight!" "Night!"

20 minutes into the rush, another Shirley Temple was dropped off at the table.

"I'm off soon...But you can go home, if you'd like." "No way! I'm gonna stay, a-a-and walk you home, just to make sure you're safe!"

"Keep me safe...?" "Yeah! It's dark out, you should have somebody to protect you!"

Mystique smiled...No, Boober smiled. It was the very first time Wembley had truly seen him smile.

"Thanks...Just hold tight, ok?"
"You got it!"

~~~~~~

Red didn't even remember the last two hours minutes. But somehow, in that timeframe, she had ended up wrapped in a blanket, on the couch with Mokey, while a musical played on the TV.

"...Hey, what time is it?" "Around eight. Do you need to be home by a certain time?" "No, my roommate won't care. I just don't want to walk home in the dark..." "Oh, I could walk you! If you don't feel safe, I'll be there with you!" "Well, I don't need a bodyguard..."

"Red, you're a young woman on a college campus...You should walk home alone in the dark...we both know that's not safe."

Red frowned. She was tough! She could beat anybody in a fight!

But Mokey was right. She hated it for so many reasons, but it was the horrible, cruel truth.

"Yeah...But not yet. I'm having a great time with you." "Aw! You're too sweet!" "Heeey, we both have nothing else to do! There's nowhere else I'd rather be!"

Mokey giggled.

"Me too...Oh, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I'm a little nervous...It's been so long since I've been alone with a new friend..."

"Are you worried that I might hurt you?" "No! No, no, no, no!" "You can be honest."

"Oh...maybe just a little...I've just been alone with Boober for so many years. I think it's only natural that I've developed trust issues."

"Yeah. Yeah, I get that. I understand." "You do?" "Well, not really...But I'm open to learning so I can understand you better."

"Oh, Red!"

Mokey scooped her friend into a hug, smiling ear to ear. "Thank you!" "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't care?"

"Hehe...A friend I wouldn't want to have...Say, um...Red? How long have we known each other?"

"Uhh...About at week, at this point."

"Hm. Just about week...And somehow, it feels longer, doesn't it?" "Uuuuhh..." "Well, it does to me, at least. I feel like we have some sort of... connection. As of destiny has pulled us together!"

"Like...soulmates?"

"Oh-!" Mokey stopped, looking surprised.

"Is that the wrong word to use?" "W-Well... soulmate is typically the word you use for a... romantic relationship."

"...Ah. Oh, I messed up... I'm sorry Mokey...Gee, that's really embarrassing." "No, don't be embarrassed at all! It's alright. The idea of soulmates is beautiful, and I just love sharing my thoughts with other people!"

Red tugged at the collar of her sweater.

"Do you think...everyone has a soulmate?"

"Of course!"
"E-Even me?"
"Even you. And let me tell you..."

Mokey tucked a loose strand of hair behind Red's hair.

"She's a very lucky girl."

"L-Lucky?"
"To have someone strong, talented and supportive like you? She's very lucky."

"Thanks...Your soulmate is pretty lucky too...I mean, who doesn't want a girl with blue hair?"

Mokey burst out laughing.

"Oh, you're too funny! Aah...Where have you been all my life?"

"A pool." "Haha! I suppose so! Aahh...Thank you, Red...Tonight has been wonderful."

"Yeah? Well, I liked it too..."

She yawned.

"Ah, geez. Sorry, I'm pretty tired. I guess I should head out, huh?"

"Aw...Already? Well, I'll walk you, as promised."

The girls left the dorm, making their way to Red's apartment building.

"This is the house where the vegetable brat lives." "Vegetable brat?" "Yeah, he's a toddler who throws vegetables at me when I walk by."

"What?"

"His parents don't care about what he does. But I just take the vegetables, so it's all good."
"You steal them?" "He threw them at me. Mine now."

"Hm. How often?" "Oh, dude. Like, almost everyday. I once made a potato salad purely out of stuff he's thrown at me."

"Was it good?" "No. I can't cook." "...You don't really cook potato salad." "Well, I still messed it up somehow. Anyway, this is my place. Now you can visit me!"

"Aah, lovely! I'll visit whenever I can! I had a wonderful evening with you, Red. I hope we can do this again in the future."

Mokey pressed a kiss against the back of Red's hand, but seemed to regret it as she pulled away.

"A-Ah...I'm sorry. I-I'll see you tomorrow, then. Goodbye!"

She ran down the hall before Red had a chance to say goodbye.

Red gently touched her hand, and smiled.

"Oh, Mokey..."

She opened the apartment door, and was faced with a familiar sight.

Cotterpin sitting at the kitchen in pitch darkness, except for the blinding light of her laptop screen.

"You're home late." "And you're up late." "I've got a drawing to finish. Don't bother turning the lights on, I'll just fall asleep here."

"Sounds painful." "It is. Goodnight."

"Night."

Red changed into her pajamas, and flopped into bed, right on top of the covers.
Not wanting to go to sleep just yet, she checked her phone.

A text! A text from Mokey!

Mokey-Moke: Somebody else wants to say goodnight :)

Attached, was a very blurry photo of Lanford.

~~~~~

"Alright, I'm officially off. I'm me again...Let's go home."

"Ok!" Wembley hopped up from his seat, and handed Boober a $20 bill.

"You made tonight really fun! I'd feel horrible if I didn't give you something!"

"Oh, Wembley...I-I can't take that...Just keep it, I made enough tips tonight." "You're sure?" "Yes. Please, keep it. Let's just go, I'm really tired..."

"Of course! Where's your dorm?" "The, um...The red brick building. I, um...Might need some help getting up to the apartment...I don't use elevators, and I don't think I could walk up stairs alone..."

"Well, you've been wearing heels all night! You must be in pain!" "I am...it sucks."

Wembley reached for Boober's hand, and squeezed it.

"I had a good time tonight! Mystique is really fun!"

"Oh...Yeah. S-Sorry if the flirting made you uncomfortable...It's how I am with all of my customers. I didn't want to put in less effort for you and Pogey."

"It's ok! I knew you didn't mean it!"

Boober felt his heart ache.

"W-Well...I meant it a little bit...Y-You're my friend, after all. If anything, I meant it more than with anyone else."

"Oh! W-Well, geez! That makes me feel awfully special! Thanks, Boober!" "You're welcome...Tonight was great."

They got to the apartment, and Wembley helped Boober limp up the stairs.

"Why don't you like elevators? I love elevators!" "I don't want to get trapped..." "Oh, yeah...I guess that makes sense!"

"Oof...Well, this is my apartment. Goodnight."

"Goodnight! I'll see you later!"

Wembley started to walk, away, but Boober stopped him.

"Wait!"

"Hm?"

"W-W-Wh-What was that about an arcade?"

Wembley's eyes lit up.

"Saturday, 12:00! I'll come pick you up! Or...you could come to my place! But you don't know where my place is... I'll come to you! See you then! Bye!"

"B-Bye!"

Wembley raced home, over the moon about the situation.

He quickly opened the apartment door, and ran to find his brother, who was asleep.

"Gobo! Gobo, I've got great news!"

"Wembley...? Geez, is something wrong?"

"The opposite! I've got a crush! I've got a crush on Boober! That's what all my weird feelings were!"

Gobo chuckled, and flopped back into bed.

"Good for you, buddy...Goodnight."

"Goodnight!"

Wembley climbed up to his top bunk, and snuggled up to his stuffed animals.

A day at the arcade with Boober! Wouldn't that just be amazing!?

He gasped to himself.

Was it a date!?

Chapter Text

Gobo woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of Wembley digging through the closet.

"Ugh, Wembs...the hell are you doing?"

"I'm trying to pick out a shirt! I'm taking Boober to an arcade today!"

"...he said yes to that?" "Yeah!" "Well, it's an arcade. Just wear one of your regular shirts."

"B-But which one!?" "Wembley, they all look the same." "I know, but I think of them as all different things!"

He held up one.
"This one is for more casual things!"

He held up another, identical shirt.

"B-B-But this one is for more professional stuff!"

"...Uuuhh...do you have one for dates?"

"See, that's the other thing! Is this a date!? I-I-I-I don't even know! I've only known about my feelings for like, 12 hours! What do I even say!?"

As Wembley panicked to himself, Gobo climbed out of bed, picked up his brother, and flipped him upside down.

"AH!"
"How's that?

"B-Better...Thanks."

Wembley landed back on his feet, and grabbed a third, still identical, shirt.

"I guess I'll guess wear this one. Do you think he'll judge me for my wardrobe?"
"He's a costume design major. I think he'll find it charmingly silly."

"...Am I charmingly silly?" "Of course you are! I can't think of two words that describe you better!"

"Indecisive?" "...Ehhh? You've gotten better over the years. But go brush your hair, you look like a blonde rat."

"Hehe!"

As Wembley ran a comb through his mullet, Gobo got dressed, and grabbed his guitar.

"Are you gonna go play by the fountain again?" "Yeah. If I'm gonna be the club songwriter, I need some time to get inspired."

"Well, I hope it goes well! I love the songs that you write!" "Thanks, bud. Do you remember where Boober's dorm is?"

"I can figure it out! I'll see you later!"

"Bye. Text me throughout the day so I know you're safe, ok?" "Got it!"

Wembley climbed up the stairs to Boober's apartment, and knocked on the door.

He rocked on his heels for a moment, waiting for the door to open.

"Wembley! Oh, good morning! Or... afternoon? What time is it?"

"Around 11:30!" "Morning, then! Boober's not quite ready yet, would you like to come in and wait for him?"

"S-Sure! What's he doing?"

"Well, he's got to take his prescriptions, and do his hair...He's so particular about it. Sit, sit! Can I get you something to drink? Water, juice, anything?"

"N-No thanks! I'll just wait!" "Just let me know if you need anything. I'll go tell Boober you're here."

She vanished down the hallway, and knocked on the bathroom door.

"Sweetie, are you doing ok?"

"Mmhmm..." "May I come in?" "Mmhm..."

She opened the door to reveal her brother, who was struggling to get his bangs to sit still.

"Is everything alright?" "Yeah...I'm just nervous."

"Wembley's waiting on the couch. He's excited to see you! There's nothing to be nervous about, ok?" "H-He's here!? H-H-He's half an hour early! I had a schedule!"

"Sweetie, he won't care if your hair isn't perfect! It's an arcade, not a fashion show."

"It's not about my hair, Mokey...It's about my eyes...I don't want him, O-Or anybody, to see them!"

"I know, I know. I can't see them, you'll be ok. I promise. Now go say hi!"

"A-A-Alright, alright!"

Boober made his way out, where he found Wembley idly staring out the window.

"H-Hey."
"Hm? Boober! Oh, wow! You look great!"

"Th-Th-Thank you...You look nice, too...What are you looking at?" "Just the people outside! Are you ready to go?"

"I-I-I guess..." "Are you sure? We can do something else!" "No...we can do what you had planned. Don't let my moping get in the way..."

Wembley took Boober's hands.

"I promise, you'll have a great day! And if you don't, I'll find a way to make it up to you!"

Boober covered his smile with his hand.

"You don't need to do that...As long as you're there, I'll have fun. Let's go."

They left the dorm, saying goodbye to Mokey as they left.

They were still holding hands.

Once they got outside, Wembley pulled a massive group of pom-poms, trinkets, and charms out of his pocket.

"What...on earth is that?" "My car keys!" "Your car keys!?" "Yeah!"

A little green car beeped to life.

"Her name is Green Bean! Do you like her?" "She's got personality." "You bet she does! Do you go into the city often?"

"No. I think the city is gross..." "It is gross!"

As Boober got into the car, he slipped on a surgical mask, and gloves.

"I hope you don't mind these...I just want to keep myself safe."

"I don't mind at all!" "Do you want some hand sanitizer?" "Uhh...not quite yet! But thanks! Hey, what kind of music do you like? Do you want to listen to something? Or would you prefer silence?"

"Well...What do you usually listen to?" "Well, I usually just put my playlist on shuffle! I can never pick a song! What about you?"

"I don't have a car. When I'm working, I listen to the sound of rain."

"Like, meditation sounds?" "Mokey got me into it. It helps me focus..." "Well, that sounds nice! Um...am I talking too much?"

Boober shook his head.

"Not at all...I like to listen to you."

"T-T-T-To me!? Wow...P-People in high school made fun of me because I talked too much! And for other reasons, too!"

"Yeah, I got made fun of...My bangs, and the way I dressed...drew attention..."

"I love the way you dress! You're like if...Like if steampunk was modern! Or if a Victorian orphan had internet access! Uh...those are compliments...Sorry, that second one was mean."

"It's ok. You're right...Did I ever tell you my first ever acting role was in Newsies?"

Wembley gasped.

"No! You're kidding!" "No. It was a junior ensemble performance when I was 11. I liked the outfits so much, I just kept dressing like that."

"That's adorable! ...I-I mean-! I-! N-Not adorable-! I-I mean, you were a kid!"

"It's ok. Mokey called it adorable, too...You remind me of her, you know...Caring, and sweet...always willing to listen to me. For somebody who hasn't known me for very long, you're already one of my best friends."

Wembley smiled.

"Am I really?" "...do you want to be?" "Of course! I-I'm usually not sure about a lot of things, but I'm absolutely sure that I want to be your friend!"

"Well...it's settled, then. We're best friends."
"Great!"

They smiled, before turning away and sighing, as if they were disappointed by the word 'friend'.

"...Well, here we are! Let's go!"
"Oh, uh...right. Yeah. S-So, I...How do places like this work?"

"Well, I've already got a card! So, I just fill it with credits, and we can play games until we run out!"

"And...That's it?"

"Yeah! I'm really good at ski-ball, so we can start there!"

"Sounds good..."

The inside of the arcade was bright and loud. Not much different than the Glitterini, but it was about 10 times more annoying, thanks to the added sounds of screaming children.

"Ow...Loud in here..."
He pulled a pair of earplugs, and popped them in.

"Better..."

"I filled up the card! Hey, are you ok?"

"Overstimulated... I-I'll be fine." "We'll take it easy to start! We'll go to a quiet corner!" "Thanks. Hey, when we get out of here, I'll treat you to lunch!"

"Lunch? Oh, you don't have to buy me anything!"

"Buy? I wouldn't buy anything. I'll make you a fresh soup!"

~~~~~

"Every morning...Every day...Every evening, calling me away..."

Gobo sighed, a little frustrated.

He had been working for an hour, trying to write, but he always came back to the same song his uncle taught him when he was young.

He looked around, trying to see if there was anything around that could spark any inspiration.

As he looked up, he saw a tall man with a blonde afro walking towards him.

"Hey, kid. Sweet jams. Mind if I sit?"

"Oh, no. Go head...Wow, is that a mandolin?"

"You bet your sweet, pink hair it is." "It's incredible!" "It's electric. What about your little baby? Cute lil' thing."

"Oh, thanks. It was my, uh...dad's." "An heirloom, eh? Sentimental value always makes the best music. What's your name, lil' dude?"

"Gobo! I'm in my second year."
"Jamdolin. I'm in my fourth."

"Wow...S-So, what are you doing here?"
"Same as you. Tryin' to get inspiration."
"Wha-!? How could you tell!?"
"You've got that look. Like you're struggling."

"Struggling? Well, maybe a little..."
"Yeah, I get that. Trying to impress somebody?"

"A little. See, I've got these new friends. We're all a part of a club, and the president asked me to be the songwriter. And I don't want to let him down, so I'm really trying to make something good!"

"Aw, don't force it man...Let it flow from the heart! What was that sweet number you were singin' before?"

"Oh, that? It's a song my uncle wrote...He's been singing it to me since I was a kid."

"I thought it was nice. Why don't you share that with your friends?" "I mean...I want to share something I wrote!"

"You can still do that. But makin' music isn't about being the best. It's about sharing your craft."

"What do you do with your music?" "I'm in a band. The Minstrels."

"Never heard of you..." "We play around campus. At parties, and places like that. We bring the vibes."

"Huh...Well, I don't really get invited to parties..." "Next time we've got a gig booked, I'll send you an invite. Bring your club friends, if you want."

"Really? Do you...want a way to contact me?" "Nah. I'll find a way to get it to ya. Now, let me tell you something about writing for your club. If they're your friends, they'll appreciate you trying at all. Write something from the heart, and even if it ain't your best, it'll be sincere. What are the songs about?"

"Well, they're supposed to be about little fuzzy creatures that live in a cave..."

Jamdolin raised an eyebrow.

"Little fuzzy things?" "Yeah. It's, um...It's puppetry. Puppetry club."

"Oooh! Well, why didn't you say that before! Sounds like a TV show, huh?" "Yeah, I guess so...Hmm...Now that you put it that way...maybe I should write a theme song?"

"There you go! See, all you need is a little push. I don't wanna keep you any longer, so I'll leave you be. If you need me, listen for the distant sounds of a good time."

"Uhh...Bye! It was great talking to you!" "Anytime, man!"

Gobo looked back down at his guitar, smiling wide.

He had ideas! And Jamdolin was right...These were his friends! They'd like his songs no matter what! And if they didn't, they'd still like him.

"Move...No, dance. Dance your...hmm...worries? Dance your worries out the door, the party's almost here..."

~~~~~~

You: Are you awake, darling? ☀️☀️☀️

There was no response for about ten minutes.

Red♥️: i am now

You: It's noon!

Red♥️: yeah im tired today. stayed up last night playing games until like three am

You: You poor thing!🥺🥺🥺

Red♥️: probably gonna chug a monster to wake myself up

You: Please don't!

Red♥️: i have like six in the fridge i need to get rid of. wanna come over and take one

You: No thank you.💚💚💚

Red♥️: theyre vegan if thats what youre worried about

You: You can just invite me over, you know. I don't want a Monster, but I do want to see you! 😻😻😻

Red♥️: yeah come over please my roommates gone and im lonely

You: I'll be right over, darling!

Red kept her eyes on that text, hyper focused on the pet name.

Did Mokey call everyone 'darling?'

She called Boober 'sweetie' a lot, but he was her brother! That was different!

Was she special to her?

She'd have to ask.

She got up from her bed, and made her way to the bathroom, hoping to brush her curls into a more presentable state before Mokey arrived.

And she should probably put a shirt on...Ugh, she hated having company! But it was Mokey, so she's made an exception.

Once she had cleaned herself up (enough, at least), she sat on the couch and waited for her friend.

There was a knock at the door.

"Red? Did you fall back asleep?"

"Nope! I unlocked it, you can come in!"

The door swung open, and Mokey skipped in, carrying a basket.

"I brought lunch! Or...breakfast, in your case."

"Did you really? Oh, you didn't have to!" "But I wanted to! Plus, it's just sandwiches. No big deal at all!"

"Mokeeeey, you're too sweet..."

"I'm really not...I owe you." "For what?"

Mokey frowned, and sat down next to her friend.

"Red...I want to apologize for what I did on Thursday...I shouldn't have kissed your hand without asking."

"Is that what you're so worried about?"
"It's been tearing my heart into pieces all night..."

"Mokey, if I wasn't ok with it, I would have told you!" "So...you're not angry with me?" "Nope."

"Oh, Red. Thank you..." "Aw, don't thank me. Makes me feel all mushy insane. We're friends, I don't mind at all."

Mokey smiled.

"I wish I met you earlier...You bring so much sparkle to my life." "I do?" "Yes! Now, um...let's unpack these sandwiches, hm?"

"Hell yeah! Oooh, you're the best!"

Red smushed herself against Mokey's side.

"Maybe you should move in with me. Boober's already friends with my roommate."

"Oh, I couldn't abandon him like that...We need each other! He's...he's sensitive, and I couldn't bear to leave him alone."

"Well, maybe I could just move in with you two. I can sleep on the floor."

Mokey laughed.

"I couldn't let you do that! I'll just come and visit you. Is that enough?"

"Even if you just, like, text me once a day, it'll still be enough. But at the same time, keep visiting me."

Mokey handed her friend a sandwich.

"I will, I promise."

~~~~~

"Do you want a turn?" "N-No...I don't want to hurt anyone..." "Hurt anyone? You wouldn't hurt anyone! Just take the ball!"

Boober grabbed the ski-ball from Wembley, and stared at the game.

"...Are you sure?" "Yeah! Go ahead!"

He took a deep breath, trying to shake away his nerves, and threw the ball.

It didn't roll very far, landing in the 10 point hole.

"Oooh, I wasted it..." "No you didn't! You did had fun, didn't you?"

"I guess? I'm not sure if I see the appeal..."
"Want to move on to something else?" "No... I'm having fun watching you...That's what we're here for, after all?"

"Talking?"
"Each other."

Wembley laughed.

"That's cute!"
"Y-You think so?"

"Yeah! Hey, let's go look at some of the other games!"

He wrapped a hand around Boober's waist, and led him into the busier areas of the arcade.

"Have you ever done one of these? With the hammer and the bell?" "...No. I just hit the red thing?" "Yeah!"

Wembley scanned the card, and handed Boober the hammer.

And he watched in amazement as Boober swung the hammer, ringing the bell almost instantly.

"Wow!"
"Sorry about that...I was thinking about my dad."

"Oh, that's ok! I get angry when I think about my parents!"
"I've never seen you angry..." "I don't like getting angry in front of other people! Makes me feel icky inside."

Boober plucked the string of tickets from the bottom of the game, and stuffed them into the bag Wembley was carrying.

"I get that. I don't like letting people know how I feel."

"Is that why you cover your eyes?"

"It's..." Boober looked down. "It's one of them."

They stayed silent for a moment, before Wembley spoke up, trying to lighten the mood.

"...Oh, I have an idea! Let's go check out the prize counter! Do you want candy?"

"I don't really eat candy..."
"Ok! How about...hmmm..."

"They've got friendship necklaces. Should we get those? To... celebrate us officially becoming best friends?"

"You mean it? R-Really?" "Mmhm."

Wembley rocked on his heels and tugged at the collar of his shirt.

"Aw, geez..." "They're 800 tickets. How many do we have?"

"N-Nine hundred and t-t-thirty!" "Perfect!"

Wembley plopped the ticket back on the counter, and grabbed Boober's hand, bouncing in excitement as the worker behind the counter counted up the tickets, and handed them the necklaces.

They were on gold chains, with little charms shaped like perfect, blue orbs.

"Oh, Wembley...They're beautiful..." "You bet they are! You wanna head back to the car and try them on?"

"S-S-Sure!"

Giggling, they both sped out to the car, and tore the necklaces out of their packaging.

Wembley held up the necklaces, and looked over at Boober, who was giving him a soft, sweet smile.

Wow...If Wembley wasn't sure before, he was definitely sure now...He had a crush.

A really, big crush.

"Um...Here's yours!"

"Thank you...Oh Wemb, I'm gonna wear this forever..." "M-M-Me too! Boober, I don't want this day to end, I'm having so much fun!"

"Well, it doesn't have to end yet...I promised you some soup, didn't I?"

"Oh, yeah!" "Let's head back to the dorms. We'll head up to my place, and I'll make you something."

"I've never had somebody make me fresh soup before...I've only ever had canned!"

"Well, we're in university...Sometimes, that's the only option. But I find ways to make life better for me and Mokey...making my own clothes, and growing our own vegetables...Stuff like that."

"You grow your own vegetables? Wait, scratch that, you make your own clothes!?" "Clothes are expensive...Wouldn't you agree? I mean, you only have one shirt..."

"Oh, no! I have around ten!" "But you just wear the same one?" "Nope! They're all identical?"

"All ten of your shirts are the same?" "Yup!"

Boober giggled.

"That's really funny..."

"Would you say...charmingly silly?"

"Hm. Yes. Yes I would."

Chapter Text

"Mokey? Mokey, are you home?"

There was no response.

"Mokey!?"

"Did she go out?" "M-M-Maybe...I don't know...I'll call her, you go sit down..."

Wembley sat down on the couch, nervously fidgeting with his fingers, while Boober tried to call his sister.

"Mokey? Mokey, where are you!?"
"Oh, Boober! Sweetie, I'm so sorry...I forgot to tell you that I was going over to Red's..."

"B-But you're safe!?" "Of course I am! You've got nothing to worry about." "Ok...I just needed to know you were safe. I'll call you back later, ok? I've got Wembley over." "Ooooh~! You two have fun, ok?" "We will...Bye." "Bye, sweetie!"

The call ended.

"Is she ok?" "She's with Red." "Aw!"

Wembley scratched at his neck.

"They're um...they're cute together, aren't they?" "What do you mean?" "Well, I...I just...I think they make a good pair."

"I guess so. I'm happy that Mokey has a girl to talk to...She's never had that...I mean, dad always said I was—...Nevermind. Are you allergic to anything, Wemb?"

"Ummm...No! Not that I know of!" "Good. You can turn on the TV, or something...I probably won't talk for a while. I'll be, y'know...In the zone."

"Totally! I'll be quiet!" "Well, you don't have to be quiet...You can keep talking, I'll just listen."

"Oh, ok! Um...I guess I'll just ramble!"

As Wembley rambled and ranted about anything that came to mind, Boober began chopping veggies, and letting them simmer in a pot on the stove.

"Wow, you guys have a lot of Muppet VHS tapes!"

"Oh, uh...yeah...me and Mokey grew up with them...We've got every season, and a bunch of movies on VHS and CD...cheaper than cable."

"Sure is! Is that why you started the club?"

"Yeah...I always wanted to start my own Muppet Show. I was just too nervous to start..." "Well, I believe in you!" "I believe in all of us. After all, you're a part of it. At least, I hope you will be."

"Of course I will be! I'd love to be part of something cool like that!" "Good. Because now you're stuck with us...You're a muppet now."

"There's nothing else I'd rather be!"

There was silence for a while.

Boober placed a fresh bowl of soup on the coffee table.

"There. I...I really hope you like it. I, uh...don't get to share my cooking as often as I'd like."

Carefully, Wembley lifted the bowl and tried the soup. Boober sat next to him, staring.

"Oh, Boober! It's wonderful, thank you!" "You think so?" "Yes! It's fantastic! Are you sure you shouldn't be majoring in something culinary?"

Boober blushed, and hid his growing smile.

"You don't mean that..." "I do! I really do!" "Well, if you ever want to bring Gobo and Red over...We always have leftovers, anyway."

"You mean it?"

"Uh-huh. Anything you ask for, I'll make it. U-Um, except meat...I can't cook meat, it makes me and Mokey sick."

"That's ok! I don't eat meat either!"

"Good...Can I get you anything else? Something to drink?" "Nope! I just want you here, with me!"

Without saying a word, Boober scooted closer to his friend.

"You ok?"
"I had a really nice day with you...I haven't had that much fun in a long time..."

Wembley smiled.

"It's been a while since I've spent so much time alone with somebody like you..." "Somebody like me?"

"You know...S-S-S-Somebody, who um...uh...I-I-I..."

He struggled to get the words out.

He didn't know what to say...Should he keep his feelings a secret? Should he tell him now? No, it was too early!

"Wembley? Are you ok?"

"H-Huh? Yeah, sorry...I-I'm wembling again..."

"Wembling?"

"It's a kind of nervous breakdown...When I can't make a choice about something, I wemble. Gobo started calling it that when we were kids."

"Oh. Is there anything I can do to help? Y'know, when you're like that?"

"Do you think you could pick me up?"

Boober blushed. He didn't exactly pride himself on his strength.

"Probably not..." "Then don't worry about it. The only way to stop it is to turn me upside down."

"What!? Wembley, you could get seriously hurt!" "It's fine, really! I'd rather a little bump to a noggin than spending five minutes wembling..."

"Did you get hurt recently?" "Nope." "If you ever get hurt, come see me... I'll patch you up."

"You will?" Wembley blushed at the idea of Boober taking care of him.

"Mmhm."

"That's awfully sweet of you! You really don't have to..."

"But I want to. Do you, um...have anywhere to be anytime soon?"

"Nope! I've got the whole day free! Why?"

"Well...I've got to work on those puppets for the club...would you like to help?"

Wembley gasped.

"Would I!"

~~~~~~

"Bye sweetie!"

Mokey hung up.

"Who was that?"
"Boober. I forgot to tell the poor thing I was here...He got all worried about me..."

"Because you weren't home?" "Well, I normally tell him everything! It keeps him calm. He's got a lot of anxiety."

"Yeah, I know. I've met him." "Red!" "Right, right. Sorry, that was rude of me."

"We don't spend a lot of time apart...We usually do everything together."

Red frowned.

"I'm not ruining anything by spending time with you, am I?" "Of course not! I just...got a little distracted."

"You can head home, if you want." "Oh, no. He's got Wembley over. I don't want to interrupt their alone time."

"He's got Wembley over? Gay."

"Red!" "Ok, that one I'm not sorry for. They're cute together, don't you think? Has Boober ever had a boyfriend?"

"No. Neither of us have ever dated anybody."

"You-! Huh!?" Red looked shocked. Mokey!? Mokey had never dated anybody!? How!? She was gorgeous!

"Now, what's that look for?" "You've...never been in a relationship?" "No." "...how." "Well, I just never had time for it. I wasn't allowed to leave the house for anything other than work or school."

"So...No girl has ever told you you're beautiful?"

Mokey laughed.

"I wish...Ah, to be in love..."

Red gently grabbed Mokey's hand, softly rubbing her palm.

"You're beautiful."

"Oh, Red! You're just saying that!" She giggled.

"No, I mean it! I really mean it! I'm saying it because you deserve to hear it! Mokey, you're stunning!"

Mokey giggled, blushing and trying to hide her face in a pillow.

"Thank you...You're beautiful too. Gorgeous, even." "Aww..."

"Have you ever been in a relationship?"

"Me? Uh, yeah...Me and Gobo, actually."

Mokey gasped.
"You're kidding!"

"It barely lasted a week. I mean, we had been friends for so long, we thought we might as well try it out. And then we realized that I liked women and Gobo liked nobody."

"I see..." "We're still friends, though. It wouldn't have worked anyway. I can't see him as anything besides my brother."

"That's beautiful. I'd love to turn that into a poem..." "You'd write a poem about me?" "Only if you're ok with it." "Yeah, sure. Do whatever."

"Good! Oooh, I can feel the inspiration flowing already..." Mokey began to sway from side to side.

Red rolled her eyes and chucked.
"Knock it off. You look like a dork."

"Ooooh, it's crashing into my brain, like waves against the shore...there's nothing I can do to stop it!"

Mokey leaned on Red's shoulder, causing the shorter girl to shove her away.

"You look like a fish struggling to breathe."

"How dare you...I am simply a vessel for the universe! And the universe wants me to do this!"

She crashed into Red again, harder this time, knocking them both over.

Red looked up, seeing Mokey's face only a few inches from hers.

"...oh my god."

"I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry, that was harder than I expected..." "N-No, I'm fine..."

"Good. Mwah!"

Mokey pressed a kiss to the tip of Red's nose, and pushed herself back up.

Red sat up, and gently touched the tip of her nose.

"Geez, Mokes...Are you always this affectionate?" "Usually." "Oh." "Do you not like it?"

"No...I like it a lot..." "You sound sad."

"I, uh...I don't really know how to say it..." "No? Well, just let it out. I'll understand."

"I...W-Well, you see...I...I w-want...I..."

Red coughed.

"Red?"

"...I think I want some time alone..."

"Oh! Oh...I understand...I had a lovely time with you..." "I-I-I don't hate you! I just...I want some time to process something."

"Ok. I'll give you your space...I hope you feel better."

Mokey packed up her basket, and headed for the apartment door. She turned back and faced Red with a sweet smile.

"I'll see you On Tuesday."

Tuesday creeped forward.

When Boober unlocked the door to the club room, he was shocked to find that the room wasn't empty.

"Gobo?"

"Ah—! Boober! Oh, you startled me! Geez, you have awfully quiet footsteps!"

"...thanks? What are you doing here so early?"

"I was hoping to talk to you, actually. I wrote a theme song for the show...And I want to know what you think."

"A-A theme song? Show? W-W-We barely have a pitch!" "Little fuzzy things that live in a cave? Honestly, that's all I need. But just to check, we're still calling them Fraggles?"

"I think so...everyone seems to like it. We'll keep it."

"Good. Now just listen."

He strummed his guitar.

"Dance your worries out the door, the party's almost here.
Sunny skies, or rainy days, a friend is always near!
Coming down from Outer Space, and deep into the ground.
You'll never want to ever leave, when you hear that happy sound!"

He stopped.

"What do you think?"

Boober hummed.

"It's...nice? But...it's a little... confusing... Really, I think it's too early for a theme song. W-What's with the whole...Outer Space thing?"

"I thought they were aliens." "They're um...more like moles? Or monkeys? Or cats...I don't know, but they're not aliens."

"Ok. Well, I'll workshop that."

"...The um, dance your worries, part...I like that. I-I really like that! If, um...If we're going to call them Fraggles, can you mention the word in the song?"

Gobo nodded. "Yeah, Wembley said that too. And he said that it should probably have a chorus..."

"Probably...B-But I, um...like it. It's really good...I-I mean, I...I'm not a musician, but it's nice..."

"Yeah, but you're our club president! I really want to impress you with what I make!"

"Gobo, I made you the songwriter because I trust you! I don't know the first thing about making music! But...but you do! I think the song needs work, but I want you to trust yourself, ok?"

Gobo smiled.

"Thanks, Boober...You're right...Thanks."

"I don't give advice often...That was good?" "Yeah. It was really nice."

"Good...Oh, I have a gift for you!"

"For me?"

"Wembley helped me finish the rest of the Fraggles over the weekend...Here's yours."

Boober pulled an orange puppet with pink hair out of his bag.

"Puppet Gobo."

Human Gobo took his puppet-self from his friend's hands, and stared into his ping-pong eyes.

"He's ridiculous."

"...O-Oh..."

"I love him. I've never seen anything cuter."

"Really?" "He's incredible."

Gobo pulled the puppet onto his hand, just as Wembley walked in.

"Hey, buddy!"

"Aah! He looks great! Wait, hold on! Hold on!"

Wembley reached into his backpack and pulled out a puppet with a big nose, and googley ping-pong eyes. He even had a tiny version of Wembley's shirt.

"Look at mine! Isn't he just the cutest thing?"

"He's adorable!" "A-And I helped make him! He's got a golf ball in his nose, and his eyes can shake around! Aren't you excited about this!?"

"I sure am, bud."

"Hey? Boober? Am I in the right room?"

"Cotterpin! Y-Y-You actually came..."

"You promised me some sets to build. Of course I came. I'm sick of researching skyscrapers... This'll be a nice change of pace. Hi Gobo."

"...do I know you?"
"Nevermind."

As time ticked by, Red and Mokey showed up. Pogey came too, just as they said they would.

Mokey was her usual, bubbly self, but Red was eerily quiet. She didn't look at anybody, and she tried her hardest to stay away from Mokey.

It wasn't until Boober handed her a little yellow puppet with red pigtails, did she perk up.

"Is this...me...?"

"Yeah. I had Mokey design her. Do you like her?

Red felt like crying. She looked over at Mokey, who was operating her live-hands puppet with Pogey.

"Yeah...I like her...I like her a lot..."

"Good...I was worried you wouldn't..." "Who couldn't love her? She's perfect..."

"Hi Red!"

"Hm? Oh, Hi Pogey."

"I'm part of the club now! Swim club wasn't fun without you!"

"Yeah? Wait, so that's..."

She counted on her hands, and turned to Boober.

"That's six. Me, Gobo, Wembley, Cotterpin, Pogey, And um...Mokey."

Boober's expression lit up.

"Six...W-We only need four more! And...and a teacher volunteer...But we have two weeks left!"

Delighted, he looked around the room.

He saw his friends, sharing a passion with him. He saw everything he had worked for, and all his dreams coming true, right before his eyes.

He looked down at Puppet Boober, who was lying in his arms.

"...I guess things are finally starting to take shape, huh...?"

Chapter Text

"So, You helped Boober make them, eh?"

"Yeah! It was awesome! We only got through half of them on Saturday, and so he invited me back on Sunday!"
"Oh, that's where you went. You were so excited, you just ran out!"

"Uh-huh! I had a really fun time with him...B-But I'm wembling about my, uh, fe-feelings..." "For him?"

"Shh! I don't want him to hear! I think my crush is getting worse, but I don't know what to do!" "Tell him."

"It's not that easy...I just don't know how, or if to tell him!"

"Wembley? Are you ok?"
"AH! Oh, hi Boober! Yeah, I'm fine!"

"We're about to get started with some world building. Are you ready?" "You bet I am!"

Boober smiled.

"Good. Sit, I want ideas from everyone! But, um...first, I've got some new members of our club to introduce. Cotterpin, who will be building our sets, and Pogey, who will be in charge of lighting and sound...Thank you both...so much."

Cotterpin fired a finger gun. "Anytime."
"Yeah! W-W-W-We're happy to be here!"

"So, um...that means we only need four more members, and a professor volunteer...In two weeks. Please, try your hardest to help."

Boober sighed, already imagining the possibility of school shutting his club down...he'd be a failure...his friends would abandon him...He'd have nothing.

Wembley touched his hand.

"Boober?" "Hm? Oh, I...Sorry, I got distracted. Let's get started, shall we?"

Rehearsal started with a recap of what they had so far.

Little creatures called Fraggles, living in a place called Fraggle Rock.

And...that was about it.

Boober stood up, and tried to avoid eye contact with his friends, as he tried to form a pitch for the show in his mind.

"What I want...what I want from this...show, musical, movie...Whatever it becomes. I want it to have the potential to make the world better for...everyone"

"Make the world better? What do you mean?"

"...The world is in a tough place. We're all struggling, and everyone is trying to tell you that it's hopeless, and that we should all be sad. B-But I don't think we need to be sad! I want this show to be...For lack of a better word, the opposite of me...I want it to be fun, and colourful, and musical."

He sighed, and tugged on his scarf.

"I want this to be a show to end wars. A show that could change lives...A show that could raise somebody...Like how the Muppet Show raised me. And uh, Mokey. But Mokey's not a tv show."

"Aww, Boober! Sweetie, that's really sweet of you! I think that it's a very good idea! But this is a group effort. What does everyone else think?"

Wembley grabbed Boober's hand.
"I-I-I-I think it's a great idea!"

"Wembley, you can be honest..." "No, I'm serious! I love it!"

"I like it too!"
"I love it when you get ambitious, Boober. I mean, every time it happens, I know it's gonna be good."
"If nobody else is gonna make the world better, it might as well be us!"

Mokey looked over at her friend.

"Red? What do you think?"

"Hm? Me? Sorry, I got distracted by, um... something. What's going on?"

"We're going to change the world."

Red clicked her tongue.
"Nice."

Cotterpin pulled large sheets of paper out of her notebook and pinned them to a wall.

"Let's brainstorm, huh?"

With a bright pink sharpie, she wrote,

"What do we know about Fraggle Rock?"

At the very top.

"So, we know that they're small, fluffy creatures that live in caves under the earth. What else? Boober?"

"I'm open to all ideas...Um...May I?"

"Yup."

Boober took the sharpie, and scribbled 'Musical Creatures, talented in both instruments and vocals', in his messy handwriting.

"A-Anybody else? T-These are just the basics!"

Gobo took the sharpie.

"If they live underground, I think they explore the surface! But...They're scared. And they don't understand it. Because they're a little stupid. Or very stupid! We'll get there when we get there!"

"Explore the world? Gobo, that's just your uncle?" "Aw, so what if it is? I look up to him! Oh, Boober! I should read you and Mokey one of the postcards he sent me!"

Red groaned.
"No! God, no! Please, no! Forget I said anything!"

Gobo chuckled, and nudged Boober in the shoulder.
"I'll read one to you later."

He sat back down, and tossed the sharpie to Wembley.

"Any ideas, bud?"

"Well...What if the Fraggles weren't alone? What if they had other creatures with them? Unless that's a bad idea! It's not the best idea I've ever had...Oh, what am I saying? It's terrible!"

"Wembley, it's ok..."

Gently, Boober reached out and touched his friend's cheek.

"That's a really good idea...We could explore lots of different important themes with something like that..."

Wembley's cheeks immediately turned pink, and he began to laugh.

"Hehe...Y-You think so? I mean, yeah! Y-Y-You said you were open to anything, heh! Um...S-Should I go write it down?"

"Go ahead. It's the best idea yet."

After he wrote it down on the sheet, Wembley turned around and gave Boober a hug.

"Ah! Wembley..." "We're gonna make something great! I just know it!"

Mokey nodded.

"I think there should be a small species...Smaller than the Fraggles. Maybe the size of a mouse?"

"And a bigger one!" Pogey cheered. "Like, bigger than a human!"

Cotterpin nodded.
"Let's call one of them Doozers."

Boober looked at her, surprised.

"Doozer? That's your name in my phone." "I know. It's because you said I was a little critter." "Did I?" "Yeah! Even if I'm taller than you." She teased

"...Shush."
"Heh. Yes sir."
"Don't call me that. Back to work."

He wrote 'Doozers' on the list.

"I think they won't get along at first... everyone has to learn to get along with somebody so different. Even the big ones...who try and kill them."

"Kill them? Isn't this a kids show?" "No. This is our show. The large creatures...They don't understand the Fraggles. They only see them as pests... Because the Fraggles like to steal from their garden."

"Oooh, gimme the marker, gimme the marker! I got this!"

Red grabbed the sharpie and began to furiously scribble, scratching out her mistakes and writing for what seemed like five whole minutes.

When she was done, she tossed Cotterpin the marker, and sat back down in her seat, leaving her friends to see what she wrote.

"A vegetable patch, with a brat toddler, who harrasses them...His parents do not love him—Red, what is this!?"

"It's about that kid that throws radishes at me. It's hilarious, isn't it?"

"It's a little sad..." "We can explore themes of child neglect."

Boober gasped and grabbed her hands.

"Yes."

By the end of rehearsal, the list was almost as tall as Mokey.

"It's beautiful!" Pogey clapped, pulling Wembley into a hug. Wembley hugged back, jumping up and down in excitement.

"H-Hold on, guys...we can't get too excited yet...We still have so much to plan and figure it out..."

Cotterpin chuckled, and ruffled Boober's hair. "Aw, lil' buddy! Don't beat yourself up over it! Can't you just be happy for yourself?"

"I-I mean..."

Gobo pat his friend on the shoulder.

"When we were alone, you told me that you believed in me. And now I'm telling you that I believe in you. So shut up and believe in yourself."

"Gobo..."

Mokey squeezed her brother. "Nobody has more imagination, soul or heart than you. We did good work today! Just be proud!"

"Uuughh..." Boober buried his face in his hat.

Red laughed. "Are we embarrassing you, shortie~? Good!"

Wembley grabbed Boober's hands and smiled wide.

"You're doing great! Just think, without you, we'd be nowhere with this!"

"You...you mean that?" Boober blushed, and smiled.

"Uh-huh!"

"Thanks, guys...Hey, it's 4:30...I think we've all got work to get to."

"I don't!" "Well, in that case...wanna stop by the bar again?" "Oh, sure! And, uh...I'll pay this time!"

Boober hooked a finger around the necklace Wembley was wearing, and pulled him closer.

"Mystique appreciates it."

"Haha! Hahaha!"

Wembley began to laugh, face slowly turning bright red.

Everyone began to slowly file out of the room, except for Red and Mokey

"How are you feeling?"

"...hm? Me?"

"I understand that you're avoiding me because you still have to process your feelings. But is it alright if I check in on you?"

Red paused.

"Uh...uh, I...I-I guess? I don't know if I'm ready..."

"Are those feelings...about me?"

"No!" She yelped, trying to hide her emotions.

"No, they're not! Don't worry about it, ok?"

"Is there something about me that upsets you?"

"No...not really...Look, it's a really personal thing. I just need...I need some space, ok?"

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No! Just leave me alone!"
She snapped, more aggressive than she intended.

Mokey didn't even look sad or hurt. Just... surprised.

"I understand," She spoke, barely above a whisper. "I'll see you on Thursday."

She made a quick exit, before Red could stop her.

"Mokey-! Ugh..."

The room suddenly seemed duller. She looked over at the list they had spent two hours making...It seemed so worthless now. Like there was no point to working hard anymore.

She brushed off those feelings, and packed up her bag.

As soon as she exited the room, she was tackled to the ground by a large sheepdog.

"NO! Sprocket, you can't keep doing this! I am so sorry about him! Sprocket, off!"

Red stood up and brushed the dog hair off her sweater.

"It's fine. Uhh...Do you need something from the club? I'm the only one here right now..."

"Club? Oh, is this a club room? I was told I could find Gobo here."

"Gobo? What do you want with him? Are you friends? He always tells me about his new friends."

"Friends? No, we're—I'm the TA to one of his professors. Turns out we've been getting some of his mail, and I just came to return more. Somebody told me I could find him here? Are you his girlfriend?"

Red burst out laughing.

"Us!? Hell no! I'm basically his annoying cousin. I'll give him the mail, hand it over."

"Right! Here, hold on."

The girl dug around in her bag, and handed Red a stack of postcards.

"Thanks. Hm, I'll go burn these...Wait, you're a TA?"

"Yeah! I'm Dorothy. But, uh..People just call me Doc." "Doc? Great, great. Do you count as a professor?"

Doc looked at the scary redhead in front of her.

"Uh...I don't know, actually! Sprocky? What do you think?"

Sprocket barked.

"I mean, I want to be a professor! But I've never taught a class! Mostly because I don't like the subject that my Uncle teaches. I've never really been interested in the past, y'know? I'm more interested in making a better future! And I—!"

She looked back at Red, who was staring at her like she was insane.

"...Sorry. Yeah, I guess I technically count."

"Great. Do you like puppets?" "Sure! I mean, Steve Whitmire is pretty much Sprocket's hero! Right, buddy?"

Sprocket barked.

"See?"

"Uh-huh. Can you show up here around two on Thursday?"

"Uhh...Sure? What goes on in there?"

"We're changing the world. With puppets. And we need a professor." "Ok? Can Sprocket come?"

"Sure! He's a cutie!"

Sprocket pawed at Red's sweater, and she leaned down to pet him.

"Just show up, ok? Even for a few minutes."
"I'll be there! This sounds fun!"

"It's the funniest place on campus that doesn't have weed and booze. See you then, Doc."

Red hurried off. She didn't particularly care if she was late for work, but she didn't want to get fired.

Doc smiled to herself (and Sprocket), and looked up to the sky.

"I guess things aren't all bad, eh bud? We've got a new weekly activity!"

Sprocket whimpered.

"Yeah, she was kinda scary. She could probably beat me up."

She put a hand on the creaky old door leading into the room.

"What a little hole in the wall, huh? I never even noticed it until now."

Chapter Text

"Don't stay out too late tonight, ok bud?" "It's only until 10! I want to stay so I can walk Boober home! He needs help getting upstairs, and I don't want him to get in trouble with bad people..."

"You think he might?" "I don't know! But it's better safe than sorry, I say!" "True, true. Well, just make sure you don't get in trouble too. No offense, but...Wembley, you're not that tough."

"No, but I can throw a punch if it means protecting a friend!"

"Or a crush."

"Aw, leave it...I should just face it, he wouldn't like me..."

"What? Wembley, you've only known about your crush for what, four days? Give it time! I've seen the way he treats you. You're special to him." 

"I am?" "Of course you are. Now go—Hey, what's this?"

Wedged under their dorm door, was a letter in a yellow and orange envelope.

"Is it from Uncle Matt?" "No, he never sends anything in envelopes. You go get ready, I'll open this."

Wembley disappeared into the bedroom to get changed, while Gobo sat at the table and tore open the envelope.

The contents of the letter where written in gold pen and fancy cursive. It was honestly hard to read.

'Dear Gobo

I hope this divine message reaches you at a good time. My group has a gig booked for this Sunday, at one of the frat houses on campus. And I'm a man of my word, so I'm inviting you and all your little puppet friends to come.

And I get it, man. Those are scary places. If you say no, that's totally chill. But those places are safe. Don't believe the movies, ok? Come out, and have a good time. 9:00pm Sunday, ok?

Groove on
- Jamdolin' 

Gobo looked at the invitation. He couldn't stop the huge smile on his face.

"Hey, Wemb!" 

"Yeah?" 
Wembley walked out of the room, buttoning up one of his fancy banana tree shirts.

"How'd you like to go to a party this Sunday?" 

"A party!? R-Really!? We've never been invited to a party!" "I know!"

"Who invited us?" "Oh, uh...A guy I talked to a few days ago. Real nice, gave me some good advice."

"He just invited you? Did you even tell him our address?" "Nope...I, uh... I honestly don't know how to feel, but he said he had ways to get it to me. I can only assume he asked a chain of people in order to get it to us."

"Huh...Well, I don't know if this is safe...But at the same time, I really wanna go!"

"I mean, maybe I'm a little too trusting, but we should stop by! It'll be fun! Maybe!" "Yeah, maybe! I'll tell Boober, and then he can tell Mokey, and then she can tell Red!"

"I don't think Mokey and Red are talking right now, bud..."

"No? Wait, what happened?" "Red's too stupid to figure out her feelings. I tried to text her about it, but she just changed the subject."

"Well, feelings are hard! Maybe I should try and talk to her about it...We could help each other!"

"You think you could handle that? I love Red, but she's not good with emotions."

"I could probably handle it! But I'm gonna head out for now! See you later!" "I'll put dinner in the fridge. Is this going to be a nightly thing?"

"No. Maybe just...once every other week?" "Sounds good. Have fun."

"I will!"

Wembley threw on a warm coat and quickly left the apartment, running down the stairs and down the street to Boober's dorm.

"Boober! There you are!" "Wembley! W-Were you...waiting for me?" "I was going to, yeah! Do you need me to carry anything? What's in those bags?"

"Oh, just...Just a new costume...I'm going up on stage tonight."

Wembley gasped.

"You are!?" "W-Well, it's gonna be a slow night, so I won't be too overwhelmed...And since you've been encouraging me...I know I won't be as nervous if I have somebody so sweet cheering me on." 

"Oh, Boober! R-Really!? I...I might cry!" "Please don't...if you cry, I'll cry."

The two friends squeezed each other, Wembley slightly lifting Boober off the ground.

"Let's go! I wanna see your new costume as soon as possible!" 

They held hands as they ran down the sidewalk, giggling to each other.

"So, did you make your new costume?" "Yeah...I washed it last night, and it spent the day air-drying. I used the best soap I have...it makes the fabric so soft, and it smells like a garden..."

"Do you have a lot of soaps?"

"Yeah! I-I love doing laundry! Our dorm has two bedrooms, but me and Mokey share a room...So we turned the free room into a laundry room."

"Like, with a washer and dryer?"

Boober shook his head.

"I wash by hand. It's basically my office! Hehe..."

"Huh! I guess that's why you always smell like flowers!" 

"...you think I smell like flowers?" 
"Yeah! S-Sorry, not in a weird way! Oh my god, I must sound like a freak!"

"No, No! I...as long as you're not being creepy. I like it when people can appreciate my detergents."

Wembley chuckled.

"Wow, you can cook a great soup, and you can do laundry, and sew, and lead a club! Is there anything you can't do?" "Well, a few weeks ago, my answer would have been 'feel happiness'. But...now that I've met you, that's not accurate anymore." 

"...O-Oh my gosh..."

Boober giggled and twirled a piece of hair on his finger, as he watched Wembley get more and more flustered. 

"I really appreciate you, Wembley. I really like you." 

"Really? W-When you say...like. What do you mean?"

"What do you mean? I like you!"

"As a friend?"

"Well, obviously as a friend...We are friends!"

"I-I know, but—! Aw, nevermind...it was stupid to ask!"

"...Do you wanna talk about something else?"

"Please."

"Alright...Can I talk about soap more?" "Sure! Go ahead!"

Boober spent the rest of the walk over telling Wembley about all the different soaps and detergents he used for different fabrics.

When they got to the bar, Boober led Wembley to a seat at the bar.

"I'll be backstage, getting ready. If you need anything, ask Tosh. She's our bartender."

"Right!" "I'll see you in a bit. I hope you like my show..."

"I know I will! Good luck!"

~~~~~

Mokey sat on her bed, staring out the window with glazed over eyes.

Her diary sat in her lap, the pages blank.

For once in her life, she didn't want to write in it. She wanted to throw it to the side, bury her face in her pillows, and sob.

Red, the poor thing...She was so worried about her. 

Feelings were difficult, and she understood that Red wanted space...But at the same time, she was worried that her darling friend was going to bury herself in worry, and isolate herself!

She looked at her phone, which was sitting on her nightstand. 

She reached out to grab it, hand shaking as she tried to decide on whether or not to call her friend.

But she didn't have to decide. Her phone began to buzz. She didn't even look at the caller ID, she just grabbed it and answered it.

"Hello!?"

"Woah, howdy there. You ok, Mokey?"

"Oh, Gobo...I'm sorry. I was...I'm going through something. Do you need something?"

"Well, the club just got invited to a party. Are you free on Sunday night?" "A party! Oh, that sounds incredible! Yes, I'm free!" "Great! I was going to ask Red to pass the message to you, but she says she needs some time away from you. Is everything ok?"

Mokey sighed.

"Yes, I think so. She just wants some time alone to process her emotions." "Process her emotions?" "Yes. She's in love with me."

"You can tell!?"

"Well, it's not hard! I love love, and I see myself as an empath! But...I think I accidentally flirted with her a bit too much...And scared her off..."

"Do you like her back?" "I do! But I don't want to make things worse between us...I want to check in, and make sure she's ok...But what if I make things worse?"

"Do you want me to ask her? She if so can get her to open up?" "Oh, I don't want to drag you into our business. Maybe I'll talk to her at the party...I really like her, Gobo...I just hope she's ok...'

"I'll check up on her for you." "Thank you...Just don't tell her I told you to, ok?"

"I won't. Talk to you later." "Bye! Love you!" "Love you too, Mokes."

~~~~~

"Sooo...How did you and Mystique meet?"

"Huh? Oh, um...Well, I bashed into her on the sidewalk by accident...I'm so glad I didn't hurt her! But, uh...I'm part of her puppetry club, and now we're best friends!"

"Best friends, huh?"

"'Huh'? What's that supposed to m-m-mean?" "Ah, nothin'. Don't worry about it. Hey, she's probably on soon! Eyes on the stage!"

"Right, right!"

The lights on the stage dimmed, and it was quiet for a while.

Until finally, the spotlight came back on, a soft orange glow instead of the usual blinding neons.

"What if I'm the strange one? W-What if I don't look like everyone?

 And the walls start to cave, and the rocks all fall..."

The song was beautiful. And so was Mystique.

Her new costume was also absolutely incredible. It was the colours of a perfect sunset, with a fluffy boa and lots of glitter.

The performance was short, but it was the best one Wembley had ever seen.

Once it was over, though, Mystique hurried off the stage.

Wembley sat there in silence. The noises of the club faded into a static buzz, and all he could do was sit and think. 

The colours.

The voice.

Oh, Wembley...

He thought to himself.

You need to confess. And you need to confess soon.

After a few more minutes of sitting and thinking, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Wembles? What did you think?"

"Boober!? Oh, Boober! It was wonderful! Incredible, amazing, beautiful! All the words in the world!" 

He grabbed Mystique's face, and gazed into her eyes.

"... really?" "Yes! Did you write that song yourself!?" "It didn't take long....it's not my best, really..." "It was perfect! I loved it!"

Mystique smiled, and glanced up at her friend.

"Thank you, sweetie...I really appreciate it. Hey, I gotta get back to work, but you'll stick around, right?"

"Of course! Good luck!" "Heh...Just kill me now."

The rest of the evening was slow. Mystique stopped by and chatted with Wembley several times, just to make sure he was ok.

By closing time, both of them were exhausted.

"Alright, I'm me again...Let's go home." "You did just great tonight! I absolutely love this side of you!"

They left the building, and started the slow walk home.

"Yeah? Hm...I used to hate it." "What do you mean?" "Well, I always admired this stuff from afar...But I was too much of a coward to actually try. I pushed it all to the bottom...And I called it my Sidebottom."

"Sidebottom?" 

"Yeah...And then I started seeing a therapist, and figured some things out about myself."

"Like how you present yourself and your gender expression to the world?"

"No. Wembley, I have PTSD."

"...Oh!"

"I used to just push it all away, and ignore it...But it just made everything worse...And then I started seeing Marjory. And she got me on the medication that's helped me for...a year and a half, at this point. At first, I didn't think it was doing anything except making me uglier than I already was..."

"Ugly? Oh, Boober...You're beautiful!" "I didn't see it that way...I looked in the mirror, and I only saw a disgusting freak that ruined any chance of having a normal life..."

"But you're better now?"

"Yeah...things got better...I've got my antidepressants, my anxiety meds, my allergy pills...I'm really messed up."

"Aw, aren't we all? I used to struggle with my identity too! I've never really landed on what I see myself as...I'm just me! I don't understand the boxes that we need to fit into, based on something we can't control! But then I say that I don't fit into the box I was forced into, and people say 'Oh, ok! Maybe you'll like this box better!' No! I don't want to go in a box at all!"

Wembley stopped, and took a deep breath.

"Sorry..." "It's ok. Keep going."

"I've just...I'm not going in a box anymore. I'm not cis. But maybe I am? I don't care! I-I'm me!"

Boober giggled. "I've never met a person quite like you, Wembley..." "I've never met anyone quite like you, Boober!"

"And I bet we've never met anybody who accepts us more than each other...Besides our siblings." "Hehe! Yeah, I think so! Gee, Boo-Boo... You're really something special."

"Boo-Boo?"

"AH! Oh, I'm so sorry! That's your name in my phone! It just sort of slipped out!" "That's my name in your phone?" 

"...yeah?" "Aw, Wembs...I don't mind. You can call me that...But only you." "Got it! Only me!" "Because you're special." "Because I'm special!" 

They had finally arrived at Boober's dorm building. Wembley helped him up the stairs, and towards his room.

"Here we are! I had a lot of fun tonight, too...You were just great!" 
"I'm glad you liked it...it was all for you."

"F-For me?"

Boober nodded.

"If I told you a secret, would you promise to keep it?" "O-O-Of course!"

"I-I-I-I... W-Wembley...I..."

"Take your time! You're all good!"

"...I think I'm in love with you..."

~~~~~~~~

*Bleep*

Red❤️: Can I call you?

Chapter Text

"Red? Red, are you there? Can you hear me!?"

"Yeah...I'm here."

"Oh, thank goodness! How are you feeling?" 

"Fine...Can I say sorry? I really messed up by ignoring you..."

"No, no! Never say that! You just needed your space. I...I got a little too clingy..."

"Yeah, well maybe I got a little too distant. I think we both messed up."

"Agreed...I'm sorry too. I missed you."

"I missed you too. Hey, Do you think, we could uh...meet up soon? Maybe after class tomorrow?"

"Oh, I'm sorry...I can't..." "Oh." "But we'll make plans soon! I really want to see you!"

"Me too!"

"And, when we do...Do you think you'll be ready to talk about what was bothering you?"

"Umm...Y-Yeah. Yeah, I'll totally be ready!"
"Good! If you need anything, just text me, ok? Anything at all."

"I know. I will...See you Thursday, maybe?"

Mokey smiled, and played with her hair.

"Yeah. Thursday. Bye!"

"Bye...Love you."

"Love you too, darling."

Mokey put her phone back on her nightstand, just as Boober walked in, looking broken. 

"Sweetie?" 

"...Mokey...will you sing me the lullaby from when we were kids?"

"Of course! Come here, hon."

Boober buried himself in his sister's arms, tears beginning to run down his face as she  comforted him.

She began to sing, and within seconds, he was asleep.

"Aw, poor thing..." 

The next day at lunch, the ginger was still in a depressive slump.

"Boober? Are you ok?"

"...I messed up..."

"You messed up? Can you...elaborate?"

"I told Wembley how I feel..."

"Oh! Oh, that's a good thing, isn't it?" "...I thought it would be...We had an incredible conversation...We opened up to each other. And I told him." 

"And how did he react?"

"He..."

"I-I-In love with me!?"

"Yeah...I just...wanted to tell you..."

"Oh...Oh, I...Geez, I..."

"He ran away."

"Damn...Sorry kiddo."

Boober frowned.

"I'm older than you."
"I don't care. You're kiddo."
"Cotterpin..."

"What? Hey, I'm just trying to cheer you up. I hate it when you're like this."

"But what am I supposed to do?"
"Talk to him tomorrow at rehearsal."

"But what if he doesn't show up? I humiliated both of us..." "Then I hit him with my car." 

"Don't!"

Cotterpin sighed.

"Look... Baloobious, you're a great person. There's a lot to love about you. Even if you don't end up with him, there's other fish in the sea. Other...Fraggles in the rock, if I may."

"...Cotter..."
"I've only talked to him like, three times. He seems like a sweet kid! Just a little nervous.   I bet he just got spooked and ran off, because he probably likes you back."

"You saying that doesn't make me feel better..." "I know, I know. But I'm pretty sure I'm right. And if he doesn't show up to rehearsal, we've got that party on Sunday. Just talk to him then. Make yourself something cute to wear!"

"I don't have the body for party outfits..." "But you've got the attitude for them! Bodies are just flesh vessels used to carry our brains from room to room. So you might as well decorate it with whatever you want."

"Thanks, Cotter...Hey, are you coming to the party? Wouldn't your mom get mad?"

"My mom can suck an egg." "You're gonna sneak out!?"

"Yes, I'm gonna sneak out! Boober, I'm 19! The only reason I live in a dorm is because I begged!" 

"Aren't you worried about getting hurt?" "Nah. Life's gotten crazy lately. I wanna feel in control, even if it's just for a night."

"...In control?" "Yeah. Take the wheel on your own life. You're not a kid anymore...And I know that when people say that, it's to take away all the fantasy and whimsy of life. But right now, I'm telling you because I want you to have more whimsy!"

Cotterpin grabbed her friend's shoulders and smiled at him.

"I want you to be happy. You deserve your dreams."

Boober smiled.

"Thank you...Hey, if you really need it... I'll help you sneak out."

"Oh, that's sweet. But I won't need it, I've got it covered."

"That has me worried."

~~~~~~

"I ran! Oh Red, I made a terrible mistake! I'm such an idiot!"

"Yeah, we're both idiots...I messed up too."

"What did you do?"

"I ignored Mokey in hopes that it would help me figure out my feelings...And it just made everything worse. Now Mokey's worried about me, and I'm still just...infatuated with her. You?"

"Boober told me that he loved me...And I ran away! I ran away from him! I was so close, and I ruined it!"

"Oh, Wembley...That was really stupid." "I KNOW!"

Wembley sobbed, not even bothering to wipe the tears away from his eyes. There was no point.

"W-What do I even do!? Do I apologize!? He probably hates me! Oooh, I hate it when people are made at me! But somehow, this is even worse!" 

"Uhh...Yeah, I have no idea. I can't even deal with my own problems, I shouldn't be trusted with anybody else's."

"...Love is difficult, huh?"
"Yeah. You think it'll be easy. You think you know everything..."

"And then...You meet them..."
"And everything changes. Whenever you're around them, you can't talk..."
"Y-Y-Your heart won't stop thumping!"

"For the first time in years, you feel complete!"
"But you can't stop messing up..."
"And you're worried you'll just..."

"Ruin your only chance."

"Yeah...That."

Red leaned against Wembley's shoulder.

"We should say sorry at rehearsal tomorrow...Do something to make it up to them." "Yeah? Like what?"

"I dunno...Flowers, or chocolate or something. They're theatrical people...Mokey would probably love a poem."

"And Boober would like...Hmmm."

Wembley suddenly perked up.

"I've got it! I'll be back in a bit, ok?"
"Uhh...ok? Where are you going?"

"The mall!" 
"Why!?" 
"Bath and Body Works!" 
"Huh!?"

~~~~

The next afternoon, when rehearsal rolled art, Boober was first to arrive, like always.

He took the time to clean some of the room, scrubbing the floors and laying out the chairs.

Gobo had promised another surprise today...and he was a little nervous. He hated surprises. The anticipation made his lungs feel tight.

The door creaked open behind him.

"Boober?"

"...Hi Wembs."

"Are you, um...m-m-m-mad at me?"

"...No. But I'm hurt." "I understand...I want to apologize, though. That was really stupid of me...I-I just got so overwhelmed, and I ran! I promise, I don't hate you at all! I really like you! If you hate me after what I did, I...I understand..."

Boober sighed, and turned around to face his friend.

"I don't hate you, Wembley...I'm just hurt."

"I know..."

There was a pause.

"I, uh... brought you a gift!"

"Yeah, I can see that...what is it?"

"It's a bunch of hand soap!"
"You...you bought me soap?" "Yeah!"

Boober took the bag, and looked through it.

"Wow. That's like...eight bottles." "Yeah! I was hoping it would help you hate me less..."

"Wembs, I could never hate you...It was stupid of me anyway."

"Stupid?"

"Yeah...to think somebody like you could like somebody...pathetic, like me. You're out of my league, Wembs...You're outgoing, sweet, and kind...and I'm just a dumb coward."

"You don't really believe that, do you...?" 

"I don't even know what to believe anymore...I forgive you, Wembley..."

"Boober, you...You're deserving of so much more than you think! I...I...I hate seeing you beat yourself up like this! And you're not a coward..."

Wembley motioned to the space around them.

"You did this. This was you! You're so brave...M-More than I'll ever be...I couldn't even work up the courage to say 'I love you too'..." 

The bag of soaps hit the floor, and Boober ran into Wembley's arms.

"Wembley, you're an absolute treasure..."
"I-I am?"

"Mmhm...Hey, um...Let's get started, huh? You and me?" "Right now?" "Yeah. Is that ok?" "Y-Yeah! I've actually been thinking of ideas for the story! If you, um...don't mind?"

"Of course I don't...Go write them down, I wanna hear them!" 

As Wembley wrote his ideas down on the wall of ideas, Boober clung to him.

"I had this idea for what they eat...It's mostly radishes."

"Radishes? Why?"

"Well, I wasn't really sure at first. I thought...Mushrooms, maybe? Mushrooms grow in caves. But then I thought about that soup you made me...And um, Red and the toddler that throws radishes at her...And the earrings Mokey wears."

"...Hm. Yeah, you're right...They kind of...surround us, huh?" "Y-Yeah! You, um...You can say no, though."

"No. I like it...Thank you, Wembs."

"Woooooah, what's going on in here? You two sucking face yet?"

Boober immediately took a step away from his partner out of embarrassment.

"Red!"

"What? Did I interrupt your alone time ~?"

"Yes! Read a room!"

"Aww, poor babies. Anyway, is Mokey here yet? I wanna talk to her."

"Right here, darling!"

"Mokey!"

Red turned around, running and jumping right into Mokey's arms.

"OH! Goodness, I wasn't expecting that!"
"I missed you! I missed you, I'm so sorry!"

"You don't need to apologize, dear... I'm the one that should be sorry...But I missed you too...Hello, Wembley!"

"Hi Mokey! Oh, Hi Cotterpin!"

"Heeey, Blondie."

Cotterpin threw her bag down.

"I brought more concept sketches. We can look through them as a group."

Make gasped, and clapped her hands.

"And I wrote up a rough script! Oh, this is just perfect!"

"Pogey's here! Afternoon, guys!!!"

"Hiiii! Come on in, we're just getting started! We're just waiting for Gobo!"

"Gobo? Is he not here yet?"

"No."

Pogey turned back to look at the door.

"But I saw him coming down this way? Did he walk past the room?"

"He must have. Hm, strange..."
"He said he was preparing a surprise for us...He probably went to go get it."

"Another surprise? Interesting..."

"Excuse me? This is the puppetry club, right?"

Everyone looked back, at the stranger who was standing in the doorway with Gobo.

"Hey guys."
"Hey. Who's that?"

"This is Doc! She's our professor volunteer!"

Boober perked up.

"She is?" 

"Yeah! Hi! Wow, this is...This is a fun little room, huh? Nice to meet you all!"

Boober grabbed her hand.

"Oop. Hello there."

"Gobo...Gobo, you've done it...How can I even—...Is he yours?"

Doc looked at Sprocket, who was growling at the club.

"Oh, yeah! He's mine! Is he going to be a problem?"

"I'm allergic to dogs...A-As long as he's away from me...It's ok."

"Are you sure? I can take him home!"

"I couldn't ask you to do that...Um...S-So would you be... participating with us? Or just...watching?"

"I'd love to participate! I mean, if you'll have me."

"We'd love to. Come sit down... We've got a lot to go over."

"Great! C'mon Sprocky, let's find somewhere for you to sit!"

Gobo stood next to Boober, and put an arm on his shoulder.

"Oh, Gobo...I really owe you..." "You don't owe me anything, Boober. You're my friend, and I love this club. I want to help us succeed. So let's get started, huh? You've got a club to lead."

"Yeah... Let's go. Cotterpin! Show us those sketches!"

"Ok, up first I've got these."

She passed out a small pile of pencil sketches.

"I didn't know where the hole leading to the rock would be, so I've got a couple different ideas. One is under a tree. It's got way more plants and animals and stuff. And then we've got one in the side of like...a factory, or something? Way more industrial. Pipes, drywall. Stuff like that."

"Oooh, look at these...They're just lovely...But, um...explain the factory?"

"Well, it doesn't have to be a factory. Maybe like, an old house or something? And it's like a hole in the wall, leading deep into a cave system. But they're like...connected? Any water in the Rock also flows into the building, turning the heat on would make the rock warmer."

Everyone looked at Cotterpin, who was still flipping through her sketchbook.

"...Why are y'all staring."

"Cotter, that's an amazing idea! T-The human world and the rock being connected!"

"Could we have a human element in the factory? Like how the Muppet Show had a human guest?"

"That could work. I don't know how crazy I am about the factory part...Can we think of some other ideas?"

"Totally. Now, you did mention a garden they steal from. If we're not gonna use the tree entrance...Hear me out."

She lifted the factory entrance.

"Portal to the human world."

She lifted the tree entrance.

"Portal to the garden world. In between? Fraggle Rock."

Mokey hummed.

"Interesting...May I pin them, next to the ideas list? Perhaps as we develop the world, we could start a map."

"A map! Oh, that's a great idea!"
Pogey cheered. 

"Well, if there's going to all different caves, as Gobo suggested, we'll need to know what they are...Cotterpin, would this turn into too much work for you? Creating a map, and lots of different cave sets?"

Cotterpin shook her head and laughed.
"I love to work. I'll do anything, just give me a hammer!"

"Oh, wonderful! And um...Doc, was it?"

"That's me! Hi!"

Mokey gave her a warm, friendly smile.

"Thank you so much for coming. Let's um...Run through the basics with you, shall we?"

After explaining the not-that-basic basics to Doc, the group got right to work on the script Mokey had written up.

It wasn't complicated, and was only a few pages long. It starred Red, for no particular reason.

~~~~~~

"Bye guys! See you on Sunday!" 

"See you then!" 

As the group filed out of the room, Wembley walked up to Boober and rocked on his heels.

"A-A-A-Are you, um...doing anyone Saturday?"

"I am, I'm sorry...I've got to run errands, and start working on Pogey's puppet...And I have to meet with Marjory."

"Oh. Y-Yeah, totally...Busy, adult life! I-I guess I'll just...see you Sunday..."

"Well, hold on. You sound sad."

Wembley blushed.

"W-W-Well...I-I was hoping, maybe...we could go on a real date on Saturday? You treated me to lunch, M-Maybe I could treat you to dinner? Or something like that?"

"Oh, Wembs...I would love that! I, um...I don't think I'll be able to go out on Saturday...But if you want...I can take Monday evening off of work, and we can go then?"

"Y-Y-You're serious!?" "Sure! I mean...I don't do great in public places..." "We can do it at my dorm! If that's ok!"

"Sounds perfect...I'll make you something nice."

"Oh, you don't have to cook! I'll take care of that!"

"Well...Then I'll make dessert."

Boober pulled Wembley down to his height, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Bye, Wembs. See you tomorrow."
And with that, he was gone.

Wembley stood perfectly still, making a high-pitched squealing noise. He gently touched the area Boober had kissed.

Sticky...Chapstick.

"B-Bye, Boo-Boo..."

Chapter Text

"You think I look ok? I don't look stupid, or fat, or anything? M-Maybe we shouldn't go...Maybe it'll be better if I hide under my blanket..."

Mokey sighed, and shook her head.

"My darling baby, how many times do I have to tell you? You're always beautiful. And your weight is healthy. Wembley's going to love it! And you're going to have a great time."

Boober blushed, turning back to look in the mirror. The deep purple dress hugged him in a way he had tried to avoid for years.

He didn't feel confident...But he felt happy. Because he knew his sister was right... Wembley would love it.

"Ok...Ok, I'm ready. Let's go." "Good! Oh, I'm so excited! This was the one thing I always wanted to do at University!"

"A frat party? You watch too many college movies..."

The siblings continued down the street, past a large mansion with a massive vegetable garden.

"Oh, this is the house Red told me about!" "Vegetable brat?" "Yes!" 

"Hm...the house has certainly seen better days..." "Truly...Um, T-This way!"

The frat house was all the way on the other side of campus.

"Um...W-What do we do? Do we knock?"

"I'm not...sure...Let me do it, ok?"

Boober hid behind Mokey as she walked up to the large, white door and knocked.

It suddenly flew open, to a very drunk young man.

"Yooo, you've got blue hair...! You the puppet people?"

"U-Um...Yes! That's us!"

"Aw, dude! Sick!"
He turned around and yelled into the house.

"Hey guys! The rest of the puppet people are here!"

He turned back around her and pat Mokey on the shoulder.

"C'mon iiiiiiiin! You're uh...the blonde one...and the pink one...and the other ginger...They're all here!"

"Um...T-Thank you? C'mon, sweetie." "...ok..."

Still clinging to his sister, Boober started looking around the room for their friends.

"Boober! Mokey! Over here!"

"Wembley!"

He let go of Mokey, and dashed to hug Wembley.

"I'm so happy to see you..." "I'm happy to see you too! A-A-And geez, look at you! You look beautiful!"

"Thanks...So do you...red's a good colour for you."

"Do you, um...want a drink? Wanna go talk?" "Y-Y-Y-Yes! I would really like that..."

Wembley wrapped an arm around Boober's waist, and dragged him to a quieter corner.

Mokey smiled.

"Hi Gobo!" "Hey, Mokes. You doing ok?" "Oh, I'm just going wonderful! Um...Where's Red?"

"Roof."

"...roof?"

Suddenly, there was a giant splash, and a wave of cheers and screams from the people outside.

Gobo took a sip of his drink.
"Now she's in the pool."

"Is she alright!?"
"She's fine. Probably wasted."

"Moooookeeeeeeey! Mokey, Mokey, Mokey! Ooooh, so good to see you, baby! Come help me do a keg stand!"

"A keg stand?" "Yeah, where you stand on a keg!" "Red, I know what a keg stand is..." "Great! C'mon!" 

Red dragged Mokey outside, giggling and tripping over herself.

Gobo laughed, watching his friends run away.

THE PARTY - GOBO'S ACCOUNT 

"Hey. Gobo. Lil' man."

"Hm? O-Oh! Jamdolin! Great to see you, thanks so much for inviting us!"

"Glad to have you here, bud. You bring your baby?"

"My...baby? My guitar?" "That's the one." "Yeah, it's in the car...Why?"

"I was gonna ask if you wanted to come up on stage with us."

"M-M-Me!? On stage with you!?" "Yeah! What do you say?"

"I... I'm not sure..." "Hey, that's totally ok. Just let us know if you change your mind. Have a good time!"

"Yeah...I will..."

Jamdolin walked back up onto the makeshift stage that had been set up in the middle of the room, and continued through his setlist.

"Gobo?"

"Hey, Pogey..." "Were you gonna go up on stage?" "I'm thinking about it... I'm not sure." "Why wouldn't you want to? You've been playing guitar for years, haven't you? Couldn't this be your big chance to show people what you can do?"

"Well...I don't know. I feel like I've found a place with the club. Wouldn't it be a little selfish to start focusing on something like that?"

"It's just one song, Gobo! We'd all be proud of you! What would Wembley tell you to do?"

"He'd...tell me to go up there and live my dream?" "Then I'm telling you to do the same!"

"...If Wembley told you to jump off a cliff, would you?"

"Probably! Sounds fun!"

Gobo chuckled.

"You're right..."

He pulled the car keys out of his pocket.

"I'll go get my guitar. Thanks, Pogey."

Pogey flashed a smile and a thumbs up.
"Of course!" 

Gobo walked outside, opening the car, and grabbing his guitar from out of the backseat.

"I can't wait to tell Uncle Matt about this...He might not understand, but he'll be proud...!"

He ran inside, proudly holding his instrument.

"Hey, lil dude. You change your mind?"

"Well...If it's not too late?" "It's never too late to jam out."

Jamdolin held out his hand, and helped Gobo on stage.

"Meet my group. Minstrels, this is Gobo."

"H...H-H-Hi..."

Everyone in the band waved, but nobody said anything.

"They ain't talkers. But they're singers. Really good ones, too. Just follow along, kay?"

"G-G-G-Got it!"

~
"When every dream you had, has gone from good to bad, get a move on."

"Go with the flow!"
~

Jamdolin was telling the truth. The rest of the minstrels were incredible singers and performers. 

The song wasn't complicated. Every instrument flowed together, and it sounded incredible.

Despite the fact that everyone was too drunk to appreciate it.

"Yeah, we know they don't listen. But they pay well."

Gobo looked up.

"Can you read minds?"
"Heh. Nah, I can just tell. Don't get too hung up on it, huh? The people that matter will always care."

"What do you mean?"

Jamdolin pointed into the crowd.

Wembley was sitting on a sofa, Boober cuddled up next to him. They both waved, seeming proud.

Gobo smiled and waved back.

"Did the lil' redhead like the songs you wrote for the club?"

"Well, yeah. But I got a lot of feedback...He really wants to help me be my best...But he trusts me to do what I need to do."

"That's a good friend. Keep him around."

"I plan on it...Hey, um...You must know a lot about everyone, huh?"

"We play a lot of events. We get a lot of gossip." "So...You know about our club problem?"

"Can't say I do. Break it down for me?" 

"Well...We need four more members by the end of the month. So...Next Monday. Or we get shut down."

"Aw, that's a huge bummer. You and your friends are nice, I could probably figure something out. Who are you lookin' for? Artists? Writers?"

"Well at this point, we'll take anything we can get. But...We have me. I'm our songwriter. We've got songs...But nobody to play them."

"So, you're...looking for a band?"

Gobo nodded.

"You said you can just...tell what I'm thinking. Can you tell right now?"

"I've got a hunch."

"Look, I don't wanna tie you down! It's the last thing I want to do! But if you ever need just...a calm, steady gig...We'd love to have you as our band."

Jamdolin looked up, and idly plucked the strings of his mandolin.

"I dunno, Gobes...Being tied down isn't really our thing." 

Gobo sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah. Yeah, I understand. Sorry for asking."

"Heeey, don't be sorry! You're just trying to help your friends! And we appreciate the offer, don't we?"

"Mhm."
"Yup."
"Thanks, kid."

"Heh...Y-You're welcome. I appreciate being up here...This has been my dream since I was a kid..."

"Glad you haven't lost that whimsy. Let's go again, shall we?"

"Y-Yeah! S-Sounds great!"

THE PARTY - MOKEY AND RED'S ACCOUNT 

"Do you want a towel, or something? Darling, you're soaked!" "Hahaha! Hehehe...!"

"Red, it's not funny. You could slip! Or worse,  catch a cold!"

"Naaaaaaah, I'll be fiiiiiiine! Hey, you want a drink? I've got..."

Red reached into the pocket of her shorts and pulled out a can of hard iced tea.
"You want this?"

"Was this in the pool with you?"

"...I don't remember. Probably?" Red giggled.

The can cracked open, and Mokey took a sip.

"I suppose I can't spend the entire night worrying..." "Yeaaaaah, that's the spirit! C'mooon, let's have fun! Wanna go up on the roof with me?"

"Are you going to make me jump off?" "No! But I might!"

"Well, then let's go!" "YEAAAAAH!" Red cheered, and grabbed Mokey's wrist, leading  her upstairs, and up a ladder leading to the attic.

There was an open window leading to the roof, allowing the girls to climb out onto it.

"Do you need help?"

"Nope! I got it!"

Red yanked her foot out of where it had been stuck, losing a shoe in the process.

"Whoops."

"Oh, dear. We'll have to remember that..."

"Shoe..." Red sadly whimpered. Mokey giggled.

"C'mon, up on your feet. Let's get to a flat spot. Don't want us to fall, huh?"

They walked up to a safe spot, and sat down. Mokey sipped her tea, and Red pulled a second one out of her other pocket.

"...How many do you have?"

"One for each pocket. I've had like, five already. Want another?"

"No. I'll only have the one...I have a... complicated relationship with alcohol."
"Your dad?" "Mmhm. I don't think I've ever seen him sober."

"Well, I hope you know that you're nothing like him...I think. I dunno, I don't know him."

"Be glad you don't. He was an awful man. He ruined any chance I had of a normal life...Instead of him consuming alcohol...The alcohol consumed him."

Red chuckled. "That's a raw ass line." "My trauma inspired my poetry."

"Damn." "You told me about your parents. Have you... channeled your past into something?"

"My swimming. If I was the best, I could prove that I didn't need them to be proud of me. All I needed was myself...And you."

"Aww. Well, I'm very proud of you. I've seen you do so many incredible things. I'm happy to be your friend."

Red chuckled, and stared up at the sky with a dull look in her eyes.

"...can we talk?"
"Aren't we already?"

"C'mon, Mokes... I'm serious..."
"I know, I know! Hehe! About what?"

"...Us...Mokey, I'm wasted...And I'm gonna regret this in the morning...But we're alone...and I just wanna get it out!"

Red put her hands on Mokey's cheeks.

"I want...I want to hold you...I want you...to hold me...Ever since I saw you at the pool that one day...Dude, I'm in love with you! Mokey, you're so beautiful...And you're so nice, and you make me feel so safe and comfortable...I—!"

Red hiccuped.

"I wanted space...because I was trying to process my feelings...I've never met someone as perfect as you. Somebody as supportive, or understanding."

"Oh, Red! Red, I...I don't know how to tell you this...I, um... Already knew?"

"What!? Who told you!? Did Gobo tell you!? I swear, I'll kill him!" 

"No, no! Darling, you...aren't exactly subtle..." "So, you just...could tell? And you didn't say anything?"

"Well, I didn't want to put you on the spot! I wanted to give you the time you needed!"

Red sniffled, and buried her head in Mokey's neck.

"Mooookeeey..." "Shh, shh...Let it all out, darling..."

 "Do you—?" She sniffled. "Do you love me?"

"I do...I really, truly do. You're one of the most interesting girls I've ever met. You're so...Fun! You inspire this whole other part of me. And on top of that, you're gorgeous...And handsome. May I call you that?"

Red sobbed harder.

"Yessss!" She whined. "Call me anything! I love it when you call me little names...Makes me feel like I'm melting!"

"Can I call you my girlfriend?"

"YES!"

She squealed, a little louder than she intended, causing some people out on the pool deck to stare up at them.

Red pulled her girlfriend  into a kiss, tears running down her face.

"Darling, you're crying." "They're tears of joy, Mokes. I'm so happy..." "Do you want a tissue?"

"No...I just want to stay here with you."
"Me too. But I want you to sober up before we kiss again, ok?"

"Awwwww..." "I want you to remember tonight. And I don't want to take advantage of you." 

"Hehehe...yeah, I'll probably wake up tomorrow and think this was all a crazy dream." 

Red leaned on Mokey's shoulder, and reached for her hand.

"You wanna do something this week? You wanna go on a date, or something?" "I'd love that! What would you like to do?"

"Uhhhhhh...Coffee?" "That sounds lovely!" 

"Aw, Just like you..."

THE PARTY - WEMBLEY AND BOOBER'S ACCOUNT 

"I'm excited to see you!" "I know...I'm sorry, I've been so busy. I've missed you so much."
"I missed you too! So, uh...I did offer you a drink!"

"You did! C-Could you get me some peach juice?"

Wembley cocked his head.

"Just juice?" "I don't drink..." "Oh, that's ok! Then we'll make it two!"

"You don't need to do that! Don't let me ruin your fun..." "It won't be fun if only one of us is having alcohol! And I don't want to make you uncomfortable! Plus, I wouldn't be able to make up my mind, anyway..."

Boober smiled, and tucked some of Wembley's hair behind his ear.

"Thank you..." "I'll be right back!"

Wembley walked over to the bar, leaving Boober alone for just a quick moment.

A few people looked at Boober, and he could only hide in his hair and hope they didn't walk over to him.

Wembley was still in his sight...He was safe.

He just wanted people to leave him alone...

Leave him alone.

Leave him alone!

Leave him alone!!!!

"Boober?"

"...huh?" "You ok? You look flustered! Something happen?" "...Nah. I-I'm fine."

Boober took the juice, and smiled.

"Thanks...So, what did you want me to bring tomorrow?" "What's tomorrow? OH! Right, our date!" "Yeah, our date! We... basically confessed our love for each other. W-We should make it romantic! Um...unless you don't want that!"

"Of course I want that! I-I'll try my hardest to make something good!" "And I'll bring something sweet for you! And I'll bring my CDs! We'll have a movie night!"

"That sounds incredible! So, um...If we're going to do that...D-Does that mean I could...m-m-m-m-maybe...call you my partner?"

Boober blushed.

"O-Oh, my...Yes, I'd love to be your partner...If I can call you mine?"

"Yes!"

Wembley wrapped his arms around Boober, almost spilling his juice.

"Ah! Be careful!" "Oops! Sorry..." 

He put his drinks down, and cuddled close to his partner, running his hands across Boober's hips.

"U-Um...Boober..." "Mmhmm?" "C-C-C-Can I...k-k-k-kiss you?"

Boober wrapped his arms around Wembley's neck, and touched their foreheads together.

"Yes...Yes, I would love that."

Their lips touched, both nervous about the situation. 

Bodies pressed together, the kiss got more intense. They both needed to breathe, but they didn't want to pull away. Oxygen didn't even matter anymore. But eventually, they had to separate.

They looked deep into each other's eyes, not even saying a single word before resuming.

Now, even more people were staring. Some out of disgust, some out of confusion.

But it didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered except their love.

"I love you...can I say that? I love you?"

"You can say it all you want, Wembs...I love you too..."

 "Do you feel ready? For a relationship? I don't want to pressure you into something you don't want..." "Wembley, I've been waiting for this moment my entire life...a moment where I finally felt loved."

"You've never felt love with Mokey?"

"Different kind of love. I'm talking about the kind you can only get with that special someone."

"...me?" "Yes. You." "Aww!

Boober rested his head on Wembley's chest.

"Gobo's up on stage with the band..." "Oh, he is! Oooh, he's looking at us!"

They both waved. Gobo waved back.

"Y'know, Boober...Even if the club gets shut down...We'll still be friends, right? All of us?" "Of course...I'd never let our friends group break up. E-Even if we don't have the club room...We could still meet up. Work on Fraggle Rock in our free time!"

"Yeah! But...Gee, let's hope that doesn't happen...W-We can get four more people, I'm sure of it! We just have to try!"

"It might be too late, Wembs...We only have a week..."

Wembley huffed.

"I-I'll do it for you! I'll do it for us! But mostly you! I promise!"

He grabbed Boober's hands.

"... you're sure?" "Never!"

Boober giggled, and kissed the bottom of Wembley's jaw.

"That's sweet...Thanks."

"You're welcome! Hey, you wanna go dance to Gobo's music?"

"Me? Oh, I-I'm not a dancer..."

"So? C'mon, it'll be fun!"

Nervously, Boober allowed his partner to lead him onto the dance floor.

"This one goes out to all the folks in the crowd who are here with their other half. Or those who like to go about it solo."

The song that started playing was slow, sweet, and romantic. 

"Have you ever slow danced before?" "No. You?" "Never!"

They were both terrible. Tripping over each other, bumping into other people...But they were having fun.

They shared another kiss, under the blinding disco lights directly above them.

"Well, I certainly know one thing I'm not going to wemble about!"

"Mhm? What is it?"

One last kiss.

"This is definitely the best night of my life!"

Chapter Text

When Red woke up the next morning, she was extremely confused about her location.

"Huh...? Where the hell am I...?"

She sat up, and looked around the completely spotless and pristine room.

This wasn't her dorm.

She looked over at the bed across the room. Wembley was tucked under the covers, still snoring. But the door to the room was wide open.

She looked down at the thing clinging to her torso...

Mokey!

She gently ran her fingers through her girlfriend's hair, encouraging her to wake up.

"Mmpf...Red? Is that you, dear?"

"It's me. Geez, my head is pounding..." "Mine hurts too. Lay back down, I want to talk."

"Talk? Uh-oh." "No, not the bad kind! I just want to hold you and chat!"

The two snuggled together, with Mokey gently holding Red in her arms.

"How much of last night do you remember?"

"Some...I remember getting there. I remember jumping in the pool...Heh. I remember you calling me beautiful and asking me to be your girlfriend!"

Mokey laughed, and kissed Red's cheek.

"And I remember you saying yes~!"
"And I still mean it. But, uh...I don't remember getting here."

"Well, it was awfully late...We were all exhausted. Wembley drove all five of us home in that cute little car...You were on my lap, half-asleep, and Boober didn't want you all walking home like that...So he offered for you, Wembley and Gobo to stay the night. I didn't feel ok with putting you in pajamas, so I just let you sleep in your clothes."

Red looked down at her sweater.

"Yeah...Yeah, that all makes sense...Where's Boober?" "Probably making breakfast. I can't imagine any of us are going to our morning classes."

"I'm certainly not. Breakfast?" "First, let's get you into something clean. Let's see...I think I've got some things that would fit you. Are you alright with leggings?" "Fine by me."

Mokey got out of bed, and grabbed an outfit from her closet.

"Change in the bathroom, and throw your clothes into the hamper. Boober will have them washed before you leave."

"You're serious? Aw, you guys are the best...Thanks."

Red left. Somehow through all the noise and conversation, Wembley was still asleep. Mokey nudged his shoulder, in the hopes of waking him up.

"Wembley. Wembs, get up!"

"...huh? AH! MOKEY!" "Eep! G-Good morning...Are you alright?" "I'm great! Where am I?"

"Mine and Boober's dorm...Haven't you been here before?" "Yeah...Sorry, my eyes don't work yet. Where's Boober?" "Kitchen."

"Great! Thanks, Mokes!"

Wembley hopped out of bed, and ran to hug his partner.

"Good morning my sweet honey bun!" "Mm...Morning, Sugarlips."

The two shared a quick good morning kiss.

"Did you sleep well?" "I slept fine...Let me go, the pancakes are gonna burn..."

"You're making pancakes!? Oh, Boober!"

Red emerged from the bathroom, wearing the outfit Mokey lent her. She looked around the room curiously.

"Where's Gobo?"

A hand reached up from the floor in front of the sofa.

"Right here..."

He sat up.

"I fell off the couch."

"Ha!" "Hey, don't you laugh at me, Major Disaster! You fell off a roof last night! On purpose!" "Yeaaah, and it ruled!"

Mokey helped Gobo up onto his feet.

"Aspirin?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes please. Geez, we stayed out so late..."

"And that's why partying on Sunday is a bad idea! And partying in general!"

"But you had fun too, didn't you, Boober?"

"I did. I had a great time...Never again, though. It was so overstimulating..." "Oh, yeah! It was awful! But you were there, so that made it all better!"

Boober smiled. He was still wrapped in Wembley's arms, even as he worked.

"...You're glowing!" Wembley commented.

"G-Glowing?" "Your cheeks are all red! You look like you're glowing!" "O-Oh...Um...T-Thank you."

Mokey watched as Red poured way too much sugar into her coffee.

"Ok, ok. That's plenty." "If I can't hear it grind between my teeth, it's not enough. Right, Gobo?"

Gobo looked up from mindlessly staring at the table. "...what?"

"I'm talking to you! What's up with you?"

"Sorry, sorry...I didn't hear you. I was thinking..." "Thinking? You don't do that a lot." "Buzz off."

Mokey put a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Is everything ok? Talk to us."

"Well, I...I've been a little conflicted lately." "Conflicted?"

"Well, I asked Jamdolin if he and his band wanted to join the club...And he said no. He was, uh...my only option. And now I've got no other ideas."

"Oh...And now you feel like you've let us down?"

"Yeah. And I'm still struggling to write songs. I feel like...I'm stuck."

"Oh, Gobo!"

Mokey held her friend in her arms.

"Dear, I don't want you to worry about things like that! The club will survive. You got us a professor volunteer! You've done so much for us...Don't put pressure on yourself to do too much, we're a team! We'll work through this together."

She pat his head.

"We'll find people. We'll make sure of it. I'm so proud of you for what you've done for us."

Gobo sighed, and rested his head on Mokey's shoulder.

"I...I just don't want to be useless."
"You're not useless. You're a valuable member of the team. And we love and appreciate you!"

A large plate of pancakes was sat in the middle of the table.

"Anxiety?" Boober asked.

"Mmhm." "Yeah... I'm used to that stuff. I know nothing will ever be better than medication and therapy...But maybe pancakes will make you feel a little better?"

Gobo smiled.

"Thanks, Boober...I think you're right. I just need to get my head straight..."

As the group ate, Wembley asked a question.

"So, um...Gobo, what were you planning to do today?" "Well, I'm not sure. I don't want to stay in the dorm all day. Maybe I'll take a walk, or something. To get my creativity sparked up..."

"Oh, good! That's all I need to know!"

Gobo raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"...um...W-Well...M-Me...Me and Boober were going to have a date this evening...But I figured, since I'm here...we might as well spend the whole day together!"

"Ahhh, I see. Totally. I'll leave you two alone for the day." "You mean it? Oh, thank you, Gobo! W-We're really excited!"

"Wembley, they don't need to know every detail..." "Right! Sorry, I'm over sharing! Buuut...can I at least tell them that I'm making dinner?"

Boober tried and failed to hide a smile.

"Sure..."
"Great!"

Red cringed. "Wembley's cooking? Dude, he burnt cereal once."

"How!?" "He microwaved it. In a plastic bowl. With the spoon."

"W-W-Well, you once set raw spaghetti on fire! Don't act like I'm the only one that can't cook!"

"Ok, ok! Both of you, enough. We're all friends here." "Sorry, Mokes..."

Once breakfast was wrapped up, the group cleaned up the kitchen, and got ready to head out.

"I can't thank you enough for letting me crash here last night. And thanks for breakfast, Boober." "Of course." "You're our friend! You're always welcome here, for any reason."

Mokey gave Gobo another hug.

"If you're having any more doubts, call me, ok?" "I will."

"Alright, alright! Move over, Adventure boy! My girlfriend, not yours!"

"Red!" Mokey laughed. "That's rude!"

"I don't care!" Red hugged her girlfriend. "Mine."

Gobo chuckled and left the apartment, waving as he disappeared down the hall.

"We'll get going too...But I should get dressed first. Wembley, do you want to borrow some clothes?" "Nope! I'll be ok! I'll get changed at home!"

"Well, I'm gonna change...And then I want to go pick up some ingredients for dessert...Can we stop somewhere?" "Sure!"

Wembley rocked on his heels while Boober went into his bedroom to change.

"U-Um...Mokey?" "Yes, dear?"

"S-S-So...If I'm gonna make dinner tonight...What kinds of things does Boober like?"

"Oh, my...Let's see...Well, he loves soup. I'm sure you know that." "Yes, I'm fully aware! He made me a lovely soup when we had lunch together last week!"

"Well, he'd love it if you made something like that! But truly...He'll love anything you make."

Wembley smiled.

"Awwww, thank you, Mokey!"

"I'm ready...Let's get a move on."
"Wow, look at you! You look beautiful!" "Wembs..." "You do! You really do, I'm serious!"

Boober grabbed the bag full of CDs, sitting by the TV, and the couple grabbed hands. Wembley led his partner out to where Green Bean was parked, just a few blocks down.

"So, Where do you usually get groceries?" "Oh, well...U-Usually just normal cheap places...I-I just need milk, and some other things...You're not allergic to nuts, are you?"

"Nope! What are you making?" "Cake. Is that ok?" "Of course!" "Thanks...Do, um...You and Gobo have butter at your dorm?"

Wembley hummed.

"I don't remember!" "I'll get some...You might need it for whatever you're making."
"Oh, sure! Whatever you think is best!"

Boober looked at his partner, a little confused.

"W-Whatever I think is best?"
"Yeah! You're the expert on cooking!"

There was silence for a minute.

"You're really sweet, Wembley...Thank you..."

"Hm? For what? What did I do?"

"Nothing. Sorry, ignore me. I'm being stupid."

"No, no! Don't worry, you're not!"

Wembley pulled Green Bean into a parking spot.

"I trust you, Boo-Boo! Really! And you should trust yourself, too! You've got this!"

"...You're not talking about cooking anymore, are you?"

Wembley laughed.

"I'm not really sure anymore!"

~~~~~~~

"So, are you staying?"

"Hm? Me?"

"Red, there's nobody else here. Yes, you!"

"Oh. Yeah, that makes sense. Yeah, sure. If you'll let me." "Darling, of course! Now, I have a painting I'd like to work on. Would you be ok with watching?" "Uhh...Yeah, sure..." "I could get you a spare canvas! We could paint together!"

"Uhh...I don't think I'd like that. Can I just watch?"

Mokey gave her girlfriend a kiss.
"Of course. Go get comfy, I'll be right back!"

Red sat on the couch, bouncing her leg up and down nervously.

Mokey emerged from her room, holding a large canvas, and a large assortment of paints.

"You can turn the TV on if you'd like! I like the noise while I work." "Sure...What are you painting?"

"Well, if you don't mind...I'd like to paint you!" "...me?" "Mmhm! You look so beautiful in the sunrise...I'd love to capture it!"

"Why don't you just take a picture?" Red teased.

"A painting takes a long time, you know... If I took a picture, I wouldn't have an excuse to have you over~!"

"....ah-"

Red blushed, and Mokey giggled.

"So? May I?"

"May you?"

"Paint you!"

"S-Sure! Do, I...uh...have to sit still?"

"Not too still. Just don't move too much, ok?"

"Right. Right. Still...I'm good at still. Great, even. You should see me sleep."

"I have seen you sleep! You kick!"

"Oh yeah. I forgot."

"Why don't you just lean back and relax? Just let me do my thing!"

"Got it! Can't wait to see it!"

Mokey began to sketch. Even though the TV was on, Red couldn't stop staring at her girlfriend.

"Hmmm, hmm hmmm...Oh? Dear, you're staring.'

"Well you're just so beautiful! I can't look away!" "Ah! Red, you flirt!" "Can you blame me? I'm excited! I want to squeeze your cheeks and call you beautiful!"

The two girls laughed to each other, and Mokey returned to her sketch. But as soon as she started inking over the pencil lines, Lanford wandered into the room and hopped on Red's lap.

"AH!" "Oh, there he is! He must have been napping in the laundry room..."

"I forgot about him...Hi, kitty..."

Lanford purred, and nudged Red's chest.

"... what's he doing?" "Trying to get used to you...He's not too good with strangers."

"His claws are sharp." "Is he hurting you? I can move him."

Lanford proceeded to crawl up, and rest directly under Red's face.

"Ugh...No, he's fine..."

She tried to give Lanford a pat, but her hand was swatted away.

"Oh, I see how it is! You can lay on my face, but I can't touch you back!? You're a brat, aren't you!?"

Lanford mewed in response.

Mokey laughed, and jokingly added Lanford to her sketch.

~~~~~~

Wembley scrolled through his phone, struggling to find a recipe.

Boober looked up from his mixing bowl.

"You ok?" "Yup! I-I-I just...I really don't want to mess this up! And I'm worried that you'll hate it!"

"Oh, I won't, I promise. Even if I hate it, I'll love it." "Really? Aw, geez...Well, how about this one?"

Wembley tried to turn his phone around but Boober covered it with his hand.

"No. Surprise me."

"Oh! Right, right!"

The two continued cooking in silence. Wembley occasionally glanced over at his partner, who looked delighted and at peace.

Soon, the cake batter was resting in the fridge, and the soup was simmering on the stove.

"T-The website says it should sit for at least a few hours!" "Sounds about right..." "Really? Does it really take that long for soup?" "Yeah. It's the best...Watching it simmer, just sitting still for hours...It's my favorite part!"

"Really?" "Yeah! Oh, but...we don't have to do that..." "We can do whatever you want to do!" "Let's...go watch some movies." "Sounds great!"

The couple cuddled up on the couch, after Boober popped in a random CD he had plucked from the bag.

He rested his head on Wembley's chest, and let out a deep sigh.

"You ok, sweetie?"
"I'm fine...I'm just thinking again..." "Yeah? What's up?"

"I'm just...I'm so grateful for you." "M-Me?"

"I went my whole life thinking nobody would ever love me...And yet here you are." "Nobody would ever love you!? But you're so perfect?"

Perfect? Wembley thought he was... perfect?

"I mean...I'm not very social...And I'm not too approachable..." "So?"

"I just...I'm not what most people think of when they think of the word 'beautiful'. I've been bullied and abused my entire life...I think I need to face it...I don't know how to be loved."

Boober buried his face in his hands, but Wembley pulled him back into a warm, kind hug.

"Well, you're never too old to learn something new!"

With sorrowful, tear filled eyes, Boober glanced up.

"You're willing to put up with me? Even when I'm sad, or scared, or...having a meltdown?"

"Of course I am! Gee, what terrible partner would I be if I wasn't there to support you? You take care of other people all the time! I think it's time you let someone else take care of you!"

"T-T-T-Take...care of me...?"

"Yeah! You've been taking care of me! You took care of me last night! Can't I return the favour?"

Boober sobbed.

"Oh, Wembley...I love you...I love you, I love you so much..." "I love you too!"

Wembley rubbed his partner's back, trying to comfort him.

"Oh, Boo-Boo!" "I'm...I'm sorry..." "Don't be! I said I would support you, didn't I?"

Boober choked on his own breath, gasping for air as he tried to answer.

"Y-Y-Y-Ye-Yes..." "So I'll do it! No matter what! No matter what we face! I'll be here for you!"

The two clung to each other in a loving embrace. Boober sniffled, squeezing Wembley's shirt in his fists.

"Thank you...Thank you, Wembs..."

Chapter Text

Gobo aimlessly scrolled through his phone, hoping to get his mind off of songwriting.

After a few minutes, his phone began to ring. He jumped, startled. People didn't call him!

Oh...wait.

"Uh...hello?"

There was just static on the other end.

"Hello? Uncle Matt?"

"...-Lo? Hello? Gobo?"

"Uncle Matt! Is your phone working ok?"

"My phone is working fine, Gobo! Now, um...what do you need?"

"What do I need? You called me!"

"Hm? Oh, yes! I did! I called to tell you that next week, I'll be stopping by to visit you and, um...The other one!"

"Wembley?" "Yes, that's his name!" "Yeah...Gee, Uncle Matt...Couldn't you have told me earlier? This is all on pretty short notice..."

"It'll only be for a few short hours! And then I'm off on another adventure!"

"Well... Alright. We'll make time. See you next week."

"What's next week?"

Gobo laughed.

"Bye, Uncle Matt."

"Goodbye, Gobo!"

The call ended.

"Aw, geez..."

"Hey, Gobo."

"Hm? Cotterpin? What are you doing here?"

"Can't a gal take a walk? What about you?"

"Wembley and Boober are having an apartment date. So I'm out here trying to think about Fraggle Rock...Or...Not think? I don't know."

"Hehe. What's that supposed to mean?"

"Mokey gave me some advice...But I'm struggling to clear my head."

"Want me to smack you on the back'a the head?"

"No! No, I don't need that...I just need to get my mind off working."

"Oooh, I see. Hey, I can probably help with that!" "Yeah?"

"I come from a family of workaholics! I'm great at snapping myself out of the neverending spiral of feeling like a failure!"

Gobo frowned.
"Pardon?"

Cotterpin sat next to him in the grass, and looked up at the sky.

"You just wanna talk? To distract you?"

"Yeah, I...I guess so. I got nothing else to think about, eh? Uh...What did you think of the party?"

"I didn't make it out of the house. My mom caught me and tore me apart until the sun came up."

"Really? Aw, geez...Sorry for asking." "It's fine. I'm the problem child anyway." "You? A problem?" "I know, right? In my family...If you don't want to follow the family footsteps, you're a freak."

"Oh. Yeah, I get that...I, uh...I never actually wanted to go into archeology. I've dreamed of being a circus performer my entire life."

"The circus?" "Hey, you have no right to laugh. We're both theater freaks." "Hey, I won't argue with you. Your parents force you down your path?"

"No. My Uncle. And he didn't...Force me. I just felt obligated to follow in his footsteps." "That's a downer. My parents forced me. Everyone in my family works in construction. They, uh...didn't like it when I told them I wanted to be an artist."

"I've seen your art. You're incredible...I know you haven't really built a full set yet, but geez. I bet it'll be just amazing."

"Thanks, Gobo...Hehe. Y'know, it's funny. My parents were so angry about my dreams. Even more angry than they were when I told them I was trans."

Gobo laughed.
"Parents focus on the weirdest things sometimes, don't they?"

"They sure do...So, did I miss anything fun at that party?"

"Not much. I went onstage with the band. Played a few songs." "With Jamdolin?"

"Yeah. You know him?" "No. He's a friend of a friend. But I'm the one that slipped the invite under your door."

"Really? How'd you know our dorm?" "Red." "Ah. Yeah, makes sense...Speaking of Red, you missed her and Mokey getting drunk and making out on the roof."

Cotterpin burst out laughing. "Drunk Mokey!? Oh, I need to see that! Damn, can't believe I missed it...So, I take it they're dating?" "Yeah. Wembley and Boober, too."

"No." "Yeah." "NO. You're kidding!" "No. I'm happy for them... Honestly, I think they need it. They're good for each other."

"Oh, yeah. Absolutely. So...I know I said we wouldn't talk about songwriting...But do you wanna talk about Fraggle Rock?"

"The town or the project?" "The project, idiot. You think we could really make something of it?"

"If we really tried, of course we could. I believe in us...Hey, I know I said I wouldn't think about songwriting...But I have an idea."

"Ah, geez. Let me hear it."

~~~~~~~

"Wembley, um...I need something for my hands to do...If you don't mind, can I go get my sewing?" "Oh, I don't mind at all! Go ahead!"

"Thanks..."

Boober reached into the bag he had brought with him, pulling out a little green vest, and a tomato pincushion.

"Look at that! That's adorable, what's that for?" "Pogey's Fraggle..I asked for a piece of clothing to replicate, and they said a little green vest...But, um...when I sew by hand...I need to wear my glasses."

Wembley looked up.

"You wear glasses?"

"I, um...Yeah. You didn't use them last time, because we were using the machine. But I need them when I make the puppet clothes..."

"You wear glasses!" Wembley repeated, sounding absolutely delighted this time. "Glasses! And I thought you couldn't get any cuter!"

"Good heavens, Wembley...I don't deserve all this praise." "Sure you do! So, Uhh...you don't wear them in front of your bangs, I assume?"

"No."

Boober tied back his bangs with an old bandana.

He slipped on a pair of gold wireframes, and looked up at his partner.

Over his left eye, was a massive scar. Wembley held back a gasp.

"Yeah. It's...not great. I was scared to tell you...I was worried you would hate it...Or think I looked ugly."

"Oh, baby! Of course I don't! I will never think of you as anything less than perfect! And nobody's perfect! That's how much I love you!"

Boober smiled, and adjusted his glasses.

"Thank you, sugar..."

Wembley snuggled up to his partner, as Boober sewed a strip of yellow bias tape onto the edge of the vest.

"After you finish that one, what are you doing to work on next?"

"I don't know...Honestly, this is all so much harder than I thought it would be...I thought I was better than this, but I have no ideas...and I'm stressed."

Wembley snuggled closer to his partner, drumming his fingers on Boober's hip.

"Stressed about what? Talk to me!"

"I'm worried that we're going to get shut down...I don't want that to happen... I love the club...And I..."

Boober began to sniffle, reaching under his glasses and wiping his eyes.

"Hey, hey...It's ok, Boo-Boo. We won't—!"

Wembley cut himself off. He knew that sugarcoating everything and saying everything would be ok would just be putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

"Yeah...Yeah, it's scary to think about, huh? Ten people is a lot...And well, we might not make it."

"And we only have a few days..."

"Yeah...But it's like you said. Even if we get shut down... we'll still meet up! We can keep working! All we need is each other."

Boober smiled.

"I know. Thanks, hon..."

He pressed a kiss to Wembley's nose.

"You always make me feel better...I love you."

"Love you too!"

The rest of the evening flew by.

Suddenly, it was Tuesday.

"Afternoon, everyone!"

"Hey Doc. Can I get a hand with something? I gotta move these up on stage."

"A hand? Uuhh...sure? Am I early? Nobody's here..."

"Boober asked me to come early. He's usually here first, but he's out doing an errand. I finished up some rough sets yesterday, and I need help getting them up."

Doc rushed up on stage, and took the other side of the painted plywood that Cotterpin was lifting. Sprocket trotted over to his special corner, and started nudging a rubber ball back and forth.

"What's this supposed to be?"

"He asked me to make a main hall of sorts. Just a general area for plot to happen. Then I'm making bedrooms and a kitchen."

The set got hung up, about six feet above the ground, and Cotterpin rolled a few more sets on wheels to the front of the stage.

"There we go. The first makings of Fraggle Rock..."

"Wow. I like it! Um...what's all...that?"

Doc pointed offstage, to a model made of clear sticks stuck in hexagons."

"Oh, that? It's hot glue sticks melted together. It's for my architectural design class. It's, uh...too big for my dorm, so I'm storing it here."

"Don't look very... structurally sound."

Cotterpin laughed.

"Yeah. I hate architecture."

"Hey."

"Boober! Heeey, kiddo!"

"Don't. I brought cupcakes."

"Cupcakes? Why?"

"...To celebrate. The sets look nice."

"Thanks. I got my cousins to help."

"Oh. Haven't seen them in a while..." "They're still stupid. You're not missing anything."

"...hm. Hi Doc." "Hi!"

"Hi-Ho, gang!"
Gobo strolled into the room, guitar on his shoulder and a big smile on his face.

"Hey...You look happy. Something happen?"
"I think I've got it this time! I've got our theme song!"

"R-Really? Well, play in when everyone is here, ok?" "You got it, boss!"

"Boss...You people have the worst nicknames..."

"Hehe. Actually, Boober...Can I have a minute? One-on-one?"

"Mhm? What's up?"

Gobo scratched at his neck, and chuckled.

"My, uh...My Uncle Matt is coming by to visit next week."

"Oh! Do you want the evening off? You don't have to ask me for permission...Just text me."

"Oh, no, no! Not that...I, uh...Was wondering if he could sit in on a rehearsal?"

Boober clicked his tongue.

"I see...Well, sure." "Really? Gee, thank you, Boober!"

Gobo pulled his friend into a hug.

"EEK!" "You're the best!" "H-Heheh...Thanks..."

"Hello, my darlings! Are we ready for a productive day?"

"Hey, Mokes. What's the paper for?"

"Scripts!"

The pile of paper Mokey was holding hit the ground with a THUMP.

"Me and Red did some character work! And I've thought about the other Doozers and the giant creatures! They, um...still need a name."

"We'll figure it out."

It wasn't long before everyone else arrived, Red and Wembley heading straight towards their partners.

"Hello, darling ~!" "Good afternoon, my sweetheart!"

"I missed you today...Texting wasn't enough, I needed you here with me." "Oh, I know...Red, my baby...You have no idea how long I've been waiting to see you again..."

They kissed, pulling at each other's clothes and hair.

"Alright, lovebirds. Pack it up. I have an announcement to make...Two, actually. Um...First up..."

Boober pulled a pale pink Fraggle in a green vest out of his bag.

"Here you go, Pogey."

"Wow! Thank you, Boober! They look great!"

"You're welcome. Um...Second up...On Thursday...Before rehearsal, somebody from the council of student activities will be coming down to, um... Evaluate us. And, by the way things are going..It looks like we're going to get shut down."

The members of the club gasped.

"Really!?"
"No!"
"Oh, Boober..."
"You're kidding!"
"WHAT!?"

Wembley didn't say anything, but he grabbed Boober's hand to comfort him.
Boober smiled for a moment, before his face fell again.

"None of you should blame yourselves... We've all done a great job. And I don't want to let all of our hard work go to waste! If we get shut down...We'll meet in my dorm... We'll find a stage...We already have the materials. I-I have fabric...Cotterpin has her plywood and paint. You guys are my friends...I want us to s-s-succeed—!"

He didn't even finish talking before the tears came rushing.

"I-I-I-I'm sorry..."

"Oh, sweetie. C'mere."

Mokey hugged her brother, rubbing his back and gently shushing him.

"We know what you're trying to say, baby. It's ok, let it all out."

Boober sobbed, grabbing at Mokey's cardigan.

"Shhh...Shhh, shhh."

"Mokeeeey..."

Mokey took over the announcement, still holding her brother.

"What our darling baby is trying to say...Is that he's very proud of all of us. And that if we lose the ability to use this room, we'll find a place. Now, why don't we get to work? Cast on stage! I'll hand out scripts! Get your fraggles!"

She passed on scripts to everyone, even Doc, who was choosing to sit as an audience member and give feedback.

"Ok, this one is called...A Journey Down an Unknown Path. Lights come up on the center of the rock, where background Fraggles...That was don't have yet...Playing, taking and dancing. Wembley enters, Gobo not far behind."

"Do you want help walking across? You'll need to crouch so the audience doesn't see you."

"I'll be fine. Maybe get Mokey a rollie chair, though. She's taller than the sets."

As soon as the Fraggles made their way across the stage, Mokey let out a sigh, leaning against the tray holding Cotterpin's model.

"Careful."

"Oh dear! Sorry...Um, Cotterpin, I was thinking about the Doozer's over the weekend. May I ask a question?" "Mh? Yeah, shoot."

"I was thinking...Well, Doozer is your nickname, isn't it? So obviously, we'd want at least one Doozer to be voiced by you."

"Yeah? Yeah, sure. I'd love to." "B-But that's not all! I was thinking...How was the rock formed? It's a massive cave system, is it natural? And then it hit me."

She booped Cotterpin on the nose.

"The Doozers are digging out the rock!"

"Ooooh, I see what you're saying...I like it. But, uh... how?" "Oh, little tools, construction sites and the like. In fact, your model could be a great reference for what they could look like!"

"Oh, uh...I dunno...I mean, it's just glue sticks. Not my best work, really..." "No, I like it! I think it brings a homemade charm to your work. And I think that's something truly valuable."

Cotterpin looked surprised, before going back to her usual chilled out expression.

"Gee, Mikaela. You sure do know how to make a gal feel things."

Mokey laughed.

"Mikaela! Nobody's called me Mikaela since I was nine! Oh, we've gotta get on stage...Think about what I said, ok? Feel free to tweak it!"

They both rushed on stage, each controlling one half of the live-hand Mokey Fraggle.

"I came as soon as I heard! Oh, Gobo... I'm so sorry..."

"It's fine, Mokey..."

"It's not fine! You shouldn't have to apologize for something that wasn't your fault...You did the right thing."

"Yeah, but the right thing almost got Wembley killed..."

Boober Fraggle wandered on stage.

"He's not mad at you, you know...I was wrapping up his leg, and he said he didn't blame you for what happened."

"Well, he should! If Red hadn't followed us into that cave, Wembley would be dead."

Boober pat Gobo on the back.

"It's ok."

And he waddled out. The cast could hear Doc laughing from the audience.

The lights shifted to the other side of the stage. Meant to be Wembley's bedroom, even the set was the same.

"How are you feeling?"

"Hm? Fine! Oh, but...Geez, I am really torn up about what happened...But I'm fine! Can I go talk to Gobo now?"

Boober booped Wembley on the nose.

"You're not leaving until your leg is better. Why don't you just lay down for a while? I'll go get you some more ice, ok?"

"Noooo...I want you to stay! I don't wanna be alone..."

"If I don't get you more ice, the swelling could get worse. It'll just be a moment."

"Don't leave!"

Human Wembley gave his partner a kiss.

"Mpfh...Wembs! We have scene to do..."
"Oh, right! I forgot!"

Wembley snapped back into character.

"I'll be fine without it! Don't worry about me!"
"Wembley, all I do is worry...let me put it to good use for once."

Fade to black.

Doc clapped.

Chapter Text

"How much time do we have left?"

Red checked her phone.

"Uuuhhhh...10 minutes."

"Ok." Boober clicked his tongue. "Ok. We're gonna pause for the day. Um...Gobo? Would you like to play the song?"

"You bet!"

Gobo ran to grab his guitar.

"I've got it this time, I'm sure!"

Everyone else sat down in their chairs, and Gobo began to strum his instrument.

After a long intro riff, the lyrics started.

"Dance your cares away...Worries for another day, Let the music play, down in Fraggle Rock!"

He stopped, looking up at Boober.
"What did you think?"

"Oh, Gobo...I love it! But, um...Don't just ask me. Everyone else?"

"I loved it!"

Red shrugged.
"Could be a little longer."

"But it's really good!"

Gobo smiled.

"Thanks guys... I'm really proud of it. Cotterpin helped, actually!"

"Eh. Barely." "But you still helped! So...thanks!"

Cotterpin smiled.

"Thanks. But, uh... Red's right. We should probably add a little more. But be proud of what you have."

Boober nodded.

"Text the group with any updates you have. That's our time for today...G-Grab a cupcake on the way out! I'll see you all on Thursday..."

"Heads up high, everyone! Nothing can stop us! Right, Boo-Boo?"

Boober nodded, snuggling up to his partner.

"Wembs is right...We can do this. Together."

The cast filed out, leaving Mokey, Boober and Wembley alone in the studio.

Mokey gave her brother a tight squeeze.

"I'm so proud of you..."

"Mokey?" "I love you, sweetie... I love you so much. Good luck at work tonight."

"Thanks. Love you too."

She left.

Wembley reached for Boober's hand.

"Want me to walk you to your dorm?"

"I'd love that. Thank you."

The fall months outside were finally noticeable. The leaves were turning orange, and falling to the ground. The air was getting cold, too.

"Aren't you chilly? You're only wearing short sleeves..." "I'm ok! It's not that cold!"

"It's freezing!"

"Really?" "I mean...I...I just don't want you to get sick!"

"Boober! Oh, honey! You don't need to worry about that! I'll be just fine!"

"You're sure? Even the common cold could be deadly!"

"Really? Wow. Well, I know you wouldn't let that happen! My sweet baby would take care of me!" "Of course I would! I'd make you soup, and I'd get you ice...I'd take such good care of you, sugar..."

The couple kissed again, pulling at hair and clothing to bring them closer together to each other.

"I love you..."

"Love you too. Break a leg tonight."
"Thank you. Talk to you later."

They walked away from each other, waving until Boober disappeared into the building.

Wembley sighed, pressing his hands to his heart. He made the journey home, opening the door with a big smile on his face.

"Heeey, Gobo!"

"Shh! Sorry, Wemb...I'm on the phone."

"Oh..." He whispered. "Sorry..."

"It's alright, just give me a sec. No, Uncle Matt. You can just stay with us. Our couch is big enough. Yes, our. I'm living with Wembley, remember? ... Wembley! Your other nephew! ...Yes, you've met him before!"

Gobo sighed.

"Alright, yup...Yup...talk to you later. Bye."

He hung up.

"I tell ya, Wemb...I love him, but he drives me crazy sometimes."

"Aw, geez... I'm sorry, Gobo." "It's fine. You want fried rice for dinner?" "Sure! Hey, I'm gonna head into my room and read my script!"

"Yeah? Have fun. I might join you in a bit."

"Uuuhh...Yeah, ok!"

Wembley disappeared into his room, and Gobo was left alone at the kitchen table.
He had homework to do...

His phone buzzed.

Jamdolin: Hey little dude.

He scrambled for his phone, excited to respond.

You: Hi!

Jamdolin: How's the club doing?

You: Oh

You: Not so great. We're about to get shut down.

Jamdolin: Aw, I'm sorry little dude. Really puts a damper on the day, huh?

You: I guess. It's a huge bummer, but we'll find a way to make it through anyway. We just won't be official anymore.

Jamdolin: You're a great group, bud. I believe in you.

You: Thanks. You're our biggest supporter :)

Jamdolin: Happy to be there for ya. Take care.

Gobo smiled and put his phone back down, getting back to his work.
After a few more paragraphs, he put his pens down, and walked into his bedroom.

"What'cha doin', Wembs?"

"M-Me? Oh, I was just practicing with Fraggle Wembley! Doing character practice, and stuff!" "Well, aren't they just more exaggerated versions of us?"

"Yeah, but...I can't figure out which traits I want to exaggerate!"

"Well, I can think of one!"

Wembley huffed.

"C'mon, Gobo! It's not funny!" "It is a little bit." "Not even a little bit! People think my wembling is annoying...It would make a terrible character!"

"Nah. I think it's charming." "Yeah, but you're the only one..."

"Not just me. Red and Mokey think you're adorable. And I know someone who would jump at the chance to help you make a decision. Usually involving a kiss, and some bedroom alone time."

"Aww, t-that's not always true..." "Whenever you're together, your lips are on each other. Wembs, he loves you. We all love you. Your wembling is just part of who you are."

"Thanks, Gobo..." "Love you, buddy."

~~~~

"But aren't you angry?"

"Hm. No, not really."

"What!? You're serious!? You don't want to fight for our spot as a club!?"

"Well, there are requirements...And we don't meet them." "How are we dating!? I'm five seconds away from marching up to that office and punching all of those jerkbags in the face!"

"I see it less as the school tearing us apart...and more as us, as a group...Or a family, becoming independent! We don't need the fancy room. We just need each other! It's a rather charming backstory, don't you think?"

Red groaned, kicking her legs up on Mokey's lap.

"Your boots are muddy." "The track field was wet. It rained last night." "Hm. Well, why are you so upset about it?"

"Well, I—!"

She cut herself off.

"...I think I'm just being protective. I love...us. Not just the two of us, but the whole group. And I'm just...Frustrated. Y'know? We were so close..."

"Not really. We were barely over halfway." "Still! I know we can keep going...But I just wish we could have done more..."

Mokey sighed, and combed her fingers through Red's hair.

"Oh, darling. I appreciate you caring so much...But don't put so much pressure on yourself. We failed...But this is a failure to learn from! Fraggle Rock depends on us. And we won't let them down, hm?"

"No. I guess not."

"Exactly. So..."

She buried her face in Red's neck.

"We have a free hour before you have work, hm~?" "U-Uh...Yeah!" "Wonderful!"

Mokey got up.

"I'll go get my painting!"

While Mokey was out of the room, Landford ran out of her room, and jumped onto Red's stomach.

"Oof! Oh, hello you little brat."

~~~~~

"Uncle Ned? Uncle Doc? You guys home yet?"

"Dorothy! There you are! Oh, where have you been?"

Dorothy hugged her great uncle, as Sprocket began chasing Fluffinella around the room.

"Where did you go?"

"I had a meeting with the club I'm supervising. You know Gobo? The guy whose mail we've been getting?"

Dr. Doc looked at his niece.

"The postcards?"
"Oh, yes, yes! The postcard! Um...Yes, what about that boy?" "He runs a puppetry club on campus. I've been acting as their professor volunteer. Uh, speaking of which...I've got a favor to ask."

"Oh?"

"Can we use your old workshop to rehearse? I mean, it's pretty empty, and you usually just use the lecture hall instead. And we're about to get kicked out of our club room, so...We're desperate?"

"Dear, we haven't used that room in years..."

"Yes, I know. I remember when you stopped using it. But please? It would be really helpful! We'd clean it, too!"

Sprocket barked, as if he was saying 'please'.

"Oh, Sprocket! I can't say no to you, can I? Of course, Dorothy! Go ahead, go ahead. Have fun with your, um...What was it?"

"Puppetry." "Right, right! Bring your students over, feel free to use the space! Look at you, your first professor responsibility! Oh, just wait until your Uncle Ned hears about this! You should be so proud, my dear!"

"I am proud! Gosh, look at me! I thought I'd be working at that pirate restaurant forever!"

Dorothy laughed to herself, and hugged her great uncle again.

"Thanks, Uncle Doc...I promise we'll use the space well! Well, as well as a group of weirdos can."

~~~~~~

"Hey...'m home...Why did you call?"

"Cotterpin. How was class today?"

"Fine."

"Can you read me your notes? What did you work on today?"

"We talked about chapter 9. I'll send you pictures of my notes later. I'm tired, and I want to take a nap."

"Do you have homework?" "I'll only nap for an hour. And I don't even have that much work to do." "Do your work first. I'm not paying for college so you can slack off and go to parties!"

"I need a social life! You only found out about the party because you track my phone! I live in a dorm, half an hour away from you! You don't need to stand over my shoulder for everything!"

"You have no passion for what you're studying! I need to make sure you're not wasting your life away!"

Cotterpin squeezed her fist. She wanted to scream. She wanted to throw her phone out the window.

Instead, she took a deep breath, and looked into the bathroom mirror.

"Mom. I'm fine. I'm an adult. I can handle it."

"You know, you could really learn a thing or two from your siblings and cousins! They all have a wonderful system for organization!"

"That system doesn't work for me! You never listen when I tell you that!"

"You're just not trying hard enough!"

"I have autism!"
"That's just an excuse! I want you to come home this weekend, so I can look through your notes, and help you, ok?"

"...Fine. Goodbye, Mom."
"Goodbye, Cotterpin."

Once the call was over, Cotterpin let her phone hit the counter.

She rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to push away her migraine.

She gazed up at the mirror, and signed.

"You...You will get through this... You've got this. You're independent. You're strong. You're beautiful. Kick ass."

She fired two finger guns, and grabbed her phone again.

"Hey, Red? When you get home, I wanna talk. Do you know anything about throwing parties?"

Thursday.

It was time.

The time was finally here...

"Is this everyone who usually attends, Mr. Desjardins?"

Boober squirmed.

"C-C-Can you not use that word? It, um...It makes me uncomfortable."

The evaluator raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"Alright. Is this every member of the club?"

"Um..." Boober swallowed, and looked around the room.

Mokey.

Red.

Wembley.

Gobo.

Cotterpin.

Pogey.

Doc.

"I-I-It...It..."

"Heeeeey, lil' buddies? Are we late?"

Chapter Text

"J-Jamdolin?"

"Sorry 'bout this. We got hung up at a gig. Are we too late?"

The evaluator looked surprised.

"Are you members of this club?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You are late, yes. Disappointing...How many of you are there?"
"Six." "Six. Alright, so that makes...Seven, eight, nine...11 of you. Thirteen, counting the club president, and fourteen counting your supervisor. Congratulations, Puppetry Club. You meet our standards."

She yanked the paper off of her clipboard, and pinned it to the door.

"Have a lovely day."

She left, the thick heels of her boots echoing until she was out of sight.

Boober's hands trembled.

He sniffed.

Wembley put a hand on his back.

"Sweetie? Are you ok? Don't cry! This is a happy moment!"

He looked up, brushing away his bangs so he could wipe his eyes.

"You...you're Gobo's band friends."

"That's us. Heard a lotta 'bout you, Boobs."

"...hm. B-But...why? Why would you do this for us?"

"Life ain't fair, lil' dude. And that sucks."

One of the bandmates, a girl with big, round glasses and shaggy blonde hair, nodded.

"You didn't deserve getting shut down. We came to save you."

"S-So...You're not joining?"

"Sorry, kiddo. Told Gobo the same thing at the party. Being tied down isn't our thing. But if you ever need us to bail you out..."

He passed Boober a slip of paper.

"Call me."

Boober sniffed again.

Mokey pulled Jamdolin into a hug.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Woah! Hey, don't worry about it, hon. We just gotta help y'all go with the flow. We'll stick around for the rest of the day. Just for fun."

He winked.

Red growled and pulled Mokey away from him.

"Mine."

~~~~

After half an hour, the group took a break.

"I've been thinking of a species name for the big guys."

"Hm? Spill, lemme hear it."

Wembley put down his water bottle.
"Gorg."

"Bless you."

"No, that's the name!"

"Oh, I thought you were gagging. Gorgs?"

"Mhmm! I tried to think of a word that would elicit a similar reaction to something like ogre or troll. Do you like it?"

Pogey laughed.

"I love it! Gorg! Fun to say. And it's stupid! But like, in a good way."

Doc nodded. "Agreed! Oh, and I have something to tell you all! So, when I thought that we, um...were going to lose this place...I asked my great uncle for a favour! And he said we could use his old workshop for rehearsal! But since we're still gonna use this place, I figured we could use it as, like...a creature shop!"

Cotterpin pumped her fist in the air.

"Yes! Oh, Doc! I could grab you and throw you out in the window!"

"Uh...Thank...you? Is that a compliment?"

"First time in a theater club, huh? Yeah, it's a compliment."

"I see! Well, it's a big room, it's not lots of space, and light, and it'll be good for sets and puppets, and whatever else we need! And I'll try my hardest to keep Sprocket out of there. He...He sheds."

Sprocket barked, as if he disagreed.

"Thanks, Doc...that's really nice of you."

"And I've also got something to say! I-I guess now that we're safe, we've all got important things to say, eh? My Uncle Matt is gonna come visit next week, so he's going to watch us rehearse!"

Red groaned.

"Uuuuggh! Boober, I need next Tuesday off so I can avoid him."

Boober shook his head.

"No."

"Damn, you're tough...Fine. But I'm gonna be in a mad mood all day." "I won't stop you."

There was a small pause in the conversation, before Pogey spoke up.

"Winter break is soon! What's everyone doing? I'm going to New Brunswick to see my grandparents!"

"...My mom wants me home. So I'll be with my stupid family...all my cousins, who I'll be compared to nonstop. I'm gonna stop talking about it now."

"My parents are giving their staff the week off and going to Paris. I'm gonna sneak into the house and stay there all by myself. Mokey, you wanna come?"

"Oh! Well...I..."

"Boober can come. And if Boober's coming... Wembley can come. And I guess Gobo can come too. Family Christmas!"

Mokey gasped.
"Oh, Red! My darling, that's so beautiful of you to say! Come here, let me thank you..."

Everyone groaned as Red and Mokey began to eat each other's lips.

"Alright, let's get back to work...Up on stage, everyone. From the top. Um, Jamdolin? Do you think that you and the minstrels could play some of these songs for us?"

"Sure thing, babes. You got sheet music?"

Gobo handed over a folder.

"Wrote it all myself!"
"Thanks, bud. Take a good look, y'all. Get warmed up."

"Pogey, we're gonna open on you and Wembley! I want you right here, ok? Mokey will take over lights while you're on stage!"

"You got it! Hi Mokey!"

"Hello, Pogey! Break a leg!"

The rest of rehearsal passed without any major problems.

As Gobo was packing up, Brio walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey."

"Hey! Er...Brio, was it? What's up?"

"Yeah. Jamdolin had to leave. But he wanted me to tell you something. We're gonna make you a CD. It'll be hard to be the band and a puppeteer at the same time. So we'll record some backing tracks for you to use."

"Really!? Oh, thank you!"

"We'll get it to your dorm somehow. See you around."

"B-Bye!"

She left, smiling and waving to the ground.

Gobo smiled to himself, and zipped up his bag. Red walked up to him, and rested her elbow on his head.

"What's the platonic version of having a crush? That's you with Jamdolin."

"Shut up, Red." "Whatever."

She pat his face.

"See ya. C'mon, Cotter. Let's have that chat."
"Hell yeah. Bye guys!"

"Bye. Wembs? You coming home, or are you and Boober going out?"

"We're gonna go up to his dorm and hang out! And then we're gonna grab dinner, and I'm gonna stay the night with him!"

"We're gonna do laundry together! Oh, I can't think of anything more romantic! Bye Gobo! Thanks for your help today...If it wasn't for you, we'd be shut down..."

"Well, it wasn't all me! I mean, I—"

"Shh."

Boober gave his friend a tight hug.

"Don't sell yourself short, Gobie...It's all thanks to you. See you on Thursday."

"...Yeah. Bye, Boober. See you later."

Wembley and Boober linked arms, and left the studio, snuggling together as they made their way up to Boober's dorm.

"I-I-I got a new detergent just for the Fraggles! It's meant to be used on toys and stuff! I...I just think we should keep them clean, you know? Do you have anything you need washed? I'll do it! ...Can I please do laundry for you?"

Wembley giggled.

"We'll stop by my place, and I'll see what I have!"

Once they got around to Boober's dorm, they made their way straight to the laundry room.

Boober sat on a little wooden stool, a medium sized laundry tub in between his knees. It was full of soapy water, and right next to it, was a pile of stuffed animals and clothing.

He took the object on top of the pile. A soft, cream coloured teddy bear that belonged to Wembley, and gently dunked it under the water.

"I've always hated putting plushies in washing machines...In my experience, it's just too harsh." "Yeah! I once put a teddy in the wash, and it tore a hole in his stomach and stuffing got everywhere..." "Oh, poor thing. See, the thing about handwashing is that's it's much more gentle...But it's also just as effective. But obviously, the average person doesn't have the time for it, and I can't blame them."

Wembley stayed silent, listening to Boober talk.

"And do I look at and admire the big fancy washing machines? Of course I do, they're beautiful..."

"Mmhm?"

"But they're so expensive, especially for something I can do myself. You know?"

"Sure!"

Boober scrubbed the bear's face. Wembley sat behind his partner, wrapping his arms around his stomach. Boober tensed up.

"Is this ok? I just really wanted to hug you."

"Y-Yeah, it's ok. You're comfortable?" "Yup! Sweetie, don't worry about your body at all!"

Wembley buried his face in Boober's shoulder. "Keep talking!"

"Well, I...I like doing laundry for people...It's...It's how I show love. I like taking care of people. And I want to take care of you. You're my first ever relationship...And I'm not sure what to do...But I want to start by showing you how much I care. I really like you, Wembley."

No response.

"Wembley?"

"Snnrkk..."

Wembley has fallen asleep, still holding Boober close.

"Oh, Wemb..."

Boober twisted his neck around and gave his partner a kiss on the cheek.

"Love you, sugar."

~~~~~

"So," Red cracked open a monster and chugged half of it in one sip. "You wanna throw a party?"

"Yeah. I talked to my mom, and she was being a jerk. So I wanna throw a party so I can have fun without her yelling at me. Not a big one, though. Just the club."

"You're describing hanging out."

"Ok, whatever! Then we'll just hang out as a group! We'll get booze and stuff. I just want to be...normal. I don't want to be policed for my entire life."

Red nodded.

"Yeah. Yeah, I get it. I'll ask everyone when they're free. This is gonna be fun as hell! Oh, and by the way. I wanted to talk to you. About Fraggle Rock."

"Town or show?"

"Show. I've got a request..."

"Hit me."

"You think when you make the Fraggle bedrooms...You could put me and Mokey in the same room?"

Cotterpin laughed.

"Yeah, I can do that. I'll make a room full of all of your sports garbage, and Mokey's art garbage. It'll be the best lesbian dorm room you've ever seen."

Red ruffled her friend's hair.

"This is already the best lesbian dorm room I've ever seen."

~~~~~~

"Well, if you can't stick around, can we make puppets of you?"

Gobo heard all of the minstrels laugh from across the phone.

"Flattering. Dunno if we'd make good Muppets."

"I disagree! You'd be like...a traveling band! Wouldn't that be fun?"

"I'd be into it. The little redhead in the scarf is your puppet master, huh?"

"That's him. Talk to him if you really want this. And if you REALLY want it...You don't have to be our band. You can be fellow puppeteers. You're all so talented!"

"You sure you don't just want us around?"

"I-I...I mean...I...I..."

"We'll come visit you when we get the chance. You've got a good group, kiddo. We like you. All of you."

"Aw, R-Really? Thanks...Hey, I...I gotta ask. Why did you name yourselves The Minstrels?"

Jamdolin chuckled.

"It was the name of my uncle's old group."

"Oh! Oh, that's...that's really sweet. Oh, I-...I have to go. Somebody else is calling me."

"Talk to ya later, kid. Peace." "Uh, yeah...Peace."

Gobo hung up, and answered the new call.

"Mokey?"

"Gobo! Thank goodness you answered, I can't get a hold of anyone else!"

"Woah, Woah. You ok? Deep breath, take it slow."

Mokey took a slow, deep breath...But immediately started squealing.

"Oh, I can't even form the words! There's sign-ups for a local art showcase! Outside of school!"

"What? What do you mean?" "It's a local theater! It's in December! We have the chance on a live episode! A pilot! Oh, isn't this incredible!?"

"December? Mokey, we just started November...It'll be a tight schedule..." "But we can do it! I believe in us! I'll write up a proper script! We'll do everything we can! I'm asking for permission obviously, but please? Wouldn't it be incredible!?"

"I-I mean...Yeah! It sounds great! But what about everyone else?"

"I can't get a hold of anybody else... But I'll ask them! I won't sign up if nobody else wants to do it! Oh, but it would be such a good opportunity, don't you think?"

"Well, do you think we're ready?"

"Yes! ...well...No. Maybe not..."

"I do."

"Hm?"

"I think we're ready, Mokey. Don't you worry, I'll spread the word. You start on that script, huh? I'll work on our theme song!"

"Ooooh, Gobo! I wish I could be there to hug you! Thank you!"

"You can hug me later! We gotta get to work!"

Chapter Text

"So it's a special event where all sorts of local artists come and perform in a professional setting!"

"But it's only in a few weeks...And that's really close to finals! We might not have time for something like that."

Mokey held her brother's face in her hands.

"You're our founder, sweetie. It's your call."

Boober looked around, staring at his friends.

"W-Well, I...I..."

"No pressure, darling. What do you think is best?"

"I think..."

Wembley took his hand, softly rubbing his palm.

"Are you wembling?"

Boober briefly stopped his panicking to giggle.

"Y-Yeah...I just...you're my friends! This would be a great opportunity, but I don't want us to burn ourselves out..."

"We wouldn't. It's before finals start. We'll make it work."

"R-Really? You think we could?"

"Mmhm. I believe in us, Boo-bear."

Believe...

Deep breath...

In...

Out...

This is what you've always wanted...

Step up. 

Make it happen.

Boober stood up, hands on his hips.

"Ok. We're going to need a list of things we'll need for the show. Mokey? A completed script. At least fifteen minutes. We'll work on it as a group. Then I'll have Cotterpin make sets, I'll fix up the Fraggles, and I'll make a costume for Doc."

"A costume for me? Wait, what am I doing?"

"You're going to be our human actor. We'll figure out your role, and I'll take your measurements. Red, I want you to really step up for this. I want you to help me direct."

"Aww, really? Us? The two of us?" "You can say no."

"Mh. No, I'll do it."

"Good. Pogey, you're going to be on stage with us. I know it's your job, but I don't want you in the booth during the show. What you're going to do, is make a schedule of when and where the lights will change, and the music will start."

"You got it!"

"Wembley... Can I get you to help me with costumes? I'll help you with props." 

"Of course! I'd help you, even if you didn't ask!"
"Thank you, honey. I love you..."

"I love you too!" 

"Eeugh. Gross."

"Shush. Gobo, keep working on songs, ok? I trust you. We'll listen to them as a group."

Gobo flashed a thumbs up.

"Ok...Ok! Let's...let's do this!"

Mokey sat on the stage, computer in her lap, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Red sat next to her, taking notes.

"Y'know, I haven't taken notes in years. Feels weird."

"You don't take notes in class?"
"No."
"How are you passing!?"
"My effortless charm and wit. And Google."

Suddenly, a bright spotlight flashed on the girls. Red hissed, and covered her eyes.

"Dammit, Pogey! Warn us!"

"Sorry! Uhhhh..."

The spotlight flicked off.

"Geez, this thing is finicky!"
"All the equipment is super old. They don't have the money to fix it, so they pass it off as 'the students must fund themselves'. Scooch, let me take a crack at it."

Using a screwdriver in her pocket, Cotterpin opened the bottom of the lighting board.

"Yeah, some of the chips are definitely damaged. It's not receiving feedback fast enough. I'm not too good with stuff like that, but I've got cousins that could probably walk me through it. But keep working, don't let me distract you. I'll take it home tonight and bring it back on Tuesday."

"Aw, thanks Cotterpin! What do you have to work on? Do you want an extra hand?" "Nah. I've just got stuff to finish up, and I tend to work better alone. But thanks."

Cotterpin hopped up on stage, turning into the wings and down into the small backstage room, where Boober was taking Doc's measurements.

"Hey. Can I get a pack of pins?"

Boober tossed the pack over.

"I count them. If any are missing, you're dead." "Like you could do anything to me, shortie." "Wembley will do it. He works out... sometimes. Wembley, you'd fight for me, right?"

"Uhhhh...Depends? Gee, I dunno..."

Cotterpin chuckled, and headed back to her sets.

Boober wrapped his tap measure around Doc's wrist. 

"I haven't talked to Mokey about what your role would be...But do you have any preference?"

"I dunno. What were you saying about the entrance to Fraggle Rock being in a factory or something? Not much comes to mind."

"Well, it doesn't have to be a factory. It can be...an old house that you just moved into."

"Hm. Is it a Narnia situation?" "No. Just a little hole in the wall. Do you just want to be yourself?"

"No. I want to be something more...Oh, can I be an oceanographer?"

"Um...Sure?" "Great! I used to study marine biology, actually. Before I got my classics degree. Isn't it so sad, how much plastic is in the ocean?"

"Yeah. It's horrible...Yeah, we can do that. That'll be a nice message. Arms down?"

"Yup. Hey, do I really need a costume? Can't I just wear my regular clothes?"

"No."

"Ok then!"

Boober wrapped the measuring tape around his neck, and scribbled something in his notebook.

"Ok...You're free to go. Go talk to Mokey, tell her what we talked about."

"Got it!"

Doc ruffled Boober's hair.

"I can see why everyone does this all the time. You're so fluffy!"

"Yeah, yeah. I know..."

Suddenly, Boober and Wembley were alone again.

Wembley laid large sheets of paper on the floor.

"Pattern paper!"

"Thanks, Wembs..."

Wembley frowned, and took one of Boober's cheeks in his hand.

"Are you ok, honey? That's not a very happy face..."

"I don't have one of those."

"Yes you do! When your cheeks get all rosy, and you try and hide your smile! And it's the cutest thing! What's wrong with my Sweetiepie-Sugarplum?"

"I'm nervous..." "Me too! What are you nervous about?"

"I'm nervous we'll be humiliated at the showcase..."

"Humiliated!?"

"We're just a bunch of weird kids, coming in with our puppets..." "There's probably going to be a lot of other weird kids there, too!"

"I-I know, I just...I don't know if we're ready...And I'm worried about us... I'm always worried about us! This club is my home...And I can't stand to see the people I love get hurt..."

Wembley stood still, and blinked.

"Aw, geez..."

"Do you get what I mean?"

"Yeah...Wow, that hits hard...I-I don't even know what to say! I-I feel terrible! I feel like I can't reassure you, b-b-b-b-because I agree! Oh, Boo-Boo!"

Wembley wrapped his arms around his partner and squeezed.

"You don't need to say anything, babe...listening is enough. I know I'm being irrational..."
 "You're not! These are real fears, and you should be allowed to feel them!"

Boober looked surprised. He had never seen Wembley angry like this. He wasn't even sure if it was anger.

"Babe?"

 "Right, right! Sorry, I...I get carried away sometimes." "No, no...It's ok. It, um...I have my own issues with a side of me I can't control. I understand."

The two shared their millionth kiss of the day, and sat down on the floor to begin patterning a lab coat for Doc.

"Hey, Mokey? Boober sent me to go talk to you."

"Helloooo~! What did he say?"

As Doc explained the conversation she had with Boober, Red kicked the computer out of Mokey's hands, and snuggled into her lap.

"You've given the computer enough attention. My turn."

"Red, I need to work! Why don't you go for a walk? Get yourself something from the vending machine."

"Oh, good idea. Where's Gobo's wallet?"

"Red!"

"Fine. Fine...I'll be right back." 

Red got up, dusted off her jeans, and headed outside.

Next to the vending machine outside the studio door, was one of Jamdolin's band mates. 

"Oh. Uh, hey Brio."

"Hi. We've got that CD we promised Gobo. Is he here?"

"Yeah, he's inside."

Red picked up her drink from the machines mouth.

"C'mon in. We're making a pilot episode for this...Art showcase Mokey signed us up for. We're gonna perform for an audience."

Brio raised her eyebrows. 

"Producers?"

"Local ones."

"...Is...Is it a competition?"

"Ha! No way! You think I'd be so relaxed about a competition? It's just a local showcase."

Brio gently took Red's hand.

"Can we come with you?"

"With us?"

"You...W-Well, A CD is ok when you're in a room like this...In a real theater, you need a real band."

Red chuckled.

"You can just say you want to play in front of the producers. Don't be embarrassed."

"It feels selfish to ask..."

"Dude! We kept offering you guys a job! Even if it's just you, we'd be happy to have you! Come inside, give the dork his CD. Talk to... Whoever's free, I guess? I dunno. Just grab a chair, text the band."

"Thanks."

The girls headed back inside, Brio nervously rubbing her knuckles.

"You're a lot more nervous than I remember..."

"Not alone too often. I get nervous when I don't have anyone else with me."

"Oh, don't worry. I've learned a ton from Mokey when it comes to calming Boober down!"

"Um...No, I'm good. I'll be ok. Um...Where's Gobo?" "Over there."

"Thanks."

Brio quickly hurried into the corner where Gobo was sitting with his guitar.

"Hey, Brio! You, uh, look spooked. You ok?" "Red scares me."

"Aw, I promise she's not as weird as she seems. I mean, she's weird, but..."

"I know. I know. Here." 

She handed him a CD in a fabric pouch.

"We didn't have cases."

"Aw, that's ok! So, what were you talkin' to Red about?"

"The, uh... performance."

"Yeah? What about it?" "I was hoping I could  help."

"Really!? You're kidding! Of course, we'd love to have you aboard! Are the others coming?"

"I don't know. I only learned about this five minutes ago. I'd have to tell them."

"Well, take your time! Why don't you sit down, let's talk music!"

Chapter Text

For the next few days, the group worked non-stop on their project. Even when the club wasn't scheduled to meet.

Everything smelled like sawdust, was covered in paint, and the sound of the Minstrels practicing was constant.

It was a complete overload of the senses, but wasn't bad. It smelled, it looked, it sounded, it felt...

Like promise.

Right now, Mokey and Red were helping Cotterpin with the sets. Mokey was painting, while Red had been tasked with scrubbing anything Cotterpin handed her, from paintbrushes to screwdrivers, to cutting mats covered in hot glue and paint.

"Soooooo~! Christmas break is soon! Cotterpin, what's on your list?"

Cotterpin looked over at her friend.

"You're not getting us gifts, are you?"

"Of course I am! What do you want?" "Mokey, don't...You don't need to do anything." "But I want to! Please? I feel terrible that you're going to spend your holiday being miserable...It's the worst thing in the world."

"I've found that it's better to just suck it up and deal with it. Better than getting yelled at for being an ungrateful brat...Last time I skipped Easter dinner, my great aunt got so angry. Called me the worst nephew ever."

"Oh, that's terrible! I'm so sorry..." "No, it was super funny. She wasn't wearing her classes, and she thought I was Wrench. Apologized when I told her who I was."

"...Oh! Well, I...I suppose that's better?"

Red turned around, face squished into an expression of pure bewilderment

"You have a cousin named Wrench!?"

"My mom's name is Wingnut." "Your mom's name is Wingnut!?" "When I named myself, she gave me a list of baby names she had planned when she was pregnant with my sister...And I HAD to pick from it. My family's full of weirdos...Anyway, I don't want to talk about it anymore. So, you two are gonna spend the break at Red's place?"

"Yeah! I'm excited! It's been so long since I've celebrated anything...But let's not dwell on that! I'm just excited to spend winter break with my sweetheart~!" "Well, us and your brother. And my brothers...Eh, it'll be nice."

"Hark, young children!"

Red groaned.

"Hi, Matt..."

Gobo suddenly came rushing out of the wings. Wembley followed close behind, squeezing Boober's hand.

"Uncle Matt!"
"Gobo! There you are! Oh, it's so good to see you! How have you been? Do you have a girlfriend yet?"

"...No, Uncle Matt. I don't have a girlfriend." "Well, that's quite already! And Wembley, there you are!"

Wembley hugged his adoptive Uncle. "Hi Uncle Matt! How are you? We haven't seen you in forever!"

"It really has been too long! And who's the shy little fellow behind you?"

"Oh, this is, um...This is Boober! My partner!"

Boober clung to Wembley's shoulder, visibility nervous, but trying to hide it.

"H-H-Hello, Sir... Wonderful to meet you... Wembley and Gobo have t-told me a lot about you..."

Matt grabbed Boober's hand, and shook it.

"Eep!" "Well, it's wonderful to meet you, Boomer!"

"O-Oh, it's—, Um... Nevermind. Do you two want the afternoon off so you can catch up?"

"If you don't mind, that would be great. Thanks, Boober." "Yeah! Thanks, honey-bunny!"

Wembley kissed Boober's cheek.

"Aww, sugar...Ok, go have fun. I'll check in with The Minstrels. Wembs, the second I get home, I'm gonna call you." "Got it!" "I love you." "Love you too!"

"Love you more..." "Love you the most!"

"Wembley. C'mon, let's go." "Right! Sorry, Gobo! Bye honey! See you later! Break a leg tonight!"

Gobo dragged his sibling out of the room, as Wembley blew his partner kisses until he was out of sight.

"Geez. You two are so in love it's nauseating."

"Oh, be quiet..."

Boober hurried backstage, where The Minstrels were rehearsing.

"Heeeey, kid! What's up?"
"H-H-Hey... I gave Gobo the rest of the afternoon off. Are you guys doing ok?"

Jamdolin fired a finger gun.

"You know it, Boobies. We're doin' just fine." "Good. Hey look, I...I just have to thank you again for helping us...Brio especially."

Brio tapped her drumsticks against the floor, and nervously laughed. Brool ruffled her hair.

"Thanks..." "J-Just remember I'm here if you need anything, ok? Just, um...T-Tell me if you need anything..."

"Boobies, you don't need to worry about being useful. You're doing a great job. C'mere."

Jamdolin held Boober's shoulders.

"You're shakin'. You feelin' nervous about something?"

"I'm nervous about everything..."
"I can tell. Tell me what's got you all anxious."

"...I don't wanna talk about it. It's pointless." "Nothing is ever pointless, kid."

"...I just... I'm nervous about the showcase... We're rushing. What if a set falls, and somebody gets hurt? What if someone falls off the stage and gets a concussion?"

Jamdolin shook his head.

"I want you to trust me, kid. None of that will happen. And I can promise that." "You...you really can't..."

"Well, you can just worry yourself to death, can you?"

"...But what if somebody laughs?"

"It's a comedy, sweetie. People are going to laugh." "Yeah, but what if they laugh at the things that aren't supposed to be funny?"

"Then they ain't worth our time. They laughed at Jim, didn't they?"

"No...I don't think they did." "Oh. Well, they laughed at a lot of geniuses. This is just the start for us. Go get some water, ok? Calm down. Talk to Wembles." "Wembley left..." "Then you can stay with us." "I mean, I have to get to work..." "Then go work. Find your comfort, ok?"

Boober sniffled, and buried his face in Jamdolin's jacket.

"Thank you..." "Don't get too teary, Boobs. You'll tear up your throat." "I-I know... I'll get back to work, but I'll check back up on you in a bit."

"Stay safe."

"I will."

~~~~~~

"So, Gobo. How has school been for you? How are your classics classes going?"

"They're going fine, Uncle Matt. How was PEI? Was it really as pretty as the pictures make it seem? Wembley's really curious about it."

"Yeah! Did you bring back pictures?"

Matt ruffled Wembley's hair.

"Wembley, you know I don't take pictures! My memory is all I need!"

Gobo had to hide his laughter.

"Well, we hear a lot from your postcards...But I really wish you would buy a phone."

"Postcards have worked for me for over 30 years, Nephew Gobo! I see no need to switch to technology!"

"Yeah, but—Oh, nevermind. I love the postcards, I wouldn't trade them for the world. Right, Wembley?"

Wembley nodded.

"Well, enough about me! How have you been? What was going on in that little room you were in?"

"Oh, that? What was, um...Our club. Puppetry club."

"Puppetry?"

"I-I know that you really wanted me to be an archeologist like dad, or a professor like mom or an explorer like you...And I like those subjects, sure! But can't I have fun in my free time? Me and Wembley are having a lot of fun, aren't we Wembley?"

Wembley nodded, noticeably less excited than before.

"Yeah. We've met our best friends there! And that's how I met Boober! And in a few weeks, we're going to perform at a showcase! And we're so excited!"

Matt nodded, but continued talking directly to Gobo.

"As long as it doesn't distract you too much from school. It's important!"

"I know, I know. Both of us are still focusing on our work. But this is really important to both of us!" "And we're having a great time!"

Matt thought for a moment.

"Well, as long as my boys are happy! I've missed you both so much!" "We've missed you too, Uncle Matt! So, did you get a hotel? Or are you staying with us?"

"Hm. I didn't plan for that..."

"Ah." Gobo chuckled. "You can stay here. I'll get the couch ready."

"No need! I'll stay with Boober and Mokey tonight!" "Wemb, you don't need to do that." "No, but I want too! I actually really want to talk to Mokey about something. But I'll do that later! Uncle Matt, we gotta show you our puppets!"

~~~~~~

It was a decently busy night at the Glitterini.

"Tosh, baby, I need a margarita and two shots of whiskey." "Is the whiskey for you?" "Not this time." "Wow. You're really swamped out there." "At least I'm getting good tips...Guy in the suit over there is obsessed with me tonight."

Tosh leaned over the bar counter and looked to where Mystique was pointing.

"Not much of a looker." "No. Plus, I've already got myself the perfect match~"

"Yeah? How's the blondie doin'?" "Just great...I couldn't be happier."

"You sure sound like it." "I'm serious! He makes me so happy!" "I know, I know. He makes you happier than I ever could."

"Tosh..." "Oof. Yeah, that came out wrong. But you know what I mean." "Yeah. I know."

Mystique took the tray of drinks.

"Thanks, Tosh."

She wandered over to the tables, and smiled.

"And here are your shots! Can I get you anything else~?"

"Well...Maybe some company? What time are you off, sweetie?"

Ew. Gross. Strangers flirting.

Repressing the urge to run into the dressing room and cry, Mystique smiled.

"I don't go home with customers, hon. And I don't appreciate comments and nicknames like that. Another drink?"

The man at the table paused.

"No." "Well, just call me over if you need anything!"

With a happy smile to mask his exhaustion, Mystique powered through the rest of her shift.

"I'm clocking out...Bye Tosh." "Bye."

Boober nudged open the door to the bar, and headed out to where Green Bean was parked.

He opened the door, threw his bag in the backseat, and sat next to his partner in the front.

"It's late...What are you doing here?"

"I was hoping to spend the night with you, since Matt's staying with Gobo at our dorm."

"I thought we weren't allowed non-student visitors." "Wait, we aren't!?"

"Uhh...Maybe that was just a rumor. Forget I said anything. Thanks for picking me up...Of course you can stay. Have you eaten dinner yet? Do you want something?" "Sure! I'd love that!"

"...So how's Matt?"

"Oh, he's good!" "Why are you leaving? Wouldn't you be excited to spend time with him?"

"I'm more excited to spend time with you!"

"Wemb..." "I-! Oh, I can't lie to you, can I? I just wanted to go somewhere I can feel loved...It's no secret that Gobo's the family favorite...He's the real nephew after all..."

"You're still his real nephew, babe. He just focuses on Gobo because they share a career." "Well, sure! B-But I..."

"You're loved and appreciated by everyone. By me, and by your family. Your real family, and your puppet family."

Wembley smiled, and pulled into the dorm parking lot.

"Thanks, honey."

"But I'd love it if you stayed the night. I'll make us something to eat." "Great! Uhm..Do you know if Mokey will be awake?"

"She always waits for me. So yes. Why?" "I want to talk to her about something." "She'll be wide awake, don't worry."

When they entered the apartment, Mokey was on the couch, talking on the phone with someone. It wasn't hard to guess who.

"Darling, you're making me blush! But I insist, you're cuter! ...Yes, Yes. I understand. I wish I could be there with you. Oh! Oh, I have to go, dear. I'll call you back! Goodnight! I love you! Kisses!"

She hung up.

"Hello, you two! Boober, how was work?"

"Fine... I'm gonna go make me and Wembs dinner. He wants to talk to you about something."

"Me? Oh, of course! Come here. Come talk to me."

Wembley leaned against Mokey's shoulder.

"I just wanted to, um...Thank you?" "Thank me? Dear, what for?"

"For, um...giving me this opportunity! This chance! I, um...I didn't want to talk to Boober about this, cause I know it would make him panic. But I've been feeling so down lately. Like I don't have a real place in the group."

Mokey gasped, and held Wembley's face in her hands.

"Oh, darling! No, no, no! Why? Tell me more, why do you think that?"

"Well, I just feel so...useless, compared to all of you! I know you'll all tell me that it's not true, but...I dunno, I just couldn't change how I felt! But now that I have the opportunity to go up on stage! It's making me feel so...Complete? I dunno. But I know it's all thanks to you!"

"Oh, Wembley..." Mokey wiped her eyes.

"That makes me feel so happy...But sweetie, you're not useless...Everyone who loves and cares about you can tell you that."

She kissed his forehead.

"We love you, Wembley."

Two sandwiches were placed on the coffee table.

"Everything ok?"

"Oh! Y-Yeah, we're fine! Love you!"

Boober smiled.

"Love you too, sugar. Hey, at some point tomorrow, you should call Gobo....him what you told me."

"You think so? You don't think he'll be mad?"

"No. I think he'll understand. But it's late...Bed. Bed time and cuddles."

Wembley picked up his partner and cuddled him.

"That sounds great..."

The two went into the bedroom, flopping down on Boober's bed, giving each other good night kisses, before falling asleep in each other's arms.

Mokey waited until the two were asleep, before grabbing her phone and dialing Red's number.

"Now, my dear...Where were we~?"

Chapter Text

Wembley woke up the next morning to an empty bed, his phone on his chest, and a note on the nightstand.

He groaned, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, and leaning over to read it.

'Good morning, Sugarplum. If you're reading this, I left to go run some errands, and Mokey's out with Red right now. I'll be home soon, but before I get back, I want you to call Gobo, ok? For your own mental health and wellbeing. 

And if Lanford's bowl is empty, could you refill it? You know where the cat food is ❤️ 

Kisses, hugs, and lots of love

-Boober'

"Aww...Sweetie..."

He kicked off the covers and stretched, turning around and making the bed, exactly how Boober did, all the pillows and fluffy stuffed animals piled against the wall, and the five different blankets tucked under the paper-thin mattress.

He grabbed his phone, and let his finger hover over the 'call' button.

Would Gobo even be awake? Would he even want to talk to Wembley? Of course he would! But...Oh, no...

He sat on the bed, and flipped himself upside down, hoping to get his head on straight.

"Ok...Ok...Call Gobo. He's your brother. He loves you...He loves you more than anything in the world, and you know that! And he knows it! So just...call him."

He grabbed his phone and called Gobo before he could change his mind.

"HiGoboAreYouThere?"

"...Wembley...? Geez, it's early." 

"Yeah, I know. Can we talk? Is Uncle Matt there?" "No, he went out. I don't know where, but he seemed really excited. What's up?"

"...Um...Uh, I...I...You, um...love me, right?"

Gobo sat up straighter in bed, confused.

"Is that even a question? There's nothing in this world I love more than my baby brother!" "And, um...Do you think the rest of the family feels the same way? Even if...I don't look like them? Even if my name is different?"

There was silence.

"Wemb...Mom and Dad wouldn't have adopted you if they didn't love you. Uncle Matts not here to see me! He's here to see US! And...the library, for some reason. But that's not the point. Are you still at Mokey and Boober's?" "Yeah, but I'm alone..." 

"Well, if you ever feel like you need to come home, just do it, ok? I'll be waiting for you, ready to talk about anything you want."

"Thanks, Gobo...But...You haven't noticed that Uncle Matt treats us a little differently, have you?"

"Oh, yeah. I notice sometimes. I think it's because I'm the oldest, so the pressures on me to have my life together. But if anyone has their life together, it's you! Don't worry too much about that stuff, eh? You're so loved."

"Yeah, I know...Thanks, Gobo. I love you." "Love you too! See you later!"

The call ended. With a lighter heart, and a mind no longer swimming with dread, Wembley walked out to the kitchen and filled Lanford's dish.

The little kitty came out of hiding after hearing the can open, rubbing against Wembley's legs as a thank you.

"Good morning, cutie! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!"

Lanford purred, but turned away from Wembley in favour of his dish.

"Sweet lil' thing..."

"Wembs? I'm home, are you awake?"

"Babe!"

"OOF!" 

Wembley tackle-hugged his partner.

"Careful! These bags have glass in them!"

"Oops! Sorry..." "Did you call Gobo?"

"Oh, um...Yeah. I did...It went well!" 

Boober smiled. "Good. I'm already miserable enough for the both of us. I hate seeing you sad..."

The two shared a kiss.

"I know. I love you, babe...So, what's in the bags?" "I went out to get stuff for breakfast. I figured we could spend the day studying for midterms, so we don't feel guilty for spending all our time on Fraggle Rock. Um... if that's ok with you...I really need to study."

"I don't mind! But I'll have to run by my place to get my books..." "That's ok. We don't have to do it right now...Or I could find online copies for you. But let's eat first, ok?"

~~~~~~

At Cotterpin and Red's dorm, a garbage teen slasher played on the TV.

Mokey and Red curled up on the couch, while Cotterpin laid on the floor, half asleep. 

As her eyes fluttered closed, and she relaxed to the sound of the final girl bashing in a zombie brain, there was a loud knock on the door.

She groaned.

"Somebody that's not me go deal with that..."

"I'll do it!" 

Mokey got up and opened the front door.

"Doc! Oh, what a pleasant surprise!"

"Hiii! Am, I...Am I interrupting something?" "No, of course not! Come in, come in! Is everything ok?" 

"Yeah, I'm just...Sprocket's at the groomers, and I just don't know what to do with myself! I've been talking to myself, but it's starting to drive me nuts. And y'know, you're always saying to come to you if we need anything...You mind if I stay here for a bit?"

Mokey nodded, and led her friend into the living room.

"Ladies, we have a guest!"

Red nodded, and Cotterpin held up a peace sign.

"Hey guys...Wow, it's been so long since I've spent time alone with other humans...Um...what's up?"

"Not much. You like bad movies? You can take the armchair, help yourself to the snacks on the table."

"Oh, uh...thanks! Why are you on the floor?"

"I need my daily floor time. Sit." 

Doc sat in the chair, still nervous. Mokey, a little worried about her, broke the silence with small talk.

"So, how have you been? I feel like we never talk outside of the club!" 

"I've been fine, I guess? I've been going over the script you wrote, actually!" "Oh, you have! That's wonderful news! Did you like it? Do you think we have something good?"

"I think it's pretty good so far!"

Red frowned.

"Pretty good!? It's amazing!"

"Red, my sweet angel. It's not that serious. The script isn't set in stone, and I'm very much open to changes. Doc, your input?"

"I mean, it...It's obviously not finished. We've been talking about other species, like the Doozers and Gorgs...And it's disappointing we don't have time to include them. And we don't have any background or side characters, and we haven't done much world building..."

Cotterpin nodded.

"Yeah. But I mean, things are always subject to change, anyway. Think of Sam and Friends compared to The Muppet Show. Things change a lot over time. Things get added, stuff gets cut. When we get famous and we get a big, stupid autobiography, this is only gonna be page 3."

Doc laughed, raising an eyebrow. "You want an autobiography?" 

"More than anything."

~~~~~~

"Young Gobo, I've returned!"

"Hi, Uncle Matt. Where'd you go?" "I went to visit many landmarks around town! As well as the library on campus!" 

"The library? What did you want to see there?" "Not important!"

"Uhh...Gee, alright?" "What have you been doing in my absence?

"Well, mostly studying for midterms. But I've also been reading up on the script Mokey wrote for us. For our showcase that's happening...Speaking of which, it's in a few weeks. Do you think you'll be able to make it?"

"Hm. Well, I'm not quite sure...you know the life of an adventurer!" "I sure do, Uncle Matt. Always on the move. But please? It would mean the world to me and Wembley if you could show up! It would only be for a few hours!"

Matt pet Gobo's head. 

"We'll see what happens, Nephew Gobo. I promise!" "Thank you, Uncle Matt. It really means a lot!"

Gobo hugged his uncle.

"I'll write down the time and address for you! You're gonna love it, I promise! We've got a great show!"

A great show...a great show indeed.

Weeks.

They flew by in what felt like just minutes.

The group had worked Non-stop on the project, trying their hardest to polish it and make it as good it possibly could be.

The group sat in the corner of what was once a dance studio, now filled with people rehearsing and warming up.

A group of dancers walked into the room, celebrating their performance. A woman with a clipboard followed close behind them.

"Ok, next up we've got...Fraggle Rock? Is that...is that a typo...?"

Pogey's hand shot into the air.

"Not a typo! Us, that's us!"

"Oh, brilliant."

The woman walked over.

"Who's in charge?"

"He is!" "U-Um...yeah, me..."

She nodded, and turned to Boober. 

"You've got ten minutes to set up your set, tech, and music. You'll go on at 2:45."

"Y-Yes ma'am..."

Jamdolin stood up, and ruffled Boober's hair. 

"We'll be in the pit. Break a leg, kiddo." "Thanks...You too...Pogey, go give the booth manager the sheet you made. Everyone else, we gotta go do the sets!"

The group rushed out of the room, dragging the sets to their starting positions. 

The rusty wheels that Cotterpin screwed on were squeaking against the floor.

"Geez, I hope that doesn't happen during the show!" "Don't jinx us!" "Oh, right...Sorry."

As things were getting set up, Gobo peeked through the curtains. Matt waved from the audience. 

Gobo waved back.

"Fraggle Rock, are you almost ready? It's almost time." 

"AH! R-Right! Right...Ok, everyone come huddle."

Everyone crowded around Boober, who was desperately trying to calm himself down.

"Ok, guys, um...I...I love you...I love you all...break a leg."

Mokey hugged her brother.

"We love you too, sweetie."

"And now, everyone please give a very warm welcome to...Fraggle Rock!"

The curtains began to rise, and everyone dashed offstage, except for Doc, who stood center stage.

She slapped her cheeks, and sighed to herself.

"Page 3...It's just page 3. Play the music...light the lights. It's time to get things started."

Chapter Text

Fraggle Rock-Showcase Pilot

Written by Mokey Desjardins

Directed By Boober Desjardins and Red Bouchard

Lights up

A run down house. Pipes, and steam, and a large HOLE in the wall.

DOC enters, holding a large BOX of junk.

DOC
Well, here we are! Well, not ‘we’. Just me. Here I are!

PAUSE

DOC
…Nope, that’s not right. Geez, something's wrong with me today. 

She puts the BOX down, in front of the hole.

DOC

Huh. Well, that’s not good. Geez, how did that happen?

She reaches into the hole.

DOC
Doesn’t look like it leads to the crawl space…What’s in there?

LAB SET moves STAGE RIGHT

MUSIC:’Fraggle Rock - Theme song - Demo’

INT-GREAT HALL

GOBO is sitting on a rock, playing his GUITAR. WEMBLEY is next to him, rocking back and forth.

WEMBLEY

…Hey Gobo?

GOBO
Yeah, Wembley?

WEMBLEY
Do you hear something? Like, a voice?

PAUSE

GOBO
No, I don’t-

RED enters

RED, yelling

GOBO! Get over here!

GOBO
*Sigh* Well, now I do. Hi, Red.

RED
Oh, shush! You’ve gotta tell Mokey she’s wrong about something!

GOBO

Do I have to? I don’t wanna argue with Mokey.

WEMBLEY
What did she say?

RED
She’s writing a poem, and she had the nerve to say that all Fraggles are the same! The same! Can you believe that!?

GOBO
Uhh…Gee, Red. I dunno, she’s got a point.

RED
A point!? You really think that me and Boober are the same!?

MOKEY and BOOBER enter. BOOBER is hidden in MOKEY’S shawl

MOKEY
Now, Red…I’m serious! I think every Fraggle is connected somehow!

RED
Oh yeah!? Well, what connects me and Mr. Doom, Gloom and Laundry?

BOOBER pokes out of MOKEY’s shawl

BOOBER

Rude.

MOKEY

Well…I connect you, don’t I? You’re my best friend, and my baby brother!

RED
…Oh.

GOBO
Well, that’s awfully cute! See, Red? You don’t gotta get all worked up about this stuff, eh?

RED turns around and punches GOBO in the face. [He] falls over, and behind the rock. WEMBLEY peeks behind the rock to see.

WEMBLEY
I think he’s dead…

RED
He’s not dead! Just dramatic.

GOBO stands up, visibly dizzy.

GOBO
You’re a real piece of work, Red…

BOOBER
Will you two stop!? Your arguing is giving me hives…

*THE SETS MOVE STAGE LEFT, REVEALING DOC PEEKING INTO THE HOLE*

INT-Workshop/Great hall

DOC
Hello? Is there anybody in there?

The FRAGGLES all yelp and huddle together out of fear.

WEMBLEY
W-W-What was that!?

MOKEY
It sounded like it came from that strange tunnel!

GOBO
You mean the one just past the Great Hall? No Fraggle in the history of the universe has ever explored up there! Not even me!

RED
Yo-You don’t think it’s a monster, is it?

BOOBER
Eugh! Do you think it carries disease?

GOBO
Hard to say…Do you think we should go and investigate?

RED
Investigate!? Are you crazy!?

GOBO
About as crazy as the average Fraggle. What do you think, Mokey?

MOKEY

Well, I’d have to ask the wind. I can’t just run into the face of danger, I’d need to see if it’s the path we belong on!

GOBO
Alright? Wembley, Boober?

WEMBLEY
Uhhhhhhhhhhhh…

BOOBER
I think you’re nuts. I’m not going.

WEMBLEY
Well, c’mon Boober! It won’t be as scary as we think! And everyone would think we’re super brave!

BOOBER
I already think you’re brave, Wemb.

WEMBLEY
You…You do?

BOOBER nods.

BOOBER
If anyone needs me, I’ll be doing laundry.

BOOBER EXITS BEFORE ENTERING AGAIN

BOOBER
Don’t need me.

BOOBER EXITS.

WEMBLEY
D-Did you hear that, Gobo!? He thinks I’m brave!

GOBO
We all think you’re brave, bud. C’mon, let’s go prepare!

MOKEY
*Sigh* I’ll be off, asking the wind! Goodbye, my loves!

MOKEY exits

RED
I’ll pack a bag of supplies. Whatever that voice is, we’ll totally beat it up!

RED exits

GOBO
C’mon, Wemb. Let’s go get ready.

WEMBLEY
A-Are you sure about this, Gobo? I mean, it could be a really dangerous trip…

GOBO

Are you kidding? I hope it’s dangerous! We haven’t had a real adventure in a while!

MUSIC: ‘Get a move on-Demo’

*FADE TO BLACK*

INT-MOKEY AND RED’S CAVE

MOKEY is sitting on her bed, meditating. RED is filling a BACKPACK with supplies.

RED
What’s the wind saying this time?

MOKEY
Shh…I’m listening.

PAUSE

RED
I don’t hear anything.

MOKEY
The wind and I have a connection…

RED
Ugh. Mokey, I just don’t get why you wait around for an hour, just to decide whether or not to come on an adventure! Well, I’ll tell you! You’re coming!


RED grabs MOKEY’S sleeve and drags her out of the CAVE

MOKEY
Red! Shouldn’t we be more prepared for this?

RED
I’m prepared for anything!

MOKEY

Well, if you’re sure…I trust you. 

RED
You should!

MOKEY
I do!

RED
Well, then let’s go! To the ends of Fraggle Rock, where no Fraggle has dared to explore!

INT-GREAT HALL

GOBO
Oh, there you are! You two were taking an awfully long time!

RED
Can it! Mokey had to listen to the wind!

WEMBLEY
Well, what did the wind say?

MOKEY
It told me to follow my heart! So I followed Red!

GOBO
You’re always confusing when you talk in poems, Mokey. Are we all ready to go?

WEMBLEY
W-What about Boober? Shouldn’t we go say goodbye before we leave?

RED
That’s just going to bring the mood down! Boober’s such a sad sack, he’ll want us to do all these weird superstitions!

WEMBLEY
Yeah, well…I like some of his superstitions! And he’s just looking out for us! I’m gonna go check on him! D-Don’t leave without me!


WEMBLEY EXITS

FADE TO BLACK


INT-BOOBER’S CAVE

BOOBER is sitting, folding laundry

POGEY ENTERS

POGEY
Hi, Boober!

BOOBER
…Hi, Pogey. What are you doing here?

POGEY
I wanted to ask if you knew where Red was! I haven’t seen her around!

BOOBER
She’s going with the others to explore the Tunnel of Steam…

POGEY gasps.

POGEY
The tunnel of steam!? No fraggle has ever been up the tunnel of steam!

BOOBER
I know…it’s a death sentence. I’ve knotted my tail for them, but I don’t think it’ll do any good…I’m worried that they’ll get hurt! Gobo and Red are both stupid and reckless! Mokey’s neither, but she’s a little too selfless for her own good…And Wembley…Just thinking about it makes me feel nauseous. 

WEMBLEY enters, out of breath.

WEMBLEY
BOOBER!

BOOBER
AH!

WEMBLEY
We’re about to leave for our adventure! Are you sure you don’t want to come? We could really use you!

BOOBER
No, you couldn’t…Face it, Wembley. I’d just drag everyone down…

WEMBLEY
Well, I don’t believe that for a second! Come on, please? We’ll protect you! You’ll protect us!

BOOBER
You’ll protect me? You want to protect me?

WEMBLEY
Sure I do! Please?

BOOBER
I…Well, I…

WEMBLEY grabs BOOBER’S paws.

WEMBLEY
For me?

BOOBER

I-I guess so…For you.

WEMBLEY
YES! Oh, that makes me so happy you have no idea! Come on, we have to hurry! Everyone is waiting for us! Bye Pogey!

POGEY
Bye! Have fun! Don’t die!

FADE TO BLACK

INT-WORKSHOP

DOC is shining a FLASHLIGHT into the hole

DOC
Could have sworn I heard a voice in there…Does it lead to the neighbors house? Ugh, that would be terrible. 

INT-HALL OF STEAM

The FRAGGLE FIVE enter. BOOBER is clinging to WEMBLEY for protection. GOBO is marching in front, leading the group. RED is holding a large, wooden bat.

GOBO
Alright, gang…according to my ancient map, right up here, the tunnel is a dead end! See, this isn’t so bad!

RED
If anything, it’s boring!

BOOBER
Good!

WEMBLEY
But if it’s so empty and boring, what was that voice we heard? Did we imagine it?

MOKEY
Perhaps it was just another Fraggle, exploring before us!

GOBO
No way! Nobody’s ever come up this way! It would be such a big deal, we would know about it!

RED
Well, there’s nothing here! Explain that, Mr. Adventure!

GOBO
Hold your horses, Ms. Impatient! We’ve just gotta find where the voice was coming from!

*A LIGHT SHINES FROM A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE CAVE WALL*

THE FRAGGLE FIVE all yell in shock.

*THE LIGHT VANISHES*

DOC, OFFSTAGE
Hello!?

RED
It’s a monster!

MOKEY
It’s terrifying!

BOOBER
Ah! Wembley, protect me…!

WEMBLEY
A-As long as you protect me back!

GOBO steps forward, holding RED’S bat.

GOBO
W-Whatever’s there, I’m warning you…

DOC’S hand sticks through the hole. GOBO wacks it with the bat.

DOC, OFFSTAGE
OW!

Her hand retreats!


DOC, OFFSTAGE
Must be rats, or something…Am I going to have to disinfect this?

PAUSE

GOBO
Did…Did I do it?

RED
It’s gone…You did it!

MOKEY, WEMBLEY, BOOBER and RED all crowd around GOBO

*overlapping*
RED
Did it bleed!? Did you see its hideous face!?

MOKEY
Are you hurt?

WEMBLEY
Gobo, you’re so brave! I can’t believe you did that!

BOOBER
I need to check you for possible contracted illnesses.

*Overlapping stops*

GOBO
Guys, guys! I’m ok! Don’t worry!

WEMBLEY
You fought off that beast like it was no big deal! Gobo, you’re the bravest hero this rock has ever seen!

GOBO
Aw, gee Wembley. We did this all together! Doesn’t that make us all brave?

RED
You bet it does!

BOOBER
Uh-huh, uh-huh, bravery and stuff, sure…can we go home? I don’t like it here…

GOBO
Sure thing, Boober. C’mon, guys! We can make it back in time for some games!

THE FRAGGLE FIVE all cheer.

MUSIC;’Fraggle Rock - Closing theme - Demo’

Chapter Text

Well, the applause wasn't exactly the standing ovation Mokey was expecting. (Except for one person. Thanks, Matt.)

But it was far from pathetic. People smiled, clapped and cheered as the cast bowed. They cheered louder when the cast motioned down to the pit, and the Minstrels stood up and raised their instruments.

They cheered loudest when Red and Mokey made their Fraggles kiss.

The curtains closed, and Boober immediately collapsed into Cotterpin's arms.

"Whoop! Alright, buddy. You ok?"

"I think my heart just stopped..." "It didn't. I can hear it. Deep breaths, ok? You're good. Up on your feet, let's get outta here. They've got ice cream in the lobby. You want ice cream?"

"I'm vegan..." "We'll find you something."

Mokey shook her head. "We're not leaving yet! We'll wait until the end! And then we'll go get dinner together. After all, I think this is the last time we'll see each other before we're back from break."

"Oh...Yeah, you're right. Wow, I totally forgot..."

The group re-entered the dance studio, and took their place in the corner.

Red sighed, taking her hair out of her pigtails.

"Note to self...Don't wear a sweater when puppeteering."

Doc rubbed her wrist, and nudged Gobo in the shoulder.

"You hit me so hard, dude! We've gotta practice that, so you don't break my hand!"
"Oh, uh....Sorry about that." "You're good. Geez, Wembley! Did you have to make the bat so solid?" "Oh, I didn't make it! It's just a stick I found outside! I thought it was really pretty, and would make a good wacking stick!"

"...That makes a lot of sense, actually."

Pogey rocked back and forth, tapping the ground in a rhythm.

"I'm proud of us! We did a lot to get here!"
"Yeah...Yeah, we...we did good..."

The showcase lasted for another three hours. When it was over, the woman with the clipboard came into the room.

"Alright folks, we're done for the day. You're free to leave."

Slowly, the group shuffled out into the theater lobby.

There were fancy-looking people in suits, talking to some of the acts that had performed.

"Who the hell are those people?"
"Well, I doubt professional record labels would be coming to a dumb small town event like this...But I think they're producers."

"Producers, huh? You think any of them are interested in us?"
Jamdolin shook his head.
"We'd know if they wanted to talk to us. Believe me... we're used to it."

Brio spun one of her drumsticks. "We're always ignored. Can't handle our style, I guess."

"Oh."

The group stood in silence, before Gobo noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

It was a mother and her young daughter. Couldn't have been older than five or six. She looked nervous, too.

Her mother nudged her forward.

"It's ok, sweetie. Go tell them!"

The little girl wandered over, and looked up at the group with big, shining eyes.

"U-Um...H-Hi...my name is Abby...U-Um...I liked your puppets...Will you sign my, um...booklet?"

She held up her programme and a sharpie.

"Of course, hon... We're so glad you liked it...!"
With tears in his eyes, Boober was the first to sign it. After that, everyone took turns signing their name.

"There you go, sweetie! I promise, you'll see the Fraggles again soon!"

Abby gasped, eyes wide with wonder.

"You mean it?"

"We hope! Have a good day!"

Abby smiled wide, and ran back to her mom, giggling.

Mokey waved, but looked over at her brother, concerned.

"Boober? Darling, are you ok?"

Boober sniffled.

"I don't care about the producers...that's what I want out of this."

"Aww, sweetie...C'mon, let's go get something to eat. Gobo, ask Matt if he'd like to join us, won't you?"

~~~~~~~~

The group stopped at a local diner on the way home from the showcase. With the band at one table, and the cast at another.

"So, Uncle Matt? What did you think of the show?"

"I thought it was very Shakespearen!"

Red frowned.
"Name one Shakespeare play."

"The Odyssey?"
"Wrong."

Gobo smacked Red in the arm. In return, she flicked soda in his face.

Boober played with his straw, and looked up, nervous.

"G-Gobo says you've been all over the world...Have you ever been to New York?"

"I have! It was a very confusing time!"

"Hehe...I-I'm sure..."

Cotterpin gave Boober a confused look.

"New York?" "I-I've always wanted to go..." "Why?" "W-Why not!? Broadway, museums, good food..."

Pogey raised their hand.
"The Ghostbusters building!"
Boober nodded.
"That too. I-I've just never left Fraggle Rock... I'm too scared of what's out there."

Matt nodded.

"Listen to me, little hatted one."
"I, um...I have a name-"

"The world is very scary! And there are times where you have the right to be scared!"

There was silence.

"Do you...h-have a moral?"
"A what?"

"I-I mean...Nevermind. Thanks."

Gobo laughed.
"He means well. He knows I care about you, so he's giving his own version of advice."

"Oh. W-Well...thanks..."

The table was quiet for a while, until Wembley spoke up.

"I'm really proud of us! We did good today!"
"Hey, we did great! I don't care if none of those stuck-up jerks didn't talk to us, we were the best act there! Would it be, um...Would it be cringey if I gave a speech?"

Red groaned.
"Yes...!"

Gobo ignored her, and raised his soda can.

"I'd thank you thank all of you, for getting us to where we are right now. I don't think I've ever met a group of people I like as much as you.

Cotterpin...Thank you for bringing our weird world to life. Mokey, thank you for writing the words that got us on that stage. Red, you're a fantastic director, and we couldn't do the show without you. Pogey, your work lights up our lives. Literally. Wembley, thank you for helping me make the best choice I've ever made. Doc, I'm still sorry for wacking your hand."

Cheers to a future full of Fraggles!"

"Cheers!"

~~~~~

"Bye, guys...Thanks for all your help these past few days. Happy holidays."

"See ya, kiddo. Stay safe, keep your head up."

"I will..."

Mokey grabbed her brother's arm.

"Goodbye, Jamdolin! C'mon, Boober!"

"Ah! M-Mokey, what are you in such a rush for?"

"I have to pack! We're going to Red's house for Christmas, remember?"

"Yeah, but not for three days! I-I have an exam tomorrow, I need to study!"
"It'll only take a minute!" "No it won't! You're a terrible packer, it'll take all day! Can we do it tomorrow, when I get home from class?"

"Hmm...How's this? I'll do mine tonight, and you can do yours tomorrow!"

Boober groaned.

"Mokey..." "Sorry, sorry! I'm just so excited! This is our first Christmas in...hmm..." "Ever? Dad hated Christmas." "Right! And we're spending it with the people we love! I'm just so excited!"

"I know you are...But don't rush, alright? I'll pack for both of us tomorrow."

Mokey nodded.

"Alright...Just gives me more time to shop for everyone's gifts!"
"Wha-Oh, Mokey...!"

"Hehehe!"

She vanished into their bedroom, and handed Boober his textbooks and laptop.

"Good luck, sweetie. You've got this."

"...Thanks, Mokey..."

~~~~~

"Well, my dear Nephews...I am off into the world, once again!" "We'll miss you a whole lot, Uncle Matt. It was really nice to see you again...And thanks for comin' to the show, eh? Means a lot."

"A-And we love you! And we can't wait for more postcards!"

Matt pulled his nephews into a tight hug.

"I'll miss you both very much. I want you to always remember that I'm out in the world, facing unspeakable danger!"

"Danger?" "Yes! The unspeakable kind! When you need a reminder to be brave, think of me!"

"We will, Uncle Matt. See you soon!"
"We love you!"

"I love you too, My nephews. Goodbye!"

The door closed.

Gobo put an arm around Wembley's shoulder.

"I love you, bud." "I love you too! You're the best brother ever!" "No, you are." "No, you are! You're my best friend!" "And you're mine, buddy. And you know Uncle Matt loves you too, right?"

"Y-Yeah...Yeah, I know. I was just being dumb." "It wasn't dumb, Wembley. We all have moments where we worry about stuff like that. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Wembley thought for a moment. Should be tell Gobo about the conversation he had with Mokey? He didn't want to worry his brother, but he wanted to put that conversation behind him.

"I..."

"Wemb?"

"... Sometimes I feel useless. You don't think I'm useless, right?" "No. No, of course not." "It's a horrible thing to think, isn't it?"

Gobo took a second before answering.

"Honestly? Yes, it is. It feels terrible to think it...Wemb, I never told you about this, because I didn't want to freak you out...But I almost dropped out last year."

"Y-You did?"

"I felt like a failure because I wasn't as good as mom and dad. And they were supportive, sure, but they weren't exactly comforting. I figured there was no point in being here if I wasn't good enough, so I considered leaving. You were still in high school, and I didn't want to scare you, so I didn't tell you."

"But...what made you stay?"

"You applied for this place. And I wanted to be there for you. So you didn't feel the same way I was feeling. And I realized that you being here was enough for me to want to stay."

Wembley sniffled.

"Gobiiiiieee..." "C'mere."

The two squeezed, Wembley slobbing into his brother's shoulder.

"You're my best frieeeeeend..."

"Let it all out, buddy. I'm here for you..." "Love you..." "Love you too."

~~~~~~~

"I'm using the house for Christmas."

"Why? Nobody will be there."

"I'll be there. My friends will be there."

"Rebecca, I don't think we can trust you to be in the house alone."

"Don't call me Rebecca! It's Red, and you know it! I'm coming over, and me and my girlfriend are gonna get eighteen plus in your room!"

"You stay out of there!"

"Have fun on your business trip, MOTHER."

Red snapped as she hung up, throwing her phone on the bed.

"Damn...stupid parents, stupid everything..."

She sighed much louder than intended, causing Cotterpin to pop her head into the room.

"Emo meltdown?"

"Shut up."

"That's a yes. What's the matter?"
"My parents are being stupid..."

"Heh. Mine too. Uh, speaking of which...I gotta head out in the morning. You probably won't be awake, so I'm gonna say goodbye now."

"Oh, Cotterpin..."

Red pulled her roommate into a hug.

"Good luck...It's gonna suck, but you can get through it, yeah?"

"Yeah. Keep in touch, ok? It'll be the only thing keeping me sane the entire time."

"I'll try my hardest. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Night."

"...night..."

Cotterpin left, and Red flopped on her bed.

She looked next to her, grabbed her phone, and called her girlfriend.

"Heeeey, baby! Talk to me~!"

Chapter Text

The holidays were soon. Lanford's cat treat advent calendar was already more than halfway empty.

Two large suitcases sat at the entrance to Mokey and Boober's dorm, just waiting for the day of travel to arrive.

With no school work or laundry to keep him occupied, Boober was spending most of his days in his bedroom, cross-stitching or reading his garbage romance novels.

Mokey, meanwhile, was spending her time wrapping her gifts for everyone. She had never had a true holiday, or anyone to spend it with besides her brother...This was new and exciting for both of them! Well, maybe just her. Boober seemed nervous.

"You seem anxious, sweetie. Is something wrong?" "I-I'm nervous about my gifts... I-I've never been one to give things...I just hope I did it right." "Oh, Boo-bear! There's no 'right' way to spend the holidays! I'm sure whatever you got our friends, they'll love it!"

"...thanks, Mokey..."

Three days later, the siblings stood outside the run-down mansion, waiting for Red to pull up with the car. Boober held Landford in his arms, keeping the kitty warm against his fluffy jacket.

"Ok, Boober. I want you to promise me something while we're on break."
"...what?"

"Will you promise me that you won't drown yourself in work?"

"W-What do you mean?"
"I saw your bag. You're bringing the Fraggle rock scripts and art." "T-That's just for-!" "Boober."

"...right. I...I won't."
"Good!" Mokey gave her brother a kiss on the cheek.

"Eeeeww!"

She turned around, and frowned at the toddler in the garden.

"It's cold out here, kiddo... Shouldn't you be inside?"

"I can't be inside. Mommy and Daddy are talking with some business people and I can't be in there or else I'll ruin everything...That's what daddy says."

"Oh, that's terrible! It's freezing out. Don't you have a jacket?"

"I forgot it inside..."

Mokey got on her knees and held out her hand.

"You shouldn't be out here all alone...What's your name, sweetie?"

"Junior."

"Junior...That's a lovely name. And your parents are talking to business people, yes?"

"Yeah... somebody wants to buy the house..."
"Oh my. That must be scary." "Not really. Well, a little." "It sounds a little scary. Here, why don't you take this?"

She reached into her bag and pulled out one of her extra shawls.

"It's not a winter coat, but it has to be better than being in the freezing cold!"

Junior took the shawl and looked down at the snow.

"Thank you, missy..."

As he spoke, Green Bean and Red's beat-up outback pulled up on the sideways.

She rolled down the window and fired a finger gun at her girlfriend.

"Hey there, good lookin'~!" "Oh! Oh, Red!"

Mokey giggled, and turned back to Junior.

"Stay safe, ok sweetie? Happy Holidays."

He nodded.

Wembley scrambled to climb out of the car and open the door for Boober.

"H-H-Hi, Sweetie!" "Hey babe...Look at you, such a gentleman. L-Let me get my bag, though..."

"I got it, Boober. Don't worry." "O-Oh, Gobo...You don't-"

"Nah, I got it. Get in the car."

Wembley kissed Boober's cheek.
"I haven't seen you in days...I missed you." "I missed you too, Wemb."

Mokey waved goodbye to Junior as Red drove away.

"What was that all about?"

"...The poor thing. Have you ever heard him talk to his parents?"

"Yeah. They seem like...a lot."

"I feel terrible for him..."

"I still think he's a total brat."

"Maybe so, but I still feel bad..."

Red sighed.

"I bet you could call the cops..." "Oh, you know I don't trust them..." "Yeah, me neither. But what else can you do?"

Money thought for a moment.

"I'll figure something out..."

Red had instructed Wembley to just follow her all the way to the house.

That was easy enough, right? Just follow her...just...follow.

"Wemb, you're trembling..." "Huh? I-I am?" "Are you feeling ok? Pull the car over if you don't feel good...I don't want us to crash!"

"Aw geez, I don't wanna crash either! But I think I'm ok!"

"Do you want to talk about it?" "I dunno..."

Gobo sat up and shook his head.

"Wemb. Tell him."

"Oooh...fine...Boober, I'm just a little nervous about this."

"Nervous? Is it... because of me...?" "N-No! Well...a little? I really like you, honey! I don't wanna mess up!"

"Mess up? ...I-I was kinda worried about that too..." "You were?" "J-Just a little...it actually makes me feel better, knowing you feel the same."

"R-Really?" "Does that sound silly?" "No! I...I guess not! I guess we just have to help each other, huh?" "That sounds nice..."

Wembley put a hand on Boober's thigh.

"Yeah. It does."

Gobo made a fake gagging sound.

"Oh, you be quiet! We're having a moment!" "Sorry, bud."

When they pulled up to the house, Boober and Mokey were floored by the sheer size of it.

"Goodness. It's almost like a castle." "Imagine how long it takes to clean..."

"Get your stuff, people. I'll show you around."

The inside of the house was just as grand as the outside.

"I can't believe you lived here...If I had to guess, I would have assumed you were raised in a swimming pool." "Yeah, I would have liked that a hell of a lot better. Ok, here's your room."

She unlocked and opened the door to a large room with a massive canopy bed, and gold details lining the walls. Wembley took a running start, and flopped onto the bed, while Boober calmly walked inside and set his things down.

"Thank you, Red. It's lovely." "Mess it up however you want. I don't care."
"I-I don't know if we'll mess it up."
"Do it. I want you to."

"Um..."

Wembley grabbed Boober's hand and yanked him onto the bed.

"Eep!"

"It's so squishy! Feel it, isn't it great!?"

"I guess..."

"We'll leave you two alone. Have fun."

The door shut. Wembley peppered the side of Boober's face with kisses.

"Babe...babe, what are you doing?" "One for each freckle!" "Oh, that'll take forever..." "I don't mind!"

"Does that mean you're feeling less nervous?" "Oh, I-! I guess! What about you?" "Not really...Maybe I'll get Red to show me the kitchen, and I'll make some cookies to make me feel better...That's, um...what you do at Christmas, right?" "I think so!"

Boober rested his head on Wembley's chest.

"But for now...let's stay here, ok? I missed you..." "I missed you too!"

~~~~~~

"You're in here, Gobe. I put you far away from everyone so you don't have to hear us."

"Thanks. I'll put my stuff away, and I'll meet you downstairs later.

"See ya then."

Gobo shut the door, and Red dragged Mokey away.

"And this is my room."

Mokey gasped.

"Oh, Red! Oh, it's so cute!"
She picked up a hockey trophy and squealed.

"I won that one in elementary school. Lucky for me, it was mandatory to play sports in gym. Sooo, I just lied to my parents and told them that my hockey games were worth grades."

"...oh." Mokey gently put the trophy back, suddenly feeling guilty.

Red flopped on her bed, and held her arms open, waiting to embrace her girlfriend.

"Come forth."

Mokey giggled.
"I should have known you would have a race car bed. So adorable!"

She sat on the edge, and allowed her girlfriend to kiss up and down her shoulders.

"I'm so happy to be spending this time with you. I can't even begin to describe how in love with you I am."

"I could. I could write so many poems about it." "Yeah? I'd love to read them."

Mokey gazed up at the glowing stars on the ceiling.

"I'm assuming your parents didn't bother decorating the house?" "Nope. Wanna go into the basement and sort through all the decorations?"

"I would love that!"

"I know we've got stuff in the basement... we'll dig it out of storage and have some fun setting up. Wanna go get the others?"

"Weeell...Maybe not yet. I'd love to hear about all your medals and trophies! Look at all of them...you're so talented... I'm so lucky to have you, my beautiful Red." "Love you too, hot stuff."

"How romantic~!"

The girls kissed.

"Love you."
"Love you too!"

~~~~~

Later that afternoon, the group walked down the basement, and brought up boxes of Christmas decorations. Red brought up the tree all on her own, making her girlfriend giggle and fawn over her strength.

"Aah, I love it when you carry things! You're so strong, sweetie!"

Red laughed to herself and flexed, and Mokey swooned.

Gobo rolled his eyes.

"Mokey, don't. Her ego is big enough." "Hey! My ego is the perfect size!"

"Yeah, if you consider the size of the CN Tower 'perfect'." "I'm about five seconds from wringing your neck out!"

"Stop it, both of you! Come help us!"
Wembley was lifting Boober in the air, helping him hang up tinsel streamers.

"A-Am I too heavy?" "Not at all!" "...thanks."

Boober pinned another streamer piece of tinsel to the wall, while Red and Gobo helped get the tree to stand.

"Some of these decorations have never been opened!" Mokey commented.

"Yeah. We bought them, but we never put them up, because every year, they go on a trip and leave me behind...So I was always alone."

"Red..." "I don't want pity. I've moved on from it. I've accepted the reality of my situation...And it doesn't matter anyway. Like I've said, I've got a new family to spend the holidays with. I've got you guys."

"Aww...That's very sweet of you, darling."

"Yeah, I know. I've been practicing."

An hour later, the living room was fully decorated. Not exactly...well. They were a group of five different personalities after all. All of their ideas clashed.

"Well...what do we think?" Mokey asked, her voice trembling a little.

"Mh. Could be better."
"Looks like five toddlers did it."
"Five toddlers DID do it."
"Oh, stuff it!"
"You stuff it!"
"I think it looks great! We did good!"

Everyone looked over at Wembley.

Gobo chuckled and nudged his shoulder.
"Way to bring the mood up, bud." "Aww, thanks...Oh! Oh Red, you've gotta show Boober the kitchen! He promised to make cookies!"

"Oh, uh...Sure? C'mon, Boobies."
"Please don't call me that."

Red grabbed her friend's hand and dragged him down a large hallway full of pictures. Hardly any of them of Red...most of them of scruffy, white dogs.

"What's with all the-?" "My mom loves those dumb dogs. Brings them on the trips but not me. Whatever, though. Right?" "...Red, I think you're being too lenient?"

"What? Lenient? No I'm not."

"No? Ok, then give me the definition."

There was silence.

"...I hate you."

"Love you too. Wanna help me with the cookies?" "Me? Oh, I'm...I'm no cook." "I didn't ask if you were a cook. I asked if you wanted to help. Do you?"

"Oh. Yeah, sure...Sounds fun!"

Chapter Text

"You're intense when you're in the kitchen."

"I am not." "You really are."

Boober frowned and wacked Red with a spoon.

"Ow!" "You said you were going to help! So help!" "Fine! Geez...what do you want me to do?" "Can you mix this! It's getting too stiff for me."

"Yeah, sure...whatever." "Do you have a stand mixer?" "A what?" "Nevermind...I'll do it by hand."

Grabbing a mixing bowl and pouring in the right ingredients, Boober began to mix the icing. 

"So, uh...you cook a lot, huh?"

"My dad didn't like cooking. Um...'woman's work', he called it. So you can assume he was angry when I started cooking instead of Mokey." 

"...Oh."

"Same with laundry. And sewing. And a bunch of other stuff...I-I, um... I know this might sound weird...but knowing you makes me feel a lot better about myself. Knowing I have a girl friend who's into all the stuff I was 'supposed' to be into...It makes me feel less strange. Is that crazy?"

"No! No, I don't think so. I understand what you're saying."

"You do? Oh Red, thank you-!"

"I'm your emotional support butch!"

Boober paused, before biting his lip to hide his laughter.

"M-Maybe...Ok, yes." Red laughed and gave Boober a slap on the shoulder.

"Glad to be there for you, Boobies! And I'm having a good time with you right now!" "Me too...Oh, speaking of which, can you pass me a rolling pin?"

Once the cookies were in the oven, and the icing was in the fridge, Red started a timer on her phone, and she and Boober re-joined their friends in the living room.

Mokey had placed all of her presents around the base of the tree, making the room feel cozier.

"Oh my god, Mokey. You didn't have to do...all of that." "But I did! It's how I show affection!"

Wembley looked up from his DS, and motioned for Boober to sit next to him.

"In a sec, babe... I'm gonna go upstairs and grab my, um...laptop."

Mokey frowned.

"And what are you going to do with that?"

"Check my, uh...emails...?"

"Boober."

"...Damn it! Curse my terrible lying abilities."

"Sweetie, you promised me you wouldn't work!" "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, but I can't stop thinking about it! Cooking distracting me for a while, but I can't just hide myself in the kitchen for a week! Please?"

"No. Come here, sit down next to Wembley. Wembley, hug him."

"Ok!" Wembley wrapped his arms as round his partner. Mokey sat down next to them, and hugged her brother.

"This is your punishment. The dungeon of hugs."

Boober groaned.

"Mokey..."

"I'm doing this for your mental health, darling. Because I care about you. I'll go get your cross-stitch." "...fine."

~~~~~~

"Cotterpin! Come here and help me with the twins!" "Coming, mom..."

Cotterpin stood up and followed her mother into the nursery.

"You know, if you spent less time with those silly puppets, and more time on your school projects, you'd have more time to come home and help me and your father with chores."

"I don't want to do that. Did you even come to our showcase? I didn't see you in the crowd." "Me and your father had work." "You couldn't leave twenty minutes early to come support my hobbies?" "A hobby isn't worth supporting. A career is."

Cotterpin squeezed her fists.

"That is...I can't even begin to describe how horrible of you that is. What if I became a puppeteer, huh? What then!?"

Wingnut shook her head.

"That wouldn't happen, dear." 

"Don't call me that. Don't call me that when I'm angry at you."

"Cotterpin, I really don't have time for a tantrum right now. Take your sister, I have to check on the oven."

Her mother rushed out of the room. Cotterpin lifted her baby sister out of her crib, and smiled.

"Hey, Hex...She's a jerk, right?"

Hex yawned.

"Yeah, I know. But you're not like that. I promise, you'll never be like that..."

"Hey, Cotterpin!"

"Get out, Wrench. I'm busy."

"Your mom told me all about your puppet show!" "I said get out! I don't want to deal with you right now!"

She shoved him out of the room and locked the door.

"Hey! I wasn't gonna be a jerk about it!"

"You're a jerk about everything!"

"Geez, no wonder nobody cared about it. It probably sucked if you were there. Can't you do anything right?"

Cotterpin stopped in her tracks.

Very gently, she set Hex down in her crib, and checked on Trowel, who was still asleep. 

Very gently, she walked over to the door, unlocked it, and stood face to face with her cousin. 

Very aggressively, she punched him in the face.

~~~~~~

"Dorothy, what are you doing in here?"

"Oh, nothing Uncle Ned! Just-!"

Doc huffed, lifting up a heavy box of junk and placing it on her Uncle's old workbench.

"Just cleaning up in here! Uncle Doc said I could use it for the club I supervise." "It's a mess in here." "Yeah, I know. I'm working on it! Sprocket's helping!"

Sprocket slid by, soapy sponges on his feet.

"Well, he's...he's trying. Doesn't really have, um...thumbs."

Ned nodded.

"Just come out soon, alright? Don't spend your break in some dusty old workshop."

"I won't! See you in a bit! Bye!"

Doc rushed her Uncle out of the room, and turned her attention toward an old radiator in the corner.

She cracked her knuckles, grabbed it, and whisked it out of the way. It's weight almost knocked her over.

"Ah-! Dammit, that's heavy! Now, where do I-"

Her attention snapped back to the place where the radiator had been. 

There was...a hole. Too big to be a mousehole. Probably made by one of her uncles crazy inventions.

She got on her knees, and looked in. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"Wow...creepy. Right, Sprocket?"

Sprocket barked.

Doc grabbed her phone, snapped a photo, and sent it to the group text chain.

Doc_Bot: Found this in my Uncle's old workshop! Weird, huh?

DoomGloomandLaundry: Wow. Do you think it'll be ready for use when we get back from break?

Doc_Bot: Probably!

DoomGloomandLaundry: Good. Keep me updated, ok?

MissMokey: Boober put your phone away.

~~~~~

The snow on the lawn was untouched. A fresh blanket of pure white, sparkling in the evening sun.

Gobo leaned on the balcony railing, and gazed out at the backyard.

"Hey. What are you doing out here? Dinner's almost ready." "Just thinking. It's really beautiful out here... I've gotta thank you again for letting us stay."

"You're welcome. I mean, I didn't want to stay on campus. And it would feel wrong to be here alone when I have you guys. But I don't wanna talk about that!"

"Maybe you should. You've been avoiding the topic." "What? No I haven't. Let's go inside. Spaghetti." "Spaghetti can wait. What's going on with you?"

Red sighed, and leaned against the railing.

"I've spent every Christmas alone in this house. Sometimes I had a nanny with me, but that was rare. By middle school, I had fully accepted that I wasn't a priority for my parents. And now that I have a new family...one that cares about me, and wants to see me happy. I don't want to drag down the mood. I want you guys to have a good time, not listen to me trauma-dump. I'm the tough one! I'm an adult, I shouldn't be worried about what my stupid parents think of me! But I do! I care that they said they won't come to my wedding unless I marry a man! I care that they call me by the wrong name sometimes! I care that they said I wasn't deserving of their time and attention...But what am I supposed to do about it? It's...it's too late."

Gobo raised an eyebrow.

"Red that's crazy..."

He pointed to himself.

"I'm the tough one." "You son of a-!"

She punched him in the shoulder.

"Ow!" "Not so tough now, huh!? I'm serious! Don't get cute with me!"

"I'm cute about everything. Red, you have every right to care. You should have come to us sooner...We could have helped you sort through all of this."

"I didn't want to seem like a spoiled brat." "Nobody's ever thought of you like that. Why don't we go inside? You can tell our friends, and we can help you move on."

"Yeah, uh...about that..."

"What's the matter?"

"I'm little scared to tell Mokey. I love her to death, I just worry that I'll make her sad. I don't want to do that."

"Red, she won't be sad. She'll be happy that you opened up to her. C'mon."

"Uuuugghh..."

Gobo dragged Red to the kitchen.

"Guys, Red has something she'd like to tell us."

"Uuhh...I, uh..."

She looked up at her friends...And her girlfriend. Mokey was looking at her, a warm and kind smile on her face. Her eyes glimmered with a hint of worry, and she held her hands to her heart, as if she was worried it would fall out of her chest.

Red explained everything. Her trauma, her fears, her doubt.

She melted into Mokey's arms, and squeezed her cardigan, like she was worried she would be torn away.

"I love you...Mokey, I love you so much...Please don't be upset..."

"Upset! Dear, why would I be upset? Look at me. Let me see that pretty face."

Red looked up. She didn't feel pretty...Her eyes were puffy, and her nose was dripping. Mokey cleaned her up with a tissue, and pressed a sweet kiss to her forehead.

"There we are. Beautiful. Darling, you didn't have to hide from us... We've always been accepting of each other, and that includes you. Don't feel like you have to push anything down to make us feel better, ok? Just be honest."

Boober put a hand on her shoulder.

"I, uh...I have an appointment with Marjory on the 30th...would you maybe like to...come with me? We can book you an appointment, and you can meet her. She's helped me a lot."

"Therapy? I dunno..." "It doesn't mean you're weak, Red. It means you're strong. You're willing to admit you need help." 

"... Alright, fine. Yeah... I'll go with you. Thanks, Boobs."

~~~~~~~

That night, Boober and Wembley snuggled in bed together, absolutely exhausted from the day.

"I just can't stop thinking about work...It's a problem." "I can probably help! I'm great at not working!" "I know, babe."

Wembley wrapped his arms around his partner's hips.

"I'm also great at distracting people!" "I know, babe. I could get lost in those eyes for days..." "Aww! Honey!" 

The two shared a kiss, pulling the covers overtop of each other.

"I love you..."

"I love you too!"

The door creaked open.

"AH!" 

"Are you two making out again?"

"N...No...?"

"You know, I thought you two were just going through a honeymoon phase, but I honestly think you're just...like this."

"What do you want!?"

Red held her hands up in defense.

"Hey, I'm not judging. I just, uh...Boober, I wanted to thank you. You made me feel a lot better."

"O-Oh, um...Well, I really think that talking to Marjory will help...And I want you to feel better."

"Well, thanks. Goodnight." 

"Night."

Red closed the door, and walked back to her own room.

Mokey was already asleep, her face squished against the side of the bed.

Red climbed in next to her, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Love you, babe. Goodnight."

Lanford jumped on her chest, and began to pur and nuzzle against her.

"And goodnight to you. Brat."

Chapter Text

On December 24th, as the clock struck ten, Boober Desjardins snuggled into bed with his partner. He rested his head on Wembley's chest, hands tracing the shapes of his torso.

"Comfy?" His partner asked. Boober happily purred. "Mmhmmm."

"Me too! Ah, I'm tired...Who knew sledding could be so exhausting? I mean, the sled does most of the work!" "Well, you've still got to walk up the hill...And being flung from the sled certainly makes you sore." "Oh, right. Sorry, babe...!"

"Mmpf...Have you talked to Pogey lately?" "Not since we left. No service where their grandparents live." "I guess that would make it hard to communicate...Hehehe..."

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, just...Look at us...Pillow talk. Like a married couple..."

Wembley blushed.

"Y-Yeah! I mean...Do you...like that? W-W-We can stop!"

Boober snuggled closer.

"No. I love it..." "Y-You do? I-I mean, I do too! I-I actually -! ...um...nevermind!" "Hm? No, tell me. What's wrong?"

"I, um...I really like our more domestic moments! I-It probably sounds really stupid...Oh, I shouldn't have brought it up!"

A hand cupped Wembley's cheek, almost instantly calming him.

"I like them too...Makes me feel so loved and cared for." "Y-Y-Y-Yeah...?" "You don't need to be so shy about telling me how much you love me...actually, that applies to both of us."

"H-Huh?"
"I love you, Wemb. So much. You make me feel so safe...I can trust you in a way I've never been able to trust any other person before." "Aww, Boo-Boo! I'm so grateful I can be that person for you!" "I'm grateful to have you. I hope there's more domestic moments for us in the future..." "Yeah? Like what?"

"I want to snuggle into your lap while we watch TV...I want to fall asleep in your arms every single night...I want to do your laundry."

Wembley smiled, and kissed his partner.

"I want to try and cook for you, even if I'm not too good at it! A-And I want to stand in the aisles of the grocery store together and decide on what types of snacks to get! I want to get you flowers and gifts, and I want us to be together on every step of our Fraggle journey! I love you, Boober!"

He sobbed and squeezed his partner, who gave a soft sigh and turned the bedside lamp off.

"I love you too, sugarlips... Goodnight." "Night night!"

~~~~~~~

"What about this one?"

"Hockey. 3rd place in our league." "Really! And this one?" "Plastic. I was having a bad day, and I needed a win. So I stopped at the dollar store."

"Aw, darling..." "Sometimes I just need to treat myself." "That's always good. Ooh, what's this one for?"

"That," Red crossed her arms, looking away and frowning. "Is the one sport my parents forced me to do. Horseback riding."

Mokey turned around, her lips slowly stretching into the happiest smile imaginable.

"No!" "Yeah. Too bad I'm, uh...Scared of horses." "Red!" "They're terrifying! Have you ever seen their eyes!?"

"Yes, but I think they're cute!" "Well, you're wrong! But I'll forgive you because you're my girlfriend."

Mokey laughed, and hung the metal back on the wall.

"How kind of you!"

She yawned.

"Alright...It's plenty late. Bedtime?" "Bed!? It's only-!"

Red checked her phone.

"Ten!" "Well, Unlike you, I have a healthy sleep schedule. What time where you planning to actually sleep?"

"Like, 2am."

Mokey shook her head, and laid down in bed.

"Come here, beloved."

"...How dare you, Mokey."

"Be angry at me all you want. I just want my sweetheart to get some rest."

"I don't...I don't need rest..." Red looked away, but sat on the edge of the bed anyway.

"Yes you do."

Mokey removed Red's ribbons from her hair, and a ran a comb through her curls.

"You don't need to impress me by staying up late. Lay down."

"I just want us to have fun..." "I am having fun! But it's time to settle down. Goodnight, my love."

With a final kiss on the cheek, Mokey laid back on the bed, almost instantly falling asleep.

Red sighed, laying down next to her and gazing up at her ceiling.

Her throat burned. Was she crying? She sniffled. Yeah, she was crying. Damn it...

Mokey's unconscious body rolled over, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend. Red immediately turned over, and snuggled into her chest, sniffling and blubbering into her pajama top.

"Shhh...it's ok, darling..."

"I'm sorry...F-For waking you up..."

"Don't apogize. Just get some rest...I love you." "I-I-I love you too..."

~~~~~~~

The next morning, Boober woke up to Wembley's nose pressed against his.

"..."

"Good morning, beautiful!"
"Mmh...Morning, handsome. What time is it?" "Almost eight." "Uughh... Alright, get off. I've gotta go make breakfast..." "You can make breakfast later! Presents first! I'm gonna go wake everyone else up!"

Boober rolled out of bed and stretched, popping his shoulders.

"Ow..."

Wembley snuggled into his back, kissing the back of his neck.

"You can go back to sleep, if you want!" "I shouldn't...I've slept too late already..." "Until eight in the morning? Sweetie, no wonder you're tired all the time!"

"I'm not tired, Wembs. I just...

He yawned.

"I just haven't woken up yet."

"You're sure?"
"I can just take a nap later..." "Ooh, that sounds nice! Just don't exhaust yourself, ok? You've been doing a great job at being mentally healthy this week! Good as gold!"

"Thanks, sugar. Alright, let go. Go get everyone else..."

Wembley nodded and dashed out of the room.

Boober trudged downstairs, tying on a frilly apron and starting a bowl of pancake mix.

Wembley burst into Gobo's room, and shook his brother awake.

"GOBO! Gobo, wake up! Merry Christmas!"

"Wembs, it's five the morning...Go back to bed..." "What? No it's not. It's eight!"

"Close enough..."

Swatting his brother away, Gobo turned over and pulled his blankets over him.

Wembley stood there, just staring at his brother.

Silently, he left the room, going next door into Red's room. The girls were awake, but still visibly sleepy.

"Good morning, sweetie, Merry Christmas
...Did you sleep well?" "Yeah! Red, can you help me get Gobo downstairs?"

Red groaned, and kicked her blankets off. "What's wrong with him today?" "Oh, just usual Gobo stuff!"

"Uuughh...fine..."
"I'll meet you two downstairs!

Mokey wrapped herself in one of her husband-murderer robes, and walked down the stairs, opening her arms and wrapping them around her brother.

"Good morning, my baby!" "Morning...Can you get some plates for me? A-And where's Red? This kitchen is so confusing..."

"Put me down!"
"Nope!"

Red marched into the room, Gobo hanging over her shoulder.

"Mornin' Boobs!" "...hey. Where's the butter? Also...what's happening?" "Gobo wouldn't wake up."

She chucked him onto the loveseat. He grabbed a pillow and threw it at her head. She grabbed it off the ground and slammed it into his face.

Mokey ran over, and grabbed her girlfriend.
"Ok, you two need to calm down! Please don't kill each other!"

"I won't kill him! Let me at him!"

She snuggled into Red's neck, softly shushing her. Her warm breath made the hair on her neck stand on end.

"M-Mokey?"

"You're very worked up this morning. Why don't we get you some coffee, and you can relax?" "...o-ok."

As the girls sat down at the table, Wembley came running down the stairs, wearing a very stupid looking sweater covered in plastic light bulbs and glitter.

Gobo looked up from his slumped over position on the loveseat and groaned.

"I thought mom made you burn that thing..." "Nope! Boober, what do you think?"

Boober didn't even look up from the stove.
"You look adorable, Wemb." "THANK you!"

A large plate of pancakes hit the table.

"Gobo, stop dying. Come eat." "I'll stop when Red apologies." "Well, that's not happening. Stop being a baby, and get up."

"Alright, fine! And you call me a baby..?" "Oi! What's that supposed to mean!?" "What do you think!?"

Mokey rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"Goodness... Wembley, how do you get them to stop...?" "I just let them keep going until they're too tired to think of anything else to argue about."

"I...I see."

Red sat down, and looked up at Boober.

"You talk to Cotterpin lately?"
"No, she hasn't been answering the phone. I'm beginning to worry..." "You think she did something stupid and got grounded?"

"No. I'm worried she did something justified and got grounded."

~~~~~~

"Cotterpin?"

"Go away."

"Don't snap at me, going lady! You're not a toddler!" "Then why did you ground me!? I can drink, but I still have to be confined to my room!?" "You punched you cousins in the nose!" "He was being an ass! He deserved it!"

"He did not!"

Wingnut sighed.

"Look...just come downstairs. We'll open presents soon."

"Why does it matter? None of them are mine." "That's not true. Please...come down."

"..fine." "thank you."

The door closed, and Cotterpin listened to the sound of her mother on the steps.

She got up, and gazed into the mirror across from her bed.

Her eyes looked sunken, and her hair hadn't been brushed in a few days. Her gaze flickered over to her window. Then to her suitcase.

Downstairs, Wingnut gazed upstairs, waiting for her daughter's door to open.

"I thought she was coming down?" "I told her to. She's probably getting dressed." "Should we go check on her?" "... I think we should give her another minute."

The sound of squealing tires echoed through the house.

Cotterpin gripped the steering wheel, and scrolled through her contacts.

"...Cotter?" "Heeeey, Doctor! How was Hannukah?" "Uhhhh...Pretty good! What's up, shouldn't you be with your family?" "Nah, I ran away. That workshop is ready, yeah?" "Yeah, I'm actually there right now, cleaning up some old junk. Are you...on your way over?" "I'm heading that way. You're just the only person I know who isn't busy this morning. I mostly just wanted to hear a voice I liked."

"Aw, that's...wow, that's really nice! C'mon over, you shouldn't spend Christmas alone."
"You're sure?" "Totally! I'll leave the door unlocked, you can just come right in. 87 Barret Avenue." "Got it. See you in ten."

~~~~~

"Here, darling! Why don't you go first?"

Mokey handed Red a box.

"Oh, uh...Thanks..." "It's from Boober!"

Red looked over at her friend.

"...I hope you like it..." "Heeey, I love it already!"

She opened the box.

"...What...the hell...is this?"

"It's, uh...a photo I took of us a while back...I made you a photo frame to put in it. It's, like, um...a reminder of your new family."

"It's...It's nice. I...I like...I like it."

"A-Are you ok? You look sad." "I'm not... I'm happy. I'm so happy. Oh, Boober..." "T-There's something else in there, too."

"Oh, uh... butterflies? They're metal." "They're monster cans." "Oh! Wait, you're right! Wait, how did you get these?" "I had Cotterpin raid your garbage for me." "You what!?" "You should really stop drinking those. I'd love to listen to your heart rate."

"...can we move on? Thanks, Boobs." "Of course...Gobo, you're next. Here, this one's from Mokey."

"Thanks, Boober! Oh, look at that..."

Gobo lifted the guitar case out of the box.

"It's beautiful!" "I painted the outside!" "I can tell! I love it!"

Mokey hugged her friend.

"I'm so glad! Ok, Wembley! This one is from...your brother!"

Wembley took the box and frowned at his brother.

"...is it spiders?"
"No."

Wembley opened the box.

It was spiders.

"Oh-! Gobo, you jerk! You did this every year!"

Gobo burst out laughing, picking up one of the rubber spiders, and dangling it in Wembley's face.

"They're kinda cute, eh?" Wembley smacked it away. Gobo chuckled, and handed Wembley his real gift. A brand new pair of ice skates.

"There you go! Your old ones were getting pretty beat up, huh?"

"...Yeah. Yeah, I like them. Thanks, Gobo. I love you." "I love you too."

Red rolled her eyes at the mushiness, and handed her girlfriend her gift. A mug shaped like a strawberry, full of "special" gummies.

"We can take them together and it'll be awesome."

The cycle of gift giving continued, until just Boober and Wembley were left. Both trembling, they handed their gifts to each other.

"Um...Y-You first, sweetie! I really wanna see what you think!"

"...ok."

Boober opened the box.

It was his Fraggle.

"...um...Is this...Is this just Boober? Is there a...A-A joke I'm missing?"

Wembley smiled.

"Squeeze his hand."

Boober skid the puppet on his hand, and squeezed his paw.

His tail lit up.

He squeaked, a little startled.

"Surprise! He glows! Like you! Mokey helped! I wanted to put it in his cheeks, but I didn't want to ruin the head...But the tail looks good!"

Boober's breathing began to speed up, getting heavier and shakier.

"Wembley...Oh, Wembley, I don't even know what to say..." "You don't need to say anything! I can tell you love it!" "I do...I really do. Ok, your turn."

The box was very small, and opened like a small jewelry box.

Inside, was two rings with little blue orbs as gems.

Their friendship necklaces.

"I, uh... I'm sorry for taking them...But I thought that if we weren't 'just friends' anymore... I could turn them into something more...r-romantic?"

Wembley looked up.

"Awwww! Boober, are you proposing~?" "...well...n-not yet?" "Not yet! Hehe! I like the sound of that! Oh, they're beautiful, I'll wear it forever! But we're still best friends, right?"

Boober nodded.

"You're my best friend in the world. I love you." "Love you too!"

They kissed.

~~~~~~

"Hello? Doc?" "Cotter! C'mon in, it's so good to see you!"

"Good to see you too. Awww, and hello baby!"

Cotterpin gave Sprocket a bunch of pats.
"Are you helping to clean? I bet you are, you're a very good boy!"

Doc laughed.

"You'd be surprised how helpful he is! Want a tour of the place?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Weeeell, that's the sink! That's the hole in the wall! And that's about it."

"Woooah, hole in the wall! Let me see!"

Cotterpin got on her knees and peeked into it. "What's in there?" "I shoved my phone up there and took a video. I think it's just the crawl space?"

"Wow. You know, if we could find a way to use this space, we could probably film in here. Like, an internet show."

Doc started to laugh again, but stopped herself.

"Wait, what did you just say?"

Chapter Text

"An...an internet show?"

"Yeah, like Starkid or something. I haven't told Boober, because I don't want to stress him out, but I'm not really sure if the show could work in a live setting. If we film in here, we could probably put the show on YouTube or something, and it would probably get us seen faster."

Doc raised her eyebrows, and placed her hands on Cotterpin's shoulders.

"You're a genius! We could...We could film the Fraggle Rock Segments on the club stage!" "Exactly! And Sprocket could be there, and we wouldn't have to deal with Boober's allergies! We were talking, actually. We probably should have told you, but...You need somebody to bounce off of. It's awkward when you're alone."

"Yeah...Yeah, I can see why. Ooh! And when we're done, we pack up the set and use this as a workshop!" "Yes! Oh, dude. I gotta call Red. She'll love this."

Cotterpin grabbed her phone, and slumped down on the floor. Doc sat next to her, and scratched the top of Sprocket's head.

"Cotterpin? You ok? You weren't answering my calls. I think Boober was about to run over and check if you were dead." "I'm fine, I was just grounded. Don't worry about it. Am I on speaker?"

"Yeah. Are you actually dying? What the hell is going on?"

"No. Ok, make sure everyone is listening. Hear me out; We film Fraggle Rock, and put it on YouTube."

"...Uhhh...maybe?" "Listen to me. I'm at Doc's place. It's the perfect workshop set. We could get a camera, and it would probably be way better for us to get noticed! Is Boober nearby?" "He's listening. I can't Tell his opinion from his expression. I'm assuming it's negative, but I think that's also just how he looks-OW! Don't hit me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

"You're such a jerk!" "It's because I love you! Stop! Hey, don't take my-!"

"Cotterpin?" "Hey Boobs." "Tell me more."

~~~~~~~~

The next day, the group got into their cars, and began the journey home.

Boober and Wembley snuggled up in Green Bean's backseat, while Gobo took over driving. 

In Red's car, Mokey drove while she stayed on the phone with Cotterpin, who was continuing to explain her idea from the day before.

"Doc could film her segments alone! Maybe with Gobo or something. And then I build a bunch of sets in the club room, and we film in there!" 

"Yeah, I'd be into that." "You don't sound excited." "I am excited! I think it's a good idea! Here, Mokey can tell you how much she likes it."

Red held the phone to Mokey's face.

"Cotterpin, I love it! It's a wonderful idea, you and Doc are absolutely brilliant! We'll see you in a few hours, ok?" 

"See you then. Thanks, guys." 

The call ended, and Red smiled at her girlfriend.

"Love that dork...she's great." "She's precious. I think the idea is just lovely! But, um...I must admit, I'm not too accustomed to filming and cameras." "Nah, me neither. We'll figure it out, though. We've made it this far."

When they finally made it back to the dorm rooms, Wembley had to carry a sleeping Boober up to his bedroom. 

"Poor thing...it's good to be home, though!"

"Yeah...I couldn't stand being there a second longer. No offense, Red."

 "I felt as if I was at home the entire time! True home is family, Wembley!"

Wembley stared at Mokey.

"Uhhh...sure? But I was mostly referring to my bed and all my stuff...So, are we meeting up with Doc and Cotterpin?" "I told them we would meet with them around 2'o'clock. I figured we would all need some rest after our drive."

Wembley laid down next to his partner.

"Yeah, I'm tired. But I'm excited to talk to them! Filming the show sounds like a really good opportunity! We'll-"

He yawned, and rolled over, tossing an arm over Boober's body.

"We'll have to talk to Pogey and the Minstrels about it. Goodnight..."

"Oh-! Wembley, don't fall asleep!" 

"Just a quick one...! Just...just a quick one..."

Wembley fell asleep cuddling up to his partner.

"Yeeeaaah... I'm gonna go pass out on the couch. Love you, Mokes."

Gobo didn't even make it to the couch. He passed out just in front of it.

Red laughed and took a picture.

~~~~~~

"How do you...turn this thing on?" "I have no idea. Jam, do you know how to turn cameras on?"

"I don't even have a camera on my phone, babes." 

Brool held their hand out. Doc passed them the camera. They fiddled with it for a minute, before shrugging and handing it back.

"No? Ok, I'll go ask my uncle-AH!" "Doc!" "Pogey! You scared the hell out of me!" "Haha! Sorry! Wembley told me all about what we're doing! ...wait, where is he?"

"The Fraggle Five ain't here yet. We're trying to figure out how the film camera works. Can't do much without a script or a director."

"...Guess not! Gosh, I feel like we never spend time without them!"

"It's been a while. Doesn't feel right. Doesn't feel right without any of us."

"Nah. It's not the same."

The door to the workshop swung open.

"Hello my darlings!"

"Mokey!"

Pogey ran over and squeezed her.

"Aw, hello Pogey! How was your trip?" "It was great! Where's Red?"

"Right here! C'mere, lil' dude! I missed you!" "You missed me! You've never said that before!" "Yeah, I know. I regret that. But I did! I missed you! Oh, and we stopped by the club room and picked up all our junk!"

Brio raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't Campus closed?"

Boober pushed past the group, and dropped a large box full of puppets, props and sets on the ground.

"And yet, there's nobody to stop me from getting my stuff. So, I wrote up an action plan about how we move forward."

Gobo looked surprised.

"When? You've been asleep since we left, and Mokey took your writing equipment."

"That's none of your business. Doc, can I get a pen and paper?"

"Yup."

After fifteen minutes, a simple list of tasks was pinned to the wall.

-Build at least one Doozer 

-Build at least one Gorg

-Build at least one other character

-Get a smoke machine.

"We're not getting a smoke machine." 

"Wembley asked for it. And I can't say no to him." "Can't or won't?" "We're getting off topic."

-Attach the sets to the ceiling

-Make sure we know how to edit videos

"Ok. How does that look?" 

"Pretty reasonable!"

"Good. Let's get started. Cotter, Doc. I'm gonna need your help for this one."

~~~~~~~

The walk to Marjory's office was short, but it felt infinite.

Red tried not to glance at her phone, but it was a little difficult. Boober was just...so quiet.

"...so, how long have you been seeing her, again?" "Almost two years. She's helped me a lot." "And you think...I need help?" "Well, it couldn't hurt. I care about you, Red...I want you to be healthy." 

The bell on the door rang when the two walked in. The receptionist looked up from a gossip magazine, and picked up the phone next to her computer.

"Marjory, the sickly twink is here. He brought a friend."

"Blonde?"

"No. Another ginger."

"Let them both in."

"C'mon."

Boober grabbed Red's hand and dragged her into an office full of knick-knacks and a large rat cage on the desk.

"Good afternoon, Boober." "H-Hello Madame! I brought a friend."

Marjory was an older woman with a messy head of curls and thick cateye glasses. She looked...friendly-ish. A bit scary.

"Hello Red."

"You know my name!?"

"I know all your names. Boober has told me lots about all of you."

"Oh. Um...well, I...You see, I'm totally fine! I just wanted, to um...meet you."

"I've been briefed on the situation. Why don't you both have a seat?"

Red nervously sat on the ugly floral couch, looking over at Boober, who was shockingly calm compared to her.

"Now, I'll just cut to the chase. Would you be interested in booking an appointment? Even just one?"

"...yes."

"Lovely. Now, why would you be interested in coming to see me?"

"I dunno. Boober recommended you."

Boober elbowed her in the side.

"Ow!"

"Pretend I'm not in the situation!"

"Alright, alright, fine! I guess... I'd like to talk about my traumatic childhood and how it... really messed me up, and led me to developing the need to impress everyone around me."

"Ok! Well, it's a very big step to admit that. I'm proud of you, and I'm sure Boober is, too."

Boober nodded, and leaned on her shoulder.

Red wrapped an arm around him, and kept talking.

"People act like I shouldn't be traumatized. They tell me I had everything...But I didn't. My parents had everything. I had nothing...not even them. I have to go to a crappy college, and pay my own tuition, and they won't even give me a job at their company! I'm nothing to them! Their own daughter, I'm nothing! I had to wait for another woman to come along and make me feel like a human again!"

"Another woman...Mokey?"

"...yeah. I love her. I love her so much...She just...completes me. But she's also the first person in 15 years to show me any physical affection and love. And I mean, I don't want to break up with her, but I'm worried that maybe...I'm just so desperate for love, I'd fall for the first girl that was nice to me...But damn it, I love her so much!"

Marjory laughed.

"I can tell! Red, darling... I'm going to give you advice, and I'll send you out to go book an appointment. You choose your family. Sometimes your parents are part of that family. Sometimes they aren't. Both answers are valid."

Red clicked her tongue, and nodded. "Yeah...Yeah, that makes sense...Uhh...I guess I'll be in the lobby?" "I'll meet you out there. Ooh, while you wait, go get yourself a bagel from the bakery next door! They're amazing!"

"...I've never seen you this happy. It's a good colour on you." "...aw...thanks..." "I'll see you in a bit." "See you."

When the door clicked shut, Boober laid down on the couch and sighed.

"I think I'm a workaholic..."

"Yes. You are." "Hey!" "Boober. Be honest for a moment. It's quite obvious to those around you." 

"...do you think it's a bad thing?" "It could be. But you haven't reached that level. You just care a lot. About yourself and your friends. You know, I think you invited Red here... Because you see a lot of yourself in her. Desperate to please, and...madly in love with your partners."

"No, that's exactly it...You helped me...And I thought that you could help her in the same way."

"I'm glad that you found some people you care about in that way. Now, tell me more about what you're currently doing for your club. Maybe that will help you figure out a balance."

~

"Hey. Let's go."

"You look stressed. You ok?" "I'm ok. I'm happy, actually. I'm gonna go home and watch a movie with Wembs." "You're not gonna work on the Doozers?" "No, Doc has that handled...I need some me time. Or us time...How was the bagel?" 

"Pretty good. I got you one, actually. As a thanks." 

"O-Oh, you didn't have to do that..." "Nah. I did. Take it, and let's go. I'm tired."

"Are you gonna come hang out with Mokey?" "Probably. We won't interrupt your date, though." "Thanks...Hey, even if you don't want to go see Marjory, you can always talk to me. I'm here for you." "I know. I really appreciate it."

Mokey was on the couch when her brother and girlfriend walked in. When she saw them, she leapt off the couch to go hug them.

"Oh, my sweet darlings! How did it go? Do you both feel ok?" "We're doing fine, Mokey. I'm gonna go call Wembley and see if he wants to hang out."

Mokey smiled at her girlfriend, and kissed her cheek.

"You had a good time?" "Yeah. I thought about you a lot." "Me?" "I kept thinking about how happy you make me...And it made me want to open up more..." "Oh! Oh, honey..."

"I love you." "I love you too!" "You wanna go for a walk and talk?" "That sounds lovely. What would you like to talk about?"

Red slipped an arm around her girlfriend's waist.

"You." 

Chapter Text

"Up. Up. Up...stop!"

Brio stopped pulling the rope controlling the set. Red rolled a chair under it, and popped her Fraggle into the view of the camera Pogey was holding.

"How are we looking?"

"Uhhh..."

Pogey raised the tri-pod down a little.

"Good, I think!" "You think? Take my spot, let me see."

Red handed Pogey her Fraggle, and took a peek into the camera.

"Hm. Well, it's as good as we're gonna get." "I think it looks just perfect, Red-bean."

"Thanks, Jam...Hey, you're tall. Do you think that's a good height?"

"Things ain't set in stone, hon. It doesn't have to be perfect now. We can make it perfect later."

Red smushed her lips together.

"Ok, I usually love it when you talk in riddles, but that didn't answer my question." "Yes it did. Just think about it." "I...I might kill you." "That ain't fun. I'll give you space. If you need me, I'll be outside."

"I'll call you if I need you...Thanks."

"Anytime."

~~~~

"Up. Down. Left. Right."

The mechanism squeaked as Cotterpin moved her hand inside of it. The little green creature with a big head of brown hair moved at the same time, forwards and backwards, mouth opening and closing.

"She's so cute. I love her."

"She is very cute... We'll have to make more at some point...Doc, do you think you can replicate the skeleton?" "Yeah, totally!" Might take a few tweaks, though...This one's a little rigid."

"She'll do for now. I don't want to overwork you..." "Overwork us? Boober, don't worry about stuff like that. C'mon, what do you need us to do next?"

"...Um... Actually, I was hoping Wembley could help me with this next thing. Do you know where he is?" "Nah. But just call his name. He'll come running like a lost puppy."

"W-What?" "Dude, you haven't noticed? Try it. Call his name."

"...o-ok...? Uh...Wemb! Wemb, c'mere for a sec!"

Within five seconds, Wembley was clinging to Boober's side, looking down at him with big, happy eyes.

"Yes, my love?" "Can I get you to hold still for me? I need to measure you."

"M-Measure me?" "I'd like to use you as my base for the Gorg suits...I think you're the perfect height." "Aww...Are you sure it's not because you wanna hang out?" "Well, that too."

"Hehe! I'll go get your sewing kit!"

Cotterpin raised an eyebrow.

"Do you want us to leave?"
"U-Um...Well, you...you can, if you want..." "We will. Have fun, lovebirds."

"...thanks."

~~~~~~

"Work your cares away..." "Dancing's for another day?" "Ooh, I like that one. Hey, after that, I want a sequence where we all say our names. Do you think you could write a tempo that fits all of them in like...less than five seconds?"

"Sure! Let me see...May I?" 

Gobo handed Mokey his guitar.

"Less than five seconds, hm? We'll start with you...and end with Red. We'll put Wembley in the middle...and me and Boober second and fourth. You, me, Wembley, Boober, Red."

Mokey hummed a quick tune and strummed the strings to the melody.

"You think you can make it work?" "Well, I'm no songwriter..." "But you're a poet." "True, but..." "C'mon, Mokes! You put your trust in me! I'm putting my trust in you! We can do this together!"

"Thank you...It feels nice to hear that...So after our names, the first verse repeats again?" "Yup. And I want somebody at the end to repeat 'Down At Fraggle Rock' before the final note drops. Probably Boober, I think it would be cute."

"It would be adorable! But maybe we could switch out the character, occasionally?" "...Eh? We'll see. Maybe, maybe not. Hey, you remember Go with the Flow?" "Of course I do!"

"I asked Brio to record a cover with the Minstrels. Wanna take a listen, and see if we like it?" "I'd love to!"

Gobo popped the CD into the old player on the table. So old, the music immediately began to crackle when it started.

But after some fiddling with the volume knobs, it calmed down, and the music played like normal. Gobo listened to it like a normal person, while Mokey took in-depth notes, writing down the lyrics and annotating her thoughts.

"Well? What do you think?"

"It's interesting! Much jazzier than the original." "I told her to go nuts with it. Do you like it?" "Of course! But I think I like the original better." "Really? Hm." "But don't let me make the final decision! That's your job, love!"

She booped his nose, and he smacked her hand away.

"Alright, alright. You're such a mom." "Hehe! I take that as a compliment ~!"

The door to the room creaked open.

"Hey, guys?" "Hey Pogey." "We're gonna start wrapping up...Boober and Red already left for work." "Work? Wait, what time-Oh my goodness, it's five thirty!" "It is!? Geez, we should probably head home, eh?" "Smart. I'll talk to you two tomorrow, darlings!" 

Mokey gathered up her belongings and swiftly left, heading upstairs and tossing her bag onto the couch.

She sighed, and popped an Ibuprofen into her mouth. She didn't even realize how much her arms hurt until now.

Her hair looked messy, and her roots were beginning to show.

"I'll have to dye it again..." She mumbled to herself. 

As she stared at her reflection, her eyes began to glaze over, and she began to slowly slump forward.

Luckily, the ringing of her phone snapped her awake right before her head hit the mirror.

"Ahem...Yes? Hello, who is this?" 

"...It's me."

Mokey yelped and dropped her phone, throwing it into the half-full laundry basket next to the shower.

"Hello? Hello!? Mikaela!? Answer me! Answer me, right now!"

She gripped the bathroom counter, and slid down to the floor, her face suddenly feeling empty and cold.

Her hands trembled, as if she was worried her phone would hurt her if she touched it.

She was quick in her movements, grabbing her phone and hanging up. Her fingers shook, and she called her brother.

~~~~~~

"You look beautiful."

"You say that every night..." "And every night I mean it! I'm serious, honey! You're stunning!"

"Thank you, Wemb. I've got a special song, tonight...One just for you. Will you stay for it?" "Of course I will! What song is it?"

"Somethin' stupid..." "Oh, I'm sure it's great song, sweetie! What is it?" "...Wemb, that's the name."

"...Oh! Hehe..." "I think you'll like it. I mean, I...I hope you will. It might be my last show..." "Last show? Why?"

"I'm thinking of quitting."

"Quitting!?" "I-I mean... I'm conflicted. I'm 'wembling' some could say."

Wembley hid a giggle.

"Hehe...Go on?"

"I love to dress up and perform. It really helps me express myself. But the hours are really taking a toll on me. And now that I'm taking Fraggle Rock more seriously, I'm realizing that I can do more than just serve drinks night after night."

"Well, I would support either choice! It's your life, honey!" 

"...thanks, sweetie. I'll...I'll think about it a little more." "Take all the time you need! Mwwwwwah!"

Wembley pressed an exaggerated kiss to Mystique's cheek.

"I love you!" "Love you too...Oh, hold on. My phone is ringing. Hello? Mokey?"

Silence.

"Mokey? Are you ok?"

"He...he found me...Boober, he found me..."

"What? Mokey, I can't hear you. Are you ok?"

"Dad! He found me-US! He found us!" "W-What!? How!?" "I don't know! I-!"

The call abruptly ended.

Boober almost dropped his phone.

"Sweetie? Are you ok?"

"We have to go." "Go? B-But your performance!" "Mokey matters more! We have to go!"

Boober didn't even bother changing before running out of the building. Wembley followed close behind, and started the car without asking anymore questions. He didn't need to. He understood.

When they entered the building, Boober didn't even bother climbing the stairs. He ran straight for the elevator.

"This will be faster! Hurry!"

Mokey screamed into her pillow, sobbing, and gagging on her own agony.

The world seemed like a mess of colours and blobs that burned her eyes the more she tried to look.

Her fingers dug into her mattress, her nails threatening to tear the cheap fabric into shreds.

"Mokey?"

She couldn't bear to look at him. The idea of her poor, darling baby brother, seeing her like this made her want to crumble to ash.

"Mokey...Mokey, look at me." 

"...no." 

A hand began to gently rub her back.

"Look at me, Mokey...please."

It felt like there was a weight on her back, forcing her head down.

"I...I can't..." "Why not?" "I'm so ashamed..." "Ashamed? Oh, Mokes. You've got no reason for that." "I know..." "But I suppose it's been so long...we haven't heard from him in nearly two years. It bet it scared you..."

"Yes...Oh, Boober...What if he comes looking for us? We aren't prepared for that...aren't you scared?"

"Terrified..."

Mokey pulled herself closer to her brother. Her makeup was streaming down her face, staining her clothing.

"He could hurt us...He could hurt us more..." "I know. Keep going, tell me more."

"I don't even know how he found us..." "He may have called somebody in the school. They aren't allowed to give our info, but if he called the right person, and used the right language...he could probably get his way."

Her grip on his sweater tightened.

"I don't even want to think about it anymore...Boober...will you help me forget?"

"Don't forget. Forgetting just makes the bad memories sting more. I'll sing that lullaby you used to sing to me. So we can think about the good memories."

"Oh Boober, you don't-!" "Shhh...Just lay down, ok?"

"...I raised you well, sweetie..."

Boober hummed, and held his sister closer.

"Sometimes when I'm dreaming, of a special secret place I love inside of me...hiding me....Then I get the feeling, there's a different me appearing, and it's time to be...more than me."

Chapter Text

"Sorry that happened, babe..."

Red gently rubbed her girlfriend's shoulders.

"...it's alright...I just have to think logically...He can't get to me. I can just...call the police. On my own father."

"That sounds awesome." "To you, maybe..." "C'mon, Mokes! He's a piece of human trash, he deserves to rot." "Maybe so, but the guilt would eat me alive..." "Wouldn't you feel more guilty, knowing that the man who did that to your brother is on the loose?"

She pointed to Boober, who was hunched over his sewing machine, wearing his glasses and a headband. His scars were on full display.

"...That monster deserves hell." "Atta girl. C'mon, we've gotta get to work. You want a coffee?" "Tea would be nice." "I'll get you some." "Thank you, dear..."

~~~~~

"...Gobo."

"Oh! Hey, Boober! What's up?"

"...I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise? Oh boy, this'll be fun. Show me."

Boober slowly raised the puppet on his hand.

"...Is that Uncle Matt?" "I needed practice for something and figured he might be a fun character."

"Well...Yeah, I guess so. But how would we use him? We don't have anyone who can do that voice..."

"Wrong."

Gobo raised an eyebrow.

"P-Pardon me...? What did you just say?"

"Need not worry, Gobo! I can do it!"

"Stop. Stop it right now. That's terrifying."

"No."

Boober smiled like a little gremlin.

"Does this scare you?"

"The fact that you can somehow of a perfect impression of my uncle!? Yes, it's terrifying! ...Have you show Wembley?"

"Hehe! Not yet!" "Let's go. Hurry, he'll love it."

~~~~~

Doc fidgeted with the mic on her forehead.

"Is it on right?"
"It feels weird. But yeah."

Cotterpin chucked.
"They do feel weird...Alright, get in position. I'll start the camera."

Sprocket parked and jumped out of Pogey's lap, heading straight for his bed.

"Well, someone's excited to start!" "You better have that same attitude. Let's hope we can get this done by the end of the day...Ready?"

"Ready!"

"Good. Aaand... Action!"

The Doc segments were significantly less awkward now that she had somebody other than herself to talk to. And Sprocket was a great scene partner.

Thanks to knocking a small hole in the wall, Gobo could easily slip into the crawl space and puppeteer his Fraggle through the hole in the wall.

Cotterpin laughed from behind the camera.

"Whoops. Cut, we'll have to do that again."

"Dammit, Cotter!" "Hey, this is why recording is a good thing! You look stupid, stickin' outta there! I'm allowed to laugh! Alright, start with picking up the package again. Action!"

________

"Gobo Fraggle? Do we know a Gobo Fraggle?"

Sprocket barked.

"Maybe I'm Gobo...I had a grandma who called me Gobo! Wait no, she called me Yo-Yo...Hm."

Doc dumped the package in the trash.

Gobo Fraggle, a curious little explorer, poked his head out of a hole in the wall.

"There it is...the package from my Uncle Traveling Matt..." He said, to nobody in particular.

Using a path that Cotterpin made by prying out a few floorboards, (Almost bursting a pipe in the process...) Gobo passed through the room, grabbing the package from the trash can, using magnets in his fraggle's hands.

Sprocket leapt out of bed, and chased him back into the hole, barking.

Gobo dashed back to Fraggle Rock, constructed out of Cotterpin's set pieces all strapped to the ceiling of the club room.

As he entered the entrance set, he crashed into his sibling, who tumbled to the ground.

"G-Gobo! Did the hairy beast get you!?" "No, but it got close...He's way scarier up close! And he smells." "Aw, gee...Well, you're safe and sound, and you've got your package! So that means we can head-!"

Wembley turned around, smacking his face on a pipe.

"Ueugh...ho-home..."

"Are you ok?" "Y-Yup! Ow, that hurt..." "Boober will get you an moss pack. Let's hurry home." "O-Ok!"

Back at the great hall, Boober worriedly paced back and forth, mumbling under his breath.

"Darling, are you alright?" Mokey asked, looking up from her notepad.

"I-I'm worried about Gobo and Wembley! Outer Space could be dangerous, they could be dead!"

"Oh, love. I promise you, our friends are perfectly fine! Just focus on the positives, ok?" "I-I'm not good at the positives! My poor partner, dead in a ditch, and it's my fault for not telling him to stay behind!"

He sobbed.

"We're home!"

He stopped sobbing.

"Wembley!"

He turned and ran into Wembley's arms.
"Are you ok!? Injured!? Sick!?"

"I, uh...I wacked my head." "I-I'll get you a moss pack! Quickly!"

He dragged his partner to the medicine cabinet, and placed a slab of cold moss on his head.

"There...Better?" "Much!"

Gobo chuckled as he watched them run off, and held up his package.

"Wanna see what's in the box while we wait for them?"

Red stood up and dusted off her sweater.

"No." She not-so-politely announced before attempting to leave.
Before she could get too far, however, Mokey grabbed her sleeve.
"Now, Red. Stay and listen, don't you want to learn more about Outer Space?" "No."

Mokey put her free hand on her hip, and gave a stern look. Red grumbled.

"Fine..." "Lovely!"

Boober and Wembley returned to the group, holding hands. Not on purpose. Their magnets were stuck together.

"What was in the box?"

"Well, let's see!"

Gobo struggled to open the paper envelope with his puppety little hands. Once it was finally open, he reached inside and pulled out a very smashed pinecone.

The Fraggles all stared, extremely confused about what they were looking at.

"...What...is it?" "Uhh...I dunno? Let me read my postcard."

Red groaned. "Let's just get this over with..."

"Dear Nephew Gobo! Today, as I was walking around Outer Space..."

The shot suddenly transitioned to a shot of a grassy part of the University campus, with the Matt puppet waddling around.

A few students could be seen staring, but they kept their distance.

"Today, as I was walking around Outer Space, I encountered a group of Tall Creatures doing something very strange."

He walked up to a pine tree, which dropped a pinecone to the ground. In reality, it was just Wembley up in the tree dropping it.

Matt picked it up, and inspected it, before looking up at the tree and saying thank you.

"It seems that the Tall Creatures give gifts to those brave enough to approach them! I didn't see any Silly Creatures carrying them, so I decided to gift some of the Tall Creature gifts to the Silly Creatures walking around!"

Matt walked around the campus, handing pinecones to 'random' students (Mokey, Pogey and Brio) around campus, before wandering off without an explanation.

"I hope that this special artifact will inspire bravery in you and all of your friends!"

The shot faded back to the great hall.

"Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt."

Wembley took the pinecone and inspected it.

"It hurts to hold!"

Red took it from him, and inspected it. "Reminds me of a Rock Hockey puck!"

Gobo grabbed his artifact back.

"You're not playing Rock Hockey with my treasure, Red!" "Oh, I wasn't going to! Calm your baloobius!" "Well, I don't like you joking about it!" "You're such a baby!"

They frowned at each other.

Boober sighed. "Not even lunch time, and they're already fighting..."

"I am not a baby, Red! You know, you can be a real jerk sometimes!"

Gobo turned around and walked away before Red could say anything. But that didn't stop her from getting the last word in.

"A jerk!? Oh, how dare you!"

Mokey frowned as she watched her friend walk away.

"Red, that wasn't very nice...You should apologize." "Oh, why should I!? He's the jerk around here! I was joking, and he knows it!"

"Well, some jokes aren't funny to some people...Gobo loves his artifacts, and he likes to keep them safe..." "Well, I'm not apologizing!"

Boober and Wembley looked at each other and slowly backed out of the scene. Mokey sighed and slowly blinked, showing off her eye mech.

They shot cut to black, and faded back in on Doc, who was struggling with something on her laptop.

"I dunno, Sprocky...How am I going to get my energy usage down if I need to do my school work? It's not like I have a library I can walk to..."

Sprocket barked.

"Ok, well that's not an option."

He whined.

"Maybe I can...I dunno, turn the power off at night? This place is pretty old, I can probably find a way to manage it..."

She walked over to a fake circuit breaker that Cotterpin has built over the light switch, and flicked the 'power' off.

"I guess we'll just have to make do, Sprocket."

Back in Fraggle Rock, Mokey and Red journeyed through the tunnels of Fraggle Rock, holding hands. Mokey hummed a lullaby, while Red trudged behind her, dragging her feet. Presumably. You couldn't see them.

They passed by a large structure of glue sticks melted together into hexagons. On top, holding a teeny tiny clipboard, was a little, green Doozer.

"Good morning, Cotterpin!" "Mokey. Red. Sorry, this one isn't quite ready for eating yet."

"It's very impressive, I must say!" "Just you wait, it'll be the best Doozer tower you'll ever see! And then all the Doozers will see my vision for hexagons! ...So, what are you two doing?"

"Just going for a stroll!"

"Hm. Well, I'd much rather be working..." "We'll leave you too it! Good luck!"

"Have fun doing...fun stuff, I guess. Bye."

The girls waved goodbye, and continued their journey.

They walked up to an entrance (A heavily decorated cellar door) leading into a beautiful garden (Doc's backyard).

"I know exactly what will solve your little riff! We're going to see the Trash Heap!"

Red groaned.

"I don't need to see the Trash Heap." "Now, Red. I think we really need some wisdom right about now. Hurry, if we don't want to get caught by the Gorgs!"

The 'Gorgs', in reality, was just Wembley in the big stupid suit that Boober made. It looked ridiculous, but had a silly charm to it.

Using forced perspective and other camera tricks, the suit looked massive, but in reality, was only about six feet.

Wembley couldn't do much, thanks to a lack of hearing and vision, or a microphone while wearing the head, but the presence of a seemingly dangerous monster added enough to the atmosphere.

The Fraggles turned into a corner, where a large, flat mass of fabric covered in dead leaves was sitting.

"Madame Heap? Madame Heap, can you hear me?"

The mass began to move and rise up. Inside, was Pogey, controlling the right hand and the stick holding the puppet upright, and Gobo, controlling the left hand, mouth, and voice.

"Hello, young Fraggles..."
The Trash Heap yawned, and lifted a pair of hot pink cat eye frames to her face, just like the ones Marjory wore. "What seems to be your situation today?"

From behind the camera, Doc leaned over to Boober.
"Why are you representing her with...A Trash Heap?" "It's what she calls her office. It's a mess." "...huh."

Mokey placed her hands on Red's shoulders.

"Red's having a little bit of trouble apologizing."

"Aaah, I see. Well, let me see what I can do about it...Yellow Fraggle, let me say this to you; Sometimes, things happen too late."

Red and Mokey both looked at each other, extremely confused.

"U-Um...thank you madame Heap, but...what exactly does that mean?"

"The Trash Heap has spoken, girls. Goodbye..."

The puppet flattened again, leaving Mokey and Red confused.

"Mokey...What did that mean?"

"I'm not sure, dear...I suppose it means you should apologize before it's too late, and you see Gobo again."

"...fine. Let's go see him..." "Lovely! Hurry, before the Gorgs see us!"

The shot faded to a large room full of random human artifacts on rock pedestals. In universe, gifts from Matt. In reality, Doc just brought down junk from around the house.

Gobo was busy dusting some of the artifacts, making sure they were all clean. At least, as clean as pinecones and old wads of gum could be.

"Hey. Gobo."

He yelped in fear.

"AH! Red!"

"Hey. Can we talk?" "About what? Are you gonna be a jerk again?"

"...no. I wanted to say sorry..."

"Pardon?" "I wanted to say sorry! Is that so hard to believe!?" "No, not really. I guess I'm sorry too." "No, you shouldn't be! I said something mean, and I should be sorry for it! I just...I didn't want to lose you as a friend over something stupid!"

"Aww, Red..." He put a hand on her shoulder. "You'd never lose me over somethin' stupid. We're both too stubborn to let that happen."

"Hehehe. Yeah, probably. So, um...what...wanna go race, or something?"

Gobo just stared at her.

"Hello?"

And he took off running.

"HEY! Oh, you jerk!"

The camera faded again, fading back in on Doc, leaning over sheets of paper at her desk.

"See, Sprocket? It's not that bad! I can get all my work done the old fashioned way! And now that nothing is running, it's way more quiet!"

A loud bang came from the other side of the wall, made by Jamdolin throwing an apple at the wall from outside.