Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Despite his appearance, Misha was actually very good at singing, funny, and passionate. Ocean got into her thoughts while walking to choir practice with Misha. They had just became friends and his way of getting into choir was less than ideal, but they were still connecting.

He came to the choir because a teacher told him he needed a club and took pity on Ocean. Either way, she was glad he was here. Lately, she’s been attached- no, not attached that makes it sound like she had a crush on him- she’s been with him a lot because they’re bonding well. They walk into the choir room and it looks like nobody else is there. Typical. Ocean is usually the only one on time, although occasionally Constance comes along. I guess her time is also flawed because she comes 15 minutes early. Anyway, it’s just Misha and her, so might as well do some homework. She’ll take all the time she can. She takes out her trigonometry papers as fast as it gets taken away.

“OCEAN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Why do boring maths when the bad-egg is here?”

“MISHA! It is imperative I finish that! Give it back!” She hollered as Misha dangled her packet over Ocean’s head while she made a desperate attempt to grab it back.

“Pshhh imterapive… what does that even mean?” Misha muttered with a thick Ukrainian accent. The way he said it almost made it seem like he wanted to hang out with her and wanted her attention. It’s probably nothing; she’s just reading too far into it.

“Imperative means it’s important that I do it so please lower your hand.” She mustered in her most polite (yet sarcastic and bratty) voice.

“Oh yeah, so ‘imperative’ to finish work due in two weeks because you finish all of this week’s work.” Misha mocked her. “Also if you want it, just reach it, Strawberry SHORTcake”

“OK THAT’S IT YOU FOTHER MUCKER!” She drew the line at making fun of her height and gingerness. Although Ocean really shouldn’t curse. She jumped at him and held on his shoulders for support as she clawed for her trigonometry.  They stayed like that for a while, kind of play-fighting. But the overachiever’s mind was elsewhere. Was it uncomfortable for him for her to touch his shoulders? Was she stepping on his feet? Was he-

Her mind was abruptly cut off when he started tickling her.

“AH! Aghaughah-Im dying!” She fell into a trance of laughter and weird onomatopoeias. He showed no mercy and had a sadistic kind of smile watching her writhe. He poked her sides and for a second it felt like he put his arms on her waist. Nope, just her hallucinations; SNAP OUT OF IT OCEAN. She looked at him with a pleading look but to no avail he attacked her. Thankfully, he stopped eventually because of an interruption coming from the door of the music room.

“Are you guys going to stop flirting or can I join the room?” Noel said smugly, leaning against the doorframe.

“We aren’t flirting, but yes you can join us. Also how long were you standing there?” Ocean sounded kind of defensive but why? They weren’t flirting (but maybe she wanted them to)

“I was standing here long enough to know that you were definitely flirting~” Noel smirked at them as he entered the room fully and looked for his choir folder in his backpack.

Misha turned to Ocean and gave her the papers back, “Ignore Noel, he’s one to talk since he has a crush on the boy in his 3rd period Drama class.”

Noel looked up from his bag and yelled, “ I HEARD THAT MISHA!”

“AND I HEARD YOU TELLING HENRY THAT HE HAS NICE ARMS!” Misha retaliated with a smile. Ocean was snickering in the background at their antics. She knew that this would be a fun practice today if she can keep herself in check.

Chapter Text

Ocean’s heart is in her throat and beating furiously. First off, she has a test tomorrow and has only studied 10 minutes a day instead of her usual 25. Second, the reason why she hasn’t been studying as much is a certain rapper occupying her thoughts. Her feelings for him are so confusing! As much as he isn’t her usual type, isn’t very academically diligent, and just overall your average bad boy stereotype, he is sensitive and sincere. Does she have a cru-No, just focus on studying right now. She looks over to the clock on her desk, it’s 2:00am. Eh, she can study a little more before she sleeps. It’s not like she could sleep anyways with her parents being incompetent druggies downstairs. Ocean continues to study until she sees the clock hit 2:30 because that only gives her 3 hours till morning.

Ocean lays down on her bed, staring at the ceiling. It doesn’t take a long time before her eyes drift closed. There is an intense pain in her throat and she coughs into her hand ferociously. She feels something wet and looks down to find a blood-stained carnation flower. Frantically, Ocean looks around her vicinity to find something-or someone- to help her. A man in front of her has a blurred face but a familiar uniform. He looks at her with compassion and an outstretched hand. From the floor, on her knees, Ocean tries to take his hand with her non-bloody palm.

The nightmare then ends abruptly before she even knew she was dreaming. She wakes up in a cold sweat and holds her head in her hands, contemplating what the heck that whole debacle even meant?! The red head leaps from her bed and puts on her uniform from her closet. She gets ready as fast as possible so that she can research what this means. She knows it means something. It has to mean something. What do carnations mean? What does it mean if I dream of a blurry-faced man that is oddly familiar? She decides to text Constance. Constance knows a lot about dream meanings and underlying feelings. She’s also her best friend for life, so Ocean can definitely trust her with this.

Ocean:
Constance I need to ask you something

Connie <3:
Ofc bestie what is it

Ocean: I had a strange nightmare last night and I need help with its meaning because it’s killing me!

Ocean explains this weird phenomenon going on in her mind.

Connie <3:
Uhm… ocean sorry to break it to you but i think your subconscious is trying to tell you that you have a crush

Ocean:
You’ve got to be kidding me.

Connie<3:
Nope!^^ Carnations mean love and there is a correlation between your dream and an instance called hanahaki in fiction which means pining basically. Also many people report having dreams of a blurred character in their dreams when they long for romance. So Ocean, who’s the lucky guy?😏❤️

Ocean stares at the text, dumbfounded. There’s no way. Maybe it’s time she admits it could be him.

Ocean:
I have an idea of who but I’m not telling you just incase

Connie<3:
Okay fine nonchalant mystery girl, keep ur secrets but I’ll find out eventually! See u l8ter bestie!

Ocean puts her phone down and releases a confused and shaky exhale.
“WHAT IS GOING ON!” She yells to nobody in particular. She physically shakes off her nerves and decides she can’t let this get in the way of school. Speaking of, the bus should be here in about 10 minutes. She brushes her pin-straight hair and puts on her headband, making sure it’s in the perfect position.

She rushes out the door feeling nervous and stops dead in her tracks. Misha is on the bus and they usually sit next to each other.
“It’s fine, just act normal and not awkward at all.” She tells herself without her usual full confidence. She briskly walks into the bus and finds Mischa near the back with an empty seat waiting for her. She takes a deep breath and puts on her everyday confident smile. Ocean puts down her bag.

“Hey Misha! How are you doing today?”

“I’m doing good but what about you? You look like you haven’t slept!” Misha takes her in looking concerned.

“I’m fine, there’s nothing to worry about, Misha.” She replies with a weak smile that doesn’t meet her eyes.

“I don’t believe you. There’s still a long bus ride to school. Ocean, take a nap.”

“I’m okay. I don’t need a nap, I’m not a toddler!” She looks at him and despite her words, seems a tad childish.

“Here, you can even sleep on my shoulder as long as you get some rest.”
God, Misha’s going to end up giving this poor girl a heart attack. Ocean wordlessly retreats and with wide eyes, leans on his shoulder. She is so so weak when it comes to him. She flutters her eyelids closed.

Chapter Text

“Ahhhh perfect.” Ocean tells herself as she finishes decorating the living room. The choir is coming over for a halloween slumber party while her parents are at a festival. This weekend is for her to have fun because even though Ocean is a goody two shoes, the one person she isn’t willing to obey or ask permission from is her parents. The bats are hung, plastic pumpkins are out, and candy (real candy not drugs) are in the baskets; now all she has to do is sit and wait for the choir to show. Ocean is hoping that this sleepover will diffuse some tension within the friend group *cough cough* or reveal that Mischa isn’t as good as her mind makes him out to be. Even though that may be the case, she still wonders if it will be weird for them to sleep in the same room but nevertheless she persisted!
“Ding dong bitch!” Noel’s voice was muffled through the door but the tone was undeniably him. She opened the door to see Noel and Connie.

“Noel, you’re the only one who could call me a female dog and I’d know that’s you saying you love me.” Ocean ushered them in with a playful eye roll. They spent a few minutes getting situated and setting down their bags. Their 12 years of history together made it so easy for them to talk to. Moments like these remind Ocean that THIS is her family, chosen or not. The actual door bell rings and she opens the door to see Ricky and Penny wheeling in with Ricky holding a stuffed cat and Penny’s green braces shining with her and Ricky’s smile.

“I only brought him so that I could put my bags on the back of his wheelchair.” Penny joked while he swatted her arm and typed on his AAC device

“Yeah and I only brought you to push me and my cats around.” He then made a hand motion as if he were a king ordering his servant’s around. Everyone laughed and ate some snacks while they waited for Mischa. Before Ocean would begin to spiral, the doorbell rang. Ocean had told everyone to just come in their pajamas (and try to be a little festive) and everyone delivered. Noel wore a Jennifer’s body shirt, Constance had a sweater with snoopy as a witch on it and some Halloween kandi for her and everyone, Ricky wore a purple shirt with black cats on it, and Penny had a nightgown that everyone jokes that it looks like something a haunted victorian doll would wear. Ocean had a matching set with spiderwebs on it and she thought everyone ,especially her, had cute pajamas. But when she opened the door for Mischa, she couldn’t lie even if it was a tad sinful, he was hot. He had a tight white tank top,some fuzzy pj pants with little pumpkins on it, and messy hazelnut hair usually hidden under a backwards hat.
Even though she was taken aback she managed to mutter,

“Hi Misha…just come sit down.” Once everyone was comfy, she stood tall in front of her living room and started a short speech.

“Penelope, Richard, Noel, Constance, and Misha,” She started getting a couple of giggles from the formality. “We are gathered here today by the ghosts that haunt this very house who have decided that tonight we must watch a movie, play truth or dare, have fun, and be responsible with our play. If we disobey the rules placed for us, the ghouls might follow you home in your cars. Yes, Penny, just like the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland.” Everyone beamed with excitement and cheered as Ocean turned on the TV and asked everyone what to watch. They ultimately decided on The Great Pumpkin first, and then a scary movie to even it out. To kick it off, they did truth or dare with The Great Pumpkin in the background.

“Constance, have you ever kissed a girl?” Noel had a thought that Constance may or may not be a girl-kisser.

“Well… yes, I’m kind of attracted to girls but I’m still figuring it out.”

“Oh girl, don’t worry, my mom knew I was gay before I did!” Noel scoffed with a certain expression that had compassion behind all the eyeliner.

“Ok, uhmmm… Ocean! Truth or dare!”Constance piped up.
“Truth, I’ve got nothing to hide.” The nerd said all high and mighty, unknowing that this queen will fall.

“Sorry if this is too direct or private but who is the guy who gave you carnations if you know what I mean~”
Uh oh.
Dear Constance is oblivious to how crazy that question is.

“Who gave you carnations?” Misha asked concerned and curious. Ocean knew that if she didn’t answer these questions, they would be suspicious that it’s one of them (which it is). But also lying would go against her religions! Ultimately, she decided to say a partial truth.

“Uhm… it’s this guy in my class that I see in the halls sometimes!” As long as they don’t ask his name, she’s safe.

“What’s his name?” Ricky asked.
Frick.

“Uh I’m pretty sure you know him so for my privacy, no.” She defended all her walls.

“That’s ok, at least we know he goes to our school and one of us knows him!” Penny gathered. They continued to play and Ocean tried to forget that entire part so she could focus on having fun with her friends.

Constance was suspicious. She was determined to find out who Ocean has a crush on. She went through her internal yearbook. The group was still as they were watching some horror movie and Constance noticed a huge clue that she couldn’t unsee. Ocean had that childish timidity in her eyes that she knew so well. But that wasn’t it, it was who she decided to find comfort in. Her red hair covered most of her face and she instinctively latched onto… omg. MISHA? Omgee Ocean likes Misha! Constance internally freaked out but HAD to figure out if he liked her back obviously. Ocean had retreated from him, probably of embarrassment, but Misha… he had this look of kindness? Misha says Ukrainian men only feel anger or passion, yet this felt like a softer version of passion, almost… LOVE! That’s it! They love each other! Oh dear! They love each other and Connie is the first to know! Wow, this is crazy. This would explain why Misha was sooo curious about who Ocean was dreaming about. Which was him to be fair. Constance was pleased with how quick it took her to figure out and smiled to herself.

At around 2:15, everyone was getting pretty tired so they decided to wind down and get sleeping arrangements down. Most of them had brought some sort of sleeping bag and pillow but Misha didn’t because his “parents” didn’t really know nor care and he didn’t care to look for anything. Because of this fact, Constance decided to play a little game of matchmaker. It’s only for their sake after all.

“Hey Ocean, how bout you share a blanket with Misha since he doesn’t have one?” Ocean was mortified. Constance gave her an all-too-well knowing wink.

“Uhm… you know what? Misha, you can just have my blanket!” She thought she was being sly but sadly the two are both stubborn.

“But you will be cold during the night? Keep the blanket.”

“Misha, you are only in a tank top. Take the blanket. I’ll be fine!” Ocean would not give up that easily.

“Ocean, do we really want a repeat of what happened on the bus? Y’know, where you were incredibly tired?” Neither would Misha.

“Do you guys know what’s happening?” Penny didn’t know what’s going on.

“I have no idea but I think I can settle this.” Ricky’s device monotoned, “I agree with Connie, you guys should just share the blanket.” It’s too bad that both of them weren’t stubborn enough to not listen to their friends. Everybody got comfy on the couches and blow-up mattress. Constance would usually be by Ocean but she gave her and her soon-to-be lover~ some space. She and Noel sat on the first couch, in front of the tv. Ricky and Penny slept on the mattress with a million cat plushies. And of course, Ocean and Misha on the couch to the left. After a couple minutes of whispers and rustling, most everyone was fast asleep. Most everyone but Ocean. Even with her half of the blanket, she was as frigid as a… well, refrigerator. She stared at the ceiling as the room filled with soft snores and something in the walls creaking. She looked over to Misha who was mumbling something Ukrainian in his sleep but at the end she heard an affectionate “Ocean~” as he rolled over and held her close to his chest. She mouthed a silent “Oh my gosh” to herself and honestly? She didn’t know what to do. She has been pining and longing for Misha for a while now and he practically cuddled up to her, is purring sweet nothings into her ginger hair, and they are sharing a blanket. Does she let herself enjoy this? Is he talking about another Ocean? Or does he… no. No way, because she is just an overly optimistic nerd and he is just amazing. Ah, what the heck. She hugs around his ribs like she’s guarding his heart with hers. She feels his heart in her chest like it’s her own to the point she can’t tell the difference. Safe to say, they had an amazing sleep. It’s also safe to say that the choir was pretty shocked to see them in that position (other than Constance and Noel kind of guessed it)