May be incomplete, sourced from the latest web archive (March 29th, 2016) of the pastebin version (W95D8fhQ), which is now private.

Not made by me, obviously.

Update: newer version found on ponebin by a kind anon on the moondancer thread, same ID as pastebin ver.

>You're snapped out of your daydream by the harsh screech of the final bell.
>3:10
>You glance down at your history notebook and realize that you hadn't written anything down for the last half hour.
>Mentally slapping yourself, you close it and decide to yourself that you'll just read the chapter when you get home.
>The teacher usually just read out of the textbook anyway.
>As you're packing away your book, you cast a sidelong glance at the reason for your space-out.
>Just to your left, Moondancer was gathering her notes and placing them in her bag.
>You feel your face get warm, and your mouth become dry as you gaze at her.
>She turns to you, noticing that you're looking at her, and smiles.
>"Yes, Anon?"
>You slightly shake yourself out of your trance and muster up a response.
"Oh! Uhm, Nothing. I-I was just going to ask if you had plans this weekend? I heard the bookstore got the new Calradian Crusades deck."
>Ever since you met her in middle school, you've been head over heels in spaghetti-induced love with her.
>When your family moved from Californeigha, you were extremely hesitant, to put it quite mildly.
>Suddenly uprooted from all your friends and thrown all the way across the country into Manehattan.
>You felt so out of place.
>Alone.
>Unable to push yourself into many of the well-established group of friends, you found solace in the library.
>There, you met people more of your caliber, who shared similar interests with you.
>To put it more bluntly, they were a bunch of nerds.
>Forgoing the typical interest in cars, sports, and the such, you and the group bonded over your interests in video games, books, and movies
>Every brunch and lunch was spent in the library, playing Calradian Crusade and making wisecracks about current events.
>Everyone became a good friend to you.
>But you grew the closest to Moondancer
>Her expression changes to pure joy.
>"REALLY?!?"
>She clamps her hands to her mouth, realizing that some students are looking at her.
>Even the teacher is staring at her.
>Her face turns a brighter shade of red than her hair.
>You place a hand over your mouth in an attempt to suppress a laugh.
>Moondancer furrows her brow and pushes you in mock anger.
>"It's not funny.."
>She crosses her arms and makes a pout a kindergartner would envy.
>This only makes your attempt at concealing your laughter even harder.
>You turn your head away in an effort to conceal your laughter, as you feel your ability to keep it in wearing down.
>This only annoys Moondancer more, as she continues packing her stuff with a huff.
>Gathering your fortitude, you turn back to her with a smile.
"Yeah really."
>She looks up at you in mild irritation as your response sends you into a small fit of giggles.
>With another huff, Moondancer slings her bag on her shoulder and makes for the door.
>"Maybe I'll just get it myself, then."
>You stop mid laugh and pull your backpack onto your back and follow her out into the hall.
>You catch up to her as the both of you make your way through the throng of students eager to leave for the weekend.
"You'll need me to get it though."
>Her gait doesn't skip a beat, her attention focused on the living maze in the hallway.
>"Oh yeah? And why's that?"
>You push past the sentient cotton candy who's name escapes you pulling muffins and cupcakes out of her locker.
"Because I passed by there this morning on the way to school. There was a huge line there. At least 40 people."
>"They can't all be there for the cards."
"I can guarantee you they are all there for the deck."
>You notice that doubt is forming across her face.
>You lean over and say in a slightly singsong voice.
"But since I know someone who works there, I could get it for you before they start selling it."
>She turns to you, and you can swear you saw a twinkle in her eyes.
>"Really? Youare able to do that? And for me?
>God she looks so cute.
>You bring yourself back to reality before your thoughts get any more perverse.
"Of course I can. What else are friends for?"
>A smile bursts onto her face, threatening to tear her face in half.
>"ohmigoshthankyousomuchwhatwouldidowithoutyou!"
>You chuckle at her energetic outburst.
"Probably be forced to wait in line with 30-something year old disappointments only to find out that the deck is sold out?"
>She giggles at your response as the both of you reach the exit to the outside world
>You push the door open so you and Moondancer can escape, and are greeted by the blinding light of the afternoon sun peeking out through some clouds.
>The two of you shield your eyes as you walk out in search of your car.
>You spot your dull gray car, and motion Moondancer to follow you.
"Cmon, Moon! I'll take you home after we get it."
>She smiles warmly in response and follows you to your car, clutching her bag anxiously.
>You two walk past a bunch of athletes engaging in what you assume is banter about the soon to be homecoming game.
>Not wanting to catch the attention of them ,you put yourself in between them and Moondancer, walking as calmly as possible.
>The two of you pass by without any incident as you make it to your car.
>You unlock your car and motion for her take shotgun as you take your position behind what you like to call the helm.
>Moondancer takes her seat and places her bag between her legs.
>Her beautiful, smooth legs.
>Legs that lead up to gorgeously shaped thighs and...
>Focus, anon.
>Your parents would be pissed if you got distracted while driving.
>You've been a good driver for this long, no need for an accident now.
>Turning the ignition, you feel your car roar to life.
>You plug your phone in and select a song from your extensive playlist.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQCmS3ZO6R8 [Embed]
>You pull out of your spot slowly, taking care to avoid the neighboring cars and a lamppost.
>Great success.
>You shift your car into drive and make your way through the rows of cars in a half-rushed effort to make your way out to the streets before other students get in front of you.
>You can go off of experience to say that if you aren't the first one out of the lot, you're usually stuck in there for another 10 minutes.
>With everyone else trying to get home as well, the rush would clog up the lot and the streets, making it nearly impossible to get out.
>You carefully navigate through the last row of haphazardly parked cars and see the exit.
>Scanning the area around the exit and seeing no cars you push the gas down and make a break for the exit.
>You feel a sigh of relief escape your lips as you reach the main street.
>You look both ways, making sure that your turn is clear.
>Seeing that the light to the left was red, you're satisfied that you're clear and pull out.
>Feeling a small euphoric rush, you think to yourself how smooth that was.
>You rarely got out that easily, if at all.
>Passing by the front of the school, you're reminded of the reason why.
>A large banner out front read "PONYVILLE HIGH PROM THIS SATURDAY".
>Everyone must volunteering to set things up or something.
>You take some pride in never having gone to any of the Homecoming games or dances.
>Sports never interested you.
>And you were never the best dancer.
>You also make a slightly sad note that you don't own any clothes more formal than some button down shirts.
>Moondancers catches your attention, her voice filled with eagerness as she begins to fantasize about the new expansion.
>"Oh my gosh Anon, you have no idea how excited I am to get this new deck! I can't wait to finally be able to counter Test Tube and his cursed..."
>You feel your attention drift off as you enjoy the sound of Moondancer's soft voice.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE [Embed]
>Her voice makes you feel warm and comfortable.
>You lean back in your chair a little as you enjoy the sheer pleasure of Moondancer simply being around you.
>Whenever you've had a bad day, Moondancer was always the one that you went to help forget about your struggles.
>And she would in turn seek you out whenever she was having difficulties.
>From parents to schoolwork, you've always had each others back since middle school.
>Your thoughts once again turn back to your feelings for her.
>Every single day you've wanted to tell her how you truly feel.
>Only for you to spaghetti out of it and tell yourself that tomorrow will be another day.
>At the end of the day you would sit in your room, left with nothing more than empty fantasies and a damp pile of tissues.
>You bury your sadness under excuses.
>She sees you as a friend.
>She probably likes that Norman guy you've seen her talk to once.
>She could do so much better than you.
>Each thought deepens your self-induced depression.
>"Anon? Hellllloooooooo, Anon? Romulus to Anon?"
"H-huh? What?"
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq8YcRi7DD4 [Embed]
>"I asked if you were going to get the deck as well."
>You had actually forgotten why you were driving in the first place.
"Oh! Ye-uhm..Not really. Maybe if there's enough left in stock.
>You rub the back of your head nervously.
"I mean I said I was gonna get one just 4u"
>"R-really? You'd let me have the Sultanate of the Sand?"
"Of course! I still have fun with my Nordic Fury deck,anyway. "
>She shuffles in her seat uncomfortably, a blush forming on her cheeks as she looks down at her feet.
>"Are you sure? I could let you borrow it when you want and..."
"Moondancer."
>She looks back towards you.
"Moony, it's fine. It's all yours."
>She smiles warmly and turns back to face the road, muttering something under her breath.
>"...go...me."
"Hmm?"
>Her head snaps back to look at you, her eyes filled with shock.
>"Wh--w-what?"
>She must not have thought you were going to hear that.
"Did...you say something?"
>[Blushing intensifies]
>She starts twirling a section of hair in her finger, avoiding eye contact with you.
>"I-uhm-I-I-I s-s-said..Th-Thanks! Yea...Thanks..."
>She quickly looks away from you, out the window, to the floor.
>She looks everywhere except back towards you.
"Uuuuh...No problem?"
>You both sit in silence as you approach the bookstore.
>"Holy fuck..."
>Moondancer turns to see what elicited such a reaction from you.
>"Oh my..."
>The line in front of the bookstore stretched further than just 20 people.
>People were packed onto the sidewalk all the way to the corner of the block.
>You had no idea Calradian Crusade was this popular.
"There must be at least a hundred people waiting for the deck."
>Moondancer squints at the line, and then points to a spot in the crowd.
>"H-hey that's Test Tube over there! A-And Slide Rule! They must be here for the deck as well!"
>You chance a glance at the line, and sure enough, there they are, in all their nerdy glory.
>It reminds you how out of place you are among your friends, being the only one taller than six feet and weighing in at more than a hundred pounds.
>The two look like they would be blown over by wind no stronger than a breeze.
>Moondancer turns back to you, a worried expression forming on your face as you pass by the bookstore.
>"Anon, where are we going? What are we going to do? We can't possibly get past that line!"
"Relax, Moony. Like I said, I have a guy on the inside."
>You turn onto the next street and find a suitable parking spot, away from the eyes of the crowd.
>You unclick your seatbealt and exit out your door.
"We can go around the back, where they bring in the shipment, and he'll let us in."
>She seems to be reassured in your plan, as a small smile creeps back onto her face.
>"Alright. I trust you."
>Your heart skips a beat at hearing this.
>She. Trusts. You.
>There's only one other sentence she could ever say to you that could make you feel any happier.
>The same sentence you've been trying to tell her for so long now.
>You feel a smile on your face, but suppress it with your best efforts so you don't seem too weird.
>You close the door to the helm, and double check to make sure you have everything in your pockets.
>Got to make sure you have everything with you.
>Phone, check.
>Wallet, check.
>Keys, check.
>You flick a glance over at Moondancer, and catch a small sight at her thighs as pulls her bag out of her car.
>Spaghetti, check.
>Making your way up to the sidewalk so as to avoid the traffic, you walk up to Moondancers side and match her hurried pace.
>You notice that she still seems a little on edge.
"Moony, are you alright?"
>"Huh? Oh, I'm still just...just a little worried about the crowd"
>She quietly gulps, her eyes darting to you and back towards the sidewalk.
>"I-I mean...wh-what if Test Tube or Slide Rule sees us? They'll know something is amiss."
>Something tells you that something else is getting her riled up.
>But you decide not to press it.
"Like I said, we're going to go around the back."
>You point to an alley, across the street from where you parked.
"We'll cut through there so as to avoid anyone seeing us."
>Moondancer looks at the alley, then back to you, then nods.
>You still see the nervousness in her eyes though.
>Something else has to be up.
>As you reach the crosswalk and wait for the red light to appear, you look down at your phones screen.
>3:37
"They probably won't open their doors for another half an hour, so we have time to burn."
>Moondancer nods in recognition, still casting her eyes downward.
>You're starting to get a little worried.
"Hey Moony...You ok?"
>She perks up at her nickname and looks to you, putting on what looks like a semi-forced smile
>"Ye-Yeah! Everything is a-acceptable!"

>She seems more nervous now
>Her arms straight at her sides, almost as if she was standing at attention.
>You raise an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Are you....sure? You seem kind of-you know...on edge."
>Her eyes dart around every which way, almost like she's looking for an excuse to just pop up in somewhere other than her head.
>She looked really cute when she was nervous.
>You wanted to grab a hold of her and hug her tight.
>And run your hand through her soft, scented hair.
>And kiss her beautiful lips.
>You wondered what she tasted like.
>Maybe raspberry.
>Your mind starts to form passionate scenes of the two of you melded together in a twist of limbs and clothes hastily torn off.
>You imagine Moondancer, moaning your name, and looking into each others eyes, seeing nothing but love and desire for each other.
>Your pervertedness is interrupted, as out of the corner of your eye, you notice that the crosswalk sign gives the all clear signal, accompanied by the telltale beep.
"Let's go, Moony! We're almost there. I'll bet you'll feel better once you've gotten the deck.'
>She looks relieved, as she nods happily and follows you out across the street.
>The two of you make it to the other side just as soon as the light turns green.
"This way, into the alley. Gotta be careful not to get spotted."
>Moondancer follows closely behind as you enter an alley between the bookstore and an Italian restaurant.
>Your nostrils are assaulted by conflicting smells, divine and disgusting.
>Parmesan and piss are not a good combination.
>You eventually reach an area behind the buildings where both businesses receive shipments.
>Behind the bookstore lies a large loading dock, covered by a metal garage door. A smaller door sits next to the dock.
"This is the place."
>You turn back to Moondancer.
"Hold up, I'm gonna let my guy know I'm here."
>She nods and stands close by, eyeing the general vicinity as you pull out your phone.
"Let's see here...Bourne...Bane...Ah here we go."
>You tap the contact and bring the phone to your ear.
>You wait patiently as the phone rings
>Eventually you the ringing ends, and you hear heavy breathing on the other end.
>"Hello?"
"Hey Bookmark. What's up man?"
>Bookmark sighs and responds, the impatience clear in his voice.
>"What is you want?"
>You feel wounded.
"Whoa man tone it back."
>Another sigh comes from the other line.
>"I'm..sorry. It's just all these people at the front of the store. They're banging on the window and yelling at me to let them in. The deck isn't even that good, in my opinion."
"That desperate for the new deck huh?"
>"You don't know the half of it. And to top it all of, Page Turner, my only other available worker, called in sick, but I know he ain't."
>Ouch. Bookmark had to work this all on his own?
>Page Turner was calling in sick more often than actually coming in.
>Bookmark had to deal with a hundred people all on his own
>But then an idea pops into your head.
"How about I come in and help you?"
>Silence.
>"You know I can't do that. I can't pay you unless you're an official employee."
"I'm not looking for money."
>More silence.
>"Damnit not you too."
"Look it's not for me alright? It's for a friend."
>You see Moondancer perk up slightly.
>Yet more silence.
"I only need one. I'll help with the rush, and you can dismiss me whenever you're done."
>"...Alright."
"So that's a yes?"
>"Yeah yeah. But I'm only doing this because I don't want these jerks rushing me like a bunch of god damn Zerglings after the Queen patch."
"Got it. I'm in the back right now. You can let me in from there."
>"What th-You're already here?!?"
>You rub the back of your head, as if Bookmark could see this gesture.
"Yeeeeaaaaaaaaa I kinda just was hoping to just get the deck and go, but this way I don't feel like a TOTAL leech."
>"..."
"Bookmark?"
>"We'll talk about this later. For now I'll let you in."
"Cool"
>You and Bookmark both hang up and you slide your phone back into your pocket.
>You walk over to Moondancer, who had taken a seat at the bottom of the stairs.
"Well I have good news and bad news."
>She looks up at you with a mixture of confusion and nervousness.
>"What is it?"
"Good news is the deck is yours."
>There's that sparkle in her eye again.
>She rushes up to you and hugs you tightly, saying thank you at such a pace that that Pinkie Pie chick would be amazed.
>Her smaller stature and your height makes it so that her arms are wrapped around you just above your stomach as she nuzzles against your chest.
>The feeling fills you with an unprecedented warmth that you savor for as long as you can.
"But."
>She stops and looks up at you.
>"But what?"
"I have to work for it. Bookmark is the only one working here and he needs help."
>Your words look like the hit her like a sandbag.
>She looks incredibly saddened by this news.
>"I'm sorry..."
>What.
>"For what, Moony?"
>"For making you do this much for me."
>She turns away from you, hand resting on one of her arms and her head hung down in guilt.
>"I'm making you do a lot of extraneous work just for me..."
"Hey, listen to me."
>You gently put your hand on her shoulder.
"I want to do this for you. It makes me happy to do something for a friend like you."
>She tenses up when you say "friend".
>"Anon..."
"Y-yea, Moony?"
>Just as she turns to you, the back door swings open, and a heavyset man with a wispy beard and ponytail walks out.
>He looks at the both of you from behind his thick framed glasses.
>He speaks with a huff and motions for you to follow him.
>"Cmon Anon. We're just about to open up."
>You walk up to the door and stop just outside the doorway and glance at Moondancer.
>She's looking away from you, with a sad look on her face.
"Hey Bookmark, mind if Moondancer waits for me inside the back?"
>"I don't care. She can work as well, for all I care. I need the help."
"But you said earli-"
>"I know what I said earlier. That was before more people showed up"
>Your eyes shoot open in shock.
"You're telling me there's more?
>"Yea, the line wraps around the block, now get in here!"
>You turn to Moondancer.
"What do you say? Want to help Bookmark and I quell the beta uprising?"
>You see a smile peek out and a small giggle comes from Moondancer.
>"Y-yea, that sounds...fun."
>She follows you into the backroom, where piles of books and boxes of books stretch to the ceiling.
>The two of you follow Bookmark as he effortlessly navigates through the maze of inked paper.
>He moved well for a big guy.
>Bookmark fishes keys out from his cargo shorts as he approaches another door, jams one in the door handle, and opens the door for the two of you.
>As you walk behind the counter, you inhale the wonderful smell of antique books and paper.
>The store was big for the amount of people who ran it.
>The right side of the store contained massive rows of genres ranging from fiction to romance.
>To the left was magazines, pulp novels, and of course, the various packs for card games.
>There were several stands with the Calradian Crusades logo lining the wall, filled with the brand new deck.
>A stand up of a Sarranid Mamluke was propped up, flanged mace raised, ready to strike.
>It was positioned closely next to the stands, almost like some sort of scarecrow.
>Or scarenerd.
>As you chuckle to yourself at the your mental jest, Bookmark points a stubby finger at you.
>"Anon, I want next to the stands, making sure no one pockets anything with their Cheetos covered fingers."
"Me? Why me?"
>He looks at you just said you preferred Deep Space Nine to The Next Generation.
>"Because you're the only one I know out of anyone that touches any form of gym equipment more than once a year."
>You're not sure how to take that.
"Thanks...I guess? But I-"
>"No buts. MoonDancer. I want you behind the counter with me. I want these cretins out of my store as soon as possible."
>Moondancer nods in recognition, her eyes darting between the register and the massive crowd of people outside.
>Bookmark pushes his glasses up and adjusts his shorts.
>"I don't expect too much trouble from these people, but don't slack off. I expect this shouldn't take longer than a couple of hours with your help"
>You nod your head, taking in his instructions.
>Bookmark provides a crash course on the register as you survey the crowd once more through the glass at the front
>Everyone is staring into the store, looking at you, Bookmark, and Moondancer.
>The ones looking at Moondancer watch her with a stare that would make even you uncomfortable.
>You swear one of them is drooling.
>You make a mental note to watch that one.
>"Alright, Anon, go stand over there and look intimidating. Moondancer, get behind the counter. I'm gonna open the doors."
>You take your place next to the stands and watch as Moondancer walks behind one of the registers.
>As Bookmark approaches the front door, you see the crowd start to shift slightly, then more fervently, as more people push and move in an attempt to be in front of one more person.
>You hear the crowd start to shout and cheer as Bookmark pushes out into the crowd, taking care as to not let anyone get past him.
>Even though the doors are shut, you can hear Bookmark bellowing out to the crowd.
>"ALRIGHT EVERYONE LISTEN UP. I WANT NO FIGHTING, NO SHOVING, NO FUNNY BUSINESS. THERE'S PLENTY OF DECKS HERE AND MORE COMING IN SOON. ANYONE SEEN TRYING TO COP A FREEBIE WILL BE DEALT WITH."
>You see several people nod their heads among the crowd, but you're sure there are people in there that don't care.
>"I'LL BE KEEPING MY EYE ON YOU ALL."
>Bookmark reaches for the door handle.
>The anxious feeling you get makes you remember a scene from one of your favorite movies
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlOxiwGLAkY [Embed]
>You brace yourself as the door opens.
>What comes next can only be described as a torrent.
>People shoved each other out of the way to be the first in the door.
>Bookmark tries to keep people from rushing in, but ultimately gives up and opens the other door to prevent congestion.
>Most of the crowd makes a hurried beeline for the stands, while a sparse few meander around the store, seemingly uninterested in the the ruckus.
>You stand between the stands and try to look as intimidating as possible by imitating a kind of bouncer.
>Standing as straight as you can, puffing out your chest slightly and crossing your arms over your chest.
>Your posture looks like it works to some degree, as some of the meeker looking of the crowd eye you nervously as they grab their prize and rush over to Moondancer to pay.
>Others either regard you with an air of contempt or just completely ignore you.
>Either way doesn't matter to you. You're not here to impress them.
>You're here for Moondancer.
>You look over at her, hard at work processing each person at a steady pace.
>It seemed like most people were paying with cash, so it wasn't too difficult.
>That didn't come as a surprise to you, as most people here were probably paying with money lent from parents.
>She's biting her lip lightly in concentration as she focuses on each payment.
>It was an adorable look, one that made your thoughts turn once more to passion-filled encounters.
>In your mind, you see her biting her lip, head thrown back as you bring her ever closer to the edge.
>It almost makes you lose focus.
>Almost.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you catch an overweight neckbeard with fedora try to secretly slip a deck into his fanny pack.
>Your head snaps to him as you make direct eye contact with him.
>He stares at you nervously, a sheen of sweat already forming on his cheeks.
>You continue to stare him down, turning to face him.
"You going to put that back?"
>"W-wh-what?"
"I saw what you just did. Are you going to put that back?"
>His heavy breathing becomes more ragged and beads of sweat are forming on his face.
>Almost like social interaction requires strenuous physical exertion.
>Probably the most that he has.
>"I-huff-huff-I-I-I du-dud-dunno-huff-wh-wha-"
>Your patience was wearing thinner with each stammer and blubber that passed from his jowls.
>You take a step closer to him in an attempt to intimidate him.
>And your nose is assaulted with a variety of unpleasant smells.
>Each breath exhaled smells like concentrated failure and mountain dew.
>He reeked of some kind of spray on deodorant or cologne, with an undertone of unwashed clothes.
>It took everything you had not to gag as you stare him straight in the eyes.
>At this point most of the crowd had stopped pushing and shoving and was staring at the two of you.
>The thief starts to shy away from you slowly, and you continue to close the distance.
>He's going to try to run.
>The thought almost makes you laugh out loud in his face.
>But if he made a break for it, that would mean one less deck.
>Which could lead to there not being enough decks.
>And Moondancer wouldn't get hers.
>You calm your growing anger and think of a course of action.
>You could just call Bookmark over here to deal with this.
>Or...
>You take another step as you grab the collar of his shirt and pull him closer to you.
>You barely maintain a grip on his shirt as the fabric is probably as greasy as his skin.
>You put your face within inches of his, making an effort to keep a straight face as the smell worsens.
>He's struggling to maintain what little composure has left, quiet whimpers escaping from his mouth.
"Give me the decks."
>His face is drenched in sweat as he continues to blubber in an attempt to save himself.
>"HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON OVER THERE."
>You turn to see Bookmark making his way over to the two of you, a rather angry look painted on his face.
>"Anon, what the fuck are you doing?"
>You release your captive and point your thumb at him.
"I caught this guy slipping a deck into his little fanny pack."
>Bookmark turns his head to look at the thief, his frown growing larger.
>The thiefs eyes widen as he looks at Bookmark, fervently shaking his head back and forth at him.
>"N-NO! I di-didn't do it! He-He's lying!"
>His eyes dart all around the store, looking for some from of escape.
>All the people staring at him are probably making him feel backed into a corner.
>Bookmark takes another step forward as he extends his hand out..
>"Give it to me."
>The thief just stares at him, unsure of what to do.
>"Wh-what?"
>SPEECH CHECK FAILED.
>Bookmark was known for having a short fuse.
>The anger on Bookmarks face was probably visible from all around the bookstore.
>Bookmark quickly reaches down to the thief's fanny pack, and rips it off of him.
>The thief just stands there in absolute shock as Bookmark yanks the other deck out of his hands.
>Bookmark just turns away and walks back to the register, leaving the thief standing there
>"Anon, please escort him off the premises."
>You nod as you turn back to the now shamed thief, visibly upset with the situation.
"Are you going to at least walk yourself out? Or do you need me to assist you?"
>He sniffs and wipes his face with a crusty sleeve as he slowly turns to the door.
>The first good choice he's probably made today.
>You trail right behind him as he drags his feet, head hung low in utter humiliation.
>Whispers and a few snickers can be heard among the crowd, as they watch you hold one of the doors open for the wannabe thief.
>The thief finally trudges out, finally off bookstore property.
>He turns to you, tears streaming from his face.
>"Ca-can I a-at lea-least ge-sniff-get my fa-fanny-sniff-pack?"
>You almost feel some degree of pity for him.
>But what kind of person would you be if you didn't give it back?
>Your mind wanders back to when you were younger.
>More specifically to the tougher times.
>You weren't exactly what one would call "cool".
>Not that you were very popular now, but even less so back in middle school.
>Other people saw this as a sign of weakness and found it funny.
>You recall a specific moment in the library.
>The library was your safe space back then, much like now
>Except now you have friends to talk with.
>Back then you didn't have much friends.
>You didn't even have any.
>But a boy who went by the name of Thunder Tail took a special interest in you, however.
>For some unknown reason, he decided you would be the target of some of his prepubescent angst.
>One day at the library, Thunder Tail and some of the more popular kids thought it be funny to pour hot sauce in your backpack while you were going to fetch books.
>You only discovered this when in math class.
>You pulled out your homework, only to find it soggy and ruined.
>Your backpack didn't fare too well either, as the entire bottom was moist and smelled disgusting.
>It didn't take too much thought to figure out who did it though.
>You could hear and his friends snickering to each other in the back of the class, reveling in your misfortune.
>Having no one to turn to, your only course of action was telling the principal.
>However, you had no proof that they had done it, and their social status only further cemented their supposed innocence.
>Telling on them only made your daily life even more miserable.
>Each day was plagued with more pranks and insults.
>Over the year, their antics gradually turned from slightly harmless to more violent.
>Pushing, punching, kicking, become more and more frequent.
>You had nowhere to turn, as the only proof you had of this was the bruises and your word.
>You let out a deep sigh as you turn around and head over to talk to Bookmark.
>What kind of person would you be?
>You would be a bully.
>The crowd has resumed fawning over their treasure at this point.
>Most of them have gotten into the line, leaving the stands as barren as No Man's Land.
>The Mamluke stand was missing as well.
>You scan the immediate area, and finally spot it, cast into a corner like a wet towel.
>You finally get behind the counter and approach Bookmark.
"Hey Bookmark."
>Without looking up from his work, he replies with a grunt.
"Mind if I give the kid back his fanny pack?"
>He remains silent as he continues to whittle down the massive line, not even skipping a beat.
>He jabs a finger at where stored the pack, underneath the register counter.
>"Tell him he ain't allowed in my store for at least a year! Or until I can stand the sight of him. Whichever comes last."
>You nod as you grab the black little pack from underneath the counter.
>Your skin crawls as it comes into contact with the greasy material.
>How does a fanny pack get greasy.
>You pull it out and unzip the opening.
>The contents were quite sparse, but the stolen deck was there.
>You pull it out from between the magnum condom and inhaler, rezipping the pack.
>Walking back out the front, you catch the eye of the would-be thief, still standing there trying to hold back tears.
>He only makes eye contact for a second before he casts his gaze back down, presumably in shame.
>You walk up to him and are greeted by that familiar smell.
"Here."
>You place the greasy pack into his equally greasy hand.
"Bookmark says you are not to be allowed in for at least a year."
>His head shoots back up as he opens his mouth to bargain and plea, but decides against it, and looks back down, nodding.
>You turn to go back into the store, watching him.
>The sad sight of him reminds you of a younger you.
>Frightened and alone, unable to probably socialize.
>Finding comfort in sealing himself off from the world with distractions.
>You sigh as you re-enter the store.
>But you found your way on your own.
>You found a way to break out of your stagnation, and turned yourself into a better you.
>It goes without saying that you were still, for all intents and purposes, a nerd.
>But you could safely say that you were by far, the most physically fit and outgoing of your group of friends.
>That wasn't saying much, but it was still a step in the right direction.
>You look back at the thief just in time to seem him walking off, head still hung low.
>If you were able to find your way, he could.
>As he disappears from view of the store, you walk in between the lines in front of Moondancer and Bookmark as they bring the lines down ever further.
>It takes an uneventful hour for the last of the people to be taken care of.
>Most of the crowd disperses, noses buried in the cards of their fresh new decks.
>All that was left in the store was the few customers there to peruse the lines of books and comics in the aisles.
>You turn to Moondancer, who is leaning back on the wall behind the counter, seemingly exhausted from the work.
>She notices you looking at her, and gives a small smile.
>You walk up to the counter and lean on it, pretending to be a customer.
>You fake a pretentious Crystal Prep accent, in an effort to sound stuck up and know-it-all.
"Well hello there young lady. I would like one of your finest books in the store."
>She giggles at your antics and decides to play along.
>"Whatever book would that be, my good sir?"
>You recoil in mock surprise and place your hand on your chest.
"Why it's none other than the latest Hunger Games! Those books are finely written with superb subplots!"
>She rolls her eyes
>Bookmark trudges up to the two of you, a relieved look on his face.
>"Alright you two, cut that out."
"Sorry, herr Bookmark."
>Bookmark turns to you, raising an eyebrow quizzically, and turns to Moondancer when she giggles again.
>He sighs as turns to you, a sliver of a smile appearing on his face.
>"I actually have to thank the two of you"
>What.
>Bookmark rubs the back of his head and looks away.
>"If I didn't have the two of you around, I don't know how well this would have gone down."
>This was a side of him that you have rarely seen before, if at all.
>Usually Bookmark just muttered thanks and that was the end of it.
"Bookmark are you being...sincere? This is unlike you."
>He turns to look at you, furrowing his brow and frowning.
>"Just because I'm no sap doesn't mean I'm not polite."
>Bookmark walks over to the counter and rummages underneath the register.
>"Well I guess it's time for your 'payment', so come here."
>He pulls out the last deck he hadn't sold.
>The one that you took away from that kid earlier.
>Bookmark walks back to you, and hands it out to you.
>"But I'll be honest, Anon, Moondancer. You helped me more than what one of these are worth. I owe both of you one"
>You look down at what had everyone in such a crazed fit earlier.
>Sarranids of The Sand. The supposed last expansion.
>You smile at the recognition, but push his hand down.
"Thanks, but Moondancer did much more work than me, so she deserves it."
>You turn to Moondancer, who was looking towards you with a wide smile on her face.
"Plus I promised it to her."
>She jumps up in down, squealing in glee as she rushes over to Bookmark, taking the deck out of his hand.
>Bookmark just nods and turns back towards the registers, probably to count the money.
>"Well you guys can head out if you want. I don't need you two anymore."
>You place a hand to your heart in mock horror.
"You don't...need us...anymore? You're...firing us?"
>You fall to your knees.
"How will I ever afford a christmas turkey for poor tiny tim?"
>Bookmark just looks at you with a bored expression, then turns back to the money he started to count.
>"Bah Humbug."
>You chuckle at his quip and get back onto your knees, turning towards Moondancer.
>Moondancer had already opened the box and discarded it, attentively scanning each fresh new card.
>Her tongue was poking out from the side of her mouth slightly as she admired her prize.
>'She looks cute as always' you muse to yourself.
>But it was getting late as well.
>You tap her on the shoulder gently to get her attention.
>She looks up at you, her smile reappearing on her face.
>"Anon this deck is amazing! I mean it's not just perfectly balanced, I mean the art style is so beautiful and the cards are amazing and the high levels are so cool and..."
"Moondancer we need to get going. It's getting kind of late."
>Moondancer stares at you like a deer caught in the headlights of a semi
>"OHMIGOSHIFORGOTTOCALLMYPARENTS!"
>What.
"What?"
>She throws the cards into her bag and pulls out her phone in a split second.
>"Ohmigosh I forgot to tell my parents I wouldn't be coming straight home! They must have called me at least 10 times!"
>Yikes.
>You've met her parents before.
>Her dad was a retired Air Force pilot, now a pilot for a private company.
>Her mom was a biochemist, who was actually pretty well known.
>Out of the two, you'd always preferred her dad.
>Even if he scared you a bit.
>Her mom was incredibly strict with her. And she didn't care for you either.
>'There was that one time she grounded Moonie for a week for missing her curfew by 3 minutes' you recall.
"It'll be alright, Moonie. I'm sure if you told them how you were helping out, they won't be AS mad?"
>You tried your best to sound as convincing as you could.
>[Speech check failed]
>"Ohnonononono They're gonna be pissed that I didn't respond. Even my moms texts look livid. See?"
>She turns the phone screen to you and you take a glimpse of what her mom sent.
>'Where are you? Your father is trying to call you.'
>'He says you are not home. You are supposed to be home'
>'Call.Us.Now.'
>30 min ago.
>Yikes.
>You sigh in resignation as you notion for Moondancer to follow you.
"Let's go. I can take you home."
>"A-are you s-sure?"
>You place your hand on her shoulder and offer her a comforting smile.
"Moony, it's like I said before. I'm glad to do something for you."
>Moondancer returns the smile as you open the backdoor and allow her to enter the storage room.
>Before you leave you wave at Bookmark.
"See you later Bookmark."
>Without looking up, Bookmakr waves in your direction, concentrating on his bounty from today.
>"Later, Anon."
>You follow Moondancer, closing the door behind you.
>You turn to make your way to the door.
"Alright Moony let's get go-OOF!"
>Moondancer has wrapped you in a tight embrace, face buried in your chest.
"Moondancer? I think we need to he-"
>"Do you like me, Anon?"
>...
>...
>Shit.
>Your mind was completely shut down with one question.
>Your heart starts to beat faster and your stomach feels like you ate a cannonball.
>You can already feel yourself starting to sweat.
>What do you say?
>'SAY SOMETHING' you scream mentally.
"Uuuuhhh....What?"
>'Perfect.'
>She looks up at you, scanning your face for some sort of non-verbal answer.
>"Do you like me?"
>Your mind is consumed by the one word you want to scream.
>'YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES' you think over and over.
>But you restrain yourself, you feel yourself weighed down with hundreds of 'what ifs'.
>What if this ruins the thing that you two have now?
>What if it doesn't work?
>What if she's just asking you because she knows?
>'If that's the case, she could be just letting me down easily' you think to yourself.
>"Anon, please answer me."
>Was that...desperation you heard in her voice?
>You realize you were probably just completely quiet for the last 10 seconds.
>Your mind is jumping to hyperspace with how fast it's racing.
>You have to say something.
>But what?
>Unable to stay quiet anymore, you say the first thing that comes out.
"O-o-of course! Y-your m-my fr-friend!"
>Fuck.
>You regret those words as soon as the leave your mouth.
>You couldn't believe what you just did.
>The girl you have been pining for ever since she said hello to you.
>You just friend-zoned her.
>The look on Moondancers face does little to help your situation.
>Moondancers eyes start to moisten as her lip quivers.
>Her arms slowly loosen their grip around you as she takes a step back, arms falling down to her side.
>It was obvious to you that she was choking back tears, her face making the struggle apparent.
>Her emotions were enough to confirm how she felt.
>And that you made the wrong choice.
>"Ye-yea...we're...friends..."
>What have you done.
>Your one chance to confess everything that you have felt for her since the moment you met her.
>Gone.
>Now she thinks that you don't see her more than a good friend.
>You're not sure what makes you feel worse.
>The fact that you couldn't just man up and tell her after all this time
>Or the fact that you just beta-rejected her.
>The emotions come rushing to you in an instant.
>But you choke them back, trying to save what little dignity you have left.
>You don't want to cry in front of Moondancer.
>But you've got to say something.
>The girl who's consumed your dreams, both day and night, stood there. Fighting back tears.
>Because you just had to be an italian chef at that moment.
>You force your mind to come up with something to say.
>But you draw nothing.
>Your entire mind and body feels numb.
>After standing in silence for another half a minute, you finally speak up.
"We should get going..."
>You slowly make your way out towards the outside door.
>"I'll...just...walk home..."
>Every word that she spoke made you feel like a heavier and heavier weight was pressed onto your chest.
>She didn't even want to be around you.
>But you couldn't live with yourself just leaving her like this after that.
"Mooni-"
>"Moondancer."
>You detected a small amount of venom in that response.
>It just made how you felt worse.
"Moondancer...It's getting dark. Your parents would be absolutely furious if you walked out in the dark."
>She remained in her place, eyes still cast towards the ground.
>Moondancer relents to your position, walks past you and out the door.
>She walks in a brusque manner right past you, not even making eye contact.
>Pushing the door open, she doesn't even wait for you before the door slams shut.
>You stand in place for what seems like an eternity before the door reopens and Moondancer pokes her head in.
>"If you're not by your car by the time I'm there I'm walking home."
>It's taking all you have not to fall to the ground and cry.
>You look towards Moondancer, hoping that she is able to she the pain in your eyes.
>Either Moondancer doesn't notice, or she doesn't want to care.
>You nod as make your way towards the exit.
>Moondancer holds the door open for just enough time for you to walk out.
>The weather at the moment strongly contrasted what you had seen when the two of you arrived.
>Grey clouds lined the sky, choking out whatever light from the sunset remained.
>You felt the early signs of a shower dot across your face.
>She slams the door shut and turns back to make her way to the sidewalk.
>You watch as she walks towards the alley.
>She's never been mad at you in total seriousness before.
>The most mad she's ever been was when you tried to spoil the new Star Trek movie for her.
>She didn't talk to you throughout the entire day.
>But she forgave you at the end of the day.
>A peaches & cream ice cream can go a long way.
>But it would take more than confectionery treats for Moondancer to forgive you.
>But you had to do or say something.
>You couldn't stand being the reason she was miserable.
>You start racking your brain for possible things to say.
>"Unlock the door."
>You faze back into reality to realize that you had already walked all the way from the store to your car.
>You never even felt yourself moving.
>Moondancer was staring at you impatiently, finger tapping the hood.
>You awkwardly fish your keys out unlock your car.
>You both take your seats as you turn your car on.
>The radio automatically turns on as your car sputters to life.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uw8mIcQJn8
>Moondancer stared at the radio for several minutes with an expression devoid of any obvious emotion.
>She grimaces slightly as the lyrics come in, and she forcefully hits the power button.
>The car starts to fill with An overbearing silence.
>The only sound that seems to exist is the rain as it slowly increases in intensity.
>By the time you pass by the school, the weather had worsened significantly.
>The harsh winds had torn the prom banner off one of its poles, now flailing violently in the wind.
>Moondancer remains as still and silent as a statue, eyes cast down towards the floor.
>You feel as though there's nothing you can say to her.
>If you tried to tell her that you panicked in the moment she probably wouldn't believe you.
>It would seem way too "improbable" and "ridiculous" to be true.
>But with each passing second, you neared her house, and with it, your last chance at winning her over.
>She would be gone, forever from your grasp.
>Your "friendship" would fade into nothing more than just a passing smile if your eyes met.
>And when it became too tedious to maintain even that facade, she would fade from your life.
>Each thought made your mind race faster and faster in a frantic search for something to say.
>You felt yourself break out into a cold sweat with the mental stress you were putting yourself through.
>"Turn here."
>You're snapped back to your driving and realize that you're on her street.
>You were already out of time.
>Your thoughts became more frenzied, as you desperately find the words to say to Moondancer.
>You can't take it anymore.
>It's now or never. And never is not an option.
>You scream out the first sentence that you are able to form coherently.
>But what comes out of your mouth surprises even you.
"WILL YOU GO TO THE PROM WITH ME."
>That certainly caught Moondancer's attention.
>She bolted upright, her head snapping to face you.
>Your eyes remain fixed to the road, lips tightly pursed in anxiety.
>You did it.
>You confessed how you felt to her.
>Kind of.
>You guess.
>'Why did I even think of the prom?'
>The prom never even crossed your mind since you saw-
>The banner!
>Seeing the banner once more probably threw the thought in with the rest of your panicked jumble of a mind.
>Asking Moondancer to the prom was a little indirect to show your feelings for her.
>Guys went with girls as friends all the time.
>You think.
>But if those 90's movies and animes are any gauge of the real world, the prom would be the perfect way to win Moondancer over.
>At the end of the night, she would realize you loved her all along, wrap her arms around your shoulders, and kiss you.
>The thought made warm under your collar, but you throw it into the back of your mind, and wait for her to respond.
>She stares at you with wide eyes and mouth agape for several more seconds.
>Finally, her face returns to its previous emotionless expression before she finally speaks.
>"Pull over."
>What?
"What?"
>"Pull. Over"
>You're taken slightly aback at her unusual request, but you oblige.
>She must want to wrap her arms around you.
>You could already see her, wrapped tightly around you, tears of joy streaming from her face, shouting in over eager happiness.
>'YES!YES! I WILL!'
>She's hiding her emotions quite well.
>Strange, since girls usually burst out into happiness right after the guy asked.
>She must want to keep you in anticipation.
>'Playing a little mysterious are we, Moonie?' You muse to yourself.
>You suppress a smile while you look for an empty spot near the sidewalk.
>Finding one, you settle into it and turn your car off.
>'Maybe she wants to give me a kiss' you eagerly think.
>You turn to face her, ready for her joyous acceptance.
>*SLAP*
>Your vision turns blurry for a moment as you're greeted with a sharp flash of pain on your cheek.
>The force of Moondancer's hand was enough to make your head whip to the left.
>You sit there, absolutely stunned silent, as the rain continued its assault on the outside of your car.
>'Did she just....slap me?' was all your mind could muster.
>You gingerly place your hand on your cheek and feel the tender skin where her hand made contact.
>She slapped you.
>"How...dare...you"
>Her tone of voice was not one of joy.
>Far from it.
>You turn back to face her, hand still on your cheek.
>The tears flowing from her eyes were not ones of joy.
>Moondancer's face was a mixture of pain and anger, her hands clenched tightly on her lap.
>You stare at each other for several silent seconds, until you garner up to courage to speak again.
"Moonie, I-"
>*SLAP*
>The second slap made contact with The other side of your face, this time more forceful.
>"HOW. DARE.YOU"
>This was not how expected it to go.
>You turn back to face her once more.
"Moondancer what the hell? What did I do wrong?"
>She looks at you incredulously, almost with disgust.
>"What did you do wrong? How about reject my feelings for you, and then offer some sick sort of consolation prize?!? Does that sound like what's wrong to you?!?"
>'What?!!? She thinks I feel bad for her?'
"No!! Moondancer, listen that's not wha-"
>"Do you know..how long...how long I've been waiting to tell you how I felt? DO YOU?!?!?"
>No...
Moondancer cast her eyes down, tears falling freely onto your car.
>"Everyday...every single day I would think about you..."
>No...
>"You're the only one I've ever met that's made me feel this way. The *sniff* others don't even see me as a girl...they just...see me as one of them."
>She shuts her eyes tight as she runs a sleeve across her face.
>"But you...you made *sniff* made me feel different...you made me feel...wanted."
>New tears come to replace the ones she had wiped away.
>Her gaze is still fixed downward.
>Almost like she can't stand the sight of you.
"Moondancer..."
>"Everyday... I see people...together...at school *sniff* and...it makes me feel...jealous and...empty..."
>She turns to face the outside window, watching the rain collect on the glass.
>It must also be raining inside your car.
>You could feel moistness trickle down your cheeks, falling onto your lap.
>She continues, her voice starting to waver more.
>"I thought...if I had *sniff* someone in my life...I could be happy for once...and not just mask the pain of loneliness in books and card games..."
>Her eyes trace the path a rain drop makes as it slowly crawls down the window.
>"Everyone I asked *sniff* told me that I wasn't...I wasn't their type...one guy even...laughed at me..."
>Her words were being cut out by more quiet sobs and gasps.
>"You weren't like...the other guys, Anon. You weren't...intimidated by how smart I was, and it made me feel like I had finally found the one to make me...make me...happy.."
>You have.
>"I'd been gathering up...the-the courage to ask yo-you all mo-month"
>You instinctively reach your hand out and gently rest it on her shoulder.
>She tenses up at your touch.
"Moondancer, please listen to me. I-"
>"NO!!"
>She turns back to face you, slapping your hand away violently.
>Her face contorted back into one of blistering anger.
>"I THOUGHT YOU WERE DIFFERENT! I THOUGHT YOU-YOU LIKED ME!"
>She sinks back into her chair, a defeated look appearing on her face.
>"I...I wanted you to like me..."
"Moondancer I do like you!
>Too little, too late.
>She shakes her head, flicking tears in every direction.
>"Don't give me that 'friend' nonsense again, I don't want to hear it!"
>Her hand grasps the door handle as she unclamps her seatbelt
"Moondancer what ar-"
>"I'm getting out. I can walk the rest of the way."
"Moondancer it's pouring out there. Just...please...listen to me..."
>She if notes your pleas as pushes the door open as she slings her bag over her shoulder.
>She glares at you as she starts to step out.
>"I don't care. I don't want to see you anymore today."
>She steps out fully into the rain as she looks away.
>"I don't know if I even want to see you...anymore..."
>Anymore...
>'Never...see Moondancer again'
>Everything seemed to fade around you.
>The best friend you ever had.
>And the only girl you have ever wanted.
>Gone...
>'NO!!'
>Desperation broke down what little dignity you had attempted to keep.
"MOONDANCER NO PLEASE STAY, PLEEASE LISTEN TO MEE..."
>You're pretty sure she was still there.
>You could hardly see through the tears welling up in your eyes.
"MOONIE, PLEASE I-"
>"Goodbye, Anon."
>*SLAM*
>...
>...
"...love...you..."
>...
>The wind howls as its icy fury blasts against your exposed legs
>Rain continues to belt you, drenching your hair to the point that your ponytail is losing its figure.
>You feel like you are getting soaked to the bone.
>But you take no notice of how drenched you were getting.
>You could contract pnuenomia from this storm, and it couldn't compare to the pain you felt.
>You wanted to just curl up and lie there in the rain, sobbing and cursing yourself for getting to close to...
>...to Anon...
>Damn his easy going nature.
>Damn that soft smile he has.
>Damn every single part that made you fall in love with him.
>You grit your teeth to suppress the angry sobs that were forcing their way back up your throat.
>You'd promised yourself after the way Flash laughed at you that you would never let yourself fall for someone ever again.
>But soon after that, Anon came into your life.
>When you first saw him in the library, you started to get that same feeling you had with Flash.
>That aching desire in your heart.
>That desire for someone to make you feel special.
>You had immediately suppressed that feeling, and tried to cut yourself even further away from Anon.
>But somehow, he weaseled his way into your life, like some sith lord.
>You clench your fists tightly.
>You allowed yourself to become vulnerable.
>And what did you get?
>Rejection? Heartbreak? Self-Hatred?
>You feel the tears on your face flowing freely as the mix with the rain that pelts your skin.
>This was the last time.
>Every time you've opened yourself up you've just been hurt.
>Friends, crushes, everyone has hurt you.
>It just shows how far being friendly gets you in life
>You feel your left foot become submerged in a large puddle that you unknowingly walked into.
>You stare at the puddle and your foot, cursing your shortsightedness once more.o
>You jerk your foot out of the puddle and continue your trek through the storm.
>The cold rain is only further amplified by the chill of the rain.
>You wrap your arms around you in a feeble attempt to keep what little body warmth remains in you.
>After several seconds, you decide to look behind you to see if Anon was still there.
>Sure enough, his car was still parked where you had left him.
>You couldn't make out anything on the inside.
>The rain had blurred whatever you could see through the the tinted windshield.
>That and the rain had also obscured the vision from your glasses.
>You removed your glasses and attempted to wipe them down with your sopping wet skirt.
>The moistness that had collected in your garments served only to smear the water on your glasses, changing nothing.
>You eventually just surrender to blurry vision, sighing angrily as you put your glasses into their place and turn back towards the sidewalk.
>He could stay there, for all you cared. He would eventually leave though.
>'Anon would freeze to death if he stayed.', you think.
>Your shoulders slump as you look down.
>'Anon, all alone, shivering in his car...miserable...'
>The thought made very guilty feeling creep up inside of you.
>You look back once more.
>His car remained there, like some sort of solemn testament to Anons emotional state.
>The car seemed to be staring at you, silently asking for you to come back.
>But the rain coupled with the emotional drain of the last half hour had drained you of your patience.
>You furrow your brow and face back once more to the sidewalk.
>You were near home anyway.
>Just a couple more yards.
>You cover that distance in a minute, never looking back to Anon once.
>'He can stay, you don't care. You don't care at all. You don't care about him at all. Not anymore.'
>You bite your lip in frustration.
>'I don't care about him anymore. I don't care about Anon.
>Your mental drilling fills your mind with perceived indifference for Anon.
>'I don't care about Anon anymore. I don't love Anon anymore. I don't want to love him anymore.'
>You squeeze your eyes tightly and continue.
>'I DONT CARE ABOUT ANON ANYMORE, I DONT LOVE ANON ANYMORE, I DONT NEED HIM ANYMORE'
>But in the back of your mind, a tiny thought struggles to remains.
>'You do.'
>The response is just a whisper in your storm of thoughts, but it still exists.
>'You do.'
>The whisper gets louder.
>'You do.'
>You bring your hands to your head, trying to force the thought back to where it came.
>'He hurt me, I don't want to love him!'
>'You do'
>The whisper turns into your own voice, more spoken, more frequent.
>'You do, You do, You do'
>It swirls around your mind like the wind that threatens to blow you over as you finally reach your doorstep.
>Your hands are grasping your hair, nearly pulling out strands.
>'I'LL NEVER TRY TO LOVE HIM AGAIN!'
>The thought consumes all of your mind, as if you were yelling in your own ear.
>Two words, powerful enough to bring you to your knees.
>'YOU WILL'
>The overwhelming barrage makes you snap, unable to bottle up your emotions anymore.
"NO!"
>...
>Nothing responds.
>Your mind feels like an empty void.
>You sit at your doorstep, breathing heavily.
>The shiver that travels through your entire body reminds you that you are still in the rain.
>You feebly reach for your doorknob, pulling yourself up as you pull down on the handle.
>Supporting yourself on the doorframe, you push yourself against the door, and enter the warm embrace of your house.
>But are greeted by another cold presence.
>"Moondancer?!? Is that you?"
>You sigh impatiently.
>Your mom must have heard you come in.
>"Moon E. Dancer get into the living room this instant!"
>Your eye twitches at your full name.
>You hated when she said it.
>Another sigh escapes your lips as you kick off your shoes and trudge into the living room.
>Your mother was standing in front of the couch, arms crossed over her chest.
>"Your father and I have been worried sick abo-MOONDANCER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!?!"
>Mom throws her hands up in panic, eyes wide in shock as she takes in the sight of sorry state.
>Still shivering, you look down and mumble your response.
"...I got caught in the rain..."
>Your mom just stands there in complete shock for several more seconds.
>And proceeds to go into her usual tirade."
>"Moondanceryourfatherandihavebeenworriedsickaboutyouwhywealmostcalledthepoliceand-"
>You remain standing in place, still shivering, and tuning out her auditory barrage.
>Too exhausted to argue or yell, you wait for your mother to finish.
>"-andjustyouwaittillyourfathergetshomehesbeenouttherelookingforyouabsolutelydevastatedand Are you even listening, Moondancer?"
>Your mind takes a minute to register the question directed towards you.
>You just raise your head up slightly, avoiding eye contact.
"...May I go take a shower..."
>You're stricken by another shiver coursing through your body, almost as if your body agrees.
>Your mom just stands there, an incredulous look appearing on her face.
>She finally responds with a loud sigh of resignation, massaging the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
>"Fine. Go take your shower..."
>You slowly turn away and head over to the stairs.
>The stairs seem higher than usual.
>Each foot you lift takes a strenuous amount of effort, so you use the railing for for a great deal of support.
>"But as soon as you're done, you are marching straight back down her to finish this conversation."
>'I hardly call the exchanges we have, conversations.' You think to yourself.
>You just mumble your acknowledgement as you reach the top of the stairs.
>Your bag falls down to the floor with an audible 'squelch'
>Good thing your bag is insulated.
>You took good care of your books. You needed to
>After all, it's all you're ever going to have.
>You push your way into the bathroom, smiling meekly at the welcome sight of the shower.
>You nudge the door to the bathroom shut, making sure to lock it.
>Now that your proverbial meditation chamber was secure, you begin to strip.
>The condition of your clothes coupled with your exhaustion makes it more difficult to pull off of your body.
>But you finally manage to pull everything off and pile in the corner with a wet *slap*
>The noise makes you freeze in place.
>And remind you of how you struck Anon.
"...Anon..."
>No.
>No more.
>You shake your head of the sentiment, and walk to towards the shower.
>As you do so, you freeze once again, but at the sight of yourself in the mirror.
>You turn to face it, and take in the sight of your body.
>'Is it because I look gross?'
>You sigh as you run your hands up and down your body.
>The fact that you ate a lot of snacks while reading was fairly obvious.
>You had developed a small roll of chubbiness underneath your stomach.
>The softness of your lower body was accentuated by the slightly wider hips that you gained from your unnatural eating habits.
>'Cooking always takes too long, takes time away from reading' you would always say.
>Comforted in your rationalization of your laziness, you felt almost guilt free as you munched on chips.
>But not entirely, as each shower was a painful reminder of how out of shape and pathetic you were.
>You didn't even have large breasts to compliment your slight gain in girth.
>You didn't have large areola, either.
>Just tiny pricks on tipped your small bust.
>Your body was a misshapen cacophony of failure.
>You sigh as you recall Anon once again.
>He was more serious about fitness than the rest of the people in the group at the library.
>His shirts actually hugged his body rather than looking like they were threatening to swallow him whole or like he could rip it at any second.
>Maybe that's why he rejected you.
"I'm not...good enough for him..."
>You feel your lip quiver in anger.
>You storm into the shower, closing the glass door behind you.
>You start the shower, turning the knob to full heat.
The water feels relaxing and warm as it falls onto your clammy skin.
>Though you still wrap your arms around your exposed body, shivering uncontrollably.
>You quickly realize you had forgotten to take your glasses off.
>You quickly open the shower door so as to keep whatever heat that is collecting in the shower stay there, and place your glasses on the counter.
>By the time you close the door, the water had finally reached that temperature you so desperately needed.
>You step into the spray and feel the boiling water slowly wash away the chill that had set underneath your skin.
>You lift your head, eyes closed, as you let out a prolonged groan of ecstasy, as you stand as still as a weeping angel.
>...
>'...Anon...'
"Seven hells..."
>Like a spoiler for a movie, the thought of Anon sticks to your mind.
>The image of his gorgeous face forms in your mind.
>It fills your body with conflicting emotions.
>Inconsolable anger in your mind.
>And an aching desire in your chest.
>As well as a...particular...area.
>You feel your knees start to shake and collapse.
>His voice materializes from nowhere, swirling in your mind.
>"Moondancer..."
>Your body starts to shiver once more, but not from your low body temperature.
"Anon...I..."
>You shut your eyes tighter, but Anons face is burned into your mind.
>You can't help but imagine him standing next to you, holding you in his muscular arms.
>The thought of his bare skin pressed against yours causes you to emit a low moan.
>Your hand listlessly trails down the curvatures of your shameful body, a desperate attempt to emulate the feeling of Anon touching you.
>...And immediately snap it back up.
"No! I don't want Anon anymore! I...I don't care for him! I...I don't l-lo...don't lo..."
>Your mind continues to falter in its previously stalwart attempt to push Anon out of your mind
>'I...I can't...I can't...'
>Tears began streaking down your face once more, mixing with the shower water that fell upon your face
>You feel your knees weaken further, as your legs start to buckle.
>You continue to imagine Anon pressed against you, as you mentally trace every curve of his body.
>His gentle hands tracing the figure of your spine, sending the shivers back to your body in full force.
>You try to force yourself to think of something, anything else.
>But you still feel Anons warmth.
"A-anon...no...I...I do-don't..."
>You trail off as you imagine him leaning his head down right in front of your ear.
>"I love you, Moondancer..."
>You gasp as you fall to your knees, your face buried deep in your hands as you sob uncontrollably.
>You repeat his name amidst sobs and gasps that escape from your throat.
>"Please...tell me you love me..."
>Anon had done so much more for you. So much more than other guys had.
>Even though the desire you felt for him was similar to your past crushes, you felt something deep down.
>That feeling went far beyond some inane high school puppy love.
>"Tell me you love me."
>Everything he did made it so obvious that he wanted you.
"Anon...I...I...lo-...I love..."
>He was everything to you.
>You couldn't take your blatant denial any longer.
>Crawling over to the corner of the shower, you curl up with your arms around your legs, and continue to sob into your knees.
>You need him. You want him.
>And deep within you, you felt it.
>That he needed you as well.
"I love you,...Anon..."

>...
>You're forced awake by the monotonous beeping of your phones alarm.
>The jarring sound does nothing to alleviate the pounding in your head.
>Or the pain in your heart.
>You force yourself to roll over to the edge of your bed, and slowly sit up.
>The beeping had grown even more annoying, wearing down on your already miniscule composure.
>You reach out to your phone, and push on the screen, disabling the alarm.
>You let out a prolonged sigh as you throw your phone behind you, and place your head in your hands.
>Judging by the aching in your eyes and the fact that you still had yesterday's clothes on, you probably didn't get much sleep.
>Why would you? You didn't deserve it.
>Your one chance at happiness. With the one you loved. Gone.
>Out of your muddled and sleep depraved mind, you manage to form one coherent thought.
>'Moondancer...'
>You don't recall much of what happened after she left your car.
>You'd driven back home in complete silence, ate dinner in complete silence.
>You were used to being alone. Your parents usually worked late.
>But last night felt especially lonely.
>For once, you'd taken notice of the usual quietness of your house, and it thoroughly unsettled you.
>For the first time in a while, you felt truly alone.
>The last time you felt anything similar was before you met Moondancer.
>She knew your parents worked late, so she'd come over and keep you company.
>Yet even more opportunities you could have confessed your feelings.
>But you didn't.
>And the guilt of it ate at you from the inside.
>You bang your fists against your forehead, trying to beat out the stupidity of your past choices.
>But your memories remain burned into your mind.
>Especially the memory of last night.
>You place your hand on your cheek, feeling the skin that Moondancer had slapped.
>That memory would probably forever remain.
>You resign from your self-deprecation. And slowly push yourself to stand up.
>'Shower' you groggily remind yourself.
>You pick up your phone and the speaker that sat on your nightstand.
>You turn towards the bathroom and shuffle down towards your bathroom.
>The state you're in left you with little energy to walk, much less stand.
>Bracing yourself against the wall with your shoulder was the most you could manage to aid you in your quest.
>You finally reach the bathroom, and shove the door open with your shoulder.
>Fortunately, your parents and brother each had their own respective bathrooms.
>Your own personal safe space
>You slam the door behind you and immediately begin to disrobe.
>Normally this process would involve about a minute of self appreciation over your physical appearance.
>Followed by a minute of loathing over that same physical appearance.
>You would also even be stoked over the fact it was a Friday.
>But your mind made no space for such concepts at the moment.
>You did look in the mirror, however. But you were slightly taken aback by what you saw.
>What you saw was not Anon, but a shell.
>Your eyes were sunken with bags forming, once more reminding you of your lack of sleep.
>Both your cheeks had a subtle shade of purple forming underneath the skin.
>Moondancer was surprisingly strong, but she didn't show it.
>You finish undressing, hook your phone to your speaker, and turn back towards the shower.
>https://youtu.be/DcHKOC64KnE [Embed]
>You step over the lip of the tub, only to lose your balance as you fall forward
>You use your right arm to catch yourself against the wall, as you come face to face with your reflection once more in the bathtub faucet.
>You sit there for a moment staring into your stunted reflection, collecting your breath and waiting for your heart rate to return to normal.
>'...That might have actually killed me...'
>You place your other hand against the wall and push back up.
"Maybe that would have been better..."
>Your stunned by the words that leave your mouth, but not wholly surprised.
>In fact, you don't find yourself disagreeing with the idea.
>You remain in place for another moment, contemplating what you were actually thinking.
>You just thought about killing yourself.
>The notion sent a chill through your entire body.
>You shake the mentality out of your head and fully step into the shower, closing the curtain.
>You reach down to turn on what was previously your near death experience.
>The faucet sputters before it spews the freezing cold water onto your feet.
>You pay no mind, cold dint usually bother you too much.
>You watch as the torrent of water collects at the bottom, only to slip below the drain.
>Just like your chances with Moondancer.
>Once the water finally reaches an agreeable temperature, you close the faucet, and wait for the showerhead to start pouring.
>You weren't prepared for the initial blast of ice cold water, however.
>You jerk back slightly at the biting sting of the freezing cold water.
>But fortunately the water settles to the warmer temperature, and you shy back into the stream.
>https://youtu.be/emrYGyBfFGM [Embed]
>You run your hands through your dampening hair, trailing it down your neck.
>You heave a heavy sigh as you recall last nights events once more.
>After Moondancer had left, you sat there in a dazed stupor, watching her slip from your grasp with every step she took.
>You notice her look back several times, but she never made an effort to come back.
>Your heart sank even lower when she entered her house and shut the door.
>You watched her front door through blurry, tear-streaked eyes for what seemed liked at least an hour.
>Hoping for her to come back out. Hoping she would come back to you.
>But your hopes were as empty as you felt.
>The door never opened. She never came back
>And the rain never let up.
>The shower is one the few things you're actually feeling, as the heat of the water forces your muscles to wake up further.
>Your brain still lags behind, however, as you continue to remain still, eyes half-lidded.
>At least the fast pace of your music was aiding in your attempt to achieve mental cognitive ability.
>You take a deep breath and set about cleaning yourself.
>https://youtu.be/NcbAibPA2yY [Embed]
>'entry level Metallica' you muse to yourself.
>But when the lyrics fade in, you stop.
>The sadness in the song burrows deeper than it normally does.
>Emotions come welling back into, like a fresh wound that's been torn open.
>You feel your lip start to quiver.
>You stand in place, absorbing the song, guitar and all.
>It feels like you're about to cry again, but you don't have the energy to fight it back.
>You don't care anymore. There's no reason to not hide how you feel.
>Nothing else matters.
>You collapse into the tub, head hanging limply from your shoulders, as you try to let your tears come freely.
>But nothing comes. Not even a single drop. At least your pretty sure.
>The constant downpour of the steaming water makes it rather difficult to discern.
>Still doesn't matter, you can't find yourself caring.
>'The mirror really must be the gateway to the soul' you think to yourself.
>Because you truly felt like what you saw.
>An empty husk. A shadow.
>Nothing.
>The water that collects in your hair flows down onto your face, obscuring your vision.
>At least the shower can give you more tears to cry.
>You continue sit there as the water cascades over you before it travels to its inevitable end.
>*Knock Knock*
>"Anon, sweetie, you gotta get out soon, get dressed for school."
>Shit.
>You just realized how long you were in the shower.
>Got to pretend that everything is okay.
>Your mother would start to fawn over you and continuously worry like she always did.
"Y-yea Ill be finished in a minute!"
>You hear footsteps fade away from the door as you push yourself back up.
>Forcing your depleted body into overdrive, you pour soap onto your skin scrub your body vigorously with a loofah.
>Your mind strays off to thoughts of Moondancer once, causing you to scrub a spot on your chest harder than normal.
>https://youtu.be/FBQ6PXApOxU
>You don't even realize it until you start feeling the sting of skin being torn off.
>You glance at the harshly reddening skin with a degree of indifference and sadness.
>'I kind of deserve it, anyway...'
>After washing your hair, you finally shut the water off, leaving the last remnants of your shower to slip slowly down to nothingness.
>You grasp a towel from one of the nearby racks and pull it off to begin drying yourself.
>You take some care drying the area you scrubbed raw.
>Once your task is complete, you wrap your towel around your waist, grab your speaker and phone and shuffle back towards your bedroom.
>You glance at the screen of your phone and notice you have less than 15 minutes to get to school.
>Cursing your self-induced depression, you shut your door and hurriedly throw open your closet.
>You quickly decide on your usual attire
trenchcoat, fedora, chain wallet and cargo shorts
>You feel a ghost of a smile flash on your face as you joke to yourself.
>You pull down a dull colored v-neck, boxers and some jeans and throw them on.
>You glance outside as you also grab a raincoat, taking note of the existing downpour.
>Your breakfast consists of a scramble hastily thrown together with other ingredients, which you proceed to inhale.
>Your mom talks to you while she prepares for work as well, but the conversation is one-sided.
>Your responses are boiled down to nods, grunts and more nods, as your mouth continues to remain preoccupied.
>Your mom seems to take note of this, as a worried expression forming on her face.
>"Honey, are you OK? You seem a little...distant."
>You look up to her as you swallow the last remnants of your food.
"Yea I'm just...thinking."
>She tilts her head in curiosity.
>"About?"
"School."
>Her eyebrow raises in suspicion at your simplistic answer.
>She stares at you for several more seconds as you chug your orange juice.
>"You're thinking about that Moondancer girl, aren't you?"
>You nearly spit back your drink into your glass as you look back up at her with a shocked expression.
"What do you me-"
>She snaps her fingers as she points at you, as she exclaims "hah!" in response, then taps a finger to her temple.
>"Mother's intuition."
>You sigh in resignation as you put your glass down.
>Her expression softens as she walks over next to you and places her hand on you.
>"You want to talk about it, him?"
>You shake your head slightly.
"Not really. Not right now."
>Thinking about Moondancer even slightly sends your stomach in spirals.
>Your mom nods slowly, stands back up and walks back over to the kitchen counter and picks up her things before walking towards the front door.
>"I'll be back later tonight sweetie. Dad has a PTA meeting so he might not be back until later."
>You nod in response as you walk over to the sink and place your dishes inside.
>"Hey."
"Yeah"
>You feel your mom kiss you quickly on the cheek before she makes her way back to the door.
>"Everything will be OK, sweetie. I promise."
>You take a deep breath, processing the encouraging words from your mother.
>It makes you feel warmer inside.
>Her words were quite comforting. It made you feel...motivated.
>You turn to your mom as she's walking out, opening her Umbrella up.
"Thanks, mom. I love you."
>"Love you too."
>You hear the door shut and you hurriedly prepare for school with a new found sense of purpose and energy.
>You pull on the raincoat.
>Mom was right.
>You grab your backpack and sling it over your shoulder.
>'I can still try and make things right.'
>You grab your car keys from the counter.
>'There's still a chance.'
>You rush towards the front door and pull it open.
>'I can still win Moondancer back.'
>You slam the door closed and lock it, dashing out to your car.
>You just had to try.
>You grasp the handle of your car
>All of a sudden, you stop.
>The rain doesn't.
>Your enthusiasm is curbed by a growing anxiety in your mind.
>'What if I end up making things worse?'
>The thought starts to eat away at your shrinking gusto.
>'She'll just end up hating me even more...'
>You stand in the rain for several more seconds, before opening your car door.
>You step inside and pull the door shut, listening to the muted sound of the rain tap against your car.
>'I can't do this. I'll just mess up...'
>You hear your mom's voice pop into your mind.
>'You don't know unless you try.'
>You sigh to yourself once more.
>She's not even here and she's lecturing you.
>But the voice was right.
>You had to at least try.
>You turn the key in the ignition and start your car.
>Worst case scenario?
>She just hates you even more.
>With phone plugged in and car backed out, you set out to your daily prison.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsDJih0yYgk [Embed]
>With the rain and its ceaseless assault on the city, you take extra precaution in driving to school.
>At the same time, your rather small time frame leaves you anxious to press down on the gas.
>You've already made the mistake of being late to first period before.
>Mr.Doodle berated you outside of the classroom for several minutes before actually starting class.
>His usually calm demeanor was suddenly blown out of the water at unusual outburst that everybody heard from behind the door.
>The memory leaves you feeling slightly embarrassed as you recall everyone's eyes set on you when you walked back in.
>However, a more pressing matter returns to your mind.
>That of trying to find a way to win Moondancers affection once more.
>Several situations pop into your mind as you formulate some plan to do so.
>'I could always just try and catch her during lunch. Just talk with her one on one.'
>After some consideration, you shake your head at the idea.
>'Her anger and irritation might just be renewed, and I'd be back to square one.'
>Your frustration grows as new ideas form and are shortly shrugged away, like crumpled up paper.
>Eventually you give up with a huff, and set your full attention to the road once more.
>The anxiety continues to mount in your mind as you come ever closer to school.
>Your knuckles have paled from the tight grip on your wheel, almost ripping off the material.
>'Think, Anon, Think! There's got to be something you can do to-'
>Your eyes drift to the shape of a small green building materializing on the right through dull gray weather.
>But it wasn't the building that caught your attention.
>It was the arrangement of flowers that were placed onto the table at the front, shielded from the weather by a large awning.
>The sight of the colorful botany sparks your mind with a flash of +10 Intellect.
"...Flowers..."
>Your body surges with even more energy, completely washing away the depressing lethargy from this morning.
>'I'll buy her flowers!'
>You quickly glance at the clock on your dashboard.
>3 minutes before first bell.
>Which meant you had 8 minutes, give or take.
>'Hopefully enough time to buy something.'
>You locate the buildings small parking lot that sat next to it and turn into it.
>Only one other car was present, parked in the back corner.
>You park in the spot closest to the store, so as to quickly get in and get out.
>The other car looked almost forlorn, sitting alone in a rain-soaked parking lot with only the dismal clouds to keep it company.
>The sight brings back the memory of last night, as you recall last night for the nth time.
>But you shrug it away before the lingering sadness takes root in your mind again.
>You shut off your car, grab your umbrella and step out into the storm.
>The wind has also started to pick up, as noted by the fact that you have to struggle to keep your umbrella in your grasp.
>Fortunately the distance you have to cover isn't too large, and you make it to the front door without any more issue.
>You glance at the table of arrangements, trying to pick out a particular flower that catches your eye.
>'What flower would Moondancer even like? Does she even like flowers?'
>Your mom was a big fan of tulips. Maybe you could get her those.
>You roll your eyes as you play out the scenario in your head.
>'Here, I got you these because my mom likes them.'
>That would not play over well.
>You fold your umbrella up and pull the door open as you step inside.
>'Maybe lilacs. Lilacs are neat.'
>The door closes, causing a small bell to ding several times.
>You pay no mind to it as you scan the interior of the store.
>Nearly every shelf in the store was stacked with vases and bowls of various sizes, with flowers and plants of equal variety filling them up.
>The room is filled with a subtle yet sweet smell of thousands of flowers and an undertone of grass clippings.
>'Lilies might be a good idea, but...'
>"Gardenias"
>A quiet voice makes you turn towards the corner of the room.
>You see a small, older woman standing in an open doorway, shears in one hand and a handful of what looks like roses in the other.
>She slowly shuffles towards the counter, setting down the shears.
"P-pardon me?"
>She looks back up at you, her glasses making her eyes look comically large.
>The eyes stare at you for another moment before she wets her lips and speaks once more.
>"Y'all here for a girl, ain't cha?"
>You almost take a step back in shock.
>Was it that obvious?
>'Well considering you're a high school teenage boy, it might be kind of apparent.'
>Still.
"How did you...How did you know?"
>Her lips form the sliver of a smile as she speaks again.
>"Sonny, Ah reckon Ah been workin in this here shop for longer than Ah can care ta recall..."
>She steps up onto a small stepping stool, her eyes remain fixed onto you.
>"...Wurkin here for so long, ya tend to pick up on sum things."
>She points a wrinkly, shaky finger at you.
>"Ah can see it in yew...yer here to impress a girl...or..."
>The lady leans in close enough to where you can smell her perfume.
>'...Apples?'
>She squints at you, as if your face has small print on it.
>Her eyes widen as she leans back away from you, a look of revelation appearing on her aged face.
>"Yer lookin' ta apolergize, that it?"
>You feel your mouth drop in surprise as you stare blankly at the old woman.
>'She's good.'
>She smiles a toothy grin as she points her finger at you once more.
>"Aaaah still got it! Ha!"
>You feel yourself smile at her energy. She's quite spry for someone her age.
>Nodding, you give the woman a quick summary of your situation.
>She listens to you attentively, eyes fixed onto you as she takes in every detail of your story.
>You feel the emotion of the memory creep back up in your throat, but you swallow the feeling back uncomfortably as you finish.
>She heaves a heavy sigh as she continues to stare at you.
>"That there's a story ah haven't heard before, ah'll give ya that..."
>She steps off her perch and grabs the pair of shears from earlier.
>Her free hand motions for you to follow her as she shuffles out from behind the counter.
>"And ah got just the thing fer ya."
>You feel a wave of relief wash over you at this lady's kindness and understanding.
"Ma'am, thank you so much..."
>She waves her hand dismissively as she approaches a vase filled to the brim with a grouping of purple flowers, each of different size and shape.
>"Like ah said, ah been doin' this here fer a looooong time, back when that there school down the street was just a coupla trailers! Why, ah even..."
>The lady continues as she reaches out to a small bunch of the flower.
>"...and ooooh-weee it took one o' them new-fangled cranes to get 'em out, cuz they don't like ta walk down stairs and..."
>You watch as she pulls out them out and examine the stems.
>"...they never did figure out who gone and welded that car around the tree, but ah tell ya..."
>She gingerly snips a few stray leaves and buds off with a steady hand that surprised you.
>With the last bud snipped off, she looks at the assortment in her hand, turning it over and around.
>"Lilacs. These here should get yer point across to yer girl"
>Once satisfied with her handiwork, she stuffs her shears into her apron, and fishes out what looks like a rubber band from another pocket.
>Tying the band around the base of the stems, she heads back to behind the counter.
>You follow her, pulling your wallet out.
>"That there won't be necessary, Sonny."
>You jerk up to stare at her in shock, and see her handing the bouquet to you.
"E-excuse me?"
>"Ah said there's no need fer ya to pay, sugarcube."
>You stand there in mild disbelief, hand still grasping your wallet.
>She pushes the bouquet closer to you, urging you to take it from her.
>A sincere expression is painted in the wrinkles of her face.
"Ma'am, I-I would feel wrong if I didn't-"
>"Ah won't accept any money fer this. It's on the house!"
>Emphasizing the last word, she pushes it into your hands, making you drop your wallet.
"B-but I-"
>Her face comes within inches of yours as she stares into your eyes
>"Sonny, tell ya what. If it don't work out right, yew come back and pay me. Sound like a deal?"
>She thrusts her shriveled and wrinkly hand out.
>You slowly grasp it, still reeling in confusion at the situation.
>What comes next can only be described as trying to hold onto a horses reins with only one hand.
>'HOLY SHIT HER GRIP IS STRONG.'
>Your shoulder felt like it was going to pop out any second.
>"Yer a good kid, Anon. Ah can tell. Yew'll do right fer her"
>It feels like an eternity before she finally releases your hand from it's vice.
>You test your hand to make sure nothing is broken, and breath a sigh of relief.
>But that relief turns to shock as you notice the time on on your watch.
>7:46
>You had 3 minutes to get to school.
>Muttering curses under your breath you bend down to grab your wallet, and run for the door.
"ThankyousomuchMa'amI'llcomebacklatertotellyouhowitwent!"
>She cackles as she waves at you.
>"Take care, Sugarcube!"
>Not bothering to open your umbrella, you push out of the door and sprint to your car.
>The rain is still coming down in a torrent, so your jacket is the best shelter for your flowers.
>'Moondancer's flowers' you point out to yourself.
>You fumble inside your pocket for your car keys, and unlock your car.
>You yank your door open and jump inside, closing the door quickly to avoid more water inside.
>With a deep breath to de-stress yourself, you gently place the flowers in the passenger side of the car.
>The fact that school was just down the street made you feel slightly better.
>As you drive, you quickly think of several ways to give the flowers to Moondancer.
>You didn't have class with her until Cheerilee in 3rd, so you couldn't just carry them around school.
>'And I can't just give them to her in class. Too much attention would be directed at us.'
>You shudder as you think of all the students going "Ooh" and "Aww" or some other stupid high school crap.
>Mrs.Cheerilee would probably loathe the disruption it would create in class as well.
>Class was a no go.
>You assumed you couldn't just keep them in your locker either.
>Too much crap in there. Only time you've ever cleaned it out was before winter or summer break.
>A long and heavy sigh escapes your lips as you pull into the parking lot.
>With the weather as it was, the lot was unusually packed.
>Another sigh as you search the rows of cars for a vacant spot.
>The rain does nothing to aid your search, as it smears across your windshield.
>But finally your eye catches an area that remains unoccupied...
>"BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP"
>...Just as the second bell rings.
>Your car rings loud with swears as you curse yourself and time.
>You drive into the spot, park, and remove your keys.
>You take a deep breath as you push open your door, dragging your backpack from beneath the other seat.
>But as soon as you are fully outside, you pass a quick look at the flowers.
>Sitting in it's plastic wrap, awaiting your decision.
>You quickly, but gently, stow them away in the back seat, deciding that you'll retrieve them at lunch.
>Moondancer usually ate by herself or with you and your group in the back of the library, hoping to not be noticed.
>You're pretty sure that the librarian knows, but doesn't care.
>She was pretty much one of the only people who was there as often as the librarian was herself.
>And with your friends fawning over Calradian Crusaders, you'll probably be able to get her alone.
>You sling your backpack over your shoulder as you close the car door and make a break for the school entrance.
>The sound of the rain is accompanied by the occasional splash of a puddle you fail to notice.
>When the school board had the lot built, they had it in mind to install those solar panels above it as well. Save the school money and keep the cars covered.
>Unfortunately, that was about 2 years ago.
>And the lot remained exposed to the elements, leaving the lot to become it's own wading pool.
>You could feel the biting cold in your toes as the water soaked through your shoes.
>The rain continues to pelt down on you as you reach the door and hurry inside.
>The hallway was almost devoid of any other students, except for a few that were running to catch their class.
>Fortunately for you, Mr.Doodle's class was just three doors down.
>You take a deep breath and collect yourself before making your way.
>The silence of the school was interrupted by the methodical squeaks or your soaked shoes.
>The polished tile made it somewhat difficult to walk.
>It took a small amount of concentration to not slip and fall on your ass.
>But, with some small miracle, you arrive at the door, slip free.
>You stand right outside the classroom and take another deep breath, steeling yourself for the verbal outburst from Mr.Doodle.
>Just as you reach for the door, it swings open and you are greeted by the grimacing face of Mr.Doodle himself.
>'He certainly seems in a good mood right now.'
>His eyes meet yours as his brow furrows even deeper, as a trickle of water streams down his forehead and drips off of his nose.
>Your eyes quickly flash to his 'hair', or what you like to call the "tribble on his head".
>Although it looked more akin to a drowned cat right now, a telltale sign of his experience with the weather this morning.
>'Maybe he'll think I'm late because of this weather' you think to yourself.
>After a second of awkward silence and staring, you meekly open your mouth.
"Uhh Sorry Mr. Doodle uh-sir I got caug-"
>"Get to your seat.
"Yes of course sorry."
>It seems like he's giving you a pass. For now.
>He's probably saving the tirade for after class, when everyone won't be listening in on it.
>Mr.Doodle steps aside as you walk into the room.
>You feel everyone's eyes upon you, as you slowly squeak to your seat.
>Mr.Doodle doesn't even wait for you to be seated before he starts class.
>"Alright, everyone. I'm going to write a couple of derivatives on the board. Solve them."
>You hear several low groans scattered across the classroom as you sit down at your desk.
>Your pants feel uncomfortably damp, yet another byproduct of the rain that you subjected yourself to.
>Shifting in your seat yields little difference so you just give up and retrieve your notes from your backpack.
>You feel some level of relief as your hand feels no sign of water inside or on your belongings.
>'At least something else has gone right today.'
>You set to scribbling down the problems Mr.Doodle wrote down.
>As you stare at the jumble of numbers and variables, you find your concentration starting to wane.
>You rest your head in your hands and stare at the paper intently, as if trying to force the problems solved by sheer will. Or Force.
>But the numbers and processes in your head fade, so you resign yourself to start daydreaming as usual.
>You continue to stare at the problems to maintain the facade of a serious student to Mr.Doodle.
>You look up to where he is seated, and find him displaying the same level of boredom.
>His feet are perched up on his desk, a magazine in hand as he lazily flips through the pages.
>Upon closer inspection, the cover seems to read "Toupee's Monthly".
>What a shocker.
>You take a mental note to do whatever it took to keep your hair.
>But even that is quickly forgotten, like your mind is quietly protesting against calculus.
>All you can think about is confronting Moondancer and planning your future attempt at reconciliation.
>However, anything you could think of hinged on the off-chance that she even wanted to see you again.
>Will she even grant you the opportunity to talk to her?
>She did say she may not ever want to see you again.
>The pain-laden statement rings in your ears, almost as if you're hearing her say them again.
>"I don't know if I want to see you...anymore..."
>Your hands clench and release as you recall each moment.
>What if she rejected you again?
>Would you be cursed to live your life with the burden of being able to relive that painful day, second by second, as if it had just occurred the day before?
>You feel fatigued once more as you contemplate that scenario.
>The stress would most likely wear on your mind slowly, eating away at your sanity, causing you to lash out.
>Your friends would be the first to leave, abhorred by your drastic change in state of mind.
>Eventually, the tragic extent of your failings would cause you to seek solace either at the edge of a blade or the end of a gun, as you rid your yourself of the memory from your mind at the bottom of the shower or all over the wall.
>The gradually depressing thoughts demoralizes you as you feel yourself start to reconsider your actions once more.
>But if you never try to seek her out, the outcome will just be the same, except you will also be weighed down with the regret of never trying.
>It would all continue to weigh you down, as you live through your life encumbered by all those regrets and hesitations, like a murky swamp slowly swallowing you in it's unforgiving blackness, until it envelops you, and the world forgets you with the unrelenting passage of time.
>'Seems like a bit of slippery slope that you're forming there, Anon.'
>But at this point, you aren't 100% for following your gut.
>After all, it's what got you into this in the first place.
>So at this point the only option you're left with is nut up and shut up.
>You let out a deep sigh as you turn your head and face the window.
>The rain was still unrelenting, the droplets obscuring your vision into the outside world.
>Not that there was much to see anyway, unless one found bleak and unvaried sky interesting.
>You had always enjoyed when it rained. It gave you a reasonable excuse to stay indoors.
>To be fair, you liked being inside even on good days, but at least you didn't' feel a small flash of regret for doing so on less fair days.
>Rain also meant more people would most likely be staying on school grounds during lunch.
>A twinge of nervousness shoots through your body.
>You hadn't thought of that.
>Would there be more people in the library?
>You would run the risk of being seen by some student, or someone you knew, who just happened to catch you and Moondancer.
>The conjured scenario of so much people harrying you and/or Moondancer about your rumored relationship makes an uneasy feeling creep back in your stomach.
>While the mere thought of being in a relationship with Moondancer leaves you feeling hot under your sweater, you aren't entirely comfortable with it being common knowledge.
>People wanting to know about " how the two of you met" and "how long" and so on.
>You expect your friends would treat the two of you differently, and that was not a welcome idea either.
>Sharing your daily and more private life with other people, even family and friends, never caught wind with you.
>Which is why your facebook remains sparsely updated to this day.
>Not that you had a whole lot to share, anyway. You just never cared about social media popularity.
>Everyone you regularly associated with shared the same mentality, so you had never really felt the need to change.
>Exasperation finds its way into your mind as you consider exactly how your friends would react to seeing you and Moondancer together.
>You've known Slide Rule and Hard Drive have had a thing for Moondancer, but she's never reciprocated any advances they've made.
>While you don't doubt for a second that the two would be besides themselves in unbridled anger, you highly doubt that they would go any further than empty name calling and threats.
>Slide Rule would most likely be visualizing several dramatic and anime-esque ways he could kill you with giant swords while quiet whispers of Klingon threats would be heard from under Hard Drive's breath.
>The biggest threat from either of them would probably be to your computer.
>A shudder courses through your body as you imagine losing your pride and joy that you had built yourself.
>It would be best to keep whatever you had planned as secret as possible.
>Perhaps take her to the research section?
>The research section was in the back of the library, behind numerous rows of bookshelves, far away from the prying eyes of your group.
>The only time you saw people going back into that area was during finals, and to pick material for their papers or such.
>The journals and articles sat back their collecting dust during the rest of the year, only for a scant few to be plucked out,their yellowing pages dusted off for a few weeks, and placed back to repeat the cycle.
>If Moondancer agreed to let you speak your mind, you would be able to freely do so in the privacy of such a barren area.
>You sit straighter as you feel more proverbial weight lifted off of your shoulders.
>Assuming/hoping everything went the way you desired, you would not only reconcile with Moondancer, but earn a second chance to win her affection.
>Your mind starts swimming with numerous more possibilities as the school bell rings.
>...
>...
>"Moondancer!"
>You jump in your seat and look around the classroom to see that everyone is fixated on you.
"Wha-huh?"
>You look up to see Professor Discords mismatched eyes staring right back at you.
>"Welcome back to Earth Moondancer. Care to tell us what a protic solvent is?"
>You stare at the teacher in a shocked stupor, still in the midst of trying to process what she said.
>Did your assiduity really slip away right in the middle of class?
>"Moondancer. Protic Solvents. Go."
>As your mind struggles to bring itself back up to pace, you try to buy yourself time by flipping through your notepad to make it seem as if you're reading it back.
>'Protic. Chemical. Uuuuuhhh.....hydrogen...'
>Your desperation
>You look back to the teacher.
"A uhh...solvent with...hydrogen...and...uhh...oxygen?"
>Professor Discord stares at you with somewhat of a mixture of pity and resignation and an undertone of impatience.
>"Close enough, I suppose. Moondancer's straw grasping was somewhat correct."
>The scattered giggles across the room only serves to make you feel more ridiculous as you sink deeper into your chair.
>Discord spins around to face the rest of the class.
>"Hush now children. Everyone has their off days. Even people as adept as Moondancer will stutter every now and then. It's all natural."
>He walks up to the blackboard, twirling a piece of chalk absentmindedly.
>"Now, A protic solvent is usually in the hydroxyl group, so it does ..."
>Professor Discord's rambling fade off in your mind as you slouch ever deeper into your chair, almost coming to eye level with the top of your desk.
>Your lack of sleep wore heavy on your eyes as the weight started to drag them closed once more.
>Fighting the urge to keep them open for the nth time, you rub your temples and prop yourself back up in your chair.
>You glance at the chalkboard, and twitch in shock as you notice the vast amount of material written on there.
>It vastly contrasts with the glaringly blank space of your notepad.
>You sigh as you rub your temples once more in an effort to gather what little focus you have.
>You couldn't just leave without writing something.
>With newfound, yet meager vigor, you pick up your pencil and begin to write frantically...
>'BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP'
>As the lunch bell rings.
>An empty feeling reappears in your stomach, as you stare down at your desk in disbelief.
>'Not even a single definition...'
>"Alright class, we'll pick this back up on Monday. We'll also be covering my favorite topic; entropy."
>Prof. Discord puncuates his anticipation with a light hearted giggle as he scans the classroom.
>The enthusiasm in his voice goes by largely unnoticed as everyone hastily gathers their supplies and makes for the hallway.
>Discords shoulders sag down as his grin does as well.
>"Oh, you all are no fun..."
>He makes a shooing gesture with his hand.
>"Go on, enjoy your weekend, and oooh yes, the prom as well."
>'Prom...'
>A tear appears on the lens of your glasses, sliding down the concavity until it drops down onto your notepad, slowly smudging the printed ink.
>Students continue to file past you in a break for the door, showing no sign of sympathy or care of what you assume is visible discomfort.
>On most occasions, their apathy would largely unfaze you.
>You never needed anyone else anyway. They never understood you.
>Not like...
>Like...
>'Prom...'
>The moment plays back in your mind, almost like a broken record player.
>'WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH ME'
>'WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH ME'
>'WILL YOU GO TO-'
>"Moondancer?"
"YES!"
>Professor Discord's visage, which had just been in close proximity, shot back instantaneously, a look of unbridled shock struck on it, hand clutched to chest.
>"Good heavens, Moondancer!"
>The shaking in your hands return as you remain fixed into your desk as if cemented there.
>Discord regains his composure, clears his throat and motions towards the door to the hallway.
>"As much as I know you share a passion for the sciences like me, I'm afraid class is over."
>You slowly glance up at him, eyes slightly moist.
>Discord looks at you with a raised eyebrow half inquisitively, half impatiently.
>"Well, I...never thought you liked chemistry that much. I know some of the material is qu-
"Have a good day, professor."
>Shock returns to Discord's face, with a slight twinge of hurt.
>You shove your notepad into your bag and finally stand up.
>"Well I-...yes, y-you too, Moondancer. I suppose."
>You push past him and make your way out into the hall, head hung low and shoulders slumped.
>A sigh escapes your lips as you trudge down the hallway to the library.
>And stop mid-step as a thought flashes in your mind.
>One that hadn't occurred today, for some inexplicable reason.
>'He'll be there.'
>Now that it had crossed your mind, you started to mentally kick yourself.
>An...He would definitely be at the library today.
>It was another way he and you were similar.
>Preferring to take your lunches somewhere more isolated from everyone else, you always went to eat at the library when you started here.
>He found you there and eventually started to bring his own there as well, where the two of you would talk about whatever crossed your minds.
>It was a moment of solace. A safe haven from being surrounded and crowded by students and teachers and strangers and everything.
>But the recent turn of events has left you with a sinking feeling in your stomach at the thought of seeing him there.
>Your eyes start to dart around the hallway, frantically looking for a solution to just pop up in front of you.
>You didn't have a car to eat in.
>None of your teachers opened their classrooms.
>At least some other place other than...
>You feel a cold sweat break out as the idea that you had tried to ignore creeps up.
>The cafeteria.
>You feel a lump in your throat form at the thought of overcrowded tables, loud yelling, and unsanitary surfaces.
>So many people...everywhere.
>Would it be better than encountering..him?
>Thinking about him stirs up so many emotions inside you that you're not sure if you would slap him, kiss him, or cry into his shoulders.
>On the other hand eating in an overcrowded spawn of high school stereotypes only brings one emotion to head: fear.
>Either way you would be faced with an unimaginably awkward scenario that would most likely end with you huddled in a corner of the bathroom struggling with a panic attack.
>Before you're able to answer your own question, you feel yourself turn the other way.
>Down towards the cafeteria.
>So many feelings swirled around inside you as you thought of seeing him again.
>Anger and guilt took precedence over love and desire as you continued on your way to the cafeteria.
>It would probably be best to avoid the library for now.
>He'd never think to look for you there anyway.
>You normally wouldn't be caught dead in a place with more than twenty people.
>You'd only ever ate there once. The noise was overstimulating to you, and left you unable to focus the rest of the day.
>But as you came closer to the cafeteria doors, you started to feel uneasy, a slight panic rising in your chest before you even entered the room.
>Your pace becomes a bit more hesitant as the cacophony of the students talking over each other causes your panic to become more prevalent.
>'Maybe seeing Anon isn't such a bad idea...'
>Yet something in you makes you continue towards the open double doors of what you consider to be hell incarnate.
>It was only as you reach the doors do you fully reconsider your decision.
>Every single table was chock full of loud and obnoxious students forcing their voice over one another, creating a awful din of laughter, yelling, and singing.
>The noise and the crowd almost brings you to your knees if you hadn't braced yourself against the doorway.
>It's so overwhelming it causes you to bring your hands to your ears and quickly turn back down the hallway.
>'Nononononononononononononono'
>Too many people.
>Too much noise.
>No silence.
>No Anon.
>You make your way back towards the library at a more hurried pace, hands still over your ears in an effort to shut out the existence of the crowd.
>Anything would be better than having to deal with...with what you saw as a writhing and grotesque mass of teen hormones and angst.
>You don't think you could stand a second with so many people, even with Anon here.
>'He would take me somewhere quiet and we would talk about the latest Warhammer figures he wants or...'
>A wistful smile finds its way onto your face as you imagine the sparkle in his eye as he talks about his favorite video games or some band he found.
>It was always entertaining to listen to him go on and on about something he liked. It was kind of endearing, in a manner of speaking.
>He was passionate about a lot of things. It was one of the things that made him...attractive...
> You could sit for hours on end and listen to him talk.
>The two of you had done so on multiple occasions, and it never ceased to surprise you.
>No one ever kept your attention for more than a couple hours.
>Yet thinking about Anon stirs up the maelstrom of emotions from earlier, making you hesitant in your nostalgia.
>Last night comes into your mind, making your gait falter even more so.
>Did he actually want to take you to the prom?
>Or was it actually just a facade because he pitied you?
>Reflecting on your response multiple times left you with the conclusion that you might have over reacted.
>Slightly.
>In your own defense, repeated rejections by others had left your crumbling sense of self-worth in a sorry state.
>'Not as sorry as your misshapen, insubstiantial excuse of a body.'
>Your venomous mental dialogue ekes a cringe out of you.
>But as acrimonious as it was, you couldn't help but feel a slight degree of truth to it.
>You revisit your self-inflicted anguish that tormented you last night while you sobbed in the shower.
>In that half hour underneath the torrent of steaming water, you came to the realization that that was why you were seen as undesirable by so many of the guys you were attracted to.
>You were unattractive.
>Repugnant.
>Weak.
>Ugly.
>It was a realization that should have come to you sooner.
>And yet when it did dawn upon you, you felt a bittersweet sense of...satisfaction, for lack of a better description.
>More along the lines of you discovering what had made past romantic efforts so strenuous.
>At least you could tell Anon you understand why he rejected you.
>But the thought of coming face to face with him after yesterday leaves a nauseous feeling that creeps up your esophagus, threatening to recreate The Exorcist.
>Forcing yourself to choke it back down, you finally arrive at the library doors.
>You take a deep breath and recollect what remains of your frayed sanity and reach for the door.
>"...I just need to talk to Moondancer about....something. It's important."
>'ANON!'
>The sound of his voice causes every single muscle in your body to seize up.
>"Why, Anon? Is it about what you got under your jacket?"
>"It's none of your business, Slide Rule. Go fanboy over the new StarCraft patch or something I don't care. I'm going to find her."
>'OH NO!'
>The echoing silence of the library on the other side is broken by hastened footsteps that gradually get louder.
>It's as if your mind has gone to DEFCON 1, as you break into a nervous sweat and your heart feels like it will burst.
>You silently scream at your body, demanding it move.
>You had to hide.
>You couldn't bear to see him.
>'He's coming right for me I can't let him see meIdontwanttofacehimIcantdothisIlov-'
>"M-...Moondancer?"
>...
"...Go fanboy over the new StarCraft patch or something I don't care. I'm going to find her."
>Slide Rule recoils slightly at your verbal assault, magnified eyes betraying the hurt that you caused.
>He mutters something about 'normies' under his breath, and turns back to the table that had a card game sprawled out on it.
>Normally you would sit and watch them play, while discussing the latest video game gossip.
>But it was different today. You had a goal.
>Well, a goal other than trying your best not to ruin the flowers.
>It wasn't the most inconspicuous, as the sight of your arm up your jacket made it quite obvious.
>'As long as she or anyone else doesn't know what it is.
>You had to find her now. It was the perfect timing.
>It was Fried Chicken Friday, only rivaled by Taco Tuesday in popularity.
>Almost everyone would there for it.
>Which meant that you had a clear shot at this with no one seeing you.
>This was a once-in-a-blue-moon chance at winning her back.
>You just had to find her.
>To tell her.
>What if she didn't even come to school today?
>What the hell would you do then?
>She just had to be here!
>But where?
>You push open the door with force only to stop inches outside the door.
>Moondancer stares back at you like a deer caught in headlights. Frozen in place.
>A blush streaked across her face as her mouth hangs agape.
>You stare right back into her astonished eyes as you quietly celebrate the fact that victory and your dream was just within your grasp.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yyAgk9der4 [Embed]
>You swallow back the lump in your throat as you meekly force yourself to speak.
"M-...Moondancer?"
>Her eyes dart between gazing into yours and the area where the flowers reside in your jacket.
>...
>Anon.
>He's standing right here.
>Right here in front of you.
>You want to kiss him.
>You want to punch him.
>There's so many things that you want to do at the same time, and yet your body refuses to even budge an inch.
>His face betrays the fact that he is as just as surprised to see you.
>You would be staring right back at him if it weren't for the fact that he had half his arm stuck up the bottom of his jacket.
>Although in an apparent attempt to hide something, he makes it quite obvious that something exists there.
>It gives off the facade that he was in his third trimester.
>It would have been an amusing sight, if in any other circumstance.
>You glance between him and the protruding bulge underneath his jacket, a combination of curiosity and anxiety brewing within you.
>What is he going to do?
>Flashes of several different scenarios course through your mind all at once.
>'Is it a knife? IS HE GOING TO STAB ME?'
>A phantom pain strikes in your stomach at the thought of Anon plunging a blade into you.
>'Would he really do such a thing? He doesn't seem hysterical.'
>What if he's going to hurt himself?
>Fear and concern take precedence in your mind as you imagine Anon committing suicide right in front of you.
>"Moondancer...I..."
>His voice weakly trails off as he starts to slowly withdraw his arm from his jacket.
>'This is it. I have to do something. I need to do something.'
>And still, your body refuses to move.
>You couldn't lose him.
>His arm slowly starts to withdraw from his jacket.
>Your anxiety starts to grow exponentially, as you watch whatever he has concealed within his jacket slowly begin to emerge.
>But it quickly breeds into fear as see his hand come into view, clasping something so tightly tha-
>'IT'S A KNIFE IT'S A GUN IT'S A BOMB'
>You don't even need a moment to see what he is clutching onto before your panicked mind revisits the possibility that he was going to hurt someone more.
>And the worst part is you are most likely unable to stop him.
>But from hurting you, or hurting himself?
>For some reason, you aren't sure which you find more distressing.
>His hand and whatever is in it continues to withdraw from its concealment.
>And all you can do is stand here.
>Weak. Stunned with fear.
>You stare into Anons eyes once more as you await whatever fate he has decided, resigned to your paralytic cowardice.
>You see beads of sweat forming on his forehead and trail down his face, as he starts to appear visibly shaken and nervous.
>His breathing has become slow and methodical in an attempt to calm himself for his next move.
>"Moondancer, I...I..."
>He stares back into yours with what you assume is mental aberration disguised by a veil of regret and...
>Love, hopefully.
>His arm snaps fully out of his jacket, bringing his weapon of judgement to bear.
>Your body finally responds to your repeated attempts to move, but only in the form of recoiling from what came next.
>...
>You're still alive.
>You feel no physical pain.
>You're fine.
>For now.
>You didn't hear anything either.
>No gunshot. No body falling to the floor.
>Your body remains fixed in its defensive posture, still poised for whatever was coming.
>Is he waiting for you to look?
>Does he want to look into your eyes one last time before he does what he wishes?
>Should you chance a look to see what he has brandished against?
>"Mo-Moondancer...please look at me..."
>You feel yourself shaking in fear, but slowly began to comply.
>Your eyes remain shut until you finally turn to face him.
>'This is it.This is it. This is it. This is it.'
>You take a deep breath...
>'Come whatever may...'
>Open your eyes...
"WAAAH!"
>You jump again in instinct, once more recoiling from the...
>...
>....flowers...
>It's....flowers...
>In his hand, he holds some of the most beautiful flowers you'd every seen.
>Vivid and bright colors bloomed from the clutch in his hand.
>The sight of them brought your entire panicked state of mind into a screeching halt, replacing it with a sense of tranquility...
>With slight undertones of stupidity.
>'A knife? A GUN?' How could I be so foolish?'
>It's all quickly forgotten as you lose yourself in the calming air surrounding the bouquet.
>Anon brought you flowers...for you...
>You look back up to him, struggling to find the right words.
"For...me?"
>He stares back at you, swallows quietly, and nods.
>"I....wanted to...apologize about...last night, and...and..."
>His eyes are cast down to his feet as his voice trails off.
>Your vision starts to blur slightly as you look back down at the flowers.
>The minute sways of the flowers gave away the fact that Anon was shaking.
>Had you been wrong about how he felt?
>Did he truly mean it when he said what he said?
>The choices you made come swelling back into your head, as embarrassment starts to take hold of you.
>You told him you never wanted to see him again.
>And here he was, still, professing what you hope to be genuine attraction.
>"Moondancer, I can't tell you how long I've wanted to tell you."
>'To...apologize?'
>Glancing back up at him, you catch a faint sparkle in the striking color of his eyes.
>"But when you asked me yesterday if I...y'know...liked you and...
>Your hand instinctively clasps around your mouth as you realize what he's trying to say.
>Any previous feelings that were storming inside you were rapidly expelled in place of one.
>Anticipation.
>'Please say it'
>Your vision clouds even more, obscuring the sight of a goal just within reach.
>"and I just kind of...panicked in the moment and...said some stupid crap."
>'Please say it.'
>"I can't tell you how long I spent last night thinking about you. From your beautiful eyes to your cute voice, how you get excited about things...just...everything about you. I couldn't get you out of my mind"
>He takes a step closer to you.
>"From when I first met you, I couldn't stop thinking about you.
>You struggle to maintain what little composure you as he slowly reaches out with a trembling hand and-
>...
>He's...holding your hand...
>Your mind feels blank. Empty.
>Except for one thing.
>Anon.
>"Moondancer...Moonie...I..."
>You've waited so long to hear him say this.
>For years, you've waited.
"Please...say it...please Anon..."
>His face comes within inches of yours as your tears began to freely flow.
>"I...I..."
>The next two words are given no chance to leave his lips as yours gently brush against his.
>...
>The flowers fall from your hands
>Your entire body feels numb.
>All feeling is gone everywhere.
>Except your lips.
>After so long, so many sidelong glances, so many daydreams...
>So many ruined socks.
>You're not entirely sure who initiated the kiss.
>But right now you couldn't care less.
>Here you were, finally living your dream.
>Experiencing it in real life.
>It's as if your senses were heightened ten fold, as the sensation from the kiss sends shivers up your spine and your mind into a somersault.
>Amidst your mental celebration, there was one other thing going through your mind, and it almost made you laugh out loud.
>The fact that your theory was right.
>She did taste like raspberry.
>You raise your arms up to her waist level, wrap them around her, and nervously pull her closer towards you.
>The sudden action causes Moondancer to let out a small gasp and tense up in response, but she quickly relaxes into your arms and presses further into you.
>You can feel all of her body against yours, even though several layers of clothing restricts you from truly being close to her.
>Despite the barrier, you admire how soft her body is as she melts further into your arms and pushes the kiss even deeper.
>Small, almost inaudible moans escape her lips as she snakes her arms out of your embrace and rests them on your shoulders.
>You feel a small drop of something wet brush past your cheek, and an air of nervousness starts to swell in you.
>'Am I sweating?Am I drooling somehow? Is it snot?'
>You try to peel yourself away to discover the source and wipe it away, only for Moondancer to pull you back in a gentle but firm manner.
>After another second of pure bliss, she pulls her lips away from yours ever so slightly and shakily.
>Close enough to where you can feel ragged and light breathes roll onto your own lips.
>You open your eyes, about to protest the abrupt end, but stop when you see the source of the wetness on your cheek streaming from her eyes.
>"Please...I don't want this to be...over yet..."
>Deep down you didn't want it to end either.
>But an unsettling awkwardness starts to creep up, desecrating your pure happiness of the moment.
>You're out in the middle of the hallway.
>Where everyone can see. If someone hasn't seen you already.
>Half of you wants to throw that anxiety away and cherish the moment, disregarding anyone who comes by.
>But...
"Moondancer"
>"Shhhh...please....just....do that again...I need it..."
>She pulls you in for a kiss, albeit sloppier and more awkward. than the previous.
>You're about to try and stop her when a previous thought hits you like Tide hunter.
>This is something you've been dreaming about for so long.
>Why are you trying to stop it?
>You wrap your arms more tightly around Moondancer.
>Why should you care who sees?
>Slide Rule and Hard Drive can go hug their anime pillows for all you care.
>You gently pull away, and look down at Moondancers teary face.
>She sniffs as a smile blossoms on her face that melts your heart even further.
>Moonie was yours.
>...
>You feel...
>Happy...
>Safe...
>Warm...
>Anon's arms are so comfortable, you feel yourself sink into his body as you press the kiss further in.
>Caught up in the moment, you're unsure where to put your hands.
>Should you wrap around him as well? Seems too awkward.
>On his arms? Even more so.
>Your decision making is quickly forgotten as he pulls you further into his embrace.
>You feel your legs start to lose their fortitude, leaving you to gradually rely on Anon to hold you up.
>Judging by how firm his arms are, he would have no trouble.
>Your own arms aimlessly raise up between the two of you, and wrap around his neck.
>This feels right.
>Everything about this feels right.
>Anon feels right.
>...
>It's almost a crime that you have to let go of Moondancer
>You bend down and retrieve the flowers you dropped.
>Fortunately they remained in mint condition, unsoiled by dropping them, Moondancer continues to look at you, a wide smile painted across her face.
>You look between the flowers and her, and awkwardly extend them to her.
"Ahhh...These uh-I uh these are for...you"
>She tenderly takes them from you with one hand...
>"Th-they're...I like them..."
>and takes yours in the other.
>'Her hands are really soft'
>You wrap your fingers around hers, basking in the joy you feel broiling inside you.
>Or is it queasiness?
>You certainly feel something welling up in you.
>It would be preferable not to spew on your newly found relationship.
>You choke down the 'feelings' and find words to substitute them.
"So...uh...Moonie..."
>"Yes, Anon?"
>She draws her attention away from the flowers to you, a sparkle in her eyes that you had not seen before.
>The words instantly dissipate in your throat as you stare into her eyes.
>An unusually rich shade of purple catches you in a near hypnotic trance.
>Your eyes drift all along her divine frame, from the tip of her unique hairstyle, to her slightly paunchy body, down to her curvaceous thighs.
>God she's so perfect.
>You feel a squeeze of your hand as Moondancer steps closer to you.
>"A-Anon? What did you want to say?"
>What?
>Oh!
"Oh yeah yeah. Uhmm so...did you want...um go to the...you know...the prom with-with me?"
>Just saying 'prom' conjures a phantom pain on your cheek.
>You subconsciously start to raise your free hand to shield yourself, but stop halfway when you realize what you're doing.
>Moondancer notices your jump and her previously joyful demeanor becomes more sullen.
>Her gaze casts down to her shoes and her whole body seems to slump over with her head.
>'Shit. Way to go, Anon, weighing her down with the memory again.'
>You should say something.
"Moonie, look I uh...I'm sorry if I....if I-uh.."
>"I'd like to...go..."
>Your breath catches in your throat, forcing a small cough out of you.
>You look at her with a mixture of shock, delight, and a twinge of desire.
>Her previous blissful expression had returned, if but with a small hint of shame and anxiety painted in her lavender eyes..
>"I wo-would like to go...now that...I have you"
>Another squeeze of your hand as Moondancer awkwardly leans in closer to you.
>You give her a light but lingering peck, savoring the taste that you were already starting to miss.
>Moondancer lets out another quiet moan as she leans into the kiss, gradually placing more and more of her weight onto you.
>The touch and taste of her lips is too much...
>Even kissing her for a moment sends you reeling.
>It makes you feel like you're spinning...like your falling.
>Wait what?
>You don't get a chance to think twice before your vision turns black and your ears are filled with a noise the equivalence of a shitty electronic concert.
>...
>The ringing in your ears slowly begins to subside as you attempt to take a deep breath.
>Only to discover your inability to do so.
>Your vision begins to readjust and you try to regain a sense of your surroundings.
>You blink back tears and your daze to discover that you're sprawled on your back and facing the ceiling.
>You feel a heavy weight on your torso lift off of you quickly, and Moondancer fade into your slightly hazy vision.
>A look of concern and panic is evident on her face as she opens her mouth to speak.
>The white noise in your ears dulls out whatever she's trying to say.
>You stare at her in confusion as you attempt to read her lips.
>Her soft, beautiful lips that took your breath away.
>Figuratively and literally.
>Moondancer grabs you by the shoulders and heaves you up with all her nerdy might.
>I.e. You pulled yourself up onto your knees.
>You sat motionless, fixating your effort into regaining your ability to breath.
>Moondancer sits in front you, the same look still on her face.
>"Are...kay?!?"
>She places her hand on yours and squeezes.
>Her touch relaxes you as you feel air seep back into your lungs.
>You look back to her, still slightly gasping, and reach out, touching her cheek gently.
>Her face softens, a smile finding its way onto it, as she rests her head into your hand.
>Fortunately for you the Student Body office was just a couple doors down from the Library doors.
>Unfortunately, the pain in the back of your head had increased exponentially in that short time.
>The ringing that was previously resonating in your ears was quickly replaced by a harsh throbbing sensation.
>Each pulse causes you to grit your teeth.
>Moondancer wraps her hand around yours and sighs happily as she rests her head on your shoulder.
>The two of you walk into the office and come within inches of the biggest smile you have ever seen.
>Attached to that smile is a girl who smelled like such a strong mixture of cupcakes, cotton candy and sugar, you felt your teeth rotting and diabeetus forming in your veins.
>The nauseating intensity of the smell only aids in increasing the discomfort in your head.
>Only taking a step back from the assailing scent do you recognize the beaming face as belonging to...
>Panka Pill? Pickle Pop? Porky pig?
>"Hi there, Anon!"
>Did she?
"How...you know my name?"
>"Of course I do! I know everyone at this school!I try to get to know everyone around the school so I can make sure I can be their friend and..."
>Her speech becomes more blended together as her obvious hyperactivity gets the best of her
>You know those cars at drag races?
>Yea it's kind of like that/
>"excepttherewasthisonetimethatIalmostforgottobuytheballoonsandthatwouldhavemeantitwouldn'tbethebestestpartyeverand..."
>You clear your throat in a meek attempt in catch her attention.
>Plinko Pan seems to catch the hint as her vocabulary salvo abruptly ends.
>You're not sure if she's blushing or not, but she shies away slightly as she laughs timidly.
>"Ehehehehehe...sorry. I kind of get worked up around this time of the year. Putting together the prom is a YUUUUUUUUUUGE deal for me."
"Well you see, uhh...that's actually what we're here for."
>Pink Pot raises an eyebrow and huh's in confusion.
>"We?"
>Her attention is brought towards Moondancer, who had come out from hiding behind you, clutching her bouquet with indefatigable purpose, turning her knuckles a shade on the lighter side of pure white.
>Panko's eyes dart between you, Moondancer, and the flowers at such a rapid pace, you'd swear they were about to fall out.
>She seems to have made the connection, as the beaming smile that you were greeted with previously had re-emerged twice over, threatening to unzip the top half of her head off.
>"EEEEEEEIKNEWITIKNEWITIKNEWITOHMIGOSHIALWAYSKNEW"
>Jesus she reminds you of those headless bomb guys from Serious Sam.
>You are still haunted by the screams.
>You feel yourself wrapped into a giant hug as your nose is assaulted once again by the smell of confectionery treats.
>Did she bath in powdered sugar or something?>"I always knew that you two were going to be together at some point and here you are! I've got a really good sense of it and stuff!"
"That's...hnnng....great...but....how?"
>She scoffs as she releases the two of you.
>"Uh, duh, Anon! Like I said, I know everyone here at school and I always see you and Moondancer walking around together and talking the two of you look so cute together and I-"
>You feel the curvature of your spine slowly begin to pop back into place.
>"-and I think the way the two of you look at each other! It's like, duh, so obvious so-"
"Yeah uhm...you're..."
>"Hmm? Oh! Sorry! You're probably looking for the registration forms! Lemme grab em for you!"
>In the time it takes for you to register her statement, she had vaulted over the counter, grabbed two slips of paper, and vaulted back over, extending the papers over to you.
>"Here you go! You can fill em out right now."
>Is that glitter on the paper?
"Thanks?"
>You hand one to Moondancer, who meekly takes one, placing it on the counter to fish a pen out of her bag.
>"You guys are lucky! This was kind of your last chance to sign up!"
>The fact brings some degree of relief.
>You honestly hadn't planned further than going to the prom.
>If the idea of the prom had fallen through, you would be stuck up mid lane without a tank
>You half tune out Pancake Pop while you scribble your hancock onto the sparkly slip of paper.
>"-Although I'm sure there's still, like, hundreds of places to get a tux and a dress and oooooooh you'll also need a corsage and a place to eat be-"
>You felt exhausted just listening to her.
>Coupled with your new found headache, it seemed like a noise was going to town inside your head.
>But her inane ramblings did come around to a good point.
>The nicest set of clothes you had barely passed as semi-formal.
>Picking up Moondancer in Khakis and a button down would not pass over well.
>You could probably just pass by a place and rent a tux, no problem.
>"-And I'd, like, usually ask you if you wanna put your name in for prom queen, Moondancer, buuuuuuuut with the prom being so close, and well, with Sunset sooooo super pushy about winning, I can't really do that."
>...
>She finally stopped talking.
>'THIS QUIET OFFENDS SLAANESH'
>You attempt to force the throbbing into a small corner of your head by sheer force alone.
>You feel a hand rest upon yours, and you turn to Moondancer, who has a look of concern plastered on her face.
>"Anon, are...are you ok?"
"What? Yeah, uh...why?"
>Pinkie decides to chime back in, rendering your hard earned peace of mind completely moot.
>"Uuuuuh, Because you just looked like you were, like, about to explode, or something! You're face was like this!"
>Her face takes on a pained and focused demeanor, as she clenches her teeth.
>Was your discomfort that visible?
"I'm fine. Just a light headache."
>You hand Ploppy Pip the form as Moondancer does the same, and you wave off as you leave.
>'Pantry Pick? No...Party Pete? No. Pippy Peek? No...'
>"Byebye you guys! I'll see you two at the prom! I promise it'll be, like, the bestest prom you've been to! I Pinkie promise!"
>'THAT'S IT'
"PINKIE PIE!"
>Your sudden exclamation causes Moondancer to jump, as you snap your hand to your mouth.
>"Hmmm? What's up, Anon?"
>You turn back to the curious pink puff and dismiss her curiosity with a wave of her hand.
"Oh it's nothing! Nothing at all. Nevermind"
>She eyes you inquisitively before she shrugs.
>As the two of you turn back to walk out, Moondancer leans in and whispers.
>"You forgot her name, didn't you?"
>Shit.
"Possibly."
>She rolls her eyes and giggles lightly.
>"Come on, Anon, EVERYONE knows who Pinkie Pie is."
"Well I KNOW who she is. She's the one that leaves a trail of confetti where she walks."
>This causes Moondancer to break out into a fit of giggles.
"I'm serious! Have you seen her? She's like a walking novelty store! I've seen her pull a rubber chicken out her hair!"
>Her best efforts to suppress her giggles come to naught, as it turns into full fledged laughter.
>She leans on you as she takes a deep breath to steel herself, and looks up to you with a warm smile on her face.
>God, just seeing her smile makes you feel nervous.
>It makes her look so beautiful.
>You touch your hand to her face again, running it across her cheek.
>Part of this felt like it was just a dream.
>You just wanted to make sure this was real
>You bring her face to yours as you press your lips against hers.
>To make sure that she was yours.
>Her lips felt real.
>Wrapping your arms around her, you pull her in closer.
>She felt real.
>"Well isn't this just precious. The nerd and the loser finally decided to get together."
>Startled, you pull away from Moondancer, turning to find someone even you knew the name of.
>Sunset Shimmer
>Surrounded in her air of vanity, superiority, and pride.
>Her mouth was twisted into a smug half smile, as she rested her hand on her hip, eyeing you with what looked like a combination of contempt and mock pity.
>Definitely the kind of person who would be a scout main.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you see Moondancer shrink behind you, hiding herself from whatever derision the two of you were about to face.
>You straightened yourself and stared Sunset in the eye, ready to meet whatever she was going to throw at you.
>You'd dealt with people like her at your old school.
>People like Sunset thought they were so much better than everyone else because of their "personality".
>They made a constant effort to remind everyone how great and amazing they were, when they were really as 2-dimensional as Book Marks girlfriend.
>Sunset saunters over and returns your stare, her smug smile widening.
>"I guess when the two of you shut yourselves in the library like your greasy friends, your bound to get desperate for someone, huh?"
>She leans closer in.
>"Trying to take advantage of a desperate girl are we, Anon?"
>How the hell does everyone know your name.
"What do you want, Sunset."
>Sunset throws up her hands in mock defense, feigning a look of shock at your statement.
>"Whoa, hey I'm just wondering! I must ask out of concern for a fellow female classmate. Teenage boys are so obse-"
"What do you want, Sunset."
>Interrupting Sunset seems to visibly upset her, as she begins to glare daggers at you.
>Your experience with her kind of people meant you knew exactly how to push their buttons.
>It was mildly fun, and it got them off your back.
>You just smile back, the closest thing you could get to spitting her face.
>Your smile only serves to piss her off further, evident by her obvious fist clenching.
>After a moment, she steps back, takes a deep breath, and returns to her former conceited manner.
>"Well, Anon, if you weren't so RUDE, I'd say that I just wanted to congratulate you two on finally accepting each other as the losers that you are."
>She's not very good insults.
>She doesn't need to be though.
>Given the fact that she had both the principal and vice principal in her back pocket, she could get away with anything.
>"BUT, since you obviously don't know your place in the student body, even after 3 years, I'll just have to leave you two to contemplate your worth as friendless nerds."
>Sunset steps forward again, almost within inches of you.
>"I'll be seeing you two..."
>She runs a painted nail up your chest until it stops at your chin, only to quickly flick her finger back.
>"...At the prom..."
>Sunset turns away and walks down the hallway, swaying her hips more than a girl normally should.
>You see her look behind her shoulder, a sultry flame burning in her eyes, and resumes her tantalizing gait.
>BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
>The bell rings, and shortly after, throngs of students fill the hallways, blending Sunset in with the multicolored crowd.
>...
>Shimmer was going to be at the prom.
>That didn't surprise you.
>What did surprise you was the interaction that preceded.
>You saw how Shimmer looked at Anon.
>Her eyes traced his figure through his jacket.
>Your anger flared when she deemed it acceptable to touch your man.
>Your hands were trembling, aching to push Sunset away from Anon.
>But your rationale decided against, knowing the consequences that could have followed.
>Instead, you relied on Anon's fortitude.
>You felt a degree of comfort in the look in his eyes.
>A blend of disgust, wariness, and indifference gleamed in his eyes, and you breath a quiet sigh of relief.
>You sigh as you settle underneath Anon's arm, feeling secure in the folds of his jacket.
>"Don't worry, Moonie. I won't let anything ruin tomorrow night. Not even some oversexualized hussie desperate for attention"
>Anon pulls you in closer.
>"C'mon, we need to get to class. You know how Mrs.Harshwhinny gets when anyone is late."
>You do.
>Her spiels of how tardiness soils perfection would go on for half the class, boring the class even more so than her history lessons.
>But being the only other class you have with Anon, it probably won't be so monotonous.
>History was probably the only class that did not have your undivided attention.
>On good days, you could go 10 minutes before Harshwhinny's braying left you aching for some sort of escape.
>The crowd of students flares your anxiety, as they swarm around you.
>You clutch the flowers, and Anon, tightly to you, as a whimper involuntarily eeks from you.
>You feel Anon guide you to the edge of the expansive hallway, as the nudges from every passersby decreases.
>"I'm right here, Moonie. They ain't gonna get you"
>His vague statement alleviates your unease, as it stirs memories of everything he's done to help you.
>From anxiety and boredom relief, to a patient ear to vent your parental issues at.
>To just someone to discuss everything that piqued your interest that day.
>"I'm not going to let anyone, most of all Sunset, ruin our night."
>You breath a deep sigh and wrap your free arm around his torso, as you feel the panic in your chest die down.
>Anon will always be here.
>As the two of you reach the door to history, Anon separates from you.
>It actually left a rather trifling feeling of emptiness.
>Are you really going to be that clingy early on?
>You'd watched enough 'Chinese cartoons', as Anon called them, to know what constituted as clingy.
>If you were going to be the perfect girlfriend, you would have to brush up on all the romantic manga you had stored under your bed.
>And...other... more...promiscuous reading materials...
>You felt your face get warm as you recall scenes from a particularly lewd section.
>'Maybe...Anon...would...'
>You feel your chest tighten and your...unmentionables start to moisten at the thought of Anon...touching ...your...
>"Moonie, are you coming or what?"
"Ponut! I-I-I mean what?"
>Anon looks at you inquisitively as he pulls you in through door, stepping aside to let others walk in.
>"What's a....ponut?"
>Shit he heard that.
"I...uhhhh...I was just thinking of...uhhh...I..."
>BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
"Oh sorry Anon I need to head to my seat, you know how Ms. Harshwhinny is."
>You accentuate your statement with a nervous laugh.
>Stop talking, Moondancer.
>Anon just shrugs and goes to find his set.
>Just as Ms.HarshWhinny saunters in with her seemingly constant snooty and pompous expression plastered on her face.
>What Anon likes to call "Resting Bitch Face".
>Her beady eyes scan across the classroom, just looking for a reason to launch into a tirade.
>Luckily, she hadn't set her sights on you, as you furtively slipped into your seat.
>Seemingly content with the orderly state of the classroom, she walks down between the aisles, as she speaks in her shrill tone.
>"Good to see you all properly in your place. As you may know, I have a distaste for the..."
>She walks past a student who obviously had ther phone out in her lap.
>HarshWhinny reaches in between her legs, grabs the phone(Hopefully), and resumes her stroll.
>"...improper and vulgar...manners that you young people partake in today. MUCH unlike the refined and regal society long forgotten."
>A wistful look passes onto her face, a faint glimmer sparkles in her eyes.
>"Ahh, if only..."
>HarshWhinnys eyes glaze over ever so slightly as she drifts off into a renaissance-esque daydream.
>A student clears his throat, shaking her out of her trance.
>"Yes...well...ahem...today we'll continue to go over the 1800's...such splendid times full of people of prestige and..."
>HarshWhinnys droning devolves into white noise as you feel your drive to learn be sapped away from you with every enunciation from her.
>Immediately feeling bored, you turn to look at Anon sitting 2 chairs down, who seemed to share the same mentality, albeit for different reasons, most likely.
>You already knew this material, having already read the textbook.
>...And quite a...few others on the topic.
>So it was safe to say you know this stuff quite well.
>Anon, on the other hand, was a wild card.
>He was mostly liked bored because he wasn't playing his...video games.
>He'd shown you quite a few, but only a couple had really peaked your interest.
>One in particular due to its blatant Lovecraftian elements.
>What gripped you more was how...animated...Anon would get at them.
>It was endearing, in a geeky way.
>Anon's voice chimes in your head,
>'Talk about the pot calling the kettle black'
>You smile to yourself, knowing Anon would say something along those lines.
>It made you remember what he was like when you first meet him.
>He was almost like you, in a manner of speaking.
>Maybe that's why you originally fell for him.
>And while he was certainly a lot more...robust when you first met him, the gauche and kindhearted Anon you connected with remained.
>You felt a warmth spread through your body as you fawned over Anon.
>Your thoughts started to trail to more...unchaste territory, as you imagined him preforming various acts on you.
>His lips...pressed against yours as he explored your body, overwhelming your senses just with his hands.
>'Let's keep our wits about ourselves, we're still at school. With other people around.'
>Right.
>You breathe deeply, feeling your body start to calm down.
>Shifting in your seat, you turn your focus to your notebook, to doodle the rest of the class away
>...
>BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
>Finally, holy shit.
>You practically fling your notebook into your backpack, tossing it onto your shoulders.
>Usually you were just happy to be done with school on a friday.
>Today you felt fucking ecstatic.
>Had you told yourself this morning how well everything would turn out, he would have laughed at you.
>It was still mildly hard to believe that this wasn't a dream.
>You feel Moondancer wrap her arm around yours, sighing happily.
>If it was, you never wanted to wake up.
>God, you sounded so corny.
>Fortunately, Moonie seemed to be the type to enjoy that, evident by the fact that she still held onto the flowers.
>That old lady sure knew her stuff.
>You'd have to drop by at some point to thank her profusely.
>'You can go thank her when you get a corsage!'
>Another spark of brilliance! You're so smart, Anon!
>'I know we are.'
>Moonie interrupts you mentally jerking yourself off by nudging your shoulder.
>"What are you thinking about, Anon?"
>Shit even her voice just made you feel all....weird.
>Made you want to wrap her in your arms, and kiss her deeply.
>And...take off her sweater, so you could have full access to her beautiful...shapely...
>'Boner is being constructed in the capital of Anon's crotch!'
>"Anon?"
"Oh yeah. Sorry I was just thinking about you-I MEAN thinking about uhm...thinking..."
>Moonie smiles bashfully as a blush creeps across her face.
>God damn.
"I was...I was thinking about you."
>The crimson in her cheeks turns a shade deeper as fiddles with her sleeves.
>"Uhm...thank...thanks...y-you too."
>You stifle a laugh at her stumbling awkwardness.
>It's like the two of you just met all over again.
>Except with an added layer of sexual tension and spaghetti.
>You gesture towards the door, grabbing onto her hand.
>Damn.
>Just holding her hand makes you feel like you scored a clutch play.
>Judging by the bright smile on Moondancers face, it appears she feels the same.
>It's almost reminiscent of the look she gets when she finds a new book series.
"C'mon, I'll drive you home."
>Moonies smile quickly fades into a somber look
>"Are you sure? I-I can ju-just take the b-bus..I don't want to b-be an inconvenience or any-"
>You try to dispel her uneasiness with a wave of your free hand.
"Nah it's fine, plus it means I get to..."
>You absentmindedly rub the back of your neck.
"You know...spend more time with you..."
>There's the Moonie that you like.
>Her dour expression melts away and her cheeks flush with color once more.
>Moondancer slowly nods and follows you out.
>...
>Today's been...been quite an experience.
>Sitting in the car with Anon reminds you of how turbulent the last 24 hours had been.
>You'd gone from slapping the one guy who truly understood you, to kissing him.
>And now you were going to the prom with him.
>It almost sounded like something straight out of an anime or a Stephanie Meyers book.
>But experiencing the actual tawdriness of the situation was entirely different from reading it in poorly written form.
>Here Anon was, hand resting on top of yours as he drove you home.
>In the same car you rejected him in.
>It was partially why you had haphazardly rejected his offer initially.
>But sitting her next to him put you at ease.
>Normally you felt considerably comfortable around him.
>All things considering, he was the only one of your friends he invited into your room.
>Your other friends would jump at the chance to try and...advance their relationship.
>Peeking in your closet, finding your...unmentionables...
>The thought just made your skin crawl.
>Considering your room is usually rather unruly, it wouldn't be difficult for them to grab some sort of memento.
>Fortunately, either Anon doesn't seem to mind, or he's a gentlemen enough to not care.
>Having seen the state of his room, you usually assume the former.
>You do recall the one time he was rather embarassed when you saw one of his pairs of boxers strewn across the floor.
>His room became somewhat cleaner after that.
>You would have told him you didn't mind, and that you just liked being in the same room as him, regardless of how what category hurricane ran through it.
>If you had been more upfront about it.
>'You are partially to blame for what transpired in the last 24 hours, you know.'
>Don't need a reminder.
>Even now, you feel incredibly awful for how you treated Anon.
>You slapped him, and he bought you flowers and is taking you to the prom in return.
>"You look like you have something on your mind, Monnie. A denar for your thoughts?"
>Anon squeezes your hand, running his thumb across your skin lightly.
>It was a pleasurable sensation, sending small shivers through your body.
>'It's only fair that you tell him. You are in a relationship now.'
"I...I still f-feel bad ab-about what...what happened yesterday...I acknowledge th-that I...overreacted and it still h-hurts me..."
>You turn to Anon, who's expression turns slightly downcast, eyes still fixed to the road.
"I-it's just I've been wanting to-t-tell you f-for so long an-and I even made you cry! I've never seen you cry before and i...
>You trail off as you bring your hand up to your face, enjoying the sense of his touch on your cheek.
"You're the only one that I've ever really felt some kind of...bond with. Looking back, I never really liked any of the other boys I asked out."
>You swallow back some tears, with little success as they escape into your eyes.
"I-I was just wanted to not...to not feel so...alone all the time...because it's...it's so hard to look around and see so many people....together...it feels like...like I'm not as good as them..."
>You look straight ahead out of the car, only to notice that Anon had pulled over.
>And was looking directly at you, almost entranced in every word you said.
>Swallowing your pity once more, you continue.
"And it doesn't help...that my parents...well you know...my mom more specifically...she doesn't want me to do anything but go home and study and get into some ivy league college and 'make sure not to soil her good name and reputation' because that's all that FUCKING matters to her."
>Anon flinches at your malediction of your mother, startled by the vehemence in your voice.
>He's been aware of your strained relationship for a while.
>It was made fairly blatant when she expressed her disapproval of you being in Anon's company.
>While being in Anon's company.
>At least she's not passive aggressive about it.
>"Moonie, I..."
>Anon lets out a long sigh.
>"I...I don't even know what to say...I mean...all I can say is..."
>He looks straight into your eyes, mesmerizing you with the vivid color in his irises.
>"I want to do anything I can for you. You've been with me for so long and I've been so stupid to not try and get closer to you. I want to do whatever I can to make you happy."
>You run your hand across his arms, tracing the muscles with your fingers lightly.
"Just...I want you...I want you to kiss me again. Like we did...we did at school"
I know how you feel, friendo
>Two programs and a midterm due next monday
>Losing the will to live
I'm sorry about being a huge piece of shit when it comes to updating
>>27138054
>There were other desires crossing your mind at the moment, but in the current situation, would come across as rather debauched.
>Anon wraps his arm around you and pulls you in for another kiss.
>Sitting in the car makes the kiss rather cumbersome, having to stretch over the middle to get your prize.
>You don't care.
>Leaning in, Anon gently presses his lips to yours, sending your mind into a blissful catatonic state.
>Nothing else matters in the world.
>Not your high-strung, rigid mother.
>Not multivariable calculus.
>Not your future.
>You needed Anon with you, no matter what.
>You press even further in, running your tongue across his lips quickly.
>Anon grunts in shock, but doesn't pull away.
>His hand travels along your side, down to your thighs.
>The touch is more sensual then you would have thought.
>You don't even notice yourself spreading your legs slightly.
>Anon gives your thigh a light squeeze, eliciting a gasp, shortly followed by a moan.
>Fuck you wanted him so bad.
>'You're losing yourself to your lust. Calm yourself, you're still in public'
>Shut up. You needed this.
>'Where people can observe your prurient manners?
>You're using to many big words right now. Big words distract from Anon.
>You needed more.
>You flick your tongue across Anon's lips again, pleading him to .
>He obliges, and you waste no time in darting your tongue into his mouth.
>"Mmmmm..."
>Anon seemed to be enjoying it as much as you.
>And, shit, were you enjoying it.
>The feeling of his tongue gliding across yours peaks your desires.
>You feel...moist...
>'Moondancer what if father were to see your concupiscent acts! Just think how he'd react"
>...
>Your salacious behavior starts to fade away.
>Only to be replaced by a stinging sense of embarrassment.
>You'd just made out with Anon.
>In public.
>While the act was tamer than what you'd...tried on yourself before, it was still...lewd to do so in public.
>But, seven hells, did it feel wonderful.
>"Moonie...where did you...where did you learn to do that?"
>'Don't say anime, Don't say anime, Don't say anime..."
"I-I-I...uhm...I...j-just...th-thought...I-I-"
>"You saw it in some mango didn't you?"
>You've been compromised.
>'Maintain composure, Moon E.Dancer.'
"N-no."
>Perfect.
>Anon lets out a hearty laugh, as your embarrassment sinks in even further.
>Not even a day into being with Anon and you're already losing your poise.
>Noticing your discomfort, Anon stops laughing and immediately looks regretful of his response.
>"H-hey I'm sorry..I didn't mean to laugh. I just...Moonie?"
>Why do you have to fail at everything when it comes to being a normal person.
>'Mother was right...'
"I can't even go a day without botching something up..."
>"Hey hey don't be like that. Look at me."
>Anon pulls your chin up, greeting you with understanding eyes.
>Being this close to his face makes you want to kiss him again, but you resist the urge.
>"It's alright. Whatever you think you did wrong, you didn't. It just...took me by surprise is all."
>Anon quickly pecks you on the cheek, and returns his attention back to driving
>"Plus..."
>Anon rubs a shaky hand slowly over your thigh.
>"I...ya know...kind of enjoyed it."
"R-really?"
>"Yeah, I did. It was kind of...l-lewd though."
"I...agree. I'm sorry...again"
>"Moonie, it's fine. I promise."
>You just nod in agreement.
>At least you didn't completely fail.
>The two of you sit in silence for the majority of the ride, the din of the rain
>The silence left you alone with your thoughts, most specifically on the events that will transpire in the next day or so.
>You obviously had to ask your parents for permission to go before you actually went with Anon.
>An exchange that you were already dreading with every fiber of your being.
>Your mothers answer was already ensured, so there was no use of trying persuade her.
>Dad, on the other hand, was more open-minded to you and your socializing.
>He seemed to...tolerate Anon enough.
>The two of them shared warmer conversations then with your mother.
>If he didn't like Anon, he certainly didn't show it.
>But if you were to fully sway dad into letting you be with Anon, there was only one course of action.
"Anon I want you to come with me and talk to my parents."
>...
>"What?"
>...
>The rain had finally dissipated, leaving the sky to remain it's somber dark gray.
>The only sounds where the radio, and Anon attempting to get a hold of himself.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9OfBcjyxKY [Embed]
>"Are...are you sure about this?"
>You and Anon sat in his car, a couple yards away from your house.
>He sat almost completely motionless, save for the deep breathes he took to steel himself.
>
"It's either this, or face my mother after having her be 'worried sick' again. You know how she gets."
>Anon only nods in response, only to switch to shaking his head.
>"I still don't like it. Feels like I'm facing fucking Ornstein and Smough.
"What?"
>"Nothing."
>Anon takes another deep breath, and reaches across the middle to you.
>"At least I'll have you with me."
>You grasp his hand, noticing him relax mildly at your touch.
"I'll...I'll be right b-by your side."
>He nods again, pushing his car door open.
>"Through the fog door, then."
>He steps out, as you do the same.
>Anon stands in place, eyes fixated intently on your house.
>"I shouldn't be this nervous. But your mom scares me."
"She...she has that effect on a...a lot of people."
>"I've noticed...c'mon."
>The two of you walk together in utter silence, as your house looms ever closer.
>"...Hey Moonie?"
"Hmm?"
>"...Promise me something?"
>Anon has taken on a look of some war veteran, his stare seeming to go off for miles.
"Of course. What?"
>Anon takes another deep breath, but as he speaks, his voice wavers.
>"...Promise me...that no matter what your parents say that...
>He clasps your hand tighter.
>"That you'll stay with me. Please."
>...
>You never wanted to let him go.
>Not even for a second.
>"I-I almost lost you because of my own stupidity. I can't stand to actually lose you. Please. Tell me you'll try and stay."
>The desperation was manifest in his voice.
>"You've been the best thing to ever happen to me...I can't lose you..."
>The embrace you wrapped him in was comforting for the both you.
"...I...promise that I'll stay with y-you."
>The words left a sinking feeling in your stomach.
>Deep down, you knew mother would try and tear the two of you apart.
>What made you feel infuriated was that she would assert that whatever she put you through was only because she knew what was right for you.
>Based on what evidence she always failed to provide, instead resorting to "Because I am your mother."
>You can't promise you know how your mother would try to separate, but there were three things certain in life.
>Death, taxes and your mother's insistence that she was always correct.
>Your hopes were entirely hinged on the chance that dad would be more lenient and sympathetic, considering his friendlier disposition towards Anon.
>Perhaps he could convince mother to be more accepting of your new love for Anon.
"Are you ready, Anon?"
>"If we wait any longer I'm probably going to change my mind."
>You open the door and walk in, Anon closely behind you.
>Better locate the two.
"I'm home!"
>"Hey MoonPie! I'm here in the den."
>You hear Anon snicker at your pet name, which he knew annoyed you.
>You grab his hand forcefully, cutting his laughter short.
"This way."
>You tug Anon with you into your fathers 'man cave' as he called it.
>It certainly had a masculine feeling to it.
>A large plasma screen TV dominated the majority of side of the room, the rest of of that side was filled with various speakers, DVD cases, and shelves.
>The other walls had shelves upon shelves of Air Force memorabilia, high school and college trophies, and cheesy 80's movie posters.
>Dad was sitting on the couch opposite the TV, eyes glued to some military documentary.
>He looks up to see you and Anon.
>"Anon! How you doing, mah boy?"
>"I'm doing g-good, Air Raid, sir. "
>Dad pushes himself off the couch and pulls you into a mighty
>"You drive Moonpie home? Hope she wasn't too much trouble."
>"N-no sir. Not TOO much trouble."
>Anon's facetious jesting earns him a glare as he purses his lips to contain a smile.
>Dad belts out a hearty laugh, slapping Anon on the back.
>"AHAHAHA, Yes, I know my Moonpie can be quite a handful. Her mother and I know that quite well."
"Good. Mother, we need to talk."
>That certainly got her interest.
>She looks up at you over her glasses, setting down her calculator and papers.
>"Why? Is it about what college you're looking at? I thought we sorted that down alr-"
"It's not. It's about...something else."
>Plus YOU never settled on three colleges. You were never part of the conversation. She just picked them for you.
>Mother looks at you with an inquisitive look.
>"Are you alright, Moondancer? What's gotten into..."
>Her eyes focus on something behind you and her expression turns sour.
>You turn to see your dad and Anon walking out of the hallway, both of them looking rather serious.
>Anon meets your mother's gaze, and his expression hardens slightly as he nods.
>"Eclipse."
>Your mother furrows her brow.
>"Anon."
>Dad takes a seat next to mother, crossing his arms.
>Mother turns to whisper to him, her eyes not leaving Anon.
>"...Anon..."
>Dad just shrugs.
>"She just told me they needed to tell us something."
>Mother now fixes her gaze on you, fear and apprehension apparent in her face.
>"Well? What is it, Moondancer?"
>Here goes nothing.
>Either your parents allowed you to see Anon...
>Or you would never be able to even talk to him again.
"Mom, Dad...Anon and I...well...A-Anon and I...we're...we're...
>Your parents are leaning in closer, eyes darting between you and Anon.
>Dad's hands were wringing and clenching.
>You need to say it.
>They're getting angrier.
>They won't approve.
>It's all falling apart.
>You're failing.
>Again.
>You don't deserve Anon, you can't even tell you're parents.
"Well..we..uhm...we're..."
>'JUST SAY IT MOONDANCER DAMN IT'
"Anon and I...we're..."
>Anon walks up next to you and grabs a hold of your hand.
>"We're dating now."
>The room seems to become so quiet, as if it turned it a vacuum.
>You turn to look at dad, finding some comfort in the expression on his face.
>You could see relief hidden behind the otherwise blithe look on his face.
>Does that mean he approves?
>He hasn't put Anon in a choke hold or grabbed his pistol, so you count that as a victory.
>He was the only one who's opinion mattered.
>You find it hard to read the tells of his face behind his beard.
>Your mothers face is an easier tell.
>She'd turned her attention towards Anon, the contempt for him blatantly apparent on her face.
>'If looks could kill...'
>Anon just stepped closer to you, looking back and forth between your parents for some sort of answer.
>You could feel the tension rising in the air.
>Is this what the Cold War was like?
"Mo-"
>"No."
>Shocking.
"Dad, you know Ano-"
>Mother cuts in again, raising her volume
>"I said. No."
"Mother I was aski-"
>"No.You weren't. The answer is no."
>She was unusually calm.
>But there was so much venom in her words.
>Dad gingerly places a hand on her shoulder.
>"Eclipse, just let Moondancer spe-"
>SLAM
>Mother shoots out of her seat and slams her hands down on the table.
>I SAID NO!!"
>Everyone jumps back at your mothers sudden outburst.
>She was glaring at Anon, eyes burning with anger.
>"I do NOT approve of this...this...relationship. You!..."
>She jabs a finger at Anon.
>"I have expressed NUMEROUS times at how much I disapprove of Moondancer hanging out with YOU! And yet she goes behind my back and does exactly what I tell her NOT to do!"
>Dad attempts to pull her back down to calm her, but she jerks his hand away.
>"Lunar, what the hells gotten into ya? Anon's a nice enough kid, and I've told you that they're f-"
>Mother looks at him incredulously, sputtering and stammering before finally forming a coherent sentence.
>"Anon is NOT a 'nice enough kid'! I know his...kind....well enough to recognize someone who would just keep Moondancer down in her path to her dream! He's already tainted her mind to where she thinks he's an acceptable suitor!"
>'Tainted?!? That....fucking...stuck-up...'
>You look up to Anon, who was glaring at mother, quietly seething.
>His free hand was clenched and trembling.
>"YOU, ANON, are nothing but an obstacle, a distraction, from what Moondancer needs to do, which is secure a stable and happy life for herself, WITHOUT the likes of some, uninspired and unmotivated delinquent INTRUDING IN HER LIFE!"
>"Lunar, that's enough!"
>"Air Raid, please! Talk some sense into your daughter! I can assure you that Anon is nowhere in the same intellectual league as Moondancer!"
>"I was unaware my report cards were being sent directly to you, Ms.Eclipse."
>Each word was dripping with anger, but Anon seemed to remain wholly calm.
>Mother walks right within inches of Anon, jabbing a finger into his chest.
>"You will speak when you are spoken to, you disrespectful dunce!"
>You saw Anons eye twitch.
>Dad steps in between them and pushes them away from each other.
>"Alright alright, you two, knock it off!"
>You hear Anon take several slow and deep breaths.
>Several expletives can also be heard under his breath as he exhales.
>Dad turns to mother, clasping his hands on both her shoulders.
>"Lunar, that was really uncalled for. Let's just sit back down, and we can talk this over like civilized human beings."
>Mother was still scowling at Anon over dad's shoulder.
>"There is nothing to talk about. I have already stated my disapproval. This shall not happen."
>"Ok, that's fine, but I'd like to throw my two cents in, is that alright with you?"
>Please let him say yes.
>Please let something go right.
>Mother turns her stare to dad for several moments, equal in intensity, before wheeling around and walking back to her seat.
>"Fine. But my stance will remain unchanged."
>'Bitch'
>Nodding, dad clears his throat and turns to look at Anon.
>"I'm gonna get straight to the point. Anon, you're a good kid. I like ya. Ever since Moondancer started hanging around with ya, I've seen something change in her. Even her mother can't deny that."
>He turns to mother, looking for affirmation.
>Founding none but an empty stare back at him, he turns back to Anon.
>"Before she met ya, she never really...had friends, per say. She always said she preferred her books and her novels, and I guess she takes after her mom like that."
>Dad puts a strong hand on Anon's shoulder.
>"...But a couple of years ago, I noticed a small...difference in her. I don't know if she noticed herself, but she actually started...having conversations and smiling more and just...looking happier in general, I guess."
>You heard a soft tapping emanate in the room.
>Mother appeared to be tapping a finger on the table, alternating between staring at dad and glowering at Anon.
>"So, my wife obviously has made it apparent of her *ahem* dislike for you two being a couple..."
>"And they won't be a couple either!"
>"Lunar, calm down let me finish."
>Mother sits back down, arms crossed.
>"Look I'm cutting the bullcrap, if you two want to date..."
>You feel a lump rise in your throat.
>Everything hinged on the next words dad said.
>You grasp Anon's hand as you feel your eyes start to moisten.
>You promised.
>You promised that no matter what, you'd be with him. Despite what your parents said.
>If that meant losing your parents, then so be it.
>You could always stay with Anon.
>His parents liked you.
>"...Then I don't see why the hell not."
>...
>The room is silent once more.
>It wouldn't be if you weren't making an extreme effort to keep in your enthusiasm.
>Dad approved.
>You saw the small smile behind his beard, eyes glinting with pride.
>That was all you were looking for.
>Forget Mothers.
>A father knows best.
>You turn to look at Anon, who's almost grinning from ear.
>You squeeze his hand.
>At least you didn't have to move out.
>Although a small part of you was hoping you did.
>Sleeping in the same bed as Anon sounded...quite pleasing.
>Waking up to his handsome face would be far more enjoyable than the brooding face of your dakimakura of-
>THUMP
>Mother had bolted out of her chair again, with such vigor that it caused her chair to topple over.
>She stepped right in front of dad, getting within inches of his face.
>"AirraidthisisridiculousanonisnothingbutapestandadistractiontomoondancersdreamsandyouknowaswellasIdothat-"
>Dad puts his hands up in front of him, trying to intercede into mothers tirade, as well as calm her down again.
>"Lunar...ok Lunar, listen to me, I...Lunar-Lunar let me speak, I j-Lunar please."
>"...Anddon'tevengetmestartedonhowoftenanonwouldtakemoondanceroutandreturnhersolateatnightassheshirkedherstudies..."
>...
>You could see a vein in Eclipse's forehead protruding every so often.
>You'd never seen Moondancer's mom like this.
>Most of the time she would just grunt or nod at you, the most words she ever spoke to you being when she told Moondancer she didn't like you.
>In front of you.
>You discovered a new found respect for Moonie's dad.
>It must take a vast amount of patience and steeled nerves to deal with Eclipse.
>But you could see it in Air Raids eyes.
>His fuse was getting shorter every second.
>'Maybe it would be better if we left...'
>Good idea.
>You start to turn back towards the hallway, only to be pulled back by...
>"Please stay."
>Moonie was almost inaudible over the sound of her mom's doom siren of a voice, but you heard her.
>She was staring at her mom patiently, but you heard the anger in her voice.
>Hopefully not directed towards you.
>"AndlikeIsaidIknowwhat'sbestforherbecausewe'realikesoshewilldowhatIsaydo you understand?"
>Eclipse doesn't even wait for a response from Raid before she turns to Moondancer, grimacing at the sight of your hands joined together.
>"Moondancer let go of Anon this instant. He will be returning home this instant."
>She turns to you, pointing her finger at you yet again.
"You know it's impolite to point, ma-"
>"Silence. You will go back to your house, and you will end this silly notion of being in a relationship with Moo-"
>"No"
>All eyes turn to Moondancer, who was glaring intently at Eclipse, who seemed to be completely in shock at Moondancer's response.
>Eclipse stood there,mouth agape.
>You could only imagine what was going through her mind right now.
>Eclipse closed and opened her mouth repeatedly, as if she was trying to find some way to respond to this 'uninvited interruption', as she would call it.
>It felt like the moment was frozen in time.
>And it was beautiful.
>Moonie finally talked back to her prude of a mother.
>And it was bothering Eclipse, you could tell.
>After what seemed like forever, a look of unbridled fury dawned on Eclipse.
>NOW ENTERING DEFCON 1
>"...Did you...did you just...say what I thought...you said?"
>...
>...
>Mother was going further than you anticipated.
>She was deriding-
>NO she was downright INSULTING Anon.
>This ALWAYS happened.
>Whenever you showed some semblance of individuality, mother would crush it.
>Sports, girl scouts, college, future career.
>Everything was either chosen by her or she just simply permitted it.
>Your entire life has just been living in the shadow of your mother.
>She always said that she knew best.
>...
>She doesn't fucking know anything.
>She doesn't know how much you love Anon.
>"Silence. You will go back to your house, and you will end this silly notion of being in a relationship with Moo-"
"No."
>You felt surprised with yourself as soon as you said it.
>Your parents both look at you like you spontaneously burst into flames.
>But your mothers reaction made it feel so...
>Satisfying. Liberating.
>"...Did you...did you just...say what I thought...you said?"
>Mother takes a step forward, and you feel your newfound gallantry fade away like a flame in the wind.
>"Did you just say "NO" to me? To your mother?"
>"Eclipse..."
>"Hush, dear. This is EXACTLY WHY Moondancer should NOT be allowed to date anyone, least of all Anon!"
>"ECLIPSE WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM WITH ANON?!?"
>"I DON'T NEED A REASON TO DISAPPROVE OF HIM!! I AM MOONDANCERS MOTHER AND SHE WILL DO. WHAT. I. SAY."
>"SHE'S NOT SOME CHILD ANYMORE ECLIPSE SHE CAN MAKE HER OWN DECISIONS."
>Poor dad, trying to take your side.
>Their fights didn't usually get this bad.
>"AS LONG AS SHE LIVES UNDER MY ROOF SHE WILL DO WHAT I SAY TO MAKE SURE SHE IS SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY!"
>'...Happy?'
>Your vision starts to cloud
>"AND I KNOW WHAT MAKES HER HAPPY, BECAUSE I AM HER MOTHE-"
"YOU THINK I'M HAPPY?!?!?"
>You release Anon's hand and step to within inches of mothers face.
>You want to drive this in through her conceited, think cranium she prides so much in.
"LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT MY LIFE! You keep me cooped up in here EVERY SINGLE weekend, keeping me away from whatever little social interactions I've made when I DO get to talk to someone!"
>"How DARE yo-"
>Oh no.
>She doesn't get to talk.
>This felt too good.
>And you've waited too long.
"How dare I? How DARE I? NO, I'm sorry, but HOW DARE YOU."
>You jab a finger into her stomach. Hard.
"How dare YOU try and inject your dreams and strict lifestyle on ME when I am my own person with MY OWN WANTS AND NEEDS."
>You're too far in to quit now.
"MY OWN DREAMS! But NO, you have to try to live vicariously through me as if you SOMEHOW failed in life!"
>"That is NOT what I'm trying to do Moondancer!"
>She's on the defensive now.
"Well it's SUUURREEEE seemed like it!"
>You adopt a nasally voice that vaguely resembles your mothers.
"Moondancer, stay up past midnight identifying these gauche interactions! Moondancer neutralize these acidic solutions! Moondancer THIS Moondancer THAT MOONDANCER MOONDANCER I'M SO FUCKING SICK OF IT!!"
>You stomp your foot to to the ground to emphasize your point, causing everyone in the room to jump.
>This feels so awful...
>And yet so...amazing.
>You feel a pressure inside you slowly evaporating.
>The tears you feel streaming down your face amplify the overwhelming rush of emotions you're experiencing.
>You aren't even thinking of these words before you say them.
>They're just...coming out.
"My ENTIRE LIFE, Mother, you have led me by the ear through EVERYTHING, never asking for once what I, MYSELF, wanted to do."
>Every nag, every argument has boiled up to this.
>And seven hells were you mad.
>You turn to Anon briefly, who had a proud and ecstatic smile plastered across his face.
>His smile makes you feel giddy, but you push that feeling back for now.
>At this point, what you're doing isn't for Anon.
>It's for yourself.
>"Bu-but, well I-I-I-I I al-always thought th-that-"
"That what? I wanted to be exactly like you? A strict tyrant who's too self absorbed in her own work to pay attention to her own family?"
>'That might have been a tad bit too far...'
>Even dad seemed mortified by that.
>Mother's face began to twist in pain and anger.
>You grab Anon's hand again, pulling yourself under his arm.
"I'm not some small child to coddle and force to toe your line anymore, Mother. I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions as a rational human. I don't care if you can't accept that..."
>You wrap your arms around Anon while maintaining your eye contact with mother.
"I will do so regardless. Because it is what I choose to do in MY life"
>Your words seemed to echo around the room, creating an uncomfortable air of silence between the four of you.
>Dad and Anon looked nervously back and forth to you and Mother.
>Unfortunate bystanders in this war.
>Mother had a look on her face that clearly showed she was upset, to put it mildly.
>Her hands were clenched tight enough where they were shaking.
>'She's trying to intimidate you.'
>You squeeze Anon tighter, eliciting a small grunt from him.
>Mother glanced at Anon, then you, then Anon once more.
>Finally, she slowly opens her mouth
>'Here comes another outburst.'
>You quickly prepare a line of defense for whatever she was going to say next.
>"...Fine."
>Her acrimonious demeanor has completely dissipated, adopting a grim expression instead.
>The fiery anger in her eyes that threatened to burn through her reading glasses vanished.
>...
>'What.'
>You weren't expecting that.
>"You may choose to do as you wish. After all, you are right. You are not a small child anymore. You are eighteen. A perfectly capable adult."
>...
>'There's something...off...about this..."
>Agreed. While the words would have probably made you feel ecstatic in any other circumstance, the tone of voice that mother was using did nothing to put your anxiety at ease.
>If anything, it makes you feel more on edge.
"It seems like there is some...condition...that are going to propose."
>Mother just shakes her head.
>"None at all. Like I stated, you are an adult now. We have raised you to act like one. Just like your father and I wanted."
>Dad eyes her suspiciously, anticipating whatever she was going to do next.
>"Your father and I have raised you to the best of our abilities so that you could make it out in the world without our help as an adult."
>She starts to walk out of the kitchen and down the hallway, her expression unyielding.
>"Lunar? Sweetie? Where are you going?"
>Dad follows her down the hallway as she turns up the stairs.
>You quickly follow suit, bringing Anon in tow.
>Where is she going?
>"Lunar, what are you doing?"
>No response from mother as you hear her footsteps continue.
>'Could she be sealing herself away in her study?'
>She always did that when something perturbed her.
>Which was frequently.
>"Lun-Lunar! Why are you going into her room with that?"
>...Oh no...
'Oh no oh no oh no oh no..."
>You immediately feel as if you are going to be sick.
>You release Anon's hand and rush up the stairs, as he quickly follows behind you.
>'Nononononononononononononono'
>"LUNAR WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?"
>Whatever it was, you intended to stop her. Or help dad to do so.
>She seems beyond the point of trying to reason with.
>You reach the top of the stairs with Anon, and peer down the hallway.
>CLUNK
>"If she wishes to be an adult, that is perfectly fine. Adults do not need to live with their parents."
"WHAT?!?"
>She's disowning you?!?
>Just for standing up to her?
>You reach your doorway and push past your awe-stricken father.
>Mother stood in front your closet, grabbing whatever article of clothing she could get her hands on, and tossing them haphazardly behind her.
>There was a suitcase placed upon your bed, but clothes were strewn around everywhere but inside the suitcase itself.
>Content with her work, she moves to your bookcases and starts pulling book after book off your shelves.
"Mother NO not my Kurt Vonneg-"
>SLAM
>She flicks the book behind her and it lands...
>WITH THE PAGES OPEN FACE DOWN
>REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
>"You can pick them up yourself. You are able to as an adult"
>"Lunar, stop this, you're being ridiculous!"
>Mother flicks your FAVORITE LEO TOLSTOY down next before turning around
>"I'M being ridiculous? Air Raid your daughter is being completely unrealistic here!!!"
>"Says the woman disowning her daughter for disagreeing with her."
>You turn to see Anon standing in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest.
>Mother throws d-YOUR LIMITED EDITION OF LORD OF THE RINGS and turns to Anon.
>"I have had QUITE enough of you and your unnecessary commentary, young man!"
>She points at Anon as he disappears behind dad, who steps in front of him and mother.
>"I think you should go home now, Anon. This is a family matter."
>"Oh NOW you want him to leave? At least you finally agree with me."
>'What?!?'
>First he takes your side, and NOW he wants Anon to leave?
>Apparently you can't even trust father to help you.
>'Too afraid of confrontation to even assist you in being happy.'
>Anon apprehensively looks between you and dad.
>"Go on, son. We'll take care of this."
>Anon waves to you and...
>Did he just wink?
>'Is he really thinking lewd thoughts in a time like this?!?'
>He fades from your view and shortly after, you hear the front door slam.
>Leaving you on your own...
>Against parents who don't even care about how you feel...
>Alone...
>Your phone buzzes.
>...
>...
"I'll...be...waiting...for...you...in my...car."
>You send Moonie the text and pocket your phone.
>'Holy shit that was an incredibly hostile situation'
>You weren't sure if Lunar was going to go primal on you or something.
>Her dad scared you enough already.
>Part of you feels relieved that they told you to leave.
>...But the rest of you feels shameful.
>You just abandoned Moondancer to whatever fate her parents decide.
>It was comforting that she promised she'd try and stick with you.
>But looking back on that it seemed rather...naive to ask that of her.
>Made you feel like a kid in a cheesy 80's romcom.
>But you'd be lying to yourself if you said you didn't find it cute.
>You adjust your seat back and lay down, staring at the dull gray roof of your car.
>'Her mom wants to kick her out...'
>Shit's fucked.
>You weren't surprised when she disapproved.
>No big loss. You never liked her anyway.
>But would she actually kick Moondancer out?
>On one hand, it would, to an extent, totally remove Lunar from the scenario.
>Moonie wouldn't even have to ask her parents to do anything anymore.
>But on the other, it would totally leave her without any amenities.
>'Wonder if Mom would let Moonie stay...'
>There is the guest room.
>'Orrrrrrrrrrrrr.....your room.'
>Your chest feels tight at the thought of sharing sheets with Moondancer.
>You'd seen her in pajamas before.
>'Pajamas' used in the loosest sense of the term.
>It was the only time you'd seen her underwear.
>And the only OTHER time she's hit you.
>If she found out how many times you "self-healed" to that situation, she'd probably hit you again.
>'Never forget that.'
>You'd stopped by on a weekend to take her to a book signing for some novelist
>Peake, or some other...
>Her sweater barely hanging our her midriff, exposing a hint of her navel.
>Her unique ponytail not yet fashioned, leaving her hair a complete mess.
>Yet there was some beauty in the disorder of her hair.
>Like...when a raid party unleashes all their abilities at once, or something.
>But what drew your eyes were her legs.
>Sweet, merciful Slaneesh were they beautiful.
>How her hips fit snugly into her panties, how thick her thighs were.
>She even wore knee socks.
>Knee.Socks.
>Just thinking about her beautiful hips and thighs, out in plain sight before you makes you feel warm.
>But you didn't get much more time to ogle before she hit you with a book.
>If she slept like that all the time, you would have no problem sleeping next to her.
>'Mom/Dad on the other hand...'
>Right...
>Considering your bedroom two doors down the hallway from yours, privacy would be as rare as a Dragon Lore.
>Would they even be alright with Moondancer staying?
>If you explained the situation, you're sure they would allow it.
>Your mom certainly isn't some tyrannical broodmother like Moonie's is.
>Dad would probably just be excited that a girl you talk to actually likes you.
>You feel pretty good about your chances with your parents.
>That is IF Moondancer gets kicked out...
>...
>...
>KnockKnockKnock
>You're jarred awake by the sound ringing in your car.
>You blink yourself awake before looking to your right.
>It's Moondancer.
>Her face is streaked with both old and fresh tears.
>And she's carrying...
>Oh no...
>You feel your stomach sink.
>She has a backpack slung over her shoulder, as well as the luggage case Lunar had brought out.
"Shit..."
>You unlock your trunk as you step out of your car.
>She doesn't even wait for you to step out before she drops everything she's carrying and runs over to hug you, crying uncontrollably.
>'...'
>You wrap your arms around your Moonie, pulling her in tight.
>Some many feelings are coursing through you right now.
>Sadness.
>Shock.
>Anger.
>Would things have played out differently if you had stayed in that warzone?
>It probably would have made things worse.
>But at least you would have been by her side through it.
"I'm sorry, Moonie..."
>Her only response is heavy sobs interrupted by short gasps.
>Well, there's only one thing to do now.
"C'mon, put your stuff in the trunk, and we can get going."
>You go to pick up her baggage, only to be pulled back closer to Moondancer.
>"Pl-please ju-just...hold me a-a-a-a bit *hic* longer..."
>...
>You wrap your arms around her again as she continues to sob into your jacket.
>You catch her mumbling something in between her cries, but her miserable mood left her speech rather garbled.
> You did catch the word "dad" in the slew of other words.
>It only makes you angrier.
>Where the hell was her dad in this?
>A former Air Force pilot, reduced to allowing his own daughter to being kicked out.
>You have half a mind to walk back there and tell himma few choice words...
>If his physique didn't resemble someone who put full points into STR.
>Or rather a certain...senator.
>He did talk about "reclaiming the American Dream"
>'Off-track, Anon'
>Right.
>After several seconds, Moondancer finally lets you go and shuffles back over to where she dropped her stuff.
>You follow close behind, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Moonie...what....what happened?"
>She stops in place, and wraps her hand around yours.
>After a moment of silence she meekly whispers.
>"I...do not want to talk about it."
>Oh.
>Well...
>...
"...Alright..."
>You turn her around, looking her in her red, tear-streaked eyes.
"Just know that I'll always be here for you."
>You adjust her glasses for her, noticing they were almost completely off her face.
"Always"
>A ghost of a smile appears on her face.
>"Always?"
>'yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes...'
"Even when you no longer want me."
>'Nice'
>Thank
>Your embarrassment subconsciously causes you to look away.
"That...That came out wrong..."
>"I'll never not want you."
>You look back at her, only to be greeted by her lips pressing up against yours.
>The salty taste of tears is mixed in with the lingering sweetness of raspberry.
>She pulls away before you can lose yourself in the kiss.
>"I will always...desire your companionship, Anon."
>That's adorable.
>You guess.
>Her sliver of a smile disappears as she turns to face her luggage again.
>"Because I apparently don't even have paternal or maternal comfort, now."
"Moonie what-"
>She raises her hand, stopping you mid- sentence.
>"I...I'll tell you when I'm...when I'm ready...just not now. I do not wish to relive what I experienced just yet..."
>Whatever it was, it must have been horrible.
>'It's probably better to just give her the space she wants.'
>But how can we even help her if she won't tell?
>'She just she would, nanomachines for brains. Eventually.'
>That'll be tough.
>You look over to Moonie, who is in the process of placing her bags in her trunk.
>She doesn't look as depressed as she was moments ago, but the pain is clear.
>You don't like to see your Moonie like this.
>Especially when you're the cause of it.
>You've been the source of a lot of strife in her life, particularly recently.
>Your friendship with her was always a thorn in her relationship with her parents, quite obviously.
>'Her mom is right about you, you know...'
>You let out a long sigh.
>Can't argue there.
>You weren't as smart as Moonie, and nowhere near as motivated.
>You don't even know what you're going to do next week, let alone after High school.
>Moonie was always at the top of all the classes she was in.
>You just took the harder classes so you could be with her more often.
>Half the time you didn't even get what the teacher was spouting off about.
>The other half you spent watching Moondancer.
>Whenever she tutored you about the classes, you just spent the time watching her talk.
>'Real Grade A Ivy League material we are.'
>...
>Maybe you would be a burden on her.
>Maybe...
>Maybe Moondancer WOULD be better off without you.
>You glance at Moonie again, feeling that familiar sense of longing rise up in you.
>It would be so hard to let her go, if it ever came to that.
>But for now, she's yours.
>She slams down the trunk and walks over to the other side of the car.
>"I assume that you have a location for me to stay? Unless I am looking at your idea right now, which in that case, I would have to go ahead and suggest some other form of accommodations."
>Back to her usual self already.
"As much as I'm sure you'd love sleeping in my car. I have a much better idea."
>You both get into your car as you start the engine.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxwzjLkb8e0 [Embed]
"I'm taking you to my place. I'm sure my mom and dad won't mind."
>Moonie looks at you with doubt plainly broadcasting from her eyes.
>"I am not entirely sure I want to rest my hopes on parents of anyone after what has transpired in the past hour."
"O ye of little faith. My mom is much better than yours. You know that."
>She frowns but shrugs.
>"As long as you have a contingency plan if your parents prove to be just as...unreasonable."
"I'm sure they'll approve. Hell they'll just be excited I'm actually talking to a girl"
>Moonie looks at you inquisitively.
>"But...I've met your mother, haven't I? Surely she remembers me?"
"Well, yeah, I meant, like, ACTUALLY, dating a...girl, in high school..."
>You trail off as feel more embarrassed with each word.
>They knew you weren't the most popular in school.
>Your weekend activities attested to that quite a bit.
"But, yeah, I'm sure they won't mind. There's a spare room that they'll probably put you in."
>Her apprehensiveness is obvious, but she shrugs and stares out the window.
>You pull out of your spot and drive out towards the street.
>Once you reach the stop sign, you look over to Moonie.
>She's looking at your righthand mirror rather intently.
>You glance at your rear view mirror to see whatever it is.
>It wouldn't take someone like Moonie to figure out she's looking at her house though.
>You place your hand on her thigh.
"Everything'll be alright, I promise."
>She doesn't look away, but nods slowly.
>"I hope that is the case."
"I'm sure it will be. Hey, worst case scenario, you live with me. And that's not so bad is it?"
>She smiles sadly as her focus remains on her former home.
>You turn out onto the street, and the house fades away from view.
>Her expression saddens as it fades out.
>After several moments of staring out into nothing, she turns her attention back to you.
>"Do you think your parents will like me?"
>There's the million dollar question.
"I'm sure you've earned brownie points with them for actually tolerating me."
>"Brownie...what?"
"Nevermind. And, again, they're nice people. I'm sure they'll sympathize with what happened, even more so when we tell them we're going out. Right?"
>Any kind of response would most likely be warmer than the reception you had received not too long ago.
>Moondancer nods as she looks down at her feet, cutting the rest of the conversation short.
>The rest of the car ride back is left in silence.
>...
>...
>You and Anon finally arrive at his house, just as the sun begins to color the sky a vivid red.
>It reminds you of an old rhyme dad would tell you whenever the sky streaked with red.
>'Red at night, a sailor's night. Red in the morning a sailor's warning.'
>Considering your father's background, his knowledge of this seemed rather mismatched.
>The memory only serves to dishearten you further as you see your father's usual beaming face fade away to...
>Knockknock
>You see Anon tapping on the windshield as he calls to you.
>"Come on, Moonie, let's get inside! We need to talk to them together."
>His words strike another saying that you are quite familiar with.
>'Those who do not learn history...'
>You get out of the car, shutting the door as you go to retrieve your belongings.
>"Moonie, I'd uuuhhh I'd leave your stuff in the car."
"What? Why for?"
>"Welllllll I don't want them to think we already assumed they'd take you in. Probably wouldn't go over that well."
>'Seems logical, I guess...'
>Does not mean you're too happy about it though.
>Just makes you feel even more anxious about how warmly his parents would welcome you.
>Where would you go if they said no?
>Whatever relatives you have are either hours away or many hours away.
>Or they're one of those relatives that you apparently met when you were 'too young to remember'.
>'Friends' are out of the question as well.
>Sharing a room, let alone a bed, with any of those greasy creeps was not
>And you certainly can't go back THERE...
>Not that you have any desire to anyway.
>After what went transpired, you'd be content not seeing them again.
>'Maybe the librarian would let you stay in the back storage room...'
>What a depressing thought, living out of a library.
>At least you'd be surrounded by one the things that's kept you from opening your veins.
>You feel a hand wrap around yours shortly before you are pulled in the direction of Anon's house.
>"Let's get this going."
>His initial attempts are met with slight resistance as you feel yourself grow hesitant.
>Anon looks back to you, seeing the concern that is visible on your face.
>"Moonie, what's...what's wrong?"
"...What if they say no too?"
>You see the doubt flicker in his eyes as well, his shoulders sagging slightly.
>Anon stands there, motionless, for several moments before he finally responds.
>"I guess we won't find out unless we ask, huh?"
>He pulls you in closer as he places his lips against yours.
>You feel the disquiet in you melt away into the kiss.
>Unfortunately, he pulls away, leaving a trifling desire in your loins.
>"I promise whatever happens, I'll still be here for you."
>He walks towards the door, and you allow him to tow you.
>"If they say no to, then I'll pack my stuff up as well. We'll live a life on the road!"
>He sweeps his hand across the sky.
>"You and me, traveling the nation, like a couple of nomads or something. We'll call ourselves, Moonon!"
>You couldn't help but manage a small giggle at his antics.
"You had me convinced up until that name."
>Anon throws his hands up.
>"What! Don't tell me you didn't think that was clever. C'mon."
>You just shake your head as he scoffs.
>"Tell you what."
>He opens the door and walks inside.
>"I'll give you time to think about it, come on in."
>As you follow closely behind him, you hear a voice beckon from the second floor.
>"Anon, sweetie, Is that you?"
>"Yeah it's me, mom. And I brought a friend!"
>Footsteps echo down the stairs before Mrs. Mous emerges.
>"Moondancer! How are you doing, sweetie?"
>'Terrbile. Abhorrent. Dreadful. Depressed. Empty. Devoid.'
"I'm doing good, Mrs. Mous. How are are you?"
>"Oh I'm doing much better now that I see my handsome fandsome-"
>Anon's mom pulls him into a hug.
>"Is looking much happier than he was this morning."
>The look on Anon's face is what you imagine your's was when...dad... called you Moonpie.
>"He was so torn up about something earlier, and I figured it had something to do with a...certain lady."
>Anon pushes away from his mom with an incredulous look on his face.
>"Mooooom! Stop!"
>Anon's mom just dismisses him with a wave of her hand.
>"Honey, while you live under my roof, I can embarrass you as much as I like. And then some."
>"But right in front of Mooni-Moondancer?"
>She just scoffs and waves him off again.
>"Oh please, if she's comfortable enough around you, I'm sure she doesn't mind."
>"That's not the point I was trying to make."
>She just rubs his head as she saunters off into the kitchen.
>"I know."
>Anon sighs heavily as his mom goes out of earshot.
>"I'm already starting to regret my decision."
"Well, what other option is there?"
>"Mooooooonoooonnnnnn~"
"Everytime you say that name it just makes it sound worse."
>"It's still a good idea."
"We'll see. But remember what we came her for?"
>A flash of realization strikes Anon as he vigoursly nods.
>"Yeahyeaheayeahyeah Sorry, I just forgot. HEY MOM!"
>"Yes, sweetie?"
>"Can Moondancer and I talk to you and dad for a second?"
>His mother reemerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands with a towel.
>"Yeah sure...what is this about? Are you in trouble at school?"
>"No no it's not that."
>"Well is everything okay?"
>Anon lets out an exasperated sigh.
>"I sure hope so."
>His mom just stares at him inquisitively.
>"Well, you're father is in the backyard, prepping the barbecue. I'll come out with you."
>...
>...
>You pull open the glass door to see your dad fidgeting with his old grill.
>'Still refuses to progress from coal.'
>Having been in the family before even you were around, the years had not been kind to the poor thing.
"Hey dad."
>He looks up from his fossil, nodding at you.
>"Hey bud. So how was school?"
"Pretty good, pretty good. How was work?"
>"Ahhhhh can't complain."
>The two of you fall into silence as your usual conversation ends.
>You stand there for several moments before your mom and Moonie finally join you.
>"Hello, Mr. Mous."
>Dad looks up once again, and straightens himself out.
>"Hello there, Moondancer. Been keeping my son out of trouble?"
>Mom comes out
>"They say yes, but they need to talk to us about something."
>She walks over right next to next, placing her hands on her hips.
>"Oh?"
"Yes...um..Mom, dad. Moondancer and I are...we're dating."
>Mom stares at you in shock shortly before gasping in joy.
>"Anon,sweetie, that's great! Oh my gosh my baby boy has a girlfriend I'm so happy he's growing up up and has a girlfriend and-"
>"Dear, calm down."
>Mom immediately cuts herself off, taking a deep breath to regain her composure.
>"That's great bud, when did you two become an item?"
"Well....today, I guess. But..."
>"We've had a mutual attraction for awhile, as it turns out"
>"Oh goodness, that is so adorable!"
>Leave it to mom to embarrass you even further.
>At least their response is much more positive than what you got from Moonie's parents.
>Fucking psycho bitch.
>Your mom is way cooler anyway.
>Sometimes.
>'1 for 1. Let's see how far we can go.'
"Yes, well...uhm...actually, there's two more things we wanted to talk to you about..."
>'Out with it man.'
"Well the first thing is that Moondancer and I would like to go to the prom tomorrow."
>"Sure."
>Dad is cool and collected as usual.
>Mom just resumes her previous gushing.
>"Yes, of course!" Oh I can't wait to get pic-wait did you say tomorrow?"
"...Surprise?"
>"Oh shit, Anon. How the hell do you expect to get a suit or a corsage or anything like that at such short notice?"
>And there's the other side of mom.
>She did raise a good point though.
>"What about...his choir tuxedo?"
>Mom scoffs dismissively
>"You mean his tuxedo he hasn't worn in several years? Yes I'm sure that will fit him."
>"Well...it's the best thing he's got right now."
>Mom paces back and forth for a moment, seeming to ponder other options.
>"Fine. It's probably the only thing available. Do you have a dress Moondancer?"
>Moonie nervously nods.
>"Y-yes. I have a few that I can select."
>Mom just sighs in response as she rubs the bridge of her nose.
>"Alright, then I guess it will work out. Hopefully this other tidbit you want to tell us is better news than this."
>'Well, fuck.'
>...
>...
>You're sitting in the living room, patiently waiting for Anon and his parents to finish their...
>"MOM PLEASE JUST LISTEN FOR ONE SECOND"
>...discussion.
>You could hear their muffled exchanges reverberate from behind the sliding glass door and across the room.
>But you didn't need to hear what they were saying to know that it was not going too well.
>It left you with that sinking feeling that you have become all too familiar with.
>The fear of becoming homeless was starting to settle in.
>Forced to live out of trash cans and hand me downs, spending the rest of your days begging for your next meal.
>Living like a writer.
>And the worst part...
>No more spaghetti-o's...
>...
>...
"Well it's not like we planned for this to all happen, mom!"
>"I understand that, but you're putting your father and I in a very uncomfortable situation here!"
"If she had any other options I can assure you she would have taken them. But most, if not all of her family lives really far away."
>"I'm sure she has friends she can stay with, Anon."
"None that I would feel comfortable leaving her with. And she feels the same way."
>Mom throws her hands up in the air and paces around the backyard, rubbing her temples.
>"Look, Bud. We sympathize with Moondancer's situation right now, but you're just throwing this right out the blue."
"I know I know, dad. But like I said, if we had any other options, we would have gone with it."
>"I understand, but what you need to understand is that we don't really want to come in between Moondancer and her parents."
>Mom returns from her pacing and stands next to dad again.
>"You also need to understand, Anon, is that you're asking us to care for Moondancer as well. Feed her and shelter her and we already have to take care of you and your brother."
>"It's a lot to ask of us, Bud. It's a very awkward situation that just..."
>"...that you're just putting on us so suddenly, along with your other news."
"Yes Yes, I know, but..."
>Shit this isn't going the way you had hoped.
>[Speech 57%]
"Mom, Dad, listen. I'm not saying to make a decision right now. Please can you we at least talk about it some other time?"
>"Anon..."
"Just let her stay the night, at least tonight. She needs a place for now."
>Your parents look at each other apprehensively.
"If you say no, then we won't fight it. She'll go."
>Along with you.
>Mom stares at the ground for a moment.
>Dad heaves another heavy sigh.
>"Alright."
>[SUCCESS]
>In a split second, you're greeted by Anon wrapping his arms around your waist and-
"AAH! Anon, p-put me down! You-You're spinning me! M-my sk-skirt!"
>"Moonie they said you could stay!"
"Wh-what?!? Really?!?"
>You feel like you'll start crying.
>Anon stops with his revolutions, but still holds you up in the air.
>"They said you could stay the night and they'll talk about it tomorrow!"
>Just for the night? Talk about it tomorrow?
>That hardly presents itself as a long term solution.
>It certainly does little to make you feel any better.
>And you're still in the air.
"Anon, I fail to see...how that should comfort me..."
>"What? Oh! Well...uhh..."
>Anon places you back down on the couch.
>You readjust your skirt into it's proper position.
>You have no wish to show anyone what's underneath.
>Well...except Anon. He can see whatever he desires to.
>'Placate yourself.'
>You bit your lip in attempt to quell your arousal.
>"Well...uhhh...I...you see..."
>He scratches his head as he looks towards where he came from.
>His parents were still outside, both with a very blase expression on their face as they talked with the other.
>"I usually pine a lot of decisions on them 'talking about it'. I'd say it's a 50-50 split on what they'll say."
>Figures.
>Your well-being hangs in the balance on a gamble.
>"But hey, hey, Moonie listen."
>Anon sits next to you, placing a hand your thigh.
>His touch heightens your excitement, as you bite on your lip harder.
>"I'm just trying to celebrate the small victories here. You've got a place for the night, tonight. That's something."
>The hand travels up your thigh and around your back, resting on your hips.
>"Whatever comes next, well..."
>He looks away as he scratches his head again.
>"Well...I guess we'll get there when we get there, huh?"
>All you can do is nod.
>"Hey, Moonie, listen to me. I know it may not be the best option, but the only other option doesn't seem so promising either."
>Cannot argue there.
>"And no matter what happens..."
>You feel his lips against your cheek.
>His kisses trail up towards your ear.
>It's calming, yet...
>enticing...
>He stops at your ear, hovering within centimeters of it.
>"I'll always be here for you."
>His warm breath makes your skin feel clammy.
>And his words make you feel safer.
>Safer than any fantasy world or book ever could.
"Eep!"
>He squeezes your waist gently, rewarding him a soft gasp.
>"Whatever you need, I'll give to you."
>'G-goodness... How lewd...'
>It does inspire you, however.
>You place your own hand on his thigh, and lean in close to his ear.
"I want...you...to..."
>You slowly drag your hand up his leg.
"to..."
>Your hand is so close to...to it.
>Anon seems to be enjoying the stimulation.
>His breathing is heavy, and you can feel his fingers tracing the hem of your skirt.
>"What do you want me...to do?"
>You close the distance until you're grazing his ear.
>You're so close.
"I...I want you to..."
>'Tis but a ruse.'
"To not pick me up like that while I'm wearing a skirt."
>You sit straight up again, releasing Anon's leg.
>Anon just stares at you in a mild stupor.
>His eyes betray his own lust, as they dart up and down.
>'He's rather winsome when he is flustered'
>He's always cute.
>'A fair point.'
"I am not sure if you realized, but spinning me around in that fashion was rather...revealing."
>Anon just scoffs and pulls you back towards him.
>Before you have a chance to respond you feel the welcome touch of his lips against yours.
>Your previous desires are brought back, as you slowly lean in to the kiss.
>Only for Anon to pull away.
>'We were not finished, Anon'
>"I'm sorry. If I had noticed, I would have done it for much longer."
>'Hemitngzcsqsbdgbfyiq'
>Anon throws his head back in laughter, as you feel your face get incredibly warm.
"Anon! Th-that is in-incredibly l-lewd!"
>"Hahahahahahahaha It was, wasn't it?"
"T-that was NOT to be taken as a compliment!"
>"Well it's true! If I saw it, I probably couldn't ehm...help myself...staring at your...beauty..."
>As if to emphasize his point, you see his line of sight rests upon your hips.
>You cross your arms and glare at him.
"J-j-just...don't do it again...I-I wish not to be e-exposed in that manner..."
>Anon just shrugs in response.
"...at least not with your parents around..."
>"What?"
"Nothing."
>...
>...
>"I don't want to get in between her and her parents! Based on what Anon said their reaction was to their news, I doubt they would be very negotiable if they found out!"
>"Well, Like Anon said, the father seemed to be alright with it. It was her mother that kicked her out"
>"Still, it feels like we would be interfering in their personal business. Her mother does not seem very negotiable, if it's true."
>"Well, we can't just send the poor girl away..."
>"I know we can't do that, dear! What the hell kind of people would Anon think we are if we just kicked her to the curb?"
>"Alright let's just tone this back and look at it from a different perspective. Remember Anon when we first moved in? Whenever he came home from school he pratically shut himself inside his room with that damned PC he built. Never really tried to...get out there."
>"Yes, I remember it was a difficult transition for him, but what's your point?"
>"Bear with me here. Now, I don't remember when he met Moondancer, but I do recall seeing a change in him last couple of years. You know, more talkative."
>"..."
>"He's been more sociable, willing to communicate, his grades have been getting better, he's been going out more, he shows interests in things, and more obviously he's been working out, being more active. Now, am I attributing all of this to Moondancer? No. Could she be the cause of Anons change? Maybe. But she's obviously a positive influence in his life."
>"..."
>"All I'm saying is that maybe keeping her closer to Anon...might do some good. Not just for him but for both of them."
>"...I do like her. And they seem cute together."
>...
>...
>"And I'm telling you there is no inconceivable way a group of four mortal beings could even stand against something as powerful as a Nssu-Ghahnb! It's an inter-dimensional creature of unimaginable power!
"That's the point! The game forces you into a situation you and the heroes you select know is something the most likely won't come out of! It's a testament to the futility of the whole quest of the game!"
>"Whatever reason would you have for making such a game?"
"I-You know I don't really know. Maybe they wanted to do something different? Maybe they just like Lovecraft? Why does anyone create anything?"
>Moondancer snuggles closer to you, resting her head on your shoulder.
>"What do you think they're talking about?"
>'Are we still on the same subject?'
>No, idiot.
"Sigh, knowing them they're actually talking about it right now. They were quite hung up on getting in the middle of whatever is going on between you and your parents."
>Moonie doesn't respond, but she clutches you tightly.
>"May I...May I l-lay o-o-on y-you..."
"I uhhhhhh-sure?"
>She sits up before laying her head down on your lap, sighing contently.
"Are...are you alright, Moonie?"
>She nods.
"Is there...Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
>She remains silent for a moment before she meekly speaks.
>"S-stroke my hair..."
"I-uhhh-I'm sorry?"
>Moonie gently grasps your hand and places it on her head.
>"Run your fingers through my hair...i-it it r-relaxes me."
>She looks up to you with pleading eyes.
>You lightly brush the ponytail on the top of her head before pulling the hairband off, letting her hair cascade down.
>Each strand is like raspberry-scented silken gold.
>Setting the hairband aside, you use your free hand to sink your hands into her soft hair.
>Her hair feels clean and smooth.
> Like if 60 FPS was hair.
>She closes her eyes as she coos softly, sinking further into the couch.
>And closer to your crotch.
>'Nobonernobonernobonernoboner'
>You focus on the rhythm you slowly settle into.
>Start at the top, work your fingers in, and gently pull down.
>"...My mom used to do this for me when I was younger..."
>She stops your hand and holds it in hers.
>"Whenever she took me to places with people I..I would...my anxiety was significantly more acute when I was a child."
>She places your hand back into her hair, but guides it in a more deliberate manner.
>"Sh-she would find me in a corner, c-crying and hy-hyperventilating. And she would take me into her arms and brush my hair l-like this..."
"Your mom used to do this for you? The same person I encountered not even an hour ago?"
>"She was not as overbearing as she is now. I do not know what caused her to change so-so drastically."
>She releases your hand, leaving you to follow the method that she demonstrated.
>It seems like you're doing well enough of a job, as she doesn't raise any complaints.
>The only sound from her is her steady breathing as her ample chest slowly rises and falls.
>Both of you sit in relative silence for what seems like a long time.
>"She kicked me out, Anon. Sh-she told me I could fend f-for myself since I was an adult. She-"
>She needs to stop before you get more angry.
"Hey,hey,hey shh shh shh."
>No use in getting angry at someone that isn't here.
>You bring your hand down to her cheek, brushing it softly.
>She looks up at you with teary eyes.
"Look, whatever your mom did or said or whatever your dad didn't do, it doesn't matter."
>You wipe a budding tear off her perfect face.
"What matters is I'm here for you now, and I always will be."
>Her only response is a weak nod.
"I don't know what happened when I left your house, and maybe I don't want to know. But what I do know-"
>You lean down as for as you can to kiss her, as she lifts herself up to meet you.
"Is that you're the only thing that matters to me."
>A smile creeps onto her face as new tears flow.
>"Anon...I..."
>She wraps her arms around your shoulders as she pulls you in for another kiss, this one more prolonged.
>As selfish as it sounds, you're kind of glad her mom kicked her out.
>It gives you a much better opportunity to get closer with Moonie.
>Gets her out of the way.
>'Wow that's kind of fucked up.'
>She would have become problematic.
>The two of you are startled by the sound of the sliding glass door opening.
>Moondancer pushes herself off you, sitting straight as an arrow with hands folded.
>Dad walks in, followed by mom, both looking at the two of you skeptically.
>"Hope you two weren't doing anything your father and I wouldn't do with other people around."
"Mom!"
>"Dear!"
>Mom throws her hands up in mock defense.
>"What? It's true."
>You begin to roll your eyes before you stop yourself.
>'Don't do any crap to annoy her. She might change her mind.'
>She does seem to be more placated then before.
>Your parents sit in the two chairs opposite the couch, staring at the two of you.
>Dad is the first one to speak.
>"Bud, your mother and I talked about it and...we do see Moondancer as a positive influence on you, both socially and, to an extent, academically. So we decided that letting her staaaaay would be alri-"
>The rest of whatever your dad says is tuned out.
"HOLYSH-thankyouthankyouthankyouguys so much!"
>You turn to Moondancer, who has a jubilant expression on her face.
>"Th-thank you very much, Mr and Mrs Mous. I-I appreciate it, and I p-promise I won't be to-too much of a burden.
>She must be so relieved.
>After a roller coaster of emotions today, it seems fit to end it on a higher note.
>As excited as you are, you had to admit: there was a legitimate part of you that was worried they were going to say no.
>Which would have left you with actually being forced to choose between your family and the one you love.
>It actually leaves you feeling conflicted, not helped by the fact you promised you would stay with her.
>'Holy shit this must have been how Moonie felt.'
>But! NO point in dwelling on it now. Or telling Moondancer.
>It matters not. What does matter is that your Moonie is here to stay-
>"There will be several conditions, however."
>Shit.
>You feel an unease in the pit of your stomach.
>What are they going to do?
>Are they going to make her a maid or something?
>That wouldn't too bad. Maybe they'd make her wear the outfit.
>That would be nice.
>Maybe you could get her to wear one for you.
>"First: There will be absolutely no funny business in this household. Moondancer will take the guest room."
>A sigh of relief escapes your lips.
>What a shocker.
"Of course."
>"Naturally."
>Not that bad.
>This might be alright.
>"Second: Anon, Moondancer will assist you in all of your studies. I expect your grades to improve. I want to see nothing less than B's this year."
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRRCXchyM5Y [Embed]
>That's one that has you feeling worried.
>You're grades are C average at best.
>Moonie knows that.
"Mom I-"
>"Acceptable."
>'What?!?'
>Does she honestly think she'd be able to turn your abysmal grades around?
>She must have some kind of plan in store, as her expression continues to remain stoic.
>Butwaittheresmore.py
>"And third, and this isn't something that we expect to happen right away..."
>Dad steps in.
>"Moondancer will need to pay some form of rent."
>...
>You turn to Moondancer, who looks as though any color in her pale skin had been flushed out of her body.
>"The amount we can discuss at a later point of time."
>This is not good.
>She doesn't even have a bank account.
>Her parents paid for all of her things.
"I-Isn't there something else she could do? Like she could do chores or something?"
>"Chores? Like a maid or some kind of farmhand? Anon, please."
>There goes the maid outfit.
>"Since Moondancer is going to be staying here, that's going to be another person to support, Anon.
"You've never expected me to pay rent."
>"Because you're our son! Family!"
>Moondancer looks rather downcast, which Mom takes notice of.
>"Oh sweetie, Moondancer, I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offense."
>"-Sniff- N-no i-it's q-quite alright. It's not your fault."
>"Look, Moondancer, you must understand that taking you in is already a great deal of pressure on us. We jus-"
>"I accept."
"Moonie!"
>You turn to her, holding her hand.
"A-are you sure?"
>She turns to you, slowly nodding.
>"Like you said, what other option exists?"
"Y-yeah but-"
>"I will manage."
>She was just talking to you about how bad her anxiety used to be.
>And she's going to be forced to deal with people for hours on end?
>There are several more concerns that pop into your mind.
>Like whe-
>Your mom claps her hands together and stands up.
>"Well that settles it! Moondancer, I'm glad you understand our position, and I believe I speak for my husband when I say welcome to our home."
>Moondancer nods.
>"I do, and I cannot thank you enough."
>"Well, I need to go finish prepping for dinner. Anon's brother is out with friends (again), so it just so happens we have an empty spot at the dinner table."
>Dad nods and stands, walking towards the back door, mumbling something about the grill.
"I can help Moondancer with her luggage."
>"Sounds good, hun. We'll call you two when dinner is ready."
>...
>...
>Why the Dickens did you agree to that condition?!?
>Now you not only are you tasked with finding your own means of support, but you'll be required to maintain such a position.
>You've never even volunteered for anything, much less worked an actual job.
>The most you've ever done was at the bookstore the other day.
>Images and smells of yesterday come flashing back, striking a fearful realization in your head.
>You might be forced into a line of work in...
>The all-too familiar sensation of your heart pounding returns.
>'...retail'
>The thought of the word sends your stomach into spasms, as you suppress the urge to heave up what little is contained in your stomach.
>Yesterday at Bookmark's store was more than enough for you.
>It took all you had not to recede into a dark corner of the store, surrounding yourself with the comforting aura of the books.
>You found yourself staring at Anon multiple times, seeking comfort in his warm smile when he saw you looking at him.
>His soft eyes acted as antiemetic for your stomach, enabling you to power through the rest of that debacle.
>But how in seven hells would you be able to cope through one shift, much less earn a steady paycheck?
>'Perhaps we could convince Anon to join whatever job that you apply for.'
>His parents might be approving of that.
>Take him away from his video games, and give him some working experience.
>'That of course, implies on the chance that he and you would actually get the opportunity would work together.'
>Curses.
>Of course.
>"Moonie, are you alright?"
>'FFFFF-'
>You regain control of your grip on your luggage, looking back to Anon, who's carrying your larger bag in one hand.
"Y-yea I'm fine..."
>Anon raises an eyebrow.
>"Moonie."
>He is not buying it.
>'What's the use. He knows you well enough.'
"I'm nervous."
>"I can imagine."
"I-I should have thought about your mothers proposals before accepting them. I do believe that I acted on rather impetuous impulses."
>"Uhhh..."
"Rash"
>"Oh. Well. Everyone does that. Even geniuses like you, Moonie."
>Anon sets your bag down in front of the door.
>You feel a flash of pain in your biceps and fingers.
>Curse your mom for giving you the broken suitcase.
>The handle had snapped off, forcing you to carry it like a moving box.
>You uncomfortably shift the suitcase around, giving your arms a moments respite.
>"I'll be honest, I was quite surprised at yoour response. You seemed pretty collected for someone who was thinking with their gut."
"What? Why would-unf- you think with your stomach? You don't even have any neurons there."
>"Means you were going on instinct."
>He pushes the door open, picking the bag back up.
>It might have seemed like it.
>You just said the first answer that materialized in your mind.
>You weren't thinking cohesively at all.
>Maintaining your relationship with Anon was the only thing that seemed to matter at the time.
"Instinct hasn't been the most charitable com-unf-panion in the last couple of hours,now has it?"
>"It's been having it's ups and downs for us both. Why don't I take that for you instea-"
"Yes please, thank you."
>Anon chuckles as he places the bag down and grabs the suitcase from your arms.
>An involuntary sigh of relief escapes you as you feel the pain evaporate.
>At least you could feel grateful in the fact that your mother didn't pack all of your belongings.
>You felt enervated just from carrying one item.
>'Another unfortunate reminder of your lack of physical activity.'
>"Watch the stairs, Moonie"
>The stai-
"EEP!"
>You feel yourself start to tumble forward, your foot catching on the base of the stairs.
>One of the steps nearly comes to have a friendly discourse with the bridge of your nose, if you didn't let go of the bag to catch yourself.
>Anon is already on top of you, pulling you up.
>"Are you alright?"
"I-I-I Yeah I am fine."
>"You sure?"
"Y-yes."
>"Gotta be careful there. Watch that first step, it's a doozy!"
>He giggles to himself as he picks you up.
"Wh-what?"
>"You know, Groundhog Day? Bill Murray? That movie?"
>Curses. He's probably not going to like this.
"I...I don't believe I have ever viewed that-"
>"What! That's absurd! Blasphemous!"
"Mother always said any kind of mainstream cinema is not worth time or money."
>"Any kind of-That's another reason I do not care for your mother."
>That makes two of us.
>"I knew that you were depraved of amazing things because of your mom, but I didn't really know it was that bad!"
>A shrug seems like an appropriate response.
>"Well. I can't have any girlfriend of mine not be well versed in the finest cinema of earlier times! I promise to cultrually enrich you in only the finest of Hollywood. Jaws, Ghostbusters, Shawshank, Dark Knight Rises..."
>He looks back at you, a jocular twinkle in his eyes.
>"Maybe even the rest of Star Wars as well."
>'REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE'
"Blech."
>"Oh come on, not this again. You haven't even seen the original trilogy!"
>You've seen enough of that mediocrity to know how the rest will unfold.
>Experiencing the first one of Slide Rule's viewing parties was quite enough for you.
"Star Wars is nothing more than a glorified soap opera using borrowed themes and cliches written by a man who got incredibly fortunate and sold out."
>"I think you just don't give it enough credit."
>'People give it too much credit.'
>"The original trilogy is far superior to the prequels. Ten times better. Undisputed fact."
>Anon stops in front of a door down the hall from his bedroom.
"Ten times zero is still zero."
>Anon scoffs as he pushes open the door with his back, holding it open with his foot as he beckons you in.
>You walk into what could only be described as the blandest room you have ever seen.
>Possibly even more than your parent's bedroom.
>On the left wall rests a lone queen bed, with a nightstand perched next to it.
>"I knew that you were depraved of amazing things because of your mom, but I didn't really know it was that bad!"
>A shrug seems like an appropriate response.
>"Well. I can't have any girlfriend of mine not be well versed in the finest cinema of earlier times! I promise to cultrually enrich you in only the finest of Hollywood. Jaws, Ghostbusters, Shawshank, Dark Knight Rises..."
>He looks back at you, a jocular twinkle in his eyes.
>"Maybe even the rest of Star Wars as well."
>'REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE'
"Blech."
>"Oh come on, not this again. You haven't even seen the original trilogy!"
>You've seen enough of that mediocrity to know how the rest will unfold.
>Experiencing the first one of Slide Rule's viewing parties was quite enough for you.
"Star Wars is nothing more than a glorified soap opera using borrowed themes and cliches written by a man who got incredibly fortunate and sold out."
>"I think you just don't give it enough credit."
>'People give it too much credit.'
>"The original trilogy is far superior to the prequels. Ten times better. Undisputed fact."
>Anon stops in front of a door down the hall from his bedroom.
"Ten times zero is still zero."
>Anon scoffs as he pushes open the door with his back, holding it open with his foot as he beckons you in.
>You walk into what could only be described as the blandest room you have ever seen.
>Possibly even more than your parent's bedroom.
>On the left wall rests a lone queen bed, with a nightstand perched next to it.
>A dresser sits on the opposite side, with a closet right next to that.
>The room is completely barren of any decorations, save for curtains that adorned the window.
>'Even Edgar Allen Poe would appreciate the melancholic nature of this room.'
>"Well. This is it. The guest room. Your room, now, I mean. Yeah."
"It's quite drab, isn't it?"
>"I've never taken you to be a fashionista. Like that Rarara chick."
"Rarity. And when something is a bland as this, yes, I think anything would be an improvement."
>"Meh, No real point to do it. Most people that have stayed in here, never really stay longer than a week. That's why there's just the dresser and the closet."
"Not even a desk? O-or Bookcase? Where should I put all my books?!?"
>Anon shrugs.
>...
>...
>"DINNERS READY YOU TWO!"
"Oh fuck yea, I'm starving."
>You place the last book-CAREFULLY-into the drawer and close it shut.
"Let's go get some food, Moonie. Dad cooks a mean steak."
>Moondancer hangs up YET ANOTHER sweater in the closet, nodding slowly.
>She seems rather forlorn, as she looks down at the dresser.
>You look down to where you GENTLY placed her books.
>It's not the greatest place for them.
>Feels kind of like you're just putting in storage to never look at again, like some old useless garbage.
>She'd probably slap you again if she knew you just thought that.
>Books are an important thing to her.
>Just like she is to you.
>Maybe you could build some kind of bookshelf for her.
>She'd like that, definitely.
>You just need to get parts.
>And tools.
>And learn how to build one.
>'Maybe we should just get her one instead.'
>Where's the fun in that?
>'Not losing a finger.'
>It builds character.
>You wrap your arm around Moonie, pulling her in closely.
"Hey, I guarantee things are going to work out. We have the prom to look forward to right?"
>She smiles sweetly as she rests her head on your chest.
>"Mhhmmm!"
>You look into the closet, to see whatever dress you could visu-
>It's almost all sweaters.
"Uuuuuuh, Moonie?"
>"Hmmm?"
"I knew you liked sweaters but I uhhh..."
>"Oh there is no reason to worry. That was the last of them."
>She's missing the point.
"You have a dress to wear for tomorrow right?"
>"Of course. B-But I can't bring it out yet. I do not want you t..."
"Say again?"
>"I-I said I do not want you to s-see it yet."
"What? Why?"
>She looks at her feet, avoiding your gaze.
>"I-I I wish for it to b-be a s-surprise."
>'I-th-H-wh-'
>That's fucking adorable.
"God, you're adorable."
>You pat her head, tousling the ponytail.
>She puffs out her cheeks and and steps out of your embrace.
>"I am not adorable."
>Her act causes you to burst into laughter, making her even more frustrated.
>You take a deep breath and pull her back in.
"I'm sorry, it's just the way you said that."
>"I did not know there was a certain way to say I am not cute."
"Well you said it in a cute fashion."
>She crosses her arms and looks away.
>Shit.
>You might have fucked up.
>Again.
"Hey, hey, hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings if I did."
>"You did not."
"I didn't?"
>She turns back to you,with a smile on her face.
>"No, you calling me adorable just reminded me of a character in Bishounen High School named Tadakuni and I imagined myself as him."
>Of course.
>'Wait.'
"For being so repressed by your mother, you sure know a considerable amount of things about your chinese cartoons."
>"First AND foremost, you know it is from Japan. Second, it is a manga, which means I read it, not watched it. And thirdly-
>THUMP.
>The two of you wheel around to see your dad bursting through the door, eyebrow raised.
>He turns to look down the staircase.
>"No, honey they aren't doing anything."
>For fucks sake.
"Really, dad?"
>Dad shrugs.
>"Well, you guys were pretty quiet up here."
"And that means we're fu-doing things?"
>He shrugs again and leaves the doorway.
>"They're ready for dinner."
>...
>...
"Fucking Curry, pull your head out of your ass."
>"Anon?"
"Hmm?"
>Moondancer shifts nervously in your arms
>"What is currently happening?"
"Well the Warriors, those guys in blue, are down by 10 points right now."
>"And the reason for that is?"
"Pfffft because they can't get their act together for one more game and defend Lebron properly."
>Moondancer stares back at the TV screen.
>"OH COME ON!"
>Your moms muffled shouts can be heard from the living room downstairs.
>"Anon?"
"Yeah?"
>"How...How is this game played?"
>'...'
"Would you rather watch a movie?"
>"Yes please."
>Your hype was killed first quarter anyway.
"What do you want to watch?"
>Moondancer seems to ponder for a moment.
>"You did state how much you wished to 'cultrually enrich' me with monumental movies."
"Oh yeah, I did, didn't I?"
>'But which movie should I have her watch first?'
>That's like trying to pick a game out of your backlog, that you totally swear you'll get to eventually.
>"Is there a particular movie that you would wish for me to see first?"
"Jeez that's not a small order there, Moonie. I mean there's thousands of amazing and culturally significant movies th-"
>"ANON WHY IS CURRY CHOKING RIGHT NOW?"
>Sigh.
"I DON'T KNOW MOM, MAYBE HE'S LETTING THE WINS GET TO HIS HEAD."
>...
"Anyway, it would be hard to pick out just one to start off with."
>"A-are there ones that are based one books?"
"Oh yes, lots of them!"
>"R-really? And how many of them are really good?"
>Almost none of them.
"There are some that are...better than others."
"What do you want to watch?"
>Moondancer seems to ponder for a moment.
>"You did state how much you wished to 'cultrually enrich' me with monumental movies."
"Oh yeah, I did, didn't I?"
>'But which movie should I have her watch first?'
>That's like trying to pick a game out of your backlog, that you totally swear you'll get to eventually.
>"Is there a particular movie that you would wish for me to see first?"
"Jeez that's not a small order there, Moonie. I mean there's thousands of amazing and culturally significant movies th-"
>"ANON WHY IS CURRY CHOKING RIGHT NOW?"
>Sigh.
"I DON'T KNOW MOM, MAYBE HE'S LETTING THE WINS GET TO HIS HEAD."
>...
"Anyway, it would be hard to pick out just one to start off with."
>"A-are there ones that are based one books?"
"Oh yes, lots of them!"
>"R-really? And how many of them are really good?"
>Almost none of them.
"There are some that are...better than others."
>Moondancer seems to ponder for a moment.
>"Everyone in the library seems to fawn over the Lord of the Rings movies."
>Whew. She picked a good one.
>Fortunately you have that and so many more saved on one of your hard drives.
>You open one of your desk drawers and pull out a drive labeled as such.
"Can you help me out here?"
>"W-what do you need me to do?"
>You reach behind your monitor, unscrewing the cable.
"I-unf-need you to hook this into the TV. You can figure out where."
>She takes the cable from your hand, surveying the port.
"HDMI."
>"O-ok."
>You plug in the drive and turn back to watch Moonie.
>She's leaned in close behind the TV, offering you a rather revealing shot of her upper thighs.
>Thank god for her 'school uniform'.
>Thank god for her.
>You feel your heart start to beat out of your chest as you watch her bend over further, causing a small slip of her pant-
>"I-I think I have properly done it."
>She stands straight up again, cutting your view short.
>You almost feel like you're going to cry
>You switch the input on the TV.
>Success, your screen popped up.
"Alright, which version do you want to watch?"
>"Version? There are multiple?"
"Well there's the regular version and the directors cut edition. Difference being one will keep going till midnight and the other will keep going till three in the morning."
>She seems to muse this over for a moment.
>"I...I believe that I would like to watch the director's edition"
>'B-b-b-b-b-b-b-balls of steel'
"Are you sure? I mean, like I said, we'd probably be here a while."
>"Is there anywhere else you wold wish to be this evening?"
"...A fair point. But you see-"
>She smooths out a section of your bed and sits down cross legged.
>"We shall watch that then. I have sat through much longer."
"You have?"
>"Mother saw to that with her weekly 'family gatherings', which in actuality were just documentary viewings."
"Wait you weren't kidding about those?"
>"No?"
"Holy shit, all this time I thought you just used that as a half-assed excuse for me not to bug you so you could to your homework."
>"It certainly felt like menial labor, or at least she made made it seem so.
"Shocking."
>Damn, you have a lot of movies.
>How many of these have you actually watched?
>'Could always delete some.'
>After the lengths you went through to find non-corrupted versions? Please.
>There it is.
>Clicking on the file, you get up and fling yourself on your bed next to Moonie.
"Here we go!"
>...
>...
>"And my axe."
"Heh"
>Dwarves.
>They're like if Tyrion and Tormund had some kind of gay baby.
>"..."
>You feel shuffling next to you, and you look to see Moondancer inching closer to you.
"You cold?"
>You feel her shiver in response.
"I'll take that as a yes."
>"It is not my fault that your preferred temperature is reminiscent of the Pleistocene period."
"The what now?"
>"The ice age."
"Oh. Well the Mous family likes it cold. Hopefully you'll get used to it."
>"Debatable. Is there anything that I can veil myself with?"
"I can get you my quilt."
>You push yourself out of bed and walk toward your closet.
>"I can fathom preferring colder temperatures but you seem to keep it almost gelid."
"I've never really minded. Plus it helps keep my PC cool. Can't have three grand shitting out on me."
>Gods, your closet is a mess.
>You should probably organize more often.
>Mom gave up on sorting this part of your room out quite a while ago.
>"That is all well and good, but how do you even survive in the winter?"
"Lots and lots of-oof-layers!"
>Trapped underneath long lost christmas presents and some books, you pull out the dusty old quilt.
>Along with some other items as well.
"SHIFU-"
>"Anon? Are you alright?"
>You take a deep breath and glance at everything that would have landed at your feet had you not jumped back.
"Yeah yeah, I'll just -hunf- shove this crap back in."
>'Back from the depths of hell from whence they came!'
>You shove everything back in with your leg, grunting with effort as you close the door.
>You'll get that later.
"Here you go. It is a little musty though."
>"I can handle that more than the biting cold of your winter wonderland."
"It's not that cold."
>"Maybe not to you, but females possess a higher body temperature than males, making us more susceptible to cold."
"Well, shit really?"
>Moonie nods in acknowledgement.
"I'll be damned. Anyway here you go."
>She timidly looks at you and the blanket.
>"I-I-uhm...could you...uhm...join me under it?"
>'Moondancer more like Lewddancer'
>You throw the quilt over her and resume your position next to her, pulling the thick fabric over your body.
>Almost immediately she snuggles back under your arm, her usually pale complexion appearing flushed.
"Do you want me to rewind it a bit? We missed quite a bit."
>"That would require you to get up and I am already comfortable."
"Can I just adj-"
>"No. Any movement could disturb this position and I would never be able to get it back."
"Am I comfy to lay on?"
>"Yes."
>...
>...
>"Sam. I'm glad you're with me."
>And you're glad it's finally done.
>You check your phone for the nth time
>23:52
>Neither of your parents came by to go to bed.
>Which meant they fell asleep watching TV.
>Again.
>Looking over to Moondancer reveals that she's very gripped by the rolling credits.
"It-uh- doesn't seem like you enjoyed that.
>"It was average."
"Average?"
>"Considering the age this was made, the cinematography is spectacular, the effects were quite stunning."
"But?"
>"It want too far from the source material."
"You really expect your everyday moviegoer to be able to follow the original books?"
>"Well I-no-but-I-I would have just liked if they kept some of the lore in there."
"Can't have everything."
>Moonies only response is a heavy sigh.
>"It was alright, I suppose."
>You turn towards her, staring into her eyes
"Well, do you want to watch the othe"
>"ANON!"
"HOLY FU-"
>You shoot out of bed, dragging the quilt with you.
"Mom what the hell!"
>Mom's head is poking in from the corner of the doorway, a disapproving look clear on her face despite how dark it is.
>"Watch your language, young man. Your father and I are going to bed."
>'So close.'
"Uuuh, ok?"
>"Which means it's time for the two of you to head to bed as well."
>...
>...
>"Anon...Anon..."
>You feel yourself slowly slip away from your dream and into groggy consciousness.
>You think.
>You certainly still feel asleep.
>Another gentle push on your shoulder wakes you up even further.
>"Anon...please wake up..."
>Moon...?
"Mmmmmf. Moon...moonie? Ish that yew?"
>A yawn crawls out of your throat as you rub your eyes slowly open.
>They slowly pry open to see Moondancer next to your bed, standing over you.
>The low light in your room makes it difficult to discern, but it's definitely her.
"Moonie what-what time...what time is it?"
>"It is precisely 4:27."
"Wh-what?"
>"4:28 now."
>You let loose a small groan as you slowly push yourself on on your elbows.
"And wh-what are you doing in my room at...at 4:28 in the morning."
>You feel your eyelids grow heavier as you struggle to stay awake
>"I cannot fall asleep."
>And she's telling you this just now?
"I...I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything you want me to do?"
>It feels like you're about to collapse back onto your pillow and into your dream.
>Suddenly you feel warm breath within inches of your ear.
>"I want you to kiss me."
>Suddenly your eyelids don't feel so heavy.
>You sit straighter as you look towards the figure that is Moondancer.
>You hear a small giggle as she climbs onto the bed.
>And straddles your lap.
>"I assume that my statement has aroused you from your slumber?"
"I uh I-I-uh-I-uuuuuuuuuh..."
>Oh sweet jesus.
>She's rubbing herself on you.
>Her crotch is pressed against yours.
>'Between a comforter.'
>Shut up.
>"I would say something certainly is aroused, isn't it?"
>Boner. Crotch. Rubbing, Comforter. Good. Snu Snu.
>Even through several layers of fabric, Moonie pressing against your swollen member feels like heaven itself was rubbing on your dick.
>You hear light sighs and moans from Moondancer as her pace starts to hasten.
>Even through your boxers, you can feel some dampness start to form at the spot of the comforter where both your crotches meet.
>"Anon...haah...I need you to kiss me...please."
>The desperation in her voice was apparent in her sultry tone.
>You feel her weight shift.
>Part of you so desperately wants to turn on the light, but you're interrupted by the forceful meeting of lips.
>More moans from Moondancer as she wraps her arms around you and continues to send you to dry(more like wet) hump heaven.
>She becomes more forceful as she moans into the kiss, her gyrating becoming even faster.
>'Oh man please don't wake me up if this is a dream if it is I'm going to c-!'
>Your thoughts are cut short by Moondancer pressing her tongue into your mouth.
>She twirls it around yours, as she continues to moan into your mouth.
>You place one hand on her hip and reach out for where you think her breast is.
>Moondancer takes your hand places it on-
>She's not wearing a shirt.
>Or a bra.
>'Does she sleep commando what the fuck'
>Are we really complain about something like that.
>'Less think, more nip tease.'
>Your hand traces over the petite mound until you hear a sharp gasp, followed by a small whimper.
>Found it.
>You trace the edges of her nipple, causing her shiver.
>You decide to join in the tongue wrestling as you dance your tongue around hers.
>After several moments of teasing, you take the little bud between two fingers and gently roll it around.
>Moonie pulls away and starts to let out an audible moan before you see her figure pull her hand to her face.
>You still can't make her out in the darkness of your room, but you can tell that she's incredibly turned on.
>"Oh Anon, please...I want you..."
>Holy shit.
>HOLY SHIT.
>Is this it?
>Are you really going to do this?
>Right here? With your parents just a couple of doors down?
"What do you want me to do? I didn't quite catch that."
>You see her lean closer.
>"I want you to..."
>The last part of her plea becomes practically mute.
>She must be playing coy.
>Even after you heard the moans she makes.
"I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that. One more time?"
>She leans in so close you can feel her pressed up against your chest.
>You feel her lean into your ear, her hot and staggered breath just as effective as her grinding.
>"I...I want you...I want you to...BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP"
>Your eyes shoot open at the shrill screech of your alarm clock.
>BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP B-KRSHKSHKS
>You retract your hand into the safety and warmth of your comforter, feeling yourself start to drift away again.
>'Maybe that dream will come back if we fall back asleep.'
"Goodmmmidea."
>Just as you start to close your eyes, you hear your door slowly creak open, accompanied by a sliver of light slicing through the dark in your room.
>"Anon?"
>'Wow did it really work?'
>You pull yourself up with much vigor to see Moondancer peeking through the crack in the door.
"Moonie! What are you doing here?"
>'Oh man here we go.'
>"Your mother asked me to came wake you if I heard a loud crash in here. Are you alright?"
>Mission failed, we'll get em next time.
"Yeah I guess. What time is it?"
>"Did your digital clock not set off it's alarm and notify you?"
"Well..."
>You cast a glance at the dark corner of the room that you threw it in.
"Technically, yes. But I think it's going to be on the DL for a while."
>"The what?"
"Figure of speech. Means Disabled List in baseball."
>Moondancer simply nods and-
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah sweet jesus!"
>The sudden surge of light in your room blinds you.
>"Oh. Sorry."
"It's fine."
>You slowly reopen your eyes to adjust.
>Moondancer has entered your room and is now standing beside you.
>She'd dressed herself in her usual outfit.
>She hadn't tied her hair yet, leaving it to freely cascade down to her shoulders.
>'Please straddle please straddle'
>Don't get boner don't get boner-
>"Is something on your mind?"
>Not getting a boner.
"Just you."
>A small smile appears on her face.
"I need to get dressed, Moonie. If you wouldn't mind..."
>You nod your head towards the door.
>"Oh! Yes. Excuse me. I will be downstairs with your parents."
"Thanks."
>As Moondancer walks out of the doorway, she pulls the door shut behind her.
>...
>...
>"So when are you two planning on leaving for the dance tonight?"
"Well I think they'll be letting people in around 8 so probably, I don't know, half an hour before?"
>"You don't want to eat before hand?"
"What you don't want to prepare a lovey 7 course five star meal for us?"
>"As much as I love you, sweetie, no."
"Thanks, mom."
>"Why don't you ask Moondancer where she would like to go?"
"Yes, mom."
>"Don't you 'Yes ,mom' me, Anon."
"Yes, mom."
>Mom sighs as she finishes the last of the dishes and turns to you.
>"Listen to me, hun. I know you love to take a lot of things lightly, but this isn't one of those things. You need to make this night about her."
>She sits down next to you and wraps you in a hug.
>"She's had to go through quite a bit recently, and she needs to let go of it, if just for one night."
>Fair point.
>How many teenage girls have been kicked out because of the boy they wanted to date?
>'Not a lot.'
>And they definitely aren't kind of girls that Moondancer is like.
>Your mom's words weigh heavy on you.
>It's a lot of pressure.
>Then you remember what she said yesterday.
>'I wo-would like to go...now that...I have you'
"Alright. I can do that."
>Mom pats your back and she stands back up.
>"I know you can. You know why?"
>Oh no.
"Why?"
>"Because you're my handsome fandsome sweetie boy."
>Eeeugggghhhh.
>...
>...
>"Moonie?"
>Blast!
>You shove the dress back into your suitcase and slam it shut.
>He can't see it.
>Not yet.
"Y-yes Anon?"
>Anon is standing there in the doorway, glancing at your suitcase and you.
>"What do you have there?"
"Something that you cannot see yet."
>He raises his eyebrow inquisitively, then just shrugs.
>"Hopefully I'll see it soon?"
"That is my intention, yes."
>"Well, I was wondering if there was anywhere that you would like to eat for dinner before we go to the prom."
"Isn't it a little early for dinner?"
>"Well, yes, but I mean we should probably eat before we get there. I've never been to these things but I assume they won't really have food there."
"A fair observation."
>Anon walks in and throws himself onto the bed.
>"So where would you like to go? Could get Italian, or maybe some Korean BBQ, or-"
"Sushi."
>You're abrupt response earns you a smirk from Anon.
"What?"
>"Of course you would. You weeb."
>You suppress an urge to eject him off the bed.
"I do recall you taking a liking sushi as well, Anon."
>"Oh I'm not disagreeing. I'm just saying. Sushi it is."
>Anon lifts himself back up and takes your hand in his.
>"I hope tonight is perfect for you. I want to make it perfect for you."
>'I wish to make it perfect for you as well. I hope Anon favors the gown that I have for him.'
>You did not have much a choice in attire, as mother just threw whatever was in her eldritch grasp into your baggage.
>What she 'chose' is indeed a particularly prepossessing garb, so at least Mother did not wrong you in that way.
>"Well we have another five or six hours before we should get ready. What do you want to do?"
" Five hours? But it's currently only 11, and we do not have to be there until 8."
>"We do need to get ready for it though. Shower, freshen up, etc? And I assume you intend on wearing the dress you're so keen on
"But it wouldn't take me that long to get ready. And yes, that is my intentions."
>"Either way, what would you like to do? Go for a walk? See a movie? I'm pretty keen on seeing the new Star Wars~"
>You make a small gagging noise.
>"Psh. Trekkies. Can't understand how better Star Wars is."
"Do I need to pull out my speech about the plot intricacies and themes in Star Trek that Star Wars lacks?"
>"Will there be a test on it?"
>Anon clutches his sides as he laughs at his own joke.
>You try and fail to suppress a smile at his quip.
>Seeing him laugh makes your heart flutter.
>Everything he does reminds you of why you fell for him.
>Looking at him makes your anxiety melt away.
>With him you could face any amount of people.
>Maybe the Prom wouldn't be so bad.
>Anon starts to pacify himself as exhales deeply.
>"I really need to show you the Heir To The Empire books. Those will change your mind."
"You've said that before, and you keep talking about this one character. How does one character even help?"
>"You'll see. But back to a more important matter. What do you want do?"
>You scour your mind before something seems to materialize.
"I do believe that there are two more movies that we must watch?"
>Anon grins.
>...
>...
>"Oh. My. Gosh. Look at my handsome boy! My handsome fandsome!"
>Euuuuggggghhhh
>At least Moonie isn't here to hear this.
>You straighten the tie dad gave you as Mom rushes up to you and fusses with your hair.
"Mom, come on I had it just right!"
>"Well now I, your mother, have it right. Look at you. My big grown man. Honey, come look at your son!"
>You hear footsteps echo from the TV room before your dad comes into view, a proud gleam in his eyes and a small smile.
>"Wow, Look at you bud! Going to be the best looking guy there!"
>"Yes he will!"
"Well, you guys are a little bit biased."
>"Beside the point, sweetie. Oh! I need to take a picture of my big man! Let me go get my phone."
>Of course.
>What 'tear-jerking' moment would be complete without mom taking more pictures than Frank West?
>Dad comes up to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder.
>"Now bud, look. I know prom night is usually a time where...emotions can get rather...elevated."
>Oh no.
>"And I know that you and Moondancer are very close, so..."
>Oh fuck no.
>"You're a young man now, and I remember what that's like so-"
>"Dear have you seen my phone?!?"
>"Did you leave it in the car?"
>Brief silence followed by the sound of the door to the garage opening and slamming shut.
>Dad turns his attention back to you.
>"That being said...I just want you to be and Moondancer to be, you know..."
>He trails off, as if waiting for you to finish the sentence in your mind.
>"I want you and her to be safe. That's why I got you something."
>Jesus christ.
>Dad reaches into his back pocket and pulls out-
>"Now, I'm not saying you HAVE to use this. But-"
"I know, dad. Just in case."
>He slips the foil packet into the inside of your coat.
>You could not be more uncomfortable right now.
>"Your grandpa and I had the same talk back when I was in high school. When I started dating your mother."
>Please stop.
>He cannot make this more awkward.
>"He even gave me the same brand too."
"OH MY GOD, DAD."
>"Dear, are you making our son uncomfortable?"
>Mom emerges from the garage with her phone in hand
>"Just giving him some fatherly advice."
>You feel unclean.
>Defiled.
>He pats you on the shoulder as you emit a long groan.
>"Alright, enough embarrassing him. I want him to look happy and not like he's completely dead. Smile, Anon!"
"Shouldn't we wait for Moondancer?"
>"I want one of just you. This one is going on facebook!"
>Great.
>Now all your grandparents and distant relatives can like it and say 'Oh my what a handsome man' or something.
>You smile a wide smile, pretending to be enthused about your picture being taken.
>"There's my handsome man."
>After several more photos, she seems to be satisfied.
>"I'll go see if Moondancer is ready."
"I can do that."
>As you make your way for the stairs, mom cuts you off.
>"Aha-pup-pup! You can't see her just yet!~"
>Mom gently nudges you back down the steps.
>"Moondancer was very adamant in not letting you see her yet."
"What? Why?"
>"She wanted it to be special."
"What?"
>"Sweetie, your relationships will last a lot longer if you just do what your lady says."
>You hear your fathers voice echo from the kitchen.
>"Listen to your mother, bud."
>You feel a twinge of impatience boil inside.
>Mom walks up the stairs, stopping at the last step.
>"Moondancer, sweetie! Are you ready?"
>You hear Moonie shout an affirmation from the stairwell
>Clik Clak Clik Clak
>Finally you get to see what she's been hiding
>Better be wor-
>...
>'Holy shit.'
>Her hair. Her eyes. Her body.
>Her smile.
>Her everything.
>Everything looks perfect.
>While her dress is rather simple, you feel overwhelmed just taking in what an astounding sight she is. (See >>28842843)
>Black, with pink trimmings. Strapless. Complete with pink gloves.
>The material shimmers with every step she takes.
>The high cut of the skirt exposes just the right amount of her thighs.
>Unf
>It fits her perfectly.
>You can't even think of what could be more beautiful than her.
>'Nothing.'
>There we go.
>You feel a lump begin to rise in your throat.
>You feel like you're going to cry.
>Your knees feel weak.
>Her she was.
>Your bright moon in a black night.
>As she walks down the stairs, she looks at, smiling timidly.
>You feel a nudge in your ribs, kicking you out of your stupor.
>Dad leans in to whisper.
>"Tell her how she looks, bud."
>Oh. Shit. Right.
>You turn to face Moondancer again, as she reaches the bottom step.
"Moonie, I...I uh...you-you-uhhh..."
>'Way to go there, champ.'
>Shut up.
"Moondancer, I-wow. Moonie you look amazing."
>She blushes as she glances down at her feet.
>"Alright you two get together it's time for a photo!"
>Euuguhguhguhguhguhghhhh
>...
>"Have fun, you two!"
"We will! I'll call you when we're coming back."
>"Drive safe, handsome fandsome!"
"MOM."
>Laughter follows your mom as walks back inside, wrapped around dad.
>They must have other plans tonight.
>'He must plan on using one of the same wraps he gave y-'
>SHUT
>You sit down behind the wheel and clip yourself in.
>A gloved hand glides across your leg sending shivers up your spine.
>"Where are we going Anon?~"
>Shit even her voice is getting you going.
"I-uh-well we're off to this Japanese place that I can personally vouch for as being the best in the area."
>She raises an eyebrow and gives you a 'seriously?' look.
>"Last time you said that, it turned out to be rather lackluster."
>She's still hanging that over your head.
"I TOLD you, it had been a while since I went there, how was I supposed to know it would be THAT bad?"
>"The decor was incredibly dilapidated, Anon! There were bugs coming from the wallpaper!"
>You pull out of the driveway and zoom off
"It was the aesthetic of the place! It tied with the stained carpet and spotty plates!"
>She twists her face in disgust.
>"Anon, I saw the chef wipe his nose with his hand and then touch the food. There were MULTIPLE hairs in the mashed potatoes.
>Bile rises in your throat as you recall the greasy chef.
>You two walked out right then and there.
"Alright, alright, a fair point. I was joking about that aesthetic thing."
>"I know."
"-But I assure you this place will be NOTHING like that."
>"Oh? And how so?"
"Well for one, I can assure you that upholstery and wallpaper will not be a part of the food."
>"That is a positive."
"It's sushi."
>"Another advantage."
>You take a free hand and rest it with hers.
"There are booths that can be rather-secluded-as well."
>Moondancer doesn't respond to this, but you feel her thumb trace over the skin of your hand.
"Trust me. You'll love it."
>...
"Nononononono wait wait wait and the best part was Slide Rule actually thought he deleted half of his hard drive!"
>You pop another delicious piece of yellowtail into your mouth, letting the flavor overtake you as the fish melts on your tongue.
"So I'm sitting there, looking through half his computer, when I notice that not only was the partition full, but it was full of rather lewd things.'"
>Moondancer is leaning all her weight on you trying not to collapse, her laughter reverberating in the closed booth.
>While the bamboo doors shielded you two from the rest of the people in the restaurant, you're sure that they're staring at the booth wondering what the hell is going on.
>The pale girl sits back up, her complexion appearing more flush from the laughter.
>"I-snort-never would have thought he'd do that! I've never heard him talk about that at all."
"I'm not surprised."
>'Go for the octopus'
>Good choice.
"Probably didn't want to mention it to anyone. Lord knows he'd never want to embarrass himself in front of you."
>"More than he already has?"
"Well, yes. Gotta keep a pristine image. You know how he has a thing for you."
>"Ugh, yes. He can get so creepy with it sometimes. I've told you how I caught him trying to take pictures of me"
"You have. But you know-"
>You interlock your fingers with hers.
"Can't blame him."
>"And why is that?"
"Because your beauty is worth capturing. Especially now."
>You bring her hand to your lips, kissing the soft, powder white skin.
"You'll be the most beautiful girl there tonight. I guarantee it."
>A small chuckle comes from her as she rests her head on your shoulders.
>"I highly doubt that, but your too sweet."
"Well you know, perhaps not. But you know..."
>You kiss the top of her head, inhaling the raspberry scented locks of hair.
"You'll be the most beautiful girl, to me"
>"..."
>For several moments, the only sounds that can be heard are distant dining conversations, and the clinking of dinnerware.
>Moondancer finally looks up at you, eyes beginning to moisten.
>"I love you...Anon."
>'...'
"I...I love you too, Moondancer."
>...
>...
"Uuuuuuuugh"
>That last roll was a mistake.
>You're sitting in Anon's car, with the seat completely reclined.
>It feels as though your stomach is about to burst.
>You close your eyes and focus your abilities on not expunging an amazing dinner.
"Uuuuuuuuuugh"
>"You alright?"
"I will be."
>You hear the car door slam shut, and the car sputtering to life.
>"I'll try to drive slower for you."
"Thank you."
>You feel the car slowly lurch out, unsettling your stomach momentarily.
>"Don't you go throwing that back out. That's $250 worth of sushi sitting in you right now."
"I am-urp-well aware of that."
>You feel a hand on your shoulder, gently caressing the bare skin.
>Surprisingly, it helps mitigate your queasiness, feeling his touch.
>"You sure you're alright?"
>You take several deep breaths, relishing the feeling of a not-as-upset stomach as you raise the seat once more.
"I feel somewhat better now."
>"That's assuring."
"Well I am in a much better situation as opposed to two mminutes ago."
>"Fair enough. Just let me know, alright?"
"Agreed."
>To be quite frank, you still weren't feeling quite well.
>You're still fighting the urge to lay back down and let your stomach battle itself.
>A small part of you wants to tell Anon to go back to his place so you can lay down with him.
>To go into his room, shut the door, and relax into his arm watching Lord of the Rings.
>But here you are, wearing something you've never really liked to wear.
>The dress feels strange.
>The gloves itch.
>The heels are digging into your ankles.
>This all feels so...
>Unnatural on you.
>Why are you doing this?
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn_YodiJO6k [Embed]
>Anon seems to nearly jump out of his seat as soon as the bass fades in.
>"Fuck yeah!"
>He turns the dial halfway up, tapping the steering wheel along to the beat.
>You stare at him as he seems to lose himself in the melancholic tone of the song.
>Your eyes are drawn to him as he starts to sing along quietly.
>"Take it oooon, take it on..."
>As the song goes on, Anon gradually starts singing louder and louder.
>He has quite a commendable vocal range, despite the fact he's never mentioned any singing lessons or practice of the sort.
>"How long, How looooong will I slide~"
>He seems completely enveloped in the music,.
>You can't help but elicit a giggle at his over exaggerated gestures with the song.
>It also reminds you why you're doing all this.
"Separate my siiiiiide~"
>Anon briefly glances at you, a wide grin appearing on his face.
>He's why you're doing this.
>Anon is what makes the dress feel right.
>The gloves feel comfortable.
>And the heels...
>Well the heels still dig into your skin.
>But you pay it no heed.
>Anon starts bouncing his head to the escalated rhythm of the solo.
>If it makes him happy-
>"How loooong How looooooong will I sliiiiide-"
"Separate my siiiiiiiide I don't."
>You'd do anything for him.
>"I DON'T BELIEVE IT'S BAAAAAAAD."
"I don't believe it's baaaaad."
>"Slit my throat it's all I eveeeeeer-"
>Anon taps both his hands on the wheel as the song ends, breathing out a heavy sigh.
>"Man I love that song. I love them."
>His hand wraps around yours.
>"Most importantly, I love you."
>With three words, Anon makes you feel complete.
>You were really nervous to say it, granted you only just begun officially dating.
>But you've known him for so long.
>Anon has been such an amazing friend.
>You've felt more comfortable around him compared to most of your friends.
>It's true that they aren't the most-socially adept, but you still appreciate them.
>Anon, however...
>He's been through a lot with you.
>From when you first met him in the library so long ago, to right now in the car with him.
>You've felt some greater connection to him.
>As ridiculous as that sounds.
"I love you too, Anon."
>But for all that you've experienced together so far...
>You'd like to experience everything with him.
>...
>...
>"Shit I figured I might have a tough time finding a parking spot but this is insane."
>The student lot is completely filled, with several cars making rotations in it, desperate to eek in a spot that just MIGHT appear.
>The street seems to not be much better, with the curb packed from one end of the street to the other.
>The sidewalk is packed with students adorned in suits and dresses of varying elegance.
>Some didn't even try and just showed up in jeans and a button down.
>'Pussy game weak'
>Damn right.
"Well I guess I'll just need to drive a couple streets down and park in one of the neighborhoods."
>You drive past the school, eyes still scanning for maybe some spot that went undiscovered.
>Not having any luck, you make a right at the next street.
>The street here seems to mirror the front of the school, with cars lining the curb bumper to bumper.
>Whoever's houses these are, you're sure they are none too happy about this.
>But it's just for one night so who cares.
>Further and further down the street you drive, scanning for any sort of gaps.
>If this keeps up, you'll have to park several blocks down.
>Gywndolin forbid.
"See anything, Moonie?"
>As soon as you finish your sentence, you spot an opening(that isn't a driveway), and feel relief wash over you.
"Finally, shit. I never expected this many people to be going."
>The space is wide enough for your car to squeeze in.
>Parallel park up in this bitch.
>Satisfied with your work, you shift the parking brake and kill the engine.
"Alright. Let's get this night started."
>You turn to Moonie.
"What do you say M-moonie? Moonie are you ok?"
>The look on her face can only be described as one of sheer terror.
>A thousand yard stare was burned into her eyes.
>Her gloved hands were gripping the edge of the seat, almost tearing the fake leather.
>Her lips are pursed so tightly you'd swear they were sewn shut.
"Moonie?!? Hey are you alright? Are you going to be sick? Do you need me to take you home?'
>...
>...
>People...
>So many people.
>Too many.
>Everywhere around school.
>People.
>With their judging eyes and condescending tones.
>Their loud shouts and everything.
>They'll all see you.
>They're going to laugh at you.
>They're going to get you.
>You can't be here. You can't do this.
>Your vision starts to tunnel, everything seeming to grow faint.
>You picture yourself in the gymnasium.
>The floor packed with students like sardines.
>The smell is a nauseating mixture of sweat, perfume, and booze.
>And you're at the center of it all.
>All those people dancing and bumping into you.
>You can already feel their sweaty skin bumping into you.
>Their eyes burning holes into you.
>Everything is turning black.
>You can't see them.
>Yet you still hear their mocking laughter, grating in you ears.
>Their voices sound warped and sinister.
>'Oh my god, look at her. Did she really think she could pull that off?'
>Stop...
>'Why'd she wear those glasses? Makes her look so frumpy.'
>No...
>'Hey look, she doesn't have that weird hairdo for once! Good job!'
>'HAHAHAHAHAHA'
>Go away...
>'Moonie! Hey! You ok?!?'
>Wait.
>The darkness slowly lifts like a shroud, and you see yourself back in Anon's car.
>Only now do you feel the hand on your shoulder, gently nudging you.
>"Moondancer! Do you need me to take you home? Are you going to be sick?"
>Anon.
>He's here.
>He's here for you.
>To protect you.
>You feel your heart slow down, as your breathing becomes more stable.
>You turn to him, taking note of the panicked expression on his face.
>How long were you out of it lie that?
>Could not have been too long.
>You glance outside.
>The sun was still on the horizon, yet much less so.
>The sky was darkening, with only small swaths of red and orange cutting the into the black.
>Seeing the sunset contrast the night sky makes you feel...tranquil.
>"Moonie. Hey. If you don't respond, I'm taking you home."
>Home.
>That sounds nice.
>Away from the noise and the smell and the people.
>Wrapped in a blanket, as though it's some shield.
>Going home sounds much more favorable.
>But you feel a nagging in the back of your mind.
>You've gotten this far for him.
>You put on the makeup.
>You put on the dress.
>You're enduring the heels.
>All for him.
>If you let him take you home, everything would be moot.
>He's gone through a great deal to get to here with you.
>And you'd just throw it away.
>Because you can't deal with people.
>'But all the people. They're going to think you're weird. You can't dance at all. Your makeup is cheap.'
>They're going to think you're hideous.
>Th-
>"Alright. Let's head ba-"
"I'M FINE!"
>Anon jumps at your outburst, and the before you know it, you're already outside of the car, standing straight up.
>'What are you doing?!? You know you can't survive an ordeal in there! The people!'
>This is for Anon.
>Perhaps it won't be as grueling and arduous as long as he is here.
>You still feel an uneasiness, but seeing Anon's smile as he gets out of the car makes it an insignificant issue.
>As does him wrapping his arms around you.
>"Are you sure? If you're not feeling well, we can just head back. I don't mind."
>His offer only serves to make you struggle more with the decision.
>You rest your head on his shoulder, taking pleasure in the comfort his presence brings.
>This is all for him.
>You need to do this for him.
"I will be fine. Just needed a moment."
>Anon looks at you with those deep, vibrant eyes.
>Worry is clearly painted in them.
>You give him a small smile to try and dispel his trepidation.
"Trust me. I will be fine."
>Anon stares at you for another moment, before smiling back.
>"Alright. I'll believe you."
>He leans down to kiss you, and you meet him halfway.
>The soft flesh of his lips sets your mind at peace.
>The two of you stand like that for several moments, before parting.
>"Shall we?"
"We shall."
>...
>...
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw-0pbY9JeU [Embed]
>Even from outside of the school, the music is set so loud that it reverberates from within the walls.
>Students are still pouring in through the front door.
>It's probably pointless to look for anyone you recognize.
>Not only because of the size of the crowd.
>You doubt anyone in your circle would even consider going to one of these, let alone go with someone.
>Considering they probably wouldn't be able to set up a Calradian Crusade game in here peacefully, they probably wouldn't bother.
>Or be allowed to bring their PCs for a LAN.
>And watch Star Wars.
>Damn that actually sounds fun.
>You actually want to do that.
>But this night is for the pale girl wrapped around you.
>A little too pale.
"Moonie? You still god?"
>Her eyes watch the students pile in through the front, nearly blocking the entrance itself.
>Her grip on you tightens a little.
"Gah-Moonie. You-re-hhnnng-hugging a little tight there."
>She looks at you with panicked eyes, releasing you.
>"Oh! I'm sorry, Anon!"
"It's fine. Are you ready to go in?"
>She looks back at the entrance of the school, then back to you.
>"I-I.Yes."
>You hook your arm in hers, and she presses up to you.
"This night is going to be perfect."
>You give her a light peck on the forehead.
"For you."
>The two of you make your way past the school statue and up towards the school.
>Most of the students already were inside, making it easier to push your way into the school.
>It feels odd, being here not on a school day..
>The hallways are the same, save for the over-dressed teens scattered about the hallway.
>Several freshman run past you giggling and laughing with each other.
>"C'mon Applebloom! This is my favorite song!"
>"I'm coming, slow down!"
>They round the corner into the gym and disappear, their laughter drowned out by the sounds of the dance.
>Kids these day.
>You remember being a freshman.
>Awkward and fat.
>And here you are now.
>Awkward and fit.
>Making progress.
>The two of you make your way down the hallway, the music blaring in your ears at this point.
>The entrance of the gym is propped open, with several groups of students hanging around it.
>Some are fanning themselves with their hands or paper plates.
> Others are conversing with friends who are doing so.
>The song seamlessly transitions to another, causing a wide reactions of hollers and shouts.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0 [Embed]
>You can feel how warm it is just standing here at the entrance.
>Time to have fun.
>You take a step forward, only to be stopped.
>Moondancer remains in place, clinging to your suit.
>The look from earlier is back, staring past the doors into the gym.
"Hey it'll be alright."
>You grasp one of her hands and bring it to your lips, kissing it lightly.
>This seems to snap her out of it, as she looks at you, with a slightly less frightened look on her face.
"You won't lose me in there. I promise."
>Her eyes dart around for a moment, before a weak smile appears on her face.
"I'll be right here."
>Her grasp tightens even more, as you walk through the door.
>Almost immediately, you notice how much hotter it is in here.
>With all these bodies in here jumping and grinding, it's no surprise.
>But damn, if it doesn't make you want to take your jacket off.
>The center of the gym is packed tightly with energetic and hormone-laden teens, moving to the song however they see fit.
>Some are dancing a little more provocatively than others, but you can't blame them for their spirit.
>Balloons and streamers hang from everywhere along the ceiling, some littered on the floor.
>Along the walls of the gym, several tables are set up with assorted foodstuffs, drinks, and-
>Sweet jesus, they brought a chocolate fountain.
>You could spend all night there, if you could.
>But there is something more important than even liquid cocoa ichor.
>And she's currently wrapped around you very, very tightly right now.
>She's been like this ever since you've got here.
>Must be her stomach again.
>'Probably saw the food at the tables.'
>But she was like this before you even entered the school.
>As you're deep in thought you don't even realize it as you enter into the middle of the crowd.
>The nudging and bumping barely registers in your mind as you try and deduce what has Moondancer so bothered.
>'She did say she felt like she ate too much.'
>Didn't look like it.
>'Women.'
>Fair point.
>...
>...
>They're all around you.
>You can hear them.
>Their laughter.
>They're laughing at you.
>You know it.
>They're touching you.
>From every direction, they bump into you.
"S-s-stop..."
>You feel your heart palpitate.
>Anon.
>He'll save you.
>You clasp onto your guardian even more tightly.
>It doesn't stop the physical contact.
>He just guides you in even further.
>What is he doing?
>He's only making it worse.
>You want to stop.
>To go home.
>Voices materialize from nowhere.
>'You can't do this.'
>'You're just a failure.'
>You feel your stomach gurgle.
>'Someone who can't even give their boyfriend one night.'
>'Just tell him to take you home.'
>'He's going to be so disappointed in you.'
>They're right.
"A-a-anon...th-they...ca-can-"
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYH7_GzP4Tg [Embed]
>Someone slams into you, yelling at the top of their lungs.
>Your stomach lurches.
>...
>...
>Oh shit this song gets pumping.
>And by the looks of the crowd, they share similar feelings.
>It's almost as if everyone was just given an electric shock.
>The top of the crowd almost becomes like a stormy ocean, turbulent and energetic.
>Other students see fit to direct their energy for other means.
>That Pinkie chick is grinding against several guys.
>Go figure.
>Her beauty queen friend seems to be getting similar attention to.
>Doesn't seem to appreciate it as much though.
>She tries to inconspicuously move away from them, only for the guys to rejoin her.
>Poor girl.
>She's eyeing some country girl rather favorably.
>Weird.
>"TOOOOOOO THE WINDOOOOOOW TO THE WALLLS!"
>There it is.
>The only part of the song people actually recognize.
>This isn't particularly your choice of music, but damned if it isn't fun to shout along with.
>More partygoers have decided to pack tightly together.
>Resulting in more stubbed toes and bumped shoulders.
>This is getting a little too packed for you.
>Maybe a bit too many-
>Suddenly it feels like everything in your brain clicks in place.
>Why Moondancer has been acting so strange.
>In the midst of all your logic, all your thoughts, and piecing everything together, your mind only conjures up one word.
"Fuck."
>How could you be so stupid.
>All this time, you completely forgot about her anxiety.
>'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJvGE7Vvd4M' [Embed]
>As if to you remind you, Moondancer wraps her arms around you and buries her head in your chest.
>You can feel wetness beginning to form on your shirt.
>You got to get her out of here. This is bad.
>Craning your neck above the crowd to get your bearings, you pull the shivering girl close and make your way to the edge of the dance floor.
>She doesn't even fight you, she steadily walks along your side, face still buried in your chest.
>Each time someone bumps into you, she recoils and tries to pull your jacket over her.
>You push them away, some more forcefully than others.
>Some give you a irked look, but most just continue their mosh.
>Finally, the crowd thins, and you break away from the writhing mass of bodies, and make your way to one of the corners of the gym.
>You immediately wrap your arms around, Moondancer, who has not budged from holding you.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's ok. I'm here."
>Muffled sobs can be heard from her, as you continue to console her.
"It's alright, Moonie. Shhshh I'm here. I'm so sorry."
>The two of you stand there for what seems like an hour.
>'You need to get her out of here' your mind reminds you.
>With considerable effort, you pry her off you, and raise her face to meet yours.
>Her cheeks are streaked with mascara and eyeliner, leaving dark streaks of black running down to her chin.
>Her hair had become frazzled, strands of hair poking every which way.
>How could you be so careless.
"Are you ok?"
>Moondancer stares into your eyes for a moment.
>"Sniff-N-n-no...Anon I-II'm so-sorry."
>What?
>SHE'S apologizing.
>Damnit you really fucked up.
"Hey It's ok. Do you want me to take you home?"
>The crowd erupts into cheers as the song ends.
>The sudden noise causes Moondancer to shrivel up.
>Suddenly, she brings her hand to her mouth.
>'Oh shit no.'
"Heyheyheyhey Whoa. You need the bathroom?"
>A weak nod is the only response that you need.
>You wrap your arm around her shoulder and walk with her towards the exit.
>...
>...
>Look at them all.
>Carefree. Unaware.
>Dancing the night away.
>They have no idea of the power that's within your grasp.
>Or what you're going to do to them when you finally get it.
>When you do, they'll finally respect you.
>They all will.
>You twirl the red plastic cup in your hand, eyeing the orange liquid indifferently.
>Bringing the cup to your lips, you feel the sweet taste of the punch-
>Followed by the burn of the alcohol as it slides down your throat.
>It's a pleasurable kind of pain, funnily enough.
>There's nothing quite like it in Equestria.
>Even cider doesn't come close.
>If there's two things humans are good at, it's fucking and booze.
>The past few times you've had this...vodka...you've grown quite fond of it.
>Enough so that you've sought out lonely college students, willing to pay for favors in anyway necessary.
>The warmth of the liquid leaves you feeling braver than usual.
>Perhaps it's how you came up with this plan.
>"S-Sunset! When are we going to do it?"
>"Ye-yeah, Sunset! They're probably going to announce the winner soon!"
>Their voices grate on your ears.
>The two freshmen you recruited awkwardly stand beside you, watching you in anticipation.
>Desperate, pathetic little whelps who were craving for some attention.
>They were easier than the college students.
>A few honeyed words was all it took to win them over.
>Now they follow at your heels, like a couple of helpless worms.
>While the sight (and smell) of them made you want to throw up, you knew you needed them.
>You needed someone to help you in your endeavors.
>They weren't an ideal choice, but you make do with what you can.
>You certainly couldn't rely on your magic. Yet.
>Your passage to this world left you depleted.
>"You feel a tug on your jacket, immediately causing you to recoil.
"Get off me!"
>The twig steps back with an apologetic look on his face.
>"S-sorry, Sunset. B-but Snips and I-well-we we-were just wondering-"
>The fat ball of a boy speaks up.
>"We-we were just wondering when we're g-gona do the plan!"
>Both look at you eagerly, nodding their heads at their response.
>God they disgust you.
>Sad examples of the male counterpart of this species.
>Most of the men you've encountered in this world have been weak. Ugly.
>Flash was only one that came closest to something respectable.
>But you've felt his interest wane.
>You don't mind.
>He's no match for a future queen.
>You catch movement heading towards the gym exit.
>For some reason you decide to turn to see the source.
>...
"Well, well well..."
>This evening got even more interesting.
>It might be the adrenaline of the plan coming to fruition.
>Or the alcohol coursing in your veins.
>But you feel...
>Invincible.
>Reckless.
>Passionate.
>You down what's left of your drink, throwing the empty cup to the ground.
>You push yourself off the wall and walk towards the doors.
"Proceed with everything. Let me know when you have the mutt."
>The two look at each other apprehensively.
>"A-alright but what about you?"
>You look back at them, an evil smile forming.
"I have another prize to claim."
>...
>...
>You hear another retch echo from the bathroom.
>Each one you hear feels like another dagger in your heart.
>You brought her into this.
>This is all your fault. Again.
>Sinking to the ground, you bang your head against the lockers.
>How could you forget about how she hates crowds?!?
>One of her biggest fears.
>Other than heights.
>And dog ears on books.
>Hates those.
>Regardless.
>She's in there right now because you were so absorbed in making night perfect.
>That you forgot about the person you were supposed to make it perfect for.
>Fucking dumbass.
>Probably hates you now.
>Again.
>She'll definitely want you to take her home after this.
>Another retch echos from behind the door.
>Thankfully no one is here.
>You took her to the bathroom on the other side of the building.
>No one will hear or see her.
>"Having fun a good time, Anon?~"
>That voice.
>You look up to see Sunset leaning against the lockers with her arms crossed.
>She's staring at you with a look you can't quite pin down.
>"You look good in a suit, Anon. It fits your form very well~"
>You push yourself up and away from her, establishing a healthy distance.
>Only now do you note that she's in what you would consider her normal attire.
>Skirt, leather jacket, and smug superior grin plastered on her face.
"A little underdressed for this aren't we, Sunset?"
>She dismissively waves her hand.
>"I'm not here for the prom. I have some...unfinished business."
>She says the last words with a malicious undertone.
>You feel as though whatever that business is, you don't want to be here for it.
"What do you want?"
>Sunset saunters over, watching you intently.
>She sees you looking at the sway in her hips.
>"Can't I just talk to a fellow upperclassman? I think we could get along quite..."
>She glides a finger along your shirt, watching as she traces your chest.
>"nicely, don't you think, Anon?
>Nopenopenopenopenopenopenopeno-
>"You know, I've been keeping an eye on you. I like to keep track of my subjects"
>Subjects?
>She think she's some kind of royalty?
>Queen bitch maybe.
>"And I've noticed how much you've changed. And I must say-"
>Her finger grazes the skin of your neck, sending chills down your spine.
>"I'm impressed."
>She's inching closer to you.
>You're pressed against the lockers.
>You don't like where this is going.
>Not one bit.
>No sir.
"Sunset, I'm with Moonda-"
>Sunset scoffs as she steps back, an incredulous and shocked look on her face.
>"You're seriously ACTUALLY with that nobody? And here I thought you were dating her out of pity."
>You feel something start to snap in you.
>"A girl like her could never truly appreciate what a man you've become, Anon."
>She smirks as she suddenly presses up against you.
>You feel the softness of her breasts through your suit.
>"You need a girl that matches your...caliber. Someone who suits your appearance."
>Whoa there.
"I certainly hope that you're not implying yourself. You've bullied me and my friends for the last four years! What do you even see in me?"
>She's running her hands underneath your jacket.
>"I can be a very jealous girl, Anon. If I see someone with something I don't have-"
>Her voice is dripping with desire, she looks at you with half-lidded eyes.
>You feel her fingers run along your pecs.
>Sunset bites her lip at the touch.
>"It makes me want it."
>That's it.
>Time to go.
>You lift up off the lockers and try to break off-.
>Only for you to be whipped back into place by Sunset.
>You slam against the lockers with a resounding clang as you feel the wind get knocked out of you.
>Sunset suddenly grabs you by the arms and pins them as well.
>You try to push away, only to be slammed back once more.
>You're met with similar success when you try to pull your arms away.
>'Shit, she's strong for her size.'
>Everything inside you is screaming to retaliate Sunset.
>To shove her away and run.
>But there are two reasons why your brain holds you back.
>One of those reasons is still in the bathroom.
>And as much as you hate to admit it, Sunset is actually doing a good job of keeping you down.
>You try to lift your arms up, only for Sunset to grab your wrists and put throw your arms above your head.
>She hovers within
>What the hell are you going to do?
>What if Moonie see's you like this?
>What would she say? What would she do?
>Panic starts to bubble inside you.
>You can wave goodbye to any chance of salvaging tonight. And your relationship.
>Suddenly, Sunset comes within inches of your face.
>You can feel her hot breath. And smell it.
>It reeks of vodka.
>Go figure.
>Your fortitude begins to fail, and you feel a tightness in your pants.
>'Don't betray me now, man, cmon.'
>'VAGINA'
>God Damnit.
>Sunset giggles lustfully.
>She presses her hips into you.
>"I can tell someone is enjoying this aren't they?"
>Her lips graze your cheek, causing you to gasp in shock.
>She leans up to your ear, and she sensually whispers.
>"You know what else?"
>She trails light pecks along your neck before returning to your ear.
>"I'm also a very impatient girl. When I see something I want-"
>'GAUSDHIOQ'
>You feel the wet texture of her tongue flick across it.
>"-I take it when I can."
>She brings her face back to meet yours.
>A heavy blush creeps onto her face as her breathing becomes more erratic.
>Her body is pressed against you so closely, you can feel her heartbeat quicken.
>Or yours.
>You try and crane your head away from her, but her hold on your body restricts your movement.
>She continues to lean into your face.
>Her lips are so close, you can can feel them brush up against yours.
>"And I see something that I really,really want..."
>...
>...
>The trembling in your body begins to subside as the last of the Asian cuisine leaves your esophagus.
>A streak of saliva and stomach acid lazily hangs from your mouth as you struggle to gulp in precious air.
>While your tremors and the contents of your stomach have left you, your still feel the overbearing weight of your anxiety pressing down on your chest.
>You can still feel their eyes watching you. Their bodies bumping into you.
>The noise. The lights.
>It's making your stomach-
>You lean back over the toilet as you feel yourself convulse and retch once more.
>Although nothing leaves your mouth, save for disgusting noises.
>You feebly reach your hand out for the handle and pull down, watching your dinner quickly go down.
>Weakened, you lean back against the door the stall, panting from the exertion.
>You've failed. Again.
>You couldn't even pretend to enjoy this dance for Anon.
>He's risked so much, and you weren't even able to give him one night.
>Girlfriends are supposed to go to events with their boyfriends.
>Events that are occupied by people.
>People that want to talk to you and hear about your future and judge you.
>Make fun of your hair and your glasses and how you aren't pretty.
>You look down at the bottom of your dress, stained dark from being dragged across the bathroom floor.
>You look at the gloves that adorn your hands, now flecked with minuscule chunks of dinner.
>You look at your glasses, cast aside next to the toilet. A reminder of how broken you are.
>You aren't pretty.
>Not even close.
>Girlfriends have to be pretty. And you aren't.
>Anon is handsome. He's kind. He's caring.
>He's too good for you.
>You aren't pretty enough for him.
>You'll never be.
>You only hold him down..
>THUNK
>The sudden sound shocks you.
>did someone come to mock you?
>It didn't sound like the door.
>Plus Anon was still out there, he wouldn't let anyone in.
>Right?
>THUNK
>The sound reverberates against the wall.
>Is there a fight>
>Is Anon in a fight?!?
>You struggle to lift yourself up and out of the stall, your quivering legs protesting with each step.
>Shuffling towards the door, you can make out a voice through the door.
>"...and I see something that I really, really want."
>Is that? Sunset?
>...
>...
>DEFCON 1 I REPEAT DEFCON 1.
>You struggle against Sunset in one last desperate effort.
>To no avail, she refuses to budge.
>Shit how is she so strong.
>There's no telling what will happen if you're caught like this.
>Something needs to happen before-
>Sunset suddenly presses her lips against yours. Hard.
>So hard that you feel her teeth hit against yours, sending jolts of pain in your mouth.
>Just as your brain snaps back into place, you turn your head away with a sudden jerk.
>You can feel the lingering taste where your lips met.
>Like peach vodka.
>You spit towards the ground, desperate to cleanse your mouth.
>You need to think of something fast, before someone comes.
>Before Moondancer sees this.
>"Look. At. ME."
>Sunsets seething voice is followed by the feeling of her hand grasping hold of your chin.
>"GIVE. ME. YOUR. FACE."
>You're once again greeted by Sunsets inebriated expression.
>"You tashte too good to let go."
>Sunset leans in for another kiss, keeping your chin firmly in place.
>'Wait she's using her hand!'
>Astute observation.
>'Your hand is free, idiot.'
>You finally register the fact that the only person holding up your arm is you.
>So it is.
>Sunset once again comes with centimeters of your lips, the familiar smell of vodka violating your nose.
>However, the kiss never comes.
>You quickly bring your free hand down to her shoulder and shove her away.
>Your impromptu plan is met with success, as she is sent off balance, almost dragging you down on top of her.
>You wrench free of her grip and take a step back as she lands flat on her ass.
>She almost knocks her head against the floor, had it not been for her being aware enough to catch herself.