Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Katie looked into the mirror, mousey brown hair messily tied in a bun. Grandpa's eyes, Father's eyes, Tyler's eyes stared back. What a beautiful thing to see the people you love so dearly reflected back at you, when the people themselves are far from reach.

A gentle hand found it's place on her waist, a kiss placed on her cheek from behind. Harvey looked at her through the mirror, soft smile, wrinkled at the eyes.

"When we have children, I hope they have your eyes," he said.

Katie turned her head towards him. "You do?"

Harvey hummed, content. "I do."

Chapter Text

Tyler walked into their cottage after work. Krobus was missing, and the curtains pulled open.

Shit.

Tyler burst through the farmhouse door. "Krobus is gone!"

Katie glanced up at them with a raised brow, then glanced over towards the couch. Krobus and Harvey sat there, a plethora of jars open on the table.

"I'm okay, Tyler," Krobus said with a smile, "Katie made pickled horseradish. Would you like some?"

Harvey made eye contact with Tyler from behind Krobus, shaking his head, cheeks puffed up in disgust.

Tyler let out a breath of relief, then shook their head. "I'll hold off."

Chapter Text

Marlon sat in the old museum, working on another paper on the typewriter. Betsy walked by, coffee in hand, peering over his shoulder to read his work. She paused, leaning over him.

"What?" he groaned.

Betsy tapped the page, "'Interplanetary vehicle?' Really?"

"Their technology far exceeds our own. Why not?"

Betsy raised a brow. "Sure. So, your answer to that is… space? Why would they go underground?"

Marlon clenched his fists. "Betsy. Let me finish, then ask your questions."

She turned away then, waving her hand behind her. "I don't know how the hell you got your doctorate. Fucking idiot."

Chapter Text

Harvey spun Katie through the room, smiling at her as she giggled. He pulled her close, meeting her eye.

"Do you think we're soulmates?" she asked dreamily.

Harvey took a short, hesitant breath.

Katie's mouth fell open in offense. "Choose your words carefully."

Harvey licked his lips in thought. "I don't believe in soulmates."

Katie raised a brow. "Really?"

Harvey shook his head. "Isn't it better that, out of everyone in the world, everyday I choose to love you?"

Katie narrowed her eyes at Harvey, but she smiled. She leaned into his chest to hide her expression.

"Yeah. That's better."

Chapter Text

Sometimes I wake up and think I regained some feeling. It's pain, mostly, but it's still there. I think I'll be able to stand up again, walk my ass up that mountain and see you sitting out on that porch without a care in the world. Steve's there too, causing me all kinds of headaches.

I have to remind myself I'm not the guild lead anymore. I have to remind myself I got nothing left to take care of.

I knew I was screwed the moment those rocks came tumbling down. But you? My niece wouldn't dare die on me.

Hey, kid. It's been a while. If you're wondering, Gil's a mess, and Debby's worse. Evelyn and George have their own shit on top of you and Betsy joined you and Steve.

Gil's barely smiled since, kid. It's always forced. I don't know what to fucking do. I couldn't save you, and damn it, I thought I taught you to save yourself. To not take unnecessary risks.

I should've been there with you.

I'm sorry. I know I don't know what happened, but you should be snapping back at me right now, and you're not. You're just a fucking rock.

I've been going to church again. It's nice, I think. I gave up on it after hearing everything my mom and dad yelled at Debby when they found out about you. Now you're gone, and I'm back.

Betsy would probably make fun of me for it, but it's been a real help. I ask the pastor to pray for Georgie's legs, just in case Yoba has an extra miracle to grant this week.

Yoba has such kind teachings, comforting. I know now that I'll see you again. I know you're up in the clouds with little Jasper, watching over us.

Life's a lot less colorful without your 4pm phone calls. You always called then, right before or after a dive. I miss those calls a lot these days.

I miss you padding around the apartment, such a heavy footed toddler. You got that from your father. Yoba knows it wasn't me.

I remember those elephant feet kicking me till I was black and blue when I was pregnant. I loathed it then, and I hated being pregnant.

I miss it now. I miss when our heart beats were intertwined. I think they still are, and yet my lungs keep breathing.

Mona, Mona, Mona. I always knew you'd get yourself into some shit when I wasn't looking. You were always like that, you know. I'd turn around and Li'l Jimmy would be cryin' and you'd have that guilty look in your eye. Always looking for trouble. My little girl, my troublemaker.

Yoba.

I'm trying to take your advice, but a man's not supposed to outlive his kid like this. You know that just as well as I do, don't you? Putting an old man like me through that shit.

Fine. I'll keep loving you. I swear, I will. My Beloved Mona.

Chapter Text

Mona was twelve when Clara was born. Once the Mullner's settled back home, Gil and Debby dragged Mona to visit.

Mona peered over the bassinet. Clara was swaddled up, sleeping.

Mona reached in to poke the baby's nose.

Clara's face scrunched up, and she began to cry.

Mona jumped. "Shhh, go back to sleep!"

"It's alright, beloved," Gil said. He reached and picked Clara up, cradling her. She settled quickly as Gil rocked her. He sat down so Mona could see. "You gotta be real gentle, see?"

Mona smiled. "You're good with babies."

Gil hummed. "I had lots of practice."

Mona laid on the carpet, flipping through an adventuring magazine she'd found on George's shelves. Clara was playing with blocks. Their parents were all in the kitchen, laughter wafting through the halls.

Clara babbled something incoherent, and Mona looked up. "Yeah?"

Clara babbled more, looking very serious. She hit her tower of blocks down with another block.

Mona nodded. "I see. That's terrible."

Clara pouted, puffing her cheeks, apparently dissatisfied with Mona's response.

"That's great?" Mona tried again.

Clara whined, and threw the block at Mona's magazine.

"Okay, okay," Mona said. She scooched over, and helped Clara rebuild her tower.

A movie played on the farmhouse TV. A cartoon dog cowered under a cardboard box, sheltering from the rain, as sad music played.

James sniffed, and Mona looked over. "You're kidding."

"It's sad!" James defended.

Mona tilted her head. "It's a kids movie. Clara isn't even crying!"

Clara blinked, sucking on her sippy cup, eyes locked onto the screen.

James shook his head and wiped his eyes. "I won't be made fun of in my own home."

"You picked the movie, Li'l Jimmy. This is on you."

"I know… Why would I do that?"

Mona shrugged. "Because you're an idiot."

The Mullner's came up to the little apartment in Grampleton, and Clara immediately requested to see Mona's room. Mona took her little hand and showed her the way.

Clara approached Mona's bookshelf, eyes full of stars. "Can you read to me?" she asked.

"Sure," Mona said with a shrug. She scanned over her collection, trying to find something age appropriate. She pulled out a collection of fairy tales that Debby used to read to her when she was small.

They laid together on Mona's bed as Mona read aloud. Clara curled up, and fell asleep halfway through the first story.

Mona plopped onto the couch. "Boooored."

James snorted, still brushing Clara's hair. "You shouldn't have agreed to babysit."

"I like Clara. She's great."

"Yeah!" Clara cheered.

"Yeah!" Mona agreed. "But it's raining. What the fuck do you do with a kid when it's raining?"

"Don't— Okay, you need to work on that."

"What—"

"Don't swear in front of Clara, Evelyn will kill you."

"Yeah!" Clara cheered.

"Yeah!" James agreed.

Mona's brows shot up, arms crossed. "She doesn't know, so…"

James leaned forward to share a look with Clara. They both looked back at Mona.

"I'm telling," they said in unison.

Clara and Mona sat on the guild porch as the adults fried their fish. Clara kicked her legs, twisting her lips. She looked conflicted.

Mona smiled and elbowed the young girl. "What are you thinking about?"

Clara did a big sigh. "I told Clint that my daddy is an adventurer."

Mona nodded, waiting for her to continue.

Clara's face twisted, and tears welled in her eyes. "He said it's dangerous and my daddy could die."

"Oh, baby," Mona said. She took Clara in her arms. "Don't you worry about that. Uncle George is strong and brave. He'll be just fine."

Clara sat on James's shoulders, Mona standing beside them, as the moonlight jellies approached. Clara's hands were gripping James's hair, but he didn't complain.

"Think when I'm— You know, older, and have kids, I think I want a girl," James whispered.

Mona looked over and smiled. She wiped it off her face quick, and raised a brow. "You only say that because Clara's all sweet and quiet. What if your daughter's mean and rowdy?"

James looked over smirking. "What, like you?"

Mona scrunched her nose, lightly hitting James's arm. "Fuck off."

"Awww," Clara droned. "Mona said a bad word again."

When Mona came back from her first year at university, the last thing she'd expected was to get dragged into babysitting again.

Clara was playing with her dolls. "Mona?"

"Yes, Clara?"

Clara twisted her lips. "Are you and James dating?"

Mona choked. "What?"

Clara smirked. "I think you are."

Well…

"No. That wouldn't work out," Mona said.

Clara cocked her head to the side. "Why not?"

He doesn't like that I want to pursue monster research. Too dangerous, he says.

"It just wouldn't. We want different things," she said.

Clara nodded. "That makes sense."

Mona smiled sadly. "Yeah. It does."

The fish fry was in full swing. Mona brought Clara to the lake, to teach her how to fish. Mona prepped Clara's line and handed off the pink plastic pole.

"You set Clara?" she asked.

Clara nodded.

"Ready," Mona held her rod in front of her, and Clara giggled and followed suit. "Aim," Mona and Clara brought their rods back, "Fire!" and cast them out to the lake.

Clara rocked up to her toes. "When do the fish come?"

"You have to wait," Mona said.

"That's boring," Clara lamented.

Mona shrugged. "Sometimes. That's why it's better to fish with company."

Mona and Clara sat at a table, slumped and tired, as the adults danced in the square.

Clara poked Mona's arm to get her attention. "I thought Uncle Gil and Aunt Debby were married."

Mona snorted a laugh. "You and me both, kid."

Clara looked confused. "And I didn't know boys can marry other boys."

"Well…" Mona trailed, choosing her words. "They can, sort of. Not legally. Not yet, anyway. Maybe one day?"

Clara looked more confused, and a little worried. "Are they breaking the law?"

"No!" Mona rushed to say. "It's just… You know… Um… Ask your dad later."

Everyone gathered at the old farm house. James and Susan were in town, showing off their baby girl, Katie. Mona held Clara's hand as they approached the bassinet.

"Tiny…" Clara trailed.

She reached in to touch the baby, apparently a little too hard. Katie started crying.

Mona cringed and looked around, before reaching in to pick up Katie. She rocked her until the crying stopped.

"You gotta be more gentle, Clara," Mona said.

Clara looked up at Mona, wide eyed. "You're good with babies, huh?"

Mona's brows shot up and she smiled. "I guess so. I had lot's of practice."

Over spring break, Mona was preparing for her thesis defense. Everyone gathered in the guild so she could practice her presentation.

Mona turned to face her audience. "Any questions?"

They all raised their hands, and Mona's stomach sank. Then she saw Clara, sat with Evelyn, raising her hand as well.

"Yes, Dr. Clara," Mona said.

Clara nodded and pushed imaginary glasses up on her nose. "Why do you wanna be an adventurer?"

The adults all hummed and nodded, apparently thinking it a good question.

Mona smiled. "Well, Dr. Clara, I've always been very interested in the shadow people, you see…"

"Fine, but I want you to do some training with Marlon," George grumbled.

Mona scoffed. When George didn't seem to budge, she groaned. "Seriously?"

George nodded and smirked. "Seriously."

Mona rolled her eyes. "Fine."

Mona pushed up from the table, and headed towards Clara's room. She scratched at the door, and could hear Clara groan before walking to the door.

She swung the door open. "Yeah, Dad—" she gasped. "Mona!"

Mona leaned down, gave Clara a hug. "Yes ma'am. Hey, guess what?"

"What?"

Mona smiled. "I'm moving to Pelican Town."

Clara's eyes went wide. "For real?!"

Mona nodded. "For real."

It was the Festival of Ice. Mona prepared her line with determination.

"I'm gonna beat Uncle Willy this year, I swear," she said, mostly to herself.

Clara laughed. "You're screwed."

Mona gasped. "Clara! You're supposed to be on my side. You have no sense of family loyalty?"

Clara shrugged. "Willy's my uncle, too."

Mona froze, furrowing her brows. "No, he isn't."

Clara looked around confused. "Yes, he is."

Mona shook her head. "No. He's— You're not related to him."

"So?" Clara asked with a shrug. "I'm not related to Uncle Gil either."

"That's different."

"How?"

"Because he's— Ugh, fine, whatever."

Mona wrangled Clara's hair, bobby pins held between her teeth. Clara was going to her first school dance.

"And what do we say if a boy wants to dance with us?" Mona asked around the pins.

Clara groaned. "You can't be serious."

Mona looked up at her in the mirror, raising a brow. "What do we say?"

Clara rolled her eyes. "At least take me out to dinner first," she recited, hand on her hip, mimicking Mona's inflection.

Mona smiled. "Good." She removed the pins from her mouth and leaned forward, putting their faces beside each other. "Think you're ready."

James, Clara, and Mona stood out on the porch as the rest of the guild fawned over Katie.

James sighed. "Susan wants to tell Katie tonight." He shook his head. "I'm kinda… worried about it?"

Mona and Clara shared a look. "Why?" Clara asked.

"I mean, I remember always asking for a sibling when I was little, but she never does," James explained.

"Yeah, well, you're a freak," Mona said. "And you're talking to the wrong people. We're all only children."

James shrugged. "You two are basically sisters."

Mona shook her head.

"No, we're besties," Clara corrected. "Totally different trip."

It was warm and sunny on the day of the flower dance. Mona and Clara made their way to the snack table, and parked themselves there. They chatted, until Mona felt a tap on her shoulder and spun around.

"Hey… Mona," Lewis said, visibly nervous. "I wanted to… ask… Do you want to dance? With me?"

Mona gaped. "Uh, su—"

"At least take her out to dinner first," Clara said, smirking.

Lewis gaped. "Uh… I'm sorry?"

"She's joking," Mona said quickly, shooting a glare and Clara. Clara laughed. "I'd love to."

Lewis held out his arm, and Mona took it.

Mona flipped through her notes from her latest dive with Marlon. Clara sat on the other end of the couch, looking through college pamphlets, pouting.

Clara threw another pamphlet down, and groaned loudly.

Mona raised a brow. She poked at Clara with her foot. "What?"

Clara gestured to the pamphlets, and made a gagging sound.

Mona smiled. "I felt the same way, girl."

Clara threw her head back. "I know… I just wish I could become a nurse without doing the school thing."

Mona hummed. "Yeah… But ya can't."

Clara pressed her lips into a line, and flipped Mona off.

Clara and Mona cleared the table after Winterstar dinner. Clara had been quiet the whole meal, giving short answers when asked about university.

When they were both in the kitchen, alone, Mona shut the door, trapping Clara inside.

"What are you hiding?" Mona asked.

Clara turned slowly. "Nothing."

Mona raised a brow. "Bull. Shit."

Clara chewed her lip and looked around the room. When her eyes met Mona's, she sighed. "There's a boy," she whispered.

"No fucking way! Tell me!" Mona yelled.

The kitchen door cracked open. "What are you two yelling about?" Evelyn asked.

"Nothing," they said in unison.

Clara stood behind Mona, setting her hair into place before her wedding ceremony. She had bobby pins pinched between her teeth.

"So weird," Clara commented, voice barely above a whisper.

Mona looked at Clara through the mirror. "What?"

Clara smiled. "I don't know… you're not gonna be a Stager anymore. You're moving out of the guild… Its exciting, but weird."

Mona laughed. "First of all, I'm always gonna be a Stager. You think I'm taking Lewis's last name? Brown? You're crazy."

Clara laughed too. "Yeah, I should've known. Mona Brown doesn't sound as good."

"Not at all," Mona groaned playfully.

Mona pushed open Clara's bedroom door, slid in, and shut it silently. Clara looked up at her. "Can I help you?"

Mona smiled, and ran over, light on her feet, and plopped onto the bed beside Clara. "Guess what?"

"What?"

Mona shook her head. "Guess."

Clara looked up, thinking. "New research?"

"Nope."

"New… job? Yoba, if you—"

"No. You're stuck with me."

"Good." Clara sighed. "I'm out of ideas."

Mona turned, smirking. "I'm pregnant."

Clara's eyes went wide. "You're kidding? Already? Fuck, you got married like—"

"I know," Mona mused. "I want you to be the god mother."

"Well, obviously."

Clara made a trip home from university after Jasper passed. She sat with Mona and Lewis in her living room.

The TV hummed, a shitty cable network turned on with the volume low, just to fill the space. The house was too quiet, Mona had said, even if she felt that didn't make sense. It's not like Jasper had been particularly loud in the womb.

James came by with a casserole he'd made so they wouldn't have to cook. Clara poured wine for all four of them.

"At least I can drink again," Mona laughed, a bitterness on her tongue.

The ceremony dragged on forever, and Mona kept having to bend down to fix Clara's train. Had it been this difficult when Clara was her maid of honor?

Clara and her new husband danced together. James appeared at Mona's side, and Mona pretended not to notice.

James elbowed Mona. "So weird. She's still a baby."

Mona raised a brow and laughed. "She's the same age you were when you and Susan tied the knot."

James shrugged. "Yeah, but… she was always the baby. Always will be, to me."

Mona hummed. "Yeah, I guess so… She looks beautiful though, doesn't she?"

Clara typed the number into the phone and listened to it ring. She waited. Mona didn't pick up. She rolled her eyes and dialed the guild phone instead. George picked up.

"Hey Dad, put Mona on the phone."

"Oh— Okay," George said. There was rustling as the phone was handed off.

"Hey, Clara, what's—"

"I'm pregnant," Clara said quickly.

Silence for a beat. "Really?" Mona said, hopeful tone.

Clara nodded. "Yes ma'am."

"Oh my— Clara!" Mona dragged out the word, cheering. "Fuck— That's so… Wow."

"And," Clara added, "I want you to be the god mother."

Mona laughed. "Well, obviously."

Clara sat at the grave sight, Alex balanced on her knee. She pointed at the name on the stone, Our Beloved Mona.

"This, young man, is your god mother, Aunt Mona," Clara said. "She was very brave, and very funny. A real rowdy woman. She used to watch me when I was small like you."

Alex babbled, and grabbed some of Clara's hair to chew on.

"That's right," she said. She sniffed, willed her eyes to stay dry. "She was the best, and she loved you so much. She had a son named Jasper. You two would've been great friends."

Chapter Text

Krobus,

I've yet to like a single one of my guild leads. Marlon's okay, I guess. He's on thin fucking ice, let's just say that. The lead in Castle Village was famous for his negligence, and before that was a professor with too much time on his hands.

Marlon wants me to be next. He asked me and I laughed. Surely he wasn't talking to me? I'm great at my job. I'm shit with people.

He said I remind him of George. Who I remind him of seems to change constantly. Probably his old age.

Should I take it?

-Tyler

Chapter Text

Tyler and Seb trailed behind Abby and Sam as they bounded over the old wooden dock. The night market was bright and loud, crowded with tourists, merchants on boats. They watched as Sam and Abby approached the various vendors, checking out their array of useless items with childlike wonder.

"Fucking idiots," Tyler muttered. "The hell are they planning to do with all the crap they're buying?"

Seb smirked. "I have no idea."

Sam skipped towards them, practically floating, holding a giant candy cane, roughly Vincent's height. "Check this out!"

Tyler and Seb both raised a brow, tried not to laugh.

Tyler sat on the floors of the sewer, leaning on their hands, staring at the ceiling. They'd apparently said something interesting, and Krobus busied himself with notes.

"Hey, Krobus?" Tyler prompted.

Krobus looked up, blinked one eye at a time. "What?"

"When we met you called yourself a merchant. What do you mean by that?"

Krobus leaned his head to the side. "Do you not know what a merchant is?"

"No, I—" Tyler sighed, rolled their eyes. "Who are you selling shit to?"

Krobus shrugged and turned back to his notes. "I never said I was any good at it."

Chapter Text

Amy had taken it over in my father's stead, a seamless transition from father to daughter. Now I come in

From the city, struck by grief, and have to continue it myself. I talk to the neighbors. They feign kindness

To my face. They sneer behind my back, and still I learn more. I ask what they want. I try

Even though I know nothing. The guild is welcoming enough. Betsy is at home there, and I find things below

Rocks that help me build this new life. I hope Amy is watching. I hope I can pass it on.

Chapter Text

Scan the fields and feel the breeze. Breathe it in. I asked for a change and got it, didn't I?

The farm is decrepit, nothing like the one you ran. My bones are tired. My memories flicker over the view,

Earth untilled and overgrown, paired with the vision of crops. Try to be grateful. Sometimes I think I've made a

Very big mistake. I try to remember what you taught me. Thank the fruit I trim from the stem. Less

Easy now. I feel numbness, bitter from before. Still, I heed Father's advice. I go to town to say hello.

Chapter Text

Trailer's back. Questions flood my mind but I leave it be. It's what you would want anyway, right? I remember

You've always closed off when I push. Need to learn to respect your boundaries, but I'm your big sister, I

Love you and I need you to feel it too. It is so selfish to want you to stay here

Even though I know how you shattered after that last summer. Screaming rings in my ears. My fault. Do you

Remember? I should've taken you on that walk. Maybe then you wouldn't have grown to hate me like you do.

Key hung from my neck, tucked beneath my shirt. It's hidden, but its always there. Go out for a smoke,

Alcohol seeps into my blood from breakfast and settles my headache. Same fucking routine despite all the change. I look

To the old farmhouse. I liked it more than you think I did. That last summer was shit, but still

I remember the walks we took. I remember you curled up, comfortable and reading beside Grandma. I remember the way

Earth stained your jeans from hours spent with Grandpa outside. Not as clearly as you do, but still. I remember.

Chapter Text

Marlon and Gil got ready to head to Limestone to meet with Debby.

"You can't have the bandana in your pocket," Gil said.

Marlon furrowed his brow, turned to look over his shoulder. "Why not?"

Gil crossed his arms. "People will think you're available."

Marlon turned his head slowly to face Gil, a wicked grin on his lips. "Jealous?"

Gil tilted his head down, an attempt at looking through his brows at Marlon. Their height difference was too severe for it to have the right effect. He walked up to Marlon, and took the bandana out of Marlon's pocket himself.

Chapter Text

Hair over smooth, smooth skin. I always preferred them like this, a man who's tall enough to swallow me whole,

Although they often disappoint. Most of them moved with grasping hands, a forceful pressure to maintain their perception of control.

Never with you. You guide me gently, watching with soft, tired eyes and I melt. They're always open, because you

Don't want to miss anything. You put me in place like it's easy, and I let you. It feels like

Sometimes you know what I want before I do, like I was always meant to be where you placed me.

Late at night, it's almost too much. Your lips travel down, down, down, and I'm helpless beneath you. Every breath is so

Intentional. You're figuring me out, learning everything you can, and every time is impossibly better than the last. I can't keep up. I cling to my

Pride desperately, but you pay too much attention to the details. I curse and pull at sheets, but I always fall apart for you. You know,

Satisfied grin painting your face as I call out your name. I said it because you asked me to. I'd do anything you asked me to.

Needles in my fingertips. I feel it in my teeth too, that's a new one. Air pushes from my lungs. You pull it from me

Easily. My leg hooked over your hip as you make your way in, gasping into each others mouths. Your hand placed around my throat, never

Choking but always there, won't let me forget it's you. Stay in the moment, look in your eyes, savor it. You have me on my

Knees like its nothing. I look up at you, and I can't breathe. I surrender to you, give you everything. It was always yours anyway.

Belly to belly. Chest to chest. My mind finally fucking quiets. Your touch feels like absolution, and you don't even know what you're cleansing me

Of. It's suffocating, I can breathe again. Your breath stutters, your brows pinch, and it's better than ecstasy. I can release the last of my

Doubts. You're holding me down to earth, tethering me, and for the first time I hope you never let go. I am a ship, and

You are my safe harbor. And when I come back worn from the journey, you take me apart and patch me up, again and again.

Lake water brushes against the reeds. Too much has changed, but the view is the same. You poke your head

Out and pull me back inside. Home. Safe. I thought by now our bed would've grown crowded by grief or

Venomous resentment. I let you hold me and lean into you because somehow it makes you stronger. You love me

Effortlessly, like always. I try to do the same, even when happiness feels miles away and six feet below the

Rocks and dirt and grass grown over. Still, you kiss me and it's quiet. For a moment, I am forgiven.

Chapter Text

The doorbell twinkled as Katie stepped into the room, light on her feet. She walked right up to the counter, holding something behind her back.

Marlon looked up from his paperwork. "What?"

"I have something for you," Katie sang. She pulled out a copy of Mysteries of the Dwarves.

Marlon took it, confused. "I have a few copies actually."

"Look inside!"

Marlon sighed, and cracked open the book. His face softened, lifted to a smile as he recognized the red ink flowing in the margins. "I see. Betsy's?"

Katie beamed. "I thought you might want it."

Marlon nodded. "Thank you."

Chapter Text

Mona throws the bedroom door open and takes her seat at the foot of the bed.

Marlon cracks one eye open as the mattress shifts, reaches an arm over to hit Gil's side.

Gil groans.

"There's a girl in our bed," Marlon whispers, vocal fry.

"A girl with news," Mona sings.

Gil slowly pushes himself upright. "Good news, I hope."

Mona holds out the letter. "I got in!"

Gil takes the paper quick, Marlon leans in to look. They both scan the page, smiling.

Gil pulls Mona in, tears in his eyes. Old sap. "I'm so proud of you, beloved."

Chapter Text

It was the Ice Festival, and Debby begged to go so she could see Georgie and Gil. Steve and Amy had a snowball fight with the other kids. I wasn't interested, but their trio jumped in. Steve had the nerve to hit Georgie in the face, and Georgie threw a big one to get him back. Steve dropped to the ground, and the snowball hit me instead. Debby was so mad, yelled at him to apologize to me. He came up looking all nervous. I had a crush instantly, I mean— A cute older boy talking to little old me?

Chapter Text

Evelyn forced Marlon to attend his first flower dance to see her arrangements. He leaned back on the fencing. "If Evelyn thinks I'm going to participate and dance with some woman, I swear I'll—"

Gil laughed. "What woman would want to dance with you?"

Marlon crossed his arms. "I can be quite charming when I want to be."

Gil raised his brows and pursed his lips, feigning consideration. "I haven't seen it," he lied.

"Oh, please," Marlon half scoffed, half laughed. "You wouldn't be able to handle it."

George appeared at their side. "Could you two be any less discreet?"