Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The portal light flashed in Anne, Sasha, and Marcy’s eyes, blinding them suddenly.

Leaving was bittersweet, Amphibia holding many memories for the teenagers. On one hand, some of those memories were bad, forever haunting the girls in their scars and dreams. On the other hand, the three had grown in that world, from the oblivious teenagers they used to be into newly reformed friends and heroes.

Anne certainly felt those bittersweet pangs as she thought of the family she would be leaving, and the family she would be returning to.

The light subsided and Anne brushed away the leftover tears with her hand. She opened her eyes to reveal…definitely not Earth.

What?

“Where are we!?” Sasha demanded, looking around this new place. “The portal was supposed to take us home!”

The girls stood silently in this new area, taking it all in. They seemed to be in a waiting room of some sorts. It looked almost like Earth, with pristine white floors and nice couches, but looking out the window they could see the black expanses of space.

“What? What happened?” Anne asked, eyes wide.

“Did we mess up, did something interfere with the signal, are we stuck-“ Marcy began to ramble, hands moving faster the more she talked. Sasha and Anne come to stand by her side in support, but both also held an air of worry and confusion.

“Calamity heroes please, calm yourself. There is nothing to be afraid of,” a disembodied voice states. Echoing throughout the room in a calming tone.

“What the-“

“Shit!”

“Eep!”

The girls startle, jumping slightly. They end up tangling together, and once they realize how close they are they all start blushing. Anne is the first to compose herself. “Who are you, what do you want with us?” She asks forcefully, moving to stand in front of the others.

Man I wish I still had the gem right now.

“I promise you I mean no harm, this is not an attack. If anything, I mean to reward you,” the voice says.

“With what?” Marcy pipes up.

“And how do we get home?” Sasha also questions.

“Good questions Wit, Strength, I will answer those and more in a moment. Please, have a seat.”

The girls move to sit down on the couch and the voice continues.

“Thank you. You are rightfully confused. Calamity heroes, I wish to reward you. Who I am does not matter in this situation, just know I am a being of great power and kind intentions. As a reward for your good deeds I wish to send you twenty years into the future, to experience your futures. Do not fret, I will return you to your normal timeline in four days time, with no repercussions or consequences. There is no mission for you, other than to simply enjoy your time. What do you say heroes?”

The girls look around at each other, it seemed like they had no choice. Marcy secretly was beaming inside.

Time travel!? So cooooool!

The girls look around to confirm one more time and smile.

“We accept”

“And so it shall be. I thank you, Calamity heroes, and I wish you an eventful journey. Keep your minds and hearts open, you might like what you receive.”

The girls clasped their hands together as another blinding light shine brightly, making them close their eyes. When they opened their eyes they were standing in front of what seemed to be an apartment door.

“Are we back on Earth? Is this…an apartment building!?” Sasha asked.

“We’re in the future remember! Wait I wonder what’s been invented, do you think there are flying cars yet?” Anne asked excitedly, running to the window.

Marcy stopped her. “Anne we’re not far enough into the future for that, that technology is way underdeveloped in our time,” Marcy tells her friend. “But that brings up a good point, we’re so lost here. What do we do? Where do we go?”

“We’ll we had to land here for a reason right? I think this door might be the answer.” Sasha moved to knock on the apartment door in front of them. Anne hurriedly stopped her.

“Sasha wait you can’t just knock on some random apartment!? What if the people inside are mean and don’t like teenagers? Or dangerous?” She gasps. "What if they're serial killers!?"

“Come on Anne, that voice seemed to know what it was doing, this door has got to be where we’re supposed to go.”

“But Sash, we need to think this through first-“

“Who’s there, I heard teenage bickering.” The door suddenly swings open to reveal a woman, maybe in her early thirties. She had light brown skin and curly brown hair. The same curly brown hair as-

Sasha and Marcy gape at the beautiful woman in front of them.

Is that…

The woman looks at them curiously for a few seconds and then suddenly beams. Her smile was radiant. She turns back into the apartment and shouts. “Sash, Marmar! It’s that time, they’re finally here!”

Oh my god it is.

Two voices shout at the same time…

“Anne!?”

The woman - Older Anne - smiles. “Hey tiny Sasha, Marcy, and me, seems like you made it to the future.”

Chapter Text

All Marcy could do was stare at the woman in front of her, her best friend but twenty years older.

Oh my gosh Anne is so beautiful, even more beautiful than now. She aged so well. Omg Marcy get yourself together, we’re in the future and all you can do is gape at your future best friend.

Sasha was in a similar state, blushing profusely.

AHhhhhhhHhHhhhhhhhHhhhh. She’s so pretty.

A camera shutter snaps them out of their stupor.

“Heheh, blackmail,” Older Anne says holding her phone up. “So, while we wait for those two slowpokes how about you three come in?”

The three girls shuffled in behind Older Anne who led them to the nice living room space. It was spacious and bright with plenty of seating. The three younger girls sat on the couch while Older Anne sat on a chair.

“So, any first questions?” Older Anne asks with a smile.

“Are you…really me?” Anne asks hesitantly.

“Yup! Flesh and blood!” Older Anne says happily, pointing between the two.

Anne smiles and relaxes. “Dang girl we age amazing!” she says excitedly.

Older Anne chuckles. Just then another woman walks into the room. She has dark jet black hair and a t-shirt on saying “Just Lose Control” and a gaming controller. But the biggest clue to her identity was the way she tripped over her own two feet when walking in.

“Oof”

“Marmar! Be careful!” Older Anne says, jumping up to check if she was ok.

“I’m ok!” Older Marcy says, making her way over to sit at the chair next to Older Anne.

Now it was Anne’s turn to gape as Sasha’s blush spread even farther. Marcy had grown her hair out and it really suited her. Their cute little Marmar had grown into a pretty and adorable young woman.

A camera shutter clicked again. “Heheh this one’s even better!” Older Anne said quietly.

Marcy bounced up. “Omg omg omg are you me!?”

Older Marcy laughed excitedly. “Yup!”

“That’s so cool! Do we get a job? Is this our apartment? Do we have a girlfrie-“

“Hahaha slow down tiny me! I promise all your questions will be answered. We just need to wait for the last one, who should probably HURRY UP!” Older Marcy shouts that last part looking towards the bedroom.

“Shit. I’m coming I’m coming, hold your horses,” a voice replies. Another woman walks into the room. Where Marcy had grown out her hair, Sasha cut it shorter, and it also really suited her. Anne looked like her jaw was about to fall off while Marcy sat back down quickly and blushed. Older Sasha had a great figure, her muscles showing even through her long sleeve sleep shirt.

A camera shutter clicked. “Yes! The final piece to my collection,” Older Anne said pretending to wipe away a tear.

Sasha suddenly jumps up and pumps her fist.

“YES! Older me is hot too- I mean-“ She quickly sits back down. “You are me right?”

“Yup, the older, smarter, and cooler version,” Older Sasha says, sitting down on the final chair besides Older Marcy.

“So, now that everyone’s finally here, we can answer a few more questions!” Older Anne says, putting her phone away and turning towards the younger girls.

“So, any questions?” Older Sasha asked.

“Where are we?”

“How are you so calm?”

“If there’s two of each of us what do we call you?”

Older Marcy laughed and put up her hands in a placating gesture. “Woah slow down a bit, that last one’s a good question actually. I think when we were young we just called them ‘Older Anne, Older Marcy, Older Sasha” you know? And we’ll just call you your normal names.”

The younger girls nodded. Older Sasha crossed her arms.

“Do I really have to be ‘Older Sasha?’ That makes me sound…old,” Older Sasha grumbled.

“Do you have a better idea Older Sasha?” Older Anne says teasingly. Older Sasha stuck out her tongue. Older Anne stuck out her tongue back at her.

“Girls, girls,” Older Marcy says chuckling. “Let’s just stick to the ‘Older’ thing for now, we can change it later.”

Sasha grumbles. “Fine, just know I’m not that old.”

The younger girls giggle to themselves. Secretly they’re relieved at the interaction. Seems like even as mature and different as the older trio seem, they’re still the same Anne, Sasha, and Marcy. They’re still best friends.

“I can answer some other questions!” Older Anne says. “You are currently about twenty years into your future. We are all the older versions of you. We had the same memories, experiences, and thoughts as you. We went through this too, so we’ve had about twenty years to prepare. That’s how we’re so calm. But don’t worry, it was an eye opening experience…in a good way!”

Older Anne winks and the older girls share a secret little smile like they know something the others didn’t…which was true.

“Anyways! In four days you’ll be returned to your time by the same thing that brought you here. Until then we’ll take care of you! You can stay here in our apartment, we have a guest bedroom.”

“We all live together!?” Marcy says excitedly. Sasha and Anne seem to share that excitement from the huge smiles on their faces.

“Haha, yup!” Older Sasha says, standing up to move over to Marcy. She ruffles little Marcy’s hair. “Weren’t you just the cutest thing Marmar?”

Marcy blushes from head to toe.

“Are you saying I’m not cute now?” Older Marcy says, raising an eyebrow.

“No! I just- you know! You’re so small here-“ Older Sasha quickly backtracks and goes back to her chair. She frowns when Older Marcy starts laughing.

“Sash I’m messing with you,” Older Marcy says laughing.

“Rude,” Older Sasha says, pouting.

“Anyways! You guys are welcome to sleep in the guest room tonight. Tomorrow’s Friday so we each have work but we’re happy to bring one of you with each of us. A little bit of bonding time!” Older Anne says smiling. Everyone looked excited.

“I call tiny Anne!” Older Sasha shouts, Anne’s eyes go wide and she quickly looks at the floor, her heart beating wildly.

“Little Sash, wanna come with me?” Older Marcy says gently, Sasha blushing and nodding quickly.

“Guess you’re with me!” Older Anne winks at Marcy.

“Eep!” Marcy squeaks, body freezing.

“Anyways, it’s getting late, let me show you to the guest bedroom,” Older Marcy says, standing. “We’ll meet you in the kitchen in the morning for breakfast.”

Older Marcy moves to start walking towards the guest bedroom, the younger girls following behind. They walk down a quiet long hallway to a door.

Dang this is actually a pretty large apartment.

“Here we are! Everything should be set up already, have a restful night you guys!” Older Marcy says, leading them into the room and then walking out.

“No funny business,” she says, winking and then closing the door behind her. The younger girls turn to each other then blush.

“So…I’m beat, wanna head to bed?” Sasha says.

“That was crazy, this is crazy, everything is crazy,” Anne says moving to sit on the bed.

“Yeah, well nothing we can’t handle together!” Marcy says, moving to sit beside Anne. Sasha comes to sit on her other side.

The girls sit there quietly for a few minutes, just enjoying each other’s company and the first silence they’ve gotten in forever. It was then that Marcy made a realization.

“Guys…there’s only one bed.”

The girls realize that she’s right.

“I can sleep on the floor,” Anne offers.

“Anne don’t be ridiculous, we have been fighting for the past few hours and everyone’s exhausted. The bed is big enough, we’ll all share,” Sasha says, moving to take off her shoes.

“Well, I guess you’re right,” Anne says blushing.

The girls got ready for bed, changing into the pajamas set out for them all in their respective Calamity colors. Afterwards they all climbed into bed awkwardly.

Sasha was on the left, Anne in the middle, and Marcy on the right. The lay there silently until the lack of space caused Marcy to fall right off the bed.

“Oof”

The girls started laughing, even Marcy. They laughed together wholeheartedly, the first time in a while.

“This isn’t working, you can come closer guys, we’ve had sleepovers in the same bed before,” Anne says laughing.

“That’s true, it’s no different,” Sasha says, her beating heart when she curled up next to Anne said otherwise. Marcy crawled onto her other side, blushing.

The girls slowly relaxed into each other, tired and finally comfortable. They slept soundly into the night, limbs tangled, and hearts full.

Chapter Text

Anne yawned and opened her eyes. The room was still dark but she could see streaks of light coming in between the blinds. She moved to get up but noticed a weight on her chest. She opened her eyes to see a mop of dark hair. Marcy was laying on her chest cuddling her.

Anne went red. As much as she wanted to stay in bed, she was really hungry. They were caught up and totally skipped dinner last night.

She started to pry Marcy off her slowly, the other girl grumbling but staying asleep. Eventually Anne succeeds and sits up in bed, stretching slightly. As she puts her arm back down, she notices another person roll onto her lap, blonde hair this time.

Sasha hugs her waist, effectively pinning her in bed. Anne tries to pry Sasha off but Sasha’s grip is a lot stronger than Marcy's.

“No…warm…” Sasha grumbles in her sleep.

Anne’s heart melts at the adorable sight, but quickly shakes her head.

No, that’s my best friend. I can’t feel like that.

Anne slowly shimmies out of bed, Sasha too sleepy to hold on for long. Anne makes it out of the bed and stands up. She looks back to see that Sasha and Marcy have drifted closer together to start cuddling.

Anne smiles at the sight. That’s adorable.

She wanders over to the dresser and puts on a pair of shorts and T-shirt. She leaves the room quietly and shuts the door behind her. Stepping into the hallway a wonderful smell hits her nose. She wanders down the hall, following the smell to the kitchen. Older Anne was standing over the stove, making scrambled eggs.

“Hey, you’re up early,” Older Anne says, glancing at Anne.

“Well you know, years of early morning in the restaurant and months on the farm build that habit,” Anne says, taking a seat at the counter.

Older Anne laughs. “As you can see the habit never breaks.” She puts a cup of coffee in front of Anne.

“Try it, it’s made the way we like it.” She winks.

Anne picks up the cup and takes a sip. It was perfect, obviously, she had technically made it for herself.

“Do you make breakfast every morning?” Anne asks after being handed a piece of toast.

“Most of them, yes. But don’t worry I do it willingly. I like being able to cook for my girls.” Anne leans over the table and whispers like she’s telling a secret.

“And to be honest, Sasha can’t cook for the life of her. She makes the most bland military food ever. And if we leave Marcy in the kitchen she’s bound to set something on fire.”

Anne chuckles, that sounds like her friends.

“It’s good you’re awake early, Sasha’s normally the one time leave the house first.”

On cue, Older Sasha walks in the room and up to Older Anne. Older Anne hands her a cup of coffee. She says her thanks and turns towards Anne.

“Ok mini Anne, ready to hit the road?”

Anne nods and scurries to her side. “Go wait in the hall, I’m going to say goodbye to Anne before we leave,” Older Sasha says, and Anne obeys. From the hall she can hear the faint sounds of talking and giggling before Older Sasha steps into the hall.

“Ok! Let’s go.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Older Sasha parked the car and let Anne out. They went inside a building on the side of the road. Inside it seemed to be…a dojo?

“Um, Older…Sasha? Where are we?” Anne asks.

“First of all, we don’t need that ‘Older Sasha’ stuff, it’s just me and you here,” Sasha says. “And we’re at my martial arts studio! I’m the manager, and I also teach sometimes.”

“You own a martial arts studio!? That’s your job!?” Anne asks excitedly.

“Yep, full time.”

“That’s so cool dude.”

Anne spent most the day in the office with Sasha and watching her instruct kids and adults alike. Anne had to admit, Sasha was amazing with the little ones. She was bright and attentive when guiding, and her laughs we’re fun and carefree. It made Anne’s heart swell with pride. At the same time, Anne loved watching Sasha with the adults. Her smirks and quips were fun, and the way her muscles strained were…quite enjoyable in Anne’s opinion.

Sasha asked if Anne wanted to join in at any time but Anne was content to just watch. Near the end of the day Sasha finished up with her last lesson.

“Thank you Miss Waybright, we’ll see you next week,” a woman said, leading her son out the door.

“Bye Miss Sasha!” the kid said happily, running after his mother.

Sasha chuckled and closed the door behind them. She turns the sign to ‘Closed’ and turns around.

“So, just you and me now Anne,” she says, wagging her eyebrows. Anne jumps down from the chair she was sitting at.

“Looks like it! So, are we heading out?”

“We’ll I had one more thing I wanted to do before we leave,” Sasha said, moving over to a curtain. She stepped inside and Anne could hear faint stumbling from inside, a minute later she returned holding two foam swords.

“Up for a little spar?” Sasha asked mischievously.

Anne looked hesitant but quickly made up her mind and grabbed the sword. “You bet!”

Anne and Sasha moved to opposite sides of the sparring mat. Starting to circle each other.

“Ready?” Sasha asked.

No.

“Yes.”

Sasha lunged first, but Anne was quick and dodged out of the way. She quickly got her footing back and put up her sword. Even though Sasha was older and stronger, she was also slower. Anne had the benefit of being young and fresh out of battle.

Sasha swung at Anne, but Anne dodged each attack. She started to pant as her mind became fuzzy.

This feels like…

Sasha swung at Anne again, this time effectively hitting her sword out of her hand. Anne panicked.

My swords gone. I’m undefended. Why is everything getting darker?

Anne pushed Sasha and ran towards her sword, picking it up again. She ran towards Sasha and began swinging.

You won’t get me this time Sasha…it’s too dark…why is it so dark?

Her mind began to unwillingly drift to her fights with Sasha. The dojo blurred until she was back at toad tower. She lunged at Sasha with a new purpose.

Sasha barely dodged Anne’s attack. “Woah Anne, maybe we should take a break.”

Anne continued to attack, surroundings blurring into fire and metal. “No Sash, I’m done with you bossing me around. These frogs are my friends!”

Sasha stilled as she realized what was happening. Anne attacked her again.

“Anne!” Sasha said, dodging. “You’re not in Amphibia, you’re on Earth!”

Anne continued to ignore her and fought, her lunges getting increasingly sloppier. Sasha dodged out of the way, refraining from fighting back. Anne took one particularly big lunge and lost her footing, careening to the floor.

And now I’m lying down? Everything’s so dark…am I-

Anne throws herself backwards and presses her back to the wall, she tucks in her knees and starts sobbing.

“I don’t wanna…no I…I don’t wanna-“

I’m dying again. Everything’s getting too dark.

“Anne! What’s wrong?” Sasha says running over and kneeling besides the inconsolable girl.

“I don’t wanna…Sash…I-I don’t wanna die again” Anne sobs, launching into Sasha’s arms and crying more.

Sasha exhaled and blinked slowly, realizing what was going on. She held the sobbing girl in her arms and slowly put her hand in Anne’s hair. Anne flinched but otherwise kept up her sobbing.

“Sasha it’s too dark…I can’t see…I don’t wanna…I can’t-“

“Shhh Anne it’s alright. You’re on Earth, not Amphibia. You are alive, no one is in danger.” Sasha speaks slowly, scratching Anne’s scalp lightly. The two stay like that for a while, Sasha holding Anne and murmuring reassurances, and eventually Anne’s sobs died down. They lay in silence for a few moment more before Anne whispers something.

“What’s that?” Sasha asks.

“…i’m sorry” Anne whispers, hiding her face in Sasha’s stomach.

“Anne no,” Sasha says, moving Anne to look at her. “Never apologize for having a panic attack, you are not a bother to anyone. We all get them.”

Anne was too tired to respond and instead just nodded. The two sat a while longer, letting Anne recover and adjust to her surroundings again.

Sasha chuckled, “This always calms you down in my time too.” She tilts her head towards her hand still lightly scratching Anne’s scalp. “Glad to see it’s always been that way.”

Anne’s heart squeezed. Sasha knew her so well, she just felt…so loved.

A ring broke the silence.

“I can hand it to you, it’s right here,” Anne said, reaching over to grab Sasha’s phone from the table besides her. She glanced quickly to see who was calling…

‘My Wife <3’ calling

Wife? Sasha’s married!?

Sasha takes the phone from Anne’s hand, missing her astonished face. She glanced at the caller ID.

“Oh. It’s Marmar!” Sasha said, smiling. She answered the phone. “Hi babe! What’s up?”

Anne was dumbfounded.

Sasha…and Marcy…are married!?

“Oh Shit, mini me too? Yeah, little Anne just had one.” Anne tuned back in to the conversation on the phone.

Seems like my Sasha isn’t doing so well either.

“Yeah we were just sitting here letting her recover, but we’ll head back.” Sasha said. “Bye babe, I love you.”

Sasha hung up the phone and looked at Anne. Anne just stared back, shocked by the new revelation. Sasha stood and motioned for Anne to follow as she began walking to the car. It was then that Anne noticed the ring on Sasha’s right hand.

My two best friends get married. I should be happy for them. I am happy…right?

She couldn’t hide the pang of disappointment and jealousy she had, but of which person she didn’t know. So Anne shook herself off and stood up.

Her two best friends—no, crushes—were together, but Anne was still their friend, and a great one at that. She had hid her feelings before, she could continue to do that now. She would just push down her two crushes as far as possible until they couldn’t hurt her and her friendships anymore.

Anne took a deep breath and stood. Her head still hurt and its was still pretty blurry, but she shook it off, jogging to catch up to Sasha and head back to the apartment.

Chapter Text

What. The. Fuck.

That was all Sasha could think when she walked into the kitchen. All her days training with the Toad Army had made her footsteps light and unnoticeable. Maybe that’s why the other two people in the room were still making out in the room in front of her.

Older Anne and Older Marcy didn’t seem to notice Sasha standing there, caught up in their own world. Older Anne had Older Marcy pressed up against the kitchen counter and they were kissing quite passionately. Sasha’s face turned red.

Shit that’s hot. Wait, I shouldn’t be watching this!

Sasha quickly turned on her heels and walked back down the hallway. She paused for a minute, took a deep breath, and stood there.

Anne…and Marcy…are together!?

Sasha felt saddened. She had realized her crushes on her two best friends ever since before Amphibia, thats part of the reason she was so controlling. If she couldn’t have them the romantic way, she would make sure they’d stay with her at any cost.

Sasha shook her head. She wasn’t that person anymore. She had hid her feelings from her friends before, she can continue to do it now. She couldn’t deny the disappointment still blooming in her chest.

For some reason I always thought it would’ve worked out. I guess that was just hopeful thinking. She thought bitterly.

Sasha pushed the revelation firmly out of her thoughts and into a little box she would shove deep into the caverns of her mind, where it couldn’t cause any harm to her or her friendships. She schooled her features and started down the hallway, making sure to make a lot of noise this time.

When she made it to the kitchen, Older Anne and Older Marcy weren’t making out anymore. Sasha honestly couldn’t tell if she was relieved or disappointed.

“Oh, good morning Sasha,” Older Marcy said from where she was sitting at the counter. She had a stack of pancakes in front of her and a cup of coffee. Sasha grimaced at the sight.

Older Anne chuckled from her spot at the stove. “Don’t worry,” she said, pushing a plate of toast and scrambled eggs over to Sasha. “No pancakes for you. Here’s a plate for one Sasha Bo- I mean Waybright”

Sasha shook off the strange way Older Anne almost messed up her name and looked happily at her plate.

“I never understood why you hate them so much,” Older Marcy grumbled, stabbing her fork into another pancake.

Sasha smiled as she started eating. Even when they’re older and dating, Anne and Marcy are still her best friends. They still love her and know her better than anyone in the world.

“Ooooo are those pancakes!?”

Marcy walked into the kitchen and took the seat next to Sasha. She smiled up at Older Anne.

Older Marcy laughed. “Yes! Someone who shares my excitement.” The two Marcy’s do a little fist bump. Older Anne giggles and slides Marcy a plate of pancakes. Marcy thanks her and begins eating.

“Ok Sasha!” Older Marcy begins. “Whenever you’re ready we should get going!” Sasha nods and stands up. She shyly glances at Marcy.

“Bye Marbles,” she says softly, giving her a quick hug. Both girls blush as Sasha walks towards the door.

Older Marcy and Older Anne look at each other and smile at the sight of the younger girls’ interaction. They nod a quick goodbye and Older Marcy follows Sasha out the door. Sasha couldn’t help but notice that Older Marcy still had the same bounce in her step, but seemed much more sure of her movements.

“Ok, lets hit the road!” Older Marcy said, eyes twinkling.

“Oh and Sasha,” Older Anne said, sticking her head out the door. “Good luck.”

“Huh?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Looks like we’re here!”

“Oh thank god,” Sasha says, knuckles white from how hard she was gripping the seatbelt. Marcy had got to be the most reckless driver she had ever seen. Sasha threw herself out of the car and onto the sidewalk.

Older Marcy giggled and gave her a hand to help her up.

“So Sash, welcome to my lab! We work mostly in chemistry and cyber…” Older Marcy rambled on while taking Sasha into the building. Sasha followed along to the best of her abilities, this time trying to really listen to what Older Marcy was saying.

“…and sometimes we work with human DNA. Oh and one more thing! Here just call me Marcy!” Marcy said, sending a smile over to Sasha. Sasha stilled and attempted a smile back.

I don’t mean to act weird. Marcy’s just too pretty!

A man walked in and saw Sasha and Marcy. “Oh good morning Miss B-“

“Julien what have I told you about calling me just Marcy!”

“I apologize…Miss Marcy.” Marcy sighed but didn’t interrupt. “There’s something that needs your attention in the lab.”

Marcy nodded and her and Sasha followed him into a different room. Inside there were multiple people in lab coats at different lab stations. Julien led the two girls over to one in the very back and gestured for Marcy to take a look. She studied it for a bit and turned back to Julien.

“I can take it from here Julien, go check on the others.” He nods and walks away. Marcy continued to work with the lab substance for a few minutes before turning to Sasha who was lightly bouncing from toe to toe.

“Would you like to help me out? I know it’s not great for you to stand still for too long,” Marcy says softly. Sasha nods gratefully, practically bouncing up and down.

And that’s how the day went, Marcy worked on various projects with Sasha lending a helping hand. She handed Marcy tools, fetched chemicals, and even did some heavy lifting.

“Aaaaand there, perfect. Thanks for carrying that Sashy!” Marcy exclaims happily while Sasha put the crate down. Sasha nods and smiles, just happy to be of use.

“That should be mostly it!” Marcy starts. “It’s about the end of the day so we can start heading home now-“

“Marcy!”

“Dang it, I jinxed it,” Marcy says under her breath while Julien runs down the hallway towards them.

“Help, this is urgent!”

Marcy and Sasha nod and run after him. They reach a lab where a chemical substance is expanding rapidly and nearly overflowing. Scientists are crowded around but no one seems to know what to do.

“Shit. Julien, get the chemicals for an anti-reactor. Charlie, grab the burner and the fire extinguisher just in case. Jess you go get….”

Marcy starts barking out orders and people immediately sprung into action. Sasha can’t help but stare at Marcy so clearly in her element.

She’s so confident…it’s beautiful…

The scientists work for a couple of minutes, carefully trying to subdue the steadily rising substance. All seems to be going fine until…

“Wait! Don’t turn on the burner until th-“

The scientist seemed to not hear Marcy and cranked up the burner. All at once the entire substance lit on fire. Everyone was far enough away that no one got hurt, but the entire lab station started burning.

“Fuck, get the fire extinguisher!”

Sasha went pale and froze.

Fire…

Marcy turned around and saw Sasha’s expression, she swore again before barking out more orders.

Sasha wasn’t listening anymore.

Fire…there was an explosion! An explosion means danger, we’re in danger! Where’s Anne and Marcy, are they safe? I need to make sure they’re safe!

Sasha swung towards the door but was stopped by a firm grip.

“Let me go…I need to-I need to make sure they’re safe!” Sasha yelled, trying to yank free.

Marcy calmly stood there holding Sasha’s wrist. Her grip was strong but not enough to hurt. She guided a still struggling Sasha out of the hectic room and into a quiet room where she sat both of them down on the floor. Sasha’s wrists were still locked in Marcy’s grip.

“Get off! It’s not safe here, I need to make sure Anne and Marcy aren’t in danger!” Sasha starts sobbing, still trying to run away.

They need me…they might be hurt…it isn’t safe, it isn’t safe, it isn’t safe, I’m not safe-

“Sasha,” Marcy starts in a calm voice. “You are safe, Anne and Marcy are safe, there is no danger.”

“But-I can’t see them…what if they need me?” Sasha continues. She had stopped struggling but the tears still flowed down her face.

Marcy continued with her reassurances that no one was in danger until Sasha had calmed down significantly.

“Thank you Sasha for calming, that was very strong of you,” Marcy says smiling, calming Sasha farther. “Now, would you like to go home and see Anne and Marcy?”

Sasha nods thankfully, but still sluggish.

“Of course darling, let me just make one or two phone calls.”

Sasha stayed on the floor while Marcy made two phone calls, she was still very out of it but she perked up hearing her girls’ names. Marcy got off the phone and helped Sasha up with a smile.

“Ok, let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

The door closed as Older Anne slipped back in.

“Ok, just two left!” Older Anne says. “Since no one else is here just call me Anne.”

Marcy nods and finishes the last bits of her pancakes. Marcy thanks Anne and brings her plate to the sink.

“Perfect! Now we have a bit of time so I’m gonna clean up and then we can go!” Anne says, moving over to sink.

“Oh, I can help!” Marcy says, moving over to her left.

Anne smiles. “Thanks! Now…I’ll wash…”

Marcy laughs back. “I’ll dry!”

“Wait wait I have something first.” Anne disappears into the hallway and returns a minute later with a small portable speaker. “Time for some tunes dude.”

Marcy laughs as Anne puts on some songs. Marcy recognizes mostly all of them, so this must be Anne’s throwback playlist.

The two start the task of washing the dishes. After a while, Anne starts singing softly to herself. Marcy hears and joins in which makes Anne smile. After a while both of them are singing at the top of their lungs, dishes long forgotten.

“ 🎶 Let’s get down to business 🎶 ”

“ 🎶 To defeat, the Huns 🎶 ”

Marcy and Anne danced around the kitchen, making up their own choreography.

“ 🎶 With all the strength of a raging fire 🎶 ,” Anne sings. She danced around the room, even jumping up on the couch at one point, making Marcy stare for a minute.

I need to stop staring, she’s literally using a soap bottle as a microphone for goodness sakes! She just looks so pretty and free, I can’t help it.

“ 🎶 Mysterious as the dark side of, the moooooooon! 🎶 ” Anne finishes, looking up at Marcy.

Marcy was smiling a huge, bright smile.

“What’s up Marcy?” Anne asks, putting her props back.

“Oh nothing! Just…” Marcy starts, a bit embarrassed. “You’re still Anne, my silly, kind best friend. I’m glad you haven’t changed.”

Anne smiles back. “You don’t change either Marbles,” Anne says, ruffling Marcy’s hair and making her laugh. “You’re still my sweet, cute Marcy.”

Marcy blushes and turns away. Anne laughs and walks towards the door.

“Now as much as I loved singing childhood songs with my child-sized Marcy…” Anne winks at Marcy. “We have to get to work.”

Marcy nods and follows Anne out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marcy felt the car park and moved to look out the window before being stopped by Anne.

“Wait! Close your eyes, it’ll be a surprise.”

Marcy nodded obediently and closed her eyes. Anne walked around the car and opened her door. Anne took her hand (Ahhhhh) and led her inside a building.

“Now, go ahead and open your eyes!”

Marcy opened her eyes to reveal glass aquariums everywhere, filled with all sorts of amphibians. She bounced around excitedly.

“You opened a pet shop!?” Marcy asked Anne.

“Not just a pet shop…” Anne said, gesturing over to another curtain. Marcy stepped cautiously inside. When she got into the next room, she gasped. There were tanks all the way up to the roofs filled with various sea creatures. The room was tinted blue and there was a large banner on the wall saying ‘Get Lost in Amphibia!’

“You…own an aquarium!! Is that a sting ray!?” Marcy said excitedly, running towards one of the tanks.

Anne laughed, “Yup! All of this is mine. After Amphibia I guess I was just…inspired.”

Amphibia…you know, the place you caused them to get stuck in. Marcy thought to herself. She shook the thoughts away.

“Come here, there’s just one more place I want to show you,” Anne said, gesturing over to a door. Marcy follows her into an office.

“This is my office! I just needed to grab one thing quickly.” Anne goes over to rummage through her desk when Marcy spots something in the corner.

“Anne, do you paint?” Marcy asked, gesturing to the easel and paints in the corner.

“Haha, yeah I do sometimes!” Anne laughs. “I like to paint my memories. When Amphibia isn’t trying to kill you, it’s actually pretty beautiful.”

‘Trying to kill?’ It almost did. It was dangerous there and you trapped them in that place. You put them in danger.

Marcy grimaced but once again tried to push her guilty thoughts away. Anne stared at her curiously but let it go.

“That’s really cool Anne! Can I see one of th-“

“Marcy watch your foot!”

Marcy tried to walk closer to the easel and ended up tripping over the desk leg. She fell to the floor and ended up knocking several paint bottles over in the process.

“Marcy! Are you ok?” Anne asked worriedly. Moving to help Marcy up and then pick up the fallen bottles.

“I’m fine! Wait Anne…your painting!” The spilled paint had gotten on Anne’s painting in progress, as well as her desk.

You’re such a klutz. You can’t do anything right.

“Don’t worry Marbles!” Anne laughed reassuringly. “I promise, I was about to scrap that painting anyways!”

Marcy continued to apologize profusely while Anne kept reassuring her that no harm was done. They cleaned up the paint together before Anne led Marcy back to the front room.

“Ok! Time to open up the store.” Anne said, and moved the door sign to the open position.

The two girls waited in silence for a few minutes before Anne smiled and looked at Marcy.

“Looks like it’ll be a slower day…wanna look at the tanks with me?”

“Of course!” Marcy said, beaming.

They giggled and ran over to the tanks. Marcy started asking about the animals inside.

“Oooo is that a dart frog!? I heard they have…nevermind…” Marcy starts to ramble but stops herself.

You’re being annoying. No one wants to hear you ramble.

“It totally is! I’m so glad you noticed, it took me forever to get this little guy.” Anne said happily, she then turned to look at Marcy softly. “Tell me what you were going to say, I won’t find it annoying I promise. Actually, it’s been so long since I’ve gotten to share frog facts with anyone! I’ve told my Marcy so many that I think she’ll throw me out if I say another.”

Anne laughs to herself and Marcy looks up, surprised. Marcy smiles excitedly and starts to tell Anne the facts she knew. Anne matched her energy completely. She listened to Marcy and excitedly started sharing as well.

The day went mostly like that, with the two girls handling customers and geeking out about amphibians in the free time. Marcy felt amazing, it was truly incredible to be able to have someone listen to her fully. The guilt was still there in the back of her head, but she chose to ignore it.

“Hahaha, as fun as this was, I think it’s time to close up shop!” Anne said, smiling at Marcy. She moved to turn the sign to the closed position and walked back. Marcy was a little disappointed, she had a great time with Anne today, but she was also very excited to go home and see her girls.

“Ok! Let me just grab my keys from the office and we can go!” Anne said. Marcy nodded and followed her into the office.

Anne picked up her keys. “Perfect! Now we can g-“

She was interrupted by her phone ringing.

“Oops, sorry Marmar. I should take this, but have a seat at my desk!” Anne said, and left the room to take the call.

Marcy sat down at Anne’s desk and looked around. She didn’t mean to snoop, she was just a bit curious. She looked around Anne’s desk and saw a few photos. One of her cat, one of the three of them in a bar, one of her…wait.

Marcy picked up one of the frames. It had dried paint over half of the photo from when Marcy tripped earlier. She tried to scrape it off but it wouldn’t come off.

Eh, I’m sure that half isn’t important.

Marcy turned her attention to the second half of the photo and gasped.

Is that…Anne in a wedding dress? And is that…Sasha with her!?

The photo was of Anne and Sasha, clearly getting married. On Sasha’s left, Anne was there holding her hand, but Sasha’s right was covered by paint. Marcy ignored it and looked again at her two best friends, and long time crushes. Both of them looked close to happy tears and were smiling brightly.

Anne and Sasha…are married.

Marcy put the photo down and exhaled shakily.

They’re together. They have each other, they don’t need you. You’re useless, expendable. You can’t do anything right. Of course they don’t like you back. All you do is hurt them.

Marcy was still breathing shakily, her hands gripping the desk. She heard Anne’s footsteps and schooled her expression.

I can’t show her that I know. And I especially cant show how I really feel. My crush will only hurt them more.

Anne walked into the room with a grim expression. She seemed lost in thought. She closed the door behind her before turning to Marcy.

“It was older you calling, apparently…wait, are you ok dude?” Anne asks. Marcy attempts a smile but it turns out more like a grimace. She nods quickly and Anne continues.

“…Ok. Apparently both little me and tiny Sasha had panic attacks while everyone was at work. Older you just called and said they’re both heading home. So whenever you’re ready we should head home as well…is that ok?…Marcy?”

Marcy had stopped listening. Instead, her breathing turned heavy and she started gripping the desk harder.

Anne and Sasha had panic attacks. They’re still hurt from Amphibia. You did this to them. They’re hurting because of you. They… they hate you.

Annoying.

Useless.

Monster.

“No!” Marcy yells, breaking into sobs. Anne runs over to kneel next to Marcy, who had curled up in her chair. She looked worried but also strangely calm, like she knew what was happening.

“Marcy, love, can you tell me whats wrong so I can help?” Anne says, moving to grab Marcy’s shaking hand.

Marcy sobs a bit more before spilling her fears to Anne. Anne holds her hands and listens to her completely before pulling Marcy into a hug.

“Marbles, you are not a burden to anyone. You did not cause Amphibia, it was an accident. You were a kid…you still are a kid! And most of all, we don’t blame you for anything. Both me and Sasha love you, so much.” Anne says softly, holding Marcy in her arms.

Marcy sobs for a few more minutes before quieting down. Throughout it all, Anne holds her and whispers reassurances in her ear. Marcy can feel herself drifting off, and before she fell asleep she felt two things: the warmth of Anne’s hold, and the love she had for her two amazing best friends.

Chapter Text

Anne and Older Sasha were the first to get home. Older Sasha unlocked the door and guided Anne in behind her. Anne still looked spacey, like she wasn’t completely sure of where she was. She slowly glided in after Older Sasha and look a seat at the couch. Older Sasha took a chair across from her and watched silently. Anne just stared into space and kept rubbing the material on the couch with a vacant expression.

Sasha and Older Marcy walked in a few minutes later. Whereas Anne was sluggish in the aftermath of her panic attack, Sasha entered in a whirlwind. She threw open the door, and when spotting Anne she ran over to the couch. Older Marcy walking in afterwards and taking a seat next to Older Sasha.

Sasha threw herself at Anne and wrapped her in a huge hug. Anne seemed startled but quickly returned the hug and hid her face in Sasha’s shoulder. They stayed in the hug for a while, with Sasha murmuring to herself.

“You’re safe. There’s no danger. I’m so glad you’re ok.”

Eventually there was bang from the door. Older Sasha and Older Marcy startled but moved towards the door. They opened it to reveal Older Anne carrying a sleeping Marcy in her arms.

“Sorry, I kicked the door. My hands are kinda full,” Older Anne said, moving to lay Marcy on the couch next to Sasha. Once Sasha noticed that Marcy was there, she pulled the girl into a hug as well, now holding both Anne and Marcy protectively.

Older Anne gestured to the other older girls to go over to the kitchen. They whispered for a few minutes before returning to the living room and sitting down on the chairs opposite the couch.

The younger girls had switched positions on the couch. Sasha was still in the middle with Anne and Marcy on her sides. Marcy was now awake again and laying with her head in Sasha’s lap, Anne had her head on Sasha’s shoulder, and Sasha was still holding them both protectively. The younger girls looked up when the older girls sat down but otherwise didn’t move.

The older girls looked grim and hesitant, unsure how to start. Older Anne took the initiative.

“We’re so sorry girls, it’s been twenty years and we forgot how triggering some things can be. We all struggled a lot after Amphibia and you guys will too, but since we’re here we wanted to give you guys some advice on how to deal with it and how to help each other.”

The younger girls flinched but didn’t speak.

Older Marcy picked up after. “Even though there were many happy moments in Amphibia there were also many…unhappy ones. I’m just going to say it, all of you have very bad PTSD, but also it’s different in all of us.”

The younger girls grimaced. They sat up a little straighter and untangled themselves to listen fully. Sasha hesitantly spoke. “So…this will keep happening in the future? Will it get better? Will you teach us how to deal with it?”

Older Sasha leaned forwards and put her chin on her hand. “Yes, you will have to deal with it but yes it’ll get better. And yes, right now we will give you some pointers to deal with triggers and attacks.”

Older Sasha sat up and looked towards Anne, who was still rubbing her hands on the couch. “Anne?”

The girl in question flinched but met Older Sasha’s eyes. The older girl continued, “If it’s ok I’d like to start with you. First of all, can you tell me where you are?”

Anne hesitated before speaking quietly. “…Earth?”

“Yes, and a little more specific?”

“…your apartment?” Anne said, looking around a bit. She stopped rubbing her hands on the couch and looked a little more aware.

“Perfect,” Older Sasha started, turning to talk to all the younger girls. “Anne’s triggers are mostly reminders of battles and um…the time when…she you know, went away for a bit.”

Both Annes grimaced and shrunk down a bit. Older Sasha shot an apologetic look at Older Anne but she waved it off and gestured to continue.

Older Sasha continued. “During her panic attacks most of it is what you’d expect from a panic attack. But there are a few things to note. Anne kind of, loses touch with reality a bit. She might forget where she is or what is happening. That’s why it’s important to remind her of the current place and of course that she is safe here.”

Sasha and Marcy nodded obediently and turned to look at Anne, who, like stated, looked a little out of it. But she was regaining a bit of clarity with every moment.

“Calming down from attacks, Anne likes to ground herself. She will sometimes touch things to kinda remember reality. She also likes you guys to stay near. So tight hugs and head scratches are great ways to kind of ground her after an attack.”

Older Sasha finished. Anne who was fully sitting up now. She looked much more aware.

“Does that sound about right Anne?” Older Sasha asked, turning towards Older Anne.

“Yeah, pretty much nailed it,” Older Anne said, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

“Here, if you’re ok with it Sash I can help with you next?” Older Marcy said.

Sasha nodded and Anne and Marcy turned curiously towards Older Marcy, who started speaking.

“So, whereas Anne gets sluggish after a panic attack, Sash gets…almost frantic. Her triggers are similar to Anne, those being reminders of battle and of me or Anne being in danger.”

Sasha holds Anne and Marcy closer to her at those words.

“Reassuring her that you’re ok and that everyone’s safe is normally the best strategy. Also, if it’s really bad sometimes you might need to hold her hands…just so she doesn’t…hurt herself.”

Sasha winced and both Anne and Marcy look saddened. Even Older Sasha flinched, caused Older Anne to hold her hand reassuringly.

“Once she realizes that everyone is safe she will normally calm down, but it’s best to stay with her for as long as you can. That’s about all, does it seem right Sashy?” Older Marcy asks, scooting her chair closer to Older Sasha.

Older Sasha nods and grabs Older Marcy’s hand as well.

Older Anne starts to speak, “So Marcy, looks like you’re next.”

Marcy seems to shrink down into the couch but Sasha wraps her in another side hug and Anne smiles over for support.

“Now Marcy’s panic attacks are different cause they are normally triggered by feelings of fear or extreme guilt, which she has a lot of but shouldn’t cause we completely forgive her for anything she might’ve done when she was just a child,” Older Anne says pointedly, looking over at Older Marcy.

“It takes a while for her to build up to a full attack so you should look for some warning signs. She also just needs reassurance. Tell her you’re not mad at her and that she is amazing, and more like that.”

Older Anne smiles at Older Marcy and she smiles back.

“We’re sorry to spring this on you,” Older Sasha starts. “I hope we’ve given you enough information to at least make the next few years a little easier.”

“We’ll go start making dinner and give you guys some time alone to…talk and recover,” Older Anne says, standing up. Both Older Sasha and Older Marcy stand up and follow her to the kitchen.

The younger girls were then left alone in the living room. They sat there for a minute, content just in each others’ presence.

Sasha broke the silence. “So, are you two ok?”

Marcy nodded and Anne sighed. “Yeah I guess, I can’t believe that’ll be a thing now.”

Sasha chuckled dryly. “Yeah, panic attacks suck.”

That spurs a little giggle from Marcy which makes both Anne and Sasha smile. The girls sit in silence for a bit longer before Marcy decides to speak.

“I’m really sorry. For everything that happened.”

Anne jumps up and kneels in front of Marcy. “Don’t apologize, you couldn’t of known.”

Sasha pulled Marcy into a hug and spoke softly. “We forgive you, for all of it.”

Marcy started tearing up but Sasha and Anne could see the happy smile on her face.

“Are you ok Marbles? Is there anything we can do?” Anne asked, going back to sit on the other side of Sasha again.

“Just…will you stay with me for a bit?” Marcy said, looking down. Sasha and Anne’s hearts melted at the adorable girl.

“Of course, we’re not going anywhere.”

Marcy slid down until she was laying in Sasha’s lap. Anne also put her head on Sasha’s shoulder and her hand in Marcy’s hair. She started scratching lightly in a comforting gesture.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, just enjoying each other and the comfort of being close. As long as they were with each other, the three girls were happy.

Chapter Text

“Girls! Dinner’s ready!”

Anne, Marcy, and Sasha jumped at the sudden shout from the kitchen. A few seconds later they heard a muffled crash followed by silence. That piqued their interest and they wandered into the kitchen cautiously.

The sight was so funny it was almost worth leaving their cuddle pile. Older Sasha was standing there, shocked, with sauce all over the front of her shirt. Older Marcy stood next to her, a large bowl and ladle in her hands and clearly the culprit. Older Anne stood in the corner, looking like she regretted every decision that brought her to this moment.

“I gave you guys…ONE JOB!” Anne said, shaking her head and turning to grab the ingredients for more sauce.

“…MARCY YOU’RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS.” Older Sasha shouted, turning towards Older Marcy menacingly.

Older Marcy let out a squeak and quickly put the things in her hands down before turning and bolting towards the bedroom. Older Sasha quickly took chase and the two of them ran into the bedroom and closed the door.

“Toddlers, the two of them, I swear,” Older Anne muttered, ever the mom friend.

“Uh…am I gonna be ok?” Marcy asked, amused but also vaguely concerned for the safety of her older self. Anne and Sasha couldn’t stop the little giggles from escaping.

“Yeah Sasha’s not actually mad don’t worry!” Older Anne reassured, finishing up the sauce. Just then a thud was heard from from the bedroom and Older Anne stilled.

“…I’ll go check on them…” Older Anne deadpanned.

She walked towards the bedroom and slipped inside. A few seconds later she returned, blushing.

At the younger girls’ confused faces Older Anne quickly composed herself. “They’re fine! Just…changing clothes.”

The younger girls still looked confused but ignored it and sat down at the table. Suddenly the door to the bedroom opened and out walked Older Marcy and Older Sasha.

“They’re they are,” Older Anne chuckled. Older Marcy went red and Older Sasha mumbled a little “shut up.” That just made Older Anne laugh more.

“Ok ok, let’s eat!” Older Anne said, putting plates on the table for everyone.

The six girls all ate together and had a great time. They laughed and reminisced about mundane times in middle school, making sure to stay clear of any uncomfortable subjects.

“Oh my gosh, do you remember when Marcy got stuck in the janitors closet cause she was playing on her Switch!?” Sasha laughs, turning towards the others. Both Anne’s laughed and both Marcy’s gave a playful frown.

“I was lucky you and Anne came to find me, Older Marcy chuckled.

“I missed chemistry because of that,” Marcy pouted.

“Only you would be sad by that you little nerd,” Anne said playfully, grabbing Marcy in a headlock.

“Anneee stop itttt” Marcy giggled. Anne eventually released her. The night went on like that with them just trading stories and laughing, even long after dinner was done.

“Hahah as much fun as this was, it’s getting late and we should probably all head to bed,” Older Anne said, moving to start picking up the plates.

“Yes mom,” Older Sasha said teasingly, but also moved to help with the plates.

The two older girls put everything in the sink and returned to the table. Seeing them return, Older Marcy jumped up.

“Wait before we all go to bed, I was thinking we could do a little apartment tour!” Older Marcy said excitedly. The younger girls also started nodding quickly.

“Yeah dude! This place is so big,” Anne said, the others agreeing.

Older Anne sighed, “Fine, but not for too long!”

The younger girls cheered and everyone stood up to follow Older Marcy.

“So, you have already seen the kitchen and living room. And this is the door to the master bedroom.”

“Wait, do you all share one bedroom?” Sasha asked innocently confused.

The older girls stilled but nodded.

“That’s so cool! Sleepovers every night!” Marcy said excitedly, glad they were close enough in the future to share a bedroom

The older girls let out a relieved breath and chuckled. “Yup, every night!” Older Anne repeated.

Older Marcy led them down the hallway where there were four more doors.

Dang this apartment really is big.

“So, at the end of the hall is the guest bedroom like you guys have seen. But these three doors are where the fun rooms are!” Older Marcy said, motioning towards the other three doors in the hallway.

The younger girls turned their attention towards the three doors. One had pink detailing in the shape of little swords. One had green detailing in the shapes of little chemistry bottles. And the last one had blue detailing in artistic swirls. All of them were clearly colored in reference to each of the three girls living in the apartment.

“So, if you all share one bedroom, what’s with the individual rooms?” Anne asked confused.

“Here, I’ll show you,” Older Marcy chuckled, moving to open the door with green details. All the girls stepped inside to reveal a mini lab, with things strewn everywhere.

“Heh, sorry for the mess. This is my personal lab! I do some personal experiments here whenever I have time. Just for fun!” Older Marcy said. Marcy started jumping up and down.

“Eeeeeeek we have our own lab in the apartment!?” Marcy said excitedly. “That’s so cooool!”

Older Marcy chuckled and led everyone out into the next room, the one with pink details.

Inside was a darker room with a mat across the floor, a training dummy, some other weights and stuff, and a rack on the side holding…training weapons?

“Oh my god, is this…” Sasha starts.

“Yup, our own personal training room.” Older Sasha said proudly.

“I come here when I have time, to keep sharp on my own skills. It’s also great stress relief. And sometimes I even get one of them to spar with me,” she says, nudging Older Anne and Older Marcy.

Sasha looked starstruck. “Awesome…”

Older Marcy smiled and led everyone to the last room on the tour, the one with blue details.

Inside was a room nearly as messy as Marcy’s, but instead there was paints on the floor everywhere and a large easel in the middle.

“We…paint?” Anne asked, a bit confused.

“I know we didn’t paint much before Amphibia, but try it out. It’s a great way to relax and art therapy is really helpful,” Older Anne says softly.

“Also, you can make things like this.” Older Anne gestures towards the right wall and everyone turns.

On it is a beautiful mural of Amphibia, combining the best and most marvelous parts of the world. It made the younger girls tear up, seeing their second home recreated so beautifully. They stayed there for a few minutes, just admiring the mural, before Older Anne guided them out into the hallway again.

“It’s beautiful, you’re a great painter Anne,” Marcy told the older girl.

“Thanks Marbles,” Older Anne said happily.

“So, how do we afford all this?” Anne said, voicing what each of the younger girls had been thinking.

“Well, Marcy and Anne here are the breadwinners,” Older Sasha said proudly. “Marcy’s lab does really good, and Anne’s paintings sell for a lot.”

Both Older Marcy and Older Anne smile bashfully. Older Anne walks over and slings an arm around Older Sasha.

“It’s not like she doesn’t pitch in equally, Miss Trust Fund,” Older Anne said teasingly.

“Might as well use it for something nice for my girls,” Older Sasha grumbles.

The younger girls smile, all thankful they can pitch in equally.

“Ok, that’s enough excitement for tonight, let’s all head to bed,” Older Anne says, smiling.

The girls all say their goodbyes and go to their respective bedrooms. The younger girls walk down the hallway and collapse into the bed, a tangle of limbs.

They eventually shift into something more comfortable for all of them, which meant cuddling close.

The three were too tired to be awkward tonight, and instead just enjoyed the feeling of being close.

Marcy yawned and spoke sleepily. “I can’t wait to grow up together.” Anne and Sasha smiled and agreed.

A future together seemed pretty great.

Chapter Text

Anne woke up surrounded by comforter and sleeping bodies. The sun was just peeking through the shades which told Anne she was up early. She could see that Sasha and Marcy were still asleep, limbs sprawled out over the bed. Anne chuckled and slowly removed herself from the cuddle pile and quietly left the room.

She creeped into the kitchen and was pleasantly surprised to see her older self was up first again as well. Older Anne was cooking some eggs and humming to herself, a tune that Anne recognized.

“No big deal, yeah no big deal,” Anne chuckled and sang along. Older Anne looked up with a smile.

“Haha you caught me, after all these years it’s still catchy no?” Older Anne laughed. Anne nodded and took a seat at the counter.

“So it’s Saturday right? Any plans for the day?” Anne asked, while her older self handed her a plate of eggs.

“Well we were just gonna have a lazy morning around the house, and then there’s this cool arcade place with food that we can go to for dinner!” Older Anne said excitedly.

“Sounds perfect,” Anne said through a mouthful of eggs. Older Anne just laughed.

“Mornin…” Older Anne and Anne turn to see Older Sasha stumbling through the door, still in her pajamas. Older Anne just laughed and handed her a cup of coffee.

One by one everyone else stumbled through the door, taking seats around the living room and kitchen counter. The morning was spent chatting and laughing, the smell of Anne’s pancakes filling the air.

The afternoon was also spent together, playing board games and video games, sometimes getting a bit too into it.

“Take her down Marbles!”

“You got this Marce.”

“Go Marmar!”

The two Marcy’s were in an intense Mario Kart battle, both sitting side by side on the couch and staring up at the TV. The Anne’s and Sasha’s were scattered around the room, also focused on the battle in front of them.

Marcy had won the first race, but Older Marcy had won the second by a narrow margin. Now they were playing a tiebreaker. Both were on the third lap, Marcy in second place and Older Marcy in first right in front of her. It was neck and neck, they could see the finish line, Older Marcy was going to win in

3

2

…

“NO!”

Right before passing the finish line, a blue shell came out of nowhere and knocked out Older Marcy’s Bowser. Marcy and her Princess Peach sailed easily over the finish line.

“YES!”

“Hooray!”

“Hell yeah!”

The three younger girls jumped up in celebration. They ran over to each other for a group hug and jumped around squealing. The Older women just looked on and smiled, shaking their head.

“Ok ok, we get it. Now everyone should go get ready. Let’s go to the arcade for dinner!” Older Anne said, and everyone nodded and went to get ready. Older Marcy and Marcy stayed back to quickly put away the controllers.

Marcy took a glance at the doorway and saw Sasha and Anne heading back to the room. Sasha had her arm wrapped around Anne’s shoulders, pulling her close.

I wish that was me, Marcy thought, not even sure which person she was referring too.

What Marcy missed, was Older Marcy looking at her pensively. Eventually, they both went to get ready too, excited for the fun night ahead.

———————————————————————————————————————

The arcade was super close to the apartment, so the six of them just walked. They walked together, three and three, the younger girls just taking in the scenery. It wasn’t a long walk, but they passed an ice cream shop, a park, and some little shops before making it to the arcade.

The arcade itself was big. Marcy started squealing when she saw it which made Sasha and Anne laugh (and secretly smile at how cute she was). The six of them rushed inside and paid for tickets. Marcy could barely stand still but the Older women stopped them from immediately running away.

“You guys go have fun, we’ll be at this table right here. Come back after a bit and grab some food, yeah?” Older Sasha said, staring the younger girls down. They giggled and nodded, so Sasha shooed them away with a smile.

The older women sat down at the table and chatted, every now and then watching their younger selves play around on the arcade machines.

Anne, Sasha, and Marcy were having the times of their lives. They couldn’t remember the last time they could just let go and have fun like this, together. They played various games. Anne showing off her new accuracy skills at the basketball hoops. Sasha showed her strength at the hammer thing. Marcy of course excelled at all the video games.

Marcy was having so much fun, but she couldn’t help but watch Anne and Sasha. Currently they were dancing on one of the Dance Dance Revolution machines. They were completely in sync, laughing and hitting all the beats. Marcy gave a sad smile. Of course they were married in the future, they were perfect for each other.

“Hey guys, I’m gonna head back to the table,” Marcy said before walking away. She missed the worried glances that Anne and Sasha shot at her back. They immediately followed behind her.

Back at the table, Marcy put on a smile and the three of them started talking. They were all laughing and giggling, just talking about life before and during Amphibia.

“Oh oh and Sash, remember in the castle how we danced together to defeat…”

Marcy listened, but she couldn’t help it. The stories of Sasha and Anne working together in Amphibia just proved how unneeded she was.

They did just fine without you. All you do is distract them.

They don’t need you.

Marcy pushed her chair out violently and stood up, tears pricking her eyes. She ran away from the table and right out the arcade door, leaving Sasha and Anne staring at her in shock.

“Marcy!” They both shouted, snapping out of it. They got up and ran out right after her.

The three older versions saw all of this happen, and Older Sasha and Older Anne stood up too, ready to run after them. But Older Marcy stopped them and made them sit back down.

“Let them be, it’ll all work out. After all, it did for us right?”

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Sasha and Anne ran in the direction that the saw Marcy go. It was dark outside, and no one was on the sidewalks. Finally, they walked into the park and listened. They could hear soft cries a bit away.

Walking towards them, Anne and Sasha found Marcy sitting on a bench by the lake. They came and sat on either side of her.

“Annie…Sash? You came?”

“Of course we came Marbles!”

“You didn’t think we’d let you leave without us now did you?”

One look of the sad expression on Marcy's face gave it away. Sasha and Anne pulled her into a hug, mumbling reassurances. Suddenly, Marcy shook them off and stood up. She turned to face her best friends, who were still sitting on the bench.

“You guys don’t get it!”

Anne and Sasha were shocked, but stayed silent as Marcy continued, tears streaming down her face now.

“Sash, I love you. You have always been so strong. You make me feel so safe around you and I trust you so much. You’ve become such a badass person and I wish I could express how much I love you in words alone but I can’t because it’s too much.”

Sasha’s jaw dropped, and Marcy turned to Anne.

“Anna Banana, I love you too. You are so kind. You make me feel wanted and I love every moment I spend with you. You’ve also grown up to be such a noble and amazing person and I love you so much. I love both of you so much.”

Marcy stopped her rant and took a shaky breath.

“But I can’t have either of you. That wouldn’t be fair. Especially not now that I know…Anne, Sasha, you two are married in the future!”

The three girls go silent. Marcy sniffled slightly but closed her eyes, not wanting to see their reactions. She only opened them again when she heard Sasha’s confused voice.

“Wait…I thought you and Anne were together in the future?”

Marcy opened her eyes and stared at Sasha, confusion sweeping her body. Suddenly, they hear Anne start cackling from the side.

“Anne, now is really not the time,” Sasha grumbled, and Anne wiped a few tears away.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said, slowing down her laughs. She stood up and took both Marcy’s and Sasha’s hands into her own, linking them together.

“Guys, future Sasha and Marcy are also together. You know what that means?”

Sasha just continued to stare in confusion. Marcy took a second but pieced it all together.

“We’re all married to each other. Together.”

Anne let out another bright laugh. “Yes! I love you too Marbles, and you too Sash. We’re all together in the future. All three of us.”

“Yeah yeah, love you two too,” Sasha grumbled, but she couldn’t hide the beaming smile that was on her face as she stood up.

The three girls laughed happily, comforted by the fact of their shared romantic future.

“Oh my gosh, this knowledge would’ve helped so much a few minutes ago before I spilled out my feelings in front of both of you,” Marcy groaned, and Anne and Sasha laughed, pulling her into a hug.

“No it was sweet Marce, I love you too.”

“Same here Marbles, you’re adorable.”

The three of them sat down and laid in the grass, looking up at the moon and stars above. They were tangled together, the three of them, just like it was meant to be.

Chapter Text

“Wow, you guys look like you had a tough night.”

The three younger girls looked up from their spot cuddling on the grass to see their older selves looking down on them with a smile.

“You bet,” Sasha said, and all three of them got up. The six women walked back to the apartment, in silence but with the three younger girls all holding hands the entire walk back.

When they got back to the apartment, the older women were immediately pressured with questions.

“You guys are married!?”

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Can I see the wedding photos!”

The older women laughed and led everyone over to the living room couches for a full conversation. Everyone sat down, and the three younger girls gravitated to sitting together, which made their older selves smile.

“Sorry you three, but if there’s one thing we learned it’s that you don’t mess with time,” Older Anne winked.

“So…everything went exactly how it was supposed to?” Marcy said hesitantly, making the older versions nod.

“Damn…” Sasha said.

“Sasha!” Anne chastised.

Older Sasha just laughed and ruffled her younger version’s head. “Get used to it, she does that a lot. Can’t get a damn word out around children.”

“Sasha!” Older Anne chastised, and Older Sasha just laughed.

The younger versions smiled at the interaction, living proof they were going to work out just fine. This really was a dream, after all they had been through they were going to end up together, just like they had always wanted.

“Now, if my memory serves me correctly I think…” Older Marcy started, but was interrupted by a blinding blue light. “Yep!”

“Wit, Heart, Strength, I hope you have enjoyed your time in the future, but the present awaits,” a disembodied voice said from the light.

The three kids looked sadly between the light and their Older versions.

Older Anne laughed and pulled them into a hug. “Come on you three, it’s not like you’re leaving us behind!”

Older Marcy jumped in too, laughing. “We’re you three after all.”

Older Sasha came to join them. “The future’s not going anywhere, just enjoy the moments you can.”

The hug lasted several moments, leaving everyone with teary eyes. Finally, the older versions stepped back, and nodded towards the light. The younger three grabbed each  others’ hands, took a deep breath, and walked forwards. They knew they would be alright.

The Older three were left standing in their own living room.

“Finally, kids are such a handful,” Older Sasha mumbled.

“Sasha! They were us!” Older Anne exclaimed.

“Didn’t mean they weren’t brats, and hey, now we can finally kiss in public again.”

“You and Marcy we’re doing plenty of kisses even while they were here…”

“Hey! Four days is a long time!”

Older Marcy just shook her head at their bickering. Seeing their younger selves made her remember just how small and unsure they were. But seeing them now, in the future and still arguing while sneakily holding hands? She realized one thing.

The parts that matter? They never changed.