Archive of Our Own

Mateo stares down at the blank page in front of him, pencil poised in the perfect position. It’s been like that for at least ten minutes, just waiting for inspiration, for anything, but he just feels dull inside. He hasn’t drawn at all in the two weeks since he had to let Z-blob go.

It’s been nothing but bleak and colorless artists block. In fact, he’s beginning to think he’ll never draw again. Z-blob was his biggest idea ever, working on the comic since second grade.

He actually had Z-blob in his hands and let him go. There was no one choice, but it hurts, it burns and it aches and he just wants to cry in frustration. No tears escape him and he grips the pencil tighter.

“Tao?”

There’s a gentle nudge on his shoulder and he looks up, meeting his sister’s deep brown eyes. “Y-Yeah?”

“Are you okay? You’ve been staring at that piece of paper for wayyyy too long.” Izzie asks, sitting on the bed next to him. She scooches him to the side a little and peeks at the empty page. “What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.” Mateo closes the sketchbook and rolls to the side, staring at the wall with posters of his favorite paintings. He just shuts his eyes, ignoring how his sister crawls onto the bed and pokes him in the back softly. “Leave me alone, Iz.”

“No, you’re sad and that’s not good. It means you need a big hug.”

“I don’t want a hug.” Mateo growls, putting his arms over his head. “Just go away.”

That sentence brings a silence.

A silence that makes a pit in his stomach. His sister is rarely quiet, only stopping her constant chatter when something serious happens or her feelings are hurt. Did he hurt her feelings? Probably.

He’s such a jerk.

“I’m sorry-“ Mateo croaks out before his voice cracks. He squeezes his eyes shut, trying not to burst into tears. “I just really miss him.”

Two arms wrap around his middle and squeeze him into a hug. It feels good, warm. It makes things a little less painful and heartbreaking. He leans into the embrace, letting his little sister comfort him, despite the fact it should be the other way around.

“It’s going to be okay, Tao. I promise.” Izzie whispers, mushing her face in his green knitted sweater. “We- you just need some time. It’s okay to be upset.” she corrects herself with a weak smile, then stays quiet for awhile, just hugging him.

The tightness in Mateo’s chest lessens just a little and he lets a few stray tears drop onto his thick blanket.

“Do you want to hold one of my plushies? They’re super soft.”

“Okay.”

With that Izzie springs to her feet, running over to her bed. He can hear her mumbling to herself about the perfect one as she digs through the mound of stuffed animals. He rolls to the side, watching her sort them with a weary smile.

  There’s not many people he can share his hurt with, but Izzie is always someone who’s there for him when he needs it most. It’s like having his very own superhero.

“Bunchu!” She declares loudly, snagging the plushie and running over to him. She hands him the stuffed animal, wrapping his forearms around the little toy. “Give em’ a good squeeze and you’ll feel a whole lot better, okay?” she smiles, braces showing.

Mateo gives her his best shot at a smile and holds the plushie close. “Thanks, Iz. You’re a good sister.”

“Nah, I’m the best sister.” she chuckles, plopping onto her own bed and staring at the ceiling. There’s a far off look in her eyes, but Mateo doesn’t really notice it, burying his face in Bunchu’s blue fabric.

*****

Why does there have to be so many stupid expectations? Get the best grades, do fantastically well in soccer, don’t stay up late, no junk food, don’t hang out with friends past nine pm, no sleepovers, no fun, no anything.

It’s just rules.

So many rules.

Sometimes he just wants to break them all.

Sighing, Cooper just checks the clock on the wall.

8:40 pm.

“Iz, you better go home. My mom won’t be too happy if she finds out you stayed past nine pm.” he closes up his school book and starts to pack away his pencils in his bag. Neat, everything must be neat. His mother is always clear about that. No messy rooms otherwise you get more chores or an even earlier curfew.

“But, I still need help with the upcoming test. If you don’t help me, I’m gonna fail big time.” Izzie looks up, clutching her unicorn themed pen tightly. “Please, I haven’t had time to study because of all the wacky dream stuff. I don’t wanna repeat this year.”

Cooper internally cringes.

He did agree to tutor her, but his mom has high expectations. Ones that must be met.

“I can’t. My mom has really strict rules.”

“I’m gonna fail, Coop.”

“Like I said, I can’t.” Cooper snaps, crossing his arms. He immediately feels a spike of guilt go through him when she shrinks back. She looks so small in that moment and it makes him feel undeniably guilty. He shouldn’t be so mean to his best friend’s sister. Hell, they’ve been friends so long, it’s like she’s his little sister too.

“Sorry, I can work on it by myself. I’ll see you tomorrow at school?” Izzie smiles, but it’s strained, forced on her normally cheery face. She picks up the rest of her school books and drops them in her backpack.

“Wait, I can-“ Cooper checks the clock quickly, grimacing.

8:45 pm.

“I can help a little longer.” he sighs, rubbing his temples. His mom is going to be so mad, but he’s got to be there for his friends. It’s the least he can do after they saved him from the night hunter two months ago.

“It’s okay. I’ve got this.” Izzie hums, picking up her plushie and putting it in her backpack. She zips it up and stands. “Thanks for helping me.”

Cooper groans, putting his face in his hands.

Why is she more difficult than Mateo?

“I’m sorry, just let me tutor you, okay? My mom will understand, probably.” he pushes back his blonde curls and looks up at her. “Come on, Iz. I already feel bad enough for snapping at you just because I was stressed. Let me make it up to you.”

Izzie sighs softly, sitting back down and hugging her backpack. “How about you tell me what’s wrong? Everyone has been acting pretty off and I wanna know what’s bothering you.”

“Nothing, it’s just…” Cooper shakes his head, leaning against his bed frame. “I have a lot of expectations to live up to. I never get to do the stuff I want to and it’s frustrating. It seems like the things I want to do are always off limits anytime I ask.” he mumbles the rest, picking at his nails.

“What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but isn’t going to get you forbidden levels of grounded?”

Cooper frowns, hesitating for a moment before looking at his nails. “I…always wanted to paint my nails. I liked the red nail polish my mom owned when I was a kid, but I was never allowed to touch it. She always said it was for girls.”

“Nail polish isn’t just for girls.” Izzie scoffs and unzips a pocket in her backpack. “Give me your hands real quick, okay?” she pulls out a bottle of vermillion colored nail polish, mixed in with a sparkly sheen.

“Whoa- no! That’s a bad idea. My mom will be so mad!” he pulls away, hiding his hands from view.

“I’ll leave some nail polish remover with you, okay? You can take it off whenever you like.” she smiles, shaking the bottle. “I promise I won’t tell anyone, especially your family.”

Cooper swallows and looks down at the polish in her hands.

Surely, one coat wouldn’t hurt, right?

It’s something he’s always wanted to try and red is his favorite color.

So, maybe?

Yeah…yeah he’s good with it.

He’ll remove it right away, so his mom never finds out and everything will be fine.

“Okay, just try to be as quiet as possible. I don’t want my brothers to hear you.” he replies, voice hushed. “I’ll totally be grounded if they discover a friend in my room after nine pm. Especially if that friend is a girl.”

Izzie uncaps the nail polish with a hum and takes his palm in her soft hand. “I don’t think they need to worry about me. You’re not my type.” she grins, eyebrow quirked.

“You’re not my type either.” Cooper murmurs, glancing down at his hands while Izzie carefully applies the liquid onto his fingernails. “Like super not my type. No offense, but you’re the wrong…” he trails off, going red in the face.

“Gender.” she finishes. “Same here.”

“Wait, really?” Cooper looks up, blinking. “You like-“ he suddenly clears his throat and lowers his voice with a cautious glance at his door. “You like girls?”

“Mhm.” Izzie nods, taking his second hand. “Let this one dry and don’t touch anything.” she instructs and carefully starts her work again. “And you like boys?” she continues the conversation, expression softening even more.

“Yeah…maybe don’t tell anybody that though.” Cooper sighs, looking back to the girl in front of him. “I have no idea how my family would react or friends for that matter. Logan probably wouldn’t care because he has two moms, but I still don’t want it getting out. Does that make sense?”

“Definitely. The only other person who knows I like girls besides you is Mateo. He’s the only person I trusted to tell. I couldn’t even break it to my crush.” she murmurs, carefully taking his pinky fingers and applying the last bit of polish. “Okay, blow on your nails. It’ll help them dry.”

“Thanks.” Cooper does as she says, watching her very carefully. “You know how you mentioned everyone acting differently earlier? I’ve noticed that to.” he starts off, still not taking his irises off her. “Logan, Mateo, Zoey and even you. I can tell something is going on with you. You don’t quite smile like you used to.”

“I’m fine…just tired.” Izzie’s eyes flick towards the clock mounted on the wall. “It is getting late though. I’ll give you another coat on each hand, then some nail polish remover for later and be on my way.”

  “I know you’re lying. I’ve known you since you were six.”

She closes in on herself, staring at the carpet with a frown. “I’m okay, really. A lot happened and I’m still trying to decide where I belong in all of this.” she sighs, twirling some of her brown curls absentmindedly. “Nothing can be all rainbows and sparkles forever, Y’know? There’s…people out there that are going to take things from you and not give them back. Your humanity, your friends, your happiness. It’s a lot to grapple with.”

  Well, that’s concerning.

It’s true though, isn’t it?

“It is a lot, but good thing we have each other, right?” Cooper spreads his arms out and smiles gently.

Izzie sinks into the hug without hesitation, squeezing him lightly. She hides her face in his shoulder, sighing deeply. “Thanks, Coop. You’re awesome.” she mumbles, voice muffled greatly in his jacket.

“You’re pretty awesome yourself.” Cooper chuckles, arms around her sides, but hands outstretched so he doesn’t mess up his nails. “And I think you’re amazing at putting on nail polish. It looks super cool and sparkly, just like you.”

Izzie giggles and pulls away with a sniffle. She quickly wipes the corners of her eyes and smiles. “Ready for the second coat.” she picks up the bottle and he nods, giving her his hands.

“Go for it.”

*****

“Hey, Zoe. Whatcha doing after school?” Izzie bounds over to the older girl. She’s wearing her usual enthusiastic smile, but it’s shrouded in a mischievous way. 

“What are you up to?” Zoey raises an eyebrow, leaning against her locker.

“I just wanna hang out.”

“I’m pretty busy. Y’know trying to find the night hunter in the real world and all.”

Izzie visibly flinches, glancing away.

“You good?” Zoey raises an eyebrow, a thin frown creasing her features. She hasn’t talked much to the younger tween in the past two weeks. She hasn’t talked to most of her friends in awhile actually. Last she saw Logan was 4th period four days ago. Hopefully he’s around here somewhere. She’s sure he is, but she should probably text him later just to be safe.

“I’m okay. The night hunter is just…really creepy.” she mutters, shuffling her glittery sneakers together. “I don’t think you should be investigating that weirdo by yourself.” she offers a small smile, tinged with worry.

“I don’t want to pull you guys into it.” Zoey sighs, pushing back some of her midnight curls. “It’s better if you guys stay away from that creep. I’ve took care of myself for so long, I think I can handle a solo mission or two alone.”

“But, you don’t have to.”

Zoey meets the younger girl’s soft brown eyes and shakes her head.

Damn it.

Why does Izzie have to be so cute?

It’s like having a dog that’s way too adorable for it’s own good or her very own little sister.

Curse, this girl for being too pure. It’s going to get her in trouble one day.

“You said you wanted to hang out, right? When would that be?” Zoey changes the subject, glancing down at her black nail polish.

If she’s lucky, Izzie will drop the night hunter conversation.

It’s weird having people worry about her and Izzie is the last person she wants to have to deal with her problems.

She’s too sweet, too innocent.

“Right after school. How do you feel about shopping?” Izzie questions, practically bouncing on her heels. A wide smile is spread across her face and Zoey chuckles quietly.

“Sure, why not. Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Aight. See you then I guess.” Zoey smiles, waving to her as the school bell rings. She makes her way down the hallway, passing Mr. Oswald’s class. She glances through the glass window briefly, looking inside at Mateo. The boy is just staring at his exam book, hair partially covering his face and she tilts her head a little, touching the glass before leaving.

*****

“You ready?” Izzie asks, hopping up and down in place. She doesn’t seem to care about the other middle schoolers staring. Instead she takes Zoey’s hands with a wide grin. “Where gonna have so much fun!” she continues, not waiting for an answer to her question. “I know the perfect place!”

“Better not waste anytime then, I guess.” Zoey smiles a little, letting the younger girl pull her along. She sees Mateo talking to Cooper on her way out, noticing bright red nail polish on the blonde’s fingertips.

She didn’t know that he liked that sort of stuff.

Cool.

Zoey crosses the street, going home to drop off her backpack and watching Izzie pull out a pink cat purse from her own backpack.

“Do your purses have names too?”

“Yeppers. This is Mr. Pinky-Panther. My mom bought him for me when I was really little.” Izzie explains, smiling a little. It’s tinted with sadness and she squeezes the older girl’s hand. “What about your mom? Do you remember what she was like?”

“A little. She was a musician.” Zoey starts, a ghost of a smile crossing her dark lips. “She loved peppermint candy and gave these great big bear hugs. I always felt so safe in her arms. She was everything.”

She misses her so much.

It hurts a little less now, but there’s still that bittersweet taste when she thinks about her.

“Do you remember much about your mom?”

“Not a lot. She gifted me Mr. Sharkyjaw when I was a little kid and she used to take me shopping at discount stores. Anytime we were around lots of strangers, she’d pick me up and hold me close. It was nice..”

“It sounds nice.” Zoey squeezes the other girl’s hand back, smiling gently.

“Yeah, it was…we’re here!” She suddenly exclaims, tugging Zoey along and swinging open the door. She steps into the store, full of cramped clothing racks and signs with which colored tags are half off. “This is Mrs. Alamilla’s thrift shop. It has some pretty cool clothing at a good price.”

“Huh…it’s nice in here.” She smiles, glancing around at the mirrors on the walls and little sitting spaces to try on shoes. “So, where do we start?”

“Anywhere you like. I usually look in the hoodies.” Izzie grins, leading her to the spot. “Pants and shorts are over to the left and skirts right behind it. Long sleeves and shirts are behind us, sweaters and dresses are in front of us.” she explains, winking. “Vests and jackets are by the dressing rooms.” she points to way behind them.

“Right, I’ll go check that out.” Zoey nods, making her way over to the dressing rooms. She quietly goes through the racks, pulling out a black vest with some small chains. Smiling, she rubs her thumb over the stainless steel and checks the size before continuing to go through the clothing rack.

Eventually, she makes her way to the skirts, finding a couple flowy ones and a couple  sleeveless tops for summer.

“What did you find?” Izzie asks, coming over with an armful of colorful clothes, including a pink frog hoodie, a zebra print zip up, bright green pants, a couple long sleeves with cute cats and a zip up blue hippo purse.

Zoey smiles at the clothes in the younger girl’s hands and lifts up her own find. “This cool black vest with chains, a black pleather jacket, a couple long skirts with some cool ruffles and gothic colors, and a few tops that reminded me of something a dark elf or fairy would wear.”

“Those are so pretty!” Izzie exclaims, eyes widening comedically. “You’re going to look absolutely beautiful!”

“I don’t know about that.” Zoey chuckles, itching the back of her neck.

“Wanna try it on?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“I’ll go get Mrs. Alamilla!” Izzie scurries off and Zoey glances down at the clothes in her arms with a deep sigh.

As much as she hates to admit it, this was pretty relaxing and fun.

Maybe there is a silver lining to taking breaks sometimes.

Especially when it’s with friends.

Who knew Iz and her would get along so well.

It really is like having a little sibling.

“We’re back!” Izzie announces, bringing along the elderly lady, her gray hair swooped up in a bun. “Do you wanna try something on first?”

“You go first.”

“Alrighty!”

Zoey watches the girl bound into the room and glances over at Mrs. Alamilla. She’s wearing a pretty yellow sundress with bronze jewelry that compliments her almond eyes. “Te ves muy bonita.”

“Gracias.” the older woman smiles gently, the skin around her eyes crinkling softly.

“I’m ready!” Izzie opens up the door, revealing the pink hoodie. “What do you think, Zoe?”

“It suits you.” Zoey smiles, taking in the bright colors. “I like the pink. You look good in pink.” she watches as the younger girl shows different outfits, feeling extremely content. There’s barely any people in the store and those who are here, are quiet and respectful.

“Okay, your turn.” Izzie declares, setting aside her put backs, while cradling her three items in her arms.

Zoey nods, smiling as she steps inside the dressing room. After shutting the door, she pulls out the clothes, deciding what to try first. It takes a couple minutes, but she finally makes a decision and slips on one of the long shirts along with a dark purple beaded top, paired with the black vest.

“Okay, I’m ready.” she steps out with a shy smile, immediately getting loud cheers from Izzie as she bounces around the other girl. “I look that good, huh?”

“You look gorgeous! Like a real rockstar!” Izzie squeals, taking her hands and then hugging her around the waist. “You’re like a pop star princess! All you need now is killer platforms! The four inch ones.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for some I guess.” Zoey murmurs, hugging her back with a smile. “For now lemme try on the rest of my clothes.”

  “Right! Go for it, girl!”

The two finish shopping after that, getting bags for their items then heading to a smoothie cafe. The two sit there for awhile, slurping on their drinks, Izzie’s an orange and red berry blast and Zoey’s a strawberry banana cream.

“Hey, have you seen Logan these past few days?” Zoey asks after awhile of sitting in serene silence. “I’m a little worried.”

The younger girl immediately frowns and stops sucking on her straw. “No, I haven’t. Not in like four days.”

“Okay, I’m more than a little worried now.” Zoey grimaces, checking her phone. She can’t go see him after this rendezvous unfortunately. She has to help Mrs. Castillo move into her new apartment. “Can you check on him by any chance? I’m pretty busy, but I need to know it’s he’s alright.”

“Yeah, I’ll go see him after this.” Izzie gives her a reassuring smile. “His house isn’t too far from here and I got an an emergency key just in case it’s locked.” she explains, going back to sipping on her drink.

“Okay, but text me if something is wrong.” Zoey finishes her drink and gets up, hugging the younger girl around the middle. “I’ll see you at school or later depending on what’s up with Logan.”

“Totally. Thanks for hanging out with me today.”

“No problem. I had fun.” Zoey grabs her purse and clothing bag, but hesitates. “Hey, do you know if Mateo is okay? He’s been…quieter and I’m worried.”

“He’s having a rough time recovering from what happened with Z-blob.”

So, that’s what’s up with him.

She’ll have to check on him later.

Maybe give him a hug…other people seem to like hugs.

They’re pretty alright she supposes.

She was just hugging Izzie a few minutes ago after all.

“That makes sense. Bye, Iz.”

“Bye.”

  *****

Izzie knocks on the door, once, twice, three times. There’s still no noise from the inside of the large house and she frowns, glancing around at the nice neighborhood. There’s big houses everywhere with bright green lawns (despite it being late fall) and nicely trimmed bushes.

She knocks for a fourth time, but once again gets no response, so she brings out the extra house keys and unlocks the door. She steps inside, frowning at how quiet the clean house is.

There’s barely a speck of dust in the vicinity and the floors are squeaky clean. All the furniture is sleek and expensive with beautiful hardwood floors. All in all, it’s lovely and the temperature is just right in the house. Unlike hers which takes some tinkering for the heater to work right.

Now, where’s Logan?

It’s far too quiet in here.

“Logan?” Izzie calls, voice hushed. She doesn’t get a response and she frowns, carefully climbing up the large stairwell with a perfect hand railing. She climbs the twenty eight stairs, breathing out heavily.

The house is pretty, but there definitely shouldn’t be that many stairs.

She rather have an practical elevator than a super epic wrap around staircase.

“Logan?” she calls again, finding his room door and knocking on it. There’s a sleepy mumble from inside and she breathes out, relaxing a bit. “Sorry, did I wake you up?” she asks, lowering her voice.

“Mm no.” Logan answers from inside and the noise of his bed frame creaking comes from inside.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, why are you here? Ever…everything okay?” Logan asks through the door, his voice a bit muffled and kind of scratchy.

“Everything’s fine. You just haven’t been at school for like four days.” Izzie touches the door, pressing her ear against it. “Zoey and I were starting to worry. Are you feeling okay?”

There’s a pause from the inside, followed by a sniffle.

“Are-are you crying?” Izzie squeaks, eyes widening.

She didn’t mean to make him-

“No, of course not. I think I have a cold though.” Logan explains, voice thick as he sniffles again. “What…day is it?” he asks and there’s more shuffling from inside the room.

“It’s Friday.”

“I’ll be at school tomorrow then.”

  “Tomorrow is the weekend, lolo.” Izzie frowns, shifting foot to foot anxiously. Something feels wrong, really wrong.

She has a feeling Logan is sicker than he’s letting on.

She would know, he family has issues with hiding when they’re sick in order not to worry anyone.

There’s a long pause before; “oh. I guess I slept in?”

“Can I come in?”

“Um..sure.”

Izzie throws open the door as calmly as possible and looks inside. Logan is finishing pulling on a hoodie over his tank top. All his black hair is matted and his new hat is nowhere in sight.

Then again, his room is an extreme mess, nothing like Cooper’s spick and span room or Logan moms whole house.

“Hey.” he greets, rubbing at his eyes, dark bags underneath them.

“Hi.” Izzie comes over and immediately presses her hand up to his forehead. He flinches a little at the touch and blinks at her in confusion. She doesn’t pay much attention to it, more concerned about the fact he’s burning up.

“You’ve got a fever.”

“I do?”

“Yeah, a big one. Do you have a thermometer around here somewhere?” Izzie asks, glancing around quickly. She grabs a couple blankets and pulls them over his shoulders, making sure they’re securely in place before pulling out her phone and debating texting Zoey.

“Maybe. I’m not sure.” Logan mumbles, wiping some sweat from his forehead. “I think…my moms have a first aid kit in the downstairs kitchen, but I haven’t used it in a couple years..” he trails off, glancing back to the younger tween. “M’ fine though.”

“I’m getting that first aid kit.” Izzie mumbles, pocketing her phone for now. “Stay in bed. I’ll be right back.” she hurries down the stairs without another word and digs through the cabinets until she finds the out. She grabs a water bottle from the fridge then heads back to his room.

When she gets there, Logan has half buried himself in the covers again. He lifts his head up sleepily when he sees her.

“Sit up a little, okay?” she instructs, sitting on the edge of the bed as she rifles through the kit. Once she finds the thermometer she lifts it up. “Open your mouth, please.”

Logan struggles to get up, but complies and allows her to insert the thermometer.

  Who knew Logan would be an easier patient to deal with than her own brother.

She waits for the thermometer to beep and when it does, she pulls it away and grimaces. “That’s way too high.” she mutters and carefully grabs Logan by the shoulders, lowering him onto the bed. “I’m going to get some medicine from in here.” she murmurs, looking through the bottles. Once, she acquires the fever reducers she curses, causing the older boy to stare at her in shock.

“S-Sorry, these are just super out of date. I thought you said you hadn’t used the first aid kit in ‘a couple years’ these are five years out of date.”

“Huh…it’s been awhile I guess.”

Izzie groans, hiding her face in her hands.

Logan is way too sick to be helpful.

His poor brain probably feels like it’s been through the blender.

If his fever gets any higher, he’s going to need to be hospitalized.

“Iz?”

A hand tugs on her arm and she looks up, meeting Logan’s concerned gaze.

He’s not the one who should be worried, especially about her.

“I’m okay. I’m just going to text Zoey real quick. It’s better to have fever reducers that are new.” Izzie murmurs, pulling out her phone. “Fresh ones are safer and will work faster.” she texts the other girl, then her brother and Cooper. Both of them respond almost immediately and Zoey a few minutes later.

She turns her attention back to Logan, who’s shivering against the covers and she feels guilt strike deep in her. She wishes she would’ve kept her backpack on her instead of dropping it off at home. That way she could actually give him a plushie to hug.

“Where are your moms?” Izzie asks, looking around.

She should probably tell them, their kid is sick.

Then again, why wouldn’t they know?

It’s been like four days…

Surely, they’ve noticed?

“Work.” Logan answers, weary voice mumbled into the sheets.

“Do they know you’re sick?”

“No.”

“When was the last time they came home?” Izzie asks cautiously, eyeing him closely. Now probably isn’t the best time to ask, but this is bringing up concerning questions. She carefully presses her cool hands on his forehead again, surprised that this time he actually leans into the touch.

“I…don’t know. They work a lot.” Logan replies, eyes half closed. “They usually check in every week or so…they’re super busy and stuff.” he finishes, leaning heavily into her hand.

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Izzie whispers, ignoring the burning rage in her chest. Instead she just tucks the blankets around his chest and lays next to him, waiting for everyone else to get to the house. “Hey, I texted everybody else. They’re probably going to bring over some soup and stuff.”

“Heh..you give soup to sick people.”

“Yeah and you’re pretty sick, you turkey.” Izzie smiles slightly and earns a quiet laugh from Logan. “You should probably drink some water.” she leans over the first aid kit and snatches the water bottle. “Can you hold this without dropping it?”

  “Mm…sure thing.” he reaches out, hand trembling.

Sighing, she helps him get ahold of the water bottle and holds the bottom while he takes a drink. He finishes about half of it before putting it down. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Izzie caps the lid and lays back down beside him.

It’s so, so quiet in the room, but it isn’t eerie. It’s pretty peaceful besides her persistent worry over her sick friend. She wonders if he thinks the silence is nice too or if it bothers him. She thinks it’d bother her to be in a large house without any family around. There’s no way she wouldn’t get lonely without her brother.

Mateo has always been there for her. Always.

Logan is all by himself.

No, no he’s not.

She’s right here.

She’ll stay for him.

“Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?” Logan mumbles sleepily, shoulders brushing hers.

“Not usually, but it’s been said more often these past few days.”

“Well, you’re amazing.”

“Thanks, lolo.” she whispers, glancing over at him in worry. “Just stay awake till everyone else shows up, okay? We’ve got to get some medicine in you.” she takes his hand, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. “Keep talking to me, alright?”

“What do you wanna talk ‘bout?”

“Nothing. What do you want to talk about?”

“Mm..I dunno.”

Izzie frowns, glancing around until her eyes fall onto a pair of earbuds. “Let’s talk about music. I know you like really bangin beats.” she inserts one bud into her ear and another into Logan’s, before pressing play.

The music starts blasting her ear and she has the urge to pluck it out, but doesn’t. Instead she just watches Logan bop his head ever so slightly, enjoying the loud rhythmic bass.

“The tune is kinda catchy.” she speaks over the loud noise.

To her dismay it’s true.

The music is probably going to be stuck in her head for days.

“Thanks. I tried my best to blend it all together nicely.”

“Wait, you made this?” she gasps, mouth dropping.

“Mhm.”

Izzie goes to say something else, but is interrupted by a door opening and closing, followed by thundering steps up the stairs. In seconds, Mateo, Zoey and Cooper are all crowding into the bedroom with worried expressions.

“Please, tell me you have the-“ Izzie is handed the medicine bottle and she breathes out in relief. “Thanks so much, Zoe. You’re the best ever.” she pulls out a couple pills and grabs the water bottle. “Coop, Tao, help him sit up, please?”

Both boys do as they’re told, helping their friend sit up.

Cooper’s hand covers Logan’s forehead and he makes a face, glancing at Mateo in worry. His fingertips are still tipped with red sparkly nail polish, but Izzie bottles up her excitement for later. Right now there’s more serious things to get done.

“Here take these.” Izzie hands Logan the medicine and gives him the water bottle, Holding the bottom again as he drinks it. Once, he’s finished she sets the almost empty bottle aside and helps him lay down again.

“You sure have a way of scaring us.” Zoey mutters, brushing back some of his matted black hair. Her tone is fond though as she smiles down at him.

“You can say that again.” Mateo sighs, pushing himself up onto the bed. He’s still wearing his green sweater, but it’s a little disheveled, probably from running all the way here.

“Sorry.” Logan murmurs, only getting worried frowns in response.

Cooper climbs onto the bed too, sitting in between Mateo and Logan. “Don’t apologize, dude. We’re here for you, okay?” he scoots closer and glances over at the two girls who clamber onto the bed too.

“I guess we’re having a sleepover then?” Izzie speaks up after a moment, hands trembling ever so slightly. She’s still not quite over how bad his fever was…or still is. An arm wraps around her shoulder and she looks up at Zoey who smiles down at her softly.

“We sure are, at least I’m joining you guys.”

“I can stay too.” Mateo nods and looks over at Cooper who stares at his phone.

“Well, it’s already five thir…” he shuts his eyes and sighs, opening them with a smile. “Y’know what? Let’s have the biggest sleepover ever! All five of us and a super epic movie marathon.”

“We might have to turn down the volume quite a lot.” Mateo chuckles and nods over to Logan, who’s completely conked out.

“Right.” Cooper nods and carefully slides a pillow underneath his friend’s head. “What movie first?”

“I have the best series ever.” Izzie grins and pulls out her phone. “How do you feel about watching every single episode of ninjago in one night?”

“Tomorrow’s a weekend, so sure.” Zoey shrugs and leans in close, followed by the other two boys. “I haven’t watched this thing since I was eight though, so I’m a little behind on the lore.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll watch from the beginning.” Izzie smiles and clicks play. She stays quiet for the rest of the video playlist, just feeling content that she’s with her friends and they’re all safe. No nightmare monsters, no bad dreams, they can all sit here and be okay.

Logan leans closer to her in his sleep and she smiles, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and letting herself relax.

Maybe everyone is going to be okay after all.