Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Act 1 — Before Sunwest

Martin's day started out as normal as most of his days did. He woke up, stayed in bed for a few minutes thinking of how much he wanted to stay in and sleep, get up, eat breakfast and get ready for work, commute on the bus, and go to work. Noting was seemingly amiss.

Up until he was by the cash register, that is. Black spots appeared in his vision, and everything seemed to get a bit more blurry. There was also a headache that felt like someone was hitting Martin's head over and over again with a spiked baseball bat.

Martin shook his head, and tried to steady himself. He can bare this, right? He doesn't have any more sick days left to use. He cursed at his past self for using them all up.

He tries to keep himself upright, but that's proving to be harder and harder to do. His head was pounding, his legs are shaky, and he feels his breakfast rushing up to his throat. He finally decided he couldn't take it anymore and turned to Claire, who was stocking shelves. “Claire?” He weakly choked out, but it was enough to grab her attention, and make her stand up.

“Hm, what is—” her eyes widened upon seeing Martin, who looked pale and tired. He managed to mumble a, “I don't feel well..” before his vision faded to black.

When Martin woke up with a groan, he could feel a cold mattress against his skin and a thin blanket over him, which was equally cold. Like it was rarely used. He blinked his eyes blearily for a bit, trying to make sense of the blurred world all around him. Where was he? What happened? Where was his glasses?

Then he heard footsteps, he turned to see a vague blob of a person move the green partition away, they were pushing a small cart with a glass of water and some pills.

“Oh, you're awake,” the voice sounded like a woman's voice, it sounded distant, professional. Martin blinked once more, he remembered passing out at work now. Had he landed himself in that clinic he and Claire passed by during their walk to Joja Mart? The person continued, “Your glasses are on the small drawer to your left.”

Martin slowly sat up, he turned and grabbed the distinctly dark red framed glasses and placed onto his eyes. The world once again became clear, and it was obvious he did land himself in the clinic, and that the person next to him was a nurse. She had a small name tag too, ‘Maru.’

“I..” he tried to start, feeling a bit awkward. “What happened?”

“You were brought here by your coworkers because you fainted, Doctor Harvey says that you might’ve overworked yourself,” Maru explains, “Are you feeling alright now? You still look pale,” her eyebrows knit with concern. And Martin's eyes widened, Claire, Shane, and Sam brought him here? He didn't think they'd care that much. Claire, maybe, but Sam and Shane? That was news to him.

“Um.. I feel fine, now..” Martin rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Ah, right. He did remember staying up to catch up on homework and studying on that big quiz that was coming soon. Still, he thought that he could've went through his day just fine like all the other times he stayed up late. Maybe that lack of sleep was finally catching up to him. “What are the pills for?”

“This one is a painkiller, just in case you woke up with a headache still. Let me know if you need something to eat, and I'll see how soon Dr. Harvey can come in and go over your chart, okay?”

Martin nodded along. He did feel famished and thirsty. Did he really throw up? Where was his lunch? His mom will get worried if she sees he hasn't eaten it.. she's going to be so worried when she finds out he was in the clinic. ‘Great job, Martin,’

“Um, I am feeling a bit hungry..” he spoke up.

“Your friend dropped off your lunch for you to have, I'll go get it for you,” Maru smiled briefly at him and went out of the room. Martin took the glass of water and gulped it down, feeling more hydrated, and a lot better. He set it aside on the small drawer.

After a while, she came back with a small lunch bag and placed down a wooden table over him for him to eat on. Before she could leave, Martin managed to croak out, “Uh.. miss? Do my.. parents know about this?”

“From what I know, your boss had called them and they should be on their way now,”

Martin felt like he was going to hurl all over again, but he can't on an empty stomach. Instead, he just muttered an ‘Okay,’ and Maru took that as a sign to leave. He was going to make his mom and all of his coworkers (and his best friend Claire) worried and it’s all because of his own negligence. Can he do anything right? He plops back down onto bed and sighs.

He didn’t look up when Maru came back, there was a clatter of noise and the sound of footsteps, and Martin made himself sit back up to eat. Suddenly not feeling as hungry as he was before. He opened up the lunchbox and saw the container that had his meal, there was a note on it.

‘Happy lunch, dear! -Love, Mom,’

Martin smiled for a bit, up until his guilt of causing his mom more and work came rushing back up, which made him frown once more. Oh well, the least he can do is eat the lunch she made and make her feel appreciated! He took out the container and set it down, he also took the utensils out. ‘What did she pack this time?’ he thought as he opened up the container.

It was some chicken and rice. Leftovers. That was fine, she was feeling bad anyway. So he wasn't expecting anything grand. He was surprised she even got up and made lunch for him, he was just expecting to buy something from the saloon.

Martin began to eat his food quietly, he thought back to his mother, who had been ill for a while. She said it was nothing, but it definitely didn't look like it was just that. But she's going to the doctor today, so hopefully she'll get better from her mystery disease. He gulped down his food when he remembered that his dad would be the one picking him up. Great. Just great. This day was going great.

After finishing his food, he packed up everything into his lunch box. Just as soon as he did, he saw someone walk in. A man in a doctors uniform with glasses and a fashionable mustache (in Martin’s own humble opinion) walked into his room with a clipboard and pen. ‘He must be Dr. Harvey,’

“I’m glad to see you’re awake now, Martin, is it?” he said, Martin could hear the same distant professionalism Maru had from his voice. Martin nods shifting a little awkwardly, “Uh.. yes,”

Dr. Harvey continued to give him a lecture about his health, but with how hazy his head was feeling, none of it truly stuck. It felt like he was running on autopilot. Martin only uttered answers when prompted, until eventually, he was allowed out of the clinic with a doctor's note in hand. When he got outside, Claire was there to greet him. She looks at him worriedly.

“Martin! Are you feeling okay now?”

Martin blinked, “I’m alright now, Claire,” he rubs the back of his neck. “Dr. Harvey just told to get more sleep and to work less, which is easier said than done, huh?” he joked. Claire smiled at that, before her face sours. “You better listen to the doctor, Martin, your health is important,”

He laughed awkwardly, “I know, I know! And I will,” that was a lie. “But.. thank you for the help, Claire. And tell that to Sam and Shane too, I heard from Maru that they helped too,” Martin can't help to think about all the times she's went out of her way to help her, and even Shane and Sam to some extent. Where would he be without them?

“Martin? Martin!”

His train of thought was cut off by Claire's voice, he shook his head. “Sorry, I must be out of it still.. what were you saying?” he said. Claire looks worried once again with her furrowed eyebrows and frown.

“I was asking when your parents were going to pick you up. Do you want me to stay with you at the bus stop until he comes?”

“But your break is probably going to end soon, right? My dad is probably nearby already, you don't need to walk me there!” he tries to reassure with a shaky smile. Claire narrows her eyes with skepticism, but sighs eventually. “You're right. My break does end soon.. please, Martin, take care of yourself,”

“I will.. I promise! Don't worry about me too much, I'll be fine.”

“… okay, bye, Martin,” Claire waves at him and he waves back, she walks back to Joja Mart and him to the bus stop. Just as he was making his way there, his phone chimed, and he already knew who it came from. He checked it and it was from his dad.

——Today——

[Dad: Where are you? I'm at the bus stop.]

With a sigh, he texted back, quickening his pace.

[You: I'm almost there.]

There, he saw his father sitting down on the bench, tapping his foot down impatiently. Once Martin meekly presented himself, he stood up and regarded him as if he were an inconvenience.

“Let's go. The bus will leave soon,” he huffed, already beginning to walk without Martin. The two of them got their seats on the bus, an awkward silence fell between the them. Martin already knew that his father was pissed. He ripped him away of his work, after all.

He squirmed awkwardly in his seat, Martin took out his phone to help ease the tension, for him, at least. He saw some texts he missed in the Joja work chat.

[Sam: Hope you feel better little guy!!]

[Shane: Get better soon, kiddo]

Martin smiled. He was lucky to have such caring coworkers. Just as he was about to type a response, his father snaps at him.

“What are you smiling for? It better not be a girlfriend,”

With a flinch, Martin replies, “They're just my coworkers, dad.. they were both just telling me to get well soon,”

“They're not your friends. They're only saying that so that you lower your guard and they get ahead of you,”

‘Get ahead of me? In what? It's not like any of us are going to get promoted to manager anytime soon,’ is what Martin thought, but he simply nods at his father's words. The conversation ends there, and Martin knows not to be too expressive unless he wants to make his father even more angry. He typed a response with shaky fingers.

[You: Thanks you two :>]

Martin got a message from Claire after that.

[Claire: Are you okay?]

No. No I'm not okay. Is what Martin wanted to say, but he didn't want anyone else to worry even more about him.

[You: I'm alright, just a little tired]

Just a little tired. How long has he felt ‘just a little bit tired’? What was wrong with him. Martin suppressed a sigh and sunk into his seat.

This day was only halfway done, and it's already awful. But it can't get any worse than this, right?

“Oh, and by the way, we're moving,” his father said coldly.

Nevermind. It can get worse.

Chapter Text

“What.. what do you mean we're moving?” Martin stammered, hoping he heard his father wrong. “Where? When?” this felt like the cherry on top of an already shit layered cake. Just as he started to feel like he belonged somewhere, this happens?

His father bounced his foot impatiently, not wanting to snap when there are people on the bus present. But everyone already knew how unpleasant Mr. Walter was. Martin saw all of those looks his neighbors gave him and his mother. And even his coworkers when he told stories about Mr. Walter.

“We're moving to Sunwest. It's a city with new opportunities. I got a job promotion there,” Mr. Walter said, “You better get to packing soon,”

Martin was too tired to really argue, so he just nods and stares numbly out the window. What a way to start summer, huh? Barely a week in and something like this happens. Great. Martin has to surpress the urge to curl up into a ball and cry.

Finally, after what seemed to be forever, they finally reached their stop and Martin briskly walked alongside his father to their house. Once there, he made a beeline to his room upstairs and plopped onto his bed still in his Joja uniform. He all but screamed into his pillow in frustration.

“I better see results up there, young man! We leave in a few weeks!” He heard his dad call from downstairs.

‘Shut up. Shut the FUCK UP.’ Is what Martin wanted to yell back at him, what was this man thinking, uprooting their lives when his wife was still ill? This will just cause her even more stress! Instead, he yelled out, “Yes, dad!” and stood up numbly and closed the door with a quiet click sound. He promptly returned to bed to scream some more into his pillow. He made sure it was as quiet as he could manage.

‘I’m tired. I’m so tired,’ was all Martin could think. He didn't care about anything right now. He just wanted to cry. He hopes he can just do that right now. Looking up at the ceiling he could feel tears start forming in his eyes, and sooner or later he was crying into his pillow. As quietly as he possibly could, anyway. He knew what his dad would be like if he heard him.

A few minutes of quietly crying into his pillow later, Martin decided to quit wallowing and actually start doing something. But crying did make him feel a little bit better. Like get changed out of his dreadful uniform. Slowly getting back up, he changed out of his Joja uniform and into his usual house clothes. He wondered if he'd have to get a new job now that he was moving. And he was most likely not going to see Claire or Shane or Sam in person again after the move. Martin feels like crying all over again.

Instead, he takes in a deep breath and lets it out. He can't afford wasting any more time! His dad will be pissed off if he did. Martin was just about to start packing when he glanced back at his phone on his bed… okay maybe just a little bit of rest won't hurt. He sat on the edge of the bed and went to his online friend's group chat, seeing as they were all active.

[You: guuuuyyyyysss…]

[djsandybar: yo what's up?]

[operasheep: Yeah, what happened?]

[You: i just had the worst day of my life]

[djsandybar: damn :( what happened bro??]

[operasheep: I need names.]

[You: well first I passed out at work. Then my dad had to pick me and stuff. Then he tells me that we're moving?? He didn't even bother telling me yesterday. And we move in a few weeks..]

[djsandybar: ‘my dad’ yeah i already knew it. so sorry this had to happen to you man.. 🫂]

[operasheep: Today was a no good, rotten day? So sorry you had to go through that.]

Martin smiled. Those two always managed to make him feel better.

[You: thanks you two.. yall are the best]

[You: i should get going now. Dad says I need to pack]

[djsandybar: tell him to sleep with one eye open tonight.. my no. 1 opp fr fr]

[operasheep: I agree. Good luck with packing though.]

Martin sets aside his phone and sits up, looking around his room. What does he keep and what does he leave behind? So many questions, and so much to do. He feels eyes start getting heavy. He can take a little break, right? Just a little nap.. he lies down and closes his eyes. Sleep came easy to him.

When Martin woke up, it was hours later. And he panicked. He still has to pack! His dad is going to be so pissed at him! He scrambled to get up, before he could, the door to his room opened, and he winced at the bright light that seeped into his dark room. Thankfully, it wasn't his dad.

“Mom!” He exclaimed, maybe a little too excitedly. She was just a sight for sore eyes after such a bad day.

“Hi, honey,” she says, her voice steady and sweet as always. She looks a little tired. “Everything okay? I heard from your dad that you passed out at work.” Martin sat up, and his mom flipped the light switch on. He winced as his eyes adjusted to the sudden light.

“Uh.. yeah, I did. I'm okay now, though!” not a lie, taking that nap actually did help. “How about you, what did the doctor say?” He got up from the bed.

“Honey.. well, I'll tell you over dinner, okay? It's ready, just come downstairs.” She smiled, looking brighter than Martin's ever seen. What did the doctor say? His mom left and Martin decided to follow her downstairs, shutting the door behind him.

“What's for dinner?” He asked as they both went down the stairs.

“Some of the leftover chicken and rice, I hope you don't mind,”

“No, not at all,” and the two make their way to the dining room where Mr. Walter was sitting, his food remaining untouched.

“Took you two long enough,” he scoffs, Mrs. Walter smiles, and Martin winces. He took his seat and the two men looked at Mrs. Walter expectantly. It seemed as though she told the two of them she'd announce whatever the doctor told her here.

“Well, what did he say?” Mr. Walter asked, getting rather impatient.

“I'm pregnant,” she said, smiling gently and rubbing her belly.

There was a moment of silence as they both processed this information. Martin suddenly felt anxiety beginning to form at the pit of his stomach, like something was going to happen.

“So, what? You can get pregnant and you just lied to me?” Mr. Walter looked angry as he pointed an accusatory finger her way. Well, his gut was correct. And she crumbles, losing the joy on her face. Martin shrinks on himself, hoping to maybe disappear through the floor.

“I.. the doctor said I was three months pregnant, I thought you would've.. been more supportive than that..” she crosses her arms, but doesn't look at her husband in the eye.

There was a flicker of recognition in Mr. Walter's eyes before he immediately looked.. remorseful. “Fuck me.. you're right, sorry, Martha.. I'm just stressed from work..” Mr. Walter gets up and hugs her, and Martin gives him a side eye. Who was he, and what did he do to his real dad? Maybe he was out drinking when he was asleep. Suddenly, the meal he has in front of him looks very appealing.

The rest of the dinner consisted of the two discussing everything about the potential child and the move thaat was going to happen two weeks from now. With Martin giving in some input when prompted. When they were done eating, Martin decided to do the dishes for his mother.

“Are you sure? Wouldn't you want to rest up, honey? You're going to go to Pelican Town tomorrow, right?” Martha asked.

Oh, today was Saturday. He can skip going to the library for one day. Besides, he had to pack his things. Martin waved a hand dismissively, “I'll be fine, you rest up, mom. You deserve it,” he smiled to reassure her, and she nods after a moment. The two of them left, and he was alone in the kitchen.

It didn't take long for Martin to start thinking about everything and zone out while he was doing the dishes. Music played in his ears thanks to his earphones, and he hummed along with the lyrics and beat vaguely.

So, he was moving to some place called Sunwest, and he did search it up, it was just an hour away from Pelican Town and two hours from his current hometown. It was a city, too. Sure, it wasn't as big as Zuzu City, but it was still a city. Martin couldn't help but feel so overwhelmed. His hands had that strange tingly feeling alongside the dreadful feeling in his stomach.

He wanted to travel, and a change in scenery. But this all went by so quickly and suddenly. His mom is pregnant? They're moving in two weeks? He just graduated middle school and now he'll be a senior in a different school! (Well, the fact he was a senior in school was already mind boggling to him). With a small sigh, he placed the last of the dishes in the dish rack and wiped his hands dry. Surprisingly, he didn't feel all too tired. Maybe it was because of that long nap he took.

Making his way upstairs, he found himself lying on his bed with his phone in his hands. Who knew doing the dishes could make your back and legs feel so sore? And he was a cashier for Yoba's sake! (Granted, he's only been one for a year, but still) He saw some new messages from djsandybar and his DMs that were sent in rapid succession from one another.

[djsandybar: yooo dude.. hope ur day got a little better. idk if this is the right time for this but where are you moving?]

[djsandybar: you don't have to respond or anything!! just curious bc of that idea we had of meeting up… maybe ur moving close to where i'm at??]

[djsandybar: and maybe even to where sheep is at?]

[You: i'm moving to sunwest. Is that close to where you are?]

There was a pause. Then..

[djsandybar: dude.]

[djsandybar: i live in sunwest.]

Martin's eyes widened into saucers. What? No. This can't be real. No. No. No.

[You: FOR REAL!?]

[djsandybar: YES. YES.]

[You: THIS IS CRAZY. HOLY]

[djsandybar: i'm surprised myself man. what are the odds? we should meet up when you get here]

Today was a rollercoaster of emotions. Especially with this moving out thing. Martin was excited at the idea of meeting one of the people he's known for so long, but he's also worried about the friendships he's formed with his coworkers. So many conflicting emotions indeed.

[You: yeah!! Definitely]

[djsandybar: well. i gotta go. mom's asking for me again, byeeeee!!]

[You: bye!]

Martin placed his phone down and turned off his music. Everything was just a little too much this day, and he just wanted it to end. But he couldn't even sleep it off as he wasn't tired. Groaning, he took a book of his shelf and began to read it in an effort to distract himself from everything.

The lights of the Walter household went out one by one as the night stretched on. Only Martin's stayed on for a while before eventually being switched off.

Chapter Text

On Sundays, Martin usually tries to wake up early and catch the bus to Pelican Town, but today was one of those days where he couldn't find it in him to care, really. He just wanted to stay inside his room all day and rest. That way, everything that's been happening wouldn't affect him.

He was just doing that, lying in bed and wrapped in his blankets and cuddling with the stuffed toys his father had deemed ‘childish,’ before the sunlight had hit his eyes through his window and his alarm blared loudly (he placed it on snooze several times before this). Rudely reminding him he should get up as the world had woken up. Figuring he can't stop his inevitable need to get out of his bed, he tumbles out and falls onto the floor, blankets and all still around him.

Groaning, he stood up and fished for his phone and turned off his alarm. He placed his glasses on and took off his blanket. Man. What time was it? He must be so late for the bus now. He looked at his phone. 10:35 am. Well. He definitely missed it now. Maybe he should just spend this day packing up? He never got to do that yesterday. But it's also a Sunday. A rest day for believers in Yoba. So no, he's probably not going to do that. Besides, two weeks is more than enough for him to pack the few belongings he has.

He stretches and changes out of his pajamas. Once that's done, he sleepily goes outside, feeling hopeful that this day will be much better than the last.

Martin could go to Pelican Town right now, but he wasn't in the mood to chat with Sam or Shane, who would most likely ask him if he's doing alright. It's not that he didn't like their company! He just wanted some time to himself. Plus, he already missed the shuttle heading there, and he wasn't in the mood to wait until the next one arrives. He could bump into Claire but she usually spends her Sundays resting. So today will be a day where he unwinds and relaxes from the rollercoaster ride of a day yesterday.

And that's why he's at the library nearby his home. He was still grateful they had a library so close by (even if he used Pelican Town's library more since last year), considering how small and isolated this little town is.

Inside, the library is air conditioned which is a relief in the hot and humid summer air, that's why it seems everyone in town had seemingly gathered here. Martin gulped nervously. So many people for such a small town. With the books he borrowed from Pelican Town's own library tucked underneath his arm, he made his way to his usual spot, hidden away from the crowd of people.

There, he sat down and began to read that book. He usually liked to read fiction books or the classics, but he was also intrigued by genealogy, which was what he was reading right now. Seemingly a lead on his search to find his birth parents. If they were still alive, anyway.

This was a family record of all the families that had came to the valley. Maybe he could find something? He knew that he was mixed race. Mexican–American, to be specific, so he was trying to look through all the interracial couple within the record. He wished there were portraits, as that would make his research much easier.

It was fairly obvious that he was adopted. He didn't look like his parents, after all. With his tanned skin and curly brown hair. Both of his parents were pale skinned and had straight hair. Another reason why he felt out of place in his family and in this small town as well, he supposed. A majority of the people here looked like his parents.

He skimmed through the pages of the book, looking through the names of families. Nothing seemed to truly stick out to him just like the many other genealogy books he's read before. Disappointed, he closed the book and decided to read the book his friends had recommended him. A book about a young girl who doesn't want to be the chosen one. Martin nods his head as he reads through the story, listening to his classical music playlist he listens to when reading.

He stayed by the library for a while before standing up after a four hours of reading, he managed to reach chapter five before he stood up and started to walk around the library to stretch his legs. Maybe he could also check on his phone, which he left on ‘do not disturb’ so he could read in peace. He saw some texts from the group chat.

[operasheep: So it seems that all of us will live in the same area soon.]

[djsandybar: yeah!!]

Scrolling back on the messages, it seems like Sheep was also from Sunwest. What are the odds? Martin typed a response back, trying to keep himself from giggling too loudly.

[You: sheep, you're also in Sunwest?]

[operasheep: Yes. Also, hello.]

[djsandybar: OMG]

[djsandybar: HI. IT'S BEEN HOURS.]

[You: I literally chatted you a few hours ago]

[djsandybar: BUT I MISSED YOUUUU]

Martin let out a quiet chuckle as DJ sent a bunch of sobbing emojis and Sheep berating her for being clingy.

[You: okay calm down I'm here now. I was reading that book you two recommended]

[djsandybar: neat!! how is it treating you so far?]

[You: it's alright so far… but why do i feel like a big twist is going to happen soon..]

[operasheep: Well, I haven't read the book myself so I can't say anything. So good luck with that plot twist.]

[djsandybar: one of the characters are going to die maybe?]

[You: i hope not :<]

[You: anyways, I'm heading home rn. Chat to you guys later.]

[djsandybar: aww okay. bye!!]

[operasheep: bye for now]

Martin placed his phone in his pocket and walked back to the study cubicle he'd occupied and gathered his books, he left the library and saw that the sun was now beginning to set, making way for a cool night. He walked to his house, already feeling better. Yesterday felt like a bad dream at this point.

Coming home, he saw that his mother was cooking something in the kitchen. He went to greet her. “Evenin’, mom,” he said, setting down his books onto the dining room. “What are you making?”

“Good evening, honey. I'm making some fried butterfish for dinner,” his mom said, smiling at him before going back to the fish in the pan. “How was today?”

“It was alright, I did some reading at the local library,” Martin's eyes wondered to the cupboards. “Should I set the table?”

“Oh, no. You go and rest, honey. I know you had a bad day yesterday so you deserve to relax,”

Martin blinked. “… really?”

“Of course, honey! I'll handle it,”

Martin grins and thanks her, taking his books and heading upstairs to his room. He sets the books onto his desk. He knew that there was work he has to do tomorrow with packing up everything, and he knows that he'll have to confront his friends and tell them he's moving eventually. And there's the fact he'll have to submit his two weeks notice.. Martin shakes his head. ‘No. No thinking of that for now!’ he thought, listening to more music while chatting his online friends.

A little while later, his mom calls him downstairs and they both eat dinner. His father wasn't there, but he almost always went to the local saloon and drank on Sundays. Martin didn't really care, he was glad to have one day where Mr. Walter wasn't around, and besides, when he came back home, he wouldn't have the energy to talk down to him when his mom wasn't looking.

Speaking of his mom, she sent him off as she handles the dishes. He spent most of the night playing a game (a very addictive farming simulator) while on voice call with DJ. Sadly, Sheep could never come with them due to.. issues at home. And after a while, the two went offline and slept.

Overall, today was a good day for Martin. Even if the days to come will be busy and stressful.

Chapter Text

Monday was spent packing most of their belongings. Martin had music playing in the background (not too loudly, otherwise his father would complain about the “noise”) as he sorted through what items he should keep and things he could possibly give away. He eyed his large collection of books on his shelves and decided to start there.

Martin stood at the bookshelf filled with books, and began to take some off their shelves, he placed the ones he'd outgrown and didn't like into one box (he'd donate those to his local library and to Pelican Town's library tomorrow) and his personal favorites into one box. He'd take that to Sunwest with him. After a while of sorting through the books, the bookshelf was completely empty.

It was odd to see it in that state. Suddenly, Martin felt like a ten year old boy again, who just got his first books and vowed to fill up this bookshelf with any kind of book he could find. He willed himself not to cry. He doesn't have time for that.

The rest of the day was spent like this, Martin sorting through certain items and packing them up with short breaks in between. He almost wanted to keep everything, but he knew he couldn't. Growing up means you have to leave some things behind, right? Turns out he had more belongings than he thought.

Tuesday was the day Martin has to tell his manager and tell him he's leaving. It's also when he has to confront his coworkers and tell them about the news of his move. To say he was nervous was an understatement. He bounced his leg as he kept repeating what his mother instructed him to do and say to his manager he whole time he sat and waited at the bus stop.

‘I'm here to put in my two weeks notice,’ he thought, ‘There, that's all you have to say, Martin. And after that, you give him the date when you'll be last working. Stop over thinking this! Morris isn't going to bite your face off if you quit… probably,’

Martin suddenly felt a poke on his shoulder, and he whirled his head around to see Claire was sitting next to him.

“O–Oh! Hi, Claire! Didn't see ya there,” he nervously laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Claire furrowed her eyebrows with concern. “Are you okay, Martin? I was calling your name for about ten minutes and you didn't reply,”

‘Shoot. I'm really out of it,’ Martin just shrugs. “I'm fine! I just.. have a lot on my mind,” he pauses, looking down. He can trust Claire. He can tell her everything. He has to, anyway. No running from it now. He sighed. “Claire..”

“Yes? Is something wrong, Martin?” She asked.

“I.. um..” somehow the words won't form. Just spit it out, Martin! “… well..”

“Well?” Claire looks concerned, her voice gentle. Martin shook his head. Now or never. “… Claire.. there's something I need to talk to you about,” he finally admits.

“Did something happen? Is this about what happened on Saturday?”

“Um.. kind of. My dad said that we're movin’..” he couldn't look at her in the eye, but he already knew she was alarmed at the mention of Mr. Walter.

“Moving? To where?”

“Some place called Sunwest, it's pretty far from here..” Martin pressed his lips into a thin line. He can't cry, not right now. “I won't be able to work at Joja Mart anymore, or see you and Shane and Sam in person,” guilt washes over him as he realizes the three of them will have to pick up the extra work he'll leave behind.

“Oh, Martin.. I'm glad you told me,” Claire rubbed her hand on his back for comfort. “I'll miss you.”

Martin doesn't trust his voice to not shake, so he simply nods. Claire was about to say something, but then the bus arrived. The two went in and to their seats in silence. He placed his earphones on, and she took the hint, sitting elsewhere on the empty bus. Right now, he just wanted to be left alone.

Scrolling through his playlists, he decides to not wallow in even more of his sadness (he'd start bawling his eyes out in public and he doesn't want that) and plays something more cheerful from his happier playlist consisting on some pop music suggested by DJ, one of his online friends.

The bus rumbles to start, and drives through the country. Martin looks through the window and takes in the sights of his hometown. The orchard, Claire and his neighbors’ humble homes, the mountains and the farmlands, the library and more. It was hard to think he was going to leave all of this behind after sixteen years of living here. Sure, he'd complain about the lack of people, and how boring everything was, but he never thought he'd leave it all behind so suddenly.

The bus stops at Pelican Town, Martin and Claire get off and start their walk to town as the bus drives off. The two of them awkwardly walk next to each other, Martin still had his earphones on, and tried to ignore Claire's worried glances.

‘I'll have to confront her eventually, confront all of them,’ Martin thought, he took off his earphones once they reached the center of town. There, Claire tries to strike up a conversation.

“Um. Did you do anything interesting over the weekend?” She asked, trying to keep the mood lighthearted.

“Uh. I read some books,” replied Martin, trying to sound cheerful as he always was. “I found a genealogy book, but nothing stuck out to me,”

“What about the book your online friends suggested?” They reached the bridge, Martin heard the river gently rushing by as he walked by.

“It was alright, but I feel like a big twist is coming up,” the two went inside the Joja Mart, getting hit with the harsh and cold air-conditioning almost immediately. Morris was there to confront them.

“Martin, since you were absent the other day, you will be picking up an extra shift for today. And Claire, get the store ready for the day with Shane,” he ordered. Martin took this as an opportunity to do what he has to do.

“Uh, sir. I'd like to talk to you in your office, please,”

Morris and Claire's faces both briefly showed shock, before collecting themselves. Claire goes to stack shelves with Shane, and Morris and Martin both head into his office. Martin could feel Shane and Claire's concerned looks as he goes in.

“Whatever this is about better be worth my time, Martin,” Morris said, already in his Joja chair on the other side of his desk. Martin awkwardly took the stool on the side and sat on it, feeling like a little boy who got in trouble in class.

“Uh. I'm here to put in my two weeks notice,” he managed to mutter.

Morris blinked, looking stunned. Before he goes back to his usual smug and professional demeanor “Well, what's the reason for you leaving our lovely company?”

“I'm moving far from here,” Martin repeats what his mother had told him, “I won't be able to go to work here anymore, but thank you for the opportunity you've brought me whilst I was working here,”

“So sorry to hear about you leaving,” Morris didn't sound sorry at all, “But if I may ask, where are you moving to? I can help get you a job in any Joja establishment in the area,”

Martin panicked. His mom didn't say anything about this. “U–Uh.. no, it's alright, sir. I don't need your help!” He was always so bad at lying.

“Are you sure? If you continue to work for Joja, there will be reimbursement for university–level schooling,” the idea of working for Joja up until he was in college sends a shiver down Martin's spine.

“I–I'm very sure, sir.”

“Well, if you're so sure..” Morris relented, “I expect to still see you until your last day. There will still be consequences even if you're leaving, such as that extra shift I mentioned earlier.” Martin nods. Morris talked about how he has to return his uniform and the like, Martin just found himself nodding along to what he was saying. His last day on the job will be on next week Saturday.

After their meeting, he found himself walking to his station once more. Claire gives him a brief look of worry as she's dealing with Pam's (at least that's what he thought the scary lady's name) groceries. Martin smiles to reassure her as he heads to his station. He could even see Shane's concerned gaze on him for a brief moment, before he went back to stocking the shelves.

Martin sighs, it was going to be a long day.

“So you're moving away?” Shane asked.

Martin nods. “Yep.”

Everyone, save for Morris, were in the break room for lunch. It was a small room, colored that obnoxious Joja blue, decorated with even more Joja items. There was a small table and chairs that were — you guessed it — Joja made.

“Aww, we'll miss you, little guy,” Sam said, looking sad. Claire and Shane agreed.

Martin smiles, not really used to the feeling that people would actually miss him if he left. A warm and fuzzy feeling forms in his chest.

“Good luck with moving,” Claire said, blowing on the noodles from the instant noodles she got in the store. “… um. Look on the bright side, at least you don't have to work at Joja anymore,”

“Consider it a blessing,” Shane remarks, taking a bite of his Joja pepper poppers. Whether they were stolen or not was unknown to the three. “But yeah, good luck,”

“Make sure you don't forget about us when you're in Sunwest!” Sam smiled before eating some of the lunch Jodi had packed him.

Martin smiles at all of this, and he's a little teary eyed. To think he only has a few days left with everyone and then he'll rarely, if ever get to see them again. And he'll be giving them more of a workload once he leaves. A feeling of guilt washes over him as he looks at his older coworkers.

Martin's day back at Joja was surprisingly uneventful, he didn't get Scary Lady Pam at his station so that was great. The only thing odd about his day was the fact he has an extra shift for tonight.

“Are you sure you'll be fine closing for tonight?” Claire asked. Shane and Sam had already left, leaving the two cashiers alone in the store with their manager.

“I’ll be fine, don't worry about me!” Martin brushed her off, hoping his smile didn't look too forced.

“Martin.. you know you can tell me anything,” Claire says, completely facing him now. “You've been acting off, are you really okay?”

“…” his lips trembles, and he can't look at her in the eye. ‘She's got so much on her plate already, I can't burden her with even more,’ “I'm okay, Claire. Honest. Just.. having a bad day,”

Claire sighs, patting his back. “Again, I'm always here if you want to open up about it,” she turns to the glass doors. “Good night, Martin, I hope you feel better soon.” And she's gone, and Martin begins to do what he's supposed to do. Cleaning the floors, organizing the shelves, and generally just getting the store ready for tomorrow. He and Morris leave at the same time, with the latter locking the store up. Martin took that as an opportunity to walk into town without him.

He looks around the town that he's grown to adore in the dark of night, only illuminated by the streetlights. Martin takes a deep breath and continues his walk to the bus station, hoping he doesn't miss the bus. Out of breath, he managed to board on there before it left. He smiled when he realized that Morris would have to wait for the next bus, he sat down on a seat, exhausted and wishing that he was home much sooner.

Chapter Text

Martin tumbles into his home. He didn't know what time it was. Eight? Nine? Ten He didn't know, and he didn't care. He was tired and hungry.

It was a surprise to him when he saw his mother still up in the kitchen, he took off his shoes and went there. “Mom?”

Martha perked up from her drink. “Oh, hi, honey!” She smiled. “I made you dinner, let me heat it up for you,” she stood up, but Martin stops her.

“Let me do it!” She was probably tired from waiting for him, and he could definitely just do it himself. His mom looked at him, “No, let me do it, you're probably tired from working today,” she replied. Before Martin could protest further, she was already heating up the roasted chicken. “Go and get dressed out of your work clothes, honey.”

“Okay, mom..” Martin went upstairs and did just that. He wasn't in the mood of fighting with her over something trivial, once out of his Joja uniform he goes downstairs, and sees that a plate is ready for him.

“Thank you,” he said as he sat down, blowing on his food as he had been hungrier than he thought.

“No problem, how was work?” She sat down, a cup with a tea bag inside of it in her hands.

“It was.. okay, I guess. I told Morris I'm quitting,” he went ‘hafhafhaf—’ when the food was too hot to be in his mouth causing his mom to chuckle.

“Hungry, huh? I figured,” she smiled, “So, how'd he take it?”

“He tried to get where I was moving too,” Martin swallowed his food, his mom grimaced at that. She didn't like Morris, well, neither did Martin. “I didn’t tell him where we were going,”

“That's a relief, I don't want that.. bas— ahem — bad person to be following us to a new place we can call home,” the kettle whistles, and she gets up to get it. Martin slows down his eating, not wanting a stomach ache.

As his mom pours the hot water into her cup, an floral smell wafts through the air, contrasting with the savory smell of the chicken and mashed potatoes. It was some chamomile and lavender. Probably to help her sleep.

“Yeah,” Martin kept eating, and his mother drank her tea. A comfortable silence fell between the two for a while, the only sound was Martin moving his utensils and his mom sipping her tea and occasionally stirring it.

“Hey, honey..” she started, Martin perked up. “Yeah, mom?”

“Are you doing okay? Has the sudden move.. made you stressed, in any way?” Martin winced at the mention of the move.

“I– uh..” he stuttered. “No..”

His mother's eyebrows furrowed, “You don't have to lie to your own mom,” she said softly. “I can tell when you're not feeling well, mentally or physically.”

Martin sighs, looking at his empty plate and not at his mother. “… okay.. it's making me feel a little stressed,” he could feel her ‘I don't believe that's just it’ look directed on him and he caves. “Okay, okay! I'm… pretty stressed out..”

His mom sighs to herself with a smile, “What's bothering you?”

“I'm.. just trying to adjust, ya know?” Martin said, hugging himself and leaning onto his chair. He would cry, but he's just too tired right now. “I mean.. it's just a lot to take in all at once,”

Martha hums in acknowledgement, sipping her tea. “It is a lot to take in, I don't blame you for feeling stressed and overwhelmed,” she sets the cup down. “Especially considering how sudden it was, just know that I'm always here if you want to talk,”

Martin looks to the side. He can be honest to his mom, right? “I'm just.. I'm just gonna miss going to Pelican Town, you know? I always.. liked it there..” he sighed.

“It's natural to miss things when you move, I know I'll miss life here in the country,” Martha looks out the window, seeing the moon clearly through the window. Martin follows her gaze, wondering if he'll still be able to see it as clearly in the city.

He looks back at his mom, and she turns back to him. “I know you'll miss your coworkers, too,” Martin looks to the side at the mention of them. “So what if we give them a little gift before we move, hm? Something to remember us by,”

Martin perks up at the idea, “That sounds nice, what could we give them?”

“Maybe I can make some of my grilled cheese sandwiches,” Martha suggested, “They don't have any.. dietary restrictions, right?”

Martin shook his head.

“Then it's settled, I'll be giving them some of that,” Martha finished the last of her tea, “You should head to bed, it's late and you need the rest. I'll take care of the dishes, don't worry.”

Martin nods, when he gets up, he hugs her good night and heads to his room to sleep, feeling a lot better.

Wednesday to Friday weren't too exciting, but that didn't make it any less busy! It was mostly just the family tidying up everything to prepare it for whoever bought the house. Mr. Walter wasn't happy about the stuffed animals and books that Martin had packed (the teen was sure that he wanted most of them donated like some of hid books), but kept his mouth shut. He'd been doing that a lot, and Martin wonders when he's going to snap. But for now, there's a fragile peace in the family.

Saturday was when things got interesting. Morris had apparently already found a replacement for him. A pink haired girl with a blonde ombre and tanned skin has gotten a job here. Apparently her name was Grace. Martin may not like Morris, but he has to admit that he works fast and it's kind of admirable.

Claire was showing her how to work the cash register, Martin got a strange sense of deja vu as he watched them. It felt like it was only yesterday he was making the same mistakes as Grace, but a year has passed since then and he wasn't the same Martin he was last spring. He shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking of that right now. He prepared his station for the day, figuring it would be useless for him to just stand there and watch them.

Their day goes on as usual, except that there was three of them now (well, soon to be two again once Martin leaves) their usual customers came in, and Martin hopes that Scary Lady Pam doesn't go to his register. And thankfully, it wasn't her.

“Just these here Joja Colas, boy!” Andy said enthusiastically, the gruff farmer was much more cheerful than he usually was. Maybe harvest season went well for him.

Martin nods and takes the bundle of Joja Colas. “Certainly, sir!” He replied.

Once Andy was gone, Martin was left alone with his thoughts again. ‘Times really are changing, and I just have to live with that,’

“Hey.. what do you think of Grace?” Martin asked Claire.

The two of them were eating outside in the shade of a tree, sitting one of the lunch tables. They decided to take a break from the obnoxious Joja break room and have lunch outdoors. The summer sun was surprisingly tame this noon, there was even a light breeze in the air.

Martin had his usual packed lunch (grilled cheese and some of his own homemade salad!) and Claire had some homemade bruschetta and green tea from Joja, something to wake her up.

“Hm.. I suppose she's rather nice,” Claire took a sip from her tea. “She's very chatty and sociable,”

That she was. Grace talked to all four of them, she seemed generally pleasant and would make for a good coworker. “Yeah.. she's cool, she's even brave enough to talk to Shane!” Martin joked, earning a small smile from Claire.

A comfortable silence fell between the two, once they both finished their food, Claire took out a screenplay of a movie and Martin took out that book his online friends had suggested to him. Turns out that the big twist was that the creature making magical heroes was actually the villian, and that corrupted magical heroes were the ones causing the end of the world. Martin had his doubts first, but he's enjoying it a lot so far! Maybe he'll will make fanart sometime soon. Once everything becomes a little less hectic.

Once again, his day had ended like it always had. He commutes back home with Claire, and walks back home. Once home, he would eat dinner, do the dishes and after that, he was free to do whatever he wanted. But now, he decided to pray, feeling guilty of neglecting Yoba from the stress of everything.

“Dear Yoba, I apologize sincerely for not praying you for the past couple of days,” he had a small the Sign of Vessel in between his clasped hands and he faces the sunset. “Everything had just been so busy lately, and I hope for your guidance when my move eventually comes,” Martin ends his prayer by offering some dried meat by his windowsill. He had to take down his altar now that they're moving.

The rest of the night has him chatting with his online friends and playing that addictive farming simulator again. After that, he went to sleep, feeling a bit better about the days to come.

Chapter Text

The days went by quickly, and the next thing Martin knew, he was handing out those grilled cheese sandwiches his mother had made for his coworkers (including Grace, but excluding Morris) it was strange to think he was leaving for good. After so many years of living in the country, and spending a year in Pelican Town. Now he’s off elsewhere, to a city no less!

“Good luck with the move, Martin,” and the sort was told to him. And he nodded and smiled at them, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach. Was it panic? Anxiety? Martin had no idea, he almost teared up that day. He was moving tomorrow! He couldn't believe it.

His mother had always said that he was a ‘real pollyanna,’ a person who seemingly has unlimited optimism and has a tendency to find the good in everything. And he hopes that attitude will stick with him even if he’ll be in a completely new place.

Now it was late at night, and he and Claire were waiting for the bus to arrive for one last time.

“It was pretty busy today, huh?” Martin said, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

“It was, yes.. honestly, I feel like I could fall asleep on the ride home,” she replies with a smile. Martin nods, “Heh, me too..”

Silence fell between the two for a few moments, before Claire looks at Martin again.

“Martin.. are you okay?” How many times as he been asked that by now?

“Uh, of course I am! Why do you ask?”

“I saw that you looked stressed during lunch.. I’m just.. worried for you,” Claire frowns, “… you can be honest with me, Martin..”

Something that was keeping the tears from flowing broke, and Martin found his eyes getting watery and he quickly found himself crying in Claire’s arms.

He managed to say something through his sobs, “I-I don’t want to go! I don’t-” he sniffed, “w-want to leave you all behind!”

Claire rubbed his back gently as she let him cry. They sat there for a while, letting out everything he had been keeping underneath. All the stress and anxiety, all poured out in his sobs.

Eventually, Martin had gotten a hold of himself. Shakily inhaling and exhaling, he reached out for his handkerchief and blew his nose. Cringing, he just left it at the arm of the bench. He sniffed as he wiped his glasses with his sweater, something he changed into after turning in his Joja uniform. Claire said nothing as he did all of this, waiting for him to start speaking.

"I–I'm sorry.." he mumbled, "I... I didn't know what got over me.. I just..." he trailed off.

"It's alright," Claire said in a gentle voice, "It's good for you to vent out your frustrations, Martin," she was still rubbing his back, but now she offered him some tissues as well. He took some graciously and wiped his eyes.

"Thanks, Claire.. I don't know what I'd do without you," he felt like he was going to cry again, he was going to be without Claire soon. What will he do then?

"It's no problem," she replied, she continued after a pause, "Just know that even if you'll be in a completely different place, I'll always stay your friend,"

Martin smiled at that, "Thanks, Claire.." he sniffed and took a tissue to blow his nose. "Geez.. I must be a huge crybaby, huh?" he joked.

"No, in fact, this is the first time I've seen you cry, Martin," Claire paused again, trying to think of the right thing to say, "You're very strong for crying, it takes a lot of courage for someone to be vulnerable like this,"

Martin could smile again at that. Claire always knew how to make him feel better. "Thanks, Claire, you're the best," he thanked her again. And she said a no problem once more. He tossed the tissues into the nearby trash bin and awkwardly placed the wet handkerchief into a secluded area in his messenger bag.

The bus soon arrived and they both got on, Martin wanted to sit alone this time again, placing on his earphones once more. Claire respected that, and she sat somewhere else again this time.

Crying did make him feel a lot better, and in a strange way, cleared his head. Moving to Sunwest will be scary, but he did have his friends there. It'll be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. He found that the situation he was in was funny, just seconds ago he was sobbing his heart out, and now he was listening to a J‐pop song on the bus. Funny how things end up like that.

He noticed a notification when he went to change the song, it was a message from his online friend.

[djsandybar: DUDE.]

[djsandybar: WE'RE GOING TO SEE EACH OTHER IN PERSON SOOM.....]

[djsandybar: HOW COOL IS THAT!?@?]

Martin chuckled. Well, that's another thing that's cheered him up.

[You: very cool... kinda nervous about moving for real though]

[You: i mean.. i lived my whole life here. It's scary to think I'll be leaving it all tomorrow..]

[djsandybar: oh yeah, i get that]

[djsandybar: don't worry, i'll make sure you'll feel right at home here!]

[djsandybar: (^з^)-☆]

Martin smiled. She always made him smile.

[You: thank you :3]

[You: now i gotta go, i'm a little drained from today]

He didn't really want to chat with anyone right now, but he didn't want to seem rude.

[djsandybar: aight. see you soon bud!!]

Martin chose the song he wanted after letting the others play, it was something loud to keep him up during the bus ride, but he still fell asleep on the ride home.

Sunday was the day of rest. But not for the Walters, well, for today, at least

They were all busy putting things into a U–Haul truck and whatever else into Mr. Walter's car (he refused to use it for anything other than what he deemed important) and once all of that was done, they all went inside the car. All except Martin.

He looked at the house he had lived in for sixteen years. The house that was going to be someone else's house soon too. He wondered if the person moving in felt the same as he did. Excited yet terrified.

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a sharp horn from a car. Martin knew it was time to quit thinking and leave, he went inside the car.

"Took you long enough," his father snapped. His mother gave him a look, and he grumbled, making the car drive ahead.

Martin looked at his neighborhood one last time, he saw Claire on her front lawn opened the window. "Bye, Claire!" He yelled.

She waved goodbye back, "Goodbye, Martin!" and soon, she was gone, just like the library and fields and mountains. He never figured he would miss everything so badly.

Looking out the now closed window, he looked at the big sign at the edge of his town.

Now Leaving Bluebird Town

We hope you enjoyed your stay!

Martin gulped, he did the sign of the Vessel. This was it. This was really happening.. he was leaving for good. He didn't enjoy his stay but he didn't hate it either. It was strange. But he didn't have time to think much about it as even that big, green sign disappeared. He was on a one way trip to Sunwest.

Chapter Text

Act 2 — In Sunwest

It was another morning for Vee. Like any other morning, he usually just just ran out the door right after breakfast and to a park or any other place just to get away from his family. So he tumbled out of bed, his messy, choppy purple dyed hair, was even more messier than it usually was.

Of course, when he got downstairs, his perfect twin sister Yumeka already had her stupid long and flowy hair all nice and brushed. And of course she was helping mom make breakfast. Vee rolled his eyes at the sight.

“Morning,” he mumbled in Japanese. All talk in the household was Japanese. Outside, he could speak English.

His parents regarded him with disappointment. But he was used to it. He was the stupid, lazy, ungrateful and rebellious wild child, after all. He was the scum of the earth to them. Only his perfect and smart and pretty sister greeted him. “Good morning to you too,” Yumeka replied, handing him a plate of toast. It was a pizza toast, not really. As it wasn't a real pizza. It was just a slice of fluffy white bread with tomato sauce, ham, and cheese. (‘Looks like that mom was too lazy to actually cook this time,’ Vee thought)

Vee took the toast and began to eat it. So did everyone else with their own slices of toast.

"I heard.." his mother started. She always found a way to find gossip no matter where she went. "That the couple next door moved and sold their house, and someone new is moving in!"

"No way," Yumeka was always the one to reply when she talked about gossip, she was always invested. “Really? Who's moving in?”

“A family from what I know, they have a boy your age, ####,” she looked at Vee, “You should introduce yourself to this young man, and get yourself a friend.”

Ah. That. His "real" name. Something to match with his sister. Vee's learned to block it out, ignore it, but he always knew that it was "his" name.

It's not like they'd call him by his real real name, which was Vee. They didn't understand. And most likely never will.

Vee rolled his eyes, "Sure," he ate a little more aggressively, earning him a scolding. Not like he cared, anyway. The sooner he was finished, the sooner he can get out of this place he's forced to call a home.

"Come on, Vee! It could be fun." Yumeka said, trying to convince him. This made Vee want to stay away as far as he could from this kid. Whoever they were, they were an enemy to him now.

"Whatever." And Vee placed his plate on the sink, going upstairs. Feeling his parents disappointed gazes at him and his sister's exasperated look.

'Whatever,' he thought. In his room, he combed his hair to make it somewhat neat, even if he couldn't care less what he looked. He figured he'd practice some baseball in the park, or just hang around there and do laps and exercises. That was a routine he made during the summer to keep him busy.

Vee always snuck out the window, because he didn't want to deal with his family, and also because he felt super cool while doing it. He was used to sneaking out, he already knew all the footholds, the places to grab, and the next thing he knew, he was on the ground with his equipment.

As Vee was going to the park, he saw a car and a truck to his left, where that empty house was. He saw the family inside the car and the men helping them move everything inside. He saw that boy his mother mentioned.

Immediately he bristled. That stupid boy his mother mentioned. He looked stupid too. He looked like a dork. With his curly brown hair, blue eyes with red framed glasses, tanned skin and freckled face. He wore stupid clothes. A white t–shirt with black sleeves and cyan, yellow and magenta colored on the front, paired with black shorts and white sneakers. What a nerd. He already hated him and he doesn't even know his name.

Vee turned away, not wanting the attention of this boy or his family. Pulling out his baseball bat placing it over his shoulder. He's not going to listen to his mother. He will never be this stupid boy's friend. Never.

He walked the opposite direction to the house. To the park. He needed to go blow off some steam.

Vee liked to hang out at the park to hit things with his baseball bat, practicing said sport and running.

Right now, he was running. Running around the park, by the trees, feet making the grass crunch, fresh air on his face. He felt good, he'd forgotten about that stupid boy he saw much earlier.

The sun was peaking out of the clouds, now hotter on Vee. Winded and looking for a place to rest, he placed his backpack down by a tree and sat down there, leaning by the tree trunk. Life was so much better when he didn't have anyone around to bother him.

He looked at a group of teenagers his age, a group of boys. They all looked stupid, all laughing and talking like most boys his age did. Always talking about girls and video games and stupid things like that. But they were friends, too, in a way. Vee looked away. He didn't need friends. He was a loner. And he'll always stay a loner. No one would want to be friends with a freak like him.

He looked at his binded chest through his baggy tank top.

Yeah.

No one wants to be friends with a freak like him.

‘What's wrong with me?’ He asked himself as he looked at the leaves above, 'Why am I hating someone that hasn't done anything to me yet?' Maybe that's why he had no friends. He was so judgmental that he scared away potential friends. Why was he thinking like this? He just said he was loner who'll always be alone. What made him change his mind? That stupid boy was making him act and think weird.

Grumbling to himself, he stands up. He needs to get that boy out of his head. Like, what was he even to him!? He was just a stranger. He meant nothing to him. Vee takes his baseball bat and hits a bush. He hits it over and over again, hearing the crunch of the leaves and the branches.

Maybe it was just some clarity from having just woken up, or maybe that guy really was messing with his head. Whatever the case was, he was walking to his local convenience store for lunch, because he knows he isn't welcome at home after that stunt he pulled.

“Hey, ####! Gonna eat a dog for lunch?” Vee heard some voices behind him. Those idiotic jocks from school who always liked to pick on him. You'd think for a city as diverse as Sunwest, there wouldn't be any racist people. Guess Vee was wrong. He turned around, and flipped them off. They acted like it was the biggest offense ever made to him.

‘Trying to instigate a fight. Are they really that bored?’

Vee continued walking, just wanting some food. But those guys followed him. Surrounded him. Sure, they were much taller and bigger, but he was unfazed. He had a baseball bat. He had a weapon. They didn't.

“Wanna do that again, you—” before the head dumbass could continue speaking, Vee had hit him on the side with his bat, and once he was on the concrete sidewalk, he kicked him in the stomach for good measure. All of his lackeys stood around with shock and disbelief. Really, what did they expect to happen?

Vee placed back the bat in his bag, sprinting as fast as he could away from the scene. He just wanted a meal.

He's Vee Tsukasa.

He's sixteen years old.

And he's no ones friend.

Chapter Text

Martin's first impression of Sunwest was that it looked like if you took all the major cities in the world and combined them into one. Every single street sign or shop sign was written in two different languages. Everyone looked so different from each other, it was unlike anything he'd seen in the country, so he couldn't help but look at everything like an awestruck tourist.

Soon, they drove over to a quieter part of the city. A neighborhood. It felt so cramped compared to the wide and vast open fields he was used to, the only boundary there were the mountains. It made Martin a little claustrophobic, from seeing all the tall buildings and the limited space. He almost felt like a bird in a cage.

The car eventually pulled up to a dull looking house squished between two more equally as dull squished houses. Was this how houses work in the city? Were all of them squished together like this? The family went out of the car and walked to the home, the U–Haul men carrying boxes and furniture following them. He swore that he could feel someone staring at him, but the feeling left as quickly as it came.

Martin blinked, and suddenly there was his father barking orders at the poor workers and there was boxes everywhere. He was starving. And tired. He had woken up extra early so there wouldn't be traffic on the way here (Claire had seemingly woken up early to greet him goodbye, which he was grateful for) and now it was time for lunch.

Eventually, the chaos was gone and the moving men had left. Now they were in a house full of boxes and their old furniture. It was strange. It was like seeing an old friend after so long. It was a bit of comfort to Martin.

“Can we have lunch now?” He asked to his mother, who was in the kitchen.

“Sure thing, honey. I'm starvin’,” Martha — his mother — said. “Dan! Do you know any place to eat ‘round here?” She turned to her husband, who grumbled. He always grumbled, and Martin wasn't exactly sure why.

“Yeah. We passed one down the street. We can eat there.” Mr. Walter had said. The three went out, walking by the sidewalk. Martin looked at the buildings all around him. The houses of people, some colorful, some not. Some with messy small yards, and some with tidy ones. Everything was so diverse here, there were probably many people with a face the same as his.

Soon, they reached this place. It was called Sunflower Cafe (the sign had written it in both English and Swedish), decorated appropriately with sunflowers and other sorts of flowers. Plants and the like were abundant. It had a few customers sitting around. It smelt like baked goods, coffee, and flowers.

The three sat down and pulled up a menu, it seems they mostly specialized in baked goods and coffee drinks, but there were also some savory foods as well. Martin had chosen the burger and friends, Martha had gotten a grilled cheese chicken sandwich, and his father chose a simple ham and cheese sandwich.

The waitress went over and took their orders, a little while later, she came back with their meals. The little family ate their food, feeling just a little bit tense as Mr. Walter was there, and both Martin and his mother knew that they'd have to walk around eggshells with him.

“Why so quiet?” He eventually spoke up, “You two are acting like I'll kill you for speaking.”

‘Because you will,’ thought both Martin and Martha as they suppressed the urge to roll their eyes.

“Well, sweetheart,” started Martha (Martin heard some passive-aggression in her voice, it kind of scared him), “What do you want to talk about?” She spoke in he sickly sweet voice.

“Well— I—” Mr. Walter sputtered, he hung his head low. “Forget it!”

More silence between the family ensued, as they finished up eating. Martin couldn't take the awkwardness anymore. He blurted out, “Hey, dad, what's that position you said you were going to get at work?”

“I'll tell you both when we go home,” was all he could say. So much for chatting.

They walked to their house, full, but feeling sour. The mood around them was bitter up until they made their way to their house. Martin heard his phone chime when he got to his barren room.

[djsandybar: when do u think we can meet up?]

Oh, right! He was in Sunwest, his friends are here! That made him feel much lighter. He can meet up with them after he’s done unpacking things, and when he finally gets a breather.

[You: hopefully soon. Maybe like, on Tuesday or something?]

‘Yeah, that seems like a safe bet.’ he'd unpack all of his stuff today, and he'd rest on Monday.

[djsandybar: sounds like a plan. Good luck with unpacking!]

[djsandybar: ( ^-^)ノ∠※。.:*:・'°☆]

[You: thank you :>]

[You: (〝⌒∇⌒〝)]

Now that he placed his phone onto his bedside desk. He looked at the boxes scattered about his room and sighed.

This was going to be a long day.

Vee walked down the sidewalk, boots stomping on the concrete and hands firmly placed in the pockets of his jacket as he sprinted to the convenience store. Fuck, all he wanted was some food, what else is the world gonna throw at him?

“HEY!”

Oh Gods.

Vee quickens his pace, he really didn't want to talk to anyone. But sadly, this mystery person was faster than him. And soon enough he found that a girl a few inches taller than him (he cursed at his Japanese genes) was in front of him. She had thick, wavy ginger hair tied up into two high twin tails, there was a black bat clip in her hair. She had tanned skin, pale blue eyes, a cat-like grin, and an outfit that screamed she was a misfit was in front of him, looking like she was gonna burst with excitement.

“You’re Vee right? You're from my math class!” She said, well, practically screamed at him. She had a noticeable Irish accent.

Vee raised an eyebrow at this girl. Who was she? Why was she up in his business? How did she know his name? He didn't recognize her from any classes he's had. Augh. Annoying. Stupid. Vee shoved her aside. “Leave me alone.” He said, continuing to walk.

But she didn't leave him alone.

“I saw what you did with those guys earlier! And it was super cool—” the mystery ginger girl pestered him insistently, he didn't listen to a word she was talking about, he makes his pace quicker and quicker, but she always caught up with him.

Finally, they were outside the convenience store and Vee snapped at her.

“What!? What the fuck do you want!?” he yelled at her.

She looked briefly stunned before her grin turned into something smaller. “A friend… yknow, some company?” she said that in a more softer voice.

Vee huffed, crossing his arms as he turned to the convenience store doors. His cool and food filled paradise. “I don't want company, besides, you wouldn't want to—”

The mystery girl cut him off, showing a triangular shaped rice ball still in it's packaging. “Well, that, and I also have some onigiri I don't mind sharing,”

Vee turned to her slowly, hunger taking over his logical thinking. “Onigiri?” He repeated.

“Yep! If you want—”

Now came his turn to cut her off. He crossed his arms. “Fine. Hand me one of those, and I'll be willing to chat.”

The two found themselves at the park again, sitting by one of the park benches under the shade of a tree. Vee greedily ate his food, it was sour pickled plum with lightly salted rice, a very basic onigiri, but he couldn't care less.

Now with a more full stomach, he turned to the girl who was sitting next to him, eating her own onigiri.

“So,” Vee spoke, “Who are you?”

“Oh! I'm—” was all he could understand as the mystery girl's mouth was filled with the rice and plum. Vee cringed. And he thought he was a messy eater.

“Okay, stop.” he said to her, “Stop eating with your mouth full, that's gross. Stop being gross.”

She finished her food, and finally made some sense to Vee.

“Well, okay. I'm Michelle O’Reilly! The girl in your math class!” She said. He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. Then she uncharacteristically sighed. “The weird kid?”

Vee's eyes lit up, oh. She was that girl. “Oh.. you're the one who keeps pissing off Mrs. Austin, right?”

Michelle nods. “Yup.”

That made sense to Vee, but why did she even go up to him? He asked her exactly that. “Why befriend me? Come on, I'm not exactly the friendliest,” he gestured at himself.

“But the way you beat up those guys was so cool! The way you swung your bat—” she did a gesture with her hands, “—it was so cool! I need you to teach me how to do it!”

Vee scoffed. He was a loner. He didn't need friends or want them. He'd only hurt Michelle in the long run. Besides, it wasn't anything fancy, it was just some muscle memory from softball coming into play.

“Listen, Michelle,” he said, placing his hands on his head and leaning onto the bench. “I'm not exactly good company, I'm mean and rude.”

“But..” she pulls out four rice balls out her lunch box “I got onigiri...?”

Vee's eyes widened, sitting forward. He turned to her, looked at her lunch box and groaned. “Fine. We can be friends.”

Michelle grinned.

The weird girl and the punk.

Yeah, they can be friends.

Chapter Text

Martin heard muffled yelling from downstairs when he woke up.

It wasn't out of the ordinary that his parents would argue, but he figured they could leave it behind in Bluebird Town. Guess not.

He rolled to his side and covered his ears with his pillow, attempting to drown out the noise. But it was hard to. He heard snippets of the argument.

“But it's so sudden! Daniel—”

“I KNOW IT IS, GODDAMMIT! BUT IT'S ONLY A BUSINESS TRIP, IT WON'T TAKE LONG! END. Of. Story.” Martin heard the slam of a door and the sound of a car rushing forward.

That had woken him up from his sleepy haze, he slowly sat up, wondering what all of that was about. He heard sniffling and crying and someone else's door closing.

Well. That was one way to start his Monday.

Martin slowly sat up and got out of his bed. Not bothering to change out of his pajamas, he went to his mother and father's room and knocked on the door.

“Mom?” he asked gently.

“M–Martin..” her voice was shaking, “Honey.. I'm sorry.. I need time to get myself together first..”

Martin stood there for a bit, before replying. “… okay…” he went downstairs, wondering what breakfast was. If there was any. If there wasn't.. well. Martin shook his head as he went up the stairs. There will be food.

He got to the kitchen and saw that there was some bread and some jam spread. Probably something they bought from Sunflower Cafe. Martin sat down and took two slices of the bread and spread the jam. It was lingonberry, whatever that was.

The jam tasted both tart and sweet, with just a bit of bitterness. The bread tasted fresh, too. It seemed like they just got this recently. Martin had sat there, eating his food. He wondered what happened, his father mentioned something about a business trip. Was he leaving? To where?

He should be sad. But he couldn't bring himself to be. His father, gone? For a few weeks? Maybe even during the entirety of summer vacation? That was exciting for him. Not for his mother, though. Martin's eyebrows furrowed with worry. What really had happened?

He looked at the bread and jam. Maybe he can make something to cheer her up?

Martin knocked on his mother's door again, a small plate with bread and jam spread on it.

“Mom? I got you some breakfast..” the door was open, and he silently went in. He saw that his mother was asleep in her bed. He placed the plate on her desk and covered her with the blanket.

Now he was all alone in his house. His father wasn't there, which was good. But his mother was sad, which was not good. What does he do now? Martin decided to stay in his room. He wasn't in the mood to really go and socialize with his new neighbors.

He went upstairs, and when he checked his phone, he saw that his friends group chat had some new messages.

[djsandybar: yooo. your birthday is on wednesday right? what if we meet on that day..]

[operasheep: It would be nice. I have a persent in mind for you.]

Martin had completely forgot that his seventeenth birthday was only a day away! It felt so surreal. He expected to turn eighteen in Bluebird Town. But here he was, spending his seventeenth birthday in Sunwest.

[You: that sounds good to me guys!! :3]

[djsandybar: me when I have to wait more to see you]

Martin laughed out loud when he saw DJ send a meme. And Sheep of course, was scolding her once more for being so clingy. This day can't be all too bad, right?

He'd spend more minutes talking with his friends and reading. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong between his parents, not just from the fight earlier, but something deeper at play.

He finally got his answer when his mother went downstairs for lunch. She looked tired and frustrated.

“Hey, mom..” Martin started gently, he knew to be careful around her when she got her moods. “Uh.. how are you holding up?”

Martha smiled at him, though it looked strained. “I'm alright, I'm just—” she looked like she was about to punch a wall before she breathed in and out. She went to boil some water, and she took out some tea bags. Probably something to calm her nerve

“—a little.. angry.” she finished, placing the tea bag into her cup. Martin narrowed his eyes at her. “Okay, okay. More than a little angry,” she sighed.

“What happened?”

She sat down, “Your father.. the position he got includes a lot of ‘business trips,’ for whatever reason,” she looks pissed off all over again. “He'll be off to Zuzu City for a few months. He wouldn't tell me how long he'll be gone.. he says that he'll still be sendin’ money to us.. but he didn't even tell me up until this early mornin’!” she rubbed her temples.

Martin winced. He didn't really know what to say.

But before he could say anything, his mother spoke up again. There was something new in her gaze. She looked determined.

“This is the last time I'll be pushed aside by that man. I'm going to leave him.” She gripped the cup tightly.

Finally. Had Yoba answered his prayers at last? He nods and gives her an encouraging grin. “Go get ‘em!”

His mother smiles again, this time more genuine. “I will, I will.. but let's change the subject for now,” she got up and poured the water into her cup. Martin smelt mint and chamomile. “Your birthday is coming up, any plans?”

“Oh! Well, me and my online friends want to meet up..” Martin said excitedly, “We're going to meet up somewhere nearby, since I'm not used to this city yet.”

His mother nods, “That's a good plan..” she trailed off as she looked at the time. “Oh, it's already lunch time! Let me make something,” she stands up and opens the refrigerator, taking out a frozen pizza.

“We should go get groceries soon,” Martin looked at the empty refrigerator before his mom closed it. “Where'd ya get that, anyway?” He asked her.

“Well, there's a small convenience store nearby ran by a real shy man,” Martha placed the pizza into the microwave before going back to sit with Martin, “We could go there to get groceries.”

Martin nods. And she sips her tea. He really didn't know what to do at that moment, this felt like so much to take in. And yet, he felt so much excitement for the days to come as well.

“And Martin?” His mother spoke up, causing him to snap out of his thoughts.

“Uh– yeah?”

His mother's gaze softens. “Thanks for being such a good kid, and for the breakfast earlier. I couldn't eat properly for.. reasons,” she shot a brief glare at the ground, before looking back at him. “And you're already turning seventeen.. keep being a good kid, okay?”

Martin rubbed the back of his neck with embarrassment. “Hehe.. I'll do my best!”

“And keep doing that, too.” after she said that, the microwave beeped, and she took out the pizza. The two of them ate, the atmosphere of the house feeling so much more lighter now that the mold called Mr. Walter was missing.

The day went by pretty normally after that. His mother said she'll start looking into jobs she could get, as she quit her job when she got married. And Martin had plans for the future. The day didn't start out well, but it did becomd better in the end.

Martin finished up his daily prayer to Yoba and went to bed.

Chapter Text

It was a Tuesday morning, and Vee was sitting on the couch and dreading everything that was going to happen today. He was going to go meet that stupid boy next door, and he sure as hell isn't going to be nice to that guy. He's firmly made up his mind on that. Even hanging out with that chatterbox Michelle would be better.

“What do you have against that guy, anyway?” Asked his sister Yumeka, turning away from the TV for a second to look at Vee. “He just moved in, and you're acting like he personally beat you up or something.”

She had a point. Why did she always have a point? Vee crossed his arms, “I just don't like him. Can't a guy not like another guy?”

“Well, of course you can. But you gave Michelle a chance, didn't you?”

Ah. Her. Honestly, that felt like a fever dream. She was weird, but nice. Her optimism was something Vee needed from time to time, even if he wouldn't admit it. “She's different. Mom isn't pestering me about her, now is she?”

“I still think you should give him a chance. I mean, you're going to see each other a lot! You two are neighbors,” Yumeka said, Vee rolled his eyes. “The more you and mom force me, the more I won't follow, you know?”

“Augh, you're so unreasonable! I just wanted to help.” Yumeka grumbles under her breath and turns to the TV again. Vee smiles at his victory. Sure, his sister meant well, but his mom didn't. He didn't want to befriend some guy who his mom thinks will fix him and turn him into a good student. No. He isn't going to allow that to happen.

“####! Come on, let's go!” His mother was at the front door, scrutinizing his outfit which consisted of his usual baggy shirt, ripped jeans and converse. Vee sat up walking alongside his mother like he was being dragged to his execution.

The summer sun was surprisingly mild today, covered by a large blanket of clouds. Vee liked this kind of weather too. His mother spoke to him before she rang the doorbell.

“Now remember, be polite to this family,” she lectured. Vee rolled his eyes. “Yes, ma'am.”

She rang the doorbell, there was some noise inside before a woman who looked to be around his mother's age opened the door. She was white, with her bright brown hair tied into a ponytail draped on the side of her shoulder. She had green eyes, and a dress suitable for summer.

“Oh! Hello, how can I help you today?” She asked.

“Well, I'm you next door neighbor—” Vee mentally checked out of this conversation, opting to look at the clouds, instead. It looked like it was going to rain. He really hoped he wasn't stuck with this loser when it does.

“####, hello?” his mother snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Yeah?” he asked.

“Go on inside, your new friend is waiting!”

Just his bad luck, huh? He grumbled as he went inside, the two women decided to chat more in the dining room. He found him sitting on the couch in the living room. That stupid boy. He had the dumbest of smiles on his face.

“Hi, you must be ####?” He asked. Vee bristled.

“It's Vee. I'm no girl, am I?” he snapped, he didn't want to sit next to him, but it was better than standing up and getting his mom's attention. He sat down on the other edge of the couch.

The other boy looked a little nervous. Good. “Uh, well, Vee.. I'm Martin,” he said. “Nice to meet you.” He still smiled at him. It was annoying. Why did Vee think it was cute? This Martin boy was truly making him think weird.

“Whatever.” and he turned away from him. And Martin looked like he didn't know what to do.

“Uh.. so. What do you like to do?” he asked, Vee's eye twitched.

“I do sports,” he replied dryly.

“Really? I like to write,” Martin smiled at him, making Vee even more irritated. “What sports do you play?”

“Baseball.” why was he even giving this guy his answers? Hasn't he gotten the hint that he just does not want to talk?

“Baseball? That's cool,” Martin said, scooting a little closer. Oh, Gods. No. “What position do you play?”

“I don't play for a fucking team yet,” snaps Vee, glaring at Martin. “Stop talking to me.”

Martin, startled, flinches back. He looked to the side. “Ah.. sorry..” he turned away from Vee.

‘Good. Stay that way. Stay away from me, you weirdo,’ Vee turns away from him, crossing his arms and ignoring the storm of feelings brewing inside of his stomach. Yes. Martin was making him think weird. He is never going to like this boy.

Awkward silence falls between the two. Vee looks away from him, he really, really, doesn't want to keep chatting. And he made it pretty clear. But still, they're here for as long as their mothers keep chatting. Maybe he shouldn't have snapped like that. Martin was only trying to make friends.

Vee felt a little bad, he crossed his arms and legs, still facing away from the other teenager across the couch. Oh, well. He made his decision. He'll never be Martin's friend and he'll never apologize. Michelle was probably the only exception he'll ever have.

Still, he felt Martin's gaze on him from time to time. He must still feel unsure about Vee, or probably how to approach him. Vee turned to him. “Quit staring at me, curly!”

There he saw Martin bristle, that was good. Now the feeling was mutual.

“####! Come on, it's time to leave,” his mother called. Thank the Gods. Vee quickly got to his feet and the two of them left. Vee was glad to be out of the house with the weird boy who gave him weird thoughts and feelings.

“What did you think of ####?” Asked Martha, stirring her tea. Both her and the other woman seemed to have been so deep into conversation that they didn't notice the tension between him and Vee.

“Well, his name is Vee. And I think they're a massive jerk,” Martin looked gloomy as he sat down. “He teased me about my hair..” his hair had always been a sensitive topic. See, in his town that was full of people with straight hair, his curly head was a point of talk and in some cases, teasing.

His mother immediately frowned, “Well, that's not very nice,”

“And I was only trying to be nice! What was his deal, huh!?” Martin said, frustrated. “I hate that we're neighbors, at least with shitty customers, I can only see them twice a week. Not like this asshole..” then he covered his mouth with his hand, looking a bit red. “Oh.. sorry about my language..”

“No, it's fine, when we're pissed, we tend to have.. a less than clean vocabulary,” his mom said, Martin took a cookie from the small confectionery box that the woman gave them. The only good thing to come out of this encounter. “Let's hope we don't see that jerk any time soon, yeah?” She smiles at him.

“Yep. I hope so too.” Martin took a bite from his cookie, he did feel bad for being so mad. But that Vee person clearly didn't want to be friends and just wanted to act like a bully, so he stopped feeling so bad.

“Well, speaking of customers,” Martin spoke up after a while, after he finished his small treat. “I want to get a job here, to help out!”

His mother was looking for jobs to have another income besides his father's, he'd supposedly send money to them while he's away. But it was hard to find any stay at home positions so she could rest while she was pregnant. So Martin had to step up, of course!

Martha looked at him as if he'd grown a second head. “That's a nice sentiment, sweetie, but you really don't have to, you know?”

“But I want to! This is different from my old job, I only got it because my dad forced me to get it. This is different, I'm choosing to get a job now!” Martin argued back stubbornly, before softening his voice. “Please, mom.. let me help. With a job, you don't have to worry about my allowance, you only have to worry about the bills and stuff.”

She looked at him with an indescribable expression, before she sighed, figuring she couldn't argue with a son just as determined and stubborn as she was. She knew that he was just a kid who wanted to help out in anyway he can. “Okay.. okay.. you can go get a job,”

Martin's face lit up, his mother continues. “I'm just.. concerned, honey. This isn't like Bluebird Town or Pelican Town, this is a city! And it's dangerous here, especially in the center of the city, just promise me you'll be careful out there.”

Martin nods, “I will! I promise! I'll be super careful and safe, I swear.”

“I know you will.. just checking..” his mother shakes her head with affection. “Oh, my sweet boy.. what am I going to do with you?”

Martin sticks his tongue out playfully, “Maybe you can go get me a car for my birthday,”

“Nice try,”

“It was worth a shot,”

She winks at him, “Maybe I can get your dad to hand over his car during the divorce,” Martin laughed. And she laughed. The visit from Vee and his mother already forgotten, and Martin's gloomy mood disappeared for the rest of the day, now feeling excited for tomorrow, his seventeenth birthday, and the day he'll meet his online friends. He could hardly wait!

Chapter Text

Wednesday was Martin's birthday.

When he woke up, he found that his mom had prepared breakfast in bed for him, which consisted of an omelette and some orange juice.

“Happy birthday, honey,” she greeted, and Martin had hugged her. “Thank you!”

And it wasn’t just her, his friends have also greeted him.

[djsandybar: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

She sent a bunch of emojis after that message, making Martin chuckle. After that message, he got another one.

[operasheep: Happy birthday, you are now 17 years old. Congratulations.]

To think he’ll be seeing them today! That he’ll know their real names and faces.. it was truly surreal. Martin excitedly got ready for the day and exited the house for the park with an extra spring in his step.

“So.. what do you think this guy is like?” asked Salma, looking at the cake they’d gotten their mystery friend.

They’d set up everything by a shaded part of the park, the molten chocolate cake they’d gotten was still in it’s plastic container to prevent bugs from crawling all over it, and their presents were around the cake.

“Well, I just hope they’re just as sweet in real life as they are online,” Audrey, her friend, replied. “And preferably not a thirty year old man.”

Truth is, the two of them had been friends for a long time beyond the screen, whoever their online friend was is the outsider. Salma, or djsandybar as she was known online, had been the one to befriend him when they played an online game together. She introduced him to Audrey (AKA operasheep), and the rest was history.

“What if he was though..” Salma said, making her voice seem like she was in super deep thought. “And what if he was a Gotoroan prince who was going to give us a million gold for us being kind to him?”

Audrey gave her a look of irritation, but Salma knew it wasn’t genuine. She knew her friend was used to her antics. (And deep down, liked them) “Are you serious? It’s not like Gotoroan royalty just goes online and picks random people to give them money.”

“But hey! It’s a possibility, right?”

“A very rare one.”

“Still a possibility.”

“Right, and pigs can fly.”

Salma would continue bickering, but that’s when she saw someone approaching their spot. A teen. Was that their friend?

‘Maybe we should’ve revealed our faces first before meeting up.. why did we think keeping ourselves anonymous until this point would be fine?’ Salma thought, before jumping up without a second thought of maybe this was the wrong guy. ‘You only live once.’

“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAN!” she yelled. Salma knew that beside her, Audrey already had her face in her palm.

The mystery boy blinked, and Salma felt embarrassment starting to creep up on her, but thankfully, they’d gotten the right guy. “Uh.. are you two djsandybar and operasheep?” he looked a bit embarrassed saying that aloud.

Audrey, the only brain cell haver, stood up herself and spoke up. “Yes, yes we are. And I take it you’re the birthday boy?”

The guy grinned, “Yes! Uh.. I’m Martin. You probably know me as YouReadingNerd.”

“Well, hello, Martin. I’m Sheep, but you may call me Audrey,” she then pointed at Salma with her thumb. “This knucklehead is DJ, and her name’s Salma.”

Salma poked her arm, “Hey!” she then turned to Martin, “But yeah, all she’s said is true. Nice to meet you, Martin guy! Up top!” she held out her dark brown hand for him to high five, which he then did.

“Nice to meet you too, well, both of you.” Martin smiled, he sat down across from them in the picnic table. His eyes widened when he saw the cake and the presents. “You guys.. actually got me cake and presents?”

“I mean, duh! What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t?” replied Salma.

Martin’s eyes swelled with tears, and for a moment, both she and Audrey worried they did something wrong. But Martin smiled, so they knew it was happy tears. “Thanks, you two..”

“No problem, now let’s have some cake, yeah?” said Salma, placing the cake in front of Martin, who wiped his tears with his handkerchief.

“Yeah, let’s have some cake!”

Martin was pretty glad that his online friends were such kind people. Salma liked to joke around, and Audrey was there to keep things grounded. The fact that he has real life friends now was still so unreal to him, just like the fact he was seventeen and the fact he was so far from home now. From Claire. He still misses her, and wished she was here, celebrating with him, but it was a work day, and she’d probably feel awkward hanging around a bunch of teenagers.

“Hey, want to open your presents now?” asked Salma, snapping him out of his thoughts. Salma had worn a light green hijab with a summer flower clipped onto it, she had dark brown skin and bright brown eyes. She wore a modest dress that covered her up and kept her cool.

Martin nods, “I hope you didn’t follow up on your promise of giving me a pouch of worms for my birthday?” he looked at her warily.

Salma had a mischievous look her eye, and on her grin. “Maybe.”

“Don’t listen to her, she’s only messing with you,” spoke up Audrey. She had long, curly dark brown hair tied up to a braid she kept over her shoulder, her hair was kept back by a pale blue headband. She had hazel eyes that looked like a pale green, her skin was bronze against her pale blue collared shirt, she wore white shorts and sneakers. “If she had brought you that, I would know.”

Martin smiled, he could trust Audrey’s words. “I guess there’s only one way to find out for sure,” he picked up one of the wrapped gifts.

“Oooh.. that one’s mine!” Salma said, “Open it, it’s got worms!”

Audrey looked at her. “How on earth is that going to make him want to open it?”

“Who isn’t excited by worms?”

“Me.”

“Your loss.”

Martin carefully took off the wrapping paper and saw that it thankfully wasn’t a pouch of worms. (Knowing Salma, she might’ve actually went with it) but instead, it was a medium sized yellow Junimo plush. “Aww.. I love it!” he hugged it close. “Thanks!”

Salma rubbed the back of her neck, looking a bit embarrassed. “No problem, now open Audrey’s, she’ll get pissy if you don’t,”

Audrey gasped as if her dignity had been challenged, “Excuse me? I will not, what kind of person do you take me for? Besides, my present is the only one left, anyway.”

Martin placed the plush down and took out the other present, it was considerably smaller than the first one. He unwrapped it and found that some books were inside, Audrey spoke up.

“I figured you might want some new books for your collection, so here are some that I think you’ll enjoy.” she said.

“Thank you.” Martin smiled at her. He felt like he was going to cry all over again, these two really took time out of their days to get him something he’d like? He felt so loved.

After the gift opening, Martin a Junimo plush and a bunch of books in his arms. They’ve decided to go to the movies for some new movie that was premiering today. And on the bus ride there, he discovered that she and him were neighbors! At least he has a good one. Audrey, sadly, lived in the center of Sunwest and was not a neighbor of theirs.

Speaking of Audrey, she offered to pay for tickets. According to Salma, she's rich, despite the other's protests that she wasn't.

“What are you going to get from the snack bar?” Martin asked Salma, who had a smug grin as he asked that, Martin was beginning to think was just her default face.

“Get? No, I have my own snacks.” she replied cryptically.

“You better not smuggle a whole cake in there like you did before.” Audrey said, fixing her a stern look. Salma gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her face. “How dare you assume I'll repeat my past actions!”

“Because you always repeat your past actions.” Audrey deadpanned.

“You smuggled a cake into the theater?” asked Martin with wide eyes. Salma nods as if she were a sage.

“Ah, the good ol’ Cake Incident of ‘19.. I remember that like it was yesterday..” she said solemnly, “It was my biggest stunt yet.”

“That did not happen during 2019, and that wasn't your biggest stunt and you know it.” Audrey replies, not without her signature snark.

“Ooh.. yep. That would be the school speaker thing.”

“The school speaker thing?” parroted Martin. Wow. His friends lead a much more exciting life than he's ever had. Sadly, he never got an answer to what ever that was, as Salma exclaimed; “Oh, we're here!”

The three stood in front of a movie theater aptly titled ‘Sunwest Theater’ it looked like the old timey move theaters that Martin would see on television, with the white striped thing that displayed the titles that were currently showing in big, black, capital letters. Right now, it was showing ‘Journey of the Prairie King: The Motion Picture’ an was the adaptation of the popular game, Martin's heard about it on the Internet, and it was good reviews.

The trio went to get their tickets, Audrey paid for them, and they went to go inside, and taped on the glass doors of the entrance, Martin saw a poster that caught his eye.

‘SUNWEST THEATER IS NOW HIRING!’

Chapter Text

On the same day of Martin's day out, Vee and Michelle were in one of the city's junkyards. Vee was hitting metal cans with his bat, and Michelle sat on the roof of a rusted, broken car, watching and listening to her friend both hit things and ramble.

“That stupid guy's making me feel..” Vee paused for a bit, really considering what this Martin guy meant to him. Before he yells out, “.. stupid things!” He hits the can extra hard, leaving a dent on it as it tumbles onto the dead, dry ground.

Michelle watched the can, “… what kind of stupid things?” She asked tentatively. Vee picked up another metal can, and placed it on top of an empty can that used to contain gasoline.

“I‐I don't know!” He hits the can again, it tumbles again. Michelle hums, as if she knew something. “… maybe it's either you hate the guy or..” she paused, “Well, I can't really say the other option, because you'd hit me with your bat.”

Vee was about to hit a can, but he paused when he heard Michelle's words. He turned to her, “No, say it. You got me curious.” Now, Vee placed their bat on top of their shoulder, their free hand was shoved into the pocket of their ripped jeans.

“Noooo.. nooooo.. I don't want to risk it, we're not that close yet.” Michelle sweats, she looks like she's trying not to say what she really wants to say. That was fair, but Vee wanted to know what she thought. His eyes narrow as he looks up at her from the car.

“If that's the case, then.. what about we try and get to know each other more?” He suggests, climbing on top of the broken car to sit next to her.

“Sure. Maybe something like.. two truths, one lie?”

Vee nods, “Okay. So you start?”

Michelle looked deep in thought for a bit, “I have many girlfriends before, I made everyone think I had a tattoo when it was just a fake tattoo, and I've kissed a man.”

Vee furrowed his eyebrows as he went deep in thought. Michelle didn't look like she'd kiss a guy. And the other two seem just slightly more possible than the last statement, so he said, “The lie is that you've kissed a man?”

Michelle made finger guns, “Ding, ding, ding! You got it right!”

Vee looked confused, “You've had multiple partners, how?”

“Hey, just ‘cause I'm a loser doesn't mean I don't have any relationships, okay?” She poked Vee's shoulder, and he rolled his eyes.

“Okay, fine,” it was his turn now, and he wondered what he could say. He didn't know what to say, he didn't find himself particularly interesting. He just said this, “I like spicy food, I do laps when I'm nervous, and my brother's prison.”

Michelle paused, Vee could practically see the gears in her mind turning before she chirped up again. “Your brother's in prison!”

Vee nods, “Yeah, he's in college.”

“Is he not attending here?”

“Nope. He's gone abroad.”

“Good for him!” Michelle leaned back, and Vee did as well. The sun wasn't as bright as it usually was on summer days, and it was cloudy. Vee wondered if it'll rain one of these days. He hoped it did. The rain was always nice.

“Alright, your turn to guess!” Michelle said once more, and Vee looks at her. “I’m obsessed with bats, I like thinking like a child, and I dont have the best parents,” she said.

Vee thinks for a bit. Weird kids usually didn't have the best parents, but despite how ‘weird’ Michelle was, she was relatively well adjusted. But she does think like a kid and she does have that bat clip. A difficult choice. “… uh.. you don't have the best parents?”

“Yep.”

Vee blinked, “Huh.” well shame on him for assuming everyone's parents were just as bad as his. And before he could say anything, a piece of paper smacks him in the face. Grumbling angrily to himself, he takes off the paper and saw that it was some kind of flyer. And on it, in big, bold letters said;

‘SUNWEST THEATER IS NOW HIRING!’

His eyes widened, he wanted a job so he could save up and eventually move out of his house.

Michelle looked over at him curiously, “What'cha got there?” She asked.

“My one way ticket out of here.” Vee replied.

“… what ticket?”

Vee was a little embarrassed. He can't be cryptic like that, “It's a poster looking for workers, I'm going to apply,” he handed the flyer to Michelle, who read over it.

“Can I go with?” she asked.

“Sure.”

On the day of the interview, Michelle was gliding by with her heelies, and Vee walked behind her. It was early in the morning, and the sun was still calm on their skin. Vee was still a little sleepy, even with the coffee his sister brewed. He wondered how the hell Michelle was so bubbly this early.

On the other hand, Martin, Salma, and Audrey were also walking side by side to the movie theater. All of them seemingly got a little boost from coffee, Salma was chatty as usual, and Audrey took none of her shit. Martin was feeling particularly great about this job offer. At least it wasn't Joja Mart, right?

“I'm here for the job interview.”

Martin and Vee said at the same time to the hiring manager. They looked at each other with shock, which soon turned to horror.

Looks like they'll be on the same team.

And they're both really, really not happy about it.

Chapter Text

Act 3 — At Sunwest Theater

On one hand, Martin was glad he got the job. And he got to work with his friend, Salma!

On the other hand, he hated the fact he was now coworkers with Vee.

He thought that maybe this was just a petty rivalry, but Vee hasn't shown him any sort of sign of apologizing or even being friendly towards him, so Martin just decided that he'll return the same energy to him.

But right now, he was at Sunflower Cafe to cool down with Salma (and to also celebrate the fact that they both got jobs now, according to Salma, anyway) Audrey couldn't come because her father said she needs to study for the next school year's curriculum.

“Don't you think it sucks how much our parents want to control us?” asked Martin, stirring the iced mixed fruit juice he'd ordered with a straw. “Well, my mom is chill, but you already know about my dad.”

‘That was another funny thing,’ Martin thought, ‘I confided my family issues to people that I didn't even know physically, was I really that lonely?’

Salma nods, stirring her own iced matcha latte. “I mean, my mom is also chill, but she also kinda pressures me to get a high paying career. I guess that's just me with my ‘child of an African immigrant experience’ though,” she shrugs, taking a sip from her latte. Martin always wondered how she even likes matcha. The grass–like smell had always deterred him from drinking or eating anything flavored matcha. Salma continues, “Speaking of your dad, where is he?” her eyes darken, “I have a promise I have to fulfill.”

Martin laughs a bit nervously, not used to this side of Salma. He wondered if she was serious or if she was joking as usual. “Uh.. well my dad left for a business trip out of the city.” He takes a sip of his now fully mixed drink, and a whole bunch of sweetness aand coldness hits his mouth like a truck. But he loves it regardless.

Salma narrows her eyes, “He really left his pregnant wife and underage son all alone in a new city?” She pauses to take a sip of her drink again, looking pissed off. “Man, that guy is going to wake up with a bunch of worms crawling around him one day.”

Martin once again wondered if she was referring to a pouch of worms dropped onto his father, or if she wanted to bury him alive in her garden. He didn't mind either options. Still, he felt tense around around a serious Salma.

She must've sensed that as she follows this up with, “Anyways, on a lighter note, we shouldn't be talking about that dickhead. We should be celebrating! We got the jobs, didn't we? Cheers!” Salma went back to her cheerful demeanor, making Martin let go of the breath he didn't know he was holding. She placed her plastic cup up, and Martin clinks it with his.

In the center of town, Audrey was spending this very same day in her room, lying on her bed and hugging a large snake plush tightly, trying not to cry.

Earlier in the day, she'd asked her father if she could go with her friends. Here's what he had to say;

“No. You already disobeyed me once from not answering your phone the first time. And you've had enough fun yesterday, you are not going.”

Audrey's eyes widened at that, “But.. I don't have anything else to do today. I don't have any tutors scheduled today.”

“Did you finish reading all your textbooks?”

“Yes. Twice, back to back.”

“Then I'll get you next year’s ones and you can get started on that.”

She'd yelled at him then, it was a bad move now that she looks back on it. What had gotten into her in that moment? She usually had more control on her emotions than that. “WHY ISN'T ANYTHING I DO GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!?”

And he'd slapped her across the face. Not the first time he'll do it. Not the last one either.

“DON'T YOU YELL AT ME YOU STUPID, EMOTIONAL, UNGRATEFUL GIRL! GO TO YOUR ROOM BEFORE I DO SOMETHING WORSE!” His hands inched towards his belt. And Audrey wiped the tears that were falling from her face and ran to her room.

That's how she ended up in the situation she was now, lying in bed with a sore cheek. One of her father's maids were probably going to cover the bruise left with makeup. And no one will know what happened today. No one will know what happened to the ‘perfect and smart girl from the Bell family’.

She turned away from her wall and came face to face with a portrait of their family, well, before everything. With Mr. and Mrs. Bell (when she was still alive) and her stupid older brother when he was just a young child. She hated him. If it weren't for him, maybe she would've been adopted into a kinder family, and she wouldn't be burdened with his role in the family, and his family name. It was irrational, sure, Ruben probably left for a good reason. But Audrey was tired of always using her head. Can't she feel her heart for once?

After a while, Audrey eventually decided to stop moping in her bed and get up. She shook her head as she wiped her tears. She's not going to do nothing. She'll do something. And it wasn’t going to be studying next year's textbooks. She saw that there was a text from her friends. It was a photo of Salma and Martin at Sunflower cafe with the message; ‘wish u were here!!! (　＾▽＾)!!!!!’

She really doesn't deserve them, reacting with a heart on the message. With some newly found determination, she types back;

[You: I'm going to apply for a job in Sunwest Theater.]

It was an early Monday morning, the sun was barely up, people around her looked like zombies, and it was time for her first ever job at the movie theater. She felt the wind on her face and adrenaline pumping through her. This was going to be exciting!

Michelle glided past Vee as he jogged next to her, trying to make himself energized for the day ahead. And maybe calm his nerves? She didn't know, and Vee wouldn't tell her. “Nervous?” She asked playfully.

Vee gives her a glare, “No.”

She gives him a look. Like she was going to believe that. “Really?”

“Really.”

Michelle glides on forward, “Tired?”

“No.”

“You're really stubborn, you know that?” She grins, picking up her speed. Vee curses under his breathe as he catches up.

“I know.” He replies, sounding not a bit winded. Or maybe he was trying to hide it. One thing Vee was good at was keeping his walls up and making them tough to break. Sadly for him, Michelle was just as stubborn and determined as he was. She will break them if that Martin guy doesn't first.

“Race you to the theater!” She exclaims, nearly bumping into a group of men in suits. She sheepishly yelled an apology at them. Vee, ran right through them unapologetically.

“You're on!” He yelled back, picking up his pace.

They raced through the city, probably looking insane to the bystanders around them. Michelle bumped into some people again even if she tries not to, but Vee just powers through them like an angry bull. Soon, they got closer to the theater.

Michelle turned around with Vee right behind him. “Hah! I'm gonna—” before she could finish, she bumped into someone, making her and that stranger fall onto the sidewalk.

“Oops– sorry!” She quickly scrambles to her feet, and reaches out a hand to help him up, but she sees that it was a familiar face.

Martin.

“Michelle! Are you..” Vee stopped, he looked at the boy down on the ground and his rare concerned face turned into disgust. “Augh.”

Martin got up, with the help of Michelle's helping hand. “Good morning to you too,” he says with sass, then turns to her and genuinely thanks her for the help, he then goes to his friend and they go inside the theater.

Michelle looks at Vee, “Are you ready?”

Vee grumbles something under his breath, “Let's just get this stupid day over with.”

And they went inside as well.

Chapter Text

Martin recalls speaking to his mother about something regarding Vee.

“Is it wrong that I don't have anything good to say about him?” Martin had always seen the positive in everyone, but he was struggling to find anything worthwhile in the rude and vulgar Vee. And because of that, he worried that he wasn't living up to being a ‘pollyanna’.

“Well, sometimes we really can't find the good in anyone. Sometimes, someone truly is rotten,” his mother replied, and after moment, she said, “I think that there might be something redeeming about Vee, but it's up to you if you want to uncover that.”

And he can't stop thinking about her last few words. Was there anything good about Vee? After he'd looked at him with disgust earlier, he was beginning to think his mother was wrong. Parents can be wrong too! Vee was making him really think weird thoughts. He's never felt this way towards anyone.

‘This feeling must be hatred, right?’ It must be. He's never truly hated anyone before, but there's a first time for anything. Martin knew what that feeling was. Loathing. Thankfully, that feeling was mutual.

But right now, he wasn’t thinking about Vee, he was trying to wrap his head around everything in work. It’s training day, much like the one he had in Joja Mart. Instead of bagging groceries, though, he was going to be making food in the concessions stand with Michelle (he’d only found out her name from overhearing a conversation with Vee). Now, she is Vee’s friend, but she hasn’t done anything outragous, she even helped him get up when he fell onto the sidewalk! (Granted, she was the one who made him fall, but still!)

They were currently being trained by Jill, a dark skinned Aboriginal woman who seemed to have the biggest Afro the world’s ever seen tied back with a golden ribbon. She looked friendly, with a big grin on her face. She has a gap between her teeth, just like he does!

“Are you two ready for your first day?” she asked.

“Yes!”

“Yep!”

“Alright, go on and wash your hands and put on your aprons. I’ll teach you two how to take orders, make orders, and how to use the cash register.”

The two followed Jill’s instructions, and they both went behind the counter where she was at.

“Okay, so. The concession stands are open as soon as the store does, so you have to make sure the place is tidy and ready before opening. The menu is written on the on wall over there,” she pointed at the menu which seemed to be written on a chalk board, “When a customer comes and orders, make sure you smile and greet them. Once a customer places an order, write it down on this computer, then write it down on these slips of paper,” she gives them two pastel yellow sticky notes. “These will be your guide when making something for the customer. Did you get all that?”

Martin and Michelle nod.

“Alright! Now let me teach you two how to use the popcorn stand..”

‘Being on the clean up crew wasn’t all too bad, even if we are glorified janitors.’ Vee had decided. He was stuck with one of Martin’s friends, though. She was also a neighbor of his, he just forgot her name. That was a bummer. But.. maybe she’s nicer than she seems? ‘At least I don’t have to speak to other people, well, other than my coworkers.’

The person training them gave them a time table, detailing the times before people will come in, and after they leave, so that they don’t start cleaning when people are there. Usually, Vee hated having to listen rules, but he really needed this job, so he’ll bite his tongue and just work towards his first paycheck to freedom.

So now, he was cleaning up popcorn, and Salma was picking up trash. The person training them, a rather anxious brown haired German man named Otto, was mopping the floors. Vee wonders how the hell screening rooms can get this dirty if all the people are doing is just sitting down and watching a movie.

Now he has a bag full of popcorn and god knows what else, Vee sure as hell isn’t going to look. Martin’s friend seems to silently agree with him as she’s placing wrappers and all sorts of other trash into the trash bag. The two haven’t spoken to each other the whole time they’ve been there.

“So, you’re Vee?” she asked.

“Uh. Yeah.” Vee replies, huffing as he tosses the bag into the dumpster.

“Neat, I’m Salma.” she extends a gloved hand to him, and Vee looks at it suspiciously.

“No way am I going to shake your hand after cleaning.”

“But you’re also wearing gloves?” Salma looks confused.

“Still. I don’t want extra germs.”

“Pfft— extra germs? Come on! A handshake won’t hurt..” Salma has a smile on her face, which doesn’t make Vee trust her.

“You’re making it seem like you’re some demon offering me something in exchange of my soul.” Vee crossed his arms.

“I offer friendship in exchange of a handshake. I won’t even take your soul, besides, we’re coworkers now, we might as well become friends.”

Vee figured he might as well, he sighs and shakes her hand. Salma grins like the Cheshire Cat. “Be the yee to my haw.. the PB to my J..”

“Stop. We need to go to work.” Vee starts to walk without her, but he now knows that Salma isn’t as bad as Martin, at least. A lot funnier, too, probably. He has no intention on getting closer to the guy he hates so much it could be described as loathing.

“Aye-aye, captain!” Salma said, quickly catching up with him due to how much bigger she was. Seriously, how was she like, six foot something at sixteen!? Vee curses silently at his Japanese genetics. At least he has his high heeled boots.

Joja Mart was a different place compared to the movie theater, there, Martin stood on his feet with few to little customers coming in each day. Here, he still stood on his feet but now with more customers and more things to do. Like filling up soda cups, making popcorn, serving candy and other sorts of snacks to customers. It was a little stressful, and he was sure he made a lot of mistakes as well.

He wasn’t alone, though, he had Michelle on the second counter, who was equally struggling as he was. But somehow, her cheery smile didn’t fade one bit. In a way, it reminded Martin of himself.

Now in the break room and eating their lunches, Michelle decided to introduce herself fully to Martin.

“So you’re Martin?” she asked through a moutful of her sandwich.

“Uh. Yeah, why?” Martin takes a bite of his own grilled cheese sandwich.

“Cool! I’m Michelle! Wanna be friends?” she swallows her food and flashes him a cat-like grin. “Since you know, we’ll be working together, we might as well get along.”

Martin thought about it, Michelle seems kind enough, not at all like Vee. He wouldn’t mind being friendly with her. He swallows his food and smiles at her.

“Sure thing.”

Michelle beams. And Martin thinks that working here won’t be too bad, even with Vee around. At least Audrey will be joining them on Friday!

Chapter Text

Martin received a letter from Claire today.

Sure, they'd been maintaining contact with their phones, but the two of them liked anything classical. And what's more classic than being each other's pen pals?

He was smiling ear to ear when he received his first letter from her! He went to open the envelope, which was even sealed with wax! Martin slowly and gently opened it, the letter was neatly folded within. Taking out the crisp paper, he was greeted by Claire's familiar cursive.

‘Dear Martin,

I hope this letter finds you well! I'm glad you're settling in well in Sunwest, and that you got the job. But please do take care of yourself,’

Martin smiled fondly, he could imagine her by her desk and writing this at night under the light of her desk. He doesn't deserve a friend like Claire.

‘it's great that you met your online friends. And even more great that you all get along. As for my life here, Grace has proven to be a great coworker and a good friend,’

Martin couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, it almost felt like Claire was replacing her. He shook his head, he shouldn’t be jealous. He should be happy she’s making new friends! He kept reading.

‘Joja Mart hasn’t changed. Neither has our town, but Mr. Smith says he misses you a lot, and so does the local librarian, she appreciates all the books you’ve donated,’

He never thought that he’d be missed that much, but a warm feeling spreads in his chest.

‘Pelican Town seems more appealing by the day, I can see why Grace moved in. I hope you feel the same about Sunwest, and good luck with your new job! —Signed, Claire.’

And that’s the end of her letter, so many things seem to be happening. It was nearly the last week of June, but it felt like it was only yesterday he was living in his small town and working at Joja Mart alongside Claire, but he’s here in a new city. He met his long time friends, made a new enemy, got a new job, his dad’s gone.. Martin could barely catch his breath. Claire’s going to get a very long letter back.

He folds the letter back into the envelope and places it down on his desk. He doesn’t feel like writing for now, he just wants to take a bit of a breather. Maybe he’ll hang out with Salma. Nothing much is probably happening to her on a Tuesday afternoon. He takes out his phone and texts her.

[You: hey salma （＾∀＾●）ﾉｼ]

Almost instantly, he gets a text back.

[djsandybar: haiii ヾ(•ω•`)o]

[You: wanna hang out?]

[djsandybar: ouugghhh.. i can’t rn. i gotta go do some errands with my mom :(]

Well, there goes that idea. It’s not like he can ask Audrey as she’ll be busy too. Maybe he can ask Michelle? He has her number after all, she got it from yesterday.

[You: oh okay byeee]

[djsandybar: byeeeee!!]

Now he has to text Michelle.

Now Martin’s found himself sitting with Vee in Sunflower Cafe and wondering how the hell he got himself dragged into this mess.

This was Michelle’s idea. He liked her original idea of it just being her and him, but she decided to bring Vee along as well. We’re all on the same team now! You and Vee should try to get along, even just a little bit. And he had to admit, he didn’t want to fight, so he caved, and here he is now.

Martin was looking at his phone, he sent a text to the group chat, ‘help! i’m stuck in a cafe with vee!’ and he doesn’t get a response.

He wasn’t in the mood to fight with Vee. Michelle had to leave, apparently there was something that needed her attention, but he was beginning to think it was just an excuse so the two of them could be alone. Why did he fall right into her trap? He looked at Vee, was preoccupied with watching the people and vehicles go by outside through the window. Well, it’s worth a shot, huh? Maybe he’ll give his mother’s words a second chance.

“So.. what did you order?” Martin asked, trying to initiate some small talk, placing his phone into his pocket.

Vee looks at him, “I got the iced honey Americano.” he sounds uninterested.

“That’s neat,” Martin can’t help but feel a bit of deja vu with this interaction, it reminded him of when they first met. He hopes that this time, Vee won’t snap. He really doesn’t want to feel negative right now. “Well, I got the ice cream waffles.”

“Cool.” Vee leans back, looking incredibly bored. He isn’t helping Martin’s attempts at conversation.

“So..” he tries again, “How was your first day at work?”

“It was fine, your friend’s a decent coworker.”

“Salma?” Martin’s eyes widened with interest, he knew that much from her. “Well, how’s working with her going?”

“Yeah, her,” Vee crosses his arms, “And.. she’s fine, I guess.”

Awkward silence falls between the two. Vee isn’t interested in a conversation. And Martin wasn’t sure what else there is to talk about.

‘He’s not opening up.. he’s so stubborn. Well, jokes on him, I’m also stubborn.’ Martin thought, trying to suppress the determined look that was threating to creep up on his face. He didn’t know why he felt this way. He was never this determined to talk to anyone, quite the opposite. But here he was, trying to break Vee’s shell with small talk.

“What do you think of Sunwest Theater?” he asked.

“It’s fine. The birds are kind of cool. I wish there were more crows and ravens, though. That’d be cooler.”

Martin blinked. He wasn’t expecting Vee to actually answer like that, and clearly neither did Vee, as he flushes and looks away. “I mean, whatever. It’s just fine.”

They were both saved from more conversation when the waiter places their orders down on their table. More silence falls onto the two. More awkwardness hovers in the air. Martin’s not sure what say next. Neither does Vee.

“… uh.” Suddenly, that determination went away. Martin cuts his ice cream filled waffles, placing a bit in his mouth. The vanilla ice cream and syrup taste sweet in his mouth, the crunch from the waffles is also nice. But he’s only thinking this to keep his mind off of Vee. He hated the fact that when Vee answered honestly, he thought he looked kind of cute.

“…” Vee is stirring his drink, looking away from Martin.

“Is the coffee nice?” Martin asks suddenly.

“I haven’t even drank from it, dumbass.” snaps Vee. Martin’s cheeks turn a little pink. “Right, sorry..”

A little while later, Martin talks again. “I think it’s nice there’s birds in the movie theater, I mean, it’s pretty unique, right?”

Vee nods, then sips more of his coffee. He’s eyeing Martin’s waffles.

“Uh.. want some?” Martin found himself blurting out. ‘WHY DID I SAY THAT. MARTIN, WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU!?’

Vee looks at the food, then at Martin. “… uh.. you sure?”

“Uh.. yeah. I don’t mind.” What is he doing.. someone should shut him up. He hates this guy, why is he offering his food to Vee? Is this his way of getting him out of his shell? Why was he so bold and now he’s like this? WHAT IS GOING ON.

“I’ll get a fork or something, I guess..” Vee stands up and goes elsewhere, once he disappeared, Martin slumps in his seat and places his head in his hands. What’s wrong with him?

His phone chimes, and he takes his head out of his hands and sees that Salma’s replied. Alongside Audrey, funnily enough.

[djsandybar: good luck! just try to get along, okay? i talked with vee a bit, he’s chill.]

[operasheep: Don’t die. Good luck.]

Well. They are getting along, somehow. And it’s making butterflies go wild in his stomach. Why did he even have butterflies? This is the guy that just yesterday he thought was someone he despised.

Martin hurriedly eats more of his waffles so the ice cream wouldn’t melt. Vee came back with a fork. He sits back down and eats alongside him. The two don't say anything as they eat the treat in front of them.

After eating in silence for a while, Martin is sat there, wondering how they've managed to get this far without arguing or getting Vee's moodiness. Maybe he really did meet him at a wrong time?

Vee's gone back to drinking his iced coffee, this time, he's looking at his phone. And Martin’s staring outside. There’s silence between them again. What does he do now? Martin can’t stand this silence.

Abruptly, Vee stood up. “I’m… I need to go now,” he hasitly said. “Bye.” but before Martin could reply, he was already out the cafe with the plastic cup in his hands.

‘Well.. that could’ve gone worse..’ Martin thinks to himself, leaving the cafe not soon after Vee.

When Martin gets back home, he somehow feels exhausted, even if it wasn’t the end of the day, and in hindsight, he only had a normal interaction with Vee, but for some reason made it seem weird in his head. He made a mental note to get Michelle back after this. He wants to vent his feelings out to someone. Then he remembers he has a letter to write for Claire.

He goes to his desk and grabs a pen and paper, writing a draft.

‘Dear Claire,

A lot of things happened to me here in Sunwest..’

Chapter Text

Vee’s lying on his bed, angsty emo music playing in his ears. What the fuck happened earlier? He thought that he was better than whatever he did back there. He groans, flopping to his side. What’s wrong with him?

“Did.. something happen?” Yumeka asked hesitantly, peering over him with his coffee in her hands. He’d given it to her as caffeine wasn’t going to do anything good with his mind going a mile a minute.

“Shut up. I don’t wanna talk about it.” Vee groans.

“Oookay..?” Yumeka goes to her desk. And Vee decides that he should quit moping in his room and go for a cigarette. He needs one.

Vee gets up and climbs out of the room, earning an exasperated look from Yumeka. Soon, his feet are on the ground, and now the sun is beating down on him. Fuck, he needs to get somewhere shady and cool before he melts!

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he feels the box of cigarettes and lighter inside. It’s a bad habit, sure. But’s calming and what’s a good rebellious teen without ‘em? He looks at Martin’s house. And for some reason, felt the urge to go there and hanging out with him.

‘UGH!’ He needs to get out of here, this heat was making his head spin. Vee marches the other way. Then starts sprinting. Then he starts running. Being active always made him calmer, and with the music in his ears, this made him feel a lot better.

Panting, his mindless run have brought him to an all too familiar convenience store. The one where he and Michelle met. He obviously can't smoke there. And he can't even afford a drink as he spent it in that stupid cafe. Now he was regretting giving his drink to his sister. Well, looks like there's no other choice than stealing.

He enters the store with one goal in mind, getting a bottle of water.

Turns out he didn't even need to do that, as the woman running the store just gave him one. She looked awfully worried and said that Vee looked red in the face. There goes that plan of stealing, and Vee felt bad about doing it, too. This was a win in his books.

So now that he's downed half the bottle, he wonders where he should smoke. The park was a no, as he didn't want to be a dick and smoke there. And the junkyard was probably too risky and hot. Then it hits him. The secret spot he found by the park!

If there was one thing Vee was good at, was finding spots that only he knew about. He guessed that it was because he felt like he never fit anywhere, so he has to carve out his own space in the world. Through the bushes and trees, he found a small, shaded clearing. There was a babbling brook there was well.

Vee laid down on the grass, he took off his earphones. The trees all around him tower over him. The blue sky was filled with clouds. There was the rushing sound of water. Nature was quietly singing her song. It was kind of calming, even if Vee thought he must look like a massive idiot right now. He even forgot about the cigarette he was going to light.

His mind wanders in this serene environment. Not only has he gotten his first real friend in forever this month, but his first job, and.. fUCK HIS THOUGHTS ARE GOING BACK TO MARTIN. Vee groans loudly, infuriated that he can't even escape thoughts of that stupid Martin boy even here.

‘FUCKING HELL. I NEED THAT CIGARETTE.’ Vee gets up a little too quickly and lights up that cigarette with some strange urgency. He placed it to his lips and felt the ever so familiar sensations and nicotine hit him. His shoulders relax as he lets out a puff of smoke. ‘Much better.’

He picks up his phone and earphones and places it in his pocket, he stands by the babbling brook and watches as the water flows on top of the rocks. Maybe life as a teenager was just like that. Rushing through life like the water of a small stream of water, destined to join some lake or pond or hell, even the ocean. Vee wasn't sure if that thought comforted him or not.

‘Everything right now feels like the rushing of water,’ He kicks the ground, watching some of the bugs underneath the grass scurry about. ‘It goes by way too fucking quickly for you to even figure out what's happening.’ Vee silently chuckles at himself. Since when did he become so philosophical and shit? He's thinking like a dork. Hah. Dork.. like.. Martin..

Vee feels like tearing his goddamn hair out.

“You reek of alcohol. What did you do this time?” Yumeka, of course, had to be there to scold him when Vee eventually dragged his ass back home before 6pm. He didn't even drink that much! Only one or two cans of shitty Joja beer!

He rolled his eyes and moved past her to the shower so his parents don't smell the smoke or liquor on him.

“This isn't over!” he heard her call, Vee grumbles incoherently under his breath. Who did she think she was? She wasn't his fucking mom.

He stepped into the shower and tried to ignore the wave of dysphoria hitting him as he's forced to stare down his unfortunately female body. He curses at whatever cruel god placed him in such a horrible form.

‘Ha. Ha. Do you think my shitty life is funny too? I sure fucking hope you do!’ He thinks as he quickly gets the job over with, drying himself and placing on his usual baggy clothes in the bathroom. He washes out his mouth with some mouthwash to get rid of the stench in there as well.

Vee wonders if it's normal to think so violently, but brushes it off, ready to hear the worried complaints of his sister in their room. He hears the usual spiel he hears from his parents. You can't keep doing this! This will wreck your life! And blah, blah, blah. Bullshit. It's not like they care about him.

Yumeka eventually just yells out in frustration, “I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU!”

Of course, Vee snaps back. “WELL GOOD, BECAUSE I ALSO DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU, EITHER!”

And that was the end of that, they both stayed on their sides of their shared room, the tension within so thick that it felt suffocating. Neither of them are willing to reconcile.

They both occupied themselves with something, Yumeka all curled up in a blanket and watching a show she liked, and Vee with idly throwing a baseball up and down as he laid down on his bed.

They both couldn’t help but feel their once close bond as twins slowly shatter, and both have no idea how to handle it. Life truly feels like it's going by too quickly, and Vee doesn't like that.

Chapter Text

It's Friday. And it's Audrey's first day on the job.

She was a little bit nervous, but of course, she always keeps it under a cool and unconcerned exterior. She's always level-headed, she always has the ‘brain cell’. That's what she's made herself to be, so, that's what she'll be for today.

It's early in the morning and she's gotten herself into the bus, there she sees Salma sitting by herself, and Martin was with.. that ginger haired girl? Before Audrey could really wonder why those two are together, Salma waves her over, and she sits down next to her.

“Hey, bestie,” Salma has her signature grin on, “So glad you managed to get the job, so are you a cleaner or a concession guy?”

“I managed to get a job as a ticket seller.” She replies honestly, Salma gives her an odd look.

“You? A ticket seller?”

Audrey furrows her eyebrows, “What? Is something wrong with that?”

“No, it's just that I half expected you to be on the cleaning squad because you have like, poor people skills, dude,” Salma says.

Audrey bristles slighty. Her socialization skills aren't that bad! “My people skills are fine!”

“Girl.. you have the worst case resting bitch face anyone's ever seen, not to mention your voice is also super monotone. Most customers will probably be scared of you.” Well, shit. She's got her there.

“If that's the case, then why aren't you on the more social jobs? You're pretty extroverted, aren't you?” Audrey retorts back.

Salma rubs the back of her neck, “Uh.. I’m just a little too weird to be interacting with other people?”

“Yeah, and you'd scare off the customers too.”

Salma chuckles, and Audrey's shoulders are shaking. She can't lose her composure here, in such a public area!

“Anyways,” Audrey says after a moment, she lowers her voice a bit. “Why is Martin sitting with.. who is that ginger girl again?”

“Hm? Oh, she's Michelle, she's Vee's friend,” Salma says, “And, well, I didn't see you for a while, so I wanted you to sit with me.”

“Ah, alright.” Her father had kept her stuck inside for a majority of the week after her little outburst, she had to placate that grown man's anger until it was acceptable she goes out again.

Conversation between the two ceased after that point, the only times their silence was broken was the occasional out of pocket question brought forth by Salma. ‘You think anyone's made blue chickens? Like, their feathers are all blue and stuff?’ or ‘Would you eat a tiny human for a million dollars? And so on and so forth. Audrey's already used to her asking such ridiculous questions that she's not irritated as much as her persona would say. But still, she wonders how the hell Salma gets these questions to begin with.

When they get to the theater, that's when thhey go their separate ways for the day. Audrey's fine with this. She's used to being alone.

Her station is the ticket booth outside, her trainer was a woman who looked done with her job. But she was still a good trainer. She taught her how to use the cashier, told her about the current movies showing and what screening rooms they were showing in, when her breaks were, and everything else in between. And told her that since it was the weekend, there was going to be more people than usual. Audrey mentally prepared herself for that as she started her shift.

A couple went to her booth, and Audrey plastered the best smile she could on her face and in the brightest voice she could muster, say, “Welcome to Sunwest Theater. What film would you like to see today?”

Martin got to sit with Michelle, since Salma wanted to sit with Audrey today. He just said okay as he didn't want to tell Salma what Michelle made him go through yesterday. That was so embarrassing. He was going to act kindly towards Michelle today, if only because it was too early to be angry.

“So.. how did things go with Vee?” She asked innocently. Martin wonders if she cares that Vee is sitting right behind them. Why did she sit next to him instead of that guy?

“Er.. fine.” He replies, memories of what happened flash in his mind briefly, and he shakes his head.

“Fine? You two didn't yell at each other, or anything?” Michelle's baby blue eyes are wide, surprised.

“Nope.. I'm surprised myself!”

“It's good to see you two are getting along.” Michelle flashes him a toothy grin, Martin only smiles and nods to hide what he’s truly thinking.

‘No it's not. That Vee guy is making me feel things and I don't like it. He insulted me! He's only ever been mean! I should be hating him so badly.. and yet.. I'm not! This is so weird!’

Silence falls between them after that. Martin places his earphones on and listens to music, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as the bus moves to their work place.

Their second day goes by without much excitement. But that was only in the morning, later on in the evening, that's whent the theater got more crowded and busy. Martin and Michelle could hardly catch up! And at the end of their shift, they were tired (understandably) and wanted to go home.

Their friends also come out of their shifts exhausted. As they're walking to the bus stop, Martin catches a glimpse at Vee. It could just be because they were both hungry and tired, but he hasn't glared or even made a snarky comment towards him today. Martin wonders if this was some kind of truce, and how long would it last.

When Audrey gets home, she's positively exhausted after her first shift. But it'll be all worth it, every paycheck she gets from that job is a step closer to her freedom. She eats her dinner with her father quietly and heads up to her room to get ready for bed. Her future will always look bright and promising. And she'll make sure that it stays that way!

Chapter Text

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon and Salma’s bored out of her mind. She’s already taken care of her plants, checked up on the fanfics she’s reading (none of them have updates, bummer.), she’s not in the mood to browse for some new anime to watch, it’s way too hot to go anywhere outside the comfort of her own room and fan, and she’s already done her fair share of gaming today. What else is there to do?

She looks at her phone when inspiration struck her like Truck-Kun, she grabs it and starts to form her evil master plan — stick all of her friends into one chatroom, and make them become friends through there. It’s the perfect solution! There won’t be any awkwardness as they’re behind screens, and no punches will be thrown! She shoots Michelle a text to inform her of her scheme.

[djsandybar: girllll wake up i have an ideaaaaa]

[themonstrrfrmhell: what’s up?]

[djsandybar: yknow how our friends don’t get along and stuff? and how ur getting martin and vee to get along?]

[djsandybar: i have a plan to make em get along]

[themonstrrfrmhell: OOOOOH??? GIRL WHAT IS IT???]

[djsandybar: it is a simple, yet effective plan, my minion. we put them all in a group chat. and then we make them bond. it’s perfect.]

[themonstrrfrmhell: OOOHH OOOH YA THAT CAN WORK :3]

[djsandybar: hehe… i knew you would understand my genius]

[themonstrrfrmhell: but wait…. can’t they just leave if they see the other persom]

[djsandybar: and leave us, their friends behind? nope. they can’t without feeling guilty about us]

[themonstrrfrmhell: then… aren’t we just guilt-tripping them to become friends…??]

[djsandybar: SHUSH MY MINION. THIS IS FINE AND TOTALLY NOT THAT]

[djsandybar: bc with prolonged exposure with one another… they will eventually see that the other isn’t so bad and then BAM!! besties for life]

[djsandybar: this is like. exposure theory for friendships or something.. no manipulation anywhere]

[themonstrrfrmhell: if u say so boss!!!!! ✪ ω ✪]

[themonsterrfrmhell: r u gonna make the gc or am i]

[djsandybar: i’ll do it. since u already made vee and martin get along somewhat. they didn’t even fight each other on the way home yesterday!!]

[themonstrrfrmhell: okiii :3]

[djsandybar made the chat]

[djsandybar added themonstrrfrmhell]

[djsandybar added operasheep]

[djsandybar added nerdbythebeach]

[djsandybar added animalihavebecome]

[djsandybar named the group chat ‘the hangout spot’]

[djsandybar: hello everynyan…]

[themonstrrfrmhell: owo]

[operasheep: Salma. What in the world is this? And who are @themonstrrfrmhell and @animalihavebecome?]

[djsandybar: oop- lemme rename yall]

[djsandybar gave themselves the nickname ‘Salma’]

[djsandybar gave themonstrrfrmhell the nickname ‘Michelle’]

[djsandybar gave operasheep the nickname ‘Audrey’]

[djsandybar gave nerdbythebeach the nickname ‘Martin’]

[djsandybar gave animalihavebecome the nickname ‘Vee’]

[Salma: there. no longer confusing]

[Audrey: Why are Michelle and Vee here?]

[Salma: they’re my new friends and i want u and martin to get along with em…….

[Salma: 🥺 👉👈]

[Michelle: hi martin!! hi audrey!!]

[Michelle: :3]

Salma then recieves a direct message from Audrey.

[operasheep: Salma. This is a stupid idea. I’ll never like Vee. Michelle’s nice, but Vee? No.]

[operasheep: From what Martin’s said, he’s far too vulgar and rude. Not to mention that Martin himself doesn’t like them.]

[operasheep: And I still don’t understand why you even hang out with Vee. He’s probably not a good influence.]

[djsandybar: awww come on, audrey!! give him a chance. he’s really loyal once you get to know him!!!]

[djsandybar: besides, you need more friends girl. plus martin and vee’s got like a weird situationship going on. it’s not purely hatred anymore……. but hey i didn’t tell u that]

[djsandybar: also also vee is literally my friend too. how r u going to avoid him??]

[djsandybar: so that's why i had this brilliant idea]

[operasheep: I don’t see how putting all of us in a group chat will fix things.]

[djsandybar: COME ON TRUST ME. IT ALWAYS WORKS IN THE MOVIES BC WHenever if 2 characters hate each other]

[djsandybar: they end up in a situation where they gotta work together]

[djsandybar: they come out as bffs]

[djsandybar: plus it worked for vee and martin sooooo]

[operasheep: If we were being realistic, me and Vee would go from mildly disliking each other to flat out hating each other.]

[operasheep: And Vee and Martin have something weird going on. I don’t.]

[djsandybar: no. i’m super sure we’ll all become the bestest friends ever. and at our work.. we will be unstoppable]

[djsandybar: JOIN US AUDREY]

[operasheep: No!]

[djsandybar: JOIN OUR TEENAGE DREAM]

[operasheep: This isn’t my dream!]

[djsandybar: then what is?]

[djsandy: doesn’t it bother you that you’re always locked up in that room?]

[djsandybar: aren’t you jealous of all those kids in those teen dramas having fun, being reckless and stuff?]

[operasheep: This will pay off in my future.]

[djsandybar: but ur youth is irreplacable]

[djsandybar: this is ur last time to be silly and have fun! next year, you’ll be 18 and you’ll be an adult and go to college]

[djsandybar: look, just give vee a chance, ok? and give this friendship a chance]

[djsandybar: and if this turns out to be a bust, you can berate me for a whole year]

[operasheep: … Fine. I will give him a chance.]

[Michelle: where r u guys?? :((((]

[Martin: what is this?]

[Michelle: OMG!!]

[Michelle: HAI MARTIN]

[Michelle: :D!!!]

[Martin: hi :>]

[Vee: ew why is martin here]

[Martin: why are you here??]

[Vee: i asked first bitch]

[Martin: well everyone here is my friend, and you aren't one. So why are you here??]

[Vee: fuck if i know, dogshit.]

[Michelle: GUYS GET ALONG (*´Д`*)]

[Martin: no.]

[Vee: no.]

[Salma: well this is going….. somewhere]

[Audrey: I knew this is a bad idea.]

[Michelle: look, so it settles the confusion, me n salma added you two on purpose]

[Michelle: so that we can all get along :3]

[Vee: what. are you two gonna pull a fuckin my little pony on us??]

[Vee: magic of friendship n shit???]

[Michelle: WELL FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC!!!!]

[Vee: what are you, 5????]

[Salma: no, she's 16]

[Martin: LMAO]

[Audrey: All of you are insufferable.]

[Vee: thanks]

[Salma: and yet u still hangout with us… shocking, isn’t it?]

[Audrey: You shut up. You aren't the next Shakespeare.]

[Vee: AND WHO ARE U SUPPOSED TO BE, THE NEXT GLADOS??]

[Martin: actually she'd be more of Annabeth from Percy Jackson]

[Vee: fuckin nerd]

[Vee: ☝️🤓 lookin ahh]

[Martin: i'm leaving]

[Salma: NOOOOO…. POOKIE…. STAY…..]

[Salma sent a photo]

[Audrey: Vee, apologize to Martin. No one insults him. He's too sweet.]

[Michelle: he issss!!]

[Vee: ew no]

[Salma: apology is the first step to growth]

[Salma: if u can't be physically tall, at least u can grow as a person]

[Vee: oh haha.]

[Salma: eyyyy you laughed!!!]

[Vee: don't act like that when your house is within walking distance.]

[Salma: awww I know u love me 🫶]

[Martin: still waiting on that apology, vee]

[Vee: suck my dick 🖕]

[Martin: i don’t want to suck on nothing]

[Michelle: kinky ahh boykissers]

[Audrey: So you'd suck on something?]

[Martin: Oqgqkavwkahnqkahwkowja]

[Salma: yall broke martin smh]

[Salma: and here i thought yall were on his side 💔💔💔]

[Vee: tf u mean kinky ahh boykissers Michelle???]

[Michelle: r u blind or smth]

[Salma: with that haircut? yeah]

[Vee: WHY IS THIS GROUP CHAT INSULTING ME.]

[Audrey: We're waiting for an apology, Vee. That's why.]

[Vee: for fucks sake. martin, sorry i called you a nerd]

[Salma: i never thought u could apologize…]

[Vee: i take back my apology.]

[Salma: NOOOOOOO]

[Martin: ok i can accept that…. apology]

[Michelle: see? the magic of friendship is real!!]

[Michelle: ヾ(•ω•`)o]

[Vee: this doesn’t want to make me want to be friends with martin.]

[Salma: why not? he’s a cutie patootie]

[Salma sent a photo of Martin sitting down in Sunflower Cafe]

[Salma: look at this sweetheart]

[Vee: ew]

[Salma: WOOOOW]

[Martin: uh.. thanks for defending my honor, guys?]

[Salma: no problem pookie]

[Salma: ;3]

[Audrey: It’s no problem.]

[Michelle: anything for u!!]

[Vee: i feel left out.]

[Salma: maybe u should be less of a hater then]

[Vee: what if i don’t want to?]

[Salma: then uhhh]

[Salma: hm.]

[Michelle: no more onigiris!!]

[Vee: SHIT. NO WAY.]

[Michelle: yes way]

[Michelle: now get along or else]

[Vee: fucking hell….]

[Vee: fine.]

[Michelle: YAAYAYAYAYAYAY]

[Salma: my plan worked…]

[Salma: now we can all hold hands and sing together]

[Vee: i expect that martin and audrey won’t be dicks from now on?]

[Audrey: No promises.]

[Salma: AUDREY]

[Audrey: What? Just being honest.]

[Martin: as long as you aren’t mean anymore, i don’t mind being friendly, vee ^_^]

[Salma: we should all eat together during our lunchbreak at work. we didn’t do that this week]

[Salma: for extra bonding points]

[Michelle: sure!! i’m in!!! :3]

[Martin: i don’t mind either :>]

[Vee: i guess i’m going.]

[Audrey: We’re all eating lunch anyway, so there’s no point in planning it out like this. I’ll go.]

[Salma: great!!! see yall tomorrow!!]

Salma smiled to herself, clearly pleased with her work. Audrey’s been proven wrong. Her plan isn’t stupid! She gets up and walks to the kitchen to grab a snack, clearly feeling proud of herself.

Her mom looks up from the dishes she was washing, she spoke in Swahili, “You look happy. What happened?”

“I managed to get my friend groups to get along,” she replies back, opening the refrigerator and taking a croissant they got from Sunflower Cafe out, she took a bit out of it.

“Really? That’s good to hear,” her mom replies, before she goes back to the dishes, she looks at her daughter. “Promise me you’ll be careful with Vee, okay? I heard some bad stories about him..”

Salma fights the urge to roll her eyes, she shallows her bite. “I will! Trust me, mom. He’s very nice!”

Her mom shakes her head, and sighs. “Alright, honey. Just warning you.” she goes back to washing the dishes and Salma heads upstairs with her snack in hand.

‘She means well, but she worries too much sometimes!’ she thinks, placing the plated croissant down on her desk, Salma boots up her laptop. ‘I can handle myself, I got a job, didn’t I? I can handle my friends!’

“Now, what’s a new manga I can read?” she says to herself aloud, scrolling through the site in an attempt to forget the self-doubt beginning to form in her mind.

Chapter Text

Act 4 — End of Summer

It’s Monday again, it's time for work again. Five teenagers are resting from said worl at the break room.

Vee catches a glimpse of Martin as he eats his onigiri, and a flurry of strange emotions rushed into him like a flood. He kept his mouth shut though, not wanting to lose his onigiri privilege, he wanted a distraction, thankfully, Salma was there to provide one.

“So!” she clasped her hands together, “Why don't we get to know each other better?”

“But we already know each other?” Asked Michelle with a tilt of her head.

“Yes, but let's get closer with one another, so that we can form the ultimate teen group, and maybe start a band,” she had that ever so present mischievous look on her face. “What about a game of two truths and a lie?”

This felt familiar, and he remembers when both he and Michelle did the same thing in the junkyard. He'd never gotten around to actually asking her what she thought of back then. Maybe he'd ask her later.

“This feels like an incredibly artificial way to generate a bond between all of us,” points out Audrey, crossing her arms.

“It's better than no bonding! So are you all in, or nah?” Salma replied, looking at everyone around the table. She was met with agreement, figuring they signed up for this in the group chat. “Greet! I'll go first..”

“I'm an only child, I don't like frilly dresses, and uh.. I hate swimming.” Salma said, Audrey and Martin kept silent, urging the two to guess.

Michelle’s face lit up, “Uh.. you hate swimming?”

Salma made a fake wrong buzzer noise with her voice, “Wrong, the truth is I'm an only child.”

“Aw, dang. I'm usually good at these things too,” Michelle snapped her fingers as she said that.

“I'll go next,” Martin speaks up, and Vee could already feel his heart race. ‘What the fuck. Why. Why now.’ He calms himself by finishing the onigiri, but earns a look from Michelle in turn. He glares at her, and she looks away.

“I don't like ice cream, I like matcha, and I used to play baseball when I was nine,” the last part made Vee perk up, baseball? That guy used to play the sport he loves? Impossible. No way.

“It's the baseball thing, right?” He asked after he swallowed his food.

“Hehe. Wrong, that was the truth!” Martin's small giggle was soft as sheep's wool and just as gentle as a lamb, it was a sound Vee needed to hear more. Then he slapped himself for thinking like that. Since when did he start thinking like that!?

“Ooh! Ooh! Me next!” Michelle excitedly exclaimed, Vee internally sighs in relief as he's gotten another distraction. “Um.. I don't like the color teal, my leggings weren't always ripped, and I'm allergic to cats.”

“It's the teal, right?” Audrey said, and Michelle nods.

“Yep! It's a pitiful existence, being allergic to cats, I can't go into Salma’s house without sniffling and sneezing..” Michelle looks saddened.

“No spice cats for you,” Salma teased, sticking her tongue out. All of her cats were named after one type of spice. So she called them the spice cats. That made sense to Vee. He was really just distracting himself so he wouldn't stare at Martin. He felt compelled to now, but he doesn't know why. Vee tries his best to not put the attention on him, and bounces his leg to release that energy of wanting to slam Martin against the locker doors and ask that he's doing to him.

“Hey, Vee.. you alright, mate?” Michelle nudged him, which snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Whu— Huh—? Oh. Yeah. I'm fine, why?” He tried to look tough all over again, as if he didn't just zone out.

“Ya kinda just got lost there, Audrey's turn was done and you didn't.. well, speak up.” he saw everyone's slightly concerned looks and wanted to bolt out the room and have a cigarette. But he can't do that. He clenches his fists in the pockets of his pants. Gods, he missed his jacket already.

There was a buzz on everyone's phone, indicating that lunch was over, and that was the end of that game. While throwing things in the garbage, Salma asked him about earlier.

“Were you okay back there? You seemed really deep in thought,” she asked, not sounding joking for once. It was slightly unnerving for Vee.

“I am. Promise. I was just..” Vee looks to his feet, “… thinking..”

“Woah, you can do that?”

Vee elbowed her on the arm. “Hah. Hah.”

“Sooo..” Salma was unaffected by the elbow, “What were you thinking of?”

Martin. Was his first thought, but he shoom his head, tossing another bag into the bin. There's no way he was going to talk to Salma about this guy he thought of as his enemy and now he was suddenly so flustered thinking of him. Almost like he had a crush or something! Wait.

Something.. clicks in Vee's mind.

Oh.

Oh.

Vee feels like screaming his lungs out. Instead, he replies with a, “Nothing much, really,” and a shrug. Salma raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything other than a, “Oh, alright,” and throws the last bag into the dump. Vee gets the message, ‘This isn’t over,’ and can't help but feel the butterflies making a mess in his stomach.

At the end of the day, Martin usually spent this time resting, but he was pacing back and forth his room like a madman. Thoughts racing through his mind. He thought back to Vee at work, how he caught his glances, how quick he was to look away, how his cheeks would turn rosy. How.. nice his hair looks when it's all tied up.

“It doesn't make sense,” he said to his collection of stuffed toys on his bed, “Why do I feel this way?” He received no response from his animal and Junimo companions.

This wasn't the simple feeling of making a new friend, no. His heart was racing and his face flushed whenever he thought of Vee, when he saw him walk into work for the first time and saw how nicely he looks in a ponytail, his sharp gold eyes.. this doesn't make sense!

“Is this because of the truce we somewhat had?” Martin thought aloud, “I mean, surely this is because of that, right?”

His plushies don't say anything, but Martin could feel their gaze at him, they seemed so done, and they were chanting what he was thinking of. But no, no. That can't be right.. he doesn't like men in that way!

‘Vee.. is probably just making me confused! Yeah! Because.. he looks like a girl.. and a boy at the same time! Yeah.. that's it..’ Martin plopped down onto the bed, staring at the celing, he hoped Yoba would give him a sign. Any sign of what to do would be great. He closed his eyes and clasped his hands together, silently asking for guidance.

‘Golden Lady Yoba, please lend me your wisdom.. help me make sense of what's going on..’ was his silent prayer. After which, he opens his eyes once more, and on the ceiling was a small rainbow. In disbelief he looks at his shrine for Yoba, and sees that the light from the candle had reflected through a clear crystal he'd given as an offering and shone a rainbow on the ceiling.

This was just.. no way. Martin got up and decided he'd go and ask Yoba herself what this meant. He grabbed his dice and shook it in his hands, “Golden Lady Yoba.. I do not want to doubt your all knowing wisdom, but.. are you sure what you meant there is.. true?”

He threw the dice gently on the table, he got a five on both of them. Ten. A very firm yes. He looked at the candle he'd offered and saw that it's flame was flickering. It was like She was telling him that it was alright if he liked Vee, and that he can take as much time as he needs to process all of his feelings.

So it was official, Yoba herself was telling it how it was to him in Her typical honest fashion. He liked Vee. And he liked boys.

Martin took the dice and placed it back to where it belongs, he nods, “Thank you, O Golden One, for your time. Well, goodbye for now.” he blew out her candle, and went to bed.

He screamed into his pillow.

Chapter Text

There’s so many things going on in Martin’s life and it’s a little overwhelming. He’s realized his feelings on Vee, and that subsequently led to him realizing he also liked other men. He was bisexual. He’d spent all night researching everything he could on the internet, taking all the quizzes he could, and they all came with the same conclusion, he was bisexual.

His vision was slightly blurry, he accepted the cup of coffee from his mother, and sits down at the kitchen table. She glances at the light brown contents of the mug, “Stayed up late again?”

“Sorry, mom,” he took a sip of his coffee and immediately scald his tongue, “I—” he wince. “I was just.. well..” he couldn’t bring himself to lie to his mother, but telling her the truth was terrifying.

“Playing video games? I hope you don’t make a habit of staying up late, honey..” she slides him a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon.

Martin places a shaky grin on his face, “No promises.”

She smiles at him and sits down with her own breakfast consisting of jam and toast. Martin silently wondered about their current financial status, his father wasn’t sending any money like he promised (not like Martin expected him to, anyway) but his mother’s temporary job as a waitress in Sunflower Cafe, that should keep them afloat for a while, right?

There was far too many things to think about.. his head was spinning. Martin almost felt like he was he was back in the early days June, where he was dreading the move. Maybe he’ll talk to someone about this, so he wouldn’t burst like he did with Claire.. speaking of her, he might speak with her about this. But it’s a weekday, so she’ll be busy and probably too tired to chat. Audrey’s too busy and not good with emotions, Michelle and Salma were also occupied because they’re hanging out with Vee..

“Hey, honey, are you okay?” asked his mother, which made him snap out of his throughts.

“O-Oh! Yeah, sorry, mom. I’m just a little tired..” Martin finished up the last of his eggs and bacon, and placed the plate into the sink. He took the cup of coffee into his hands, “Have a good day of work!” he said. It was funny how she’d be the one to usually tell him that, but now it was reversed.

His mom didn’t seem convinced, but she nods, anyway, finishing her own breakfast and heading out the door. Once she was gone, Martin lets out a loud and tired groan. Why did things have to end up this way?

“Look who’s finally figured out his feelings,” teased Michelle.

Vee glares at her from the end of her bed, and Salma chuckles. “Dude, it took you such a long time, it was like, super obvious to anyone that wasn’t you or Martin!” she says.

it was hot out, so they spent the day at Michelle’s place, more specifically, her room as it was air conditioned. Vee had decided to come clean about his feelings, considering that moping around his room with his sister and smoking and drinking wasn’t a good way to deal with your feelings, still, he kind of wished he did that. It was hell of a lot easier that way. But he knows it’ll catch up to him eventually.

“Can you two not rub it in?” Vee looks flustered, but hid his face with his hand. “Yes, I have a crush on him. But what the fuck do I do now!?”

“Go and ask him out, duh,” replied Salma, and Vee lightly punches her arm.

“I know that, dumbass! But.. fuck! I don’t know!” he exclaims, plopping down back first onto Michelle’s bed. “I don’t know if Martin even likes boys, or even me!”

Michelle and Salma give each other a look, then they looked back at Vee, who has his face in his hands. “You’re really that oblivious, mate?” asked the ginger.

“Shut up! How was I supposed to know if he likes me or not?” Vee retorts back, rolling to his side. Martin wouldn’t like someone like him. He’s vulgar, he’s violent, he’s rebellious.. Martin is kind, understanding, patient.. that’s what he loves about him, how sweet he is… and there goes his thoughts again, they were always filled with that idiot nowadays. AUGH!

“You know what? Nevermind,” Salma says with a sigh, “But yeah, pretty sure Martin likes you back, man,”

Vee rolls over to look at her and Michelle again, hating them towering over him, he sits back up. “How would you know? He could just be acting friendly,”

“Mate, the way he made goo goo eyes at ya when we were goin’ to the lunchroom sure as hell wasn’t just him bein’ friendly,” Michelle points out.

Salma nods, “And I’m pretty sure he’s a bisexual who’s in denial, you’re fine!”

Somehow, Vee didn’t feel too convinced about all of this, it was only last month he was hating this guy’s guts, and now he likes him!? What is this!? … then again, he’d only gotten friends last month was well, so anything could happen. But the fear of rejection made the butterflies in his stomach fly around like crazy. God, the last time he felt like this was back in middle school..

“I bet you guys are only saying this to make me feel better,” Vee grumbles.

“We aren’t! We only tell the truth, isn’t that right, Michie?” Salma asks, and Michelle nods. “Absolutely right!”

“I don’t believe you two,” he crosses his arms.

“Well, we can tell you that you have a crush on Martin, that’s a truth,” Salma shrugs. Vee rolls his eyes.

“Look, if ya need date ideas, me and Salma are always here to help!” Michelle offers, “I went on a loooot of ‘em, I have some romantic getaway ideas that are within a student budget!”

“And I know Martin well enough to tell you what spot he’d like the most, we got you, man!” Salma pats Vee on the back.

In a way, it felt nice to know he has their support. But still, he felt so hesitant, and scared. What if Martin didn’t like him back, and doesn’t want to be friends anymore? What if he’d found him for the monster and freak that he actually was and..

“Hey, earth to Vee?” Michelle snaps her fingers in front of Vee, causing him to snap out of his thoughts.

“Uh.. yeah? Did I zone out again?”

“Yep,”

‘Fuck. I have to stop doing that,’ Vee thought, “Sorry,”

“No biggie, anyways, do you guys wanna play Super Maria Cart?” Michelle goes and boots up her Xbox.

“Sure!” Salma gets the controllers and flashes grin, and Vee gives one back.

“You’re on.” he said, taking a controller.

May the best player win.

Martin didn’t feel like telling Yoba all of his woes right now, considering he’d already bothered Her enough this morning. Now it was late into a hot July afternoon, his fan was going on max and all his windows are open. As glad as he was for the Sun — Yoba’s light — he had to admit it was overbearing at times, but that could just be the effects of climate change.

He looks at his phone, and wonders if he could call Audrey, everyone else was busy but.. maybe she’ll have time for him? Screw it, he calls her and lets the phone ring for a while. As soon as he thinks she won’t pick up, she does.

“Hello? Martin, why are you calling me?” she asks.

“Oh.. I just..” he sighs, “I don’t know, really, I’m.. just.. I need someone to talk to..”

“Well, you’ve got me,” he could hear sounds of what could be paper shuffling in the background, “What’s up?”

“…” Martin hesitated, but he eventually said, “… I think I might like boys.. I… I’m bisexual, Audrey..”

There was silence on the other end of the phone, Audrey cleared her throat, “Er, thanks for telling me, Martin.. was that all?”

“… you’re not.. shocked?” he asked incredulously, out of all the responses he thought he’d get, this wasn’t one.

“No? Why would I be?”

“I just.. I don’t know! I just thought.. ugh, I don’t know..” Martin places his arm over his eyes after he took his glasses out.

Hesitantly, he heard Audrey speak up again, she was never good with emotions. “Listen, you’re still my friend even if you’re bisexual and like other men, okay? I’m literally a lesbian, Martin, I’m not surprised—”

“But would you still be my friend if I told you I like Vee?” he blurts out.

Silence.

“Well, yes, of course,” Audrey spoke after a bit, “Even if Vee is.. the way that he is..”

“…” Martin smiles, he takes his arm off his eyes, he placed his glasses on and sat up, “Thanks for listening to me, Audrey, it means a lot,”

“No problem, mate,” Audrey replied, “So, are you going to tell the others?”

“… not yet.. I’m still.. kind of wrapping my head around all of this,” he admits, “I haven’t even told my mom..”

“Ah, alright, I’ll keep this a secret,”

“Thanks again, Audrey,”

“Again, it’s no problem, anyways, I really should be off now. Father’s going to scold me if he hears I’m talking to you and not studying, goodbye,”

“Bye!”

And she hangs up.

Martin places his phone aside, though the future is blurry.. and scary.. he’s also excited. Maybe.. just maybe.. he could gather the courage to ask Vee out. But that optimism is quickly diminished by his self doubt, that was creeping up on him. What if he was wrong and this’ll end up the same way it did all those years ago?

He lies back down and hugs the Junimo plushie he got, a sinking pit forming inside of his stomach as he thought of what the future could be for him.

Chapter Text

For the next couple of weeks, Martin and Vee largely avoided each other, even on the bus or on their way inside the theater. They turned away when they saw the other was looking at them, faces red.

On their last day of work (the part time job had only lasted for summer vacation), Salma and Michelle were sick of seeing them acting like this, plotted with Audrey before work started.

“Alright, what if we went out for lunch, forcing those two in a room together?” Salma suggested.

“Yeah, that can work!” Michelle said.

“You two seem way too invested in those two,” Audrey crossed her arms, “Can’t you guys just let those knucklehead figure it out by themselves?”

“Girl, have you seen them?” Michelle quipped, “If we do that, they’d get together by like, the end of the year!”

Salma nods, “And besides, would you really want to hang out with them acting like that?”

Audrey rolls her eyes, it would be hard to speak to them if they’re all awkward and blushy around each other. She sighs, “Fine, I’ll tag along with you two and your plan,”

Both Michelle and Salma cheered with that. “Alright then, now, where would we go for lunch..” Salma started.

It was only Vee and Martin the break room, the three girls had left for lunch outside. They both sat awkwardly across the table, eating their lunches. Martin had a grilled cheese sandwich and some chips, it was hardly as luxurious as the lunches his mother would pack for him, but that’s to be expected, his mother was working, and now he had to make his own lunches. Vee had a bento full of rice seasoned with sesame seeds and with an omelet, something he made himself.

But after they both finished eating, the silence between them deepens. What do they talk about? They could easily just pull out their phones and ignore each other, but Martin decided to speak up, sick of the silence.

“So..” he quickly trailed off. What does he even say to his enemy turned somewhat friend turned crush that he's been yearning for?

“… yeah?” Vee asked, looking up at him.

Martin’s cheeks reddened a bit, “Uh..”

Silence once more. They both squirm in their seats. And they both speak at the same time, blurting, “Would you like to go with me somewhere?” and “I’m sorry for being so mean to you.”

They blinked, golden eyes locked in with blue ones. Then they start laughing. Vee’s laugh sounds scratchy, like it hasn’t been used in a long time. It’s a lovely voice that Martin wants to hear more. Eventually, they stop, smiling widely at each other.

“You go first,” Martin said.

Vee’s expression becomes a little bit more somber, “I.. I’m sorry for being mean at first,” he crosses his arms, looking away.

Martin smiles, “It’s fine, that’s behind us now.”

“Pfft— behind us? We only met last month,” Vee grins, Martin chuckles again.

“But hey, we aren’t at each other’s throat now,” he points out.

And Vee shrugs, “Eh, fair point, so what were you going to say?”

Martin looks away, face red. He rubs the back of his neck, “Uh.. well..” he pauses, his hands are sweating. Vee was looking at him, and Martin can’t bring himself to look back.

“Well? I don’t got all day,” Vee says bluntly, and Martin straightens up, he can’t run away now!

“Uh.. well.. my friend invited me to go over to a town for a festival.. and uh…” his face feels so red, so much for being chill and subtle. “Would.. you.. like to.. uh.. go with me, maybe?” Martin can bring himself to finally look at Vee, who looks equally as flustered.

Vee clears his throat, trying to look cool, “Um, when is this festival? Who else is coming?”

“Uh—! Well.. I mean.. the others can go with us too..” Martin fidgets with his hands, “And it’s on Sunday..”

“Sure thing, I guess.. I can go..” Vee said.

Their phones rang, and that was the end of that conversation.

On the bus ride home, Martin told Salma what happened during lunch, she grins. “So you got a date? Finally!”

Martin’s face reddens, “Uh.. kind of. Yes. But it’s not just Vee! I want you guys to come with and watch the jellies too!”

“But you’ll sneak off and have fun with Vee, huh? It’s alright, I won’t judge,” Salma teases, Martin’s face managed to become even more red.

“Salma!”

“Hey, I’m just kidding, man, but if you two do need space, me and the others will give you that,” Salma said.

Martin smiles, “Thanks,”

“No problem.”

The next day, Martin tells everyone about his plans in the group chat.

[Martin: hi everyone :3]

[Martin: i already spoke to salma and vee about this but would you guys like to visit pelican town for a festival?]

[Martin sends a link to a location.]

[Martin: its tomorrow but the event starts at 10pm tho so idk if you guys would be allowed to go :(]

[Michelle: i told my parents and they said they’d be fine with it, as long as there’s an adult around]

[Salma: my mom says i can go if she goes as well]

[Martin: my mom is coming with! and there’s also claire, she’s trustworthy]

[Martin: and my mom won’t mind having your mom around, salma :3]

[Vee: hehe your mom]

[Martin: oh shut up >;p]

[Audrey: Unfortunately, my father won’t allow me to go on such an excursion. I’ve had too much fun this summer, and have been far too ‘rebellious.’]

[Vee: yeah. my parents won’t allow me to go either]

[Michelle: is that gonna stop you?]

[Vee: fuck no]

[Martin: i already thought of how to get you guys go with]

[Martin: we could disguise it as a work trip, since our part time jobs end this summer anyway, you could tell your parents that out coworkers wanted to throw us a small party]

[Audrey: That’s a good idea. But we’ll have to make it look believable.]

[Salma: well.. i’m ur coworker and ur dad knows me, if you tell him i’m coming with, he has to believe yo right??]

[Audrey: It’s a party, right? If I go to one in my normal clothes, the whole plan falls apart.]

[Audrey: Plus, he knows you’re ‘trouble,’ so he’ll most likely assume you’re going to sneak me off somewhere I shouldn’t be.]

[Vee: and my parents are still pissed at me like always.]

[Michelle: seriously??? that sucks :(]

[Audrey: Hold on, I have a plan.]

[Audrey: Me and Vee can meet up somewhere with our parents in formal clothes, if they see the two of us claiming going to the same party, they’ll most likely let us go. And after they’re out of sight, we can change into our casual clothes.]

[Vee: seems good. where do we meet?]

[Audrey: Actually, is someone driving us there or are we going by bus?]

[Martin: me and michelle were talking about that in dms! her parents decided to drive us there, more specifically, her dad]

[Michelle: YAYAYAYAYA my parents own a pretty big car, it should be able to house uhhh…]

[Michelle: ALL EIGHT OF US :3]

[Vee: okay, so that leaves us with a place to meet up in.]

[Vee: a place where our parents won't suspect a thing.. what about the theater?]

[Audrey: That sounds good enough, and we can text Michelle to come over when they finally leave us alone.]

[Vee: hell yeah. so we have a plan?]

[Audrey: I believe so.]

[Martin: yay! all of you will love pelican town i'm sure (*≧∀≦*)]

[Audrey: One of your friends, Sam, I take it, is an aspiring musician with a band, right?]

[Martin: yup!]

[Audrey: Then I would like to speak with him and his band members, it's been a while since I've spoken with a fellow musician.]

[Martin: he'd like to meet you too :>]

[Salma: ya my mom wanted to visit pelican town cuz my aunt lives there]

[Martin: your aunt? how come you’ve never told me this :<]

[Salma: I gotta keep that air of mystery around me somehow hehe]

[Salma: my aunt is caroline, yknow, lady with green hair and married to some guy? my mom wants to meet up with her]

[Martin: lady with green hair.. i think claire's talked about her before!]

[Martin: she runs an aerobics class]

[Salma: cool! honestly i kinda miss her, she seems nice]

[Martin: okay, so is the plan final?]

[Salma: yep!]

[Michelle: YAYAYAYAYA :D]

[Vee: ye]

[Audrey: Yes.]

[Martin: great! see you all tomorrow night :3]

[Martin:（＾∀＾●）]

Chapter Text

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, both Martin and his mother were sitting by the dining table and eating some snacks. Martin was excited for this day. He was going to see Claire and Pelican Town again after two months!

But his mood quickly sours when he hears his mother say, “Martin, honey.. can we talk?” which made a chill run down his spine. Was she finally on to him after all these weeks of being nervous? Was he really that bad at hiding something from her?

Still, he tried to stay calm, he nervously smiles at her. “Uh.. okay! What.. do you want to talk about?”

She looks worried, “Are you alright, dear? You’ve been.. distant.. lately,”

Shit. She did notice. “…well, yeah! Why wouldn’t I be?” he fidgets with his hands.

“Honey.. I can tell there’s something on your mind,” her eyebrows furrowed and she crossed her arms, “You can tell me anything, you know?”

This felt similar, back when they both still lived in their old hometown. That felt like it was so long ago. But Martin doesn’t know if he can even be fully honest with her, not with something like this. He’s squirming in his seat underneath the concerned gaze of his mother, and he knows he can’t keep this a secret for any longer.

“Honey.. is this about Vee?” she asked softly.

“Uh.. no.. well.. kind of..” Martin sighs, looking away, “… Mom.. you told me I can be honest, right…?”

“Of course, honey! So.. if you want to tell me something, I won’t judge you, okay?”

He inhaled and exhaled, steeling himself, but his palms still felt so sweaty. “I just.. I..” he pursed his lips.

“You…?” she urged gently.

“I.. I-I like.. I like boys, mom!” he blurts out, facing her now “… I’m.. bisexual..”

His mother blinks, and Martin looks away. Silence falls between the two, before Martha stands up places a hand on his shoulder. He looks up at her, and she’s smiling.

“I’m glad you told me this, you’re so brave,” she says, “I still love you, okay? No matter what you are.”

Martin tears up, and hugs her, crying. He felt like a large weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. And his mother hugs him back. They held each other for a while, before Martin lets go, wiping away his tears.

“Was this on your mind these last couple of weeks?” Martha goes and gets him a box of Kleenex, he blew his nose out with it.

“Uh— yeah,” Martin was slightly amused, this reminded him of his last day in Pelican Town with Claire. History repeats itself, it seems. “Sorry for worrying you, ma,”

“No, I’m sorry for making you cry on a day you should be the happiest, dear,” she pursed her own lips, “I was just worried, I thought that something might’ve happened..”

“Well.. you weren’t wrong, I figured out I like guys too. That should count as something happening, right?” joked Martin. And Martha ruffles his hair affectionately with this remark, causing him to swat her hand away while grinning. Turns out that coming out wasn’t that bad after all.

A little while later, Martin decided to tell his friends about what happened earlier.

[Martin: guyyys guess what :>]

[Michelle: OMG MARTIN!!1 HAI!!! :3]

[Michelle: uuuhhhh did you get thrown a bucket full of worms]

[Martin: what??]

[Salma: aw shoot i missed :’(]

[Vee: you didn’t throw any fuckin worms bitch]

[Salma: WOW.]

[Audrey: What was it, Martin?]

[Martin: uh well i cam out to my mom. she accepts me :>]

[Michelle: YAYAYAYAYAY I’M SO GLAD!!!!]

[Salma: yay! now i don’t have to throw worms at her]

[Vee: good to hear. i don’t have to bomb her.]

[Audrey: Congratulations on coming out, Martin. Glad it all worked out for you.]

[Martin: thanks everyone :)]

[Martin: and please don’t bomb or throw worms at my mom :(]

[Vee: chill. we won’t do that now that we know she’s an ally]

[Salma: yep!]

[Martin: it’s kind of sweet in a way?? at least yall have my back. i appreciate that]

[Martin: ♪(´▽｀)]

[Salma: yknow what’s funny]

[Salma: my plan worked… you two are now friends… mwehehehe.. i’m a genious]

[Salma gave themselves the nickname ‘mastermind’]

[Salma gave Michelle the nickname ‘apprentice’]

[Salma renamed the chat ‘successful experiment’]

[Vee: bitch this group chat didn’t make us friends]

[mastermind: sure it did!! i mean. u wouldn’t have been nice to martin if michie didn’t threaten your supply of onigiris!!]

[apprentice: ya so technically.. the plan worked!!]

[mastermind: and it wouldn’t happen without u, michie. my most loyal subject]

[apprentice: YAAYAYAYAY]

[Audrey: Salma has a point, you know. You and Martin would probably not like each other still if she didn’t make this group chat.]

[Vee: shut your fuck up]

[mastermind: SHUT YOUR FUCK UP..]

[Martin: how did we get here i just told you all i came out ＞︿＜]

[mastermind: bc vee was protective of u]

[mastermind: and he hated you before]

[mastermind: now look at him]

[Vee: SHUT UP]

[Audrey: Maybe instead of yelling at each other through text, we can actually get ready for event later?]

[Vee: yeah great idea audrey]

[Vee: for once i actually agree w you]

[mastermind: SEE!! even you and audrey are getting along hehe]

[mastermind: heh. my brain is so big]

[Audrey: I don’t have time for this.]

[Vee: shut your fuck up bitch]

[apprentice: WOW… SO MEAN]

[mastermind: guys.. summer is almost ending. let’s all hold hands and sing]

[mastermind: i love u…]

[mastermind: u love me…]

[mastermind: we’re a happy family..]

[Martin: i don’t think we should be a big family if you guys are shipping me with vee…]

[mastermind: oh yeah.. my bad]

[apprentice: BUT STILL!! WE’RE LIKE, A RAGTAG TEAM OF REBELLIOUS TEENS]

[Audrey: Can this group of ‘ragtag rebellious teens’ tell me where they are now currently? I’m nearly at the movie theater.]

[Vee: fuck no?? we’re rebellious teens for a reason]

[Audrey: … We’re all going to the same place, I need to know where everyone is, Vee.]

[Martin: me and salma are with michelle in their car!!]

[Vee: and i’m on the way with my mom.]

[Audrey: Noted.]

[mastermind: can’t wait to see you soon, my fellow rebellious teenager ;3]

[Audrey: Oh, shut up. I’ll be there soon.]

Chapter Text

Audrey and Vee, plus their parents, have found themselves in front of the movie theater at eight in the evening.

“Yes, father. He is my coworker,” she gestures at the teen that clearly wouldn’t be her friend. He narrows his eyes at him.

“We’re both going to be picked up by our other coworkers,” Vee explains to his mother, who eyes the girl who wouldn’t be his friend.

The two of them wore business casual clothing, as the theater wouldn’t let them go inside without a ticket. Vee had his hair all tied up and had an unbuttoned black blazer over a white shirt, paired with matching slacks and shoes. Audrey wore something not out of the ordinary for her regular clothes, with a blue blazer over a collared shirt as well as some slacks and loafers. She, of course, had her hair tied back into a braid and had one of her usual headbands on.

“And what about Salma?” asked Audrey’s father.

“She’s going with Martin, my other friend,” she replies, keeping her faithful and loyal daughter act up well, Vee was surpised. He wouldn’t have the patience for that.

After what seemed to be an eternity of their parents both eyeing them, they finally left. Audrey pulled out her phone in triumph.

“Hah, now all we have to do is wait for our ride,” she said confidently after she texted them.

“It’s fucked up how we have to do shit like this for our parents to let us do things,” pointed out Vee, kicking the sidewalk. “While other kids our age can just do these without their parents breathing down on their necks,”

Audrey nods, crossing her arms. “Yeah. It’s unfair, and they always make it seem like them being overbearing is them caring about you,”

“Pfft— they care? My parents couldn’t care less if I dropped dead, they’re only doing this so that if I got hurt, they wouldn’t look bad and looked like they actually cared,”

“That’s another thing,” Audrey looked at the streetlights that lit up, “They’re so desperate not to look bad, whilst doing bad things to their own kids. Hypocracy at it’s finest, really,”

“Tell me about it. What dickheads, huh?” Vee snorts, looking amused.

She gives him the briefest of smiles, “Yeah.”

That surprises the both of them, well, this whole interaction was surprising, really. They didn’t expect they’d get along this well. And both of them feel a warm, unfamiliar feeling in their chest. Understanding. Looks like the other person wasn’t so bad.

And soon, a car pulled up in front of them. Michelle rolls down a window, and sticks her head out, yelling, “Come on in, guys!”

The two boarded the car and off they were to Pelican Town.

Pelican Town wasn’t too far from Sunwest, they only drove for a short while. And an hour and a half later, they parked right outside the bus stop. Martin eagerly exited the car, and saw a familiar face — no — multiple familiar faces waiting by the bus station. Claire, Shane, and Sam.

“Claire!” he exclaimed, running up to her.

“Martin!” she excitedly exclaimed back, opening her arms, and Martin hugs her tightly.

“Wow, look who’s pickin’ favorites,” teased Shane. Martin lets go of Claire and grins at him.

“Not cool, little guy,” Sam ruffles his hair, and he grins even wider. Martin missed all of this.

“Hey! I missed you guys too!” he protested.

“Are those your friends?” Claire points out the others behind Martin, who have been standing behind him a bit awkwardly.

“Oh yeah, they are,” he said. The four introduced themselves.

“Hello. Sam, is it?” Audrey turns to the blond man, “I heard from Martin that you’re in a band?”

Sam looked like he was taken a little off guard, “Oh, yeah! Me and my friends are in a band, why do you ask?”

Audrey has a very small smile on her face, “That’s wonderful, if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with you more about music and your band,”

“Uh, sure thing!” they both started to walk away.

“Let me come with!” Michelle ran off with them, and Vee followed her.

Salma went to town with her mother, aiming to go to Pierre’s general store. Martha had striked up a coversation with Shane and walked off into town with Michelle’s dad in tow. That left Claire and Martin in the bus stop, they walked to town.

“It’s wonderful to see you again,” she smiles.

“Yeah, it’s great to see you too!” Martin grins, walking into town feels so nostalgic. It hasn’t changed one bit, even if it was surrounded in darkness, save for the streetlights and the bright moon.

“So, how’s life been treating you?” they head into the saloon, and sit by one of the booths.

“It’s been the same as always, but I think I’ve gotten a new friend, Grace,” Claire looks fondly to the side, jealousy bubbles up within Martin, but he pushes it away. He should be happy she has a friend her age, and not with someone as young as him. “She convinced me to go here for the festival, and I decided to invite you along. You loved it the last time you went.”

“I did! I never got to see the sea where we were from,” Martin smiles, “The jellies look so cute, don’t they?”

“They do. I wasn’t expecting you to invite so many people, though. But I’m glad you’ve gotten more friends,” Claire glances at his friends who were at the pool table with Sam.

Martin blushed a bit, “I’m glad you made a friend with Grace, too! Uh, where is she, actually?” he looks around the saloon, but he didn’t spot a pink haired woman anywhere.

“She’s with her little brother,”

“She has a brother!?”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you that?”

“No!”

Their conversation soon became that of catching up with.. well, everything they missed in the past two months. Vee stared at them from where he sat, nursing a Joja Cola in his hand (he isn’t above stealing alcohol, but he didn’t want to make his friends look too bad when this is their first day here). Michelle and Audrey were talking to that Sam fella, and he would play at the pool table, but it was occupied. So now.. he was bored, and full of thoughts.

Should he tell Martin what he feels? Is he feeling the same way he does? Vee almost found this absurd. At the beginning of summer, he never thought he’d find himself with friends, let alone be able to travel. Or even have his supposed enemy become his crush. So much as changed, he’s changed.

“Yo, dude!” a voice cuts through his thoughts. Vee turns around and sees that Michelle’s standing next to him, “It’s time for the festival!”

He nods, standing up. Vee eyes the trash can in the corner and tosses the can inside, he grins and Michelle cheers when it scores. All of the saloon’s inhabitants leave, including them. Vee looks at Martin with Claire, and he wonders if he should go and take him away from her or leave them be.

“Man,” Michelle nudges him, “You’ve been staring at Martin all night! Grow a pair and confess already!” she whisper-yelled at him.

He rolls his eyes, “I’ll get to it!”

“Then get to it faster!”

“Fuck you, fine!” Vee stomps over to Martin, “Hey, Martin!”

Martin and Claire turn to him, he replies, “Yeah?”

Suddenly, Vee’s sudden confidence dwindled a bit when he heard his soft voice. But he manages to say a, “I need to talk to you, one on one. Is that okay?”

Martin looked at Claire, who nods and leaves them be, continuing to walk over to the beach. In a moment of boldness, Vee took Martin by the hand and ran with him to the beach, past everyone else.

“Vee!?” the other teen yelps in surprise as Vee continues to drag him through the dimly lit beach, to a more solitary place. He stopped by the tide pools, by the trees and debris.

“Fuck— uh.. sorry for that.. I just..” he looks down, kicking some sand, “I.. have something to tell you,” he slowly looked up, locking eyes with Martin’s deep blue ones, shining so bright underneath the full moon. Goddammit was he so fucking handsome.

“I..” Martin rubbed the back of his neck, “… have something to tell you too..”

Well, shit.

Chapter Text

“Uhh…” Martin looked away, and pointed to a spot at the dock. “We can't see the jellies from here! Let's go there!”

Vee blinked, then he found himself being dragged over to the spot by him. Over the edge of the old wooden dock, they stood by the ocean in silence, watching the waves move and hearing them gently crash onto the land. His eyes flickered to the ocean, to the sky, and to Martin.

“The weather's nice,” he found himself saying, “The sky is clear and the sea is calm,”

“It's like that every time the jellies come by the visit. This kind of weather makes it perfect for them to visit.”

“Is that so?” Vee looks at Martin's face, feeling intrigued.

“Yeah! I learned it through the library's books,” he was so much more smarter than he was, and while he usually despised studying and the annoying nerds that were there. That made Vee just fall a little bit harder for him.

After a bit of silence, Martin turned to him, Vee felt his legs become weak. “So..” he drawled, trying to seem casual. “What did ya wanna talk ‘bout?” His accent was always so sweet, too.

“… uh..” does he really have a chance with this guy? What if when he finds out the truth.. he'll hate him? Well, there's only one way to find out. Sucking in a breath, and steeling himself for a rejection, Vee spoke, trying to keep his voice steady.

“… I have to tell you something important, but can you keep it a secret from the others?” He whispered.

Martin nods, looking serious and nervous.

“I'm..— fuck. I'm trans. I'm a trans guy!” Vee exclaims, while keeping his voice in the same whisper.

There was silence between the two, Vee was red in the face and wanted to jump in the water. That wasn't all he wanted to say, he wanted to yell that he loved him in the very beginning, and that it wasn't loathing. He wanted to tell him that his accent was cute and he loved how smart he was, how he loved the way his brown curls frame his tanned skin, how he wanted to kiss that freckled face of his. But instead, he kept silent, waiting for a rejection.

“That.. doesn't change how I feel about you, Vee,” Martin spoke up at last, making Vee's eyes widen. He.. didn't hate him? He turned his face back to him.

“How.. do you feel about me?” Vee asked cautiously.

“Like..” Martin paused, face flushing, “… uh..” he rubbed the back of his neck, looking at the creaking wood beneath their feet, and Vee was getting nervous. He was so close! When did he get this close?

“… just say what you need to say.” He grumbles, rejection or not, he needs to hear what this guy as to say.

“I..” and in a moment of boldness, Martin closed the remaining gap between them and kisses him. And the whole world around them feels like it had slowed down, and they were the only two left moving.

He's never kissed anyone before, and it's clear Vee hasn't either, but oh. Oh Yoba. They were kissing. They were both kissing. Vee's lips were softer than he expected, and it tasted sweet with a smoky aftertaste. But then the realization hits him that he didn't even ask Vee if he wanted a kiss. Oh Yoba— he must be so uncomfortable right now! But before he could pull away, he feels Vee's hand on his waist, his touch sends shivers down his body. Martin took this as a sign to keep going, hesitantly placing his hand on his hair.

Eventually, they both pull away, gasping for breath. Martin's head is spinning, he can't think straight. He really wasn't straight.

“… is that.. how you feel about me?” Vee asked, his breath was ragged.

“Uh. Yes..” Martin fidgets with his hands, “Sorry I didn't ask you first,”

“It's fine. It's more than fine, it's fuckin’ great,” he smiles, and it might just be the most handsome thing he'd ever seen. “I love you so damn much,”

Martin's face turns red all over again, “I love you too..” he debated whether or not he should kiss him again, when Vee suddenly shrieked.

“The jellies are here!”

He followed his gaze and there were the tiny glowing jellyfish. They swam lazily up the the shore. Vee sat down on the docks to see them closer and Martin followed. Both watched in silence and awe as nature gives them a once in a lifetime spectacle.

“Look,” Martin pointed a green jelly that floated up to them, “Those ones are rare,”

“Really?” Vee's eyes sparkled with curiosity and wonder.

“Really,”

The green jelly floated between them, it looked much different compared to the other jellies, with it's more angular shape compared to how round the others were. It really was special. Martin and Vee clasped each other's hands.

“It's funny how far we've come in only two months,” Vee commented.

“Yeah,” Martin giggled, “You hated me, and I hated you,”

“Only because my mom wanted me to meet you, probably because she thought you would set me ‘straight,’ ugh,” Vee snorts.

“Well, turns out I just made you gayer, huh?”

“Fuck yeah!” he rubs his thumb over Martin's hand, his voice becoming softer as they watched the jellyfish slowly swim away. “I wouldn't have it any other way,”

“Me too..” he leans onto Vee's shoulder, despite the latter being much smaller than him, he was happy to be Martin's resting spot.

“Hey, lovebirds, show's over!” the two flinch as they heard a loud voice behind them, it was Salma with Michelle and Audrey. The lights turned back on, and everyone was starting to leave the beach.

Vee rolls his eyes and Martin chuckles. They get up from the dock, feeling new, yet slightly terrifying feeling. It's not going to be easy, and it might be difficult. But that doesn't matter, they have each other and their friends. They all have so much ahead of them, both good and bad.

“Come on, you heard them,” Martin takes his boyfriend's hand once more, “Let's go home,”

“Yeah! Let's go home.”