Archive of Our Own ^beta

January 1993

--👽--

When Willow woke up and saw an actual ceiling, she could have cried. Did they do it? Did they make it back? Then her mom came into view, and then her dad, both looking unbelievably relieved, and she knew they had. Everything was still kind of fuzzy, still floaty. “I'm sorry I left without telling you.” Her throat hurt. Probably because the last thing she did that she actually remembered was scream.

Her mom huffed out a laugh and shook her head, tears in her eyes. “It’s okay. Just quit doing this, it's not good for Papa's heart.”

“Sorry…” she coughed, which hurt but she ignored it; there was something she needed to ask. “Where's Pete? Is he okay?”

The glance shared by her parents told her a lot and her heart broke. “Hes okay, right?” The last time she'd see him, he was unmoving on the ground after pushing her out of the way. He had to be okay.

Her mom gently took her hand, careful of the IV. She wondered why she grabbed her IV hand in the first place until she realized the pressure on her hand was a bandage not the sca.b 2k. “He's in surgery.”

“What?!” Her stupid heart monitor started beeping, probably because her heart rate went from 50 to 140 in about two seconds after hearing that. “What do you mean he's in surgery?!”

“We… We don't know much more than that.” Her mom admitted softly. “The Boggs haven't left the emergency room, and I'm not a nurse here so they can't tell me anything.”

Her dad rubbed her shoulder. “He'll be fine, little owl. He's tough.”

She knew he was, she'd seen exactly how tough he was; which is precisely why he was in surgery. If she had just paid attention he wouldn't-

She swore the damn beeping just got louder, and it definitely got harder to breathe. A nurse ran in and kicked her parents out. “Miss. Branch, I need you to relax.”

Relax?! Her boyfriend was in fucking surgery and no one will tell her anything and they want her to relax!? “I'll relax when someone tells me what the hell is going on with Pete!”

“Mr. Boggs is in surgery-”

“For what?!”

“Miss Branch-”

“Tell me!” She didn’t even care how pathetic she sounded or about the tears in her eyes. She needed to know he was okay, needed to know she wasn’t the reason he had gotten seriously injured or worse, died.

The nurse seemed to finally understand the correlation between Willow's two beeping monitors (heart rate and pulse ox) and her stress over Pete and gently took her hand. “Miss. Branch, he's fine. He broke part of his fibula. Last status was they were patching him up before sending him to recovery.” She rubbed her hand gently, being mindful of the bandage. “He's fine Willow. I promise.”

Fibula…fuck, what the hell was that again…? Damnit past Willow; why didn't you pay better attention in biology!? Broke meant a bone, but bones could be fixed, so he'd be okay. She was able to breathe a little easier. “Hes fine?”

“He's fine.” the nurse nodded. “Your other friends are too.” She kind of figured that. Hoops and Max weren't lying unconscious when they grew big again. She took a deep breath, and beeping stopped. “I'm sorry nobody informed you.”

“He…He got hurt because of me.” If she had just paid attention, listened to Hoops, didn’t try to get in that final hit-

“Don’t blame yourself.” The nurse placed a hand on her back. “I’m sure he’s not upset with you.”

After her vitals were fine, the nurse let her family back in but this time they weren't alone. “Look who found us in the hallway.” Her dad told her as they came in, followed by two very familiar blondes. Mrs. Boggs looked horrible, and her husband only looked slightly better. She got the feeling neither of them had slept very well in the past 3 months (none of the parents had, she could tell her dad was seconds away from falling asleep on his feet and her mom had the telling signs of too much caffeine in her blood) but Mrs. Boggs’ usually picture perfect facade was completely ruined, and she didn’t even seem to care which was unsettling.

Upon seeing her, Mrs. Boggs started to cry. “Oh Willow!” She had about… a second (that was being a tad generous) to react before she was in a death grip of a hug, courtesy of Mrs. Boggs. She was barely able to wiggle her arms free to return it. The woman all but sobbed into her hair. “Oh thank goodness you're okay! We were so worried! I'm sorry we didn't stop by earlier, but we needed to make sure Pete was okay.”

It was sweet that she cared, really, but she was also struggling to breathe. She patted her back. “Mrs. Boggs-”

“Oh you poor dear, you feel so thin! And all those cuts and bruises- Oh goodness!” She wailed. “You poor kids! Going through that again!”

She knew that was useless, but worth a shot. She glanced at Pete's dad. “Mr. Boggs-?”

Pete’s dad caught on and gently pried her off. “Dearest, I think you're blocking her IV.”

She just sniffled and nodded, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue that most definitely didn’t do anything to help. If anyone else was behaving like this, she’d say this was an elaborate act, and that their kid was actually dead in their backyard; but she knew exactly how over the top Pete’s mom was normally, and seeing her now gave her a gut feeling that she was in a significantly worse state when Pete’s condition and location was unknown.

“Have you seen Pete?” Her Mom, arguably the best person (besides Pete and his dad) at handling Pete’s mom, asked gently, her hand rubbing the other woman’s shoulder.

She nodded, still sniffling. “Briefly. They were taking him to recovery, and agreed to let us see him.” She started to cry again. “My poor baby! Those bruises, and he was so thin-”

Mr. Boggs turned her so she was crying into his suit. “It’s alright dearest. He’ll be okay.” He looked over to Willow. “We’re glad you’re alright Willow.” She nodded, suddenly unable to speak. He turned to her parents. “If you need us, we’ll be in Pete’s room. It should just be down the hall.”

Her mom nodded, glancing at the still sobbing Mrs. Boggs. “If you need anything, say headache medicine, I’ve got some.”

He chuckled. “Thank you for the offer.” He glanced down. “Come on dearest.” His wife just sniffled and nodded, allowing him to lead her out.

The Branches watched them leave in silence, until her mom broke it. “For the record, I did care that you went missing-”

“I know mom.” She’d seen recordings from the last time she’d gone missing. Her mom had fought tooth and nail for people to keep looking for her, to not give up. Saw how she had arranged vigils for her and the others. Aspen had filled her in on how she had become almost… robotic in a way, constantly working, constantly arranging search parties, constantly calling the police and hanging flyers on top of keeping their house running and working at the hospital. “You aren’t the type to sit and cry, you go out and do something.” Not that Pete’s mom didn’t try, she did. But it was mainly Pete’s dad. Knowing what she did about his mom, she got the idea that when Pete went missing, Mrs. Boggs didn’t leave the house or even her bed.

Her mom huffed and sat down next to her, brushing her hair back. “It really is a relief that you’re home, sweetheart.”

“But for the love of god stop doing this. I don’t think I can take another shrinking.” Her dad grumbled, sitting down in an uncomfortable looking armchair.

“I don’t think I can either.” She laid back a bit on her bed. “So what did I miss this time?”

--🪐--

The hospital hadn't changed much from the last time he was there for the exact same thing. The monitors beeped steadily, his mom sat beside him holding his hand so tightly it almost hurt, his dad on the phone with the lawyers who won the last Ominent case. The main change was his left arm being bandaged. The sca.b 2k did a lot more damage than the original. At least it was easier to take off. He glanced at the door. The four teens had been separated, just like last time. But unlike last time, he was dating one of them.

He looked at his mom, who kept her eyes trained on the TV, watching the news coverage of the event. It felt strange that a day had already passed since they’d grown big, but he did spend most of yesterday unconscious. “Mom?” His voice was soft, not wanting to startle her. He did that once today already, and felt horrible.

She snapped to attention and looked at him. “Yes sweetheart?”

“Can I go see Willow? Please?” She had to be okay, she didn't have any injuries when they were unshrunk to his knowledge (granted what happened after he was unconscious was unknown). No, this time he was the one who was injured. His right leg needed surgery after their final battle; mainly because he had taken a hit clearly meant for Willow, but the fact they hadn’t been eating very well definitely played a part in it too. He knew it had been bad when he felt the crack, and when he woke up in a room with a nurse gently telling him to go back to sleep he figured it was worse than he thought. But no one had told him anything about Willow, even after he’d tried to ask. And he had tried to ask, repeatedly; he was pretty sure it didn’t come out right to some of the nurses though because at least one told him “that’s very sweet of you” which was not in any way connected to knowing how his girlfriend was doing.

His mother looked like she was about to protest and say no (which he had predicted); but his nurse came in and he looked at her before his mom could say anything. “Would it be alright if I visit Miss. Branch?” Please, say yes, he needed to check on her, to tell her this wasn’t her fault…

The nurse checked over his vitals before smiling. “Sure can. I'll grab you a wheelchair, okay sugar? Don't think you're quite ready for crutches yet."

He nodded; all he could think about was Willow, and the brief minutes waiting for that wheelchair felt like hours.

His mom insisted on wheeling him into Willow's room, and the nurse let her, which he didn’t really care about. He could hear people talking from outside, which wasn’t that surprising. The nurse easily opened the door and it went quiet, all eyes on her. “Miss Branch? You have a guest.” And he got wheeled in.

Just like last time, Willow's room was full of people. All of her siblings, her parents, Aspen's husband Charles (who he had met exactly once, at their wedding); and what must have been Aspen's baby (who was brand new, but Aspen had been very pregnant when they got shrunk). Willow's eyes lit up when she saw him. “Pete!” She tried to get up, but was stopped by her mom.

That was all that was needed to break the silence, and people began to move. He was quickly hugged by most of the Branch women, getting a firm clasp on the back from the boys and Willow's dad while Charles awkwardly waved. Tilla seemed especially excited to see him. “Pete!! This is Lilly! I'm an AUNTIE!” She basically shouted, gesturing to the baby that her brother was holding.

“Tilla!” Aspen scolded, her voice somehow commanding yet quiet. “I told you. No loud noises.”

Tilla huffed and rolled her eyes, which is when she noticed his cast. “Woah! What did you do?!”

“Tilla!” Aspen scolded again, but she too noticed. “Geez… what happened Pete?”

Willow, with the commotion giving her cover, had swung her legs out of her bed and gotten up, grabbing her IV so she could walk to him. She looked so sad when she saw the cast. “I'm so sorry-”

“Don’t be. I told you I'd protect you.” He smiled. “I'd do it again in a heartbeat to keep you safe.”

She snorted, but she moved her hand to her eyes in an already failed attempt to stop the tears from forming. “You… you idiot.”

He opened his arms and she all but dove into them, needing to be mindful of both their IVs. “Never do that again.” she hissed in his ear, but it was hard to take it as she wanted with how she was very clearly crying.

“If you're in danger, I'll do what I have to to keep you safe.” He whispered back, holding her as close as he possibly could, ignoring the metal pushing into his skin at the odd angle. “I love you, I'm not letting anything happen to you.”

“You…” she whimpered, tucking her face into his neck so that no one else would see her cry (even if they all knew that's precisely what she was doing).

He rubbed her back. “I've got you.” He whispered. “You're safe.” she shivered as she clearly fought back a sob. “It's okay.” He kissed the side of her head before looking at the other Branches. “I didn’t say it before, congratulations on the baby, Aspen.”

“Thanks Pete. I'd ask if you'd like to hold her but…” She just gestured to the Willow in his arms.

He smiled. “It's alright, maybe in a bit.”

His mom spoke up. “If it's alright, may I hold her?”

Aspen smiled. “Sure.” His mom almost squealed and happily went over, Clove gently passing the baby.

“Can I sign your cast Pete?” Tilla asked.

His mother had explicitly said no, but his mom was also very distracted by the baby. “Sure. I think we can find a marker.”

Willow slowly pulled away, wiping her eyes furiously. “I should have some in my bag.”

Tilla nodded and went rummaging. “Is it a good idea to let her do that..?”

“You think I hide anything in my backpack?” She snorted and brushed his hair back. “Amature, you’re lucky you’re handsome. There’s no way you could be a delinquent.”

“You had fake hall passes in it when we met.” He deadpanned, trying to ignore how hot his face was.

She rolled her eyes. “My bad fake hall passes. I’m not dumb enough to put my good ones where they can be found.”

Tilla came over with her haul of about 8 sharpies in various colors, and Willow hopped off his lap to help her baby sister write her name, which was appreciated as Tilla still struggled to spell things, and to write her own name. Which was around when his mom noticed and just sighed, not wanting to fight about this.

There was another knock, and more guests came in, and Pete was very thankful that Willow had the largest room. It was as if they knew she’d have the most guests.

“So this is where the party is!” Max's voice was bright as he came in, holding his IV bag, Hoops next to him. Both of them looked fine, besides the obvious malnutrition and mild injuries. It was obvious he was the one who got it the worst.

“I’m glad to know you’re both okay.” He smiled.

“Wow Pete, you really look rough…” Hoops winced. “You look like how I did after tearing my ACL.”

He remembered that; she was in the hospital for what felt like a week and was pissed because she missed the championships again. “I think tearing your ACL may have been worse, actually. Longer recovery time.”

Hoops shrugged and went to speak, when Max noticed Willow crouching with the marker in her hand. “Oh! We are signing Petey’s cast?! Count me in!”

--👽--

After signing Pete’s cast, her mom finally put her foot down and shoo’d her back into bed. Which she wanted to complain about, but her mom threatened to kick everyone (including Pete) out unless she did, so she obeyed. She was kind enough to wheel Pete over closer to her at least. Eventually, his mom insisted he hold Lily and Willow got to see him flash through about 5 emotions as he tried to properly hold her. She just laughed and shook her head. “Support her head.”

“I... am?”

“No, like this.” She corrected his form. “You’ve never handled a baby before, have you?”

“No.” She watched as his eyes lit up with what looked vaguely like fascination as he watched her. “She’s only 3 months old, correct?”

“Yeah. She was born November 1st.” She brushed a piece of Lilly’s hair out of her face.

She babbled and reached out, and Willow let her grab her finger briefly before pulling it back. She wouldn’t lie, her niece was cute. She missed the stage of babies where they all looked the exact same, so she could genuinely say that.

Pete slowly held out his fingers, and Lilly instantly started to coo and try to play with them. He laughed a little, playing with her.

Willow smiled and opened her mouth to say something when Aspen cut in. “Wow, you’re a natural Pete.”

He looked up, confused. “I am?”

She snorted. “Yeah. You keep that up and you’ll be her favorite uncle.” As if on cue, the baby started to wail and Aspen sighed. “Annnnd she’s hungry.” She gently took her away. “I’ll be back.”

She noticed how Pete watched them both walk away, a strange look in his eyes. “Wanna share with the class?”

He turned pink. “Uh… no?” She eyed him suspiciously, the way that usually made him cave. This time it didn’t. His mom cut in before she could press further.

“Pete, we should probably get you back to your room. Your father is probably worried.”

He nodded, before turning to her and taking her hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“You better.” She squeezed his hand.

As he was leaving, she realized what Pete had been thinking about.

Aspen had implied that they’d be married one day.

She hid her face in her pillow.

--🪐--

The other three were allowed to leave before he was. Not that it mattered, the other three were always there. Especially Willow. She'd been the one to bring in the make up work. “We're all graduating on time or so help me god.” She had told him when they were still shrunk. The hardest part was history, weirdly enough. Science, math, english, all easy. But history was the one he wished he never missed. Willow was similar. But if they worked together everything would be okay.

“This is just a list of numbers, all only one apart.” She hissed, finally tossing the paper aside. “I hate history.”

“We'll catch up.” He promised, though he had a feeling they'd be doing summer school again just like last time. She just sighed and moved so she was sitting on his bed as opposed to the uncomfortable armchair that his mom had been sleeping in.

“When do you go home?”

“In three days.” More than needed, but no one would tell him how bad the break was; only his parents. Which was, to quote Willow: “Total bullshit”.

She nodded before she reached over and brushed some of his hair out of his face. “How much is that bothering you?”

“So much.” He sighed. His hair was longer than it had ever been at any other point in his entire life, well past his ears in some kind of awful 70s shag cut from hell. At the very least he had been able to shave his face, because dealing with the scruff for three months had been bad enough. But his hair was a nightmare.

“Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, the best part was finally shaving it again.” She ran her hand through her undercut before cupping his face again.

“The color looks good.” It really did. The pink had faded by month two in the park, leaving her with a head of mostly blonde hair and obvious roots. Not to mention how much her undercut had grown out. But now it was bleached so the top was all the same shade of blonde, and her undercut was freshly shaved.

“I thought I'd let it just be blonde, for a bit. Pink was fun, but I think I'll do purple next.” She rubbed his cheek with her thumb. “Maybe green, then I'd match your eyes.” Her eyes drifted to his leg. “...and cast.”

“Whatever color you pick will look gorgeous, just like you.” He kissed her palm and she snorted.

“You're a sap.” Yet she was smiling. She tilted his head up so she could kiss him properly.

He pulled back a little. “I'm your sap.” He kissed her again.

The nurse made a point to clear her throat loudly. “We need to do some tests Mr. Boggs.”

“I'll wait outside.” Willow kissed his forehead before leaving the room. He watched her go, a small smile on his face.

“You two are cute.” The nurse told him.

“I'm going to marry her one day.” He said, so sure of himself it almost hurt.

“Your young-” the nurse started.

“But I know I'm right.” He insisted.

“You sure seem to think so.” She murmured.

He looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?” This was the first time he’d mentioned it. “When you were waking up after surgery, you kept saying ‘I’m gonna marry Willow’. It was very wholesome.”

How his brain had messed that up, he had no idea. But now several things made a lot more sense, mainly why no one would tell him anything.

March 1993

--🪐--

Pete loved his girlfriend. Every time he thought he had her figured out she'd do something new to surprise him.

Like right now; He was finally returning to school (his mother would not let him attend in his wheelchair) that day and was dreading having his parents drop him off. He'd just gotten down the porch steps, too busy watching his step to pay attention to anything else, when he saw her.

Willow, hair dyed the exact same green as his cast (she looked like the cat that got the canary when she showed him how she got the color perfect) leaning against a (slightly beat up) black convertible that he hadn’t seen before. “I was wondering when you would come out.” she started walking over.

“Willow?” He was so surprised he let her take his backpack with no issue.

“That's me. Now come on, I know how much you like being early to first period.”

“I'm confused.” He still followed her and accepted her help when she offered it to him when getting into the passenger seat.

“Well, I had my learners just like you, and then got my license about a week after the hospital. And then I used some of the money from the first Ominent lawsuit to buy the car, figuring it would be more than covered by the second Ominent lawsuit.” She patted the dash. “Her name is Joan, by the way.”

“Hi Joan.” It was a nice car, and she'd already started the process of making it her own with the alien keychain and Sad Stab lanyard on the rear view mirror.

“I was planning on waiting a little bit to get a car, but then my sap of a boyfriend had to go and be a hero and break his leg and there was no way I'd give up our morning ritual. So, here we are. Yay capitalism.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“Willow…” his heart hurt. “You-”

“Need to get us to school, so put your seatbelt on. I'm not getting yelled at by your mom because we weren't wearing them.”

“They're safer.” He protested weakly, doing as she asked.

The drive was nice, albeit a little weird; which she pointed out. “It's strange not being shotgun."

He laughed. “I’m glad it's not just me.” He glanced out the window. “I thought you hated driving?”

“Its not that I hate driving. I just like annoying you. And controlling the music.”

“You don't annoy me.” He insisted. Then he thought for a moment. “Wait, does that mean I get to control music?” his hand moved towards the center console.

“Touch it and die.” He laughed again, harder this time. Despite her threat she had a grin on her face. “You could pick music if you didn't insist on playing the Bee Gees or the Beatles.”

“Those are both good!”

“I've been trying to get you into good music for the past 2 years.” She snorted. “You've got the same taste in music as my dad.”

“You’re dad has taste.”

“You’re doomed.”

She was able to snag their spot and turned to him as she unbuckled. “Don't. Move.”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, watching as she got out and grabbed his crutches for him. She helped him get out, put his bag on and get situated on his crutches. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” She tossed her own bag on her shoulder. “Remember if anyone tries shit you've basically got two clubs.”

“I know.”

“Now, you have to pay the driving fee.”

He did a double take. “The driving fee?” He’d never asked for such a thing, and he’d been driving her for a bit longer.

“Yep. Capitalism is a bitch.”

He just blinked, processing that. She used that confusion to her advantage and tugged him down into a kiss. He kissed her back, but was still surprised as usually Willow didn’t like flaunting their relationship in front of everyone. Thankfully, it was early enough that no one saw them. Slowly she pulled back and grinned. “Fee paid.”

He laughed. “You could have just asked?”

She shrugged. “I’ll meet you at lunch?”

“Of course.”

She pressed a kiss to his cheek before heading off. He’d have to ask later why she was being so affectionate, but for now he needed to get to class.

He asked on the car ride home.

“I thought you didn’t want to show our relationship at school…” He hoped he said that casually, but he doubted it.

Her eyes didn’t leave the road, but he could tell she rolled her eyes. “That was you.”

“No?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “You said you didn’t want to because you didn’t want people targeting me.” That did sound like him. “But I don’t care about that, Pete. I didn’t when we started dating, and I definitely don’t now.”

Past Pete had an excellent point. “I still don’t want you getting tormented because you’re dating me.” He kept his voice firm. As much as he didn't want to hide them it was safer. If people knew, that would just put her in danger. He knew she was tough, but he didn’t want her putting up with that bullshit just to say she was dating him.

“I don’t want to continue going through high school pretending like I’m not dating you!” She snapped, catching him off guard.

“...What?”

“You act like dating you is a burden, it's not!” She had pulled into a parking lot, something he’d just noticed. “I’m not ashamed to be dating you Pete!” She turned to look at him, a clear hurt in her eyes. “You broke your leg because of me. You could have died because of me. I don’t want to continue pretending like I’m not dating you just because you’re worried some asshole will try something.”

“Willow…”

“I’m so sick of letting go of your hand the second we hear a sound, of people asking me out and having to come up with some bullshit excuse because I can’t just say I’m dating someone, of waiting a couple of seconds before I walk into school so that people don’t know we rode together.” She leaned against the steering wheel. “I want to be able to kiss you and not care who sees, to hold your hand in public, to just tell people I’m happily dating you.”

He reached a hand out to touch her shoulder, but she pulled back abruptly. “I need to get you home.” her voice was quiet. “I told your mom I’d get you home by 4.”

The rest of the drive was in silence.

When she dropped him off, she still helped him out and with his crutches and bag, but she didn’t kiss his cheek or anything. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Be safe.”

She nodded and left, and he felt like an ass. He didn’t know she felt that way in the slightest. He limped into the house, and his mother met him right away. “How was school?”

“Fine.”

She stared at him closely, squinting a little. “You and Willow got into a spat, didn’t you?”

“How did you-?”

She just shook her head and helped him take his bag off. “Sweetheart, I know you. And I know what Willow’s perfume smells like, and it’s not on you.” She tried to gently steer him into the kitchen. “So what happened?”

“Mom, I really don’t want to talk about it.” He went as fast as he could to his room, as difficult as it was.

“Hey- Peter!”

He accidentally slammed the door and winced. How was he going to fix this?

The next day started similar to the previous, but without all the witty banter. Willow was quiet, but it was clear she wanted to say something. Every time she went to speak, it was like she got cold feet and she stopped. It was awful. When they finally parked, he was getting ready to enact his plan when she finally spoke. “...I’m sorry.”

He froze and looked at her. “What..?”

“I’m sorry. For being so pushy yesterday.” She won’t look at him, acting like the steering wheel was so interesting. “My dad and I talked yesterday and… he pointed out that you might not be comfortable being affectionate in public, like him.” She swallowed. “I should have just talked to you about it, not tried to push it. I was just…emotional? I don’t know the word.”

“Honey…” His hand moved to her shoulder. “I should have just told you what I was actually worried about.” She looked at him, confused. “I don’t hate being affectionate in public, I want to be that gross couple that's always holding hands and kissing in the hallway. But I don’t want you getting hurt. You’ve seen what Jackson-”

“You forget I kicked his ass.” She cut in. “I can take him. It’s a risk I’d take… If you're comfortable with it.”

He smiled. “I am, I promise.”

Since they had the same first period that morning, they were able to walk together. But when they finally did have to part, they parted with a kiss, not giving a shit who saw them.

June 1993

--👽--

Willow was dying.

From several things: 1) it was about a million degrees outside. 2) she was bored as hell and most importantly 3) Pete had been gone for what felt like forever (in actuality 3 weeks)

It was her own fault he'd gone. He had been willing to stay home; but nooooo she had to tell him “you should definitely go on that 3 week long cruise around the Mediterranean!” Dammit past Willow.

Granted, she was theoretically supposed to join them. And then with all the Ominent nonsense happening she had forgotten all about needing her passport until it was way too late to get it in time. That's when Pete offered to stay home, but she refused to let him, and now she was lying on the floor in the basement on her stomach missing her boyfriend and watching some random Disney movie with her little sisters while her nails dried because what else was she going to do? Something productive? In this heat? Hell no.

When the basement door opened, she didn't think much of it. It was probably just Ash or Clove. Maybe Aspen dropped her baby off with mom and was trying to escape to somewhere cooler. She didn't care, she just wanted to lay here and mope.

Which she couldn't do when she was pulled up from the ground by someone. She flailed, trying to knock herself out of their hands. Until she realized who's hands she was in. “Pete?!”

He grinned and she finally felt right for the first time in weeks. “Hey.”

She was able to turn and maneuver herself into a bone crushing hug, making sure he was real and not just a dream. “You're home?!”

“Got back about… 3 minutes ago.” He held her tighter somehow. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She kissed him, fucking finally she’d only been waiting 3 weeks for that, before slowly letting him go. She took his arm and started leading him back up stairs before her sisters could complain or worse interrupt them. “Did you have fun?”

“Yes. I don't think there was a single place we visited that wasn't beautiful. Still, it would have been better if you were there.”

She sighed. “I really did want to go. Then all that stuff happened with Tully and the park and-”

“I know.” He soothed. “I don’t blame you. If I didn’t already have mine, I probably would have forgotten too.”

Finally upstairs and in the light, she finally noticed it. “Hold on. You got taller.”

“I did?”

“How have you not noticed?” she shook her head in disbelief. “You're like, 6 feet tall now!”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “...I am?”

“I can't believe you haven't noticed this. I can't believe your mom didn't make a fuss over this.”

“I mean, she said I was looking more like my dad.” He shrugged. “Is it that big of a deal?”

“Not really. But-” she grinned. “It is going to piss Max off. I'm pretty sure you're taller than him now.”

Before he could reply, Ash had turned the corner. “Oh shit. Your twig became a whole ass pole.”

She flipped him off. “Get out Ash.”

“Its the kitchen.” He hissed. “You get out.”

Fucker, she was planning on leaving but she wasn't going to let him think he was the reason why. She crossed her arms, scowling.

After a beat, Pete's hand gently touched her shoulder. “Weren't we going to your room?” He whispered to her, making sure that Ash couldn't hear.

Did being spiteful against her brother win against spending time with her boyfriend she hasn't seen in 3 weeks? No. She caved and nodded. “Let's go.”

When they were about halfway to her room she heard him mutter. “He didn't even try to mess up my hair and he didn't call me tiny… I guess I did get taller.” She just laughed, before she suddenly stopped. Now that Pete is taller- “Honey?”

“I'm the shortest.” They had been the same size in October, but then Max got taller and gloated and was almost instantly beaten by Hoops who just grinned and made fun of Max. But her and Pete stayed the same. But now…

“You're funsized?” He grinned.

She glared at him. “Say that again. I dare you.” She was going to make a point of ignoring that most of the people in her family were short and blame Ominent for this.

--🪐--

The cruise was fun, don't get him wrong, but he spent the entire time wishing Willow was there. His parents seemed to be very aware of that fact, which didn't help. They did try their best to distract him, which led to many experiences and stories.

“Hold on, your mom insisted on wearing heels for the first week!?” She winced, causing them to pause their card game.

He sighed. “Yeah. My dad knew she'd do it too. Every time we do a trip like this, she always forgets how much walking there is.” He remembered when they visited Disney World when he was 8, his dad had to carry his mom around after a certain point because she couldn’t walk anymore

“Didn't you go to the Parthenon? Isn't the ground there super uneven?”

“That was the reason my dad brought her walking shoes and hiking boots. And he had me hide all her heels in my room before she woke up so she had to wear them.”

“I’m guessing she was pissed?”

“Oh she used our full names when she yelled at us. But she wore those shoes for the rest of the trip, and we didn't have to worry about her breaking her ankle.”

“Well… that's good at least.”

“She didn't talk to either of us unless she absolutely had to for three days.” He shrugged. “My dad gave her a new ring and she forgave us so everything worked out.”

“...when you say it like that you make it sound like she’s super materialistic.”

“She’s not.” He promised. “He got the ring before the trip and was planning on giving it to her anyway. He did end up buying a necklace though so he had something to give her in Rome.”

She pulled a face. “Why Rome?”

“Its where they spent most of their honeymoon.”

She smiled a little, moving next to him. “That's…really sweet actually.”

“I agree.” His arm moved around her hip, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Not sure about honeymooning in Rome though. Too warm, and everyone goes there. Well, there and like, Mexico.”

“...Where would you like to go then?” Was he asking about this too far ahead? They hadn't been dating long… but he knew he wanted to marry her…

She hummed. “Where's somewhere that's not too hot but is… I don't know, unique?”

He thought for a moment. “Newfoundland?” He'd read about it on one of the days at sea while his parents went to some event. Beautiful, lots of historic sights, and it didn't have any big cities, so stargazing would be amazing…

She shrugged. “Then Newfoundland.”

He smiled. “Just like that? No arguments or questions?”

“I trust your judgment.” She kissed his cheek.

He laughed a little. “Thanks.”

She leaned into him more, closing her eyes. “...I'm happy you’re home.”

He tugged her a little closer. “I am too.”

March 1994

--🪐--

“Have you asked Willow yet?” Max’s voice cut into his thoughts and made him jump.

“Christ-!” He had to grab onto his locker to not fall over. “Don't do that!”

“Dude, I was trying to get your attention for like 3 minutes and you just stared into your locker.” He crossed his arms. “I'm guessing you haven't asked her yet.”

“...No.” he dropped his head.

“Why not?”

“I… I don't know?” He did know. Besides the homecoming where they got together, the only dances they'd gone to they had been dragged to by friends. But this was prom. It was much more important than even homecoming. ”I want to do something special?” In reality, he didn't know how she felt about going. Homecoming he knew she wanted to but pretended not to care, but Prom had never been a point of discussion.

“Well you gotta ask her soon, especially if I’m supposed to ask Hoops.”

“...You could ask someone you like, you know. On a real date. It doesn’t have to be a friend thing.” It worked for him.

Max shrugged. “I just might, if Hoops wants to go with someone else. I’ll ask her in gym.”

“Ask me what?” It was Max’s turn to jump.

“Jeez! Since when are you stealthy?!”

“Since I heard you say my name.” Hoops leaned against Willow’s locker (all these years and it was still next to his) and stared at Max with suspicion. “What are you talking about?”

“Prom. Petey hasn’t asked Willow yet.”

“Oh.” Hoops looked at Max. “Before I forget, you’re gonna have to ask someone else.” Both guys looked at her, surprised. She got defensive. “What? People like me!”

Pete held up his hands. “I’m surprised you said yes. You told us that you didn’t like going to dances with non-friends.”

She just shrugged. “Yeah, but it's prom. That's different.”

“So who are you going with?” Max cut in.

“Ben. He’s my chem lab partner.” Pete knew the guy, he was nice enough. “Why?”

“I’ll have to talk to him, figure out a group thing once I ask someone.”

“Ah.” She looked at Pete. “You need to ask Willow.”

“I-” He was cut off by the bell, and he nearly sighed in relief. “I need to get to history.” He headed off before they could pester him any more.

--👽--

There was exactly 1 good thing about their history teacher. He let them work in groups whenever he wasn’t actively standing in front of the class. An added bonus was that this was one of the three classes she had this year with Pete, making the class actually bearable for once. He sat across from her, clearly lost in thought, tapping his pencil in no particular rhythm. He’d been like this since class started. She looked over at his paper, quietly reading aloud so only he'd hear it. “What was the name of the group of pioneers who resorted to cannibalism in order to survive after being snowbound in Sierra Nevada?”

He didn’t even flinch, or react really. “The Donner party.”

“So… have you spent the past 10 minutes trying to remember that or?”

He shook his head, his eyes finally looking like he was actually there again, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry, I’ve been thinking about some stuff.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Stuff like what?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

That was code for “this definitely had something to do with her.” Last time he’d said that he’d been trying to figure out a birthday present. She wanted to pry, but she knew better. “Fine, fine.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Did you need something?”

No you dumbass, I was just worried about you. “Not really.” She glanced at the date on the board. Tuesday (gross). “We’re still good for Friday, right?”

“Of course.”

--🪐--

They were curled up on the couch in the living room, about halfway through some movie that had come out while they were tiny when Willow suddenly paused it and pulled back to look at him. His side felt cold without her there. “Alright. Talk.”

“What?”

“You've spent the past week thinking about something, and it's clearly bothering you. So tell me so I can try to help you.”

His heart skipped. He thought he had been hiding his dilemma, but apparently nothing got past her. “Its really not a big deal.” He went to reach for the remote but she grabbed it before he could.

“Its a big enough deal that you've been thinking about it for multiple days.” She held the remote to her chest, knowing he wouldn't reach for it. “Tell me.”

He sighed and looked away. “It's stupid.”

“Pete…” She was next to him again, her hand rubbing his back. “Tell me anyway. If it is stupid, which I doubt it is, I could use a laugh.”

What was the worst that could happen? She suddenly decides him not knowing something about her is the final straw and breaks up with him? He's being ridiculous and he knew it, but he just couldn't stop over thinking it. He sighed. “...Do you want to go to prom?”

“We can go, or we can not. I'm not particularly set either way, so it's up to you.” She leaned against him. “I mean, the last time you asked me to a dance we started dating so clearly they aren't horrible.”

He laughed a little, moving his arm back around her where it belonged. “Its been over two years and I still can't believe you kissed me.”

She snorted. “I don't know why. First, you're cute. Second, I do that basically every day.” She kissed his cheek to prove her point. She waited for a moment before adding. “Is that what's gotten you so worked up?”

“Kind of.” She waited for him to elaborate, and he bit his lip. “Part of it is wondering if you want to go, the other part is wondering if I actually want to.”

“Is someone trying to make you?”

“No one in particular. Just… I never considered both options?” If he was honest with himself, he never thought he'd go to prom because who would say yes to him. But the truth was stranger than fiction: he had a girlfriend, an absolutely gorgeous one at that, who he had been dating for a while. And she wasn't dating him just for him to do her homework or something. She was dating him because she liked him for some reason.

She rested her head against his shoulder. “Whatever you decide, just let me know.”

“If I said I wanted to go..?”

“Then I'd say I do too.”

He kissed her forehead. “...so that's a yes to prom?”

“I mean, you haven't actually asked me.”

“Pardon me.” He chuckled.. “Will you go to prom with me?”

“Yes.” She hit play, curling back into her spot against him, resting her head above his heart.

April 1994

--👽--

Willow was having flashbacks to several years ago, to that Homecoming where she had first kissed Pete. But instead of spending the day with Hoops and Max and their dates, the plan was to meet them at the dance itself. Honestly, she wasn't complaining about that. They had gone to the planetarium (which she didn't even know had opened yet) and spent most of the day there then got dinner at a nice restaurant before he dropped her back off at her house. Now she sat on a chair in the kitchen, her mom doing her hair and Aspen doing her makeup, exactly like last time.

“Aren’t you glad you let your hair grow out? I have something to work with this time.”

It was only to her shoulders but her mom was acting like it was much longer. She didn't even grow it out for this, she grew it out so she could do something with it. Anyone with “unnatural” hair colors wouldn't be allowed in the room to take the ACT or SAT, so Willow hadn't been able to do much with her hair this year color wise. She’d barely gotten away with the streaks, able to argue that red was a natural color. Yes, she was still angry about it.

She rolled her eyes, and Aspen flicked her. “Stop. Moving. Lilly wiggles less than you.”

“Thats a lie and you know it.”

“Leave her alone Aspen, she's just excited.” Her mom sprayed her hair with hair spray and the sister both started to cough.

“Mom-” Aspen wheezed, furiously waving her hand in front of her face. “Warn us next time-”

“My mouth was open!” She coughed, trying to get the foul taste out of her mouth. Every second, she was being reminded why she never asked her mom for help with her hair.

Mom rolled her eyes. “You're both being overdramatic.”

There was a wail from upstairs and her sister groaned. “Why is she up…? I'll be right back.” She left before either of them could answer.

“Can't believe she's a year old…” Willow murmured.

“Me either.” Her mom laughed a little before grabbing the mirror. “How’s it look?”

She looked herself over. “Very nice. Thank you mom.”

“Of course sweetheart.” She sat down next to her. “Now, let's talk about why you actually keep moving. It's nerves, right?”

“Nerves?” She looked at her mom confused. “Mom, it's just a stupid dance. I've been dating Pete for like, 2 years. Why would I be nervous?”

“Its not the dance you're nervous about.” Her mom looked at her with that look. The one that meant she 1000% knew something. “Its your plan for after the dance, right?”

She turned bright red. Oh god she did not like where this was going. She especially didn't like that her mom had figured her out. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“I was your age once too.” Her mom laughed. “I had a baby at your age. Don't think I don't know what happens on prom night. You told your dad and me you were planning on spending the night.”

“W-well yeah! But not…” she groaned. “Do we have to talk about this!?”

“We can talk about it now, or when Aspen comes back, or when Pete and his parents get here, with your dad and siblings present.”

“Mom.” She was mortified. “You wouldn't-!”

“Try me.” Her mom crossed her arms. “Do you want that risk? I’m sure Mrs. Boggs would love to be a part of this conversation.”

“Oh my god.” She covered her face. ”Just me and you is fine! Please do not tell his mom!” She was pretty sure that’d kill her, honestly.

“So, do you know about protect-”

“YES!” She couldn't remove her hands. Someone, please, end her suffering. “You gave me the talk when I was 12 Mom. I haven't forgotten.” Her mom had been very thorough in explaining things back then, which was also mortifying.

Her mom huffed. “Okay, if you remember so much; what did I tell you?”

“Do I have to say it?”

“Yes.”

“You have to wear one every time unless you want a kid.”

“And?”

“If he won't wear it or he gives excuses; he's not worth your time.”

“And?”

“Pee after?” She wasn't even sure what her Mom wanted at this point. Her Mom's face was impossible to read, and she added. “Mom; I don't even know if this is going to happen. I'm not going to force Pete if he doesn't want to…”

Her mom smiled. “That was what I was waiting for.” She stood up and hugged her. “I'll put a box of condoms in your bag.”

“Wh- Mom!?”

This was around the time when Aspen came back in. She clocked Willow's red face and their Mom heading upstairs. “She did the prom night talk, didn't she?”

“You knew this was a possibility and didn't warn me?!” She looked at her, absolutely betrayed. “That was the second most awkward conversation I've ever had in my life. Beaten only by the first time she talked about sex.”

She just shrugged and went back to doing Willow's makeup. “Honestly? With how much you spend the night at his place without his parents home I kind of figured she'd already cornered you to talk about it.”

“Why does everyone automatically think it's something sexual?” She murmured. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to sleep without someone at my back? Half the time I expect to wake up to some massive bug trying to eat me.” She hissed, and her sister froze. “I don't have to explain it to Pete. He just knows.”

“Sorry… I didn't..”

She sighed. “I know. It's just… no one in our house questioned it, while Pete's mom literally checked on us every hour the first few times I spent the night. I thought everyone here just got that it was something left over from being shrunk.”

“...Lift your chin and look up.”

She did as she was told. “We haven't even talked about going further yet. So I get to have another awkward conversation tonight. Great.”

Aspen snorted. “Welcome to being an adult. Half of all conversations are awkward or difficult.”

It was silent for a bit, Aspen applying her eyeshadow carefully. “You can do eyeliner better than I can.” She just snorted in response and her sister sighed. “Alright, what is it?”

“...Am I moving too fast? Pete hasn't brought it up at all…”

“This is Pete we're talking about, you kissed him first. He's not known for taking initiative.”

“He can though. I've seen him do it.” Many times, just not in matters involving their relationship.

“My point is; he follows your lead when it comes to your relationship. If I had to guess, he’s making sure you’re comfortable. He’s a good one really.” She smiled. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, that's fine. You’ve got time.” That made her feel much better.

“Thanks Aspen.”

“You’re welcome. Now do your eyeliner so we can get your dress on you, and I can go to fucking sleep before my kid wakes up again.”

--🪐--

Pete waited awkwardly outside with his parents and Willow's dad. Last time, Willow had gone to his house. It only seemed fair to meet at hers. All eyes went to the door when it opened, only for Willow’s mom to step out, briefly allowing him to breathe until he noticed she was helping Willow down the steps.

She looked stunning. A floor length burgundy dress that had what seemed to be a black lace layer which was carefully woven to have branches. It had thin straps, but she wore fishnet type fingerless gloves that covered most of her arms. The ends of her hair had been curled, nearly hiding the dark red streaks she had put in it a while ago. Her normal makeup (albeit applied more precisely) and accessories completed the outfit but… damn. He felt like rock next to a gemstone, plain and boring next to pure beauty. In his defense, there weren't many outfit choices for guys. He got to pick a tie color, wow.

“You look amazing.” He gently took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

She rolled her eyes, but he saw the blush anyway. “You don't look half bad yourself.”

He chuckled. “Thank you.” His dad cleared his throat, and Pete looked at him annoyed. He didn't forget about the box his mom was currently holding! He was trying to be a gentleman! His mom handed him the corsage, a deep red rose with baby's breath tied with a black ribbon, and went to put it on her.

“Wait! Let me get a picture!” His mom was quick to toss the box at his dad and hurry over with her camera. He felt his ears go red, but at least Willow was trying not to laugh. Once she found the right spot she gave a thumbs up. “Okay, now you can do it.”

He fought back the urge to roll his eyes and slid it on her wrist. Willow's mom had a similar box, and she pulled out a boutonniere. Which Willow struggled to pin to him, and he had to help. “You aren't allowed to laugh at me, yours had elastic.” She whispered to him.

“I'm not laughing.” He promised, finally able to get the thing to stay.

“You two look so cute!” His mom sniffled, still snapping pictures.

Willow's mom just rolled her eyes and shook her head, clearly amused. “Get a bit closer to each other. And pose like you're trying to have your photo taken together.” He put his arm around her, and she leaned into him, putting a hand on his chest. Both moms took a few pictures, commenting on how cute they were together. After a moment Willow nudged him and he looked at her a little confused but he understood when she winked. He laughed a little before leaning down and kissing her, not surprised when he heard the cameras going off again. He swore he heard his mom say “Those ones are going in the scrapbook!”

The dance itself was fine. Some things of note: They took an incredibly awkward group photo with the school provided backdrop, Hoops and Max were successful in making a mosh pit this time, Max had the misfortune of finding two half naked students when he went to go to the bathroom and went to Pete first (who went to a chaperone like a sane person), Hoops made Pete dance with her but she wouldn't let him lead, which just made Willow laugh at them from the sidelines.

The best part easily was slow dancing with Willow, something she herself pointed out. “Why do we bother going to these? We can do the only good part at home.”

He just laughed and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know. Maybe I just like seeing you in pretty dresses?”

“I can wear a pretty dress at home.”

They ended up leaving around 10:30, Hoops and Max leaving around the same time. By that point it had died down, so they weren't missing much. They got back to his house, and after kicking off his shoes he felt like he could breathe a little. “I don't know about you, but I'm ready to change out of this.”

She nodded. “Is it okay if I borrow your bathroom?”

“As long as you don't care that I'm changing in my room.”

“Thats fine.”

She pressed a kiss to his cheek before grabbing her bag and disappearing into his bathroom. He changed quickly, ready to just relax.

…

He was starting to get a bit worried. Willow had been changing for thirty minutes. He had expected 10, maybe 15, maybe even 20 if her makeup was that hard to take off, but not 30. He knocked on the door. “Honey?”

He seemed to have startled her. “Y-Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“I'm fine. This makeup is just… hard to take off.”

He had his suspicions, but he let it slide for now. “Okay…Just, let me know if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

He stepped away and sighed. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was…off. Was it because of the night? He'd seen his fair share of cheesy teen movies, he knew the cliche, knew what was “supposed” to happen. He'd heard other guys at school talking about how much they were spending on their dates to “up the odds” of their date “putting out”. Like that was the only reason to go to Prom in the first place.

He ran a hand through his hair as he sat on his bed. Maybe he should have brought this up to her before tonight? Before the societal pressure kicked in? Before she locked herself in his bathroom? It wasn’t like he hadn’t thought about it, because he had. Several times, and he obviously wasn't as subtle as he thought… He glanced at his bedside table, suddenly hyper aware of the box sitting in it that his dad had given him about a month or so ago. He was going to mention…sex back then, but they had a lot going on, and he didn't want to seem like he was pressuring her. So it became a future point of conversation… that they never had. They really should have, especially now that he was definitely over thinking everything and was kind of convinced that Willow was just hiding. He got up and knocked again. “Are you sure you're okay?”

There was a sigh, and then the door opened. “I'm fine. See?” Willow looked a little red, but other than that she looked the same way she always did when she spent the night, the same one of his t-shirts she always stole and all.

He placed the back of his hand on her forehead anyway, just to check. No fever. “You don't feel warm…”

She just smiled a little and hugged him. “I feel fine.”

He almost sighed in relief, there was nothing to worry about. He kissed the top of her head before pulling away from the hug to take her hand, ready to lead her back downstairs. “What movie did you want to watch?”

He'd taken about three or four steps into the hallway before Willow stopped him. He looked at her, confused. She was much redder than before. Before he could ask what was wrong, she spoke. “Isn't-... Isn't there something else we should do tonight?” Her voice was quiet, and he couldn’t tell if it was out of shyness or fear.

He froze. Shit, she had been hiding. He turned and took both her hands. “Willow… I know the stereotype and what people expect and…” he squeezed her hands. “We don't have to do anything. The last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable.”

She seemed…annoyed? at his words. She pulled her hands back, and before he could attempt to try and figure out what he did wrong, she took the t-shirt she was wearing off. It wasn't as if she was nude, she was just wearing an all black underwear set that covered the exact same amount of skin as the one time she wore a bikini to the pool, but his jaw still dropped. He had to fight himself to look her in the eye, as much as he just wanted to look at her. His face burned. “W-Willow?” he hoped he didn't wince with how his voice cracked.

“I… I know you would never push me to do something I'm uncomfortable with, but I would like to do this. I'm just…. Nervous.” he must have been pulling a face or something because her face fell. “B-but we don't have to do anything. Just… ignore me.”

“Honey-” somehow he was able to gently grab her hands again. She was shaking… “I-”

“Don't want to do this.” She filled in quickly. “So just… let me put this shirt back on and die of embarrassment-”

“No! That's not-” he groaned. “You look absolutely stunning. I just- I don't want to make you feel like you have to do this.”

“Pete, I've wanted to do this for… a lot longer than I'd like to admit…” her shaking eased some after he gently put his arm around her. “You just… never said anything, and I didn't want to push. So I thought, tonight…” she leaned into him a bit.

“I've been meaning to bring it up. But we've been so busy...” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “...If you're sure you're ready-”

“Pete, only one of us is half naked right now.”

He chuckled. “Fair point.”

“So… back to your room?”

“Yeah.”

--👽--

When Aspen came over that Tuesday to pick something up, she noticed Willow on the couch studying. “How did the weekend go?”

She shrugged, not looking up. “Fine.”

“Did you need to use mom's gift?”

“No. Pete had his own.”

“He seemed like the type to be prepared.”

“He was. Very prepared.”

Aspen just nodded and headed upstairs.

They never spoke of it again.

July 1994

--👽--

They had just been sitting on the edge of the pool when Pete brought it up, the thing she had been both dreading and dreaming of. College.

“Before I forget.” Willow tilted her head. “I'm applying to-” Instantly her hand covered his mouth

“Don't tell me.” He looked hurt and she felt bad. “Not yet, anyway. Wait until we get our letters. I won't tell you either.”

She removed her hand, allowing him to speak. “...Why?”

“Because, this way we'll both apply to the colleges we want.” Her voice was soft. “I don't want to influence your decisions because of where I go. I want you to apply to your dream school.”

He frowned. “But-”

“I'll still support you.” She promised. “But… I don't want you trading something amazing for something mediocre.”

“Honey, if we don't go to the same school…” His voice was soft.

“Then… then we'll call every day. And visit as often as we can. And write.” She insisted. “We will make it work.” She grabbed his hands. “We survived being shrunk twice, fighting horrors people will never see and it just made us stronger. We'll handle a little distance.” Despite how sure she sounded, she doubted herself. If she ended up in Massachusetts (which she hoped she would) and he stayed here in California, that would be a nightmare… but she had said it, and Pete believed her, so she had to at least try to make it true.

“Woah- why is it all tense?” Hoops’ voice cut in and instantly relieved the tension.

“We agreed not to tell each other where we're applying for college.” Pete squeezed her hand.

“I thought you'd go together?”

“This way we try our hardest to get into our dream schools.” She explained.

“Sounds difficult.” Hoops shrugged. “Anyway, you’ve spent most of the time we’ve been here sitting in this corner. It’s a swimming pool. Swim.”

“I’m not getting my hair wet.” She hissed. She had just dyed it again now that she finally could (fuck you ACT and SAT committees! She did fucking fantastic and her hair didn't have any part of it!), this time a vibrant red, and she wasn’t supposed to get it wet with chlorine until a week had passed. The only reason why she had agreed to this was because: A, Pete asked her, B, she liked seeing Pete shirtless, and C, he promised she wouldn’t have to actually swim. “Not to mention, I just got an industrial piercing and that can’t get pool water in it.” That had hurt like a bitch but it was so worth it, it looked amazing.

“Come on Willow, live a little!” Max chimed and she spotted the squirt gun he tried to hide instantly and glared at him.

“You hit me with that, I will make it so you can’t have kids. I also won’t help you with homework at all for our entire senior year, and neither will Pete.”

“Petey’s his own person! He can still-”

Pete just shrugged and put his arm around her. “I won’t help you.” He stated simply and she grinned. She knew deep down that if push came to shove Pete would help Max in a heartbeat, but it was still hilarious that he would instantly agree with her.

“Come on man!” Max groaned. “Help me out!”

“Her piercing will get infected, and that could cause permanent injury. Not to mention-”

She rolled her eyes. While it was very sweet of him to research the care of her piercings before she got them (despite one of them just being another one on the lobe) he had given her a massive list of dos and don'ts and worried about it incessantly. “Babe.” she nudged him with her knee. “I think they get it.”

He frowned but stopped, placing his hand on her knee. “Speaking of did you-” “I’ve cleaned it once already, and I’ll clean it when I get home and before I go to bed.” She soothed. “I’m dreading how you’ll act if I ever get a tattoo.”

“Hey! Earth to lovebugs.” Hoops snapped her fingers. “You don’t have to get your head wet. There's other pool games we can play. Come on, it’s like 100 degrees and you’re probably melting.”

“I’m still going to say no.” Willow shrugged.

“Pete?” “Maybe in a bit.” He smiled a little half smile and the other two sighed.

“Why’d you even agree to come?” Hoops put a hand on her hip.

“To see you two. And also because we were babysitting.” Pete gestured to Maple, Maggie and Tilla, the older two swimming in the deep end, while the youngest played in the splash pad.

“Aren’t M&M like, 13?” Max deadpanned. “Do they need a babysitter?”

“We were babysitting Tilla. The twins were just also home.” Willow just shrugged.

Pete frowned. “It wouldn’t be fair to only take Tilla with.”

“I never said we would have done that.” She thought for a moment. “Hey Hoops, I’m sure Maple would love a chance to beat Max at something.”

Hoops seemed to consider it. “I might as well ask, if you two are going to be spoil sports.”

Max mumbled loud enough for all of them to hear. “Told you Pete just wanted to see Willow in her swimsuit.”

Pete turned bright red, almost like he’d been sunburnt. “Max!”

Willow just flipped him off and tried to hide the fact she was laughing.

August 1994

--🪐--

He was going to be late, but there was nothing he could do about it. His mom had trapped him, sobbing about how her baby boy was so grown up, and how she couldn’t believe this was his last first day of high school. “Mom, I really need to go…” Willow was probably pissed that he was taking so long.

His mom still refused to let go of him. “Ohhh my sweet baby!”

“Dad!” He called into the house. “Help!”

His dad sighed when he saw the scene and gently started to pry his mom off. “It's okay honey...”

“Its not! He's leaving!”

“He'll be back at 3:35.”

“Actually, 4. I've got robotics club.”

“He'll be back at 4. It'll be okay.”

She sniffled. “But… But!”

His dad was able to free him and nodded. “Have a good day at school.”

“Thanks.” He ran to his car before he could get grabbed again. He loved his mom, and understood where she was coming from, but also he needed to get to school.

When he finally got to her house, he was surprised that Willow was just leaving. Usually she’d wait on the porch for him. She got in the car quickly, clearly out of breath. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry if you waited long.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before sitting down.

“I just got here.” He waited until she was buckled before he started to drive. “What happened?”

“My mom does this whole thing when it's someone's first day of senior year. It's a nightmare, and it takes forever and I woke up late.” she sighed, digging around in her bag for her lipstick, holding it up in success after she found it. She pulled down the sun visor, using the mirror it had. “I hate that she made me take my lipstick off…. Anyway, why did you just pull up? You like being on time?” “My mom had a bit of a breakdown.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Lots of crying.”

“Thats very sweet and kind of sad.”

“Thats exactly what I thought.”

When they got to a stop light she turned to him. “How do I look?”

He looked her up and down. “Beautiful.”

She pushed his shoulder. “You say that every time. Is my lipstick right?”

He smiled. “Because it’s always true. And yes.”

She smiled and rolled her eyes, putting her lipstick back in her bag. “Dork.”

He reached over and squeezed her knee before putting his hand back on the gear shift. “Your favorite one.”

Parking at the high school was normal, but Pete seemed to hesitate when it came to actually leaving the car. Willow noticed, because of course she did. “Hey.” He looked at her. “I love you.”

He smiled, feeling better. “I love you too.”

November 1994

--🪐--

He'd just gotten home from dropping Willow off when he saw the envelope on the table. His mom was staring at it, clearly giddy. Was it actually here? “Is that-” He started, only to be cut off by his mom.

“Yes!”

He suddenly couldn’t breathe. It was here, the letter from his dream school. “I've got to tell Willow.” They promised to open their letters together. His mom nodded and gestured for him to get going.

Someone picked up on the first ring.

“Hello?”

“Willow?” It sounded like her, but all of the Branch women sounded the exact same on the phone and he didn't want to risk it. He made that mistake exactly once and he still got teased about it.

“Pete! I was just about to call you.” He could hear her smile. ”My letter came.”

“So did mine.” Helluva coincidence but he’d take it! It meant he didn’t have to wait.

“My place at 5:30? My mom and your dad will be back from work by then.”

“Sounds perfect. See you then. And Willow?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“Love you too. See you in about 2 hours.”

The Branch house was buzzing with excitement and quickly evaporating patience. It was 5:32 and Willow's mom still wasn't home, and his own dad hadn't gotten there yet. Both of their envelopes sat waiting on the kitchen table, kept out of the way and guarded by Charles (who was the one who cared the least about this) so no one would try and peek early. Willow's hand tightly held his. “This is horrible.” She mumbled.

“I know.” He rubbed her knuckles with his thumb. He checked his watch again. 5:33. Where the hell was his dad?

Finally, at 5:35 two cars pulled up and both of them could finally breathe.

His mom arranged them in the center of the room. They stood back to back, each holding a white, thick envelope like it held their future; because it potentially did. Both said this envelope was their dream school. His parents facing him, Willow's family facing her. He gently reached his hand back and was able to catch hers, and he squeezed it. She did it back, both understanding the message: whatever this letter says, I'm still proud of you. He slowly opened it, his hands shaking:

Dear Peter,

On behalf of the Admissions Committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to the MIT class of 1999-

He didn't need to read further. He did it. He got in. He felt tears pool in his eyes, which must have sent the wrong message to his parents.

“Peter?” His moms voice was gentle, prepared for the worst.

“I… I got in!” He did it, holy shit he did it!

“Oh honey!!” His parents rushed over to give him a hug.

He spared a glance over his shoulder to see Willow in a hug with her parents with tears in her eyes. He was finally able to turn to her. “What did-”

“I got in.”

“So did I.” They both smiled at each other, but he felt a pang of doubt. This is it, they were about to find out how far apart they’d be for the next four years. “So where…?” He was trying to mentally prepare to have his heart stomped on, if all went according to plan he'd be in Massachusetts for at least 8 years… Maybe after she finished undergrad she could move out with him?

She handed him her paper, accepting his in return. He froze when he read it:

Dear Ms. Branch,

I am delighted to inform you that the Committee of Admissions has admitted you to the Harvard class of 1999-

Willow instantly turned to look at him, the biggest grin on her face. “YOU’RE GOING TO MIT?!”

“YOU'RE GOING TO HARVARD?!” He couldn’t hide how fucking proud he was. She jumped into his arms, almost knocking him to the floor, but he didn’t care. They weren’t going to be separated. She was coming with him. Both of them were crying happy tears. They both got into their dream schools, and they weren’t going to be separated, they couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. He pulled back a little. “Harvard! Wow!”

“Says the guy who got into MIT!” She laughed, tears still in her eyes.

He gently wiped them away. “Guess you’re stuck with me.”

“Thats my line.”

They remembered they weren’t the only people there when he heard Ash ask. “So how far apart are they gonna be?”

Willow turned to her brother. “Not very far at all.”

“What?”

“Harvard and MIT are 2 miles apart.” He explained, smiling. “In some cases they share buildings.”

“What are the odds?” Her dad chuckled.

His mother got RIGHT to work scheduling tours for them. Since Willow's family was definitely going to be busy, she and Pete's dad offered to take the pair to explore the colleges and sort out housing, meal plans, and explore the city a bit. They planned to do this over spring break, so in the meantime they just had to wait.

March 1995

--👽--

“And you’re sure you have absolutely everything?”

“Yes mom.” She fought the urge to roll her eyes. She got it, her mom was worried.

“And you remember what Clove and Ash taught you about throwing punches?”

“Yes dad.” They both were worried, she got that. But come on it wasn’t even like Pete and herself were going alone! His parents would be there the entire time.

Her mom sighed, but pulled Willow into a hug, which she returned. Her dad wrapped his arms around both of them. When they pulled back, she noticed her dad had wet eyes. “Papa, don't cry. I’ll be gone for 5 days. You’ll barely know I’m gone.”

“I’m not crying.” He huffed, but she could tell the second they left he was going to need a tissue.

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep a close eye on her.” Pete’s mom chirped, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

“That being said, we really do need to get going if we want to make our flight.” Pete’s dad added, calm as ever.

Her parents nodded. “Be safe. All four of you.”

She made sure to wave before she went through security.

Pete’s parents had opted to fly them in first class, which was a helluva way to introduce Willow to flying. She didn’t see what the big deal was, why people were so scared of flying, it didn’t seem that bad.

Then the plane took off, and she got a great view of Pete’s sleeve for most of the flight. Her hand held his so tightly she was surprised she didn’t break any of his fingers when they landed. Everytime she tried to be brave and let go of her poor boyfriend, they’d hit turbulence and she’d be right back to where she was before.

So yeah. People hating flying? She totally understood that now.

--🪐--

They got to their hotel, a pretty fancy looking place, and while his parents checked in he checked on Willow.“How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine. Just kind of tired.” She glanced at his hand. “How’s your hand?”

“Fine.” It’d stopped hurting as much around 30 minutes into the flight and wasn’t so bad. “I didn’t know you were afraid of flying.”

“I didn’t either.” She sighed. “That was the first time I’ve ever flown.”

That explained a lot. “I didn't know that.”

She shrugged. “Never really had a reason to come up until now.”

“...if you had gone on that cruise with us a few years back you would have had to fly.”

“Then I would have found out then.”

“Touche.” He sat next to her.

“For the record, I was fine until the bumps. And leaving. And landing.”

Even he got kinda queasy with take off and he'd been flying for years. “Turbulence is scary.” He agreed.

“I'm just glad I didn't scream.” She leaned against him.

His parents came over around that point, his mom looking absolutely pissed. At first, Willow tensed, she probably thought she had done something until Pete's dad explained.

Originally, all four of them would be sleeping in one room with two queen sized beds. But there was a mix up, and they got two rooms with one king size each. Those were the only rooms left, so they were stuck. (Pete found out when he was in his 30s there was no mix up, his dad had called and changed the reservation.) Not only were they in different rooms, but they were on different floors.

Meaning: the parents would have no easy way to monitor a pair of teenagers who were dating.

“I can sleep on the floor.” his mom started, but his shook his head.

“Honey, it'll be fine.”

“But-!”

“They'll be moving out here soon, and we won't be able to police them then.”

She sighed, but went to hand Pete the room keys only to pause and look him in the eye. “Promise me 9 months from now Willow will not be giving me a grandchild.”

He turned bright red. “Mom?!?” She did not just say that. Please, god, tell him she didn't say that.

“Promise me Peter! I want grandbabies but not yet!”

Oh god, she was serious. “I promise!”

She squinted, as if trying to figure out if he was lying, before sighing and handing him the keys. “I had them write down our room number inside the book, so if something happens you can call us.”

His dad shook his head. “Why don't we all go up to our rooms and unwind for a bit? Let's meet back in the lobby at 6, okay?” Both teens nodded and he grabbed his wife's hand. “See you both then.”

He just watched them leave for a second, still absolutely horrified, when Willow started to giggle next to him. Then she started actually laughing and had to cover her face. He looked at her, both confused and a little betrayed and she waved her hands almost in surrender. “I-I’m sorry!” She somehow got out. “You and your dad were pulling the exact same face!” she covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.

He blinked, before exhaling a laugh and shaking his head. “You…” he stood up and held out a hand. “I think you might need a nap.”

She giggled and took his hand, letting him pull her up. “No I don't!”

Oh she 1000% did, but he wasn't going to argue. “Lets go to our room, if only to set our stuff down.”

--👽--

Okay, maybe she did need a nap, but if she fell asleep she wouldn't wake up until tomorrow. So everyone just got to deal with her being slightly delirious. It just meant she was more giggle-y, the Boggs could manage.

Their room was on the 8th floor, right by the elevator. It made finding their room easy. Pete opened the door and held it open for her.

…maybe she did need to take a nap, that bed looked so comfy. No! Stay focused Willow, sleep later. She sat down on the couch. “So what should we do to pass the time?”

He shrugged. “I was thinking of taking a nap.”

Fucker! “Oh..”

“But I could be convinced to stay awake…”

“Oh?” she sat up with a smirk. “I thought you told your mom I wouldn't-”

He covered her mouth with his hand; bright red from the tips of his ears down his neck. “I didn't- I wasn't- That's not-” God, he was so cute. She just started laughing again. “Willow!” He removed his hand so he could hide his face. “I meant we could go swimming or something!”

She was barely able to fight back her giggles. “I'm sorry. We can go swimming or something.” She got up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Slowly he removed his hands and sighed. “I still can't believe my mom said that.”

“She's just worried that her baby boy is growing up too fast.” She soothed, leaning against him.

“I guess.” He wrapped his arms around her. “So… swimming?”

“Sure.”

--🪐--

The first night, after saying good night to his parents they walked back to their room. The moment he'd finished shutting, locking and deadbolting the door Willow moved to his arms. He kissed her temple. “I still can't believe we're actually going to stay near each other."

“Me either, but I'm so happy we are.” She inhaled deeply, visibly relaxing and melting against him. “...You smell good.”

He chuckled, holding her up. “I think you're tired.” When she was absolutely exhausted, Willow was surprisingly affectionate.

“mmmmm…Yeah.”

“Let's get you to bed.” He gently helped her walk over to the bed. “Aren’t you glad we convinced you to just wear pjs and no make up?” It had taken some time the night before, lots of “I promise you do not want to wear that on the flight” before she finally caved.

“...shut up.” He laughed and she flopped onto the side closer to the window, throwing her arms open. “Come here.”

He laid down next to her and she tugged him to her chest. “Honey?”

“You always hold me, I wanna hold you.” She moved a little, patting right above her heart. He hesitated a moment and she just tugged on him again until he finally moved and rested his head against her chest, letting her wrap her arms around him and hold him in place. Listening to her heart beat was incredibly calming. Calming to the point that he was being lulled to sleep. Then she ran her hand through his hair and he knew he was going to fall asleep if he stayed there. She was out like a light before he could try and move, but honestly? He wanted to stay.

When he woke up hours later still in her arms, he didn’t want to move. He was very content, and besides Willow was still asleep. A glance at the clock told him that he, unfortunately, needed to get up. He gently tried to sit up and Willow instantly groaned and latched onto him. “Nooooooo.”

“Honey…”

“It's so early, why are you up?” She groaned, tightening her hold.

Brookhollow was two hours behind timezone wise, he remembered. She thought it was 5 am. “Its 7 am.” His voice was gentle. “You can sleep a little more, I'll make you some coffee.”

She let him go with a sigh. “I love you…”

He got up and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Love you too.”

He knew exactly how she took her coffee; so it wasn't too hard to make them both a cup (even if it was mediocre; hotel coffee and all). The smell slowly roused Willow, who sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Whats the thing today and how important is it?”

He handed her the mug. “Its the tours, and pretty important.”

“Damn it.” She sighed, taking a drink. “I should probably get up then if I want to be ready in time.”

“I can go grab us breakfast?”

She had gotten out of bed by then. “I love you.” She kissed his cheek.

He couldn’t help but think about the future, about a time when he and Willow live together. How this little slice of domestic bliss would be an everyday thing, not occasional.

God, that would be wonderful.

May 1995

--👽--

Just watching Pete was making her stressed.

“Pete. You'll be fine.” She tried again.

“Its just… a really important speech-”

“If you fuck it up, how many of these people will you actually see again? It's graduation. It’s the last time we’ll see these people.”

“I’m valedictorian, I need to end everything on a good note.”

She sighed. He’d been worried about this speech for the past month. Part of her wanted to point out that she could just do the fucking speech, she was valedictorian too, but she knew it wouldn’t help right now. She got up from where she was sitting at his desk and grabbed his arm. “Pete.”

He stopped pacing. “This is really important.” His voice was so quiet. “I can’t mess it up.”

She made up her mind at that moment. “Come on.” She tugged him down the stairs.

He looked at her confused. “Where are we going?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” He said without hesitation.

“Then you’ll see.” She dragged him out to her car, telling Pete’s mom when they walked past her: “We’ll be safe and back soon, he just needs to clear his head before he wears a hole in his carpet.” His mom just nodded in reply.

--🪐--

He didn’t know what he was expecting, but it wasn’t this.

The drive was long and quiet, Willow didn’t even turn the radio on. She just kept her eyes on the road and her hand on his. He watched as Brookhollow faded into nature, watched as they traveled into the woods. He wanted to ask, to speak, but the silence felt oddly sacred. Eventually she parked the car and gestured for him to get out with her.

It was breathtaking. An amazing view of Brookhollow from above. Willow leaned on the front of her car, her eyes never leaving him. He took everything in with a bit of amazement. “I didn’t know this place existed.”

“Not many people do.”

He moved next to her. “Why’d you bring me up here?”

“A couple of reasons. 1. You needed fresh air." He exhaled a laugh. “2. You needed to get away from everyone and everything for a moment.”

“You’re still here.” His hand reached over and took her hand.

“Figured you’d make an exception for me.”

He smiled. “And you’re right.”

“And 3.” She gestured to the sunset. “You needed to see that.”

The sunset was… beautiful. Not like anything he’d ever seen. A dark blue somehow melting into a deep orangey yellow by the time it hit the bottom.

“Its the best place in the whole county to see it.”

“It's…amazing.”

“I've been meaning to show it to you for a while, but I kept forgetting. Now seemed like a good enough time.”

She moved over to the railing, dragging him by the hand so he’d join her, and they just watched the sun set in a calm silence.

He took her car keys before she could say anything. “I'll drive us home. I don't like you driving in the dark.”

She scowled and crossed her arms. “This again? I can drive my own car in the dark Pete.”

He opened the driver's side, turning the car on. “If you can turn on the high beams, I will let you drive.” She went to look, but he stopped her. “You can't look, you need to just know where it is.”

“Oh fuck you.” She hit a random button, and the roof of her car slowly came down, folding up in the back.

It was silent while the car (rather loudly) put the roof away, but once it was done Pete started laughing so hard he had to grab the car for support. Willow tried to glare at him but she couldn't stop herself from laughing either. “Get in on the other side.” He could barely get out, and she didn’t argue.

He drove them home, his hand holding hers most of the drive. On the way back they discussed his speech, and by the time they’d returned to his house he knew exactly what to say.

--👽--

Graduation itself was oddly emotional for her.

She was fine for all of senior year, hell she was fine for all rehearsals and awards and shit. Yet right after she’d gotten her empty diploma holder and sat back down next to Pete she felt like crying. She could not cry in front of all these people, her siblings would never let her live it down.

But what was worse was that she couldn’t figure out why she was so upset. She didn’t care that she was done with this shit, in fact she was happy. And yet…

She figured it out when they went to take pictures in front of the school; the four missing kids now graduating together, no longer missing, ready to live long happy lives. And it hit her.

It was guilt. For the other kidnapped kids. The ones that Ominent killed, the ones who never got to go home, never got to get to this moment. The ones whose bodies-

Pete’s hand on her shoulder was what brought her back. “Willow? Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah.” She was lying, and they both knew it. “I’m fine.”

“Let’s go talk for a second, okay?” She just nodded and let him lead her away.

Survivors' guilt, that's what Pete called it. He felt it sometimes too. So did Hoops and Max.

August 1995

--👽--

“You two sure are leaving early…” Pete's mom looked like she was about to start crying again.

Her mom sighed. “Michelle, we've been over this… they're driving across the entire country. That's a long drive”

“I know… but it's still so early Cassandra!” His mom sniffled. “I thought we'd have them for at least another week!”

“Mom, if we leave a week from now we won't have any room for error.” Pete explained gently for what felt like the millionth time in the past 10 minutes. “This way we can go at a slower pace without worry.”

“But it means my baby is all grown up!” She wailed, burying her face in Pete's shirt.

He just sighed and rubbed his mom's back, waiting for his dad to come help pry her off again. In the meantime, she just looked at her own parents. Her mom just shook her head.

Finally, they were able to get into Pete's Integra. They'd decided on his (new) car over hers to take with them since this way they didn't have to drive alone and they figured they would just share. After all, they were living a short walk away from each other, and Willow's apartment had an assigned spot while Pete's dorm didn't. Before they got in, Willow made sure to have her mom take a photo with her new camera of the pair before they headed out.

The drive to the on ramp was quiet, not unlike when they traveled to the beach or other places for day trips. Finally getting on the freeway felt like some weight had been lifted. “So, our first stop is in Nevada right?”

“Yes.” She dug out the map and the directions he'd mapped out anyway just to make sure.

They needed to drive through at least eleven states, which was apparently 44 hours of pure driving. They’d already preplanned when they’d take turns to drive. Everything was about as ready as they could get, and she tried to relax. She was feeling a little sick, even though she never got car sick. Pete noticed. “You okay? We can pull over.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He didn’t seem to buy it, but he didn’t say anything. He reached over and placed his hand on her knee, which made her feel a little better.

“Didn’t you have music planned for this whole trip?”

“Yeah. But my one Sad Stab cassette is missing.” She sighed.

“I mean, I did bring some of mine-” She was already putting a cassette before he could finish his sentence.

--🪐--

They had made it to Nevada before they called it a night and found somewhere to stay at. Some random motel that had vacancy and didn’t look too sketchy. Even then, he had Willow stay in the car while he got their room. Thank god she was too tired to argue about it, he really wanted to lay down.

The room itself was nothing to write home about, but it had a door with a lock and a shower with hot water so it worked out. Honestly he just wanted to change and go to bed, but he remembered the promise he made to his mom and groaned. “Do you want to go shower? I need to call my mom to tell her where we got.”

“I wasn't planning on showering tonight. Were you?”

He thought about it. “No.”

“Go ahead and call your mom, I’ll get ready for bed.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek before wandering into the bathroom.

The call with his mom took longer than he wanted. He was expecting maybe a minute or two, but it was easily approaching 10 minutes now and he couldn’t get a word in to stop her. Willow had come out by then, already changed into her pjs, and had sat next to him. She began to look more and more annoyed, clearly equally as tired as he was. Eventually she snapped and took the phone from him. “Sorry to interrupt Mrs. Boggs, but it’s really late here and we need to leave at 6 am. Pete will call you at the next hotel. He loves you. Good night.” and she hung up before putting the phone on do not disturb mode. She looked at him. “Go change, I’m tired.”

God, he loved her.

When he came back in, he turned off the light and laid down, Willow finding her way into his arms in an instant. For a moment, they just laid there in silence. He was almost asleep when Willow quietly spoke. “It's not just me right? This feels…”

“Weird?” He turned so he could see her face a little more easily.

“Yeah.” She sighed. “I'm excited, and I imagine you are too.. but…”

He gently cupped her face. “But it's almost like you're scared? Like you're worried you might be making a big mistake?”

She leaned into his touch, but didn't meet his eye. “Yeah. But I know I want to do this. I know that this is a huge opportunity.” She sighed. “I’m probably just losing it.”

“You aren’t.” he ran his thumb along her cheek. “It’s a big change. It’s okay to be scared, nervous. I know I am.” He thought for a moment. “But I’ve got you here, and I know that… It’ll be okay.”

She smiled a little. “What does that have to do with me?”

“As long as I’ve got you by my side, I’ll be okay.”

She laughed a little, pressing her forehead against his. “Sap.”

“Only yours.”

September 1995

--👽--

Cambridge was beautiful, sure, but what was even more beautiful was being able to finally stretch her legs. They did it, drove the 44 hours and made it in time for move in. “So did you want to quickly unpack at my apartment and then have me help you with the dorm? Or the other way around?” When Pete didn’t reply right away, she turned to check on him. Only to see that he was holding her camera and taking a photo of her. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled. “Let’s go to the dorms first, it should go pretty quick.”

She shrugged. “Alright.”

They’d been in the dorms for all of 5 minutes and she already knew Pete was going to hate the place. He was the first one there, so he got to decide which little room was his. The room was probably the size of his closet back home. He got right to work bringing his things in, and she got to work putting things away and setting them up. She had offered to bring things in, but he brought up how; this way they could get to her apartment faster and she couldn’t argue about it. So instead, she felt oddly like some housewife as she hung his shirts and made his bed. If someone needed proof she and Pete had been dating a while, the fact that she knew how he organized his desk, how he liked his shirts in color order, and how he liked his socks in the bottom drawer of his dresser would arguably be proof enough.

--🪐--

There was the very real possibility that he had made a mistake choosing to live in the dorms.

He could deal with the small room, that was fine, cozy even. The noise? Not so much. His roommates weren’t even there yet, and he was sick of how loud it was. He was grateful that his mom had insisted he at least have a single room. He thought she was being ridiculous back then. Now? Not so much.

He hadn’t realized until he’d brought in his last box how busy Willow had been. She’d transformed his entire room so it looked like his room down to his desk. His desk! She was in the middle of folding his towels to fit on a shelf near his toiletries when he came in. “Wow…”

“Is that the last one?”

He looked at the box in his hands. “Uh, yeah. It’s just decorations." She took it from him, getting to work hanging his posters and making sure to put their prom photo next to his bed. “I can help-”

“I’m in a rhythm now.”

He just shrugged and sat down at his desk. “I didn’t think you’d arrange everything too…”

“I know where you put things and how you put things, so I figured I might as well.” He didn’t think she’d noticed, but clearly she did. She was even putting the rest of his pictures up in the way he always had them. “Your door does have a lock right?”

“Yeah. I can lock it from the outside too.” He held up his keychain to show her and she nodded and brushed off her hands.

“Thats everything. Unless you want to-”

“Let’s get started on your apartment.”

…

He’d been at Willow’s apartment all of 5 minutes and already wished he’d picked to live in an apartment. Maybe he could have talked to Willow about just living here with her-

No, stop that.

Her apartment wasn’t massive, but it was obviously bigger than his dorm. She had a kitchen, a little dining nook, what looked to be a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom with a washer and dryer in it. The main downside, he noticed, was there was no furniture. Willow didn’t seem to care. “Most of the important stuff, like my bed, is being delivered tomorrow.”

“I’ll come over and help with it.” He promised. “Why didn’t you choose somewhere that was furnished?”

“Well, I’ll be here for seven-ish years. So I might as well have actually good furniture.”

Most of what they brought up to her apartment stayed in its box, as there was nowhere for it yet. It took less time with two people bringing things up, plus she had an elevator. Once everything was up, he didn’t know what he should do… Willow just sat down on the floor and patted the spot next to her, and he joined her.

“Its…weird right? We’re finally here.”

“Its weird.” He agreed. She sighed and leaned against him. “You could take a nap?”

“You are the one who’s been carrying boxes all day, you should take a nap.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m fine.”

It was quiet for a moment, only sounds were from the city and some from the neighbors. He glanced around her living room, noticing the phone on the wall. “We probably should call home. Tell them we got here and all that.”

“Probably.”

Neither of them moved. He didn’t want to disrupt this peace, this feeling that it was just him and her in the entire world. He didn’t want to call home, because his home was next to him…

--👽--

The worst part of going from living with a massive family to living by yourself was the quiet.

It was unsettling. She kept listening for her dad’s snoring, Tilla’s sleep talking, Ash getting up to use the bathroom.

Pete’s breathing.

But there was nothing. It was just her.

Maybe she should have just done what she wanted and asked Pete to live with her. Then there’d be no problems.

Maybe next year.

October 1995

--👽--

Pete had been acting weird.

She didn’t even know how to describe what she meant by weird either. He wasn’t acting like himself, for certain. She swore everytime she caught him looking at her he had a sad look in his eyes. He wouldn’t tell her why, which was even more infuriating. That was the only change, besides the subtle changes that told her something was wrong. He still saw her whenever he could, still visited her apartment often, still tried to make date nights, he even still spent the night when he could.

What the hell was making him sad?

Her guess was because it was around when they got shrank, but both of those days passed without issue. So she didn’t know.

All she could do is stay by his side and hope he told her what was going on soon.

April 1996

--👽--

Something smelled really good.

That was partly why she actually got up, not just because her alarm was going off. If she had been thinking, she would have asked “who the hell is in my apartment, I live alone.” But still half asleep and hungry she got out of bed to investigate. If it was some killer, they probably wouldn't make her breakfast first.

She didn't know why she was so surprised to see Pete in the kitchen, cooking what seemed to be an omelet to go with some hashbrowns. “Pete….?”

He turned, looking a little surprised she was awake. “I didn't think you'd be up yet. I was going to bring this to you.”

“You were going to bring me breakfast in bed?” Thoughts were not fully going through at that moment. “Why?”

“You have a final today, right?” She nodded, brain still not fully working. “You need a good breakfast.”

“...what?”

He just shook his head and laughed. “Theres a cup of coffee on the counter for you.”

--🪐--

He felt a little weird using the spare key, but he figured Willow would never turn down breakfast. She had been so stressed over this final, and he wanted to do something nice before it. His estimation of her wake up time was off by about 4 minutes, so he couldn't bring it to her. But! He did get to see her stumble out of her room with the world's worst bedhead and one of his old shirts looking absolutely adorable so it was still worth it.

Finally having coffee in her system, she seemed to actually understand what he was saying and got teary eyed. “Pete…”

He set the food in front of her with a smile. “Eat.”

She dug in, her face lighting up. “Holy shit- why are you not in cooking school?”

He laughed. “My mom had me cook every dinner that last year of high school and during the summer.”

“I think you're missing your calling.”

He just laughed. “I’m glad you like it.”

…

He watched as Willow headed into the bathroom, ordering him not to touch the dishes because she would do them. The second she shut that door he started working on them. He came here to do a nice thing for his girlfriend-

He froze for a moment. She was still his girlfriend, by some miracle. He was still waiting for that inevitable conversation where she told him they were finished. The one he’d been waiting for since school had officially begun.

He’d take every second the universe granted him of them still being together.

He heard the shower turn on and he got back to cleaning the dishes, trying to pretend everything was fine.

Like he had all year.

--🪐--

Pete was exhausted.

He'd packed up his stuff and moved everything over to Willow's apartment at least until they came back from their trip home and he could find a new place. He was not living in the dorms again. But packing and moving had taken a day each, not to mention his final essay and exams, and they had a flight to catch Friday night. There was very little room for error. Thankfully, they had made it to the airport in time. Willow may not have needed to pack or move, but she did have a final that morning. He was pretty sure her blood was mostly caffeine at the moment from the coffee she'd been drinking to stay awake. After they had found their terminal they were finally able to breathe. “Great. Do you think I can find coffee?”

“Probably, but I won't let you drink it.” He grabbed her hand. “You're shaking.”

“It's cold.” she defended, knowing damn well she was full of shit.

“It's 90 degrees.” he deadpanned. “You can have water.”

She pouted. “You aren't my mom.”

“Be glad I'm not. If your mom knew how much coffee you've had in the past two days she'd kill you.”

“Oh god my house is going to be so loud.” She groaned.

“You're always welcome at mine.” She basically lived there half the time anyway, what with his parents wanting her over for dinner often.

“It’s appreciated.” She smiled. “Hopefully your mom’s forgiven me about Nevada.”

July 1996

--🪐--

He had been scouring the internet for potential places to live (as he heard that some people on campus were posting about roommate situations) when Willow spoke up from where she was laying on his bed reading some magazine. “You know you could just… move in with me, right?”

His heart stopped and he slowly turned to look at her. She didn't look up, not at first, but when she did she had a confused look on her face. “Why do you look like I just suggested we eat your laptop for dinner?”

“You… You want to live with me?”

She just shrugged. “I basically already have. Twice.”

“Those were different, you didn't have a choice.” His voice was soft. “Isn't that a big step?”

She frowned and set her magazine down before swinging her legs over the side. “A big step? We've been dating for 5 almost 6 years.”

A fact that still surprised him. He figured once they made it to college she'd realize how much of a nerd he was and find some pre-law student to end up with, someone worthy of her. He wasn't complaining, every day he thanked whatever ruled the universe that he could still call her his, but he knew that one day he'd wake up from the dream. He couldn't look at her, not when he could feel the tears in his eyes. “Well, it's a lot more complicated to… to” his voice got quieted. “Break up when you live together…”

“Who said anything about breaking up?” She sounded like she was surprised he'd even suggest such a thing. “Pete. Look at me.” She demanded. When he didn't move, her hands found his cheeks and forced him to look up. He saw her heart break in real time as she saw his expression. “...How long have you spent thinking I was going to break up with you?” her voice was barely above a whisper, like it hurt to even say those words.

“Since we got to Massachusetts.” His voice didn't feel like his own. “I thought… I thought that road trip would be the last…” he inhaled sharply, trying so hard not to cry. “The last big thing we'd do together. Because I was so sure you'd realize there was someone better at Harvard…” He swallowed hard, unable to actually meet her eyes.

--👽--

She couldn’t believe he thought she was just going to leave him all fucking year. Goddamnit Peter Boggs, how long will it take to realize she didn’t want someone else? How long will it take for him to realize just how much she loved him?

--🪐--

He could feel her shaking. “Do you have any idea how much you've ruined me?” He winced, not entirely prepared to be yelled at. “My expectations are now so high that there is only one person on this planet that can meet them, and he apparently has spent the past year waiting for me to dump him as if he was trash.” He could tell she was struggling with words, and he put a hand over her own. “And I'm so fucking mad at you, because you don't see what I see. You don't see the kindest, most loyal person I have ever met. The person I have been so, so lucky to have called mine for the past 6 years. ” she sharply inhaled and he risked a glance at her, only to feel horrible. She was crying. “And he thinks that given the chance I would leave him. As if I'm not the lucky one.” She took a moment before speaking again, her breath shaking. “Well, too bad. The only way he's getting rid of me is if he tells me himself.”

He immediately looked at her in surprise. Had he heard any of that right? “Wh-what..?”

“You're stuck with me.” She moved fast, sitting on his lap before he could even realize what was going on. Her arms were around his neck, her face tucked against his neck. “Until you throw in the towel. I'm not going anywhere.”

“W-Willow…” his hands moved to her hips to steady her. “I-”

“I'm not leaving you.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet she said that like an oath. He felt her hands dig into his t-shirt, as if she was making sure he couldn't remove her. “I love you. I want to stay with you. I want you to live with me so I can see you more. My apartment is so quiet unless you're there. I've spent this entire fucking summer trying to figure out how to offer it to you as an option.” She sniffled softly.

He’d only seen her like this a few times, the Willow that no one else got to see. The one who actually showed her emotions, who didn’t hide everything behind snark and coldness. He knew she wasn’t lying in the slightest.

They just sat there for a moment, holding each other. When her breathing finally evened out he spoke. “Are you sure you want me to move in with you?”

“Yes.” Her voice was muffled by his shirt, but it was firm.

“...Okay.” He pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “Search over. Apartment found. I'm moving in with you.”

She loosened her grip and pulled back, her eyes still red. “Pete?”

“Yes?” He gently wiped away what tears he could.

“Next time you start to think or feel this way...” Her voice was hoarse. “Just talk to me. Don't make assumptions.”

He nodded and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I promise I will.” Slowly she relaxed when he said that. “...Were you actually trying to ask me to move in with you this entire time?”

“...I was actually going to suggest it when we first moved out there…” She mumbled. “But I knew your mom would lose her mind if I said it.”

“And she won't now?”

“Well, if she gets upset you have the leverage of not coming home? Not saying you should actually do that.” She sighed. “You could always… not tell her?”

“I can’t do that.”

“I know…”

“I think she'll understand.” His hand rubbed up her back. “I mean, it makes sense.”

He'd be lying if he said he didn't want to live with her. The past year; that apartment had felt more like home then his dorm ever did. Willow made the decision easy by picking for him.

They had been holding each other in his chair for a bit when Willow spoke up again.

“Pete?”

“Hm?”

“Can we move this to the bed? My leg is starting to cramp…”

“Yes. Please. My foot is falling asleep.”

They brought it up off handedly during dinner that night, and his dad just looked confused. “I thought you already lived together?”

Willow barely held back laughter as his mom rolled her eyes.

Needless to say, there was no big fight or reaction.

September 1996

--🪐--

Past Pete was a fucking idiot, and he could say that with confidence.

First, Willow hated her fellow students. There were exactly three she could stand, and even then she didn’t invite them over. “If my professors weren’t excellent I’d fucking transfer.” She’d told him one night after she came home from a group project that clearly hadn’t gone well. There was no way in hell she was even slightly interested in any of them. He at least could tolerate most of the students he saw often, that wasn’t the case for her.

Second, he’d been living with Willow for about a month and a half, and it was so much better then living in the dorms he wondered why the hell he had picked that in the first place. He came home every day to see the love of his life, he and Willow had routines that just naturally formed, and he was genuinely happier than he’d been in months. He could think of exactly two cons living in the apartment: 1. Their neighbor above them was noisy and 2. The washing machine made weird sounds. Willow seemed to have tuned out both of those, so he figured in time he would too.

He should have asked to move in sooner.

July 1998

--👽--

It was nice to be back in Brookhollow. As they got further into college, it became less and less feasible to spend the entire summer. But since this was their last summer before they finished undergrad, they wanted to at least make it for the 4th of July. The plan was simple; fly in on the 30th of June, fly out the 10th. Enough time to see their families, but they were still able to get back before everything fell apart in their absence.

You'd think, since he set the dates, that Pete would have all his stuff packed. Apparently he didn't, and they really needed to leave soon. Willow ran through her check list again. Phone? Check. Wallet? Check. Keys? Check? Luggage? Check. Boyfriend? She sighed. “Pete! We really need to get going. Aren't you usually the one who's getting after me for being late?”

“Sorry! I promise I'm almost packed!”

She huffed and started to walk back to their room. “What is it that you forgot? Maybe I packed it?” Her hand had just touched the handle when the door opened. Pete looked a bit flushed, like he'd ran to the door.

“Found it. Let's go.”

She blinked. “What was it?”

“Not important; we need to get going.” He gently turned her around and started gently pushing her towards the door.

“Clearly it wasn't nothing.” She crossed her arms and tried to plant her feet so she wouldn't move. “Tell me.”

He glanced at the clock. “I'll tell you later. Our ride to the airport should be here any minute.”

She eyed him suspiciously, but sighed. “Fine.”

--🪐--

Thank god she didn't notice the very obvious box he had in his pocket.

--👽--

Man, Pete had been acting weird lately. Probably finals stress.

--🪐--

His parents' backyard 4th of July party had only gotten bigger over the years as people got older and had kids. Since they invited them years ago, the Nguyens, Smalls’, Tullys and especially the Branches were staples as well. At this point, the Branches were family, even with no official tie to the Boggs… at least no official tie yet.

He watched as Willow came out from the house carrying more drinks and handing them to his mom, saw his mom light up and launch into conversation with her as she set them down, saw Willow laughing… He was suddenly very aware of the box in his pocket. It felt heavy, and he would have just left it in their room (Willow was staying with the Boggs as the Branch house was bursting at the seams with people right now) but there were at least seven different little kids running around that liked rummaging through anything they could reach. He still needed to ask for her dad's blessing and propose, and he'd like to do both before they left. If he would do either was up in the air, at the very least he wanted to get the blessing. If he could get her dad alone at the party, maybe he could ask. It had to be his lucky day, because he spotted the man in question standing alone by one of his moms planters. He started to head over-

“UNCLE PETE!!!!” Annnnd that plan went out the window. He turned just in time to catch Lilly as she threw herself at him. “You made it!!”

He hoisted her up (man when had she gotten so big!? Last he checked she was still just a baby) so he could get a better hold of her. “We did!”

“So Auntie Willow's here too?”

“Of course, she's over on the deck.” He pointed to her, now talking to his mom, Aspen and her own mom. “See? Right by your mom.”

Lilly cupped her little hands in front of her face like a little megaphone. “HI AUNTIE WILLOW!!!!” He had to try not to flinch since she was basically screaming in his ear.

Willow looked up a little confused, but smiled and waved when she saw them.

“Do you want me to take you over?”

“Nah! But will you play with me?”

He glanced back at Willow's dad, now in conversation with Clove. Well, he might as well spend time with his not-yet-niece. “Sure.” He set her back down and let her lead him off.

--👽--

“Its almost unfair how good he is with her.” Aspen murmured.

Pete's mom beamed with pride. “Pete's always been good with kids. A natural talent, really. Hopefully it'll come in handy one day!”

She felt eyes on her, instantly knowing where this was going. “I don't think he's planning on doing pediatrics, but he might change his mind.” She highly doubted that he would, with how much he wanted to be a neurosurgeon.

Her mom rolled her eyes. “Very funny Willow.”

Aspen, thankfully, was willing to take the bait. “Speaking of school, are you ready for senior year?”

“I think so, but it's not like either of us are done with school yet.”

“You'll have…what? A 2 month break?”

She snorted. “If that.”

Alas, her bait didn't work very well. “So… Willow?” She did not like that tone from Pete's mom. It always meant that she was about to ask something Willow never wanted to answer.

“Yes?”

“Have you and Pete discussed when you'll be getting-”

THANK GOD for Charles, holding his son Jacob looking panicked. “Aspen, honey. Emergency.”

“Oh god.” Her sister set her cup down. “Mrs. Boggs do you-”

“The bathroom off the kitchen has been stocked with diapers and any supplies you may need.”

“Thank you.”

As they ran in, Willow ran off to find Pete. And to hide. It was too early to deal with questions about why she and Pete weren't married yet. Especially since she didn't know either.

--🪐--

Maybe playing with Lily was a mistake.

It wasn't that he didn't enjoy spending time with her and the other kids, they were cute and said absolutely insane things, but he was losing faith that he'd ever get the chance to do anything else today. His own fault really, he always kind of volunteered to be a babysitter. As he sat on the grass watching Lilly and the others play some game, a pair of hands covered his eyes and tilted his head back. He almost shoved them off, but then they quickly kissed him and he knew who it was. “Hi honey.”

“Hey.” She let him go and sat next to him.

“Did you have a nice chat with the moms?”

“Did at first.” He didn't push and she didn't say more.

“Did you by chance see if Hoops or Max have gotten here yet?”

“Nope” Damn it. Max was the other person who would willingly watch the kids. Hoops would do it if he told her why he needed two minutes. “I'm sure he'll get here soon. Then you can pawn the kids off.”

“Willow!” He wasn't expecting to be called out, but also did that mean she had caught on-

She shrugged, leaning on him. “It's okay to want to spend an event with the adults, Pete.”

Right. Yeah. That's why he wants to be away from the kids.

He put his arm around her. “But I'm the favorite Uncle. I can't lose that title.”

“The adults are less fun 90% of the time.”

“Is this you saying you'll swap me places?”

“Oh hell no.” she crossed her arms. “I'll take boring.”

“But you're the favorite Aunt. Lilly told me.”

“Why can't we find someone else to watch them? Then you can just stay by me the whole time.”

That would be significantly more enjoyable, but both knew that wouldn't happen. At least, not until Max got there. He opened his mouth to reply when he heard his name being called. He turned his head. “Is that…my dad?”

“I think so. You should go check.” He looked back at her, question on the tip of his tongue. She rolled her eyes. “I can watch them for the five minutes it will take for you to help your dad.”

He smiled and stood up, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I'll be fast, promise.”

Weirdly, when he got to his dad his dad just told him to go to his study? He knew better than to argue, his dad worked in odd ways. Imagine his surprise when Mr. Branch was already standing there, looking over his fathers various strange trinkets. He stopped in his tracks. “Mr. Branch!”

“Come in Peter. Shut the door.” His voice instantly put Pete on edge.

He did as he asked. “You were the one asking for me?”

He nodded. “My wife said she spotted something interesting in your pocket.” Pete felt the color drain from his face. “Care to explain what that's about?”

He wanted to pretend like he didn't know what he was talking about, but wasn't this the opportunity he wanted? He took a deep breath and pulled the box out of his pocket. He looked at it, not wanting to see Mr. Branch's reaction. “Was this what she saw?”

“I believe so.” The following silence was heavy, almost suffocating. “May I see it?”

He nodded; handing it over. He watched closely as the older man opened the box and smiled slightly. “She'll love it.”

“I hope so. I've been keeping an eye out for the perfect ring for years…” Half the jewelry stores around their apartment knew him by name because of how often he came in to see new stock. This is one of the two most important rings he'd give her in his entire life, it had to be perfect. It took two years to find it.

Her dad nodded, closing the box. “Why isn't she wearing it yet?”

He had to steady himself. “Call me old fashioned; but I wanted to wait until I had your blessing…” It probably didn't matter to Willow, but he knew she was close with him, so it was better to get it. Besides, he always worried that Mr. Branch didn't like him much.

“Peter.” His face softened. “I'm honored that you wanted to ask me for that, but it's not necessary. You've had mine, and my wife's, blessing since you two moved in together.”

“Oh…”

Her dad just laughed. “Now when are you going to ask her?”

“I… I don't know. I was hoping during this trip.”

“Why not today?”

“Today? I think she'd kill me if I added another thing.”

“That's… fair. Hmmm.”

“I'll think of something.” He promised. “Now I should probably get back to Willow.”

He nodded, handing the box back. “This chat didn't happen.”

“Understood.” he turned to leave.

“And Peter?”

“Yes sir?”

“You hurt my daughter, you will never be seen again.”

“With all do respect Mr. Branch, if I hurt Willow I would deserve that.”

He just smiled. “Glad to know we understand. Now go. I want more grandkids.”

He left before the older man could see how red he got.

--👽--

Pete was up to something, but she couldn't place what. He had been since the 4th, but as their time at Brookhollow got closer and closer to being over he was getting more antsy and leaving her alone. So she got to work.

She was working on a report (that would be a good chunk of her capstone) at Pete's old desk when the man in question opened the door after helping clean up dinner. “Hey.”

She didn't look up. “Hey.”

“Do you want to go for a drive?”

“Where?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course.”

“Then you'll see.”

She finally looked up at him, feeling a sense of deja vu. She sighed and set her pen down. “I'm stealing your jacket.”

He smiled and offered his hand. “Thats fine.”

Pete's old car still worked fine, so they took that, making that deja vu even worse. “This brings back memories.”

He laughed a little. “It does. Pretty sure if you open the glove box you'll find my chem notes.”

“Oh right! That's where you hid them!” She grinned. “Max never could figure it out.”

“I don't know why, it's not like I did it on purpose.”

“Do you think there's a cassette still in the player?”

“Push the button and see.”

She shrugged and did, surprised when it was her missing Sad Stab cassette. “I've been looking for this for years!”

He laughed. “I never touched it, so you must have left it without realizing.”

“The one time my rule backfired.”

She figured out where they were going about halfway there. “You're taking me to my spot?”

He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought it'd be nice. We haven't been up there in a while.”

He was right, the last time she'd been there was with Pete two summers ago. “That's sweet of you..”

He took her hand. “This is supposed to be a tiny vacation, and you've spent most of it working…”

“I know..” she sighed. “I just want it to be done.”

“Well… for right now, just forget about it and relax.”

“Fine, fine.” She squeezed his hand and watched the trees pass the window.

She'd zoned out until they reached their destination and Pete gently tapped her shoulder. They got out and she walked to the fence. The view was still stunning without the sunset, and from here you had an easier time seeing stars. “Next time we come up here, we should bring blankets.” She waited a moment, but was confused when there was still no reply. She turned to see if maybe he was grabbing something from the car and gasped.

Pete was waiting on one knee, smiling a little awkwardly. “Pete… What are you doing?”

“Something I've wanted to do for a really long time.” His voice was so gentle and sincere it hurt. “Willow, I have spent years trying to figure out what I'd say in this moment.” She took a step closer, still not quite believing this was actually happening. “I tried to figure out where, when, how… but if I tried to make it perfect I don't think I'd ever ask. But it doesn't matter to me, only one thing does, and that's your answer to the question I've wanted to ask since we were 16.” He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a box. “Willow Branch, will you marry me?”

At some point during his little speech, she had started to cry and covered her mouth. There was so much to digest, so much that she wanted to ask about so much relief. But it was like her throat had closed up, so she nodded; barely able to get out an audible: “Yes.”

--🪐--

The few seconds it took for Willow to process what he had said and respond felt like hours. What he had said was not what he had prepared, aside from “will you marry me?”, but it was a little too late for that now. All he could do was wait for her reply and try to ignore the gravel that was absolutely destroying his shins.

At least that last part made sure he wasn't dreaming when he heard that “yes”. He got up, and (thankfully) caught Willow when she threw herself into his arms, and held her close when she let herself cry, so overwhelmed with relief that she said yes that he couldn't speak at first. When he finally could, the only thing he could think to say was: “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She pulled back a little, and he was able to kiss her, hoping that even though words were impossibly difficult at that moment she knew just how much he loved her.

She smiled when they parted, wiping away her tears. “Not to sound materialistic, but can I see the ring?”

“I didn't open the box?”

“No.” He facepalmed, mad at how barely anything about this went right, but he got to hear Willow laugh.

“You didn't mean to do that?”

“No!” He grabbed the box from where it had fallen (probably a good thing that it wasn't open!) and opened it so she could see. All that time being incredibly picky had paid off.

“Pete…”

It was simple, at first glance at least. A marquis diamond in the center at a slight angle with two small diamonds on either side. If that was all he was looking for he would have found it easily. But it was the band itself that was the truly eye-catching part. The gold was woven like branches and leaves yet it wasn't bulky. Simple, elegant, yet incredible.

“It's not complete, not yet anyway.” He didn't want her to be forced to pick which ring she'd wear everyday. “The wedding band goes with it.”

She held out her hand. “...Put it on me?”

It looked even better on her finger than he imagined.

--👽--

She spent most of the drive back just staring at her ring. What? Can you blame her!? She still wasn't fully convinced this had actually happened. She glanced at Pete, who hadn't stopped smiling since he slid the ring on. “Did you really mean what you said?”

“Which part?”

Everything. “The part about you wanting to propose since we were 16?” How long have I wanted you to?

“Yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Apparently when I was waking up from the anesthesia I told the nurse. But I told a different nurse that day you came to work on history homework with me.”

She didn't even really remember that day… “Why didn't you do it sooner?” Why did I think you never would?

“Well at first we were too young and couldn't get married.”

“Fair enough.”

“Then I spent the first year we were in Massachusetts convinced you were going to break up with me.”

“Which I still think was ridiculous…”

“Point taken.”

“That still leaves the past two years."

“Which I spent looking for the ring.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I wanted to make sure it was perfect.”

“You could have proposed to me with a ring from one of those quarter vending machines and I would have still said yes.” He didn't even need a ring, she would have still said yes.

“I wanted you to have something nice. You'll hopefully be wearing it for the rest of your life, I wanted it to be sturdy, but still beautiful.”

Her heart felt so warm. “Hopefully?” She teased, gently grabbing his hand.

“Well… you could lose it?”

“When would I ever take it off?”

“To clean it?” He thought for a second. “Actually, you'll have to take it off for a few hours while both parts are combined…”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, I'll do my best to keep my eye on it.”

“You're doing a great job of that right now.” He teased.

“You've spent how long being able to admire it? I got it 4 minutes ago.” He laughed, and she smiled a little. She didn't want to think about what wedding planning would mean, but at this moment she could care less about that. She was just going to enjoy being happy, thanks.

--🪐--

It was late when they got back to his parents house, which he hadn’t meant to do but he wasn't a teen with curfew so he wasn't sure why he was worried. Willow and himself did lower their voices almost instantly, not wanting to even slightly risk waking his parents as that would be a nightmare (his dad was the worst when he was woken up. It was scary.). He did instantly get worried when he went to use his key and the door was already unlocked. “That's strange…”

“What is?”

“It's not locked.”

“Maybe they left it for us?”

“Maybe? But they know I have a key…” He eyed the door suspiciously. “Stay behind me.”

“Pete-” She began to protest just like he knew she would.

“Willow, you're the faster runner.” Since he broke his leg years ago, he wasn't the best at running. “If something's wrong, get help.”

She went to protest again but bit her lip and nodded. He steadied himself and opened the door…

The lights almost instantly flicked on, catching him off guard as his parents, Willow's family, some extended family and their friends came out of nowhere and yelled: “Congratulations!”

He nearly jumped, holding a hand over his chest, which he realized later made him look exactly like his mom, looking at all of them in utter disbelief. “What?”

Willow poked her head out from behind him, equally confused. “Whats going on?” She looked at him. “Did you plan this?”

“No!” He was expecting to come home and quietly celebrate with his fiancée (god he loved that word), not entertaining people. He looked at his mom. “Mom?”

“Actually it was your dad!”

He looked at his dad, absolutely betrayed. His dad was not the party type. Half the time he said hi and then fled to do literally anything else. His dad looked sheepish. “In my defense; I tried to have it just be your friends and the parents…”

“But why leave out Willow's siblings! And some family were still in town after the 4th!” His mom chirped before turning to Willow. “Lets see the ring!”

“How-?” He didn't tell them. He'd only told Willow's dad, who he quickly looked at. The older man shook his head no and pointed at his dad again.

“...I saw the box when it fell out of your pocket the other day.” And here he had thought no one had seen that, great. “Your mom figured it out when I asked for contact information.”

Willow's mom raised her hand. “For the record, Pete, my husband told me. Don't put all the blame on your dad.”

Speaking of looking betrayed…“Cassandra-”

Willow's mom crossed her arms. “I see you trying to throw that poor man under the bus.” She turned to Willow. “Anyway, he said the ring was beautiful.”

Willow just let out a surprised little laugh and headed over to her parents. At least she was amused by this, and it made it easier to tell everyone important.

April 1999

--👽--

“Just… Just breathe Willow.” She murmured to herself. Everything was fine. Everything would go fine. This may not have been exactly what they had planned but…

But in the end it didn't matter. What did matter was the outcome, and goddamnit by the end of this day she was going to be married to Pete.

She wanted so badly to go find him, even knowing damn well he'd be at the altar she still wanted to see him and make sure. She wanted him to tell her everything was okay.

“Stop moving.” Her sister scolded. “Do you want me to burn you?”

“Sorry.” She sighed.

“Pete will be there. I promise.” Aspen soothed, rubbing her shoulder before continuing to curl her hair. She'd already finished doing Willow's makeup so now all that was left was hair and putting on the dress. “I know how you feel though. When I got married I wanted to break the door down to see Charles.”

“I thought we were blaming that on the baby?”

“I was a little hormonal, but I wasn't that far along.” She held the curl together for a moment before letting go. “I still can't believe you're wearing white. I always thought you'd wear black.”

Truth be told, she had also thought she'd be wearing black. She had tried on black gowns but her mother, and Pete's now that she thought about it, begged her to try one white gown. Just one. And she did it just to humor her.

Most of the black ones were over the top statement pieces that she didn't care for, tons of lace and layers with weird cuts. They looked fine on her, but they didn’t make her cry or anything. She had been annoyed when she was handed it by the shop assistant, but she agreed only after her mom promised that if she tried on this one dress she wouldn’t ask her to do it again. The white dress was simple, strapless, a corset back, made from silk. The shop assistant didn’t even let her see herself in the mirror, just sent her straight out to the moms.

Her mother was kind enough not to say I told you so when she fell in love with the white one.

“I did too. Things change I guess.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. 2 more hours. She could do this.

…

She felt like she was going to puke. She didn't particularly care for tons of eyes on her, but in the next few minutes that's exactly what would happen. Her dad patted her arm “It's not too late to run.”

She let out a surprised laugh. “Papa, I thought you loved Pete?”

“I do.” He shrugged. “But I needed to get you to laugh.” She smiled, suddenly feeling very emotional, which he noticed. “Oh my little owl…”

She carefully dabbed at her eyes. “Sorry, sorry. I don't even know why I'm so emotional.”

“Its an emotional day.” He pulled her into a hug. “Its not like you're leaving us. You can always come home. Your mother and I will always welcome you.”

“Thank you Papa..” she sniffled.

“Now cheer up! It's your wedding day! The one who is supposed to cry is me!”

She laughed and took a deep breath, accepting the arm that was offered to her. “Let's do this.”

--🪐--

There had been several times in his life where when Pete had seen Willow, he had been convinced she couldn't possibly get more beautiful. And every time he thought that, it would happen again. But this time? He doubted it. When Pete saw her, his heart stopped. Willow was always beautiful, but today? She was exquisite, radiant, stunning… perfect. And when she smiled at him he instantly felt himself get teary and he had to try and stealthy wipe his eyes. He couldn't take his eyes off her for that entire walk down the aisle.

When they reached the end and it was time for her father to give her away, her dad did something that shocked both of them. He hugged Pete, gave him one of those big bear hugs that could break bones. But it gave Pete a second to whisper to him: “Thank you.”

When they pulled back and her dad handed her to him, her dad nodded before taking his seat. He noticed she had tears in her eyes, and instantly worried she was getting cold feet until she muttered. “Don't you start to cry. If you cry, I'll cry.”

He chuckled a little. “Sorry, it's just… you look so stunning I can't believe that you're actually marrying me.”

“Well believe it, because it's happening.”

If you asked Pete about the ceremony itself, he wouldn't be able to tell you much. Mainly, he'd tell you that Willow looked genuinely like a goddess, and that she had to kick him gently to do the whole: repeat-after-me vow thing because he was that focused on her. Thank god she found it incredibly sweet. The only parts he didn’t fumble was the exchanging of the rings and sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.

…

As they sat in the back of the carriage that he'd had gotten to take them to the hotel, Pete was reminded of the paper that felt hot in his pocket. His vows; his real vows, not the standard ones they had said in front of everyone. They had opted not to write vows; which was mainly because Willow didn't want to. But he was a sap, something she herself teased him about every day, so he wrote some anyway. He just needed to wait until they got to the hotel to tell her.

“They got rice everywhere.” Willow hissed, and he felt her hand gently reach over and start to pick rice out of his hair. “Why is that a tradition? It just makes a mess..”

He just laughed and opted to try to do the same for her. “Its an ancient tradition; something about wishing the couple good luck, prosperity and fertility. But I think now people just want a reason to make a mess.”

“Those poor birds…” she sighed. She stilled her hands for a moment, which made him stop and look at her confused. “We're married.” She grinned.

He smiled. “I know.”

She moved so she was curled against him. “Now you're never getting rid of me.”

“Thats my line.”

Their hotel room wasn't anything fancy, just a normal queen size bed. But they were spending literally one night here then driving to the airport and flying to Newfoundland in the morning. Hell, their parents were on either side of them. Willow went to open the door but he stopped her. “I think I'm supposed to carry you over the threshold.”

She laughed, but lifted up her arms. “I'm too tired to argue.”

He lifted her with relative ease. “Thats a first.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to fight on our wedding?”

“No.” He kissed her before carefully carrying her through the door and setting her down on the bed.

She slowly clapped once she was down. “Wow, amazing. Look at my husband everyone.”

He had started to roll his eyes until he heard husband , which just made him grin. “You're right, I am your husband.” He moved quickly, playfully pushing her back on the bed so he could tickle her without her getting away.

She squealed and tried to push him off. “N-No! S-stop!” She managed to get out between giggles. “Pete-!”

“You should have thought of this before making fun of me.” He teased, but he did ease up a little. Her arm moved around his shoulders and tugged him down into a kiss. “I love you.” He murmured.

“I love you too.” She kissed him again before pulling back. “This is fun, but there's about 80 bobby pins stabbing me right now.”

He helped her sit back up. “I'll help you get them out.”

He was surprised at how many of the damn things were in her hair. At 30, he finally said something. “How many did Aspen use?”

“I was too busy trying not to puke to pay attention.” she groaned. “But if I had to guess, all of them?”

Once they were all out (60! 60 bobby pins! HOW) she sighed and rubbed her scalp. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I want to shower before bed.”

“Sounds like a plan, you go first.”

“You aren't going to ask to join me?” He joked, gently rubbing her shoulders.

She snorted and shook her head, already starting the process of cleaning her make up off. “Well for one thing; we tried that once and you spent the entire time terrified that we'd slip and had the world's most awkward ER visit that we just stopped halfway through and moved to our bed-”

He turned bright red. “It's a real risk! Tons of people go to the emergency room every year because of falling in the shower.”

She just rolled her eyes and continued unphased. “... and with how much make up I've got on, I would look like I'm melting.” She gently patted his hand. “Go shower.”

By the time Pete had finished his shower and gotten his pjs (the gimmicky Mr. & Mrs. silk set his mom bought them specifically for his honeymoon) on, Willow was ready to get help getting her dress off and go shower herself, which meant he was alone with his thoughts… and that paper. He quickly went and dug it out of his tux pocket (even though he had it memorized) and brought it back to his side of the bed. He leaned against the headboard and closed his eyes and breathed. As tired as he felt, he couldn't sleep until he'd told her.

…

“Don't tell me you've already fallen asleep.”

He didn't open his eyes, not yet, but he did smile. “That would mean I woke up in the first place, and that this isn't all a dream.”

He could hear her laugh as she sat down next to him. “Last I checked this is all real.” When she pinched him, he opened his eyes and looked at her. How her hair was clearly still damp, showing how long it had gotten (only a little past her shoulders, but that was the longest he'd ever seen it), how she was wearing the same pjs he was (the Mrs. being slightly covered by her hair), how bright her smile was, and he was overwhelmed by how lucky he was. “What's the verdict?”

He smiled and gently cupped her cheek. “Not a dream, it's much better.”

She leaned into his touch, placing her hand over his, and closed her eyes. “...Should we go to bed now? I'm exhausted.”

“We can. I've just got… one more thing for you.”

Her eyes snapped open immediately and she looked suspicious. “And what's that.”

She let him pull his hand back so he could grab the paper. “My actual vows.” She opened her mouth but he held up a hand. “Before you tell me ‘you didn't need to do that.’ I know I didn't. But I wanted to, and the only person who needs to hear them is you. That is, if you'll let me?”

She seemed to freeze for a moment before getting up and heading over to her make up bag, where she pulled out a folded paper similar to his own and came back. “I wrote mine too. I just… I only wanted you to know what they said, so I was going to tell you when we got to Newfoundland.”

His heart felt so warm and full. They had the same exact idea. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Do you want me to read them first, or you?”

“What does tradition say?

“Groom first, but-”

“That works.” She spoke a little too quickly.

“...You could have just said you're nervous honey..” He smiled.

“I'm not nervous! I just… shut up and read your damn vows.”

He laughed and shook his head, lifting his arm up so she could curl against him. Once she was settled, he took a deep breath before speaking.

“Willow-” his voice was shaking, and she rubbed his knee in encouragement. “I still remember the first time you ever spoke to me. You had just punched Jackson Smith in the face and scared him away and I knew immediately that you were someone special; but if you had told me that day that the beautiful girl who just saved me would agree to marry me 10 years later I don't think I'd believe you.

I remember the day I realized I was in love with you too; I had nearly drowned and you brought me back to life. I didn't fall for you because you saved my life. I fell for your strength, your bravery, your kindness and honesty, your sarcasm and wit, and so many other things that if I even attempted to list them all we'd be here all day. And I realized, trying to remember how to breathe on that lab floor, that I didn’t want to die without spending the rest of my life with you by my side.

You are my best friend, my hero, my inspiration. I have become a better person because I've known you. Through all these years, we've dealt with our fair share of hardships and insanity and I wouldn't trade even a second of it. I thank the universe for every day I get to spend with you.”

He had to pause to collect himself before he started to cry. “I vow that I will keep loving you. I vow to honor your individuality, and that I will never make you feel like you need to conform. I vow to honor your strength, to bask in your love, and to never change the station when it's your favorite song.-” She laughed wetly, but he didn't dare look at her yet. “I vow to always protect you, to stand in front of you and shield you from harm, be it physical, words or bugs. I vow to remain your best friend, that I remain by your side always, my shoulder always yours to cry or sleep on. I vow that I will do everything in my power to keep you happy and healthy and loved. I vow to be yours, now and forever.”

He could feel Willow shaking under his arm, and he finally looked at her only to see that she was crying. “Willow-”

“How am I supposed to follow that?” She laughed, wiping away tears even though they came right back. “That was so beautiful Pete.”

“I just… wrote what was true.” He wiped away some of her tears.

She shook her head and took a deep breath. “I guess It's my turn then..”

“We can wait-”

“I've already started crying, and it's only fair.” She used both hands to wipe her face.

--👽--

Pete's vows had absolutely destroyed her. She was beyond relieved that they had opted not to say these in front of other people, because if her siblings saw her cry that hard she'd never live it down. If she could get Pete to feel even a fraction of what he made her feel, then she'd be content.

“Pete. When I was 14, you came to my house with ice cream, chocolate, a heating pad, and a bunch of movies all because I left school early because of bad cramps. And I knew that day, I was going to marry you. The best part? We weren't even dating yet. But you were so kind to me just because you cared that I couldn't help but fall in love with you.

I have always tried to be tough, unshakeable. The world isn't kind to women, especially to women like me who refuse to be obedient. But for some reason, that has never scared you away. You've never flinched at my words, never tried to run, never tried to change me. You've always truly seen and supported me. You remind me every day that there is good in this world because you are in it. Every time you smile, I feel at ease. Every time you hold my hand, I feel safe. Every time you hug me, I feel like I'm finally home.

I am so proud of you, of everything you do. You are the most hard-working man I know. I love watching you try to help my dad fix cars purely because you love learning. I love how intense you get playing a game while trying to solve a puzzle or beat a hard boss. I love listening to you tell me factoids about whatever situation we're in. I love the small things that you do, like resting your hand on my knee when you're driving or when you bring me a pretty rock you found on your way to class. And I will never get over that the person I love and admire so much is willing to marry me.

She sniffled, and his hand gently rubbed her shoulder. “And because of that, I vow many things to you. I vow to love you forever, even when you insist on playing your awful music. I vow to stand by your side always, to be your biggest cheerleader, but also your more cynical voice of reason. I vow that I will always be your best friend. I vow that I will always defend you, be it through words or by being your back up. I vow to be yours, now and forever, and for any eternity after that.”

With shaking hands, she set her paper down and looked at him. His eyes were red and there were clear tear marks but he had the biggest grin. “I love you. So much.” His voice was shaking.

She reached up and wiped them away. “I love you too.”

He leaned down and kissed her so gently, so lovingly, that she nearly forgot her own name. You'd always read stories about those kisses. The ones that are fire and make you burn, make you crave them more; and sure she and Pete had shared those. But rarely had she read about these. The soft, quiet ones that only Pete did, the ones that made you realize just how much you meant to someone, how much they love you. The ones that made you realize you were home.

When they finally separated, she moved so she was right against his chest. “...Can we go to bed now? I'm so tired.”

He laughed. “Let me get the light.”

May 1999

--🪐--

The day had started like any other. They'd made it back to Massachusetts after their honeymoon a few days ago and they'd settled back in more or less. Willow was in their small kitchen making herself a cup of coffee, while he sat at the dining table and typed away on his laptop. “How's the research going?”

“Fine. I'm just waiting on an email back from your adviser about housing both of us.” He sighed. “Why do you need to live on campus for law school again?”

“I don't know, but I hate it.” She sighed, sitting across from him. She slid a mug over to him and he smiled.

“Thanks.” He was a little surprised she was willing to do anything. Usually around this time she'd either be in bed or on the couch until her pain killers kicked in and she could function-

His hand froze before he fully brought the mug to his lips, and she looked at him confused. “Whats wrong?”

“...When was your last period?” He knew the second he said those words that unlike the other times, when his memory was just off, this time she wasn't sure.

“It’s probably just been late because of the wedding stress.” She mumbled, but he could see the doubt in her eyes.

“How late?”

She sighed and got up. “You're over reacting.” But she grabbed her planner from the counter anyway. She'd taken to marking the days of her cycle with a little skull on its calendar. She flipped back a few pages, getting paler by the page. “...February.” She inhaled sharply. “But that was also around when wedding planning kicked up.”

They'd only been married 3 weeks, this can't be happening yet. One glance at Willow told him he couldn’t freak out right now, he needed to be level headed, because one of them needed to be. He stood up and put his hands on her shoulders. “Let me put on pants that don't have Spiderman on them and we can go get a test, okay? Just… just to be certain.”

“Okay…” She whispered, staring at her calendar like it had personally betrayed her. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before heading to their room. If that test comes back positive… what will they-

Stop that Peter, you can't spiral right now.

--👽--

The 5 minutes that it took to find out the results felt like hours. And the entire time she felt like she was going to be sick. They hadn't discussed kids. They both still had school (her 3 years, him 4 and then 4 maybe even 5 years of residency) how were they supposed to handle a baby and school? Would she have to drop the dream of being a lawyer for a while until their kid was in school? She couldn't ask Pete to delay or drop medical school. She just had to hope that he was wrong and that it was just stress. It had to just be stress. If it wasn’t-

When the timer went off, she didn't move but Pete did. “I'll grab it okay? But we'll look at it together.” She couldn't trust her words, so she just nodded. Maybe she should have gone instead, or at least gone with him, because she felt like time stopped for a moment until he came back. He sat back down, and she grabbed his empty hand so tightly she was sure she was accidentally hurting him but she needed to know he was real and that this wasn't some hellish dream.

He glanced at her and she nodded, and he turned it over.

Two lines.

Positive.

She was pregnant.

She wanted to scream, but she couldn't without upsetting their neighbors so she did the next best thing: she turned, buried her face in Pete's chest, and sobbed. What were they going to do?! Pete's arms wrapped around her, holding her tight and just allowing her to breakdown. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, murmuring words that she couldn't make out but could feel them rumble through his chest which was comforting all the same.

Slowly, she felt like she was able to breathe again and her crying simmered down into just the occasional sniffle. Pete's arms loosened a little, but didn't move. She took a shaky breath. “What… What do we do? We haven't discussed this…” They probably should have, but she always figured it would be one of those things that they would just magically know. The closest they ever got to even mentioning having children was when they had first had sex, and that was years ago. But back then, they had been juniors in high school, and she didn't want to be a statistic. Now?

Now she didn't fucking know anything.

Pete didn't say anything for a while, just held her and rubbed her lower back like he always did when they sat like this. “I… I want to have kids.” He said quietly, slowly, like he was testing the words out. “I'm scared to want them, especially when I think of what our parents went through. But…” he took a deep breath. “It doesn't matter what I want-”

She cut him off immediately. “It does matter. I need to know that if… if we end up having kids I won't be alone.” There really wasn't an if anymore. “I need to know how many times you want me to go through this. Just please don't say seven times.”

He laughed a little. “I think you get to pick the number.” She could see his smile fade. “We don't know… how this will affect you. Pregnancy is dangerous, and I don't want to lose you.” He brushed her hair out of her face. “We can discuss potential siblings once this one is born, assuming you want to do that.”

“I'm… going to be completely honest: I’m fucking terrified. But… I think as long as you're with me, it'll be okay.”

He grabbed her hand. “I'll be here every single step. Even if I'm annoying you.” She just laughed, trying not to cry again. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She sniffled, tucking herself more against him if that was somehow possible.

They still had lots of things to figure out, but at least they had each other.