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Paige and Sue have sat down at the kitchen table facing each other. Paige is pointed towards the outside backyard doors and Sue is pointed towards the stairs.
“This is… a bit complicated to explain.” Paige mumbles, fists curled up in his lap.
“Try me,” Sue says, sitting straight up in their chair.
“Okay, um… Leaf is… like, a part of me?”
“A part of you,” Sue repeats. “But not you?”
“Exactly.”
“Elaborate,” Sue says after humming. “I don’t think I quite get it, and I want to understand entirely.”
“Well… okay. I think Leaf would be a better explainer than me, though.”
“Then I’d like to hear what they have to say.”
Paige nods pensively and lets Leaf slip in. “Hey,” he greets lazily, slouching immediately. “Sorry for lying to you or whatever. I hear you don’t like it much.”
Sue blinks. “...Leaf, I assume?”
“You assume correctly.” They don’t try to disguise their voice. “So, okay. Not to like, dump everything on you, but it’s the reason I’m here, so…” Leaf leaves the unsaid question in the air. You sure you wanna know this?
Silently, Sue nods.
“Alright, you asked for it.” Leaf bends over and clasps their hands together, looking away. “We had a sh—we had a bad childhood,” they quickly correct. “He needed someone to help him, and I was what came of that.”
“So you were here to… protect Paige from his father?”
“How do you know about that?” Leaf frowns, staring at Sue. “Did Paige tell you?”
“He mentioned it offhand once.”
“Oh.” Leaf huffs. “Right. Well, yeah. Daddy Dearest is the reason I exist, I guess.”
“So you were here to deal with him.”
“Yeah.”
“Mackerel is dead, though,” Sue points out. “So why are you here now?”
“Ouch,” Leaf laughs. “Rude, much?”
“Sorry that I don’t take kindly to those who ruin my friend’s night.” Sue says deadpanned. “I’m guessing you’re the real reason Paige stayed home tonight, aren’t you?”
“Little Mx. Detective aren’t we?” Leaf chuckles, putting his hands up. “You got me. I don’t see why you needed to know this though.” He pulls his legs into the chair and lays on them, twisting his hands in front of them. “I don’t really need to explain anything else to you either. But you’ll just bother Paige if I don’t so…”
Leaf sighs. “Daddy Dearest drank like a sailor. I knew there’d be spiked punch or whatever at that party, and I…” They pause for a moment, looking away. “I didn’t want Paige to get in trouble.”
Paige holds his breath. It wasn’t technically a lie, so maybe it would pass the test?
Sue stares hard at them hard before glancing away. “Sorry,” they apologize. “I think I stepped over a boundary.”
“Eh,” Leaf shrugs. “Paige gave me permission, and I don’t really mind explaining what happened to us. It’s whatever if you know.” They slump forward though, face growing serious. “You better keep everything in that little filing cabinet of yours, though. There’s no point in keeping it a secret if everyone knows And we need it to be secret so they don’t freak out like Brandon did.” He sighs. “We didn’t even tell M—Quinn yet,” he coughs.
“...I see,” Sue nods. “I’ll keep it to myself.”
Suddenly, Sue straightens. “What’s that?” they ask, pointing towards the stairs.
Leaf blinks, turning to look behind themself. If there was anything there before, it’s gone now. “I dunno. Maybe you’re seeing stuff.”
Sue immediately pulls their hands inwards, churning them together, face upset and eyes flicking everywhere.
“Aw shit,” Leaf thinks. “Did I say something fucked up?”
“Um…” Paige thinks back. “I don’t know. But they seem really upset, so maybe let me help them?”
“Yeah, sure.” Leaf and Paige swap again, Paige moving over to Sue and placing a hand on their shoulder.
Sue jolts. “Yes?” they sputter.
“You alright?” Paige smiles awkwardly. “I um… You… left me for a second there.”
Maybe it’s the fact that Paige mimicked them from earlier, or maybe it’s the tension finally getting to them, but Sue barks out a laugh. “I’m fine,” they assure. “I’m fine.” They stand up. “Come on, we forgot we were supposed to be getting stuff for everyone.”
“Oh!” Paige gasps. “We did! Maybe OJ should’ve come down to help us after all…”
As if on cue, OJ announces his arrival with heavy steps down the stairs. “Hello, hello!” he smiles. “I came to check on you two! You’ve been gone for quite some time.”
“We got sidetracked,” Sue answers. “You can help us back up now if you want to, though. We’ll only need one trip that way.”
“Oh, okay!” OJ grins. “I can carry whatever!”
+++
Aside from the hiccup in the kitchen, the party is fun! They all dance to music and bring the Wii upstairs to play games and everyone has a great time. When it’s time to go, everyone reveals they planned on making this a sleepover!
Paige was so, so excited. His closest friends all spending a night together! It was all he could ask for. Besides, if he’s to believe his admirer, he’s going to try and get them to meet up again soon! So, really, it wasn’t that bad of a trade off.
Paige sits at his desk now, kicking his legs. With everyone else comfortably asleep on the floor, it was time to write tomorrow’s note.
Paige’s note reads:
“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party last night! I wasn’t really feeling 100% and I thought it might be too overwhelming. Sounds kinda lame, I know, but it’s the truth.
Oh, but! The Sonic fact was really fun! I don’t think I’ve heard that before, which is surprising! My friend OJ knows so much about Sonic, you’d think it would’ve been mentioned by now! Heehee! I passed on the knowledge to him when I saw him again and he loved knowing it!
(P.S.
Your poetry is wonderful! Do you have any other fun talents?)”
“There…” Paige nods. “That should be good!”
Carefully Paige picks around his friends to get to his bookbag. But, as he’s slipping the paper into this bag, someone stirs.
“Paige?” OJ asks, lifting and rubbing one of his eyes. “Is something th’ matter?”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Paige says quietly, though it’s very clear he’s excited. “I just finished writing my note to my secret admirer!” He’s grinning so hard.
OJ squints, looking like he’s thinking. “But I…” He quickly shakes his head. “Oh, right!” he laughs quietly. “It nearly slipped my mind that you were getting notes.”
“It’s still so exciting to me!” Paige squeaks. “Oh, OJ… he’s so kind and wonderful… Funny and thoughtful too!”
“I’d hope so,” OJ smiles. “I’m sure… he wants to be the best for you.”
“Heehee!” Paige giggles, blushing and pushing his hands to his cheeks. “Oh, but I’m sorry to keep you up with this. You can go back to sleep!”
“You can tell me anything, Paige,” OJ says in the kindest voice Paige has ever heard. “I’ll always love to listen.”
Paige’s face turns completely red, but no longer for his admirer.
“Um!” he blinks. “I—I have to—I have to use the bathroom!”
In a quick sprint, Paige leaves the room as quietly as he can, dashing to the bathroom and closing the door behind him.
“Ohh my good—oh my god,” Paige breaths.
“You bombed it!” Leaf laughs. “You like that guy or something? ‘Cause you’re gonna need a looot of glue to fix this one.”
Paige pushes his hands into his closed eyes. “Oh. My god.”
“Aw, look at you!” Leaf chuckles. “Leveling up in vocab!”
“Leaf,” Paige growls lowly. “Please shut up.”
“Huh?”
“Shut up,” Paige repeats, stressing it. “I just messed that up so bad. I’m falling for him so badly, but my admirer is also holding my heart—”
“Cheesy,” Leaf comments.
“Shut up!” Paige shushes again. “I don’t know what to do!” he laments. “I—”
The sound of footsteps fills the hallway. Someone was coming.
Paige clears his throat and says, “Occupied! I’ll be out in a minute!”
The footsteps stop for a moment before starting up again and getting quieter.
“Oh thank goodness,” Paige sighs. “Oh, my god.”
Eventually, at some point Paige manages to get back into his room without waking anybody up this time. OJ had gone back to sleep too, so slipping into his bed was much easier than he was afraid it’d be.
Paige is banging his head lightly with his hands. Ughhhh… I can’t believe I blew that so badly!
“It could’ve been worse,” Leaf shrugs. “I’m sure he doesn’t actually care about that.”
“That’s almost worse!” Paige pouts.
“Ugh. There’s no winning with you, is there?”
Paige doesn’t reply, just whining. Soon, he frets himself to sleep.
When Paige blinks awake the next morning, the beams of sun in his eyes are the culprits. That was odd, though. Paige usually kept his blinds closed.
Sitting up, he sees none other than OJ sitting at his desk.
“OJ?” Paige yawns, causing the other to yelp. “Oh! I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I-it’s quite alright,” OJ breathes. “Sorry if I woke you.”
“No, no,” Paige shakes his head. “The sun got in my eyes.”
“Ah…” OJ smiles awkwardly. “That… would still be my fault. I always open my blinds in the morning by habit.”
“Oh, it’s alright,” Paige waves off playfully. “I’m up now.” He looks down at the others, still knocked out. Sue is curled around a stuffed bunny while Brandon and Bro were sleeping with one held by the other. “It looks like the same can’t be said for everyone else, though.”
“It is rather early,” OJ comments. “Ah, but let me finish what I was doing so I can get out of your way. I’m almost done.”
“You can take your time,” Paige says, stretching. “I don’t use my desk in the morning, really.” He jumps up and moves over to OJ. “Whatcha doing, though?”
“Ah!” OJ gasps, covering his station with his whole upper body. “It’s—it’s a secret!” he panics. “My—my secret diary!”
“Oh!” Paige gasps, pulling back. “Sorry! I didn’t know!”
OJ sighs heavily. “It’s quite alright.” He looks off to the side, a wry smile on his face. “It’s not like you’d know it just by seeing it.”
Paige hums. “I guess so. Unless it said ‘OJ’s Diary’ in big text, I would’ve probably thought it was one of my old books.”
OJ’s face drops for just a moment, smile forced. It’s almost like hearing that scared him.
It’s a good thing he didn’t get to see anything about it! He would’ve hated to upset OJ for something like that.
“Oh, don’t worry! I didn’t see anything, honest!” Paige promises.
…Well, that was only mostly true. No, he hadn’t seen the contents, but he did see the cover. It was a nice pastel orange embroidered leather. It looked like it would feel good to rub his hand against.
But, surely OJ had only meant the contents. Surely.
+++
The Crew go to school the next day, having brought their uniforms with them for the sleepover. It’s a surprise to Quinn in the morning, and there’s barely enough space for them all in the SUV. They manage, though. Sue sits in the front while Paige, OJ, Brandon and Bro are squished together in the back.
When the kids all pile out of the car, Quinn wishes them all a good day and they all thank them in varying ways.
“Note,” Brandon requests as the small group disperses into the crowd.
Paige rifles through his bag for a moment before producing the note. “Here we go!”
“Nice,” Brandon smirks, snapping it up. “See you at lunch?”
Paige nods. “See you at lunch!”
+++
With his classes being ones he can keep to himself and let his mind wander, Paige does just that. He thinks about his admirer. He thinks about OJ. He thinks about the way his heart was fighting over the two of them.
Lunch comes faster than Paige is ready for. When Brandon hands him his note, it’s like he’s blinking back into reality for the first time since that morning.
“Letter for Paige!” Brandon smiles, holding it over… just to snatch it back. “Only, Paige,” he stresses quietly, seriously, almost pulling his Scary Face.
Paige gulps. “I-I’m Paige,” he reaffirms.
Brandon’s smile is back on his face in a flash. “Then here you go, playa!” He hands the note over in earnest now.
Paige blinks, but doesn’t comment. It was weird, but he pushes it away, choosing to focus on it later. Right now…
Today’s note reads:
“It’s quite alright. In the end, I ended up leaving early and having my own fun with some friends of mine. It’s quite sad we couldn’t meet up just yet, but know I’ll be thinking of a better way for us to meet until it happens.
I do have some other talents though, yes. I can dance fairly well and I know several languages! One of them is Russian. :)
I also can sing okay, I guess? I don’t think it’s all that, but my mothers say I’m talented, and who am I to disbelieve them?
(P.S.
Here’s a fun fact: I’ve been thinking fondly of you for almost a year now. I’m glad my sudden burst of bravery to start writing you these notes has made us closer than before!)
…Closer than before? What could that mean?
+++
When he gets home later, Paige writes his note. It reads:
“Can I ask what kind of dance? Just curious! I’ve never danced before in my life, not really. Just for fun. You know.!
Also, I tried to write you a poem this time, since it only felt fair to learn something you’re into, right? So I thought really hard about this. Here it goes!
Violets and roses,
I’m not too good at proses
But with you in mind,
I think I’m capable of anything with enough time!
I think I’m falling for you,
I really, really do
You’ve got my heart caught,
I get dizzy at your thought!
I hope we’ll meet face to face soon,
I’m sure your voice will be my favorite tune
So I don’t feel like a fool,
When I say that meeting you will be way past cool!
(P.S.
Don’t laugh when you get this!I tried my best! ;_;!)”
He smiles down at his note. “Way past cool…” he mumbles. Wasn’t that the one phrase OJ used to say all the time way back when?
“Cheeeeesyyyy,” Leaf says, sticking out his tongue and derailing Paige’s train of thought. “But I guess it’s perfect for your loverboy. You’re great and all, Paige, but you gotta admit you’re a bit of a nerd.”
“I’m not a nerd…” Paige pouts, neatly folding his blue and white paper. “I’m just a guy.”
“A guy who’s a nerd,” Leaf chuckles. “It’s not bad being a nerd, by the way. But you are very much a nerd.”
Paige sighs and lets the conversation drop. If he didn’t encourage this, then it wouldn’t continue.
“Aw, you’re ignoring me?” Leaf pouts, crossing their arms. “Yeah, alright. I can ignore you too.”
“Who’s pouty now?” Paige smirks humourlessly.
“Whatever.”
Rolling his eyes, Paige puts his note in his bag and turns on his TV to a music station. It’s only about 8, so there was no reason to go to sleep so early. He had suddenly had this burst of energy that allowed him to stay up past 6 or 7 for most days. He could even make it to 10 at this point!
But, lazily, he falls back on his bed and reaches for his phone, looking for someone to message. Brandon was always available, but he was acting a little weird earlier… better just wait to see if he comes to him first. There was Sue and Bro too, but the former was always busy watching something and forgetting to text back, and the other would fall asleep mid sentence without warning.
So, realistically, that only left OJ. Paige remembers him mentioning offhand that his curfew wasn’t until 10, so he was probably awake. Doing what, Paige couldn’t guess, but probably going down some rabbit hole online. He remembered OJ doing that a lot when they used to hang out a lot too.
OJ it was, then.
Paiges: Hello OJ!
Paiges: I hope i didn’t wake you! I was just wondering if you were free to talk!
There. That was enough not to bother but enough to get attention, wasn’t it? Oh, what did those articles on double texting say again…?
As Paige is panic-googling information, his phone dings.
hyaku% oj: Evening, Paige! It’s quite late for you, isn’t it? Unless your sleeping habits have suddenly changed, I remember you usually falling asleep around 6. It was the same when you came over too.
hyaku% oj: But listen to me, rambling about something weird. Excuse that, please.
hyaku% oj: I’m free to talk though, yes! I was just. Going over some old homework.
Old homework? Who goes over old homework? Silly OJ, always being so honest. It was so endearing.
Paiges: Oh? Whats the assignment?
Paige doesn’t wait long before the response.
hyaku% oj: Old language homeworks. I’ve told you I can speak multiple languages before surely? In fact, I feel like I’ve told you this recently. But perhaps not. I can get kind of scatterbrained, haha!
hyaku% oj: That being said, if you’d like to waste some time away with company, we can call while I practice.
hyaku% oj: We could also talk! I’m not opposed to that at all. I can put the homework away for the night.
Paiges: Oh, we can call while you practice!
Paiges: That sounds like fun! :)!
hyaku% oj: Alright then. I’ll call you in about a minute.
And, in exactly 60 seconds after the message is sent, Paige’s phone rings.
“Hello?” Paige asks.
“Hello! OJ greets. “Or, bonsoir.”
“Bonsoir?” Paige repeats.
“Good evening,” OJ translates. “It’s French, one of the languages I know.”
“Ohh…” Paige nods. “Yeah, that makes sense. You strike me as someone who would want to learn French.”
“Do I?” OJ laughs.
“You do!” Paige laughs back.
The two of them go back and forth like this for a while, before Paige quiets and lets OJ study. It’s not like he can understand OJ, so he just hums quietly to the music coming from the TV.
Then, at some point, the curiosity that’s been gnawing at him since the call started finally snaps. “OJ, could you say something to me in French?”
OJ stops in the middle of repeating some phrases. “Oh? Like what?”
Paige shrugs. “Anything.”
“Shall I recite a poem I like, then?”
“Sure!”
OJ is quiet for a moment, tapping away at what must be his keyboard. Then, he takes a deep breath and starts.
“L'eau qui caresse le rivage,
La rose qui s'ouvre au zéphir,
Le vent qui rit sous le feuillage,
Tout dit qu'aimer est un plaisir.
De deux amants l'égale flamme
Sait doublement les rendre heureux.
Les indifférents n'ont qu'une âme ;
Mais lorsqu'on aime, on en a deux.”
Paige’s face is really warm for no reason whatsoever. “Wow… I don’t have any idea what any of that meant, but it sounded like it meant something beautiful!”
OJ laughs. “It’s a bit of a mouthful, honestly. I always get some of the parts mixed up and have to look it up to make sure I’m getting it right.”
“Aw, c’mon! You know three languages, I think you deserve some slack for mixing up some of them.”
“Four,” OJ corrects.
“Oh?” Paige blinks. “What’s the other one?”
“It’s—” OJ cuts off abruptly. “It’s—the—Zelda language!” His laugh is a little awkward. “Um, but it’s late, isn’t it?”
Paige pulls his phone away, looking at the time. It’s 8:47.
“Oh geez, it is getting kind of late,” Paige nods. “We should get to sleep soon, shouldn’t we?”
“We should,” OJ agrees. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow? There’s something I wanted to ask you in person.”
“Oh, sure!” Paige smiles. “Before or after?”
“After, if that’s alright. It would make things move smoother depending on your choice!”
“Ooh, a choices game!” Paige laughs. “I’m excited to hear what it is!”
“I’m excited to ask it!” OJ’s smile is evident in his voice. “Tomorrow, then?”
“Yep! Goodnight, OJ!”
“Goodnight, Paige.”
Their phones click off and Paige settles properly into bed, holding Teds.
But before Paige can fully fall asleep, his mom knocks on the door.
Spinning around with a small groan, he shouts, “Come in!”
Quinn pushes in, a soft smile on their face. “Hello, sweetie.”
“Hi, Mom,” Paige grins sleepily. “Did you want something?”
“Not really,” she shrugs, walking over and sitting on his bed. “I normally check in on you around this time.”
“You do?” Paige blinks.
“I do,” Quinn nods. “You’re normally fast asleep, but I still like checking in.”
“Mom…” Paige smiles, heart swelling. He gives her a strong hug. “I love you!”
Quinn laughs, holding him back. “I love you too, honey! But what’s all this?”
“It’s just been a weird couple of days,” Paige sighs, pulling back. “I don’t even know how to explain it. Everything… everyone… it’s all just… weird.” He pushes back into his mom weakly. “But you’re… the same. You always do this. Just to check in on me.” Had Paige’s voice grown wobbly? “I-I don’t know… It got to me, I guess.”
“You’re the sweetest book of Paiges in the world,” Quinn coos, pulling her son into her lap and hugging him tightly, kissing his cheeks back and forth. “I love you soooo much!”
Paige laughs, pulling away without actually doing it. “Moooom! Stopppp!”
“Nope!” she giggles, stopping anyways. “I do, though. It’s so sweet that you’d start to cry over something like that.”
“I didn’t—!” Paige starts, only to sniff. “...Okay. Maybe I did start crying a bit.”
“And that’s perfectly okay, honey.” Quinn squeezes him again, “It warms my heart to know you’re so caring. No matter what, you never lose that, okay?’
Paige nods slowly. “...Can I hug you again?”
Instead of saying something, Quinn simply opens their arms.
Paige pushes in immediately, sighing.
“...”
Paige blinks inside, looking at a hovering Leaf. He looks upset in a weird, wanting sort of way. It doesn’t take Paige long to put two and two together.
“C’mon,” he thinks. “Get over here.”
Leaf bites his lip for a long second, before floating over and joining the hug’s sensation and sharing it with Paige.
The immediate weight Paige feels lift off of his heart is almost painful.
On Friday the usual song and dance is performed, the swapping of notes being an automatic highlight of Paige’s day.
Today’s note reads:
“You did spectacularly, Paige! Poetry is tied to one’s heart. So, no matter how it may seem to you, I see the effort put into it and appreciate it for all it is.
Not to mention, you wrote it for me. Not to be shallow, but I think I’d like it regardless of anything anyways. ♥
That aside, I used to ballroom dance. It was fun, swaying my partner around, being in sync with them. I do so think doing the same with you would send my heart aflutter unlike anything else so far. You have quite the effect on me, you know! ♥
(P.S.
I was thinking offhandedly today, if you turned into a Pokemon, which one do you think you would be and why? Would my saying Charmander be boring? Because I think I can see some Cyndaquil in me. The roster being mostly only starters sure does make things a bit more difficult, no?
As for why… Fire types always intrigued me. I like their drive! I like how kind they are, despite their power to destroy so easily. And I specifically like how laid back Cyndaquil is, so yes! I think I’d prefer being one of them rather than a Charmander.)”
Paige blushes at the beginning of the note, suddenly feeling embarrassed as he remembers his silly little poem. If he had liked it though….. well then….!
Paige giggles to himself. Butterflies are filling his stomach rather fast!
When he gathers himself, he turns to Brandon, ready for his daily quip, but instead of looking sly, there’s a look on his face that was… almost relieved?
“Brandon, what’s up?” he asks, concerned. “You have a weird look on your face…”
Brandon blinks away expression and smirks like he normally does, giving a thumbs up. “Yeah, man! I’m good, I’m good. I just… I got lost in thought is all.”
“Oh, okay.” Paige has no reason to not believe the other, but he can feel his eyebrows furrow as he looks away. Why did he feel like Brandon wasn’t telling him everything?
+++
“OJ!” Paige waves. He was beside the exit doors, waiting for the other. “Over here!”
OJ quickly finds the source that is Paige and walks over in a mostly straight line, weaving through the steadily thinning crowd. “Hello, Paige!” he greets kindly. “I hope your day was well.”
“It was!” Paige grins, clasping his hands together. “I got another note!” he whispers as loud as he can. “And it was so nice! I loved it!”
“I’m really glad to hear that,” OJ says, an expression Paige can’t quite place covering his face. It’s gone before Paige can comment on it, though. “May I ask you to accompany me outside?” he offers instead, holding out a hand.
Paige looks down at the hand and blinks for a second before his face breaks out in an awkward grin and grows really hot. Was he supposed to hold OJ’s hand? They used to do it all the time in the years before, but not since Paige had started having his little crush. Now it felt different.
OJ didn’t even know… It felt like lying in a way.
“Oh for the love of god,” Leaf huffs. “Take his hand or I’ll take it for you.”
Paige snaps up OJ’s hand immediately.
“Sure!” he laughs, strained. He starts walking, taking the lead even though he didn’t know where he was really supposed to be going. “You—you had a question to ask me, right?”
OJ looks concerned for a moment before shaking his head a bit. “Yes, I did.” He speeds up just a bit, effortlessly taking the lead for the two of them now. “If it’s not too much, there’s this place I wanted to visit with you.”
“Me?” Paige asks. “How come?”
“Ah…” OJ looks away shyly. “I just thought you’d like it.”
The hand in Paige’s twitches a bit, squeezing it. It’s an innocent gesture, but it sends Paige into an immediate tizzy.
Quickly he tries to remember the frankly silly amount of teen crush articles he had gone through a while back. What did it mean if someone you like squeezed your hand again?
“I’m—I’d love to go!” Paige says, a wide but shy smile on his face. “What—where is it?”
“Rather close to my house, actually,” OJ responds. “You probably saw it when we passed it in the RV without even knowing it.”
“Well now I can’t wait to see what it is!” Paige laughs.
“It’s just a couple of blocks this way.” OJ points up the sidewalk. “So we’ll be there soon.”
“Awesome!”
On the way there, the two catch up with one another a bit, mostly surrounding their school activities. Paige does his best to sound like he actually remembers the majority of his classes.
Other than that, the conversation wanders to games and cartoons (“You simply must see this one old cartoon, it’s called The Life and Times of Juniper Lee!”) and Paige simply enjoys OJ’s company. They’re having a great time, both trading facts and jokes and jabs. For a moment, it feels like they’d never stopped hanging out as much as they did in the past.
Then, OJ takes a sudden turn, cutting off Paige mid sentence. “Woah!” he gasps. “OJ, where are we going?”
“Oh, we’re here actually.” A bit of walking leaves the two of them staring at a thick bunch of ironically thin vines. They must have been here for ages.
“Um, OJ…” Paige mumbles. “This is a wall of plants.”
OJ laughs so hard he doubles over a bit.
Paige frowns a little. “Wh—I don’t get the joke…?”
OJ catches his breath soon after, wiping his eyes. “Sorry! Sorry!” he gasps. “I—I’m so sorry.”
“What was so funny?”
OJ shakes his head, a smile on his face. “It was unfair of me to assume you would just know. But I’ve been coming here so often, I suppose I just accepted it as common knowledge.”
Paige furrows his brows, putting one finger to his chin. “So… what… what is it, exactly?
”Here,” OJ says, grabbing one end of the vines. “I’ll show you!”
And, with one fell swoop, OJ pulls back the curtain of vines.
Past them is a small but flourishing patch of grass, wildflowers everywhere. It’s mostly surrounded by buildings, but there’s places you can clearly see through them, showing the bright sky ahead. The place is clearly unkempt, but it’s almost… methodical in a way? Like it was being carefully taken care of to only look a bit bad and not a lot bad.
And, smack dab in the middle of the place is a pair of swings. The bar holding them up is broken with sharp ends, suggesting that there used to be more to the set. But there’s no other proof, just that one thing. The swing’s chains, which should probably look shiny, instead look like black tar, strongly holding onto each other.
Leading up to the swings is a plank of wood, flanked by small fences. The wood then goes around and under the swings, also being blocked on all sides by wooden fencing. It’s a perfect little patio set up seemingly in the middle of a random small lot in the back of some buildings.
“Woah…” Paige breathes.
“Do you like it?” OJ asks, hands clasped together in front of his chest. “I found this place during summer vacation. I then spent time fixing it up as much as I could, making the road to and from the swingset easier to traverse, as well as reinforcing the swings themselves. I spread a couple of quick growing seeds around after that, hoping it would up the atmosphere.” He looks extremely proud of his work. “Everything else is completely natural, that mostly being the amount of grass that was already here, as well as the unaltered swingset.”
“OJ…” Paige gasps. “That’s so incredible! How did you…?”
“Ma likes cars, but he also likes carpentry,” OJ chuckles. “What’s that one saying? Apples not falling so far from the tree?”
“This is so cool, OJ!” Paige grins, jumping over and giving him a hug. “You’re so cool!”
OJ starts laughing in an odd kind of way, starting and stopping every second. He honestly sounds a bit embarrassed. He was always so humble!
Paige lets go of OJ and holds one of his hands instead. “Can we sit on the swings together? I haven’t swung on a swing in what feels like forever.”
“O-of course,” OJ stutters, looking down shyly.
Paige tilts his head a bit, looking down too. Only then does he realize that he’s the one who started to hold OJ’s hand this time, which makes him think of the sudden hug he gave OJ just a moment ago as well.
He has the sudden urge to pull away, scared that he’s crossing boundaries they haven’t reestablished yet, but…
OJ hasn’t pulled away once.
So maybe it was okay?
Paige lets his hopefulness win, pulling OJ towards the swings. When they get there, they both take a seat, looking out at the sky.
They swing lightly, Paige smiling wide. It’s peaceful, even though the only thing that fills the air is the wind.
“Ah, Paige,” OJ says after a couple of minutes. “There’s actually something else I wanted to ask you.”
“Oh, okay!” Paige smiles brightly, turning towards the other. “Hit me.”
OJ nods, a small smile of his own showing. “Well, tomorrow happens to be the last day of the extended season for Luna Park. And my cousin has the uncanny ability to find sales and deals for anything in the world for some reason. I asked if there were any for the park, and they were able to get me two fairly cheap band deals.”
“Band?” Paige blinks.
“Oh, it’s a newer system than the old park. You know how you used to have to pay admission?”
“I guess,” Paige says. “I never really went to Brooklyn growing up, so I think I’ve only gone to Coney Island once or twice.”
“Ah,” Orville nods. “We go fairly often, so it’s unsurprising you wouldn’t know of the updates. That being said, the bands are like… they allow you to ride a certain amount of rides for a certain amount of credits instead of buying tickets to every ride. It comes out cheaper, somehow. I’ve never really cared to do the math… but now that I think of it…”
Paige smiles softly. OJ was so cute when he rambled. And he always found a way to get on some type of tangent no matter what. It was so charming!
“Ah, anyways,” OJ says, shaking his head. “I acquired these tickets for a quarter of the usual price, which is good since the normal price shoots up during the extended season. So, to make a long story short, I was wondering if you would like to go to the park with me tomorrow…?”
Paige gasps happily, huge smile breaking out over his face. “I’d love to!”
Paige sits on the side of the sidewalk, waiting to see the Squeeze’s colorful RV to pop into view. He hums to himself and fidgets with his backpack, bright smile on his face.
He was dressed in one of his favorite light blue hoodies and a dark green shirt with a lighter strip going across it. His pants were a plain denim and his sneakers white. It was an all around general outfit.
But Paige had wanted to bring a bit of flourish to this… meet up? Hang out? D… d…
Paige shakes his head.
Whatever this was, he wanted to look a little better than he would normally. For absolutely no reason, of course.
What brought the ensemble to a higher level were the accessories, his rare Eevee bag being one of them. The other was a cute brown teddy bear hat on top of his head. He hoped it wasn’t too childish… it was one of his favorite hats!
Paige doesn’t have to long for the cool RV to make its appearance. He stands as it gets closer. It rolls up and stops right beside him.
“Hey, kiddo!” Dani greets. “C’mon, get in!”
Paige nods brightly, opening the back of the car, only to be greeted by OJ, hand outstretched.
“Ah, you got to it before I did,” OJ chuckles. “Well, that’s quite alright. Come,” he flips his hand palm up. “Let me help you in.”
As opposed to Paige’s basic casual wear, OJ seems to be almost in business casual. He’s got a dark brown cloth coat on, a light red shirt under it and a cozy looking dull orange scarf on. His pants are nice black slacks and he’s got on a light brown over the shoulder bag.
From this angle, OJ is taller than Paige. The way he holds himself is so… Paige can’t even describe it. But either way, it’s making his face really warm.
“O-okay!” Paige blinks with a dumb smile. He takes the other’s hand and lets himself get effortlessly pulled into the RV. “Strong…” he mumbles.
“Hm?” OJ asks, crossing over his lap to close the door behind the other. “What was that?”
Paige was going to explode.
“Nothing!” he says quickly. “I just… was thinking outloud is all!”
“Ah, alright.” OJ smiles.
“So!” Dani claps. “What’s the plan again, kids?”
“You drive us to the Pizzaria where we all share a three way split pizza,” Orville starts.
“Then we take a couple of trains to get to Brooklyn,” Paige continues.
“And then we can be tourists for a bit,” OJ jokes.
Paige laughs and ribs him. “We’ll miss the rest of the trains to the park if we do that!”
“Joking!” OJ laughs back. “But yes, we take a few more trains to get to Coney—”
“Conely?” Dani breaks in, a grin in her voice.
OJ chuckles. “Conely Island.” He glances over at Paige with a sly face. “And then we can be tourists for a minute or two, surely?”
Paige laughs and nods. “Of course! We can do whatever we want when we make it to the park.”
“Excellent,” OJ says, a self assured smile on his face.
The ride to the pizzeria isn’t too terribly long, and soon the four of them are eating their shared pizza. Paige actually finishes his slices this time (“Sorry about leaving a mess last time, Mr. Antonio.”) and then, the two teenagers bid the adult Squeeze’s goodbye. They make their way to the nearest train station on foot, as they would be going from now on.
“I haven’t been on the train in a while…” Paige murmurs as they buy metrocards for the day. “I don’t even think I was a teenager yet.”
“That is quite some time,” OJ blinks. “But worry not, I know these stations and stops like the back of my hand. We shouldn’t get lost as long as we stay on course.”
“You know all the stops?” Paige gasps. “Like, all of the Bronx or all of the boroughs?”
OJ looks away humbly. “All of the boroughs,” he confirms.
“Woah!” Paige smiles. “That’s amazing!” OJ just rubs the back of his neck shyly.
“The next train will be arriving soon,” announces over the intercom.
“Oh, we should probably get upstairs,” OJ says, grabbing Paige’s hand. Paige lets OJ take him up the stairs, him holding onto the rail.
“Train now arriving,” drones the announcer again. And, true to their word, there’s a train pulling in. People shuffle in and out, the pair of them snaking their way in with OJ at the lead.
“Good thing we were just in time!” Paige says as they both take a seat.
“Now we just transfer a couple of stops from here, which will take us to Brooklyn,” OJ rattles off, curling a finger with the other with each thing he says, “And then we transfer twice more. And then we should be there!”
“Yippie!” Paige cheers quietly as not to disturb the other riders. “So, did you bring anything to do? We’ve got a lot of waiting to do!”
“I actually brought an activity I thought both of us could do,” OJ smiles, reaching into his bag. He pulls out a fairly large iPad and opens it up with his finger. “Have you ever heard of a game called Flow Free?”
“The little bridges game, right?” Paige asks. “Where none of them can cross each other?”
“Exactly.” OJ navigates to a folder on the second page before opening up none other than Flow Free.
“Oh, cool!” Paige smiles. “I think I might remember some of these, actually.”
“Perhaps,” OJ smirks. “But not the ones I have.”
True to his word, OJ taps on a button that was not there for Paige when he played forever ago. “What’s this?” he asks, leaning over on the other to get a better view.
OJ chuckles. “This is all the DLC that came out in the years since you’ve last played,” he informs. “So many stages have been added! That’ll get us from here, to the park and back, I can assure you.”
“Awesome!” Paige grins. “So, how are we gonna do this? Back and forth with each round?”
“Mmm… I had an idea that might be a bit more fun,” OJ says slyly.
“Oh?”
“We can do that, but also keep score.”
Paige tilts his head. “What do you mean? Won’t we have the same score by default?”
“Not if we give up and let the other try after getting frustrated,” OJ suggests. “I’ve done it before with my moms with other games.”
“Ohh…” Paige nods, then stops. “But, wait. You’ve had these for way longer than me! You probably know all the answers!”
“I don’t, actually.” OJ scrolls for a little bit before he gets to a page that is only a bit lit up. “I come back to this game very rarely, so I’ve only really completed a couple of the new ones.” He turns to Paige. “We should have plenty of them left.”
“Oh, okay!” Paige nods again, fully getting it this time. “We can keep score in the notes app with little tally marks!”
“Oh, I love tally marking,” OJ sighs. “Can I do it for us both?”
Paige has to stifle a giggle. He knew OJ liked doing the tally marks. That’s why he suggested them in the first place, he knew OJ would be happy to do them.
Ah… he was so cute when excited like this.
Paige blinks and quickly rubs at his face a bit, trying to get the blush he knew that was there to calm down. He couldn’t be getting all air headed about OJ now! They were on a… They were hanging out!!
Paige gets it off of his mind by playing the game with OJ, transferring trains when they needed to. Before they knew it, the announcer is droning over the intercom, “Coney Island, last stop, Coney Island.”
“Oh!” Paige smiles, lifting up from leaning over on OJ to see his progress in the level. “We’re here!”
The walk to the park proper is made with oohs and aahs from Paige as he takes in all the changes from when he was last here. The place had gotten quite the facelift since forever ago, pretty mosaics showing the new rides all over the walls. The boardwalk was mostly the same, but it was the park itself that was the interesting place.
“Here we are, Paige!” OJ grinned. “Luna Park!”
+++
The two teens enter the park proper, getting a lay of the land. While Paige looks up and around, OJ glances up and down from the scenery to a map.
“Alright…” he mumbles. “I think I can tell where mostly everything in this area is…”
“Ooh!” Paige gasps, grabbing OJ’s arm and shaking him slightly with one hand, pointing with the other. “OJ, look, look! That carnie game has Pokemon as prizes!”
“Carnie…?” OJ repeats, sounding confused as Paige jumps up and down.
“Can we play? Oh my gosh, I remember when I was little and too short to play… but I can play now!” He keeps rambling. “The prizes were so big to me then! And then—and then I would get on the frog hoppy ride and I would be so pumped up! Because it just kinda threw you up and down, you know? And then I—”
“Paige!” OJ laughs, putting the map away. “While I would be remiss to stop you from continuing, we can walk and talk, no?” He smiles brightly. “After all, how am I supposed to win you a prize by just standing here?”
“You’re going to win me a prize?” Paige gasps. He moves his hand down and grabs OJ’s. “Oh my gosh, c’mon then! What if they run out?”
OJ giggles as the two rush to the game, one of the dart throwing games.
“Step right up, step right up!” the person manning the booth says. “Care to try your luck?”
“Yes!” Orville nods, clapping his hands together. “How much for a round?”
“Three bucks, kiddo.”
“Huh?” Paige questions, lifting up his banded wrist. “Didn’t you say we exchange points for stuff?”
“Ah, yes,” OJ says, handing the booth handler the money, “But these games are technically not a part of the park itself. They’re their own and require money to play.”
“Ohh…” Paige looks off to the side, a bit snide. “Sounds like a con.”
OJ bursts into a laugh, nearly dropping his acquired darts. “Paige! Don’t say that in front of the handler!”
“Oh ho ho!” the handler laughs. “Worry not, kiddo. I’ve been called way worse.”
“If you say so, sir,” OJ says, still a hint of apology in his voice. With that, OJ places the three darts side by side as he tries to aim his throw with the fourth one. He tosses it after a moment of just staring, throwing his whole arm in an arc sideways.
It’s a swing and a miss.
“Aw!” Paige pouts. “Try again!”
OJ nods and does.
Swing and a miss.
And then, twice more, swing and a miss.
“Ouch,” the handler laughs. “Wanna try again?”
“Hmph,” OJ huffs, digging out some more cash. “Give me two more rounds.”
“Oh! Not feeling very lucky, are we?”
OJ shakes his hand. “Two more rounds,” he pouts. “I’m trying to earn something for Paige, here. It just makes more sense to have left over if I want something else, no?”
The handler shrugs. “Whatever you say, kid.” They hand over the darts.
“You know, it’s okay if you can’t win something for me,” Paige says honestly. “I’m just happy to be here with you, so I don’t mind if we just ride some rides and call it a day!”
OJ smiles at Paige, but then gets serious. “I told you I would win this for you, and I intend to keep my word.” He takes a deep breath and lines up for the shot.
And whiffs five times in a row.
“UGH!” he groans, stomping into the ground and shoving his hands in his hair. He scrubs at it as he stomps, growling all the way.
“Hey, it’s ok!” Paige says, holding his arms up in a placating manner. “Really, if it’s a money thing, I can pay you back what you lost. It’s only like 10 dollars, right?”
“It’s not the money!” OJ huffs, crossing his arms and looking away. “I really wanted to win you something…” he grumbles. “I’m usually so good at these…”
“Maybe I can try?” Paige says, looking down at the single dart left. “You have one more play left.”
“Be my guest,” OJ sighs. “Maybe you’ll have some better luck.”
Paige nods with determination. He picks up the dart, aims, and throws.
POP!
“Woah-ho!” the booth manager whoops, ringing a loud bell. “We’ve got a winner here, folks!”
Paige smiles wide. “Oh, cool!” He turns to OJ. “OJ, I won!”
“I see!” OJ says, dumbfounded. “And in one throw, too!”
“Which prize do you want, kiddo?” the manager asks, picking up a long stick and pointing at the many, many plushies that hung on top of the booth.
“Oh, um…” He looks over them all, then looks back at OJ. “You choose!”
“Me?” OJ blinks, pointing to himself.
“Yes! It was your round, after all.”
OJ stares for a minute before his face melts. “Oh Paige, you’re just the kindest aren’t you?” Paige’s smile turns shy as he rubs the back of his neck, giggling a bit. But OJ shakes his head. “No, it was your win. I insist you choose a prize for yourself.”
“Okay…” Paige drones temptingly. “If you’re suuuure….”
OJ nods. “I’m sure.”
“Okay, then!” Paige grins. “That one, please!” he says, pointing to a more hidden one in the corner.
The manager fishes it out. “This weird gray dog?” they ask as confirmation.
“Yep!”
“Oh, there’s no way…” OJ gasps.
“Oh hey!” the manger laughs as he hands the shiny Eevee plushie over. “The thing matches your backpack!”
“It does!” Paige nods happily.
“That’s incredible, Paige!” OJ congratulates. “I didn’t even notice this back there!”
“Heehee!” Paige giggles. “Even I can have a sharp eye sometimes!”
“And you would’ve given that up for something of my choosing?” OJ asks, wonder in his voice.
Paige shrugs. “It’s just a plushie. It makes me happy having it, yeah, but I don’t know. I think seeing you happy would be an equal trade.”
OJ’s grin is shy as he looks away.
“Hey, kiddo,” the handler butts in, “You want a free shot?”
“Huh?” Paige blinks, turning to them. “Why?”
“You’re the first one I seen this whoooole year make a good shot, let alone popping a balloon. I’d think my boss wouldn’t be too upset if I lended you one.” They smile and cover half of their face, mock whispering. “I’ll even let ya get a second prize if you can hit it twice in a row!”
“Then OJ can get a prize after all!” Paige claps happily.
“Oh, you really don’t have to…” OJ says kindly. “We can go.”
“But it’s free!” Paige argues. “I might as well try, right?”
OJ sighs. “Yes, I suppose. But don’t gets discouraged if you—”
“Winner!!”
OJ blinks.
“Okay!” Paige smiles wide and turns to OJ. “Which one do you want now?”
“I-I…” OJ breathes. “Ah…”
“OJ?” Paige blinks, pulling into himself. Did he make OJ feel bad by winning twice in a row? “Are you okay?”
“Yes!” OJ gasps, shaking his head. “Yes, yes, I’m quite fine. I just… was surprised! Even when I win at this game, it normally takes me a good couple of shots between wins!”
“I guess I’m just lucky!” Paige grins, giving a peace sign. “Now c’mon! Pick one, pick one!”
“Okay, okay!” OJ laughs, releasing the tension. “Um… let’s see…” He looks over all the plushies like Paige had just done a minute ago before gasping and pointing. “That one, please!”
“This weird blue one?” the handler asks, tapping at the Cyndaquil hanging up.
“Yes, please!”
“Here you go, kiddo.” They hand the plush to OJ and he smiles before looking Paige in the eyes.
“You know, Paige,” he starts, hugging the plush to his chest, “I always did think I could see some Cyndaquil in me.”
Paige’s smile becomes slightly strained and confused. Why did that sound so familiar…?
……Ah!
Paige’s eyes widen.
That was exactly what his secret admirer had said on his last note!!
OJ’s smile softens.
Paige’s face heats up beyond belief.
There was no way.
There was no way that OJ was…!!!
Paige couldn’t believe it. OJ? The one person he was already crushing hard on? He was Paige’s secret admirer!?
“L-let’s go ride something!” he yelps suddenly, surprising even himself. “I-I mean, no use just standing around, right?” He pulls off his bag and slips in his Eevee plushie before putting it back on. “Daylight only lasts so long in November!”
“When you’re right, you’re right, Paige,” OJ nods with a cute smile, opening his bag. He gently places the Cyndaquil into it, zipping it so it was secure. “I’m ready to ride whatever you wish!”
The two teens make their way from one end of the park to the other, riding everything that piqued either of their interests. Neither of them would really call one another thrill seekers, but for whatever reason, they were both drawn to higher thrill rides the whole way through.
On one ride, The Tickler, OJ leans over on Paige after the two of them have been flung back and forth and squeaks, “Kyaa—!” Paige freezes for a moment, not ready for OJ to be on him. But he recovers before the other can and retaliates by holding him closer.
By the time they climb off of that ride, both of them look as red as tomatoes.
At some point, the sun begins her descent and the two decide it’s time to get a small snack before going on a few more rides and going home. As Paige sits on a bench to take a breather, OJ gets on line for them to get a couple of overpriced hot dogs.
Finally alone with his thoughts, Paige rocks back and forth a bit, legs pulled onto the bench with him. Does he know I know? he wonders. Do we just… pretend like neither of us know? I don’t want to push him if he’s not ready… but then why would he have said that? It was a direct quote! …But still… Maybe I should keep acting like I don’t know…
Paige’s train of thought is interrupted by OJ sitting down next to him, handing him a small hot dog. “Here you are, Paige!” he smiles wide.”I made sure they didn’t put ketchup on it for you.”
“You remembered?” Paige blinks, taking the food. “Thank you!”
“Of course,” OJ shrugs. “It’s no problem.”
The two of them eat in relative silence, sitting rather close to each other. Paige takes longer than OJ to finish, so once the other does, he stretches out. When he puts his hands back down, one of them lands on top of Paige’s.
They stay like that until Paige finishes eating. He takes a really long time to finish for some reason.
The pair ride a couple more rides until the sun is really starting to lose her shine. It’s time to go.
“So,” OJ says, taking out his Cyndaquil plush from its confinement, “How did you enjoy Luna Park after all this time?”
Paige follows along, freeing his Eevee and smiling. “It was great!” he grins, jumping a bit. “There were so many new rides from the last time I was here!”
“The park sees steady maintenance,” OJ nods, holding his plush to his chest. “It’s unsurprising, but exciting, isn’t it? There could be any new ride there next season for all we know!”
“That is exciting!” Paige agrees. “Can we go again?”
OJ’s expression grows a little odd, but he replaces it with a soft smile after. “Of course, Paige. I’d love to do anything with you.”
Wow! Was it suddenly really warm in here? Or was it just Paige’s face?
“Um!” he starts awkwardly. “What—what should we name them?”
OJ blinks. “Name them?”
“Our Pokemon!” Paige smiles, feeling a little more at ease. OJ would no doubt follow this thread and leave the other one alone until Paige could get home and think about it so hard. But that was for then, and not now.
“Oh!” OJ chuckles. “I don’t know, I rarely name my plushes.”
Paige gasps, “But you have so many!”
“Exactly!” OJ laughs. “I would hate to forget one of their names.”
“Mmm…” Paige pouts. “That’s fair, I guess.”
OJ laughs more as the train pulls into the station.
“Okay, okay, okay,” Paige giggles, taking a seat next to OJ on the train. “But seriously! I think our guys should have matching names! Since we got them at the same place together, you know?”
“Ah… hmm…” OJ twiddles his thumbs. “If you’re certain, I have an idea, but it may not make much sense to you.”
“Tell me!” Paige smiles.
“Well… how about Patro and Achili?” OJ holds up his Cyndaquil. “I’d like Achili for this little guy if that’s alright.”
Paige hums, furrowing his brows. Those names sounded vaguely familiar for one reason or another… he feels like he remembers hearing them in school, but that would make sense. OJ was a bit of a nerd, so he would pick kind of nerdy names for their plushies, wouldn’t he?
“Then Eevee is now Patro!” he grins. “You’re right, I don’t really get what they mean, but you do, don’t you?”
OJ looks away with a wide but shy smile. “I do.”
“Then they’re perfect!” Paige assures, leaning over on the other. It takes the three seconds that he stays there for him to realize, oh. He’s tired.
The teen yawns. “OJ, is it okay if I take a nap? I just realized how much today took out of me…”
“Of course, Paige. Here.” OJ rearranges the two of them so that Paige is comfortably against OJ’s shoulder, using his scarf as a makeshift pillow for the other. “I’ll keep vigil until we have to transfer, alright?”
Paige nods and lets himself become limp against the other, a small smile on his face.
+++
“OJ……” Paige whines as they trudge their way out of the subway station. “I’m so sleepy……”
The current set up is Paige being all but dragged by OJ by the hand as he leads them where they need to go. In their unoccupied hands, each of them hold onto their plushies.
“You sound dead on your feet,” OJ giggles.
“I aaaaammm…” Paige groans.
OJ laughs outright now. “Would you like to stay over, perhaps?” he offers after recovering. “I’m sure my moms wouldn’t mind.”
“Can I?” Paige asks, sobering a little. The sudden prospect of spending more time with OJ after finding out… well, Paige wasn’t about to give that up, was he?
OJ chuckles. “That woke you up a bit.”
“What?” Paige blinks. “Oh, um… I mean…” He coughs and leans all his weight to each of his steps. “Caaaaannnn I…? I’m soooooo sleepyyyyy…”
OJ laughs so hard he snorts, and then blushes and covers his face. “Um!” he squeaks, coughing. “I—I’m the one who invited you, aren’t I?”
“You areeee,” Paige nods slowly.
“Then you’re more than welcome to, silly boy.”
Paige decides to worry about what that does to him later, like tomorrow, or the next day, or 70 years from now.
+++
“Are you all good?” OJ asks as he finishes blowing up the air mattress.
“Yep!” Paige smiles. “I texted Mom everything and she replied with a thumbs up emoji.” He yawns. “Sorry I had to borrow some of your clothes after showering by the way… I didn’t exactly plan on this, heehee.” He rubs the back of his neck shyly.
“It’s quite alright, Paige!” OJ assures, standing up. “I don’t mind at all.”
Paige picks up Patro from where he had left him on top of his bag. “Thanks for blowing up the mattress. I could honestly just sleep standing up right now…”
“Oh, did you forget?” OJ chuckles. “You take my bed. I take the air mattress.”
Paige pouts, but knows he’d just be fighting a losing battle if he were to argue. “Fiiiine…” he laments, walking gingerly over to the bed and sitting. “If you’re sureeeee…”
“I’m just as sure as I was last time, Paige,” OJ giggles.
Paige likes OJ’s giggle.
He blinks. “Um,” he says quietly, shaking his head. “I’m going to fall asleep now, okay?”
“Alright.” OJ has collected the bedding he would need for the mattress and fixed it all up by the time Paige had come back to reality. “Rest well! Goodnight!”
“Goodnight!” Paige says back, rolling over in the bed. Soon there are two clicks in the room, one being the overhead lights being turned off and the other being his desk’s night light being turned on. OJ really didn't like the dark.
Paige holds his stuffed Eeeve close to him as he tries to drift off, but he ends up just laying there. For what feels like hours. The only thing he can hear is his own breathing and OJ’s, but neither is steady.
Oh… that meant OJ was also still awake, didn’t it?
“OJ…?” he calls quietly.
“Yes Paige?” OJ mumbles, lifting up. “Wh’t is it?” He’s rubbing at one of his eyes.
“Oh no, did I wake you up?” Paige despairs. “Nevermind, nevermind.”
“No, I w’sn’t quite asleep yet,” OJ assures. “What is it?”
“Oh… umm…” Paige had not come into this without a plan. He hums a bit shakily. “Um…”
“Oh, are y’u cold?” OJ asks, standing. He leaves Achili on the bed. “Here, I c’n get you s’me more blankets.”
“Um!” Paige says quickly, using that thread as a lifeline. “Actually, I don’t think I need anymore blankets!”
“Oh?” OJ blinks blearily. “Th’n what’s up?”
“Um… actually…” Paige scoops up Petro. “Petro is cold! A-and I’m… sure he could use a companion! For warmth! Y-you know?”
OJ stares at the other, looking a bit confused, until his face clears. “You w’nna sleep with Achili?” he mumbles. “You just had t’ ask.” He picks up his Cyndaquil and hands it over gently, sleepy smile on his face. “Silly.”
Paige was going to explode.
“Actually!” Paige says before he can chicken out, “I don’t think! Achili would like to sleep without you! S-so you! Can sleep here too! I-if you want!”
OJ again takes a moment to process Paige’s words, but jolts once he does. “You want me t’ sleep with you?”
Paige squeaks. Oh goodness. How was he supposed to answer that? “I-I mean, you can—I can sleep on the air mattress after all!” He’s backpedaling so hard it’s like his life depended on it. “It’s—really, I can—”
OJ giggles, cutting Paige off. “M’ve over,” he says, shooing the other weakly.
Paige blinks and does so, moving towards the back of the bed. Before he knows it, OJ is laying down next to him, holding onto Achili.
“G’night, Paige…” OJ mumbles, snuggling in closer to his stuffed Cyndaquil.
“G-goodnight…!” Paige replies, head swimming. Within minutes, OJ’s breathing has evened out.
Paige’s heart hammers for the rest of the night.
The next day is spent at Paige’s house, playing games, watching TV… doing whatever the two wanted before it’s time for OJ to go back home.
So, here Paige is, Sunday night, sitting at his desk in despair.
We both know! he thinks. What do I write? Do I write in the first place? Oh gosh…
“Is this really worth all this goddamned stress?” Leaf interrupts roughly, rolling their eyes. “If you both know, just walk up to him and tell him. That’s how this thing is supposed to work, isn’t it?”
“...Nnno?” Paige says, unsure. “I… Look, I don’t know! I’m new to this!”
“Well hurry up and make up your mind,” Leaf huffs. “The light is bothering me.”
Paige pouts, upset. Leaf never made things easy for him, did they?
+++
The next morning, Paige shuffles out of his mom’s car, Brandon right behind him.
I didn’t even tell Brandon… Paige thinks to himself. Should I? I normally tell him everything, but he might say I should do something if I do…
“Yo!” Brandon shouts suddenly. “Earth to Major Control!”
“Huh?” Paige asks, blinking out of his thoughts. “Um… what—what is it?”
“I asked for your note, dude.” It’s true, Brandon has his hand out like he normally does when waiting for the notes. “I gotta get to class early, so I wanted to make sure I got it before I bolted.”
“Oh… u-um…” Paige shyly takes out the note he wrote last night and hands it to his brother. “Here…”
Brandon takes the note skeptically. “You alright man?” he asks, putting a hand on Paige’s shoulder. “You’re normally like, super hype about this.”
Paige nods, but it’s a little pathetic. “I’m just… worried about how he’ll take this one, I guess.”
“Psh!” Brandon smirks, ribbing the other. “You’ve been going back and forth strong so far! I’m sure he’ll love it no matter what.” He turns around, shrugging. “Besides, nothing’s changed, right? So you’ll be fine.”
“Right…” Paige mumbles. “Nothing’s changed…”
“That’s what I just said, dude!” Brandon laughs. “But look, I gotta get t’ stepping. I’ll see you later, ‘kay?”
“‘Kay…” Paige waves. And like that, Brandon is gone.
I hope I didn’t screw this up… Paige worries as he slowly follows the crowd into the school.
+++
Paige heads into the cafeteria, chewing his lip. He’s not looking where he’s going, navigating by muscle memory the whole way, so when he gets off of the lunch line, he’s not looking at the table the Crew normally sits at. So when he hears a “Paige!” he’s surprised by whose voice it is.
”Oh!” he perks up. “OJ!”
OJ waves, beckoning Paige over. “Hello, hello!”
Paige rushes over, thoughts dispelled. “Hi!” he beams, sitting down and turning towards the other. “What are you doing here? Isn’t your lunch period after ours?”
“It is,” OJ nods. “But I had an empty period, so I thought I’d come visit everyone today!”
“Oh!” Paige smiles wide. “That’s awesome!”
“We’re all happy to see you too, Paige,” Brandon says with a fake pout. Everyone else laughs, but Paige flushes.
“Ah! Sorry!” he apologizes. “But it’s not everyday OJ’s here, you know? I just got a little turned around.”
“I’m sure you did,” Brandon says not unkindly, but he does roll his eyes. “Here, by the way.” He holds between his pointer and middle fingers the reply note for today.
Paige gasps and glances over at OJ, who is conveniently sipping at juice with his eyes closed. Can I read this with him right here? Paige wonders. Is that weird?
“Go on,” Brandon urges. “Read away. I think today’s is pretty good!”
“Oh, Brandon! Honestly!” Paige pouts, snapping up the note. “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times…”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brandon laughs. “Go on, loverboy. Read your note.”
Paige huffs, but opens the note regardless.
Today’s note reads—
Before Paige can properly read it, there’s a loud slam on the table in front of him, an arm shooting between him and Brandon. “What the FUCK is this?” booms a loud voice.
Oh.
It’s PB again.
“What the fuck is what, asshole?” Brandon immediately frowns. “You interrupting our wonderful second-rate-bully-free lunch?”
PB growls and points down at what he placed on the table. “This,” he stresses. “What the fuck is this.”
Paige blinks and slowly looks down at what it is, which happens to be the school newspaper. On it in big letters is the headline: PAIGE IS A FIGHTING MASTER? The Yin Yang Cutter’s Response!
“Um,” is all Paige can say.
“Is that all you can say?” PB laughs humorlessly. He then grabs Paige by the collar and lifts him a bit. “Get up you little twerp. I never got the chance to beat you up last time.”
“Hold on,” Brandon says, shooting up and grabbing the hand that holds Paige. “First, put my friend down. Second, what the hell does this have to do with you anyways? You just trying to find reason to fight?” He rolls up his sleeve. “‘Cause I can fight if you just want to fight.”
“Brandon—” Paige tries, only to be cut off by PB.
“That kid you beat up is my cousin,” he spits. “Not that I actually give a shit, but I’m not about to let his reputation ruin mine.”
“S-so you’re going to fight me?” Paige squeaks.
“So I’m going to fight you,” PB replies, unkind smile on his face.
“No,” Brandon says, removing PB’s hand from Paige’s collar and pushing him back, “You’re going to fight me.”
“No,” says a third player, throwing their hat into the ring, “I think he’ll be fighting me.”
Paige blinks as OJ stands, pushing Brandon back down. “OJ…?”
“Aww, are you his little boyfriend or something?” PB sneers mockingly, then takes a closer look at OJ. “Wait a sec. Aren’t you that one nerd everyone smart hates?” Paige frowns at the remark. Did OJ have problems with other bullies? “Pfft. You think you’re gonna beat me with what, some math facts or some shit?”
OJ carefully steps over to the other, a cool look on his face. Paige panics. “OJ, no! You don’t have to—”
“Nah,” PB says, drawing himself up. “He does now.”
OJ and PB stand only inches away from each other, an intense staredown happening. OJ doesn’t seem the slightest bit scared, even though PB is at least a foot or two taller than him.
And then PB swings first.
…And OJ deflects him like it’s nothing…!?
“What the—” PB groans and throws another punch, only for that to get blocked as well. “What the fuck!?”
OJ’s expression is neat and put together, a small smile on his face. “What? Did you not take martial arts as well?” He tuts. “I assumed someone who wanted to fight would actually know how.”
“Martial—are you fucking kidding me?” PB sounds completely dumbstruck.
“I’m not,” OJ says, shaking his head. “But I am done with this fight.”
“Wh—AUGH!!”
OJ does what can only be described as a turnaround, grabbing one of PB’s still outstretched arms and twisting with his whole weight, pulling the older skinny teen with him. OJ spins on an axis, taking PB from off his feet to being slammed on the floor with a loud thump.
“Oh my gosh,” Paige gasps as OJ dusts his hands off. “OJ, are you okay?”
“Quite fine, Paige,” OJ smiles. “I don’t take kindly to bullies, is all.”
“That was so cool!” Brandon cheers. “Did you really take martial arts?”
OJ nods along with Sue. “Orville took some classes around 3rd grade if I recall correctly.” They smile wryly. “I knew this fight would be open and shut.”
“Woah…” Bro breathes. “H-how did you know th-at?”
Sue shrugs. “He told me once.”
“And WHAT is going on over here?” booms a voice suddenly.
Uh oh.
It was the Lunch Squad.
Ms. Meredith storms over, Mr. Memphis and Mr. Merlyn right behind her.
“I-it was that insane kid!” one of PB’s lackeys accuse, pointing at OJ. “He threw PB down on the ground for no reason!”
“Literally a lie,” Brandon breaks in, only to be cut off by the other lackey.
“Is not! It was completely unprompted violence!” they shout.
“B-but…” Paige mumbles.
“It’s—it’s—” Bro tries. “That’s—it’s—they’re—”
Sue places a hand on theirs and gives a steely gaze to Ms. Meredith. “Peewee decided to fight Paige, and Orville stood up for him.” They raise an eyebrow. “Surely you’re going to punish the right party?”
Ms. Meredith shivers, frowning. “I will be doing whatever I want to do, Ms. Cruz.”
Sue frowns, but says nothing more.
“Hmph!” Ms. Meredith huffs, snatching up OJ’s hand and PB’s right after his two lackeys help him up. “Both of you will be receiving punishments for fighting on school grounds.” She turns to Mr. Memphis. “Memphis, watch this area while I’m gone.” He nods and she then turns to Mr. Merlyn. “Merlyn you…” she falters. “You do whatever you want.” He also nods and then the three of them break away, OJ and PB in tow with Ms. Meredith.
“Oh no…” Paige frowns, upset. “OJ got in trouble because of me…”
“Orville will be fine,” Sue assures. “As far as I know, he’s got no offenses prior to this, so Mr. Parlett will most likely just let him off with a warning.”
“Do you really think so?” Paige asks, worried.
“I do,” Sue nods.
+++
Paige and OJ text all night. It turns out Sue was right, OJ only got a slap on the wrist while PB was suspended for a couple of weeks.
Paiges: You really didn’t have to do that for me you know! I’m sorry I made you…
hyaku% oj: It’s quite alright, Paige. You didn’t make me do anything, I assure you. I simply did what I thought was best at the moment. If someone was going to fight you, I wasn’t going to sit back and watch it happen. After all, it’s you we’re talking about. I don’t mind a bit of fighting for you.
Paige tries really hard not to let his blushing distract him.
The two go back and forth until it’s time to sleep. Paige sighs heavily as he curls up under his bedding with Teds.
Well, he thinks, With PB gone, at least tomorrow can’t be any worse than today was.
Still, he worries. He worries and worries until he falls into a fitful sleep.
+++
Tomorrow is worse.
Paige goes through the motions of waking up, getting dressed, eating, going to school with Brandon… Everything is fine for all of that.
And then he steps inside of the school. Almost immediately giggles fill the air, causing Paige’s anxiety to spike. He wasn’t a stranger to laughs being thrown his way, but this seemed almost concentrated. He could almost swear people were staring and pointing at him.
“Jeez,” Brandon huffs. “What’s with everyone today?”
Paige’s phone rings. He blinks and checks the caller ID.
It’s Bro.
“Hello?” Paige answers, worried. “You don’t usually call, Bro. Is something wrong?”
“Don’t—don’t—d-don’t—” Bro stutters, groaning after. He takes a deep breath before managing to get out, “Don’t go to your locker.”
Paige furrows his brows and stops, causing Brandon to stop too. They were close to it by now, they only needed to turn the corner. “Why? I’m almost there.”
“Just don’t,” Bro stresses. “Not right now.”
“But…”
“Paige!” Bro shouts. “Do not! Go! To your locker!”
“O-okay!” he yelps. “I won’t!”
“Good.” With that, Bro hangs up.
“What was all that about?” Brandon asks. “And what aren’t you doing?”
Paige sighs. “I don’t know… Bro called and told me not to go to my locker…” He bites his lip. “But my books are in there…”
“Maybe there’s someone there waiting to fight you or something?” Brandon suggests, making Paige gulp. “B-but maybe not!” he backpedals. “Look, I’ll go with you. Whatever’s there can’t be so bad, right?”
Paige hums as Brandon takes his hand and starts to pull him to his locker. The closer they get, the more the crowd concentrates. In fact, it all seems to be surrounding… his locker?
“Alright!” Brandon shouts as they reach the outskirts of it, completely cut off by the amount of students around it, “Anyone who wants to get the snot beat out of them is welcome to stay! Everyone else, get the hell out!”
Brandon’s patented Scary Face is on when he says it, forcing a majority of the crowd to immediately dissipate. There’s a couple of stragglers, but Brandon jukes at them and they rush away. There’s only one left, who’s taping something… to Paige’s… locker…
Oh.
Paige’s locker is covered in notes.
“What the hell is this?” Brandon frowns, stomping on the ground next to the outlier, who scrambles away once they realize they’re being threatened. Brandon stares at the many pieces of paper stuck to Paige’s locker and blanches.
“Paige,” he breathes. “Paige, leave.”
“What?” Paige asks, breath starting to speed up. First Bro and now Brandon? What was this all about? “Brandon, what—”
“Paige, leave.” Brandon stresses, taking out his phone. He takes a picture of the locker before looking back at the other. “Please. You don’t want to see these.”
Paige is really upset, but he’s honestly too scared to actually read what’s on any of the notes now. So he bites his lip hard before nodding. “Can you… get me my books?”
“Yeah man,” Brandon says, still distracted by his phone. “No problem. Just wait in front of your class, alright? I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay…”
Paige stares a little longer before turning around and walking away.
Just what did any of those notes say? And why were they so bad nobody wanted him to see them?
…And why was everyone else so interested in them?