Title: One More Night Status: Complete Characters: Anon, Fang, Ripley Rating: SFW Classification: One-Shot Author: StarmanSuper Summary: With only one day to go before Anon leaves for college, Fang tries desperately to hold onto him and the hope for their future. What a rotten fucking run of bad luck. The torrential downpour sends cascades of water ricocheting off of every nearby surface, overloading the gutters to the point where they can’t accept the rain as rapidly as it falls. The meager tin canopy of the bus stop offers little protection from the elements, its numerous perforations allowing through almost as much water as it repels. The pulsing droplets cause ringing reverberations so loud that I can barely hear Anon’s words. “Wonder if they’ll send a boat instead of a bus?!” He practically has to shout to battle the thunderous deluge with his voice. All I can do is smile and shrug at him as I try fruitlessly to brush some of the water off of my wings. The damn things get so heavy when they’re waterlogged that I can hardly move them. He mutters a curse word under his breath as he tries to pull his suitcase further into the bus stop’s limited sanctuary. His clothes and personal belongings inside of it are almost certainly all soaked through at this point; the rain came on so fast that we had no choice but to run for our lives, but even with how short the sprint was, both of us were absolutely drenched. Anon’s lease on his apartment expired literally the day before his college dorm would allow him to get into his room. He had to be out by noon today, and his bus ticket to college is punched for tomorrow. He made a joke about me dating a homeless guy, but didn’t seem to appreciate it when I put on a thoughtful expression as I weighed this news. I was only fucking with him; I still love the dweeb, homeless or not. Besides, it’s only for a day. We only needed to find a place for him to sleep for one night, then he’ll be off to college. Granted… I wanted to spend the day with him anyway. I want to spend every day with him… I just wish that today went better. We started by trying to get in touch with Reed. He was always a good friend and we knew he’d be the easiest person for Anon to crash with logistically. Unfortunately, he wasn’t home. Family vacation for two weeks in some oceanic paradise. He didn’t bring it up around us because he didn’t want us to get jealous, but when I pressed him over the phone about where he was at and why I could hear exotic bird noises in the background he caved in and spilled the beans. Anon and I were only a little jealous. We tried Trish next. A little awkward asking a female friend to allow a guy to stay at her place overnight, but I trust Anon with my life. However, that didn’t work either. Trish’s parents shit-canned the idea immediately, giving the excuse that their home was too small with too many kids running around to accommodate an overnight guest. Bullshit, considering I slept over at her place all the time as a kid. I bet they just didn’t want someone like Anon staying over. Trish is a lot cooler with him now, but her parents can be real racist assholes sometimes. Stella was a no-go too; she’d already left for her college. And since Naomi and I aren’t on speaking terms right now, Rosa was our last shot, and it started a promising shot as she enthusiastically agreed over the phone. But just as we were making our way towards her, she called back practically in tears as she delivered the news that her parents had not only rejected the idea but also grounded her for even suggesting it. Said something about “not before marriage,” like Anon was going to try anything, but their word was final. Since then, we’ve been trying fruitlessly to get in touch with anyone else we could think of to throw Anon a bone and let him crash on their couch. I would have invited him to stay at my place, but my dad… he’d kill Anon and then me. There’s no way he’d go for it. Before we knew it, the sky darkened as this storm rolled in so fast that we could barely escape the downpour. What little sunlight would still be guiding our way has been completely extinguished by the black clouds. So now here we sit, on an uncomfortable metal bench, surrounded on all sides by pummeling rainfall, with nowhere left to turn to find Anon a place to sleep. Why tonight, of all nights? Why couldn’t his apartment give him one more day before kicking him out? Why can’t I spend this last night with him? I unconsciously thumb the amber necklace that Anon gave to me. Even in the darkness it sparkles as best it can, a constant reminder of his love for me. I glance in his direction; he cranes his neck outward to scan up and down the street, searching for an approaching bus. When none make themselves apparent, he withdraws back into the shelter of the bus stop, wiping the rivulets of rain from the top of his head. He notices me looking at him and turns to me with a smile. “I don’t think we missed the last bus, but I’m not sure with this rain. Driver might have just said ‘Fuck it’ and went home.” I frown and turn my eyes downward. “Anon… how… how much did this cost you?” He cocks his head, unsure of my meaning. I gently lift the necklace slightly off of my chest in response. He furrows his brow as he considers the question. “Why do you ask?” “You… said that you’re out of money…” He shrugs. “Yeah, pretty much. It’ll be cup noodles for me for a while, at least until my school loans come through.” I lower my head farther. I can’t stop rubbing my thumb over the necklace, even though… “... If you hadn’t bought this for me… you’d be able to afford a hotel…” In an instant he puts his arms around me, pulling me into an embrace. I gasp at the suddenness of it, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. The rain continues falling all around us, drowning the soundscape in a seemingly endless barrage of echoing droplets, but I hear his whisper so clearly that it makes me shudder: “I would give you the world if I could, Fang. I gave that to you because I love you.” I wrap my arms around him to return the gesture, feeling myself tremble in his grasp. The waterworks are starting up in my eyes; good thing the rain already fucked up my mascara. I can’t believe I spent so much of my Senior year being non-binary when this dweeb can make me turn into the biggest blubbering woman with such simple words. All the same, I echo them: “I love you too, Anon.” I lean back from his embrace to gaze into his eyes. It’s funny… so many of the other students at Volcano High said that he seemed so plain and featureless, even for being a human. They made jokes about the police trying to sketch a profile picture of him and just coming up with a bald head and blank face. I might have even thought the same when I first saw him after winter break, at the bottom of the steps leading up to school. A face in a sea of faces. But now… his eyes return my gaze with warmth and love. His tender smile makes my heart flutter. His ears redden slightly as he anticipates my next move. I bring my lips to those of the man that I love. He returns my kiss with tenderness, his practiced tongue gently exploring mine. I meant what I said when I told him he’s a good kisser; despite our differences, he always seems to know what to do to get my pulse racing. He turns my head slightly, running a hand through my hair and cradling the bottom of my crest as he keeps working his magic. I can’t help but let out a gasp as his other hand comes to rest on my hip. A gasp that seems… much more audible than it should have been. Becoming suddenly aware of my surroundings, I realize that the sound of the rain has all but vanished, being replaced instead with the low thrum of an idling bus engine. Anon seems to realize this at the same time I do, quickly pulling away from our kiss and springing to his feet. “Oh, shit! Last ride! Let’s go, Fang!” He grabs his suitcase in one hand and me with his other as we dart towards the open door. Anon nervously scoops a few coins out of his pocket and plops them in the till as the bus driver gives him a narrow-eyed glare. We find open seats with ease, seeing as we are the only passengers on the bus at this hour. With a clatter, the doors slam shut and we depart. Anon stares out the window next to us. “I can’t believe that rain stopped so suddenly! I guess it started strong so it had to end strong too, huh?” I know he’s speaking to me, but I can barely hear a word. My heart is beating too loudly. I want him. My eyes snap up to Anon. “Fuck it. We’re going back to my place.” His mouth hangs open for a moment before he blinks and finds the words to respond. “I… uhh, is that… a good idea?” “I don’t care.” “But Fang, your dad-” “I don’t care. You’re not going to sleep on the street, Anon.” Anon scratches the back of his neck. “I mean… the benches in the bus stops aren’t that bad. At least Volcaldera Bluffs never put those ‘fuck off homeless people’ railings on them like other big cities do.” I shake my head. “You’re staying over and that’s final. I’ll deal with my dad.” Some of the color seems to drain from Anon’s face. “I’m worried that your dad will deal with me. Like, permanently.” “Oh, that’s just talk. He wouldn’t actually hurt you. The worst he would do is kick you out again, and then we’re right back to where we are now. Let’s at least give it a shot. Please, Anon.” Anon ponders this for a moment, then looks back up at me with a gentle smile. “I suppose you’re right. What’s the worst that could happen?” I return his smile as I scoot closer to him and rest my head on his shoulder. My heart is still beating so fast, but feeling his warmth next to me helps combat the chill of the lingering rainwater in my clothes. He laces his fingers between mine and leans gently against me, his steady breathing helping me to steady mine. I wish this wasn’t our last night together. But we have to make of it what we can. This is the hand we have been dealt. The bus arrives at the closest stop to my home. It’s still several blocks away, but the rain has fully ceased and left in its wake a pleasant nighttime breeze. The calming scent of fresh rain fills my nostrils as we depart the bus. Anon thanks the bus driver as he always does, earning another glare from the decrepit old fogey. The doors slam shut behind us and the vessel sails into the inky darkness beyond the glow of the street lamps. Anon turns my way once more. “You sure about this? We could always try to pool together our funds and see if a cheap motel room is within our budget.” I shake my head. “Sorry, Anon, but I’m even more broke than you are. The folks usually give me an allowance, but that dried up as soon as I started staying over at your place. A downside to being perpetually grounded is no ‘fun money’.” He purses his lips into a frown, but before he can get out the inevitable apology I take his hand in mine again. “It was worth it.” He stares at me dumbfounded for a moment before his ears begin glowing bright red again. I can’t help but giggle at his reaction. He’s so adorable when he gets embarrassed. Hand in hand, we make our way down the darkened streets towards my house. I mentally prepare myself for what I’ll need to do. It’s pretty late so mom and dad might already be in bed, which would mean I could sneak Anon into my room. We’d have to be quiet, but at least I could be with him. If they’re not in bed… well. I’ll cross that bridge if I get there. Arriving at the front door, everything looks pretty promising. The light for Naser’s room is on, but he’s usually awake pretty late playing video games. The light in my parents’ room is off, as are the rest of the lights in the house from what I can tell. The coast looks clear. I cheer silently to myself as I flip the familiar rock onto its side, grab the house key that it hides and slide it into the lock on the front door. Turning towards Anon, I bring a finger to the tip of my beak in a “shushing” motion before quietly rotating the key and unlatching the front door. Thankfully our house is pretty modern so the entrance doesn’t emit any sort of creaking noise as it swings open. All the same, I move as stealthily as I can to avoid raising the alarm. Anon tip-toes behind me, cautiously hauling his luggage in front of himself so as to keep it from dragging on the floor. I glance around and listen intently for any signs of stirring parents. The only thing I can hear is the quiet rumbling of Naser’s sound bar on his TV. I let out a quiet sigh of relief and wave for Anon to follow me. Just a single set of stairs separates me from the bed I want to share with- The sound of a loud, clearing throat freezes me in my tracks. Fuuuck… “And what, exactly, is going on here?” I don’t want to face the voice that just spoke, but I have no choice. I slowly turn towards my father, seated on a recliner in the corner of the living room, a dim deskside lamp I didn’t notice while outside illuminating the surface of the book he holds in his hand. His icy gaze rests on me before turning towards Anon who has similarly spun around to face his doom. “Dad, I-” He holds a stern finger in my direction as he scans Anon up and down. “... What are you doing in my house, at this time of night, with my daughter?” The luggage in Anon’s hands clatters to the ground as he stands at attention, almost like he’s facing a drill sergeant. “S-sir, Mr. Aaron, sir, I- uhh, I-” My father leans forward in his chair, setting his book on the end table next to him. He rotates his ear towards Anon, expectantly awaiting a coherent answer from the nervous wreck that he’s just turned my boyfriend into. Anon gulps before providing it. “My… my lease for my apartment came up. I don’t leave for college until tomorrow. I tried everywhere else I could but I couldn’t find a place to spend the night. Fang said-” Dad’s eyes whip in my direction, brimming with rage. “What, exactly, did Lucy say? Hmm?” “Dad, he doesn’t have anywhere else to go-” In a flash, he rises from his chair and points a finger past me. “Kitchen. Now.” He turns towards Anon and jabs his finger at him. “Don’t you move a muscle, you got that?” “Y-yes sir!” Anon continues standing at attention, petrified beyond belief. In an instant, my father strides across the living room and into the kitchen, glaring at me the entire way. I nervously follow him in, fully aware of what’s about to happen. The moment I pass the threshold, he spins around to face me, his face awash with fury. “You are grounded for a month.” I try to open my mouth to protest but he barrels forward, speaking in a harsh, growling whisper. “How dare you do this, trying to sneak him into my home. What the hell were you thinking?!” “Daddy, I-” “Don’t you ‘daddy’ me, young lady. You are completely out of line. You’ve been spending God knows how many nights with him at his apartment, and now you bring him here?! Your mother is the only reason I didn’t kick down his door and drag your ass home, and you have the audacity to try sneaking him in here?” He puts his hands on his hips in frustration. “What the hell do I have to do to get through to you?! You’re still living under my roof, this behavior is completely unacceptable!” “But Dad, he doesn’t have anywhere else to go!!” He crosses his arms and lets out an immense huff. “Great. You bring him here, in the middle of the night, knowing that if I kick him out that I’ll be the bad guy.” His eyes narrow. “I might just do it anyway. What do I care? Let the little shit sleep on the curb.” I feel the tears forming in my eyes, and I’m not doing it just to earn sympathy like I might have when I was younger. I’m actually fearful for Anon. “Dad, please-” “You are unbelievable. I am this close to kicking you out, too. And I don’t just mean for the night. I mean permanently.” My tears are falling now. I try to choke them back but it only makes me hiccup and sob. Dad only shakes his head at me. “Why did you feel it necessary to put me in this spot by bringing that boy into my house? Why would you bring him here, Lucy?” “Because I love him!” The room falls deathly silent. My jaw hangs open in disbelief of the words I just blurted out. Even my sobs have stopped as I am frozen in place. My father also stands motionless, his eyes locked onto mine in a level of intensity I’ve never seen from him before. We stay like this for several moments, the only sound around us being the muted thumping of Naser’s television. Slowly, my father’s eyes narrow and his lips curl into a scowl. He jams his thumb up towards the second floor. “Bedroom. Now. If I hear even a peep from you for the rest of the night, you’re out of this house. I mean it.” I try to say something in response but he’s already strode past me and back into the living room. I chase after him as he arrives next to Anon who looks up at my father with mortal fear. Dad says nothing for several moments before grabbing the doorknob to the closet next to him, swinging it open, withdrawing a blanket and jamming it into Anon’s arms. “Couch. If you move even a muscle before morning I will eviscerate you.” Anon stammers out a “Thank you, sir,” before quickly shuffling over to the couch and taking a seat on its edge, setting his suitcase on the floor next to him. Dad turns my direction once more, leers down at me and repeats his gesture of jabbing his thumb towards the staircase. I look at Anon, tears still streaming down my eyes. He returns my look with a sad but loving smile. I choke out another sob as I dart up the stairs and into my bedroom, slamming the door behind myself. I can’t stop shaking. I’m so fucking furious. I bring my balled fist into the top of my mattress a dozen times, doing everything in my power to keep from screaming in anger. Why?! Why the fuck did he have to be awake?! I grit my teeth as my tears stain the comforter below me. I just wanted to spend one last night with him. I want to be with Anon. I collapse onto the bed and muffle my sobs into my pillow. I can’t believe this. Anon is so close. He’s only a floor away from me, and this is the last night I’ll be able to see him before he’s gone. His college is so far away, we’re only gonna be able to see each other over breaks, and that’s only if he can afford to come back out to Volcaldera Bluffs. I squeeze my pillow tighter. I want to hold Anon. I want to feel his arms around me. I want to kiss him. I want to make love with him. I want to love him, and I want him to love me. Anon… I squirm on my bed as I consciously have to fight against my hand to prevent its downward descent. I can’t do that right now. I don’t want to do that right now. I want Anon. More tears begin gathering in my eyes. A cigarette. That’ll help me feel better. I quickly sit up and reach over to the dresser next to my bed. The top drawer has my underwear in it; it’s the safest place for my precious nicotine sticks. I’ve been trying to cut back on them, though I don’t ever have more than a few a day. I don’t want to fuck up my voice and not be able to sing. Still, occasionally I really need one, and right now I really need one. Swinging my legs over the other side of my bed, I carefully creep over to the window and slowly slide it open. I have to lean my entire upper body out of the window to avoid as much of the smell getting into the house as I can; dad’s already pissed off enough at me, he’d throw a full-on conniption if he caught me smoking, too. I light up the cigarette and take a long drag. Its taste relaxes my rattled nerves. I let out the smoke in a slow, steady sigh. Thinking about it reasonably… Dad didn’t kick Anon out. He could have, but he didn’t. At least Anon has a place to sleep tonight. Considering that sudden rainstorm earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised if another one rolled in, and I’d be mortified if I knew Anon was asleep outside. He’d catch a cold, or worse. So… at least he’s indoors. Still… why the fuck was Dad being so pissy with me?! I didn’t even do anything! I mean… I wanted to, but I didn’t. I only brought Anon into the house. Why doesn’t he understand what Anon means to me, especially now when he’s going so far away so soon… I finish the cigarette and extinguish it on the outside of the window sill. Wrapping the butt in a tissue and burying it in the bottom of the garbage basket in my room, I quietly slide the window closed and plop onto my bed again. I can’t help but let out a sigh as I think about him again, but there’s nothing to be done for it now. I just have to go to bed. I’ll get to see him in the morning, at least. I slip out of my clothes and into my pajamas. Despite wrapping myself up in the comforter on my bed, I still feel cold. I’ve spent so many nights wrapped in Anon’s arms that I’ve come to rely on the sensation. The feeling of safety in his embrace made me sleep better than I’ve ever slept before in my life. He’s done so much for me. He’s helped me grow so much as a person, and let me find so much personal growth on my own, too. He stuck it out for me through some of my worst times. He’s been such an amazing part of my life. I absent-mindedly run my fingers across the amber necklace again. I find myself doing it whenever my mind wanders to him. I know I shouldn’t sleep with it on, but I just can’t bring myself to remove it. It was his gift to me. A special token of his love. He’s having to sleep on an uncomfortable couch now because of it… and all he could tell me when I brought it up was that he loved me. My pulse starts increasing again. Damnit. I have to try to get some sleep. I’ll never make it to morning if I keep thinking about him. … The hours tick by on the clock, yet I can’t find slumber. No amount of sheep counting brings me any rest. I feel the tears welling up in my eyes again as I think about Anon, so close to me but so far away from me. And he’ll only be farther away after tomorrow. I don’t want you to go, Anon. I can’t bear it. Again, tears run down my cheeks as I stare at the wall. I want to be with him. I want to hold him, just for a little while before he’s gone. I know it isn’t goodbye forever, but… it’s going to be years. Four or five years, depending on his degree. I just… I want to hold him. … The rain has started falling once more, coming down as fiercely as it was several hours ago. It beats relentlessly against the roof of the house, filling the air with its steady melody. I spin around and look at the digital clock by my bedside. 2:17 AM. I’ve been tossing and turning for over four hours now. I just can’t sleep. I… I want to hold him. I don’t care what Dad says. If he catches me and kicks me out of the house, so be it. I’ll go live with Anon then. … No. That’s stupid. I can’t do that. I’m not enrolled at his college, plus the dorms aren’t co-ed. … I could get a job near him, and get myself a place that way. But who would hire me? Recent high school graduate with no college, I’d be fit to flip burgers or pour coffee and that’s about it. Could I afford an apartment on that? … Why is this all so hard? Why can’t things just be easy? Why can’t I be with Anon? … Fuck this. I’m going downstairs. I quietly slip out of bed and lightly step over to my bedroom door. Opening it a crack and peeking through, I can see that the door to my parents’ bedroom is closed. All the lights are off, including Naser’s; he can pull some late night gaming sessions sometimes, but 2 AM is pushing it even for him. Looks like he’s hit the sack. … I think the coast is clear, but I need to be exceptionally careful. I gently close my bedroom door behind me and tip-toe down the hallway. The floors only creak in certain spots, so I make sure to avoid those. My years of sneaking in and out have paid off in a big way. I quietly move down the stairs, cautiously poking my head around the corner to see if Dad is still sitting in the same recliner he caught us from. He isn’t. My eyes shift over to Anon, and my heart immediately starts racing. He’s curled up on his side with his back facing away from the couch, the meager blanket Dad shoved into his arms draped over his body. I can hear his quiet snoring. He doesn’t snore very loud, and it’s never loud enough to disturb me. It’s kind of cute, actually. I glance up the stairs once more to see if either of my parents noticed me leaving my room. Silence, save for the sound of the falling rain and Anon’s snores. I move across the living room as quietly as I can, arriving at Anon’s side as the blanket gently rises and falls with his breathing. “Anon… Anon…” I dare not speak in more than a whisper. My voice doesn’t wake him. He continues quietly snoring, contentedly in his dream land. He says he doesn’t remember his dreams most days, but the few that he has recalled have been about me. It makes me blush and smile when he tells me about them. They’re always very sweet… us going on a date together, or watching a movie together. He’s always such a gentleman, even though we like to tease one another. Despite our bullshit and banter, he always sweeps me off my feet. I don’t know how I got so lucky to be with a man like him. I do my best to lift his blanket without disturbing him. I want to hold him in my arms for one more night. I lower myself onto the couch next to him, my wings dangling off the edge due to the limited space. As I lower the blanket back on top of us, I gently slide an arm under his body and bring my hands together at his midsection. His scent makes me dizzy with desire as I carefully rest my head against the flat of his back. Anon… “... Fang?” I gasp, not having noticed that his snoring stopped. He starts to rotate in my direction but I squeeze my arms tighter. “Please, Anon. Don’t.” I hear the puzzlement in his hushed voice. “Don’t what?” Don’t go. Don’t leave me. Don’t break my heart. “... Don’t turn around. I… I want to stay like this.” He holds still for a moment before turning himself back to the side he started on. If he did turn around and face me… I’m scared of what I would do. I’m scared of what we would do. I wouldn’t be able to stop myself, and I would certainly get killed by my parents if they found us like that. After a moment, he whispers, “Should… should you be down here? What if your dad-” “I don’t care.” “Fang, I don’t want you to get in more trouble-” “I don’t care. I want to stay with you.” I hear him let out a sigh. I know he doesn’t want me to get in trouble, but I want him too much. This is the last time in a long time I’ll be able to hold him. Consequences be damned. “Anon… I love you.” He places his hands on top of mine. His touch makes me shiver. I hold my breath as I wait to hear his reply. He doesn’t make me wait long. “I love you too, Fang.” I gasp and bury my face in his back as my tears begin flowing forth again. I muffle my sobs into his shirt as he gently strokes my hands and arms. He doesn’t turn around. I want so badly for him to turn around, even though I know what it will lead to… but he respects my wishes. Ever the gentleman, even now when I so desperately want him not to be. As my sobs slow and my tears begin to dry, he speaks softly and lovingly to me, only turning his head slightly in my direction. “I’m sorry that my school is so far away. I wish I could have gone to one closer, but this is just how it worked out. I’ll be back to visit whenever I can. Plus I’ll always just be a phone call away.” I squeeze him tighter, unconsciously thinking that if I don’t let go of him that he won’t go. He merely replies by caressing my arms. I shouldn’t fall asleep here. I need to go back up to my own bed, or else Dad is gonna kill me. But… I can’t let him go. I don’t want to let him go. Anon… … I’m startled awake by Anon rapidly springing to his feet. My eyes can barely open because of the morning sun piercing through the nearby window, but as soon as focus returns to them they widen in horror. My father stands over the two of us. “Out. NOW.” He barks at Anon, causing him to scramble towards the door in a panic. He stops short, spinning around to hastily grab his suitcase before continuing his rapid exodus. I jump to my feet and attempt to follow, but my father’s hand lands firmly on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. “You, sit.” Anon sends me an apologetic look before he hurries out the front door. All I can do is sit back down on the couch and stare at the floor in front of me. I blew it. I fell asleep like an idiot, and now I’m in a heap of shit. Dad glares at me for a moment before snatching the blanket that lies balled up next to me. He seems to examine it for a moment before scanning the surface of the couch. We didn’t do anything. Anon respected my wishes and let me fall asleep with him in my arms. I know how much he wanted to turn and hold me, kiss me, show me his endless love through our physical actions… but he was a gentleman. With a puff of air from his nostrils, Dad folds the blanket up and places it back in the closet before taking a seat in the recliner directly across from me. I can’t meet his eyes. I know how much trouble I’m in. Not only did I invite Anon over unannounced, I disobeyed my father and left my room. He caught us together on the couch. I’m probably going to get kicked out of the house. After an agonizing moment, he breaks the silence. “... I spoke with your mother last night. She also wasn’t pleased about what you did.” I close my eyes, fighting back the tears once more. “If you had told us what was going on ahead of time, even with a phone call, even with a little notice, we wouldn’t be as upset. Sure, it would be inconvenient, but we understand that things can happen and sometimes someone needs help. It wouldn’t have been a problem for Anon to stay here and sleep on the couch.” He lets out a long sigh. “However… the sneaking. That I am not okay with. I’m not an idiot. I know what you two are doing. I was a young man once, too, and I understand how hard it can be to resist. But I expect better of you, Lucy.” He pinches the bridge of his snout. “I have no power to tell you what you can or cannot do with your boyfriend in your own private time, despite how much that irritates me… but it is completely unacceptable to try and do that under my roof. Do you understand me?” I clench my fists, doing my best to keep these tears from falling. I can’t open my mouth to speak, lest the tenuous battle against my emotions is lost, but I manage a nod. He crosses his arms as he comes to his decision. “... Go upstairs, get changed, pack a bag.” That’s that. He’s kicking me out of the house. My lip trembles and I blink, finally losing the battle against my tears. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t have any money. I don’t have anywhere to go. I’m going to end up homeless. Anon’s going to leave me. I don’t- My father turns his head and looks out the front window. I can’t help but follow his gaze, coming to rest on Anon standing outside on the sidewalk. He’s rustling around in his wallet, probably looking for his bus ticket to get over to his college today. Maybe I’ll be able to say goodbye to him one last time before he gets on board and leaves me for good- “... That boy is gonna need help getting moved into his dorm.” Dad turns back to me. “Go to him.” I spring to my feet, mouth agape in disbelief at the words my father just spoke. He merely lifts his eyebrows. “You’d better hurry. He’s gonna leave for the bus stop any minute.” I don’t hesitate a second longer. I shoot past my father and up the stairs to my bedroom, not bothering to close the door as I toss my pajamas aside and dress myself faster than I’ve ever dressed myself before. I toss another change of clothes along with a mess of toiletries into my backpack and rush back downstairs. I barely notice my mom peeking through their bedroom door, wearing an approving smile on her face. At the foot of the stairs, I see Dad standing at the front window, still watching Anon. He turns my way as I move towards the door and extends his hand towards me, causing me to stop. “You’ll need a bus ticket, too.” Within his grip is a wad of bills, close to a hundred dollars. I can’t find any words as I accept the money; I meet his eyes as his face suddenly becomes stern. “I expect you back here by no later than tomorrow night, and I mean it. You’re still grounded.” I finally find my words as I throw my arms around my father. “I love you, Dad.” He returns my hug as his gentle smile returns. “I love you too, Lucy. Now, get out of here.” I dart out the door as quickly as I can. Anon has already started making his way towards the bus stop; I have to sprint to catch up to him, calling his name as I get closer. “Anon! Anon!” He stops and turns my direction, a look of relief quickly being replaced by one of fear when he sees my backpack. “Oh no… don’t tell me he-” I shake my head as I come to a stop in front of him. “No. I didn’t get kicked out. I’m still super grounded, but… I’m coming with you.” Anon’s mouth hangs open in disbelief. Before he can vocalize his confusion, I throw my arms around him and bring him into a tight hug. As his shock wears off, he returns it. He blinks as we separate. “Um… I have to say, this is an unexpected turn of events. Your dad went from being furious to… letting you come with me?” I giggle. “I think Mom might have helped convince him. Plus I have to be back by tomorrow night.” He lets out a whistle. “Phew. That’s gonna be a lot of time on the bus. Your legs are gonna get so cramped.” I pull him closer and bring my lips to his. He’s surprised by my gesture again, but reciprocates it more quickly than the hug. In our kiss I find all of the hope I need. I know that it will be hard being apart from Anon, but I won’t stop loving him. We’ll be together again before we know it and, God willing, we’ll spend the rest of our lives together. But for now… “I don’t mind. It means I get to spend one more night with you." [POST-NOTES] Special thanks to SkeletonCrew for drawing this comic and giving me permission to include it with the story that it inspired.