Most of this was rushed, because I really wanted to write something for Valentine's Day, but,,, obviously that didn't work out. I work on-and-off on this every so often.

Also, the drawing is Michael as a cat, sUE ME-

•••

    Okay, maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Maaaybe going out to the group-hangout in Michael’s basement. Maybe going there for their Valentine’s Day party-thing was an even worse idea. Everywhere I turned, there were shiny, happy people cuddling sweetly. There, in front of the large-ass TV, Christine, Michael, and Jeremy cuddled on a single beanbag.

    Okay, kinda. Michael was lounging in the middle of the cushion, slouched back and taking up as much space as possible. Christine lay across his lap, feet hanging over the side. Jeremy has somehow managed to cram himself on the remaining space, almost curling around Michael’s shoulders. His arms are around Michael’s neck, and his legs are locked with Christine’s. Oh, yeah, he’s out cold.

    Goddammit, the poly fluff is entirely too much for my heart.

    Turning away, my eyes land on the next couple -- the fire boys. Jake is talking with Michael. Rich is cuddling with him in his lap, fiddling with the taller male’s shirt, and occasionally his hair. They’re talking about something to do with weed and videogames (I think?), and are clearly very passionate about the subject. I wasn’t really paying attention, focusing on how Rich kept comparing his rooster-hair to the red of Jake’s flannel shirt. And getting jealous.

    Oh god, why was this a good idea??

    Turning away again, I get stuck looking at an intense kind of fluffy/soft make-out session. Like, not tongue, just… Eskimo kisses, giggles, the sort. Occasionally one would pull away (usually Brooke), and begin to braid the other’s hair.

    I groaned under my breath. The hell was I thinking?? I gathered my things together before standing up and stretching. I let my hair block my view of the others, creating an impenetrable curtain of (h/c). Then, with one last glance around, I snuck to the entrance…

    … Only to be caught by a certain rooster-haired boy. When had he darted from Jake’s lap??

“Y/n, where you goin’?”

    Fuck.

    “I, er… Just remembered that I left something at home, and I really, really need it, and I gotta study for that test on Monday, and-” I stammer, grasping at straws for a viable excuse.

    “The test is on Tuesday. We have a three-day weekend, remember? Besides, it’s the day of love!! Even if you don’t have anyone, you shouldn’t be alone! Oh, hey! What if you came over and cuddled with Jake and I? We could watch some cute cat videos!!” Rich was grinning ear-to-ear, puppy-doe-eyes at max power.

    Jake looked over at the mention of his name, then gave me a thumbs-up.

    “No, no, I really have to-”

    “Unless you do have someone. Do you have someone special?” Michael chimed in, throwing his head back to look at me, upside-down. He wriggled his eyebrows.

    “I-I…”

    “Oh my god, she does!! When can we meet him?! You should invite him!! INVITE HIM OVER!!”

    I covered my ears, “Rich, what the fuck?!”

    “Ooo, or her! Invite her over!” Chloe chimed in, and Brooke giggled.

    “Or them!” Christine shouted, sitting upright.

    Her sudden movement startled Jeremy, who screeched and toppled off the beanbag.

    “Wait, what’s going on??” he yelped, gazing around with blurry confusion.

    “Y/n’s got someone speeeeeeeecial~”

    “No, I-”

    “And we want to meet them!”

    “Guys-”

    “Are they cute?”

    “Please!-”

    “I bet they’re tall, that way they can curl around her~”

    “STOP!!”

    Quiet filled the room. Seven pairs of eyes stared at me, bewildered and confused. Michael was the first to move, slowly standing up and taking a step towards me.

    “Look, Y/n, we didn’t mean-”

    I didn’t hear the rest of what he said. Because, next thing I know, I’m in my car and driving down a country road. After a few minutes of clearing my head, I sigh.

    “Re-activate.”

    Instantly, a figure appears in the passenger’s seat. The dark, black hair was tousled slightly, with an ever-so-faint curl to it. He took a few moments to scan over the prior events, then reached a hand toward me. It rested on my leg.

    “Hey, it’s alright. They just want you to be happy.” He offered.

    I nodded, wiping some tears on my jacket’s sleeve.

    “Pull over at this next stop sign. Then unbuckle and step out of the vehicle.”

    I did as told, and he appeared in the driver’s seat. This time, though, his eyes were a less electric-blue, and his form more solid.

    I slid into the passenger’s seat and let out a ragged sigh.

    “Squip, I don’t get it. Why is everyone so insistent that I have someone, that I’m anything but a fucking lonely piece of shit? Why does anyone even think I could actually attract someone?”

    There was a pause.

    “Perhaps,” he began, “it’s because you are an amazing, talented young woman. Your personality, looks, and intelligence make you a desired partner. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a suitor.”

    A faint giggle escapes me at his fancy talking, but the frown returns afterwards.

    “Then why do I have such trouble? And why haven’t you even tried to get me with someone since I reactivated you? All you ever say is, ‘he’s not popular enough’, or ‘you don’t want to be with him’! You never even let me have a chance anymore, Squippy!” I can feel my hands tighten into fists.

    He glances over to me with a knowing, almost apologetic expression.

    “None of them are compatible. They’re all in too much pain of their own to love you.”

    “If you try giving me that ‘pitiful children’ lecture, I’m going to fucking deepthroat a Mountain Dew Red.”

    Squip sighed, waving a hand at me in a dismissive manner. A weak, minor shock went up my spine. I glared.

    “That was not my intention, Y/n. Jeremy’s SQUIP is gone, remember? I,” he tapped his head, “can think for myself.”

    “Yeah, well, you sure seem insistent on keeping me a virgin until I die.” I snapped, turning to look out the window.

    It was… Gorgeous outside. Snow lined the ground, soft and loose enough to trudge through and play in. The sun was shining, as well, which made the world sparkle blindingly. It hurt to look out.

    “Y/n, you know that is not my goal. You know that has never been my goal. I just…”

    He didn’t take his eyes off the road, but rested a hand on my leg.

    “Sure seems like it.”

    “Honey, I… Look. Today’s Valentine’s day-”

    “NO SHIT, SQUIP-”

    “-so how about I take you on a date? Just us. I’ve gotten quite good at keeping up this form, so you won’t look like you’re… Well, like you’re alone. Does that sound good, Y/n?” his voice was gentle.

    We seemed to reach home all too soon.