(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Bennett wiped down the tables at Topanga's, enjoying the steady rhythm of work after school the next day. It had been a long day, but this was his sanctuary—the comforting hum of chatter, the clinking of dishes, and the familiar faces. He noticed Riley was there with her friend group working on homework. He had overheard their assignment was on them planning the future and how they would be the rest of high school and after high school. He could tell they were all nervous and worried about it, especially Riley and Maya, who feared that they might not be friends after high school.

Smackle had rightfully freaked out and as Farkle explained, she crashed like a computer would but he reassured everyone she would come back to her usual self a few minutes later. Bennett didn't blame her, when he was first going into high school and facing the unknowns of the future, he'd felt similarly overwhelmed. The pressure to plan out his life felt heavy, especially when the path ahead was anything but clear. But he had learned that navigating uncertainty was part of the journey. He remembered how his own friends had rallied around him during those chaotic times, reminding him that it was okay not to have all the answers.

Farkle had gone outside with Lucas to talk with him, but Zay took that opportunity to mess around, pretending to make her do the macarena and the sprinkler move and was now sitting at one of the bay windows with her, pretending to be having a conversation with her. A little bit later in the day, Smackle was the only one working on her homework and Lucas had came over to talk to her. Riley and Maya had got back since they had left a while ago. 

Lucas got Smackle to confess she's insecure and worried Farkle doesn't like her as much as he says and so she often jokes around about Lucas hitting on her and that she has a thing for him in a way of protecting herself. Farkle then popped up from behind the counter where he was hiding, revealing that he really did like her as much as he said, maybe even more so but he wasn't sure yet. They shared a heartfelt moment as Farkle joined her on the couch and thanked Lucas for his help.

Lucas had got the hint and moved to another chair. Bennett smiled as he watched this interaction. He was glad that his cousin's friends were finding their way through their worries and insecurities, each navigating the complexities of their relationships. He found it especially sweet when Farkle assured Smackle that when she would want to go to a school in Sweden, he would tell her she can go if she really wants to because he wanted her to pursue her dreams, even if it meant being far away from him. Though Smackle told him she wants to go to Princeton with him so they're not far apart.

Just then, the door to Topanga's swung open, and in walked Brylee, her face glowing with excitement. She practically bounces up to her usual spot at the counter, her eyes sparkling as she caught Bennett's attention. "Bennett! You won't believe what just happened!" She gushed, barely able to contain her excitement as she sat down.

Bennett looks up from his cleaning, his heart instantly lighter at the sight of her. Brylee always had that effect on him—her smile could brighten his entire day, no matter what. He chuckles softly, already smiling back. "What is it, baby? You're very happy today." He noted, setting the rag aside and giving her his full attention.

Brylee practically bounces in her seat, her energy contagious. "You won't believe it." She repeats, her voice bursting with excitement. "I still don't believe it. But guess who just got accepted into her dream college? This girl!" She exclaimed, unable to hide her giddiness. She couldn't contain her happiness, her cheeks aching from smiling so much.

"Good news is happening all around then, 'cause there's been something I wanted to tell you." Bennett grins, his heart swelling with pride and joy. "I've also been accepted into the art program at the college you applied to. Guess we'll be going to college together after all." He was almost as excited as she was, feeling a rush of relief at the realization. He didn't have to worry about them not being together anymore.

Brylee's eyes widens in surprise and delight, her heart racing. "Are you serious? You got in too? Yay!" She exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. She basically jumped off the stool, giggling as she made her way around the counter to hug him. She wrapped her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. She couldn't believe their luck. After all the stress and worry of applying, they had both made it. They were going to the same college. They could stay together.

He chuckles, stumbling backwards a bit before he regained his footing and wrapped his arms around her. He held her close, his heart full of love and joy. "I know. We're going to college together. That was one less thing I was worrying about. Now, I don't have to worry about not being with you. I was scared we wouldn't be able to handle a long distance relationship."

Brylee pulls away slightly, looking up at Bennett with a gleam of hope in her eyes. "But I think we also both have a good chance at graduating early too, you know? If we work hard and keep on top of everything."

Bennett smiles down at her, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I think we can do it. We've always been good at motivating each other."

She grins, still buzzing with excitement. "And then we can start the rest of our lives together even sooner!" Brylee beams. "Just think about it, we could finally get our own place .Just you and me, building a life together."

Bennett's heart swelled with love at the thought. He could picture it too—a cozy little apartment, filled with laughter and late-night talks, waking up next to each other every morning, art projects scattered across the dining table, and quiet mornings sipping coffee together. It felt like a dream they'd always talked about, but now, it was within reach.

"I'd love that," Bennett said softly, his voice full of sincerity. "I can't wait to start that chapter with you. Everything we've been working for is finally coming together."

Brylee nods, her face glowing with excitement and love ."We've got this, Bennett. Everything is going to be perfect." She pauses, then giggles. "Well, maybe not perfect, but pretty close."

Bennett laughs along with her. "Close enough for me."

Their conversation caught Riley's attention, who was even more worried now after hearing they were planning on graduating early and already thinking about their future together. "Wait, you're planning on graduating early?" She asks, her eyes wide. "A-And you're leaving and going off to college already?" She couldn't hide the panic in her voice, her thoughts racing. Was she losing her friends?

"Riles, don't worry." Brylee reassures her, sensing her distress. "We'll still be here in the city. It's not like we're moving across the country or anything."

"But you're still going away. You won't be in school with us anymore." Riley's voice wavers, her eyes searching for reassurance. "Things are going to change. What if...What if we all drift apart?" She couldn't help but voice her fear, the same one that had been haunting her since the future-planning assignment.

Bennett, sensing how much this was bothering her, offered a gentle smile. "Hey, Riles, just because we're graduating early doesn't mean we're leaving you behind. We're still going to be around—it's not like we're disappearing off the face of the earth."

Brylee nods in agreement, smiling reassuringly. "Yeah, we can still hang out. We'll just be taking classes at the college, but we'll still be in the city, and we can visit Topanga's whenever we want. Nothing has to change unless we let it."

Riley bit her lip, her anxiety still simmering just below the surface. "But what if things do change? What if after high school, everyone just...Goes their separate ways? I don't want to lose any of you. Why do people become friends if it's not going to be forever? I don't want a Sweet Sixteen." She realized, panic clear etched on her features.

"You don't?" Maya questioned, stepping closer to her with concern in her eyes.

"No. I don't want any surprises. I don't want anybody to go anywhere. I don't want anything to happen to us at all." Riley rambled, her voice frantic and desperate.

"But isn't that the opposite of life?" Maya pointed out.

"I don't care." Riley argues firmly. "Nobody move. Nobody move at all."

"You heard her." Maya said softly.

With their arms still around each other, Brylee and Bennett share glance, both sensing the weight of Riley's distress. They knew that this moment was more than just about graduating; it was about the fear of losing the connections that had been so important to them all throughout high school. They both silently vowed to not let those bonds fade away, even if they were growing up and moving on to the next chapter of their lives. 

They would still find a way to be there for each other, even if it meant making some adjustments and changes. But that's what life was all about—navigating new challenges and overcoming obstacles together, growing stronger in the process. And no matter what, they would always have each other's backs, through the good and the bad. Because life wasn't about staying in the same place; it was about growing, changing, learning, and embracing new experiences while holding onto the ones that mattered most.

*****

(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Brylee found herself curled up in bed that night, rewatching Supernatural. She loved the show so much and could rewatch it and not get tired of it. She was even wearing some Supernatural themed pjs and her hair was pulled up in a messy bun. She didn't even hear the knock on her window, too distracted by the show. "Okay, rude. I see how it is. You care more about this show than your own boyfriend." A familiar voice complained, startling her.

She jumps, startled, and turns around. She can't help but grin as she spots her boyfriend, his dark hair a bit windblown from the breeze outside, and a pout on his face. She quickly pauses the show, opening her arms for him with a sheepish smile, her heart fluttering as he dramatically flopped on her bed and curls up next to her. His head laid on her chest, his arms around her waist as she wraps her arms around his waist. "Hi baby," She coos, still grinning as her heart fluttered at how cute he was. "Sorry, didn't hear you. I was so invested in the show I forgot you were coming over."

"Just wanted to see my favorite girl," He mumbles, his voice slightly muffled. "But apparently, I'm competing with Sam and Dean for your affection."

"Don't forget Cas, the hot angel." She added as she giggled.

He groans dramatically, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "You wound me, sweetheart. How will I ever recover?" He was being silly, but he was secretly pleased by her reaction. Her laugh was music to his ears, and her smile never failed to make his heart skip a beat. He could listen to her talk about her interests for hours, her eyes sparkling and her face glowing with excitement. She had the ability to bring a smile to his face, no matter how bad his day was. Brylee nestled deeper into her pillows, feeling the warmth of her boyfriend beside her. His playful banter about being overshadowed by fictional characters made her smile even wider. She loved moments like these, where the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in comfort and laughter.

"Okay, okay," She said, her voice teasing. "Maybe I'll let you in on a little secret. I might just have a soft spot for a certain dark-haired boyfriend of mine." She playfully nudged him with her elbow, watching as he lifted his head, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

"Now we're talking!" He grins, propping himself up on one elbow. "But seriously, you need to keep those priorities straight. Sam and Dean are cool and all, but I'm the real deal."

Brylee rolls her eyes, a smile dancing on her lips. "Yeah, well, they don't get to cuddle with me like you do." She let her fingers play with the strands of his dark hair, savoring the moment.

"They don't get to kiss you like I do, either." He grinned, leaning in closer and planting a playful kiss on her cheek which made her giggle again. His heart fluttered as he heard the sound, his lips curving into a smile.

"Hmm, true," Brylee murmurs, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Okay, you're the best boyfriend ever, and I love you. Happy?" She couldn't resist, her fingers trailing over his jawline and her thumb gently caressing his cheek.

"Hmm, not yet." He reached up to cup her cheek, his touch sending sparks through her body. He kissed her, eyes closing and losing himself in the sensation of her lips against his.

She returned the kiss eagerly, her heart racing. His hand moved to cup the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Every time they kissed, they both always felt that rush of emotions and sparks. It felt like a drug, and they couldn't get enough. They lost track of time, lost in their own little world. When they finally broke apart, breathless and dizzy, he smiled and rested his forehead against hers.

"Now I'm happy." He breathed, his gaze filled with love and admiration.

"Me too," Brylee smiles, her eyes sparkling. She was practically giddy from the kiss, her cheeks flushed and her heart full of happiness. "I love you, but, uh, do you mind if I go back to watching my show?" She asked hopefully, glancing back over at the paused show.

"I love you too. And only if you let me stay and watch it with you so we can cuddle." He bargained, a hopeful smile playing on his lips. He couldn't resist the idea of spending more time with her, even if it meant sharing the spotlight with fictional characters.

"Deal." Brylee nodded, shifting slightly to make room for him. He immediately cuddled up beside her, his arm wrapping around her waist. His head was still on her chest and she giggled when he grabbed her hand and placed it on his head, silently requesting for her to run her fingers through his hair.

"Please?" He used his puppy dog eyes on her, a pout forming on his lips.

"I can't say no to that face." She laughed, giving in. He grinned victoriously as her fingers began to thread through his hair, eliciting a content sigh from him as he relaxed more onto her. His hand fell around her waist, his arm draped over her hips. 

Her free hand laid on his back, her hand had snuck under his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin against her hand. A shiver went down his spine at her touch, goosebumps forming on his skin, but he liked it as she began tracing shapes and patterns on his back with her fingertips. It felt comforting and soothing. They spent the rest of the night watching Supernatural and cuddling, and she couldn't help but smile. Moments like these were her favorite, and she cherished every second. She grabbed the remote and resumed the show.

"You know, I think we'll be okay." She speaks up, breaking the silence. "After high school, I mean."

"Why wouldn't we be?" He looked up at her, his brow furrowing. He wasn't sure where that came from.

"With what Riley was going through, it got me thinking, you know?" She explains, her gaze dropping to her lap. "And first, I was worried about long distance but now that we're going to the same college, we don't have to worry about that. But the idea of moving away and into a place together...Lowkey kinda scares me. I mean, I never lived with anyone besides my family before, and the idea of living alone with someone is...Terrifying, yet exciting."

"I get that. You're not the only one who's scared." He admits, his hand finding hers and squeezing gently. "But I love you and I want to start building a life with you, even if it's scary. Changing can be scary, but it's also exciting. We've got this, babe. No matter what, we're in this together. I know we can make this work. I want to live with you and wake up next to you. I want to share those little moments—like cooking breakfast together, binge-watching our favorite shows, and having our own traditions."

Brylee was taken aback by his honesty and openness. She hadn't expected him to be feeling the same way. She was touched by his words, her heart swelling with love. "I want that too. All of it." She says softly, her voice filled with emotion. "I believe we can make it work. Because no matter what, I love you and that's not going to change. You're stuck with me." She teased.

"Good. Because I wouldn't have it any other way." He grinned, leaning in for another kiss, his heart fluttering.

She gladly kissed him back, her worries and anxieties fading away. She knew that no matter what, they would find a way to navigate the new chapters ahead of them and embrace the future. And even though the thought of change could be scary, they were in it together, and that was what mattered most. They were going to make this work, and she couldn't wait for the next chapter of their lives together.

A/N had to add in my love of spn somehow lol