"Woah hey! Easy with the blush, I don't need to look like a clown."

"If you'd stay still then that wouldn't be a problem!" Katherine exclaimed as she swept the makeup brush across Feister's cheeks. The powder made the younger girl sneeze, causing the redhead's hand to slip. "You're lucky we haven't gotten to eyeliner yet. Then we'd have to start all over again."

"On another note we really need to talk about your wardrobe," Brooklyn added as she peaked her head out of the closet that was filled to the brim with hoodies, flannels and a few overalls (long and short) with barely any skirts or dresses to choose from. "You know what it's fine, we're about the same size, I'll go raid my closet instead," she said in a sure tone before scurrying out the door.

"I swear if it's pink and or sparkles I'm throwin' it down the garbage disposal!" now, Feister loves Brooklyn and Katherine, she really does. But when they decide to play the whole fairy godmother thing is when it gets personal. As far as she knew, there were no big anniversaries coming up. She and Mush have known each other for thirteen years and have been dating for almost four. See? No big mile markers. Plus it was the middle of July, they had no huge events that month. Now if this were prom then she'd understand. Actually then again she was dragged into dress shopping, thrown into the dressing room with a handful of dresses and became a temporary model for the two girls, the store employees and complete strangers who had mom energy.

They were just best friends turned into two college kids that are crazy in love with each other. People always said they weren't going to make it once Mush left for college, but surprise surprise he stayed in New York. Well, most of the boys did stay within the city, or at the very least the surrounding area. It was hard not living at the Lodge, or even going to the same school anymore, but like always they made it work. And Mush made it clear that they were going to be the couple that does in fact make it in life....to a certain extent they were that couple everyone knew was going to get together, it was only a matter of time when it would happen.

Anyways, what was she, their own personal dress up doll? For what reason? Just because she's the kind of girl who prefers pants over skirts and has started to wear her hair in ponytails more often does not mean she's some real life Cinderella. Of course with it being two against one it was a battle Feister couldn't win. Naturally, Katherine did all the talking, and Brooklyn wanted to help out because of all the times Feister has helped her before literally every date she's ever gone on with Albert. Why Feister didn't put up a fight was a simple one, she was too busy trying not to pick at the paint that was on her nails. Just a few days ago, Brooklyn had said they were going on sort of a last minute girls trip. With a few of the boys finding sweethearts of their own that were heading in the right direction, with the new girls coming into the group and clearly the stress of giving the "you hurt him I break your face" talks, Feister apparently needed some relaxation time. Which meant that the two of them, plus Katherine have some quality time with them being the og girlfriends and all.

To say the least, Feister had a hard time staying still while the nail tech did her job. Tough as she is, no one in their right mind wouldn't flinch when someone was yanking out the dead skin around the nails. Naturally, she went with a simple blue color, but when the nail tech started showing her random designs that could be done as well, Feister took one look, and went along with it. Because why not. The whole spa thing was thankfully at home one. They got comfy in their pjs, watched movies, and ate lots of snacks. It was fun, but also why?

"Ok, so I've got a few options to choose from," Brooklyn announced as she walked in with several outfits ranging from dresses to skirts and even a few shirts. At least Feister was able to wear her own shoes. Hopefully. "For max comfort I suggest a dress, but knowing you, you'll probably end up going with a skirt, so yeah take your pick."

It took some time to find the right outfit, but eventually she picked a white crop top with a sweetheart neckline and little copper buttons going down the front. While Brooklyn and Katherine pushed for the gray skirt with a floral pattern, Feister ended up getting her way by wearing a nice pair of simple denim jeans, complete with her own flannel and sneakers. After all, it was only fair if Katherine and Brooklyn had complete control of the whole hair and makeup thing. Though, Feister didn't complain that much on how her hair was styled. It was half up and half down, with the top part being braided and connected in the middle while the rest flowed down in soft curls.

"Are you really Feister Johnson without some sort of braid?" Brooklyn smiled.

"Guess not," Feister shrugged in reply.

"I love pants and all but-"

"No buts Kath, it's not like we're going to some seven star restaurant that serves bite sized food for a million dollars," Feister cut off as she readjusted the flannel. "Just a nice-ish dinner and then we'll probably hike it back to his place, watch movies and fall asleep on the couch," she added with a shrug. It was the same old routine but a nice one nonetheless. They both stayed on the casual side unless it was a major anniversary or holiday, then they'd get a little dressed up and enjoy a nice date.

Before either of the two girls could reply there was a knock on the door. Quickly, Brooklyn grabbed the perfume bottle and spritzed Feister one last time. Then the three of them headed out of the bedroom. Feister answered the door while Katherine and Brooklyn stood a few feet away.

"Heh, you're pretty," Mush nervously chuckled. He was wearing a nice pair of khakis, a collared shirt that was unbuttoned at the top, leaving plenty of room to breathe, and a simple jacket to pull the rest of the outfit together. At least that's what Feister assumed. It was obvious he tried to comb back his hair, but something happened to cause it to look like he just rolled out of bed and did his best to fix it last minute, but somehow, it made him look that much cuter. "Oh umm...these are for you," he said, holding out a little bouquet of daisies mixed with roses.

"You are too sweet," Feister said as she took the bouquet while resting her other hand on his shoulder and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Lemme go put these in water and then we can head out-"

"We can do that, you go, have fun!" Katherine cut off.

Brooklyn nodded. A little too excitedly I might add.

Luckily, Feister thought nothing of it, handed the flowers over to the two girls then took Mush's hand and headed out. She took notice of how sweaty his palm was, pulled away and wiped her hand on his chest. "Why so nervous dummy, it ain't our first date all over again ya know," she teased.

"Cause, you're so beautiful it makes me nervous," Mush replied with a smirk as he retook her hand and gently kissed her knuckles. Once inside the elevator he pulled her in by the waist and kissed her deeply. "How did I get so lucky?"

"I dunno, you tell me." she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled into his chest.

"If I knew, I wouldn't be askin'," he mumbled against her ear while holding her as close as possible.

Seconds later the elevator reached the first floor, they walked out hand in hand. Once outside Mush ordered an Uber ride to wherever they were going. In all honesty, Feister had zero clue what was to be expected, open as he was when it came to dates, special ones had always stayed on the down low. Mostly because if he told anyone other than Blink or even Crutchie, then word would get to her and the whole thing would be ruined. Feister could understand that, but sadly it gave an excuse for Kath and Brooklyn to play dress up. At least that part was all dealt with, now she could enjoy time with Mush. During the uber ride Mush kept switching his hand from wrapped around Feister's shoulders to resting it on her tight. Usually he wouldn't be so fidgety seeing as they've been on a million dates in the past. Maybe he didn't get enough sleep last night. Yeah, he was a restless sleeper sometimes. She knew that better than anyone...knew him better than anyone at that. Without giving it a second thought, she rested her head on his shoulder with a hidden smile on her lips.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Watching the sunset over the rooftop restaurant was a beautiful sight, though if you were to ask Mush his thoughts he'd say the perfect view was sitting right in front of him. For the next hour and half (give or take) they talked, laughed and joked as they dined together. Complete with dessert of course...then again, even Feister would agree that kissing was much sweeter than any dessert. Though that was something they refrained from doing given the strangers they were sitting among...plus a family of little kids were right across from them so they had to tone down the romance a bit. With the boys was one thing, with complete strangers was where the line was drawn.

A gust of wind blew by, causing her curled hair to dance in the air. Yet, it also sent a shiver down her spine. Despite it being well into the month of July, tonight was slightly colder than she expected it to be. Without saying a word, Mush got up from his seat while simultaneously taking off his jacket. He walked over to her side of the table and draped the piece of clothing over her shoulders. "Mush, you really don't-"

"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't make sure my girl stays warm," he cut off before gently kissing the top of her head.

"I'm in love with a sap," she muttered under her breath.

Mush just smiled. He knew little insults like that were her way of saying "I love you" without actually saying it. Because apparently saying those three little words was just as bad as the end of the world in Feister's mind. If not worse than that.

By the time they left the restaurant it was now dusk. The city lights were slowly flickering on one by one. The night life was starting to wake up once again as they walked hand in hand on the sidewalk. Upon passing the many bars and clubs of New York, Mush and Feister spotted out rather large friend groups. They sort of made a game out of it by guessing who was the life of the party, who'd be gone by their second drink, who's the friend that was dragged into this and so on. It gave them a few good laughs.

"Hey, umm...how bout we ummm..." Mush paused for a moment to clear his throat. "Head to the park?" he suggested sheepishly as he gave her hand a tight squeeze.

"I'm gettin' kinda tired," Feister admitted. She leaned her head on his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck as she let out a light yawn.

Which was her way of asking to cuddle for the rest of the night. Usually, Mush would comply with that request, but still.... "Quick walk, then we can head back to my place and fall asleep to whatever movie you wanna watch." he lightly kissed her temple as he spoke. "Though, we both know the movie you're gonna pick." a smirk turned up on his lips.

"Sure ya do Mush for brains-"

"Star Wars," Mush cut off before she could finish.

Ok, but which-"

"Clone Wars movie." there was a small pause. "And then possibly all your personal favorite episodes, and if you really need to let off some steam the worst arcs ever made. I say you're cute when mad, you throw some witty remarks. We make out for a bit before Blink walks in and tells us to stop makin' out. We raid the fridge for cold leftovers before falling asleep all cuddled up in like a million blankets." He couldn't help but laugh at the eye roll she shot at him. "Anyways, like I said, quick walk in the park fore we head back?"

"Fine. But I'm stealin' one of your shirts."

"You always steal my shirts."

"But this time I've got a reason for when you complain later." when Mush started to chuckle, Feister dropped his hand and nudged him to the side. This of course caused Mush to nudge her back before slinging his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer with the "you know you love me" look written all over his face. With the roll of the eyes and a heavy sigh Feister once again returned to the question of how in the world did she ever fall in love with him in the first place. And, like always, she could never answer that. Far as she remembered it just happened out of the blue when she least expected it. He understood her better than anyone else, saw her at her weakest points and still stuck around despite saying that she would understand if he wanted to walk out. But Mush never did. He stayed by her side through thick and thin. He didn't give up on her even when she felt like it.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

"Here, put this over your eyes," Mush said as he pulled out a bandana from his pocket.

"Why?" Feister asked with a skeptical look and crossed arms. "What're you plannin' Mush Meyers?" she added in a stern tone.

"It's a...little surprise," he replied with a shrug while stepping behind her and resting his arms on her shoulders, still holding the bandana. When Feister gave the ok he wrapped the bandana around her eyes. He made sure it was just tight enough so it wouldn't slide down, but still loose to be comfortable. Once that was done he stepped in front of her, taking both her hands into his as he said, "Alright, now just start walkin' forward."

"If I end up walkin' into a tree, poll, or fallin' into a pond I'm breakin' up with your sorry bum. After I soak ya of course," Feister replied with annoyance laced in her voice.

"Promises promises." Mush shook his head. He had to try hard to hold back a laugh. However, his smile was most certainly there. Though Feister couldn't see it of course. Slowly, he led her forward, taking baby steps due to her sense of confidence going down a notch given she couldn't exactly see. And for a split second, he was glad she couldn't see just how nervous he was.

"Ok, just a few more steps...that's it...and stop," Mush said once he had gotten her to the spot. With a deep breath he dropped her hands and removed the blindfold.

Letting her eyes readjust for a moment or so Feister slowly took in her new surroundings. It didn't take her long to realize she was standing underneath their tree, which was wrapped in warm golden lights. While the trunk had the type of lights you'd find on a Christmas tree, there were a few branches that had bulbs hanging down. In the mix of it all, attached to twine were pictures of them through the years. She could hear the soft strumming of a guitar playing the tune to "I Like Me Better". Mush once said every time he heard it, he was reminded of her. That and he knew it was also one of her favorites as well.

Curiosity took over her body as she walked to the nearest picture and took it into her hands to see it was the one taken without either of their knowledge. Mush was standing against the doorframe while she stood on a step stool marking his height from when they were kids. The one just above that photo was a more recent one. The beach trip they had all taken when she and the rest of the younger boys graduated high school. She was on his back piggyback style, wearing his sunglasses. Slowly, one by one, Feister gazed at each of the photos, her smile slowly growing at each one that was looked at. Their Homecoming photo which also doubled as their first school dance together. He was standing behind her with hands on her waist, while she held his hands. Feister still hated that pink dress, but had to admit Katherine was right about the color complementing her features.

The Halloween where she must've been around eight or nine. She had convinced Mush to dress up as 3P0 while she was R2D2. Fourth of July they were standing side by side holding mini flags in one hand while an arm was wrapped around the other. Feister fondly remembered dunking Mush's head repeatedly into red kool-aid because he wanted to be extra festive. He tried doing the same to her, only with a blue color, but it was nearly impossible to see, so instead she went with hair extensions....it was such a hassle trying to get the braid just right. The next photo was simply them all cuddled up in a blanket fast asleep. Though, Feister couldn't tell if it was from before they got together or not. But it was still cute nonetheless.

There was another where she was trying to take a selfie and Mush had cut it to kiss her cheek just as it was being taken. And there were many more....the one where they were wearing matching hoodies. Mush once again trying to teach her how to ice skate. Them under the mistletoe with a lovestruck look written on their faces. The time she stupidly got into the shopping cart while Mush pushed her around in the empty parking lot. Firework gazing. Several of them hugging, kissing, or even just goofing off. By Feister's guess, there was at least one from each year they've known each other. The story of their whole life was right in front of her. She must've looked at every photo before realizing Mush had been quiet. That's when she felt a pair of hands slip across her waist and turn her around. "I was wonderin' where ya went," she said with a smile.

"So you like your surprise?"

"Yeah. I do...." she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a tight hug. "I love you. So much....more than ya could ever know."

"I feel the same way bout you," he whispered in reply. Followed by a lingering kiss to the head. Taking her hand into his, he gracefully twirled her around. Then he caught her with ease with both hands on waist while her own hands settled somewhere between his chest and shoulders. Mush didn't care, he just wanted to dance with her before she started saying how she had two left feet. But, to his surprise, Feister laid her head in the nook of his neck. Her hands moved upwards and eventually lazily laid on his shoulder. Her hands found their way to the back of his head, her fingers lazily began to play with his hair. Letting out a soft, content sigh, he pulled her even closer and swayed both of them back and forth. What they were doing wouldn't even be considered dancing, simply holding the other while rocking back and forth.

Her eyes fluttered shut as the soothing sound of his beating heart, and soft music playing in the background filled her ears. Being this close, she could smell the scent of his cologne. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she was getting something that sort of smelled like cedarwood, orange and a mix of other fresh fruits and woodsy smells. Whatever it was, it had to be new, because every bottle of cologne and aftershave Mush has ever owned, he asked her opinion. her. Even back when they were young teens he, and I quote "needed a girl's opinion". And he's the same with her...only when they go to the store and he sees a pretty bottle of perfume, he takes one sniff, turns to her and says, "you should try this one, it smells real nice". More often than not, she'd brush it off, but in some cases she gets a sample bottle without his knowledge and sees if he notices. That's where it gets complicated. Feister isn't sure if he doesn't remember or simply plays dumb because he knows how much she hates it when he's right.

"Feisty?"

"Hmm?" she hummed in response as she lifted her head up and looked him deep in the eyes.

"I'm gonna let ya in on a little secret. When I first met ya, I was a bit scared. And if someone were to tell me that I would fall in love with you I would think they're insane. We've had so many adventures together, and I know we've got more to go through. You're the most amazin' girl I've ever met. Even when you're down in the dumps I still think you're gorgeous. I love everythin' bout ya. The way ya look when you're fast asleep, to when ya wake up. Even when you're angry, all the way to when ya just want to be held in silence. I fell for ya Feister Johnson, an' boy did I fall hard without realizin' it. Really wished it hit me sooner, but I'm glad I get to call ya my girl."

"That was beyond mushy, even for you," Feister chuckled.

"Then, you're gonna get a real kick outta this." Mush smirked. He leaned in for a quick kiss, making sure it was held out just long enough so her eyes would stay closed for the right amount of time. "Welp, here goes nothin'," he thought as he took a deep breath. "I like to think I got lucky in meetin' ya so young. I got to watch you grow into the most beautiful young lady you are now. And bein' a part of that journey, Feisty, I don't want to stop that. I don't want us to ever end....Guess what I'm tryin' to get at here is well...Clarisse - Feister - Johnson, will ya marry me?"

She stood there completely dumbfounded by what just happened. No. Nope. Nu-hu, that - this - didn't just happen. No way in the world. She absolutely refused that this was real. That she was dreaming and she was going to be woken up at any given moment. Instead of saying anything, Feister simply stared at Mush, who was still waiting for an answer. Only, all the words got caught in her throat. Her body was frozen in place. And there was nothing she could do about it.

"Whatsa matter?" Mush asked with a growing smirk across his smug face. "Cat got your tongue?" he couldn't stop himself from chuckling. "I've always wanted to say that to ya. Looks like we're even now, huh, Johnson? Or...should I say Meyers. That is, if ya want.....and I'm really hopin' ya do cause if ya don't, I'm gonna feel real stupid."

Without saying a word, Feister swooped down, cupped his face and pulled him in for the most passionate kiss she could muster. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, and without breaking the kiss, Mush picked her up in one swift move with a little spin.

"Is that a yes?" he mumbled against her lips.

"Yes," she replied.

"Say it again."

"Yes, I will marry ya Mush-" she was pulled closer for the kiss that never seemed to break. "For....brains...."

"FINALLY!" a voice yelled, starling the two, newly engaged couple. Feister had jumped back from pure shock, while Mush mumbled something underneath his breath. "I was startin' to think if Mush didn't get it over with soon I'd have to ask for him! Wouldn't be surprised if it - ow what was that for!"

"Stop ruinin' the moment ya dumb dumb!" another voice yelled.

"Hey! Let me celebrate this! This was thirteen years in the makin' alright?! And most of those were spent with me smack in the middle of their mess of a hopeless oblivious crush."

"Alright this is the last time I ever let you bummers help me plan somethin'," Mush stated. He kept an arm tightly wrapped around Feister as the boys, Katherine and Brooklyn all slowly emerged from various bushes, trees, and in Jojo's case a makeshift trash can. Some of the boys were wearing tree hats, though Race and Albert took it a step further by wearing full out camouflage gear with fake leaves and flowers glued on. Complete with eye black, even though it was night time.

"Blink you're lucky I can edit out your screamin'," Crutchie said as he pointed the video camera at said boy.

"You were all in on this?" Feister asked. Though it shouldn't have been a shocker it somehow was. How did the boys ever manage to keep such a giant secret under wraps? And, the more she thought about it the more it made sense why Katherine and Brooklyn had dragged her into doing girl's night and such.

"Yes."

"Un-hu."

"Course we did."

"Mush was sweaty for days."

"Ok that's enough," Mush shouted. But it was hard to be annoyed. How could he be with the little ring wrapped around Feister's - "Oh wait, almost forgot this," he nervously chuckled as he took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. "Now it's official. I love you, future Mrs. Meyers."

"I love you too."

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Author's note

Starting this off on a good note this is sort of another one shot book type scenario. Some is planned out, and the rest is up to how my brain cells are up to the task. Basically how NYC Winter works, only it's not a seasonal update thing. As most of you know Mush and Feister did in fact get married, this is filling in that empty gap (yes there will be a wedding chapter) a good chunk is going to be about the wedding, but there is some other fun stuff as well. Just to get things out of the way now I don't own Newsies or anything else that may get mentioned throughout this book, only OCs and plot. While on that note. There is some mention drinking, but I promise everything else is exactly as it has been in the past. Updates are Fridays, I hope you enjoyed this fluff opener, thanks for reading and I'll see you soon!