This canon event takes place about a year after the end of Out of the Walls. So, Harper and the twins are now 11. Enzo is almost 26. Luca is 29 and officially a PT student.

________________________________________________________________

Marnie loved the twins. They were her age, and they were fun to watch. Sam was the creative one, always coming up with interesting games for her and Collin to play. And Collin was the technical one, always building cool things to accompany their games.

They were funny and lively, and Marnie wished more than anything that she could be friends with them. She liked the way they bickered playfully with each other. She liked the way they loved their mom. And she especially liked the way they always seemed to be there for each other.

Yes, Marnie liked the twins a lot. But the person that Marnie liked the most was Harper, Sam and Collin's best friend. He was over almost every day to do something called homeschooling, and he was kind and sweet. Marnie figured that if any human would accept her, it would be Harper.

Harper lived next door with his big brother Enzo and someone named Luca. Marnie wasn't really sure who Luca was, but based on how he interacted with Enzo, she guessed Luca and Enzo were together, like her parents were.

But whatever they were, he and Enzo were something called married. Marnie didn't know that word, and she also didn't understand what adopted meant. That's what Harper was. Apparently, Enzo and Luca had done something called "officially adopt" Harper, and they had all been very happy when they told Charlene and the twins.

Marnie liked Enzo and Luca almost as much as she liked Harper. They were so handsome and romantic. Luca was in school and working, so he was tired all the time when he came over. He would always just want to hug Enzo whenever he came to pick them up from the twins' house, stooping to bury his head in Enzo's shoulder.

Marnie liked how Enzo would always reach up to rub scritches in Luca's hair until the bigger human straightened up with a sigh and tired smile. Enzo always liked to kiss Luca's tired smile. It made Marnie blush and giggle and hope that she could find someone like Enzo or Luca one day.

Enzo and Luca were very different from each other, but they were both kind. Even when he was tired, Luca was gentle and friendly, always chatting with Charlene or playing with the twins and Harper.

Enzo was a lot more serious. He didn't like to play, but he'd sometimes give in if Harper or the twins begged hard enough. He had a severe look that reminded Marnie of her dad, and even though his stern gaze scared the twins, it made her feel comforted. And he was always there for the kids, ready to step in if they needed anything.

School had just started up again, and the twins and Harper were excited to be in class again. They had just finished a truly spectacular science class that morning, with Sam setting off a baking soda volcano. Marnie was hiding on top of the kitchen cupboard, and she had gasped out loud at the exciting explosion of frothy bubbles, her little sound covered up by the cheers from the other kids.

They were taking a break now, with Charlene and Enzo downstairs, making the kids a snack. Charlene was an excellent cook. Enzo... not so much. His creative concoctions always had the kids giggling, but Marnie liked them. They reminded her of the recipes her mom and dad would put together from the scraps her dad found while borrowing.

Sam, Collin, and Harper were upstairs in the playroom, playing a game that Harper had made up. It was apparently called "Run as Hard as You Can to the Beanbags and Jump on Them." It looked wildly fun, and Marnie couldn't help giggling as she watched from her secret spot on the bookshelf.

She settled into her spot happily, content to watch the kids play. I wish I could join them, she thought wistfully. Though... I'd probably be squashed in a game like this.

She was startled out of her thoughts by Collin, who veered dangerously close to her bookshelf. He almost dodged it, but then he tripped, tumbling straight into the side. The whole bookshelf wobbled, and Marnie swayed with it, trying desperately to keep her balance. The bookshelf rocked again, and with a little scream, she toppled over the edge.

She landed with an oof on something soft and plush. It knocked the wind out of her, and she lay there for a minute, trying to suck air back into her collapsed lungs.

It was then that she noticed how silent it had gotten.

Marnie opened her eyes reluctantly, scared of what she might see. Sam and Collin were both standing stockstill, gaping at her in open-mouthed shock. She swallowed hard and tried to scramble into an upright position, but the stuffed animal she was lying on was too soft.

Harper? she thought, looking around the room frantically. Did he see me, too?

Harper was standing a little farther back, and like the twins, his eyes were wide. But instead of wonder, his eyes were filled with... fear?

Sam and Collin made a move towards her, but Harper's voice stopped them.

"No, don't!" he exclaimed. His voice was a little too loud for Marnie, and she winced. He seemed to notice, as he quickly lowered it. "You'll scare her. Go get Enzo."

Sam looked confused. "Enzo?" she repeated. "Why do we need Enzo?"

"Just because," Harper argued. He looked at Collin, who was closest to the stairs. "Please go get him. But... just him. Don't let your mom come up here."

Collin hesitated for a moment, but Harper's eyes turned stern, looking just like his older brother's for a brief moment. Nodding once, Collin disappeared down the stairs.

Marnie breathed a little sigh of relief, though she knew she couldn't celebrate just yet. There were still two other humans in the room with her, after all.

A movement caught in the corner of her eye, and she whipped her head around to see Harper creeping up to her, waving his hand to keep Sam back.

"Harper!" she whined, but he quickly shushed her. Sam was the most headstrong out of the three of them, but she surprisingly listened to Harper, probably taken aback by how insistent he was. It certainly surprised Marnie, too.

Marnie squirmed in Harper's shadow, looking around desperately for a way off the plush toy. Why was I ever stupid enough to think we could be friends? she wondered, blinking back tears. I'll be lucky if he doesn't stick me in a jar or snap my arms in half.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by Harper's voice. He seemed to be addressing her this time, so she finally looked up into his face. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it certainly wasn't the look of compassion that she got.

"Hi," Harper whispered, his dark eyes earnest. "Please don't be scared. It's ok; these are nice humans. They won't hurt you. I promise."

Huh? Marnie tilted her head to the side. Even with her heart thumping in her chest and her breathing quick and uneven, she didn't miss Harper's odd wording. Calling Sam and Collin human... like he wasn't one himself... it was weird, that was for sure.

"Enzo, can you come upstairs for a minute?" she heard from downstairs. Marnie turned away from Harper for a moment to stare at the stairs. "Harper needs you."

"What?" came Enzo's worried voice. She could already hear footsteps heading towards the stairs. "Why? Is he hurt?"

"No, he just wants to show you something."

The floor shook as the two humans climbed up the stairs, Marnie shaking along with it.

Marnie didn't know which was worse: being seen by the kids or being seen by an adult. She knew that kids were hit or miss with borrowers. Their curiosity might make them cruel, like the way some human children burned ants with magnifying glasses. Or their innocence might make them kind, letting a borrower like her go free.

But an adult? Marnie had heard stories about adult humans. They would never let go of something that sparked their interest, their cruelty towards things they didn't understand much more prolonged than a human child's.

Marnie thought she might be able to convince a sweet kid like Harper to let her go, but her hopes were immediately dashed when she heard that Enzo was getting involved.

No, she thought, frantically. It's bad enough if the kids see me. Even if they told on me, humans don't usually believe kids when they see something strange. But an adult?

She watched anxiously as Enzo's short, dark hair appeared at the top of the stairs, followed quickly by the rest of him. Marnie swallowed hard, and a few tears leaked out. She was never going to make it home.

I'm so sorry, Mom and Dad, she thought. I'm sorry Lana and Mickey. I'll miss you so much.

"Harper?" Enzo asked, dark eyes roving over his little brother worriedly. Harper was just kneeling there, obviously unharmed. "What's the matter? What happened?"

Harper didn't say anything. He just pointed wordlessly at Marnie, who cowered as Enzo turned those intense black eyes on her. 

Enzo's eyes widened in shock, and then he was right beside her plushie. Enzo wasn't tall for a human, but he positively towered over Marnie, much taller than the three kids. She squeaked in fear and pushed herself back, but to no avail. The stuffed animal was too soft. It was hard to get purchase to move.

Enzo knelt beside her, still staring. "Harper, what happened?" Enzo asked his brother quietly.

"I don't know!" Harper said, not taking his eyes off her. "We were just playing, and then Collin bumped into the bookshelf, and we heard a scream, and there she was."

"The bookshelf," Enzo murmured. He suddenly stood up to his full height, dark eyes raking the shelves. His gaze must have caught on what he was looking for because then he was reaching up and plucking something off the shelf.

Marnie winced. It had to be her hook and bag. And then Enzo was back, crouching beside the plush toy again. His hand was suddenly reaching for her, and Marnie couldn't help it. She let out a little yelp and squeezed her eyes shut, waiting breathlessly for him to pick her up.

But no touch ever came, and when she opened one eye to peek at him, he was already moving back. He nodded at the spot beside her. "Here. Your bag and hook."

She whipped her head to the side, and sure enough, there were her possessions. She looked back up at Enzo, completely surprised. He just offered her a concerned look.

"That was a pretty big fall," he told her gravely. "Are you alright? Does anything hurt?"

She shook her head mutely.

"Hmm. Can you try sitting up? And move your arms and legs if you can. Just to make sure nothing's broken."

Marnie was confused, but she obeyed, struggling on the soft surface as she shook out her arms and legs. "If you're moving, that's good," Enzo told her. "But be careful. Tell me if anything hurts."

Marnie was finally able to sit up all the way, and Enzo leaned back, looking thoughtful. He glanced behind him at the three kids hanging over his shoulders, staring fixatedly at her like she was the last piece of bread on the plate.

She swallowed nervously, and Enzo noticed. "Guys, back off," he said firmly. Harper did so obediently, but Collin and Sam whined.

"Ah, why?" Sam asked. "We just want to see her!"

Enzo didn't say anything, choosing to stare at the kids sternly. They both immediately shut their mouths and backed up beside Harper. Marnie was impressed. Enzo just had that effect on people.

Enzo sighed, and Marnie saw that he suddenly looked really tired. "What's your name?" he asked next.

"M-Marnie," she stammered. Is he really not going to do anything to me? she wondered, stunned and uneasy.

"Well, Marnie, I'm glad you're not hurt," he told her. "I assume you live here? What are you doing out of the walls now, anyway? All the humans are up. It's not safe to be borrowing right now."

Whatever she thought Enzo was going to say, it certainly wasn't that. Marnie's jaw dropped open. He knew? He knew about borrowing? And living in the walls?

"How... how do you know what I am?" Marnie asked, her voice shaking.

Before Enzo could answer, however, Harper piped up. "Because we're borrowers too!" he exclaimed proudly.

Harper's claim was even more shocking than Enzo's questions. Marnie turned to stare at him next.

"Huh? Borrowers? What are borrowers?" Sam suddenly asked, not wanting to be left out.

Harper pointed. "She's a borrower." He pointed at Enzo. "And so are me and Enz."

"Harper!" Enzo said sharply, and his little brother instantly quieted.

Marnie's head swam, and she looked back up at Enzo. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Can you get home on your own from here?" he asked, and she nodded, all her questions dying in her throat.

She hurried to scramble to her feet, but the plushie was too soft. She tried again, and still failed, panting for breath from the effort.

Maybe I can slide off to the ground, she thought, peering over the edge. But the slope of the plush toy was too steep, essentially one fatal drop.

She could feel Enzo's heavy eyes still on her, and she stoically ignored him as she tried again. He's letting you go, Marnie chided herself. Hurry before he changes his mind!

"Need some help?" Enzo's quiet voice cut into her silent struggle.

Marnie glanced at him sharply, but his calm expression never wavered. Her eyes swept over his face, trying to pick out even a shred of malicious intent. But there was none.

Finally, she nodded hesitantly. "Ye... yes please."

Enzo's hands came up slowly. When she didn't shy away, he slipped his fingers around her, gently sliding her into his cupped palms.

Marnie's breath hitched and came faster. What am I doing? she wondered, scrambling across his hand to grab his thumb tightly. She squeezed her eyes shut as he lifted her off the stuffed toy, trying to ignore the swooping feeling in her stomach. I... I'm going to die!

"Bookshelf?" Enzo was asking, and Marnie tried to focus on what he was saying. "Or the floor? Do you get in and out through the outlets, too?"

She nodded wordlessly and cracked an eye open, pointing at an outlet on the floor next to the bookshelf. A faint breeze rustled her hair as Enzo's hands moved, and soon enough, she was by the outlet. Marnie got to her feet shakily, watching Enzo's fingers pry at the edges of the outlet and push it aside.

"Be careful," he reminded her as she hopped off his hand and into the safety of the walls. "And don't worry, none of us will say anything or come looking for you. If you live with someone, you should probably tell them you were seen, but again, no one here will hurt you. So, take care of yourself, ok? Come find me or Harper if you need anything."

And then he was closing the outlet again before Marnie could even respond, sealing her up in a familiar darkness.

Marnie sighed in relief. She took a brief moment to lean against the wall in an attempt to calm her shaking nerves, but then she squared her shoulders and ran off through the walls— back towards home.

She was so spooked from her close encounter that she wasn't even aware of her surroundings, just running based on muscle memory. And that's how she ended up barreling headlong into her father's chest.

"D-dad!" she stuttered as she got her bearings and looked up into his surprised face. "Hey! What are you doing here?"

It's too early for him to be out borrowing, she thought. Which means... oh. Her stomach dropped. He was looking for me.

He looked at her sternly, his dark gray eyes so much like Enzo's black ones that Marnie had to suppress a shudder. "Your mom noticed you weren't in your room, young lady." His eyes turned suspicious. "You weren't out spying on those human kids again, were you?"

Marnie's pulse echoed in her ears, the phantom feeling of Enzo's careful fingers still lingering on her skin. She tried to brush it off. "Who, me? Pfft, no way," she said.

Her dad looked like he didn't believe her, and he opened his mouth to say something more before he thought better of it. Shaking his head, he put his arm around her shoulders and gently led her through the walls. "C'mon," he said. "Let's go home."

They were home in a few minutes, her dad pushing aside the mini water bottle that served as both their front door and an extra reserve of water in case of emergency. Her dad had lugged it home when Marnie's mom was pregnant with Marnie's little sister, Alana.

Marnie trailed behind her dad as he led them into the kitchen area. Her mom was by their makeshift stove, Marnie's little sisters around the corner in their main living area.

"Marnie!" her mom exclaimed, turning around. Her belly was big with Marnie's unborn brother or sister, and Marnie swallowed around the sudden lump in her throat. She had been so close to never being able to meet her new baby sibling.

"There you are!" her mother continued. "Lana and Mickey were asking about you."

Marnie turned towards her little sisters, who were busy practicing how to knot string into climbing cords. Well, Alana was practicing. Mickey was too little. She was just kind of waving the strings around in her little fist.

Alana lit up when she saw her older sister. "Marnie!" she cried, dropping her string and racing up to Marnie for a hug.

Little Mickey copied her, toddling over to throw her own tiny arms around Marnie's knees.

Marnie hugged them back tightly, swallowing around the lump in her throat. I'm never going out of the walls again, she told herself sternly. I should have never risked losing them like that.

____________________________________________________________________________

A/N: Seeing human-sized Enzo and Harper from a borrower's pov was fun to write. This extra is a 2-parter, so stay tuned!

And yes, Enzo and Luca did end up getting married, all official and everything. As for adopting Harper, they had to do that since Enzo is technically/legally not Harper's parent. But now everything is all sorted out.

Also, in case you missed this detail, Enzo actually got a haircut. Goodbye, short, sporty ponytail. You will be missed. But you'll probably come back one day, as Luca loves Enzo's long hair.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next part!