Jeremy woke up to a dulled pain in the back of his head. He groaned, wanting nothing more than to curl into a ball. However, he found that to be a hard task when he was strapped into a car seat.

"You awake?" Jeremy turned to see the same girl from before, a sympathetic smile appearing on her glossed lips.

He struggled to respond as his every muscle screamed at him to stop moving.

"Hun, that was rhetorical," she chuckled. "Don't push yourself." She took one hand off the wheel to ruffle Jeremy's hair. His face reddened slightly. Every little action she did gave Jeremy a painfully nostalgic feeling.

"I guess I should explain who I am so it doesn't look like I'm kidnapping you," the girl continued. Jeremy gave her a bewildered look, causing her to burst out in laughter. "I'm not doing much to lower your suspicion, am I?" She wiped a small tear from under her glasses as her smile became a bit more sincere. "You did know me at one point, but I suppose you were pretty young. My name is Nicola Mell, but you and Micah used to call me Nica."

Jeremy's heart stopped. "Mell," he muttered. "That means..."

"I'm Michael's older sister," she finished. Her tone changed into one of someone who had been deeply offended. "Jeremy Heere, who I've known since he was a tiny baby doesn't remember me! What has the world come to?"

"Sorry..." Jeremy apologized nervously, unsure of how to respond.

Her laugh rained out again, and Jeremy's heart fluttered. He finally understood why all her actions seemed so familiar. She had all the same habits as Michael.

A silence washed over the two of them for a bit before Jeremy broke it.

"I really fucked up," he said quietly. Nicola stayed silent, but she gave him a sympathetic smile. Jeremy took this as an encouragement to continue. "I listened to everything that damn computer said, even if it meant leaving behind the only real friend I'd had my whole life." He bit his lip, breathing a bit before continuing. "I didn't mean for everyone else to get squipped too... Before I knew it, it had just... happened. They've all changed so much because of me... I'm just glad Michael is safe." He paused, realizing that the voice in his head had been completely silent since he'd awoken.

"Is it quiet?" Nicola asked, gesturing to his head. Jeremy nodded slowly. "I thought that might be the case. Last night when you were all loopy, Michael texted me saying one of you needed to drink Mountain Dew Red. Said it would kill those super brain computers. He also told me not to freak out if any of you started screaming...

"Either way, Jere, you gotta cut yourself some slack. Sure you messed up, but everyone does once in a while. The important difference is whether or not you do something to fix it." When she had finished, she squeezed his hand softly. Jeremy felt a sharp pain in his nose as tears formed at the corner of his eyes.

"I don't even know how I could face him..." Jeremy frowned, feeling a tear slip down his cheek.

"Jeremiah Heere, if there's anything you should know by now, it's that my brother can't stay mad," Nicola said, raising an eyebrow at him but smiling fondly. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have even known you were in Elizabeth. He figured out everything to try and help you. Seems to me like he either likes you a lot, or he's looking out for you." She lowered her voice. "But if you ask me, I think it's both." She winked, causing heat to rush to Jeremy's cheeks.

"W-what?" he asked weakly. "Likes...?"

"Oh please, Jeremy. I could sniff the bi out of you before you even knew. Fellow bi-intuition." She laughed as her signature grin returned.

He grew flustered, unsure of how to respond to that. "Hey," Jeremy started, struggling to change the subject. "I probably should've asked before now, but... where are we going?"

Nicola's laughter died down before she smiled softly. "I'm taking you home, Jeremy."

"What about-" His voice trailed off.

"The others?" Nicola finished. "You're a sweetheart, Jere, you really are. I've arranged for them all to move back. They seemed pretty confused when they had come-to after the bar incident. The short one with black hair broke down crying, the poor thing. They're in good hands, though. Apparently one of them had a fake id? And someone stole a credit card? You kids are crazy." She chuckled. "Though from what I've heard, you had a bit of unwanted influence, so I won't judge you all too harshly."

Jeremy was quiet again. "Hey, Jeremy, don't worry, okay? You've got people who care about you so much that they're willing to bring you back from losing yourself without even thinking about it. Isn't that comforting to think about?"

A warmth filled Jeremy's chest. "... Thanks, Nicola... I'd never thought about that." Another tear made its way down his face, causing him to sniffle slightly. "I think I'm ready to go home now..."

Nicola reached over to rub his shoulder soothingly. "You've come a long way, you know? But you're still the same at heart, and that's a beautiful thing. Just go out and live your life the best you can, yeah?"

Jeremy nodded, looking out to see a familiar street. They had reached his house, his home. He checked the clock to see that it was four in the morning. His dad would probably be asleep by now.

Nicola parked, and Jeremy looked over to her. Unlocking the doors, she gestured to the house. Jeremy nodded again, scrambling out of the car and running to the door. He'd never been more happy to see that door in all his life.

He opened it slowly, knowing his dad never locked it. He walked in, nearly crying. It had only been a day or two, but it had felt like forever since he was last there. He made his way into the living room, somewhat surprised to see Michael and his dad fast asleep on the couches across from each other.

He walked over to see the receipt from his move laid on the table next to an unlocked phone. It was open to the map app, tracking someone's location. Looking closer, he realized that it was Nicola. His heart felt heavy as more tears sprung to his eyes.

"... Jere?" a quiet voice asked in disbelief. Jeremy whirled around to see Michael squinting at him. "JEREMY!!!" he yelled, tackling the boy into a hug.

The tears began to flow down Jeremy's face as he was embraced tightly and lovingly. "Michael..." was all he managed, his voice cracking as he hugged back for all he was worth. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I acted like shit to you, I'm so so sorry," he rambled between sobs.

"Shhh," Michael soothed. "You're home now, you're safe, and that's all I ever wanted. I love you so much, Jere, it's okay now."

Jeremy continued to break down, exhaustion crashing into him like a tidal wave. Michael continued to hug him, rubbing circles into his back in a rhythmic motion. Jeremy's breaths grew more even, and he sighed shakily. He felt safe, as if everything was right.

"Hey Jere, you've had a long day, you should get some rest," Michael suggested, carding his hands through the other boy's hair.

Jeremy buried his face into Michael's chest sleepily. "I don't think I can fall asleep by myself," he admitted, his voice vulnerable and tired.

Michael's face heated up slightly, but he continued his comforting actions. "Let's at least lie down on the couch, all right?"

Jeremy nodded, shuffling over to the couch with Michael. Michael sat propped against one of the arms, grabbing one of the throw pillows and placing it in his lap. He patted it gently, and Jeremy took it gratefully. When he had laid his head on the pillow, Michael continued running his fingers through his hair.

"Hey, Michael?" Jeremy began quietly after they had gotten settled.

"Hmm?"

"Did you really mean that? That you... love me?"

Silence hung in the air for a little, and Michael's hands slowed before admitting, "Yeah... I'm sorry I never told you. That was probably awkward."

Jeremy shook his head. "No it... I was happy. Because I... I love you too."

"Oh..." Michael said, his voice shaking a little. "Y-you do?"

"I think I have for a while now. I just didn't know it," Jeremy said simply yawning and leaning further into Michael.

"You should sleep," Michael said fondly. "We can figure this all out tomorrow, yeah?"

Jeremy mumbled an agreement, already nodding off as Michael's hands returned to his head, continuing to pet him softly. And for the first time since he'd gotten the squip, Jeremy felt at peace.

HE'S HOME!!!! This was quite a long chapter tbh. It's not over yet! Hold onto your hats !! The reunion is coming.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Even if you don't have a valentine, know that we love you!!! I hope y'all have a fantastic (Ash) Wednesday and rest of your week! BTW I LOVE BECCA THANK YOU SHE IS MY VALENTINE 💘💘💘

I wrote a thing for valentines. And tbh??? I don't wanna post another chapter because gosh dang I'm lazy. So consider this an unrelated bonus!! ((Its set in the canon universe ;P)) It's them girls, enjoy! And I'll see y'all tomorrow!!!
-May ♡

Jenna was sprawled on Christine's couch, scrolling through her Instagram feed.

"Gross, Lilith got with Dustin, prediction?"

"Two weeks," Chloe responded, sitting across from Jenna, phone in hand.

"I'll give it a month," Brooke said, snuggling into Chloe.

"Generous," came Jenna's reply.

"Hey, guys, brought some snacks," Christine's voice drifted into the room. She plopped down in front of the coffee table, placing down a platter and holding a butter cookie in her mouth.

Jenna tossed her phone aside, sliding off the couch to join Christine on the floor. "So," she began. "What's up, Chrissy?"

Christine shrugged, giggling at the nickname. "I guess I just wanted to spend Valentine's Day with some friends," she replied.

"Hmm," Jenna hummed. The boys were all out on sappy dates, so Christine had invited the girls to her house. "Guess it beats being alone." She grabbed a chocolate truffle to pop into her mouth.

"Yeah." Christine smiled. "I think this is the first time I've spent it with someone other than my parents. I wonder how the boys are doing!"

Chloe snorted at how quickly Christine was able to move from topic to topic. "I'm sure they're doing something stupid, like seeing how many high scores they can get in the arcade."

"That's pretty specific," Brooke pointed out.

"Babe, I dated one of them on and off for a couple years."

"Touché."

They all sighed. "Happy Singles Awareness Day, Christi," Jenna said, chuckling slightly.

"Singles Awareness Day?" she wondered aloud.

"It's the day when all the singles band together to drown out our lonely sorrows."

"Hmm," Christine pondered. "I dunno, I feel kinda refreshed being single. It might be because I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing with my life, but eliminating any extra stress is a relief."

"Wow, Christine, I didn't peg you for the deep type." Brooke giggled.

Christine shrugged shyly. "I suppose I've thought about it a lot."

"Is that why you turned Jerm down at the Halloween party?" Chloe asked.

"You knew about that?"

"It got caught up in the swarm of gossip afterwards."

Christine sighed again, placing her elbows on the coffee table and resting her head in her hands. "Jeremy's a good guy," she started. "I think I liked him back at one point, but... when he asked, I had already just decided to go on a date break. Things with Jake just didn't work out, and I wanted to get to know myself some more before I decided to try again."

"Jake's an idiot sometimes," Chloe agreed.

"That's pretty cool of you to notice that, Christine," Brooke said.

"Yeah," Jenna continued. "If it were me, I'd probably hold on to a relationship even if it wasn't making me happy."

Christine frowned. "You talk as if that will never happen, being in a relationship."

"Well? I don't see many people just dying to talk to me."

The room grew silent. Brooke elbowed Chloe slightly.

"Ow, Brooke wh-" Brooke frantically tried to convey a message with her eyes. Chloe was miraculously able to pick up on what she meant. "Oh... Jenna, I should apologize."

Jenna looked up, a confused look in her eyes.

"I treated you like you were nothing, and I'm pretty sure that didn't do much for your self-esteem." She exhaled. "I acted like a bitch, and I'm still working on that, but you shouldn't have had to deal with that kinda shit."

Jenna was quiet before a tear slipped down her cheek. "Oh wow," she said, laughing softly as she wiped the tear away. "The Chloe Valentine is apologizing to me?"

"Yeah, she's getting there," Brooke responded, earning an offended sigh from the girl behind her. "But it wasn't all her fault, I'm sorry too. I think we're all still figuring this friend thing out, so you'll have to be patient with us."

Jenna nodded. "Thanks..." she said quietly.

Christine smiled warmly. "I think this has been the coolest Valentine's Day ever."

They all laughed. "You've got the Valentine girl herself in your presence, that's gotta add to the experience," Brooke giggled.

"You dork," Chloe responded to the pun.

"You sound like Jeremy now."

"Shut up! I do not."

Jenna giggled, smiling genuinely for the first time in ages. Life was looking up.