ᵒᵖᵖᵒˢⁱᵗᵉˢ ᵃᵗᵗʳᵃᶜᵗ

╭────────── ༄.° ─╮
❝ homecoming. ❞
╰─ ♨₊⊹──────────╯

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐲𝐦. It was decorated in bright lights and blues, possibly an under-the-sea theme but you didn't really care at this point.

You cleared your throat, nerves gnawing at your skin as you glanced around the large hall. Warren was nowhere in sight, and you continued to berate yourself for wondering where he was. It's not like you guys were going to homecoming together.

That would be ridiculous.

You smoothed your palms down the soft material of your dress. You had gone shopping with your mother over a month ago for the gown, opting for a silky red halter dress. It complimented your figure, and you paired it with sparkling shoes and preferred jewellery. Your hair was pulled up in a messy yet intricate updo, and your makeup was done to accentuate your features.

You looked- and felt- nice. Making your way towards the drinks table, where Mr. Boy smiled kindly at you once you approached. "Hey there, Y/N. You look like you could use a drink."

"Is it that obvious?" you muttered, before frowning at the drink. "What even is that?"

"Just ginger ale," he answered, when suddenly, the elongated arm of Lash appeared. The young boy slapped the drink, causing the cup to spill the contents all over his suit.

"Oops," Lash laughed sarcastically.

Rolling your eyes, you lifted your hand and willed the liquid from his suit. Slowly, the ginger ale seeped from the fabric and floated in the air in bubbly particles, and you flicked it over at Lash, drenching his hair as he let out a yelp.

"The guys at this school are jerks," you scoffed, and Mr. Boy nodded his head in agreement.

"Thanks a lot."

You were turning in a second, eyes wide and cheeks blossoming with a rosy blush at the sound of Warren's voice. There he stood, across from you, dressed in all black and a lovely red tie. 

"Warren-... Hey," you breathed out.

"Hey," he murmured back, eyes dipping to study your face. 

"You rented a tux?" you asked, glancing down at the suit.

"It's my dad's," he answered. Your breath hitched slightly when he leaned down to speak closer to your ear, given the loud music filling the gym. "Turns out he doesn't have much use for it in solitary."

"Really? You don't say." You nearly fucking pinched yourself. Nervous, you turned, only to spin back around with a block of cubed cheese on a toothpick as a weak offering. "Cheese cube?"

Warren let out a huffed chuckle through his nose, but nevertheless leaned down. He bit down on the cube of cheese, looking at you with hooded eyes as you watched the action.

"Hm," he hummed shortly. "Not bad."

You couldn't help but smile, and Warren felt a pinch in his chest at the sight of it. You then began quiet conversation as you walked around the gym with one another, both too busy to hear your parents grand entrance. 

You led Warren out by one of the glass balconies that overlooked the front campus of the school, the giant full moon above casting a hazy glow over the both of you.

"I didn't think you'd come, to be honest," you started out of nowhere, gliding your finger daintily across the metal railing.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Why not?"

"Can you blame me?" you chuckled slightly. "It's not like we're friends, and besides, I barely asked you a question; 'you're going to homecoming, right?' Doesn't really leave much space for you to try and decline in the moment."

Warren smiled a little, leaning his palms flat against the railing. "I wasn't gonna go," he answered after a moment. "It was kind of obvious I had no intention of being here tonight." Warren sighed, and you pursed your lips.

"But..."

His eyes cut to you, darkening at the sight of the exuberant grin pulling at your glossed lips. Warren rolled his eyes, scoffing, "You know why."

"I don't wanna assume," you breezily evaded, stepping closer. "Doesn't mean I don't wanna hear you say it."

Warren smiled as you came closer, and the two of you stared at one another with grins so cheeky and playful, it would seem from the outside you two were playing an inside joke.

Warren let out a breath, and you leaned forward in anticipation for him to speak-

"WAAAH!"

You reeled back at the sound of a baby crying, glancing inside through the glass. Both you and Warren had been too caught up in another to care about the flashing lights from inside, assuming they were apart of the other decorations.

Racing inside, the gym was a mess. Babies littered the floor, suits and gowns a crumpled pile whilst they sat in the centres, crying. 

"What the hell is going on?" Warren questioned.

You grabbed his hand, rushing towards Layla and her group. "Layla!" you called. She let out a thankful breath, embracing you. "What's happening? Where are my parents?"

"They've been baby-fied!" Ethan exclaimed, his voice pitchy and high. 

"What?" you frowned in confusion.

"Gwen is the daughter of Royal Pain," Magenta interjected, ever the helpful one. Your eyes widened, and she nodded in continuation, "She stole the Pacifier from your dad's treasure trove, and is turning everyone into babies. The first were your parents."

"We need to get out of here," Warren stated, the others nodding in agreement.

"What? No!" you exclaimed, spinning to face him. "I can't just leave my parents here. They're goddamn infants, Warren!"

He took you by the shoulders, his touch gentle compared to the harsh look on his face. "What good are you to them if you're a baby too? You won't be able to do shit! If we escape, we can come up with a plan and save them."

Your eyes widened slightly, and you tilted your head. "You would save my parents... even though my father locked yours up for three lifetimes?"

The question caught him off guard, and Warren blinked, before a look of confirmation crossed his face. "Of course, I would. They're everything to you, and you... You mean..."

"Oh, come on!" You flinched at the sound of Zach's shout, the both of you looking at him. "Look, I'm all for enemies to lovers, but this is seriously not the time! Didn't we mention everyone is turning into babies, and you guys decide now it's time to confess your extremely obvious feelings for each other?"

"I'd shut up if I were you, glow worm, or I'll-!"

"He's right!" you intervened, placing a hand over Warren's flaming fist. You conjured water to calm the fire, steam arising from your conjoined hands. "We have to go, now!"

You and the others rushed towards a vent in the corner of the gym, where Warren shot a blast of fire to melt the hinges off. Immediately, Magenta and Layla entered first, Warren urging you forward before he forced Ethan and Zach in next. He crawled in behind, the six of you moving quickly through the vent.

"Where the heck are we?" Magenta questioned from in front.

"Hey, Warren, how about a torch?" Ethan requested.

"Only if you wanna get barbecued," he snarked with a shoulder shrug.

Suddenly, a bright green glow filled the vent, and you glanced behind you, watching as Zach crawled forward, a smirk on his face as he passed you and the girls, "Ladies, if I may."

"Then all the reindeer loved him," Magenta jokingly sang as he crawled past her. As he made his way towards the vent exit, the cover was pulled away.

You assumed the worst, thinking it was one of Gwen's little workers as you raised your hand and readied your powers, but the sound of your little brother's voice had you stopping.

He helped each of you out, sighing out in relief when you appeared from behind Layla. "What are you doing here?" you questioned as he helped you outside. 

"That's what I have to talk to you guys about!" He looked at each of you after Warren stepped out from the vent. "Guys, you're never going to believe this. Gwen-."

"- Is Royal Pain's daughter," Layla intervened.

"Yeah, and she-."

"- Stole the Pacifier," Warren spoke up from beside you.

"Right-."

"- And she's turned everybody into babies, including mum and dad," you finished, fixing him with a shake of your head. "You gotta catch up."

"Well, that I didn't know," Will sighed.

"I think this is even more then the great Will Stronghold can handle," Layla muttered, venom lacing her voice.

"You're right; it's gonna take all of us," he agreed, the girl's eyes widening slightly.

"All of who, you, Y/N and Warren?" Magenta questioned. "The rest of us are only sidekicks."

"Just because you have powers, that doesn't make you a hero.  Sometimes it just makes you a jerk. Makes me a jerk... I guess what I'm trying to say is-."

"We get it. You've been a jerk," Layla shrugged.

Will smiled at her, and you couldn't help but purse your lips as they stared at one another. Finally...?

"Layla, in case my Homecoming date ends up killing me tonight, I just want you to know..."

Will pulled Layla towards him, and your jaw dropped slightly as he pressed a kiss to her lips. Her fingers dug into his white jacket as she practically sunk into his grip.

"No shame," you whispered.

"Nauseating," Warren agreed as he leaned down to speak in your ear.

"Isn't that sweet?" You all turned, finding Lash, Speed and Penny appearing at the end of the corridor. "I hate sweet!" the latter fumed.

"You guys are apart of this too? Why am I not surprised?" you scoffed, rolling your eyes at them. 

"Do you know how tiring it was trying to be your friend? Little miss perfect always had everything she wanted, and Gwen was too blind to see that you wouldn't join us!" Penny exclaimed. 

"So you got tired of being the second choice?" You clicked your tongue, raising your hands as the liquids around began honing to your powers. "Tough luck, bitch."

Magenta, Zach and Ethan escaped through the vent as Penny let out an enraged yell.

"Go take care of Gwen," Warren advised your little brother. "We'll handle these clowns." Will paused for a moment, glancing at Layla before looking at you. You nodded in encouragement, and Will flinched at the feeling of a hand on his shoulder. Glancing at Warren, the older boy nodded. "I've got her. Don't worry."

"I'm gonna distract Penny," you informed.

"I've got the big one," Warren added.

"Guess I'll take lanky over here," Layla nervously mumbled as she nibbled at her lip.

You all rushed off in different directions, and you made your way into the cafeteria, awaiting Penny and her variations to come after you. She was always so gullible, and not a moment later, you heard the peppered footsteps of Penny and her additions walking through the entry.

"Gosh, I've been waiting for the day to beat you!" the girl started. "Gwen always told me to not try and fight you. Something about wanting to get you on our good side."

"She probably didn't want her lackey to get seriously hurt," you shook your head. "Well, too late now."

You thrust your hands out, and a surge of water crossed through the cafeteria. Penny was caught off guard, her variants exclaiming in surprise as the water solidified around their ankles, the ice slowly creeping up their legs. 

"I remember you saying your limit in that one class," you murmured mostly to yourself as you walked towards the central Penny. "What was it, six? Seven?" You spun around, urging water to lapse around the eighth variant that was trying to sneak towards you. She gasped as the water too turned hard and cold, an additional power you had been training over the past few months. "That's right. Eight."

"Wait, wait, wait! Don't leave us here to die!" one of the Penny's yelled.

"Royal Pain sabotaged the antigravity device!"

"The whole school's going to fall out of the sky!"

"We only have ten minutes!"

Rushing out of the cafeteria, you raced down the hallways in search of Warren and the others. As you crossed a corner, a solid body ran into you, their arms wrapping around your body. You let out a scream, assuming the worst-

"Hey! It's just me!" Warren's voice calmed you within seconds, and your arms flung around his neck as you embraced him. "It's me, you're alright."

"Oh, thank God... Wait!" You reeled back from him, grasping him by his arms. "Gwen's done something to the antigravity device for the school. It's going to fall to the ground in ten minutes if we don't do anything."

You both sought out the others, and Ethan managed to scrounge for a map from his architecture class, unrolling it on the ground. "Here's the antigravity room."

"But didn't Royal Pain seal off every route?" Magenta questioned.

"Hey, what about this conduit?" Ethan asked, tapping on a tiny entryway that led towards the control room through pipework.

"Yeah, right," Zach chuckled. "You'd have to be like a rat to fit in there."

Suddenly, realisation dawned on everyone as they all glanced at Magenta, the girl sighing before even looking at them for she knew. "I have to find Will," you said once Magenta began transforming.

"Okay, let's go-."

"No, you should stay here with the others. They might need-."

Warren said your name with such evenness it had you pausing. You always thought yourself to be more level-headed than him, but he was proving you wrong day after day. 

His fingers skimmed down your biceps, and he leant down slightly to meet your eyes. "I'm going with you, and you can't stop me. I'm not letting you throw yourself head first into danger like that."

You stared at him for a moment, lips parting as you tried to will yourself to speak. 

"You guys are doing it again," Zach groaned. 

"Right, sorry," you shook your head, before glancing up at Warren with a nod. "Let's go."

He grabbed your hand as the two of you rushed towards the gymnasium with Layla not far behind. Entering the hall, you found Will atop of Royal Pain, his fist lifted to attack but paused at the sound of Layla's voice calling out to him.

Will looked up at the three of you, and just as he went to speak, Gwen suddenly got up from the ground, taking Will into her arms and throwing him at the large windows at the end of the gym.

Your eyes widened as your brother smashed through the glass and fell out into the sky. "NO!" you screamed, your hands flying to your mouth.

Royal Pain rose from the ground, and although her face was covered by the gold knight helmet, you could practically smell the smirk painting her lips. "And there goes your last chance of stopping me," she taunted.

You couldn't speak, lips parted in a silent cry as you thought of your brother. Heavy breaths spilled from your chest, and the weight of the situation sat on your shoulders. 

Two familiar and coarse hands found homage at your arms, and the distinct smell of Warren's natural smoky scent overwhelmed your senses as he embraced you from behind. Your hands rose on their own, securing his arms in a talon-like grip, too scared to let him go and lose that comfort. 

Just as a tear escaped your eyes, they latched onto something in the distance. 

Floating from the air, appearing in the broken window, was your little brother. "Surprised? So am I."

"You're flying?!" Royal Pain exclaimed. "That's impossible!"

Will flew towards Gwen and lifted her into the air. Once at the roof, he slammed her body towards the ground, the girl crushing the gloss wood floors of the gym. Will punched the helmet off, revealing an unconscious Gwen.

"Will!" you yelled, rushing out of Warren's embrace. Your little brother grinned at you, allowing you to hug him, his face smushed in the juncture of your neck and shoulder. "You idiot! You never get tossed out of a window unless you know you can fly!"

"Well, I didn't ask to be thrown," he joked, although his voice was muffled. 

You sighed, releasing him as Layla embraced him. Warren came up beside you, placing a steady hand at your back whilst patting your brother on his shoulder.

None of you noticed how Gwen slowly blinked her eyes open, urging her fingers to open the latch on her arm where a console of buttons was revealed. In a last effort, she pressed one of them; the antigravity hijack. 

You let out a yelp at the sudden gravity change, all four of you landing in a heap on the floor as the school began falling. "She's activated the device!" Layla shouted.

Immediately, you shared a look with Will, a silent conversation between eyes. He knew what he had too, he had the powers for it. 

Will shot up from the ground, using his newfound flight abilities to fly out through the shattered window. He dove underneath the school, bracing his palms flat against the bottom, groaning as he desperately tried to halt its decreasing movements.

Quicker and quicker, the earth's surface came closer, and it was just as the school came just in contact with a house, did Will manage to stop it. He let out a breath, smiling down at a couple who stood in front of their home which, funnily enough, had been sold and purchased through your parents' realestate front.

"That could have been messy," he laughed credulously, "Well, good night."

Soon, you found yourself lifting the babies from the school bus containing the staff and your parents that Stitches had placed away for hiding. You held your mother in your arms whilst Layla picked up your father.

You had intentionally been ignoring Warren, too scared at the idea that he'll pull you away and want to talk. Talk about whatever was going on between you both. Even from the way he was looking at you right now spoke volumes.

Talk to me. Please.

It was a futile plead for you glanced away, stepping inside whilst Mr. Medulla was reconfiguring the Pacifier which was slowly but surely turning the students and staff back to their original ages. 

You spent the next hour or two fixing up the gym and watching as students entered the hall now at their proper age. Your bother had apologised to your parents, and they had accepted wholeheartedly.

Everything was fine now...

Kind of. 

You needed some fresh air, your heart beating loudly when you saw Warren trying to get to you. You were thankful for your parents stopping him in his track, your mother thanking him for 'taking care of you' in the midst of the battle. 

"She didn't need me," Warren shrugged off. "She handled herself just fine with or without me."

"That's our girl," your father chuckled. The boy glanced at him with dark eyes, clearing his throat lightly. "You seem very familiar."

"You put my father in solitary," he answered easily, your parents' eyes widening at the bluntness of his answer. "For three lifetimes."

"Barron," your father hissed lowly. "No daughter of mine will be infatuated with the son of-."

"Steve," Josie berated, pulling his ear down to her mouth as they turned away from Warren, the boy watched in bemusement. "Regardless of who our daughter likes, we need to be supportive."

"But he-." Commander paused at the sight of your mother's stern glare. Slowly, they both turned to face Warren. 

"Would you like to have dinner with our family this Friday?" your mother wondered with a gentle smile. "I'm sure Y/N would love it if you came."

Warren glanced between your parents, your father crossing his arms and trying to seem as imposing as he could as he watched the boy across from him. Josie glanced at him, nudging him discreetly to which your father sighed.

"It would be... nice to get to know you, son."

Warren smiled wryly with a nod. "I'll ask her if she wants me there then."

You were outside on one of the school's balconies. The night had worn you down, and you were excited to go back home and sleep. The sound of the door sliding had your shoulders tensing for only a moment before you recognised who it was.

"Hey." Warren's voice sent a shiver down your spine, and you turned slightly, watching him walk towards you with his hands stuffed in his pockets as he came to a stop beside you. "You all good?"

You nodded softly, sniffling slightly at the light breeze of the late night. "Just fine," you sighed shortly. "Tired."

"Hm," he nodded, glancing down at the railing as you both evaded eye contact. "When are you gonna talk to me?"

"What?" you asked, turning slightly to look at him. Warren peeled his eyes away from the railing to meet your slightly confused gaze, raising his eyebrows.

"Really? You've been avoiding me for the past hour."

"I have not," you denied ruefully.

"Have too."

"Have not. You are so childish." Rolling your eyes, you ignored the fluttering in his chest at the sound of his quick huffed chuckle. 

However, the feeling of his fingers on your skin had you in a momentary lapse. Warren trailed his fingers along your arm and down to your hand, where he prodded gently for you to unfurl them from the tight fist.

Your body listened to his silent question, and your hand opened, revealing your palm to which he picked up. It seemed your hands were made for each other, moulding perfectly against one another.

"Talk to me," he said after a moment.

"Why? I don't have anything good to say," you shrugged.

"I doubt that."

"No, I don't. And we've got a pretty good thing going here so I don't want to ruin it."

"Good thing?" Warren repeated. "You've only just started to find me tolerable."

"So, don't change my mind." You both shared a look, and you couldn't help but smile to yourself.

"You're stalling," he hummed coarsely. "Just spit out whatever's on your mind."

"No, it's not-."

"Come on, princess."

"But I-."

"Not gettin' any younger here-."

"Fine!" you huffed, scoffing to yourself as you rolled your eyes. Warren smirked, triumph oozing off of him as he lowered his gaze to look at you. "I'm scared to admit this..." You breathed out, heart beating erratically. "... I really like you, Warren."

His eyes widened, his full lips parting for a moment. Warren watched as your eyes squeezed shut, looking as though you were inevitably awaiting repudiation.

A smile tugged at his mouth. Fuckin' finally.

"You're not used to rejection, are you?... Well, it's a good thing I like you too."

Your eyes opened within a second, and you snapped your head to the side to look at him. Your heart threatened to burst out of your chest at just how casually he put it. Yeah, he likes you. So what?

Warren was leaning on his forearms against the railing, eyes cast over the school as he frowned to himself. He didn't know why he was; you were the one who confessed first. Why did he think you would suddenly rebuke it after he confessed himself?

The feeling of lips against his cheek was a newfound, exhilarating feeling, and he looked over just in time to see you pulling away from him. He could feel the sticky lipgloss covering his cheekbone when a breeze brushed against you both. Warren placed a hand on your waist, toying with the silky red material before pulling you closer to him.

The warmth radiating from his body was a welcome feeling, and you nearly sunk into his hold if it wasn't for the way his eyes were keeping you from moving.

"Can I?" 

The question was mumbled close to your lips, and all you offered was a confirming nod. Warren leaned down, capturing your mouth in his. They seemed to meld into one another, your fingers raising to his long hair and threading through the strands, a soft, barely audible groan. Warren pulled back immediately, an adorable blush coating his cheeks as he leaned his forehead against your own.

"Sorry," he whispered sheepishly.

"Don't apologise," you shook your head, tracing your fingers against his face. 

"You know how long I've been wanting to do that?" You let out a giggle, leaning closer and embracing Warren as you both shared a laugh. "Freshman year. Freshman fucking year."

You snickered again, the sound muffled from where you placed your face into his neck. You suppose the saying is right; opposites attract.