Michael Mell

I'm going to be active on Ao3 due to school having it unblocked but mainly I'll be inactive here, mainly looking at starkid and epic to celebrate both the possibility of live epic and the TGWDLM reprise, my tumblurs I can use on the go luckily so I still have Bmc outlets. Also @TheSchuylerSisters Great Job with your Fic Progress and I'll be Back Soon.(I can't acess gifs so here's the minecraft skins I took.

About Oc's: I'll Do Oc's Suggested in the Comments as Well as Any Smartphone Hour Character, I Already Promised to do @TheSchuylerSisters Abi

Also a Note:Let's Save The Pitiful Children is Definitley The Name for Certain Arrays and Should be the Modern Squipsoft Interpretation On Tumblur's Slogan

First Wave:Main Characters:

Jeremy Heere

Michael Mell

Rich Goranski

Christine Canigula

Second Wave:Secondary Characters:

Brooke Lohst

Chloe Valentine

Jenna Rolland

Jake Dillinger

Third Wave:Plot Drivers

Mr.Reyes

Sketchy/Scary Stockboy

Jeremy's Dad(Mr.Heere)

Fourth Wave(Musical Crossovers)(Mainly the Objects Of My Most Recent Hyperfixations)(Pokemon Tabletop United and Mean Girls are Synonomous For Me Currently Don't know why just like Be More Chill and Mutants and Masterminds,Dear Evan Hansen and Arcane Arcade Fallout and Heathers and Dnd That Happened to Me)(Also the Theatre Kid in Musical Archetype Allows for All Sorts of "Powers"(Not all Powers in Mutants and Masterminds are Actually Powers Some are literally part of the average Person)(There is no way There is not an Array of "Only While Singing" Limited Powers for Some of These with Spare Points)

Evan Hansen(DEH)

Jared Kleinman(DEH)

Connor Murphy(DEH)(Doing normal and As Ghost)

Zoe Murphy(DEH)

Veronica Sawyer(Heathers)

Jason "J.D" Dean(Heathers)

Heather Chandler(Heathers)(Doing Normal and as Ghost)

Ram Sweeney(Heathers)(Doing Normal Not Dead)

Kurt Kelly(Heathers)(Doing Normal Not Dead)

Heather Duke(Heathers)(Doing Pre and Post "Never Shut Up Again"

Heather Macnamara(Heathers)

Martha Dunnstock(Heathers)(The Composite of Martha Dunnstock and Betty Finn in the Heathers Musical)

Damian Leigh(Mean Girls)

Janis Sarkisian(Mean Girls)

Regina George(Mean Girls)

Karen Smith(Mean Girls)

Gretchen Wieners(Mean Girls)

Aaron Samuels(Mean Girls)

Cady Heron(Mean Girls)

How To Do The Squip's Stats in M&M In Addition(This is Only Using the Points Given From Absent Stats)

Stamina:Absent(He's'They're/It's a Computer(People Use He But the Squip is Both a Living object and as Genderless as a Cell Phone))(-10)(-10)

Dexterity:Absent(He's'They're/It's a Computer(People Use He But the Squip is Both a Living object and as Genderless as a Cell Phone))(-10)(-20)

Strength:Absent(He's'They're/It's a Computer(People Use He But the Squip is Both a Living object and as Genderless as a Cell Phone))(-10)(-30)

Agility:(He's'They're/It's a Computer(People Use He But the Squip is Both a Living object and as Genderless as a Cell Phone))(-10)(-40)

Prescence:7(14)(Above Human Limit Since is a Manipulative Supercomputer)(-26)

Awareness:0(0)(At Average but Spends 2 for +2 Will)(-24 Including Will)

Fighting:1(2)(Slightly Above Average(Kung-Fu Fists Mode))(-22)

Intellect:7(14)(-8)

Advantages:Cool 4,Jack of all Trades,Inventor(6 Ap)(-2)

Power:Regeneration 1(1 Pp/Rank)(-1)

Same Limited(-1Pp/Rank)(-2)

Same Source(-1 Pp/Rank)(-3)

Sustained From Permanent(0Pp/Rank)(-3)

Continuous From Permanent(1 Pp/Rank)(-2)

Affects Others(1 Pp/Rank)(-1)

Area(1 Pp/Rank)(0)

Resistible(-1 Pp/Rank)(-1)

Quirk(Also Regenerates Host)(-1 Flat point)(-2)

Close to Ranged(1 Pp/Rank)(-1)

Ranged to perception(1 Pp/Rank)(0)

Standard Action to Move Action(1 Pp/Rank)(1)

Move Action to Free Action(1 Pp/Rank)(2)

Trigger 2(Variable Trigger)(2 Flat Pp)(4 Points)

Innate(1 Flat pp)(5 Points)

Dimensional 3(3 Flat Pp)(8 Points)

Indirect 4(4 Flat Pp)(12 Points)

Optionally Contagious(2 Pp/Rank)(14 Points)

Subtle 1(15 Points)

Insidious(16 Points)

Sense Dependent(Thought Hearing Because of Host but Fortitude and Will(Whichever is Lower)(-1 Point/Rank)(15 Points)

Activation(Standard Action)(-2 Points)(13 points)

Feedback(Damaged when Host is Damaged)(-1 Point)(12 Points)

Distracting(Vulnerable When Activates)(-1 Point/Rank)(11 Points)

Tiring(Extra Effort to activate not Maintain)(-1 Point/Rank)(10 points)

Side effect 2(On Success or Failure Gains Disadvantage on next Damage Resistance Check) (-1 Point/Rank/Flat Rank)(8 Points)

3 Quirks(When Shut off also Stops all Thought, movement, and Communication)(-3 Flat Points)(5 Points)

Peristent regeneration(1 Point/Rank)(6 Points)

Sidekick 9 Advantage(For a Playable Host (Equal to Pl 1-3 for Power Points and Pl9 for Stat Limits)(1 Point/Flat Rank)(15 Points)

All 4 Existing Stats Require a Host(-15 Points because 7+7+1=15)(0 Points)

Also a Willingly Consumed Squip is Automatically Failed Will Save both for Damage and Others. I Still Have The Language and Senses abilties(These are Slightly Exaggerated for the High Fantasty of Mutants and Masterminds and for Higher Character Levels)(So 55 Pp Limit for that since 55/5=11 and 11-1=10 so Indestructible Removal is 45,that will also be linked to the Squipping but not to the communication so that it can branch out or have both active.)

Squip Power Points Cost+Character Power Point Cost= 15*Power Level or Less.

Power Level 10:Complete:150 PP Limit:Removable(-1Pp/5P)(Requires Squipotomy or Mountain Dew Red/Code Red to Shut off but is not as easy as Grabbing so Removable,Not Easily Removable):150/150Pp Spent(120 PP with Removable so 30 Pp Left to Spend on Characters 150/5=30 Rounded Down to 30:150-30=120)

Removable:1Pp for Indestructible

Enhanced Technology 10(2Pp/2 Ranks):10 PP:Squips Seem to Easily Hack(Security System in Do you wanna Ride for Example)

Enhanced Prescence 10(2Pp/Rank):20 PP:Social Stuff is Kind of the Purchase of a Squip.

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-40 Pp:The Shocks would work as a Dc 35(20 Ranks+15) Will Damage Save but it cannot kill,Asleep instead of Incapacitated, and the Injuries are Reversible by the Squip as a Reward of Obeying:Represents the Shocking.

Resistable(Will)(-1Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips are Unwilling for Obeying or Being Implanted so Can Be Rejected.

Unreliable(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips Can Refuse Use(The Play for Example)

Affects Corporeal 20(1Pp/Flat Rank):20Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Close to Ranged(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Ranged to Perception(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Standard to Move Action(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Move to Free Action(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):40Pp:Part of Squipping

Affects Others:(+1Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The initial effect is almost indistinguishable to a Seizure.

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably

12 Dynamic Arrays(24 Pp):Squip Variants(Can Combine Them in all Sorts of Ways,As well the -X's Are Proportional to the bonuses) (Some Canon Some Fanon) (Dorkster:Does +Int and +Persuasion instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Dorkster and Mean Girl Madness:Does +Intellect and +Intimidation instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Mean Girl Madness:Does +Prescence and +Intimidation instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Squipzilla:Does 20 Ranks of Prescence(40 Pp) instead of Stat and Skill but The Downsides of -5 Intellect(-5Pp) and -5 Awareness(-5Pp) so the same amount.)

(Squipzilla and Dorkster:Does 20 Ranks of Prescence(40 Pp) Instead of Stat and Skill but the Downsides of -5 Awareness(-5Pp), and an Additional -5 to Will (-5Pp) so the Same Amount)

(Book Squip:Does 5 Ranks of Intellect,5 Ranks of Prescence,5 Ranks of Persuasion, and 5 Ranks of Technology instead of Stat and Skill)

(Dorkster Book Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Intellect,5 Ranks of Technology,and 5 Ranks of Persuasion instead of Stat and Skill)

(Mean Girl Madness Book Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Prescence,5 Ranks of Technology,and 5 Ranks of Intimidation Instead of Stat and Skill)

(Technological Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Technology,5 Ranks of Intellect,and 5 Ranks of prescence isntead of stat and Skill)

(Persuasive Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Persuasion,5 Ranks of Prescence,and 5 Ranks of prescence isntead of stat and Skill)

(Book Squipzilla:Does 10 Ranks of Prescence(20 Pp),10 Ranks of Intellect(20PP) instead of Stat and Skill but The Downsides of -10 Awareness(-10Pp) (So Same Total))

(Squip of All Trades:Does 3 Ranks of Intellect,3 Ranks of prescence,2 Ranks of Awareness, 2 Ranks of Fighting,3 Ranks of Technology,3 Ranks of Persuasion,2 Ranks of Intimidation,and 2 Ranks Of Deception Instead of Stat and Skill)

(Otherwise Same Exact Settings and Is Dyanmic to allow Mixing the Two)

Adding Squip Syncing And The Results of That:+3 PL.

Communication 5(4pp/Rank)(20Pp)

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-5Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.(15Pp)

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-5Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)(10Pp)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-10 Pp:is Vulnerable When Uses it.(0Pp)

Affects Corporeal 5(1Pp/Flat Rank):5Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(5 Pp)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(10 Pp)

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(15 Pp)

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(20 Pp)

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):10Pp:Part of Squipping(30 Pp)

Affects Others:(+1 Pp/Rank):4Pp:Part Of Squipping(34 Pp)

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All(37Pp)

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips(41Pp)

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard(42 Pp)

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The Syncing is almost indistinguishable from a video game nerd saying the Konami code. (43 Pp)

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(45 Pp)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics(47 Pp)

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably(39 Pp)

Linked To The Enhanced Ability Array(0pp)(49 Pp)

Tiring (-1 Pp/Rank)(-5Pp)(Feature: Does not Activate on Other swith Squips)(So-4 Pp Instead)(45 Pp)

Close to Ranged(For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(50Pp)

Ranged to (For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(55 Pp)

Resistable(-5Pp)(5-Pp):Is for Spreading and Toughness in Addition(Feature:Special Effect When Successful)(51 Pp)

2 Dynamic Arrays:Same but Radio and Equivalent Flaws Removed and Same for Wi-Fi and Equivalent Flaws Removed(4Pp)(55 Pp)

Removable:-1Pp/5 Pp:(55/5=11)(Rounded Down to -11):Indestructible(1Pp)(-10 Pp instead)(45)

Now To Power Level 16(55Pp/5=11,55-11=44,1 for Indestructible makes it 45 which is 13 to 16)

Comprehend 13(Spirits 2,Objects 2,Plants 2,Animals 2,Languages 4,Machines 1)(2Pp/Rank)(26Pp)

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-13Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.(13 Pp)

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-13 Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)(0Pp)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-26 Pp:is Vulnerable When Uses it.(-26 Pp)

Affects Corporeal 13(1Pp/Flat Rank):13Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(-13 Pp)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):13 Pp:Part of Squipping(0 Pp)

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):13 Pp:Part of Squipping(13 Pp)

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):13 Pp:Part of Squipping(26 Pp)

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):26 Pp:Part of Squipping(52 Pp)

Affects Others:(+1 Pp/Rank):4Pp:Part Of Squipping(56 Pp)

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All(59 Pp)

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips(63 Pp)

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard(64 Pp)

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The Syncing is almost indistinguishable from a video game nerd saying the Konami code. (65 Pp)

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(67 Pp)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics(69 Pp)

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably(39 Pp)

Linked To The Enhanced Ability Array(0pp)(71 Pp)

Tiring (-1 Pp/Rank)(-13Pp)(Feature: Does not Activate on Others with Squips)(So-12 Pp Instead)(59 Pp)

Close to Ranged(For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(13 pp)(62 Pp)

Ranged to Perception (For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(75 Pp)

Unreliable:The Squip Can Refuse(-1Pp/Rank)(-13 Pp)(62 Pp)

Resistable(-13Pp)(49 Pp):Is for Spreading and Fortitude in Addition

3 Dynamic Arrays(6 Pp)(55 Pp Total)

The Dynamic Arrays:Same but Points Bast Animal Communication and Languages are Animal Empathy and Similar Advantages as Enhanced as exyta, Same But Any Communciation and Languages and no Animal Empathy as Enhanced as extra. And Same but Purely Languages,Language advantage,and related teamwork.

Removable:-11Pp(55/5=44)(Indestructible is 1)(44+1=45 total)

Senses and Random

Senses 20(Darkvision 2,Low Light Vision 1,Communication Link 1(With the Squip In question).Acute 5(1*5 Because 1 Rank*5 Senses),Accurate 10(2*5 Because 2 Ranks*5 Senses))(1Pp/Rank)(20 Pp)

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-2-Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.(0 Pp)

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-20 Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)(-20Pp)

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All(-17 Pp)

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips(-13 Pp)

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard(-12 Pp)

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The Syncing is almost indistinguishable from a video game nerd saying the Konami code. (-11 Pp)

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(-9 Pp)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics(-7 Pp)

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably(39 Pp)

Linked To The Enhanced Ability Array(0pp)(-5 Pp)

Affects Others:(1Pp/Rank):20Pp:15Pp

Area:(1Pp/Rank):20Pp:35Pp

Permanent to Sustained to Continuous:(1Pp/Rank):20Pp:55Pp

Close to Ranged:(1Pp/Rank):20Pp:75Pp

Activation 2(Standard Action):(1 Pp/Flat Rank):-2Pp:73Pp

Removable:-1Pp/5Pp(73/5=14.6)(Rounded Down to14)(-14Pp) and Indestructible(1 Pp)(So -13 Pp)(For Exactly 60)

Also a Willingly Consumed Squip is Automatically Failed Will Save both for Damage and Others. I Still Have The Language and Senses abilties(These are Slightly Exaggerated for the High Fantasty of Mutants and Masterminds and for Higher Character Levels)(So 55 Pp Limit for that since 55/5=11 and 11-1=10 so Indestructible Removal is 45,that will also be linked to the Squipping but not to the communication so that it can branch out or have both active.)

Squip Power Points Cost+Character Power Point Cost= 15*Power Level or Less.

Power Level 10:Complete:150 PP Limit:Removable(-1Pp/5P)(Requires Squipotomy or Mountain Dew Red/Code Red to Shut off but is not as easy as Grabbing so Removable,Not Easily Removable):150/150Pp Spent(120 PP with Removable so 30 Pp Left to Spend on Characters 150/5=30 Rounded Down to 30:150-30=120)

Removable:1Pp for Indestructible

Enhanced Technology 10(2Pp/2 Ranks):10 PP:Squips Seem to Easily Hack(Security System in Do you wanna Ride for Example)

Enhanced Prescence 10(2Pp/Rank):20 PP:Social Stuff is Kind of the Purchase of a Squip.

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-40 Pp:The Shocks would work as a Dc 35(20 Ranks+15) Will Damage Save but it cannot kill,Asleep instead of Incapacitated, and the Injuries are Reversible by the Squip as a Reward of Obeying:Represents the Shocking.

Resistable(Will)(-1Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips are Unwilling for Obeying or Being Implanted so Can Be Rejected.

Unreliable(-1 Pp/Rank):-20Pp:Squips Can Refuse Use(The Play for Example)

Affects Corporeal 20(1Pp/Flat Rank):20Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Close to Ranged(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Ranged to Perception(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Standard to Move Action(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Move to Free Action(+1 Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):40Pp:Part of Squipping

Affects Others:(+1Pp/Rank):20Pp:Part of Squipping

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The initial effect is almost indistinguishable to a Seizure.

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably

12 Dynamic Arrays(24 Pp):Squip Variants(Can Combine Them in all Sorts of Ways,As well the -X's Are Proportional to the bonuses) (Some Canon Some Fanon) (Dorkster:Does +Int and +Persuasion instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Dorkster and Mean Girl Madness:Does +Intellect and +Intimidation instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Mean Girl Madness:Does +Prescence and +Intimidation instead of +Prescence and +Technology)

(Squipzilla:Does 20 Ranks of Prescence(40 Pp) instead of Stat and Skill but The Downsides of -5 Intellect(-5Pp) and -5 Awareness(-5Pp) so the same amount.)

(Squipzilla and Dorkster:Does 20 Ranks of Prescence(40 Pp) Instead of Stat and Skill but the Downsides of -5 Awareness(-5Pp), and an Additional -5 to Will (-5Pp) so the Same Amount)

(Book Squip:Does 5 Ranks of Intellect,5 Ranks of Prescence,5 Ranks of Persuasion, and 5 Ranks of Technology instead of Stat and Skill)

(Dorkster Book Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Intellect,5 Ranks of Technology,and 5 Ranks of Persuasion instead of Stat and Skill)

(Mean Girl Madness Book Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Prescence,5 Ranks of Technology,and 5 Ranks of Intimidation Instead of Stat and Skill)

(Technological Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Technology,5 Ranks of Intellect,and 5 Ranks of prescence isntead of stat and Skill)

(Persuasive Squip:Does 10 Ranks of Persuasion,5 Ranks of Prescence,and 5 Ranks of prescence isntead of stat and Skill)

(Book Squipzilla:Does 10 Ranks of Prescence(20 Pp),10 Ranks of Intellect(20PP) instead of Stat and Skill but The Downsides of -10 Awareness(-10Pp) (So Same Total))

(Squip of All Trades:Does 3 Ranks of Intellect,3 Ranks of prescence,2 Ranks of Awareness, 2 Ranks of Fighting,3 Ranks of Technology,3 Ranks of Persuasion,2 Ranks of Intimidation,and 2 Ranks Of Deception Instead of Stat and Skill)

(Otherwise Same Exact Settings and Is Dyanmic to allow Mixing the Two)

Adding Squip Syncing And The Results of That:+3 PL.

Communication 5(4pp/Rank)(20Pp)

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-5Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.(15Pp)

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-5Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)(10Pp)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-10 Pp:is Vulnerable When Uses it.(0Pp)

Affects Corporeal 5(1Pp/Flat Rank):5Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(5 Pp)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(10 Pp)

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(15 Pp)

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(20 Pp)

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):10Pp:Part of Squipping(30 Pp)

Affects Others:(+1 Pp/Rank):4Pp:Part Of Squipping(34 Pp)

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All(37Pp)

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips(41Pp)

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard(42 Pp)

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The Syncing is almost indistinguishable from a video game nerd saying the Konami code. (43 Pp)

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(45 Pp)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics(47 Pp)

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably(39 Pp)

Linked To The Enhanced Ability Array(0pp)(49 Pp)

Tiring (-1 Pp/Rank)(-5Pp)(Feature: Does not Activate on Other swith Squips)(So-4 Pp Instead)(45 Pp)

Close to Ranged(For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(50Pp)

Ranged to (For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(55 Pp)

Removable:-1Pp/5 Pp:(55/5=11)(Rounded Down to -11):Indestructible(1Pp)(-10 Pp instead)(45)

Now To Power Level 16(55Pp/5=11,55-11=44,1 for Indestructible makes it 45 which is 13 to 16)(WIP)

Comprehend 13(Spirits 2,Objects 2,Plants 2,Animals 2,Languages 4,Machines 1)(2Pp/Rank)(26Pp)

Source(-1 Pp/Rank):-13Pp:Squips Need Mountain Dew(Normal) to Turn on.(13 Pp)

Limited(-1 Pp/Rank):-13 Pp:Squips are Temporarily Shut off by drugs/alcohol and until reactivated by Mountain dew(Normal) for Mountain Dew Red(Code Red in Book and Two Rivers)(0Pp)

Side Effect 2(-1Pp/Rank/Flat Rank):-26 Pp:is Vulnerable When Uses it.(-26 Pp)

Affects Corporeal 13(1Pp/Flat Rank):13Pp:A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(-13 Pp)

Affects Others(+1 Pp/Rank):13 Pp:Part of Squipping(0 Pp)

Affects Objects(+1 Pp/Rank):13 Pp:Part of Squipping(13 Pp)

Area(+1 Pp/Rank):5Pp:Part of Squipping(20 Pp)

Optionally Contagious(+2 Pp/Rank):10Pp:Part of Squipping(30 Pp)

Affects Others:(+1 Pp/Rank):4Pp:Part Of Squipping(34 Pp)

Dimensional 3(1Pp/Flat rank):3Pp:Quantum After All(37Pp)

Indirect 4(1Pp/Flat Rank):4Pp:Setting Up Squips(41Pp)

Insidious(1Pp/Flat Rank):1Pp:Finding out Squips is Very Hard(42 Pp)

Subtle 1(1Pp/ Flat Rank):1Pp:The Syncing is almost indistinguishable from a video game nerd saying the Konami code. (43 Pp)

Affects Incorporeal 2(1Pp/Flat rank):A Squip can fiddle Insubstantially(In the Halloween Song At Least)(45 Pp)

Variable Descriptor 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp: A Squip is More Than Just electromagnetic quantum psionics(47 Pp)

Triggered 2(1Pp/Flat Rank):2Pp:A Squip Pill Could Be Set Variably(39 Pp)

Linked To The Enhanced Ability Array(0pp)(49 Pp)

Tiring (-1 Pp/Rank)(-5Pp)(Feature: Does not Activate on Other swith Squips)(So-4 Pp Instead)(45 Pp)

Close to Ranged(For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(50Pp)

Ranged to (For Spreading)(1Pp/Rank)(5pp)(55 Pp)

“You say you’re hurting, so am I. I think we killed all the butterflies. We never used to argue this much… I think we might have fallen out of love.” ~ Kabrienne & Kayko

Today was the day. Opening night, surprisingly tickets were sold out. Maybe it was all the publicity Jake got making Jeremy go viral but they sold like hotcakes, and their little camp auditorium was packed.

Mr. Reyes however was in a frenzy. He had a full auditorium and his stars were at each other's throats! It was a catastrophe!

Yes, Abigail and Rich hadn’t spoken since their fight. Abi was giving him the cold shoulder big time. Which was going to be an issue considering the two had to kiss not once, but several times throughout their performance. Rich wasn’t mad at Abigail, no he was mad at Chloe. Which of course made Chloe angry because in her mind she didn’t do anything wrong except try and make everyone happy!

Nonetheless, she was gonna have to be the bigger woman (because she has to do EVERYTHING around here) and make sure that Abi forgives Rich. Either that or they were going to have a very tense Zoe and Evan.

So as the cast was doing one last run through of their lines before the show Chloe pulled Abigail aside. “Hey.” She says simply.

Abigail is utterly confused as to what Chloe of all people would want to talk to her about. “Hey? What’s up?”

Chloe sighs looking exasperated. “Look, you're gonna have to forgive Rich.”

Abi instantly tenses. “Chloe, no offense, but what happens between me and Rich is kind of our business not yours. It’s complicated right now.”

She shakes her head. “The whole Brooke thing was my idea! I talked him into it. He told me it was a bad idea at first. The only reason he even went along with it is because he was so desperate to win you back.”

“Why would you talk him into it? What did you have to gain in him winning me over?”

“Not everything is about you Abigail.” Chloe says with a scoff. “Brooke has been pretty heartbroken ever since Jeremy and Michael seemed nice enough so I figured I’d let him have a shot. It just so happened to help Rich too.”

Abi blinks. “Let me get this straight. You sabotaged my relationship with Michael because you wanted Brooke to have a boyfriend and then just decided that Michael would work?”

Chloe shrugs. “Yeah pretty much. I mean, if it makes you feel better it didn’t really work out anyway. Lately Michael has been acting weird. Tired, irritable, kind of a jerk honestly. Which is really unlike him. Anyway, he’s probably not gonna work out for Brooke after all. She’s sensitive, it's only a matter of time before he tells her off and she runs away crying.” She rolls her eyes.

There was so much information provided in that sentence that Abi isn’t really sure how to react, she’s both concerned for Michael and Brooke, and annoyed that Chloe seems so apathetic about it, and even acts as if she should be happy that this should happen.

Either way Abi decides to just focus on the matter at hand. “That’s besides the point. The point is that you shouldn’t have meddled in our relationships at all.”

Chloe shrugs. “Hey I’m not the one holding grudges here. Every time Rich does something remotely wrong you act as if it’s the end of the world.”

“I was hurt, he did things he promised me he would never do!” Abi says defensively.

“And he apologized.”

“So just because he said sorry that makes it okay?”

“Okay enough to put aside for literally everyone else, yes.” Chloe says clearly annoyed. “You’re about to ruin this entire play simply because he hurt your precious little feelings. Suck it up Hensley, men suck, deal with it.”

Abigail nods finally understanding now. “Oh, so you’re not here to help Rich, you’re here because you're mad that we’re not having the proper chemistry anymore.”

Chloe nods triumphantly. “Exactly.”

Abi nods ticked at Chloe’s blatant disregard for anyone’s feelings but her own, but mentally acknowledges she has a point. “You know what. You’re right. I’ll put it aside for the show.”

Chloe grins victoriously. “That’s better.”

Abi goes to leave before pausing. “Oh and Chloe? There’s a reason you and Jake weren’t assigned as each other's love interest.” She shrugs. “You just lack chemistry.”

And with that final remark, she leaves Chloe seething, and meets Rich backstage. “Hey.”

Rich looks surprised, but his expression is guarded, not wanting to have another fight. “Hey.”

“I’m sorry about overreacting. I was just upset, I don't want our relationship to be strained again.” Abi says honestly.

Rich lets out a sigh of relief. “It’s fine, I’m sorry for butting in where I shouldn’t have. And I wa’th wrong about Michael, he liked you a lot I could tell. That’th why I got jealou’th.”

She nods fidgeting with her hands. What she had to say next wasn’t going to be easy but she had to spit it out. “Look… I know we had an unspoken thing when we were younger, and at one point we both liked each other…”

He nods in response, his stomach churning as he realizes where this is going. He should’ve seen it coming.

She forces out the rest of the words. “But after everything that’s happened… I just don’t think we have that anymore. Maybe you do, but I don’t.” She looks up at him guiltily. “You’re one of my best friends Rich and I don’t want to lose that… but I don’t want to be more than that either.”

He nods quietly, his stomach churning, he feels like he’s gonna vomit. “I underth’tand.”

She can see the hurt in his expression, and she feels her stomach twist in knots. She knows she’s doing the right thing, it would hurt worse to let him continue thinking he had a chance when he didn’t instead of letting him move on. But still, she felt like a horrible person. “I’m sorry Rich…”

He shakes his head. “Don’t apologi’the if anything it’th my fault. I’m the one who made all the th’tupid deci’thions that pushed you away.” He pauses. “I kind of need th’ome alone time right now. Juth’t to gather my’thelf for the show.”

She nods and leaves him be, heading to her own dressing room to prepare. Her stomach hurt, she hated disappointing people. Especially someone who meant so much to her, and two years ago she would’ve given anything to be with romantically. But deep down she knew that for everyone’s sake this was the best thing she could’ve done. Hopefully they’ll all be put back together by showtime in a few hours.

She heads to her dressing room (the girls cabin) and is about to walk inside when she spots Michael tossing something in the dumpster. It was red. She tilts her head as he walks away from it, wondering what on Earth he tossed, and just as she is about to shrug her shoulders and walk away it falls out of the garbage onto the ground. Not one to litter she rushes over to it and picks it up about to toss it back into the bin. That is until she saw what it was.

His hoodie?

Also Fun Fact:The full Konami code is used in the be more chill book but a shortened version is used in the Play and Musical.

Mountain Dew Green(Normal Flavor):Turns on a Squip

Mountain Dew Red(1988-1990 Alabama Fruit Punch Flavor):Turns off a Squip(In Non Two rivers Musical),Slows Down a Squip(Two Rivers and Book Fanon)

Mountain Dew Code Red(Modern Cherry+Other Fruits Flavor):Turns off a Squip(In two Rivers Play and book),Slows Down a Squip(Non Two Rivers Musical Fanon)

Baja Blast:Surfer Dude Voice is actually Surfer Dude Personality.(Most Popular Fanon)

Hard Mountain Dew:Book Squipzophrenia(Wearing Teal,Oh My)(Reasoning:Any amount of alcohol does that)

Diet Mountain Dew(50% Loaded)(Fanon but is a joke on the be more chill twitter)

“It was so nice being friends again, there I was giving you a second chance. But you stabbed me in the back while shaking my hand.” ~ Taylor Swift

“So let me get thi’th th’traight.” Rich says sitting down on Abi’s beat up old velvet couch. He hands her a cup of hot cocoa, whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon on top. “He liked th’omeone else, th’o she killed him?”

Abi nods, sipping it cautiously, trying to gauge the temperature. “Yup she crushed his heart.”

“Dang that’th brutal,” He says curling back up under their blanket. “People are th’tupid why would they get th’o worked up. I never under’thtood the whole jealou’thy thing. If they don’t like you, get over it!”

Abi nods in agreement. “I mean come on he’s just a stupid guy, he wasn’t even that good looking either.”

Rich shrugs “I don’t know, he hi’th accent was pretty attractive…”

Abigail shoots him a teasing look over her mug. “You think so?”

He rolls his eyes in return. “Oh come on I can’t mention a guy’th accent without being gay?”

She rolls her eyes back at him. “You can like both you know, it’s called being bi.” She says the last word with teasing jazz hands, he shakes his head in annoyance. She chuckles. “Look I’m just saying one of these days if you ever wake up and realize that men can be just as attractive as women, I won’t judge!”

He groans. “Like that would ever happen.”

She laughs. “Fine, if it does happen, you owe me ten bucks though because I called it.”

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever, you should be happy I’m not bi, or I might end up th’tealing your man just like that one girl did in the show.” He teases her with a smirk.

She laughs and nudges him. “Yeah no, that would never happen. But if it does I promise I won’t rip your heart out and crush it.”

Rich nods, “Much appre’thiated.”

She perks up. “But only if you promise you’ll never do anything stupid if you ever get jealous.” She pokes his cheek playfully.

The boy scoffs. “Of who? Your imaginary boyfriend? Let’th face it Abi, I’m all you got.”

Her jaw drops in fake offense. “Wow! Thanks for that, love you too I guess.”

Rich tugs her ponytail playfully. “Come on, you know I’m joking.”

She laughs. “I know, but seriously, pinky promise.” She holds out her pinky in expectation. He chuckles and links his pinky with hers.

“I pinky promi’the I will never get jealou’th of anyone and start acting th’tupid.” He says confidently.

“Or may your heart get ripped out and crushed like poor Graham.”

He scoffs. “Hold up, I don't think I’m willing to go that far.”

She snorts leaning her head on his shoulder as she laughs. “Fine, a simple pinky promise it is. I trust you not to be stupid about it anyway.”

He shakes his head. “Good, now hush and enjoy your hot cocoa.”

She smiles and sips it once again. “You know you’d think it would be too warm for hot chocolate and yet here we are.”

He shakes his head. “It’s never too warm for hot cocoa, and be’thides, we have a tradition to uphold now.” The two continue watching their show, perfectly content in each other’s company.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the present day Abigail sits on a hill overlooking the camp. She watches as her friends interact, her face thoughtful. It was tech week and she needed this time to herself, they had barely stopped rehearsing to eat, and she was getting overwhelmed.

Rich climbed the hill slowly, careful not to spill the two drinks in his hand. As he walked the steep path he watched her as she sat. Her face quiet and thoughtful, he could see her sort through the conflicting emotions in her head. She had always struggled understanding how she felt, they had spent many nights together just trying to figure it out sometimes.

The summer wind was blowing in her hair. Her ponytail flicking in the wind as stray strands that had fallen out of it danced wildly around her head. Her hands were running over the tops of the grass. The sensation of it tickling her palms grounding her and distracting her from the tornado that constantly raged through her mind. She closed her eyes, a soft sigh escaping her lips as if she was trying to expel the negative energy from her brain.

Rich sat beside her, the rustle of the land underneath him alerting her of his presence. Her eyes snap open and she looks up at him smiling softly. “Hey.”

“Hey.” He responds, he hands her a glass of hot cocoa.

Her smile widens. “It’s summer, isn’t it a little too warm for hot cocoa?”

He shrugs. “It’s never too warm for hot cocoa.” He sips his own, muttering softly. “Plus it’s all Mr. Reyes had.”

The girl giggles while taking a drink and glancing back over at the group. Out of the corner of her eye she spots Michael with Brooke. She had pretty much given up on the idea that she and Michael ever had a chance, after all, Brooke trails him pretty much everywhere he goes. Besides, even if they did have a chance at one point, who was she to take that from Brooke? Despite the resignation she still felt a twinge of disappointment in her stomach, and even embarrassment that she still cares despite two months having passed.

Rich hated it too, because no matter how much she hid it from herself and others, and even if the amount of disappointment she felt faded over time, he could still see the differences. His guilty conscience pointed out to him every time she smiled, every time she laughed, every time she joked around with the group, because despite moving on for the most part, he knew that she had been so much happier before he butt in with Brooke. Her eyes sparkled so much more, her giggles were lighter, her little bursts of pure happiness out of the blue were more frequent.

She looks up at him. “So you ready for Saturday?”

He cringes jokingly. “Not in the slightest.”

She nudges him. “Aw come on! You’re gonna be a great Evan dude. Besides it’s not gonna be that big of a production anyway, most people are just gonna be there to see Jeremy in hopes he’ll fall through the floor again.”

Rich, who was taking a sip of his cocoa, spits it out, not expecting the remark. This causes Abi to burst out laughing as he frantically wipes the liquid off his pants, unable to help but laugh with her at his own misfortune. She tries to help him wipe it off but the stain has already set in his jeans.

He groans. “Well at least it’s not as bad as that one time we were watching that show and I dumped it all over your couch.”

Abi laughs once again. “Oh that reminds me! You, my friend, owe me ten bucks.”

He tilts his head in confusion before remembering. He rolls his eyes but can’t help but shake his head with a smile as he pulls out his wallet and hands over ten dollars. “There you go weirdo.”

She giggles in victory. “I told you! But here. Take it.” He takes it back from her, confusion written across his face. “Think of it as a congratulatory present.”

He scoffs. “For being bi?”

She rolls her eyes. “Would you rather me throw you a party?” He tilts his head considering it teasingly, and receives a playful shove in return nearly knocking him down the hill. He chuckles and straightens back up grinning at her.

She smiles back at him, it’s soft and genuine. “You know Rich, I'm proud of you.”

The little guy is shocked by the sudden statement and tilts his head in confusion. “Proud? For what?”

She tilts her head thoughtfully, trying to explain her reasoning. “I don’t know I feel like… you know we had a really rough patch for a while where I was kind of being a jerk to you. And granted you did kind of deserve it, I held the grudge for way too long. Besides I know that whole Michael thing bothered you more than you let on.” She rests her hand on his, the small action enough to communicate the sincerity of her words. “But you stayed out of it when a lot of guys would’ve pulled something stupid.”

Rich’s smile wavers as she brings up Michael, his stomach twisting in guilt the more she talks. “It- it’th nothing really.”

She shakes her head. “No, come on, let me finish. You know I’m not great with words so on the rare occasions where I actually articulate gratitude you’ve gotta let me talk.” She nudges him playfully. “Seriously though, you were right, you're really not a jealous person. And I appreciate it. After the crap I put you through for a while there I don’t really know if I deserve it.”

He stares at her his guilt strangling him more and more, the urge to confess how he isn’t as amazing as she claims he is growing rapidly. “Well I put you through a lot more before that, and like you said I did deserve the treatment…”

She nods, “But still, I appreciate you not trying to stick your nose in that whole thing.” She pokes him playfully. “I knew I could trust you not to be stupid.”

By now his conscience was showing on his face and Abi’s face scrunches in concern. “Are you okay?”

Rich nods the moral conflict in his mind obvious on his face. He should tell her, she shouldn’t thank him when he’s the reason she and Michael never got to become a thing. But if he tells her she’s going to hate him all over again. Besides Michael could have told Brooke to back off that’s not on him.

She waves her hand in front of his face. “Rich talk to me, what’s wrong?”

He looks up at her and as her worried eyes meet his guilty ones he regrets everything. How could he do that to his favorite person? Something so mean just because of what? Jealousy? Something he swore he’d never do.

“It’s my fault Brooke won’t leave Michael alone.” Rich blurts out.

She blinks. “What?”

In his panic the words spill out of his mouth. “I was upset and Chloe came up to me and said she wanted Brooke to find a new guy so we convinced Brooke to chase after Michael so Brooke would get a guy and I’d have a chance with you again.”

She stares at him in disbelief for a second. “You- you what?”

He looks down guiltily, “I’m sorry.”

She stares at him trying to process the information, she can’t decide whether to be upset, angry, or what in the world to feel. “Why would you do that?”

He fidgets anxiously. “I wa’th jealou’th okay?” He looks up getting upset and defensive. “You were acting like you didn’t like me like that anymore and I wanted to try and get back what we had. You know you liked me, and I liked you, you just needed to focu’th a little bit and I wa’th sure you’d remember!”

“I already remembered! You think I forgot?!” She takes a deep breath stopping herself from lashing out. She promised she wouldn’t get angry anymore. She had been yelling too much. But it was getting really difficult. She continues with a more calm tone. “It’s foolish to think either of us would forget our feelings just like that. But that’s no excuse to get in the way of my relationship with Michael. We weren’t even dating! You had no reason to butt in, and now not only have you messed up any chance at that but our friendship has gotten awkward too. Whenever I try talking to him Brooke comes over and hangs off his arm like a leech!”

Rich immediately locks up, responding to her obvious frustration with defensiveness. “He could tell her to back off, you know! It’s not my fault. Maybe he just likes her better after all.”

She stares at him in shock, the words hurting her a lot more than they were meant to. She opens her mouth to respond, but knowing that no good could come from continuing the conversation she simply stands and walks off, leaving the hot cocoa that he made her on the grass beside him. He watches her leave his stomach churning in regret. How was he gonna fix this one?

GUESS WHO IS FINALLY LISTENING TO LIGHTENING THIEF THE MUSICAL IN ITS ENTIRETYYYYY

I'LL GIVE YOU A HINT:

Someone very desperate for more George Salazar content and a new musical!!!! AKA ME!!!! Sooooo yeah I hope y'all are proud of me cuz I know that that musical is special to a lot of you especially @EmChip2022 who was in the show which is SO cool. And I know Lava likes it too but she's on hiatus for a bit. But when she comes back I can give her my full judgement of the musical! I just watched the movie, although from what I can tell from the plot of the musical on Wikipedia it is completely different from the musical. I'm curious does anyone know if the movie or the musical is more accurate to the books? I tried looking it up but the only source I could find was someone's blog post saying the musical was more accurate, but it was a blog so idk how accurate that statement is so if anyone has read the lightening thief book and seen the movie and musical please tell me cuz I'm curious! XD

Anyway I'm SO excited for more George Salazar content, we all love him as Michael Mell, and I'm really interested to see if there's similarities in the acting styles that George uses between Be More Chill and The Lightening Thief, and what they would be.

Anyway, I'll update what I think in the chat when I'm done!!! So far I've already heard Another Terrible Day and Lost! before even starting the musical, and I've gotten like 40 seconds into the soundtrack (So far I love that the first song is just about their mommy and daddy issues it's amazing-) but it sounds hilarious and I'm SO hyped to have another musical!!!!

"I'd move the Earth or lose a fight just to see you smile, cuz you've got no flaws." ~ The Jonas Brothers

It had been a month since the start of camp and the group was knee deep in preparations. Play rehearsal was everyday, by now most of them had gotten their lines down it was mostly execution. Mr. Reyes was intent on making a professional level performance out of inexperienced high schoolers, his ego getting the best of him convincing himself that with his own experience he could do so.

Chloe was no better. Even after constantly reminding her that she was assistant to the stage manager, and not assistant stage manager she bossed the other teenagers around mercilessly, even though out of all of them she probably had the least passion and familiarity with the play.

In between brutal rehearsals, with tough critique and utter chaos from the other students Abi had been spending more time with Rich. He had to give it to her, Chloe might not have been wrong about the plan being a good idea after all. Brooke had been practically hanging off Michael’s arm ever since he took her for fro yo. Michael didn’t seem too interested but it was enough for Abi to back off. She was always a girl's girl first and if she liked Michael who was she to get in the way?

Michael noticed that Abi had been distant but he didn’t want to push it, despite not really knowing why. She wasn’t mad, which he was at first worried about. But when they did interact there was no tension and they were still just as friendly as before, but it was almost like every piece of playful banter they shared, or every fit of giggles they had was almost laced with an air of sadness from her side. He couldn’t figure out what had happened.

As for Brooke he was polite to her. He was quite oblivious to her intentions in all honesty, which only made her like him even more. Usually any guy who she was chasing would’ve caught the hint by now, having already been looking for that kind of relationship with her. But he was so happy just to have a friendly relationship with her without any of the strings attached that she was starting to itch for them. She wanted him to want her like that and she was getting antsy.

The camp that Mr. Reyes had bought was so run down that they actually had to redo all the flooring. They just finished, Mr. Heere had come to help out, he put in new boards on the stage so that it wouldn’t fall through when they were on the stage. When Jeremy nearly fell through the stage when running on to say one of Jared’s lines they realized it was necessary.

On the plus side though it got plenty of publicity for the show! Who knew Jake posting a video on YouTube called “loser loses his footing” would get so many people calling and asking where they can buy tickets? Jeremy of course was humiliated, and while everyone scolded Jake and pretended to be mad they couldn’t help but giggle at it behind the scenes. The cast would often watch it when they thought Jeremy wouldn’t notice but it’s hard to mistake his ear piercing screech as the floorboard cracked. Or Rich’s cackle as he watched the boy struggle to stay above the ground.

It was hard not to laugh though I mean the whole situation was comedy gold. Jeremy had just run on the stage, Rich as Evan sitting on a chair that was going to be a bed later on when they got their props. Jeremy’s face was shocked and smug, just as Jared was supposed to be “I can’t believe you tried to kiss Zoe Murphy! On her brother's bed! After he- AhHhH-” Jeremy’s yelp/screech was heard throughout the auditorium as the floor he stepped on cracked and fell through, leaving him only halfway on stage.

Rich was doubled over laughing as Michael and Abi rushed to help him, although they had to back up and let Mr. Reyes took over as they unfortunately gave into the urge to burst out laughing as well. Poor Jeremy was traumatized, and if it wasn’t for Christine’s constant love and comfort, and death glares at anyone who brought it up again, he probably would have died from embarrassment.

Now it was mostly just saw dust that littered the new stage. Mr. Heere had hopped around a couple times to make sure everything was sturdy. (Although I’m fairly certain Jeremy will probably still be tentative stepping on the stage again) Michael was sweeping absentmindedly his headphones playing a mix of Bob Marley, Kayko, Bruno Mars, and a few other random tracks.

Brooke, who was in the mood for attention but hadn’t been getting it, taps his shoulder. He takes off his headphones. “Hey what's up!” His smile was polite and happy but his eyes were tired. As much as he did like Brooke, it was exhausting having her tailing him all the time. Especially when he was just trying to have some peace and listen to his music.

She smiles. “Hey nothing! I just missed you!”

He smiles at her, it’s strained though. Jeremy had finally explained Brooke’s feelings for him earlier that morning and even though he did think she was great and sweet and all he just wasn’t interested in her like that. But he didn’t have the nerve to say that to her face. “Cool, I’m just sweeping though so if you wanna-”

“Sure!” She says excitedly. She pulls up a chair and sits down facing the stage so she can watch him sweep. He turns his head away from her and lets out a pained sigh. That was not what he was going to suggest but okay then.

As he glances down the stage he spots Rich and Abi, their arms are linked and she’s laughing at something dumb that he said. He cackles and she shoves his shoulder, her cheeks flushed with fake exasperation as they mess around. His stomach churns. He missed her a ton. He wasn’t sure why in the world they weren’t as close anymore as they had been. Maybe now that Rich was better and she forgave him she just didn’t need him anymore.

“Hey Michael!” Brooke says, tilting her head in confusion. “Not trying to rush you or anything but I really wanted to make a stop in town for bananas after this so if you could please like… focus?”

He glances back at her, her face a little nervous, afraid he’d be mad at her for pointing out that he was no longer sweeping and simply distracted. He shakes his head and laughs. “Right, sorry.” Looking past her he spots Jeremy’s dad on his phone off to the side of the stage. He had come to collect a few tools that he had left behind. “Hey Brooke?”

She looks up happily. “Yeah?”

He looks down at his broom trying to come up with an excuse to keep her busy for a second. “Do you think you could go grab me the mop? I’m gonna need it after this, I think it’s in the shed behind the boys cabin.”

She nods excitedly. “Sure!” She runs off quickly. The mop wasn’t in fact in that shed, it was in the janitor's closet less than a hundred feet away. Part of him felt bad leading the poor girl on a wild goose chase but he needed some space, and a talk.

Michael sets the broom down after she leaves and walks over to Jeremy’s Dad. “Hey Mr. Heere!”

He looks up from his phone and smiles at the boy. “Hey Michael! What’s up bud!”

Michael pulls up the chair Brooke was using and sits down, Jeremy’s dad taking the signal and sitting down across from him. “I need some advice.”

The older man smiles. “I’ll do my best!”

“It’s about…” Michael leans in and whispers like it’s some deep dark secret. “A girl.”

Mr. Heere’s eyebrows raise and he chuckles “A girl huh? Which one in particular? That blonde chick? Or who was that one girl I met at the hospital… Christine’s friend?”

Michael nods “Abigail, it’s Abigail. It’s just… I took her to the skating rink. And we had a really great time. We hit it off and our chemistry was amazing and I thought for sure I had won her over but…” He sighs “I don’t know lately we haven’t been talking as much, and she’s just been hanging out with Rich.”

Mr. Heere nods, taking a granola bar out of his pocket and munching on it thoughtfully. “Okay well first of all, the first rule to women Michael, never assume you know what’s going on in their heads.” He shakes his head, his eyes wide with the look of a man who knows from experience. “You don’t. Okay? They’re unpredictable.”

Michael nods taking in every piece of information as if it was the only playthrough to beat the unbeatable level of AOTD. “Okay.”

“Now what have you done to try and get her attention since the date?”

He thinks about it. “Um… I don’t know… we've talked?”

Jeremy’s dad nods. “If you’re trying to sweep her off her feet, you’ve gotta do more than talk. Clearly she’s got someone else vying for her attention so you have to prove you’re the one who deserves it.”

Michael shifts nervously. “I don’t know, I feel like if she actually liked me she’d have shown me by now…”

Mr. Heere raises his eyebrows. “So you’re just gonna give up?”

“Well…”

“Michael, do you love this girl?”

Michael freezes. What was it with Mr. Heere and using the L word so recklessly? He just gave him a blank look unsure how to respond.

Mr. Heere nods in understanding. “Do something big. Something to show her that you really care, that you’re willing to do anything for her if it meant winning her over. That’ll prove you’re not just trying to get in her pants or something.”

He nods. “Okay…”

Mr. Heere stands and pats his shoulder. “Good talk son, go get her.” With that he winks and leaves, Michael sits in his chair pondering his advice. What could he possibly do to win her over? He’s done all he could think of, he’s been nice, he’s listened to her, he even took her on an unofficial date. What else could he possibly do to get her attention?

He sighs, doubts starting to weigh in. Was this even worth it? I mean come on he was a loser she’d never like him no matter what drastic measures he took. Should he even try?

He hugs his hoodie close, nuzzling his nose into the sleeve, the familiar scent calming him down and grounding him. That was the big question. Does it matter that much to him if she likes him like that?

He pauses for a second breathing in the scent of his hoodie pondering the answer before finally looking down at it. Realization crossing his features. He had his answer.

“I’m so into you! I am so into you! I’m helpless!” ~ Hamilton

Wait, I'm confused…” Brooke said the gears in her head turning.

“Why are you so confused?” Chloe said, getting annoyed. She wanted her to just fall in love with him already. She didn’t expect her to actually take the time to think about it.

“I thought you said Michael was a geek who probably tutored in exchange for drugs?” Brooke says blinking. Rich, who was watching from next to them, glances at her, slightly offended for the guy.

“BROOKE-” Chloe scolds

Brooke panics “I mean- yeah he seems really cool!” Rich cringes, he hated the way Brooke was treated. He always had, but there wasn’t a ton he could do about it.

Chloe smiles, happy with this response. “Anyway, as I was saying. He is SO nice, and I think you would really like him if you talked to him. Just ask Abi, she’ll tell you.”

Brooke hesitates “I don’t know after Jeremy I don’t really-” She pauses mid sentence noticing the death glare on Chloe’s face. “I mean- yeah, you’re right! I’ll go talk to her about it.” With that she walks off, her hands fidgeting slightly as she makes her way over to ask Abi for her opinions.

“I don’t like thi’th…” Rich says watching Abi greet her with a smile and the two start talking. Abi looks a bit confused but she happily starts talking. Clearly she’s oblivious to the reasons behind her sudden curiosity over Michael.

Chloe rolls her eyes “Come on don’t tell me your backing out of it now. Look, it'll be great. MIchael gets a girl, and you get Abi.”

Rich hesitates watching Brooke’s face slowly tread into a smile as Abi rambles. He watches the way her eyes shine as she talks, he can’t help but wonder if someone had asked her about him if she’d be this excited to share details about him as well.

Brooke could slowly feel affection start to bloom in her heart. It was her biggest weakness, one that she knew. She got attached too easily. She’s so used to people who aren’t kind to her when she meets or hears about someone who would be she gets her hopes up. Unfortunately, Michael was just this kind of person. She honestly couldn’t believe the reports she’s hearing. He sounded sweet and honestly perfect.

“So wait let me get this straight…” Brooke says pure disbelief on her face and in your voice. “He lets you pick the music every time?”

“Yeah and he actually gets into it too! There are lots of songs on my playlist that he’s even added to his own playlist. And he’ll ask questions to show that he’s listening.” Abi says, her eyes sparkling at the excuse to talk about him.

She didn’t really question when Brooke asked her to tell her about him. She just figured that out of all of the cast she had the least interaction and connection with, since he was also the only one who had neer been Squiped. She probably just wanted to know more about him.

Brooke was awestruck. She didn’t have the best luck with relationships of any kind, and the more that Abi talked about him the more he seemed like the stuff of legend. “He sounds amazing!”

Abi couldn’t help but let a giggle escape her lips. “He is.”

This was it. She found a guy that wouldn’t cheat or use her. She just had to win him over. Brooke grins “I’ve gotta go, bye!”

Abi watches her in confusion but waves after her. “Oh- uh- okay! Bye Brooke!” She was a little disappointed they couldn’t chat more, afterall she’d always wanted to be friends with Brooke. She seemed so sweet but she never really had the guts to talk to her. It was fine though, at least this opened the door for more conversations in the future.

Michael was with Christine, they were practicing one of the scenes for the show, Brooke waits in the sidelines clapping when their scene is done. Both of them look over towards her in confusion. Christine tilts her head. “Uh- hi Brooke!”

“Hi!” She says with her trademark giggle. She smiled at Michael who smiled back kindly before gathering his stuff, assuming the blonde was there to talk to Christine. “Oh Michael! I have a question.”

He looks up in utter confusion, glancing behind him looking for some other Michael to show up. “Me?”

She giggles “Yes silly!” She plays with her hair, the action flirtatious but not gross like some of the fake popular girls. This poor girl just wants the attention. Christine however is the only one who notices and her head tilts in confusion. Did Brooke like Michael?

Michael shrugs smiling

Michael shrugs “What’s up?”

Brooke smiles “I’ve been DYING for some frozen yogurt recently and I was wondering if maybe you could give me a ride!”

Christine tilts her head in confusion. “Can’t you have Chloe give you a ride? I’m sure Jake would-“

Brooke panicks “They’re uh- busy!”

Christine blinks. “They are?”

Brooke nods “Yep! And I can’t drive so I was thinking Michael could take me!”

Michael gives Christine a confused look which she returns. They weren’t suspicious of her, if it had been Chloe maybe but Brooke had always been so sweet. How could she possibly have something up her sleeve?

The boy shrugs once again. “Sure!”

She grins. “Yay! Thank you so much!” She runs grabbing his arm and dragging him off. Michael nearly trips as she drags him away.

Abigail was standing on a hill, she watched in confusion and shock as Brooke drags Michael toward his car. Abi couldn’t help but feel a twist in her stomach as she watches the two, carefully examining Michaels face, her stomach churning even more as she seems him laugh politely.

Rich walks up beside her, seeing the twinge of hurt that she was hiding. After all this time he could still read her face, and the guilt that had already filled his chest cranked up a notch.

Abi notices him after a second and smiles at him softly. “Hey.”

“Hey…” He says quietly watching as Michael pulls out of the parking lot. He speaks up a little trying to give her some hope to cling onto “Maybe he’s just giving her a ride for snacks or something for the group.”

She shrugs, “She’s prettier than me…” She says, her tone full of resignment. She was forcing herself to come to grips with what she considered facts. “And nicer, and cooler.”

He scrunches his eyebrows in shock. “What?”

She waves him off “Not that I care anyway. I’m not his girlfriend or anything.” She smiles at him. “Come on, we have some parts to practice.”

She begins walking back towards the camp where their scripts are. His stomach sinks. What has he done?

Here's a video of Will and George being adorable beans simply because I love them and we all need more serotonin sooooo yeah enjoy.

8 Minutes of George Salazar and Will Roland being my favowite pewson's

The first clip alone makes me squeal and giggle, why are they the cutest 😭 I hope you enjoy your daily mood booster <3

“Thinking I was born in the wrong time, it’s love on rewind, everything is so throwback-ish.” ~ MKTO

As the two pulled into the parking lot Abi’s face shone brightly. It was beautiful. Michael can’t help but laugh at the excited look on her face.

It wasn’t impressive from the outside. The lights in the sign had dimmed out and a chunk of the sign was missing. The sidewalk was cracked leading up to the rink. But she could see the pink and purple neon lights inside and the indigo paint on the outside of the building was chipped and faded but the vintage energy still poured through it.

Before Michael even has the chance to take off his seat belts Abi was already halfway up the path to the door. He trips over his feet trying to sprint and catch up with her. He’s laughing out of breath by the time he reaches the door, managing to get there just in time to open it for her.

She giggles as he pants clutching the door for support as he holds it open. “Are you okay?”

He nearly falls as he tries walking in, letting go of the door. “Clearly not!“ He says through breathless laughter. Abi cackles leaning on his arm as she tries to remain stable during fits of laughter.

The older teenager behind the counter watches with a judgmental look as the two clutch each other laughing like delirious hyenas. As the two finally calm down he stares at them with a deadpan look. “Are you done?”

“Never.” Michael says proudly putting down a twenty on the counter. “Two entries and one skate rental.”

She tilts her head at him while the cranky teenager stamps their wrists. “Did you bring your skates?”

He grins lifting a duffel bag around his shoulders. ”I bring them everywhere, why?” She laughs while opening the door to the main rink. Instantly the warmth of the air consumes them creating a comforting air of nostalgia. The energetic techno music mixed with 90s dance hits swells through the air tangoing with the chirping sounds from the arcade. Pizza and popcorn smells filled their noses. It felt like home.

Abi’s ponytail falls in her face as she leans down to tie her skates. “Just to warn you it’s been a while I’m gonna be pretty rusty.”

Michael shrugs “I’ll help you out.”

She stands nervously, holding out her arms to start out her wobbling legs. Michael reaches out an arm to help her but she turns him down, waving him off as she grips the half wall, shakily stepping over to the rink. Michael follows right behind her prepared to catch her in case she falls. But as she gradually pushes herself onto the rink and she takes a few hesitant straps forward, slowly the familiarity comes back.

A drum beat thumps through the speakers and her eyes light up. “I love this song!” She cheers to Michael, and just like that she was off. Her feet sliding to the beat of the music as she mouths the words.

Michael blinks, having not expected her to take off so quickly but quickly skates after her, watching as she regains her confidence, dancing to the song. The rink was fairly empty, minus a few lone skaters with their headphones in. Michael circles her causing her to giggle while she sings along shooting him playful finger guns at the lyrics. “Ooh pretty baby this world might’ve gone crazy, the way you saved me who can blame me when I just wanna make you smile.”

As they reach a turn in the rink she turns so she’s skating backwards facing him. He grins, grabbing her arm and twirling her back around towards the front, nudging her playfully as his favorite line in the song plays. “I wanna thrill ya like Michael.” He crosses his arms pridefully and winks as if the line was written about him and not his legendary namesake. “I wanna kiss ya like Prince.”

The two continue jamming, skating around the rink, dancing and laughing while they do laps. As the song finishes a few of the other lone skaters clap as the two strike a dramatic pose. They burst into laughter at their own goofiness bowing dramatically.

They zoom to the side, Michael sliding smoothly onto the carpet, and Abi slamming to a stop using the wall. Michael gives her a funny look and she scoffs “Whatever don’t judge. How else was I supposed to stop?”

Michael laughs, deciding to ignore the fact that there are perfectly good brakes on the back of the skates and just shrugs, “Fair point.”

They slide over to the concession stand Michael ordering them both slushies. When he orders her blue raspberry slushie she tilts her head. “You remembered my slushie?”

He shrugs, winking, “Slushies are kind of my thing.”

She rolls her eyes with a laugh reaching for her wallet. He smacks it out of her hand causing her jaw to drop and her to gasp in offense. “Michael!”

He puts his hands up in surrender before grabbing his own card. “Sorry… not sorry.”

She smacks his card away. “No! You paid for entrance ding dong. I get the slushies.”

He pouts dramatically. “Pwease?”

She glares at him. “Michael…”

The poor person behind the concession stand looks between the two of them, half amused at the interaction. Michael continues giving her puppy eyes. “Come onnnn, let me treat you please?”

She groans “Fine!”

He cheers, handing the girl behind the counter his card doing a victory body roll causing her to shake her head in disbelief. “Whatever.”

He hands her the slushie still doing a victory dance, rubbing it in her face as much as possible. She groans, shoving him over playfully causing him to grip the counter and spill his red slushie on his red hoodie. He gasps dramatically “Abigail how could you!”

She laughs. “Michael it’s red, what's it gonna do, stain it more red? Maybe it’ll help it smell better because it’s disgusting.”

He huffs “It smells amazing thank you.” He spitefully sniffs the sleeve of his hoodie and shoves it into her face for her to smell.

Her nose scrunches and she shoves his arm away. “Ew go away!” He laughs instantly, grabbing her arm and tugging her close teasing hug, trying to shove her face into his chest so she has to smell his hoodie. She yelps and skates away trying to avoid his foul smelling hoodie. He grins, chasing her, laughing as she squeals skating around the rink.

He finally catches her and she nearly falls as his arms wrap around her waist causing him to topple back and fall on his butt. Both of them burst out laughing as they hit the ground. She leans into him for support as they sit on the floor giggling until they can’t breathe anymore.

He leans forward, tackling her into a hug. “I won.” He giggles. She scoffs but hugs him back happily. All concerns about play rehearsals and complicated relationships were gone. Not a single thought running through their head was just giggly bliss.

After a couple more hours of them messing around they head back to camp. Rich and Christine watch as they arrive back in camp. Abi’s face was brighter than it had been in months. Christine ran and gave her a hug, filling her in on little events that happened while she was gone. Rich shoving Jake into the pond that they found. Brooke winning a race to the pond by getting a little too into it and launching herself into it like it was the last plate in baseball.

Rich was silent as he saw the way her face shone brightly. She nodded excitedly as Christine explained every little detail of what happened. Rich glanced at Michael, who was grinning proudly, his hands swinging excitedly. Michael was simply content that she was happy, he felt honored that he could make her feel this excited.

He glanced at the cabin where Chloe was sitting talking to Brooke. Chloe glances at him, her eyebrow raises in a silent question. Rich glances between Michael and Abi once again. He hesitates before looking back at her. She grins and turns to Brooke, tapping her shoulder and pointing at Michael. He watches as Brooke looks up curiously. Rich pushes back the twinge of guilt. He was past the point of no return. But it would all turn out for the better in the end. It had to.

"Seven months since you've been gone, kinda sucks that you moved on. All your secrets that I hold, I won't ever let them go." ~ KAYKO

As the two friends walked back over the hill to where the other teenagers were hanging out Christine and Jake's jaws nearly dropped in unison as they watched their previously upset besties walk back as if they'd never had a dispute in their life. Michael watched them too, a proud smile on his face. He knew she'd forgive him eventually. It just took a second.

Christine still couldn't believe it as she got up from her spot and ran over to them. "Elphie???" She looks between the two in disbelief.

"Hey! We got it figured out." She smiles brightly at Christine, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Christine beams. "Yay! So you're still doing the show together right?"

"Yep!" Abi says with a smile, the three of them head over to the group, Jake tugging Rich aside and ruffling his hair, proud of him for fixing things up. Michael taps Abigail's shoulder.

"Good job." He says nudging her. "I knew you could do it eventually once you stopped being a baby about the whole thing!"

She scoffs. "Wow! Okay mister 'I was totally prepared to let you suffer'" She teases in a mocking voice. "Don't act all high and mighty when you were just as salty."

"Yeah but I didn't hold the grudge as long as you did."

"You also weren't ditched as long as I was."

"That's... fair." He says with a sheepish laugh rubbing the back of his neck. He glances over at Jeremy who gives him a meaningful look. He puffs out his cheeks letting a long breath go summoning up the courage before he finally spills what he wanted to say. "Hey, so while we were on our way here I saw this really cool skating rink that I haven't been to in forever. It's really cool, it's got an old arcade, slushies, you'd love it. You wanna go check it out? Mr. Reyes said we won't start rehearsals and stuff until tomorrow so we totally have time."

Abigail's eyes light up, she hadn't been skating since they shut down the rink that was close by her house a couple years ago. "Oh my gosh yes!" Michael does a victory dance causing her to giggle. "So who's all going, is it just us or are they coming too or...?"

Michael glances at the group anxiously trying to come up with a solid explanation. "Well I figure this could be like my congrats for letting all that stuff go you know? Plus imagine how much of a fit Mr. Reyes would throw if all of us left the camp."

She laughs "That's true. Let me get my stuff, I'll meet you by your car okay!"

Michael grins happily as Abi runs off to grab her purse and a hoodie. Jeremy waits for her to be out of earshot before he stands and gives Michael a fist bump. "See man! I told you!" They do their celebratory secret handshake real fast, Michael finishing with his little dance per usual.

Rich watches out of the corner of his eye. He had over heard the conversation, and while he was a lot less concerned now, after Michael had been so helpful getting her to forgive him, but that didn't make him any less cautious about the two spending the evening together. I mean if he didn't know any better he would say it was a date.

At the same time, he knows he shouldn't be jealous. He should be happy that she's even willing to be his friend. Yet, he remembers their chemistry. Sure they never actually admitted their feelings but looking back he remembers them, and how they had always had that unspoken thing.

Chloe, who had been sitting back and watching, waiting for someone to boss around, follows Rich's eye to Michael and Abi. She scoots up next to where he's sitting as the two walk towards the gravel parking lot. "Hey."

Rich nearly jumps out of his skin "What the flip- Chloe!" He repositions so he's facing her "What?"

Chloe sits up proudly sipping a juice box. "I have a solution to your little love triangle."

Rich gives her a nervous look. As much as he'd love to have this figured out, he wasn't really sure if he trusted Chloe's methods. "Which i'th?"

She takes another sip of her juice box. "So like, Brooke needs a boyfriend right?"

Rich's eyebrows scrunch together in confusion. No one NEEDS a boyfriend. "Why would she-"

Chloe cuts him off. "And her and Michael can bond over their hatred for Jeremy or whatever."

"Michael doesn't hate-"

"And plus I know Jake is really routing for you and Abi for whatever reason. I don't see why you like her she's kind of annoying but either way. Michael would be so distracted with Brooke, she'd just spend time with you!" Chloe says not listening to any protests.

Rich considered it. He knew Chloe thought this was a fool proof plan but he didn't want to put Brooke through that. "Doe'th Brooke actually like Michael?"

Chloe shrugs "Probably, I mean she seems to like dorks for some reason. Look it'll be great. She'll have him off Abi's scent in no time."

Rich hesitates. "But-"

It's too late, Chloe was already walking away to go talk to Brooke. "Just make sure you tell Jake I helped mkay!" She shouts over her shoulder.

Rich sighs, maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe Brooke and Michael will get along great... maybe Abi will realize that they're better as friends and then go back to Rich. Maybe this could all work out. It won't be so bad.

He lets out a breath. Yeah, Chloe's right this is a great idea. Brooke gets a really nice guy and he gets Abi. Memories of their moments together flood back to him. Yeah they had some good times, and it'll all be worth it in the end.

“What’s the point in hiding? Everybody knows we’ve got unfinished business.” ~ Back to You - Selena Gomez

“IT’S UP!!!” Christine’s screech fills the camp, everyone who wasn’t already awake groans as her high pitched squeals pierce into their dreams and startle them back into the real world.

Abi, who had been resting on the porch of her cabin with a book looks up excitedly and quickly dashes over to where Christine was seeing the cast list scribbled in purple pen stapled sloppily on the rest room cabin. Abi is about to peek at it but Christine stops her in her tracks. “WE NEED EVERYONE ELSE FIRST!”

Abi groans impatiently but nods. “I’ll get the boys you get the girls.” Her shorter friend nods in agreement and dashes to the girls cabin to get their fellow ladies awake. Abi practically kicks the boys cabin open “RISE AND SHINE LADIES!”

Collective groans fill the boys cabin as the light shines on their faces. Abi rips the pillow out from under Rich’s head, who unfortunately for him was on the bottom bunk closest to her, making him the easiest victim, and she wacks him in the face with it. He whines. “Abi!”

“The cast list is up getting off your lazy butts and figure out your parts gentlemen!” She explains tossing the pillow at his face and he sits up begrudgingly.

Michael leans his head over the top bunk “Do we have to?” To which Abi responds with grabbing RIch’s pillow and smacking him with it as well, answering the question quite affectively. Wanting to save themselves the wrath of the girl, Jake and Jeremy quickly climb out of their bunk on the other end of the cabin. Michael and Rich quickly following suit.

“That’s more like it. Hurry up ladies, I’m sure the girls already beat you to it!” Sure enough Abigail was right as the ladies were already gathered around the set list. Abigail calls to her friends frantically “Wait for us!!!”

The boys dash down to the list and quickly read it, Christine jumping up and down excitedly “ABI YOU GOT THE PART!”

Abi stares at her in shock. “Me?!” She had been so prepared for Zoe to have been given to Christine. She had always been Mr. Reyes favorite, and got the lead role everytime. She checked the list and sure enough, her name was next to Zoe’s and Christine’s was next to Cynthia’s.

Christine giggles in excitement, nothing but proud of her friend. “Yep!” Abi excitedly scans the rest of the list, unlike an average cast list Mr. Reyes was unorganized and didn’t write their names in order of their importance to the story, main character to side character, to extra, but rather he wrote them in the order in which he thought of them. Causing the list to look more like this:

Zoe ~ Abigail

Alana ~ Jenna

Larry ~ Michael

Heidi ~ Brooke

Jared ~ Jeremy

Connor ~ Jake

Cynthia ~ Christine

Evan ~ Rich

Assistant to the stage manager ~ Chloe

Abi froze when she saw Rich’s name. She thought for sure if anyone was going to be Evan it would be Michael or Jake. Michael had the most raw talent, and Jake was the most popular so Mr. Reyes could use him for attention. Either way the thought that it was Rich caused her head to spin. She glanced over at him as he was still standing on his toes to read the list, it had been placed just high enough for him to struggle to read it.

She runs a finger through her hair. Was she ready for this? Sure she’d been friendly with him recently and she almost missed his friendship, but to play a romance, even if it was just for show, was she ready to reenter that territory?

Michael didn’t show it but he was disappointed too. He had auditioned for Evan, already having utmost confidence in Abigail to get the part of Zoe. He thought for sure he would get it, but to get cast as her father of all things? It was a tad disappointing to say the least.

Rich wasn’t sure how to feel. He didn’t want to admit it but a part of him was overjoyed. Maybe this could be the tipping point, he could remind Abi of the chemistry they used to have and maybe she’d remember the feelings she once had for him. On the hand the more rational side of him was nervous. What if she hated this idea? What if she hated it so much she quit the entire summer camp?

The two share a glance briefly, both of their mixed feelings easily read by themselves and their friends around them. As the oblivious ones, Chloe, Brooke, and Jenna chatter away in excitement, content with their roles (especially Chloe who is determined to take her job as “assistant stage manager” very seriously, as an excuse to boss people around.) Abi slowly backs toward her cabin to try and sort out great emotions. She wants to be happy, she finally got the lead role, but there’s so many emotions battling each other everything just feels so loud.

Christine rushes to follow her and help her but she’ her path is cut off by Rich. He can’t just sit around anymore, this is all too complicated he needs to know how she feels. Christine grabs his hand and stops him. “Don’t! Nothing good will come from it, just give her space.”

Rich gives her a look and shakes her hands off. Michael walks over standing in front of him “Dude, leave her alone.” Rich glares at him.

“This is none of your business man. So chill. She’s not your girlfriend.” Rich snaps.

Michael is shocked, not expecting the jab, and while his face remains shocked his fists clenched ever so slightly. Rich knows that if Michael had been a confrontational person he’d have paid for that comment. But Michael was a sweet guy and the way Rich saw it it was deserved. He had no right to have any say in his relationship with Abi.

The two held eye contact for what felt like a century to their helpless onlooking friends. It was as if they were having an entire conversation through their eyes. Reading every thought in each others heads. Eventually, just as Jake and Jeremy were about to drag them away from each other, tired of the tension, Michael steps aside, much to the shock of everyone there, especially Rich.

Christine gives Michael a dirty look, her only concern being her best friend not Rich. But Michael ignores it. His empathy got the better of him. He could see the sight bit of hurt in Rich, it had been buried under the frusteration at first but as Michael looked he could see the pain he was trying to hide.

The more he examined him as he walked over to where Abi had fled the more he almost pitied him. Even after what he put her through, he didn’t exactly have an easy year either. He deserved at the very least to know where he stands, he’d regret it if he didn’t get a chance to speak his mind. Michael knew that much. How it would turn out though was up to Abi.

( @LavaLampArtist @Fightpainwithmorepainfreezeyourbrain13 )

“Jessie’s got himself a girl and I wanna make her mine.” ~ Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield

It had been a few weeks since the party, school was out and Mr. Reyes’ theater camp was in. Christine was thrilled, Abigail was… well? She loved theater, but this was Mr. Reyes, she wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest. She took Michael’s advice and stopped pushing Rich away. When he wanted to sit with the squad at lunch of joined them for a group activity after school she didn’t glare at him or make him leave like he thought she would. She simply kept to herself, distracting herself with her two best friends and the rest of the group. She had grown quite fond of Brooke and Jeremy in the past few weeks and pretty soon, she almost didn’t notice Rich when he joined the group for things.

He wasn’t quite sure how to feel about this. After all, he was happy that she wasn’t as offended by his prescence anymore but he had to admit he missed her. Every once in a while he’d cast longing glances her way that everyone noticed but the girl herself. He wanted to reach out again, but he was afraid she’d snap if he did. So he stayed silent and tried to occupy himself with the rest of the group as she did, and for the most part the rest of them were able to distract him.

As soon as theater camp came though it put a test to that. The group all drove together, Jeremy, Christine, Michael, Abigail and Rich in one car (Michael’s iconic PT Cruiser that everyone has come to love), and Jake, Chloe, Jenna and Brooke all rode in Jake’s truck behind.

Rich had wanted to join the second group but there were only two seats up front, and Chloe had quickly claimed it, insisting on being the passenger princess. Rich quickly claimed he could ride in the back with Jenna and Brooke, however it was a pick up and there were no seatbelts, and they were afraid he’d blow away. This idea was so funny to Abigail that, while gasping for air from laughing so hard, she told him he could ride with them. Utterly embarrassed at being made fun of yet again for his height, yet not about to offend the girl who finally seemed to be able to acknowledge his existence, he begrudgingly agreed.

Then came seating arrangements. The theater camp was only about half an hour out of town, however this proved to be more difficult than expected. Abigail and Christine weren’t trusted to drive as they were both notorious for getting so into the music that they forgot to actually drive. Michael did NOT want to sit next to Rich (his comment in the hospital still made him uncomfortable. But with how energetic Christine was there was no way she could get stuffed in the middle of the backseat. Michael then suggested Rich sit in the middle but Christine quickly protested not wanting to be seperated from Jeremy. In the end they ended up with Jeremy driving, Christine in the front, with Rich on the left in the back, Abigail in the middle, and Michael on the right.

It was an uncomfortable situation to say the least, but if it meant everyone else being happy Abi was willing to deal, deciding she’d be able to focus on the music and ignore the boy on her left. It didn’t help that the first song that came on was I’d rather be me. Instantly Abigail burst into song, as she did with every musical song, casting a quick glance at Rich at the opening line “So your best friend screwed you over” He realized as the song went along what the glance met and he shifted uncomfortably at the way she sang it. She didn’t seem mad at the moment but he was still nervous it would be triggered at any second.

The real uncomfortableness didn’t kick in however until the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen came on. Both her and Rich froze. Michael instantly noticed the girl stiffen next to him and gave her a curious look. She just gave him an uncomfortable look, unsure how to explain why a song from a classic musical could insight such a reaction from them. He simply took her hand and squeezed it, the comfort instantly causing her to relax. Rich once again noticed the action and sighed and looked out the window, stealing glances at the two’s hands every once in a while.

The next song however instantly changes everyone but the smallest’s demeanor, as Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield starts blasting in the car. Michael and Jeremy share a smile while the two girls cheer and quickly the entire car is filled with loud singing. Rich wants to join but he can’t help but be taken aback by how much he related to the song. While the rest of them were jokingly nudging each other and making faces at the lyrics that were funny to them he was mournfully going over each line.

I’ll play along with the cherade

There doesn’t seem to be a reason to change

You know I feel so dirty when they start talkin’ cute

I wanna tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot

Cuz she’s watchin’ him with those eyes

And she’s lovin’ him with that body I just know it

And he’s holdin’ her in his arms late late at night

You know I wish that I had Jessie’s girl

I wish that I had Jessie’s girl

Where can I find a woman like that?

He could feel it intensifying as the two next to him sang it gleefully, their comfortableness with each other and not caring how close they were sitting to each other and singing it in each others faces. He could feel the chemistry radiating off of them, something that they had once had.

When they arrived at the campgrounds Rich was the first to leave the car, tired of watching as the rest of them, especially Abigail and Michael, enjoying each others company while he felt so left out, making a beeline for Jake’s truck that had been following right behind them.

When they hopped out Abigail quickly hopped on Michael’s back jokingly. He let out a yelp of surprise before catching her and adjusting her so she was sitting comfortably on his back and continued carrying her piggyback around the parking lot. Christine and Jeremy couldn’t help but share a small smile after glancing at the two.

“Where to?” Michael asks pausing by the group not bothering to put the girl down.

Jeremy fidgets with the pamphlet but not before Mr. Reyes comes strolling out in the most outrageous shakespearean looking outfit possible, strutting down the gravel parking lot. “My pupils! Welcome!”

They all stare at the man. “Mr. Reyes?” Jeremy asks staring at him like he’s an insane person.

He’s speaking in a sad British accent trying and failing to sound sophisticated. “Why yes, my dear class, you see before you is our magnificant theater camp!”

They all stare at the camp and their faces fall. “It’s… a rest stop.” Abi says staring at the fly ridden building.

“Correction: It WAS a rest stop. Now it is Christopher Reyes’s fantabulous theater organization for budding actors…. Such as myself.” Mr. Reyes says with a sweeping arm motion.

They blink at him. “Uh… okay?” Michael says still holding his friend on his back.

Chloe speaks up an utterly disgusted look on her face. “Excuse me? Are those… Cabins?”

Mr. Reyes “Yes, temporary rooming situations until our sponsors get back to us for our suites.”

Abi leans down and whispers in Michaels ear “Basically, he’s broke and that’s all he could afford.” He chuckles quietly.

Chloe shakes her head “No… that’s not gonna work for me. I’m gonna need a suite. With running water. And a vanity and-.”

Jake laughs “Come on Chlo, this is camp what did you expect?”

Rich cackles “Yeah, were you hoping for the princess academy?”

The others chuckle quietly while Chloe huffs in offense. Mr. Reyes clears his throat. “Perhaps you should all grab your bags and get settled. I assume you all can read?” The students nod in confusion. “Alright, then you can direct yourselves to your respective cabins.”

And with that he leaves to go munch on his precious hot pocket. They grab their bags and head to their cabins, which are bug and mosquito infested, and only have four bunks each, leaving two of the girls to have to share (Christine and Abigail volunteered as tribute). Chloe never stopped complaining, and when she saw that the bathrooms had no running water she shrieked so loud that the birds and bugs ran for cover.

This is gonna be fun.