Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Do... you guys wanna go out tonight?” Greg held his breath. They hadn’t gone “out” in three years. They hadn’t even hung out in months. Three years ago, Greg would never have hesitated to call his friends. But now…

Connor responded, awkwardness evident in his voice, “Uh sure, I guess we can hang out. Been a while since we’ve actually done something huh? The arcade’s open-”

“No… not the arcade.” Greg sighed. “The mall? I need another jersey anyways,” Connor suggested. “No… not the mall either.” Greg winced. Amaya raised an eyebrow, “Then where do-”

“Out, into the night? Y’know… like we used to…” Greg bit his lip. “I’ll be right over.” Connor grabbed his backpack, quickly stuffing his pajamas into it. “Great! Meet at my house?” Greg giddily chanted. Amaya hesitated, looking back at her closet, “I don’t know Greg, it’s been a couple months. Can we do this tomorrow?”

“It’s been a couple years Amaya. Please…” Greg pleaded. “Fine… I’ll see if I can find my pajamas.” Amaya sighed, hanging up from the phone call.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

Ding dong~

Greg sprinted up from the couch, turning off the TV. That was fast, he thought, opening the door. “Hey Greg, what’s up?” Connor grinned, walking in. “Connor! Hey!” Greg gave the other teen a hug. “Gonna invite me in, or am I just gonna change out here?” Connor joked. “Haha very funny, come on in! I ordered some pizza,” Greg said, leading Connor into the living room.

“Thanks, read for tonight?” Connor set his backpack down next to the couch. “Not sure honestly, it’s been a while since we’ve seen everyone… Pajamas still fit you?” Greg grabbed a slice of cheese pizza.

“Always have, always will.” Connor leaned back on the couch.  “It’s weird how they grow with us isn’t it?” Greg said, chewing on his pizza. “They are magic pajamas Greg.” Connor chuckled, grabbing a pepperoni slice. “Fair enough,” Greg giggled, checking his phone. “Is Amaya coming?” Connor asked, rummaging through his backpack. “Uh… I don’t know. I’ve tried calling her but… she hasn’t answered.” Greg sighed, putting his phone in his pocket.

“Huh weird. Imma go change, we’ll see if she shows up. Where’s the bathroom?” Connor said, getting up.  “Second door on the left,” Greg pointed to the hallway. “Thanks,” Connor grabbed his backpack, heading to the hallway. “Yeah, no problem…” Greg sighed, heading to his room to change.

It took a while, but Greg eventually managed to find his pajamas neatly tucked at the bottom of one of his drawers. Putting them on, he felt a twinge of sadness. He missed the days when he and his friends would just run around stopping villains… Despite the numerous close calls, they were some of the best nights of his life. How Greg wished he could go back to those days…

“Hey… Greg? You’ve been in there a while, you ready?” Connor asked, knocking on the door. “Yeah… I’m ready…” Greg answered, stepping out of his bedroom. “Has Amaya… texted back?” Greg inquired as they walked back to the living room.  “No…” Connor admitted.

“It’s… been an hour… She might not be…” Connor put his hand on Greg’s shoulder. “I know…” Greg murmured. “We can wait a bit more…” Connor suggested. “It’s getting late… it’s fine, let's just go.” Greg bit his lip.

“PJ Masks… we’re on our way…” Connor gave Greg a lopsided smile. “Into the night, to save… the day…” Greg finished, and gave Connor a nod.

“Let's do this.”

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

“Huh, it’s… peaceful?” Catboy remarked, stepping into the park. “Weird…” Gekko admitted, touching the trees.  “Oh my gosh… HQ!” Greg gasped, racing toward the totem. “What’s wrong!?” Catboy began running, only to realize he completely overshot, almost falling into the moat. “AH!” Catboy yelped, before clumsily running towards Gekko. “Nothing’s wrong… I just… missed this place,” Gekko sighed.

“Still getting used to your powers again?” Gekko asked. “Yeah, I ran too far ahead, I might need to pace myself.” Catboy rubbed his chin. “Woah,” Gekko said, looking back at Catboy. “What?” The other hero asked, slightly concerned. “You never would have said that two years ago.” Gekko laughed. “Yeah yeah, people change Gekko,” Catboy huffed. “Yeah, I know…” Gekko bitterly laughed. That’s what I’m scared of…

“Still… it’s awfully quiet tonight…” Catboy remarked. “Maybe everyone… did what we did? Maybe they’re all at home and not going out anymore?” Gekko cocked his head. “I don’t know, Ivan’s told me a couple times that he was still going out as Ice Cub, Newton mentioned it once too. Plus, I don’t think most of the villains even have a home to go back to…” Catboy perked his ears up.

“Yeah…” Gekko looked down at his feet. “Octobella might be in the moat-” Catboy winced. “No. We can go somewhere else, with less sea witches. How about the museum?” Gekko suggested. “Yeah everyone usually hangs around there, well steals around there,” Catboy corrected himself.

“Then to the museum!”

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

“Okay no we’re definitely gonna get jumped.” Catboy only half-joked looking at the museum. The town was still… lifeless. The two teens had yet to see a single soul out that night. It felt… weird. Especially since the last time they were out there at night, there had been dozens of kids.

“Calm down, we’re probably not gonna get jumped. But… just in case-” Gekko brought out his shields. “So… you wanna go in first?” Catboy ever so “graciously” offered.  “Gee thanks Catboy.” Gekko jokingly rolled his eyes. “I’ll be your uh- cool backup.” Catboy said, doing some finger guns. “The kind of backup that always gets distracted? Or the focused type of backup?” Gekko raised an eyebrow.

“...I can’t guarantee that.” Catboy shrugged. “At least you’re not running in recklessly this time.” Gekko smiled.  “That was ONE time!” Catboy lied, crossing his arms. “One time every minute!” Gekko retorted, putting his hands on his hips. “Time… is relative?” Catboy tried. “That’s the only thing you learned in science, isn't it.” Gekko giggled.

“Uh… I learned that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell?” Catboy said, sitting down on the museum steps. “Science was always…” Gekko whispered, sitting next to Catboy. “Amaya’s thing…” Catboy sighed. “Yeah… I miss her…” Gekko murmured. “I know but… she’s been busy, you know how her parents are. Always pressuring her. It’s better that we don’t stress her out even more.” Catboy rubbed the back of his head. Greg sighed, “Yeah I gue-”

“Gekko…” Catboy’s ears perked up, a worried look now donning Catboy’s face. “What? What’s wr-” Gekko stopped, seeing Catboy give him a grim look.

“We’re not here alone…”

Chapter Text

“Wait what-” Gekko barely had time to respond before the creature had attacked. “CATBOY!!!” Gekko yelled as the creature pounced on his friend, knocking Catboy to the ground. “HEY!” Catboy… growled? Huh weird, he had never done that before. But they had more uh- pressing matters at hand. “Get off!” Gekko tried wrestling the creature off Catboy but to no avail. “Use your super strength Gekko!” Catboy screeched, wrestling the creature. “Oh yeah!” Gekko took a deep breath. Please work. Please work. Please work. “Here we go!” Gekko grabbed the creature by the wrists and… accidentally flung it into a tree-

“WOAH?!” Catboy watched as the creature landed on a tree branch, clearly disorientated. “Stay back!” Gekko brought out his shields. “Ow…” The creature mumbled, holding their head. The duo could finally get a good look at them. The creature had yellow and black fur, a tail, ears, and wait. “It’s a… cat?” Gekko cocked his head. “...Bastet?” Catboy looked into the creature’s slitted eyes. It was Bastet. Well a very angry Bastet. “I–It’s us! Catboy and Gekko! Your friends!” Catboy yelled, hoping Bastet realized they meant no harm.  Bastet’s eyes widened, before her pupils returned to normal, “You…”

“Bastet, I swear by the wrath of Ra, that if you got into another fight without me- ” Pharaoh Boy froze, processing the scene before him. “Why are you two mortals on the floor, and why are you in a tree-”

“Pharaoh Boy probably cursed her!” Catboy pointed an accusing finger at the pharaoh. He too looked different, purple and gold scales adorned him, along with sharp fangs, and his tongue was now forked… almost like a snake… “I prefer Apophis now. And no I did not curse her. Her cat-like instincts resurfaced, I am not to blame for that. It is not my fault your attire is so… shiny. And that you decided to intrude in her territory, sun cats are incredibly territorial. I am surprised you both are unscathed,” Apophis huffed. “Oh-” Gekko looked down at the insignia on his suit. It really was shiny, glowing a beautiful jade color. Cats like shiny stuff- Gekko awkwardly laughed, “Oh. Yeah… well uh- that’s one friend found I guess-” 

“Hmph!” Bastet summoned her sun disk, teleporting to Apophis’ side.  “Woah you’re an actual cat now.” Gekko gasped, still on the floor. “Sun cat. Besides, I was always a cat.” Bastet licked her arm.  Catboy sat up, “What but when we last saw you, you-”

“When I was unsure whether you would be accepting of creatures unlike yourselves. The last thing I needed were more enemies so I created an elaborate disguise for myself.” Bastet proudly exclaimed.

“You used pajamas to disguise yourself. They were not even magic.” Apophis rolled his eyes. “They worked, did they not? Of course back then I only had cat ears and a bit of fur but now- ” Bastet gestured to her tail and fur. “Point taken.” Catboy grinned. He was becoming increasingly more grateful by the minute that he didn’t have any fur on him… Right? Lucky him he supposed.

“Oh and the pajamas were fairly uncomfortable, I do not know how you three managed to wear them all the time.” Bastet scratched the back of her ears, leaning comfortably on Apophis’ shoulder. “So are you guys… friends now?” Catboy smirked. A couple years ago, the two would have absolutely pummeled each other in a fight if they were this close. But here they were leaning on each other like they had been on good terms their whole lives?

“...A bit more than friends .” Apophis admitted. Catboy’s eyes widened, “Wait are you two-”

“Best friends?!” Gekko squealed, eyes wide with excitement.

“...”

“No Gekko, not best friends.” Apophis rubbed his temples. Woah he didn’t call me a crocodile for once. Maybe people really do change- Gekko cocked his head, “So-”

“We are… together.” Bastet held Apophis’ hand. “Yeah I see that, you’re standing right next to each other silly.” Gekko giggled. “Gekko they’re dating.” Catboy said, deadpan. “Oh. OH!” Gekko scrambled to get up. “Uh congrats guys,” Catboy rubbed the back of his head, “Sorry… it’s just been a while since we’ve hung out… It's been a while since we’ve hung out with everyone actually.” Gekko grinned, “Which is why we’re gonna go find them! …As soon as someone tells us where everyone is-”

“Three years.” Bastet said.

“Huh?” Gekko raised an eyebrow.

“It has been three years since you have all stopped speaking to us and yet here you are. Thinking all you had to do was come back and everything would be the same again. All three of you did not even bother to show up.” Bastet growled, biting her lip. “Oh…” Catboy winced. “Bastet… I’m… I-I’m sorry. I know that might not be much and it certainly won’t make up for what we did but we at the very least owe you an apology.” Gekko fidgeted with his thumbs. “...I don’t know if we’re ever going to be able to make it up to you but… really, we’re sorry. We… just want to find our friends again and… we really need your help…” Catboy followed, looking down at his feet. “If you really were sorry, you would have come back sooner.” Bastet bitterly replied, Apophis giving her a side hug.

“...”

“It… is going to take some time for me to be able to forgive you. I am not even sure if I can forgive you.” Bastet scratched her arm.

“Yeah… we know…”

“But while I do not forgive you, I still want to reunite with my old friends again…” Bastet’s tail eagerly swung side to side at the thought of her friends, “Let me be clear. I am not doing this for you. I am doing this for my friends. I will aid you in the quest to find our friends tomorrow night.”

Gekko cheered, “YAY-”

“BUT-” Bastet held up her pointer finger. “Oh no.” Catboy groaned. “All three of you have to join us tomorrow, not just the two of you. Owlette must be present. If not, I will not join you. Deal?” Bastet crossed her arms, looking down from the museum stairs. “...Deal.” Catboy affirmed. “Good. Now we must take our leave. Apophis and I are going out tonight. Please do not bother us.” Bastet looked at Apophis who was holding his purse. “Ready?” Bastet gave a sly grin. “Yes, did you want to go… what is it called again?” Apophis asked. “Racing! Carly and Cartoka said they would be willing to race us.” Bastet grinned, grabbing Apophis’ hand. “Very well then,” Apophis grasped his staff and held Bastet by the waist. “Hold on!” Apophis used his staff to conjure up a spell in a flash of purple smoke, the couple was gone.

“Woah!” Gekko exclaimed, astonished by the image of magic after so many years. “Wait did they say Carly and Cartoka?” Catboy yelped, turning to Gekko. “Well at least we know they’re still hanging around.” Gekko kicked a small rock into the bushes. “How are we gonna get Amaya to y’know actually be Owlette tomorrow?” Gekko sighed, sitting down on the museum steps. “Tomorrow's problem I guess, we’ll see her at school.” Catboy sat down next to the other teen. “But she doesn’t even talk to us anymore…” Gekko sighed.

“We didn’t talk for months either and- since when do you blink like that?” Catboy paused, watching Gekko’s left eye slowly close before the right one. “Huh? Like what?” Gekko yawned. “Like the lizard blink! You’re doing it again!” Catboy pointed to Gekko’s eye. “I don’t know, maybe my body isn’t used to the lack of sleep again or something?” Gekko reasoned. “Maybe…” Catboy leaned back on the museum stairs.

“Wanna go on the streets? We haven’t been near the apartments in a while.” Gekko remembered the times they all used to spend racing on the streets as friends. “Oh yeah cuz the next thing I want is to be run over by a car that’s probably worth more than me.” Catboy joked. “That… was oddly specific but okay. Doesn’t matter anyway, no cars are out this late.” Gekko mused, leading the way to the streets.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

“No cArS ArE oUT ThIS lAtE! My a-” Catboy hissed, rolling his eyes. “In my defense, that was clearly the Wolf Wheels that hit you. And it’s alive so maybe not a car-” Gekko retorted. “When I find those Wolfy Kids I’m gonna-” Catboy ridiculously punched the air. “Maybe hug ‘em first, we haven't seen them in three years.” Gekko gave a solemn smile. Wow. The PJ Masks really had missed a lot. They had only seen a couple people but already there were so many… changes.

“Shush. Who’s that?” Catboy’s ears once again perked up, slowly turning around at the sound of someone breathing above them.

“Hey guys.” A teenage girl smugly grinned, sitting on top of a black hoverboard thing? The board was floating a couple feet over Catboy and Gekko, enough that the teen girl’s shadow loomed over them. The teen gave a toothy grin, her short silver hair shining in the moonlight. Her ears were pointy and she had a… tail? She was wearing a black leather jacket and baggy black pants. A silver crescent moon necklace hung on her neck, but it was missing the other piece… She looked kinda like…

“Luna?” The duo said in unison, finally recognizing the girl. “That’s my name, don't wear it out,” Luna jumped off her board and grabbed her Luna Magnet off the floor. Catboy waved his hands in front of him, “LUNA WAIT PLEASE DON’T-”

“What the hell? I’m not gonna hurt you, I just dropped my magnet.  Still the same old weirdos huh? Anyways, welcome back I guess. See you two later,” Luna hopped on her Luna Board making it a couple feet off the ground before turning around, “Cool outfit upgrades by the way, not as cool as mine but hey, at least you don’t look bald anymore.”

Luna smirked, “Tell Owlette she should show up for once, not like I miss her or anything. Man, I really should have given her my number… Wait.” Luna got out of a piece of paper and a pencil, scribbled a string of numbers before neatly folding the paper, and handed the paper to Catboy. Catboy awkwardly held the piece of paper, “Uh Luna I’m uh flattered but I’m uh g-”

“It’s not for you idiot, it’s for Owlette, give it to her for me next time you see her.” Luna instructed before flying off. “Welcome back losers. I missed you guys…” Luna whispered softly to herself.

“...”

“What just happened?!” Gekko turned to Catboy who shrugged. “I mean our outfits are kinda cooler now- And I can actually see my beautiful hair now,” Catboy ran his hand through his hair.

“...”

“Not the time?”

“Not the time.”

“Fine.” Catboy huffed, scratching his arm. “Ouch!” Catboy looked down to see a scratch on his left arm. “Huh I need to cut my nails when I get home. They are way too sharp.” Catboy chuckled. I could have sworn I cut them recently… Meh.  

“And since when does she have a tail?!” Gekko said, continuing his rant.  “Woah we’re matching now!” Catboy pumped his fist. “Did everyone go through animal puberty or something while we were gone?!” Gekko huffed exasperatedly. “Do you think I know!?” Catboy threw his hands up in the air.

What if everyone’s… changed… Gekko crossed his arms. We left for three years, what did I expect? Of course everyone’s gonna be a little bit different now… But… Am I ready for everything to be so… different?

“Hehe she asked about Owlette-” Catboy said slyly, ending the silence. “Yeah maybe if she was actually here- she would miss her too.” Gekko mumbled, crossing his arms. Catboy sighed, “Yeah I know… We’ll talk to her tomorrow. Don’t worry, we’ll be able to conv-”

CRASH

The duo was silent in an instant. “Catboy, what was that!?” Gekko whispered. “SHHH maybe it’s someone we know? We’ll approach the alleyway, you take the left, I’ll take the right. On the count of three we jump out and tackle whatever’s over there.” Catboy remarked proudly of his plan.

“OR- hear me out, hear me out. We run-” Gekko gestured to the other side of the street. “Too late!” Catboy ran towards the right side of the alleyway.  “How haven’t we been murdered yet?” Gekko had no choice but to begrudgingly take the left side. “Ready?” Catboy whispered. “Ready…” Gekko nervously nodded. Catboy gave a sly grin:

“Three.”

“Actually maybe this was a bad idea-”

“Two.”

“NONONO WAIT!!! Catboy don’t you dare!”

“One!”

Catboy laughed and rushed into the alleyway with Gekko reluctantly trailing behind. 

Oh we’re so dead.

Chapter Text

“I got you now! Uh- villain!” Catboy awkwardly attempted a hero stance, trying to look intimidating in front of the red figure. “Or uh- friend!” Gekko stumbled. He did not want a repeat of what happened with Bastet.

“Hey!” The red figure stood up, turning away from the wall to face the duo. Her red super suit, with an owl insignia shining in the moonlight glowing bright. “Woah Am- Owlette! You… came?” Gekko smiled, giving her a hug. “Yeah… Sorry I’m late. Something… came up.” Owlette sighed.

“Why didn’t you answer our calls- oh.” Catboy faltered as Owlette held up her shattered phone. “I came out early tonight, I wanted to try flying again since it’s… been a while. I had a few successful landings,” Owlette looked at her phone, “And some less than successful landings.”

“Like crashing into an alleyway-” Catboy teased. “You got hit by a car.” Owlette replied, deadpan. “...The Wolf Wheels isn’t a car-” Catboy grinned mischievously. “That’s not what you were arguing fifteen minutes ago.” Gekko retorted. Catboy crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out. “What are you six?” Gekko smiled, giving Catboy a playful punch on the arm. “Says the youngest.” Catboy shot back.

“...I’ve missed this.” Owlette sighed, giving a wishful smile. “Yeah… it’s been a while.” Gekko leaned back on the alleyway wall.

“Same…” Catboy said wishfully. “Now let's get out of this alleyway before we get jumped again!” Catboy cheerily suggested, leading the group out of the alleyway. “Again?” Owlette raised an eyebrow. “It’s been a long night.” Gekko sighed, scratching the back of his head. “Tell me about it, I looked around for hours but I couldn’t find anyone no matter where I looked.” Owlette recalled checking everywhere. The park, the museum, even all the alleyways! But everywhere was eerily quiet.

“I kinda wish we didn’t run into anybody. We… didn’t exactly get a warm welcome.” Catboy winced. “What do you mean?” Owlette asked, sitting down on the steps of an apartment building. “It’s complicated. But it’s also kinda our fault…” Gekko bit his lip. “They’re mad aren’t they.” Owlette mumbled.

“Yeah…” Gekko whispered.

“I kinda figured… I get it, I’d feel pissed too if the same thing happened. I mean we haven’t talked to them in years…” Owlette said, scratching her arm. “Speaking of people who we haven’t talked to in years…” Catboy mumbled, turning to the others.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...So- uh- How’s school going-” Owlette awkwardly asked. “Meh.” Catboy shrugged. “Good I guess…” Gekko scratched the back of his head.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“OH COME ON WE WERE GREAT AT THIS FIVE MINUTES AGO!?” Gekko groaned, breaking the awkward silence. “I mean, five minutes ago I crash landed and before that Catboy got hit by a car.” Owlette gestured back to the road. “Stupid Wolf Wheels…” Catboy grumbled, crossing his arms. “Like remember that one time you almost got hit by a school bus?” Greg snickered recalling how pissed Catboy had been for the rest of that night.

“ One time? I remember all the EIGHT times.” Catboy huffed, narrowing his eyes. “It’s a good thing cats got nine lives then huh?” Owlette teased, perching on the apartment steps. “Haha Catboy got hit by multiple cars, that's so hilarious-” Catboy laughed sarcastically. “I mean the amount of ice you needed was kinda funny-” Greg held in a laugh.

“...I am going to-” Catboy stopped, watching Owlette stare into the distant clock tower. “Darn it.” Owlette grumbled, getting off the stairs. “What’s up?” Gekko inquired. “Sorry guys, I’ve gotta get home. It’s getting pretty late. My parents would freak if they found out I stayed up this late on a school night. I’m gonna head home. See you guys tomorrow.” Owlette sighed, spreading her cape, and taking off into the night sky. 

“You know if I were her parents, I’d be more concerned with the fact my kid snuck out of the house in the middle of the night than staying up late-” Gekko looked up at the rosy sky. “ Or- the fact that said kid was a nighttime vigilante.” Catboy shrugged, leaning on an apartment wall. “Yeah, or- the fact that said kid has been said nighttime vigilante since she was in kindergarten-” Gekko snapped his fingers. “ Or- the fact that the sun's going up right now-” Catboy pointed back to the sun that was slowly peeking out of the horizon. Gekko rubbed his chin, “ Or- WAIT WHAT?!”

“Yeah we should probably be heading back too.” Catboy yawned. 

“Race you home?” Gekko stretched his legs.

“...What? That would be irrespon- THREE TWO ONE GO-” Catboy laughed, racing into the street.

“WHAT NO FAIR-” Greg yelped before running after the other teen.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

“Ugh…” Greg groaned, slapping his alarm clock. He hadn’t slept all night. Mostly because the group had stayed up until four in the morning for the first time in years. But also because it had been unbearingly cold when he got back home. No matter how many blankets Greg grabbed, he was still cold. It eventually got so bad that he had to go grab multiple heaters so he could fall asleep. Even worse was the itchiness. The moment he laid down, it felt like his body was on fire. No matter how much he scratched his arms, his legs, it just kept on going. He woke up groggy, but at least he was feeling better than yesterday.

He was probably sick now that he thought of it, but it was Friday and school ended early anyways. All Greg would have to do was make it through the short school day. Easy. So the teen took the warmest sweater he could find, along with some itch relief cream, and got ready for school.

Bidding goodbye to Lionel, Greg grabbed his backpack and stepped out of the house. Thank goodness it was sunny, he didn’t know how he would have handled a cold morning. It was a quiet walk to the high school, not many kids walked to school anyways so it was… peaceful. Until he got to the school-

“Hey Greg-”

Oh no.

Cameron jogged up to Greg, putting an arm around his shoulder. “Uh hey man what’s up?” Greg awkwardly greeted. “Nothing much, just wondering if you’ve seen Connor?” Cameron asked, shoving his phone in his pocket. “Uh… why?” Greg casually nudged Cameron’s arm off his shoulder.

“He didn’t show up for football practice this morning, no call no nothing. He left me to carry our practice team by the way! Coach asked me to check in but I uh- don’t know the guy that well.” Cameron sheepishly admitted, rubbing the back of his head.

Really? You guys hang out more often every day than I’ve hung out with him in three years. “Oh uh… I saw him last night, he seemed fine. Maybe he got sick or something? I can check up on him after school if you want?” Greg offered, fidgeting with his backpack’s straps. “Yeah, thanks man, you’re a lifesaver!” Cameron ran off, rejoining his friend group. 

“Yeah… no problem,” Greg murmured, walking into the school building. The school corridors were… loud, to put it simply. Teens were slamming lockers closed, dropping their stuff, and practically screaming at each other. Greg made his way over to his locker, hands in pockets, hoping to keep warm. “Excuse me, sorry!” Greg turned around, seeing a teen wheeling over towards the locker bay.

It was Ivan, Greg recognized the other teen in a graphic tee and a pair of black pants. He was still wearing a beanie, well it was now blue and white with polar bear ears on it. Greg hadn’t been seeing the other teen as often, yet he couldn’t even remember the last time he had seen Ivan without the beanie. Greg smiled, “Hey Ivan! Need some help?”

“Yeah umm… could you help me with my umm locker ? It’s outside,” Ivan nudged, looking back between the door and Greg. “Oh! Uh… sure-” Greg made his way over to the door, holding it open for Ivan.

“Uh sure…?” Greg responded confused. “So uh- what’s wrong with your locker?” Greg turned to Ivan. Ivan gestured for Greg to come closer, “This… isn’t about my locker… umm… I heard you went out last night…” Ivan whispered in Greg’s ear.

“...Who told you-” Greg murmured, raising an eyebrow. The PJs hadn’t actually seen Ivan- well Ice Cub last night, so how could he have known? Ivan chuckled, “Cartoka. Well technically it was Bastet who told Carly who told Cartoka who told me. The other nighttime teens also heard and some of them kinda… freaked. Gossip travels really fast with them-”

Greg cocked is head, “You know each other?” Of course they've met it’s been THREE YEARS! Everyone’s been talking to each other, of course Ivan would meet the others! Greg mentally slapped himself.

“Yeah uh… we’ve been hanging out. So umm… have there been any uh changes since last night…” Ivan fidgeted with his thumbs. “What-” Greg said, confused. “Y’know umm…” Ivan scratched the back of his head. Greg’s eyes widened, “Wait is this a puberty talk-”  

Ivan's eyes widened, “NO NO NO NO N O- Uh I-I’m just wondering if anything's been different since you’ve used your powers last night…”

“Uh… I’m taller?” Greg grinned. “We both know that’s not true.” Ivan half- joked. “HEY!” Greg crossed his arms playfully. “Hehe, sorry I just mean… when me and Newton went out during the night as teens it only took a couple days for some… changes to happen…” Ivan bit his lip. Greg raised an eyebrow, “...What changes?”

“Like…” Ivan played with his beanie’s fake ears.  Greg furrowed his eyebrows, “You… got a new beanie?”  Ivan paused blinking, “Greg, I’ve got polar bear ears-”

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

“SHOOT THE FIRST BELL!!! Sorry Ivan I gotta go, my homeroom is on the third floor. I’ll talk to you later!!!” Greg ran off, holding his backpack by the straps. “Uhhhh okay bye!” Ivan waved, before turning around.

“You know you kinda look really ominous just standing there right?” Ivan said, giving a playful sigh. “You didn’t tell him, did you.” A voice came from the second floor balcony. 

“Hi Newton…” Ivan quietly greeted. 

“Hey Ivan…” Newton adjusted his glasses, leaning on the balcony railing.

“Can you hear anyone near us?” Newton asked, gazing down and looking around the courtyard. “No. Everyone’s heading to homeroom. It’s safe for you to come down, maybe take the stairs-” Ivan didn’t even get to finish his sentence before Newton descended down to the first floor, floating down. “Or that- ” Ivan watched as Newton landed softly on the grass. “What?” Newton said, noticing Ivan wincing.

“Newton, you were flying again… What if someone sees you?” Ivan whispered nervously. The last thing everyone wanted was for the existence of magic not to mention magical creatures to be revealed. The citizens of Tarabiscoville weren’t by any means the most… observant people but Ivan would be willing to bet that seeing a teen fly off a balcony would probably be a pretty open and shut case. Knowing some adults, they would most likely shut down everything if they found out.

“Sorry sorry, it’s just kinda instinctual, I don’t really notice I’m flying until someone actually points it out-” Newton scratched his arm anxiously. “It’s okay, we just gotta be careful. I’m gonna head to homeroom, talk during lunch?” Ivan smiled, carefully placing his backpack on the back of his wheelchair.

“Oh uh… sure, I’ll be at the uh… library.” Newton awkwardly answered, before waving back to Ivan and making his way to the school building.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

“Chapter 1.3 is due tonight and remember we’ve got a test Monday. Have a great weekend kids!” Mrs. Taylor smiled, dismissing the class for their next period.  Greg quickly put his math book and pencil case away. Lunch was next, fortunately. The day had been uneventful so far, well aside from the pop quiz he had gotten in biology, but he still had to talk to Ivan. 

Grabbing his backpack, Greg made his way into the crowded hallway. Okay! Pizza day today! All I gotta do is get to the cafeteria and- Greg’s thoughts were interrupted when he caught a glimpse of a certain teen trying to rush out of the building. “Connor?” Greg made his way through the sea of students, trying to catch up to the other teen. “Connor?” Greg called out again, looking around before spotting Connor, who… was not having a fun time.

Connor was outside, sitting on a bench in the corner of the courtyard. He was covering his ears, and Greg could tell he was trying hard not to hyperventilate. “Connor what’s wrong?” Greg asked, sitting next to his friend on the bench. “It’s… too loud…” Connor grimaced, tears forming in his eyes. “...W-What?” Greg stuttered, setting his backpack down on the ground. “I-I don’t know what changed b-but everything is making my head hurt...” Connor seethed, biting his lip.

“I couldn’t e-even go to practice, it felt like t-the whistle was bursting my eardrums…” Connor held his head. Greg worriedly rummaged through his backpack, “Connor, I-I can go get someone or maybe I have something that can help?!”

“Would… these help?” A voice asked, sheepishly holding out a pair of headphones. “Amaya?” Greg cocked his head, scratching his arm. Despite the fact the trio hadn’t hung out in three years, Amaya was the one Greg saw the least often. She was always in different classes, something about advanced courses or whatever.  “Yeah… here Connor, put them on. They’re noise canceling,” Amaya, placed the headphones in Connor’s hands. Connor took a deep breath, shakily putting the headphones on. In an instant everything was muffled for him, the world finally stopped screaming. No more yelling, ringing bells, or loud footsteps noticeable. “Thanks…” Connor whispered, leaning back on the bench.

“No problem…” Amaya smiled slightly, sitting on Connor’s other side. Greg let out a sigh of relief. “Came here just in time huh?” Amaya adjusted her glasses before dusting off her skirt. “Woah, nice skirt!” Greg complimented, looking at the new rosy pink fabric. It was really long, almost reaching the ground in fact. Looked fancy too, with all the embroidered flowers on the hems and a lot of satin ribbons. “Oh uh thanks. I’m uh… trying something new-” Amaya looked behind her long skirt. “Do you know anywhere I could get a couple like that? I only have short ones,” Greg said, zipping up his backpack.

“I know a couple stores that specialize in them. But, I got mine at TJ Maxx.” Amaya shrugged, taking out her phone. “Hehe.” Greg and Connor both stifled a laugh. “What?” Amaya raised an eyebrow. “It sounds like PJ Masks-” Greg whispered into her ear.

“...” Amaya rubbed her temples.

“Come on, that was funny-” Connor said, giving a toothy grin.

“Feeling better now?” Greg asked, scratching his leg. 

“Yeah… Uh thanks guys,” Connor rubbed the back of his head, trying to hand the headphones back to Amaya. “You can keep the headphones, really, I don’t need them.” Amaya insisted, waving them off. “Really? Thanks Amaya,” Connor smiled, laying back on the bench. 

“Yeah of course! No problem. I gotta go study for Calc, see you guys later?” Amaya stood up, grabbing her backpack. “Bye Amaya! See you tonight?” Greg smiled, hope in his eyes. “Yeah, tonight.” Amaya nodded, before waving goodbye to her friends and leaving to the cafeteria. “I umm… gotta go too, I was supposed to meet Ivan but uh… I’m a little late,” Greg checked the time on his phone.

“Yeah uh- see you tonight.” Connor watched as Greg waved goodbye to him.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

Ivannnnnnnn- Where are you?! Note to self, probably write down everyone’s contact info- Greg walked around the outside of the cafeteria. He had texted Ivan a while ago and apparently he was by the cafeteria but somehow Greg still couldn’t find him. Welp at least he had finally gotten his pizza-

“Greg! Over here!” A cheerful voice called out. Greg turned around, seeing Ivan and Newton sitting at one of the outside tables. Ivan eagerly waving while Newton was engrossed in some book with a red cover. Greg smiled, walking over to the wooden table. “Hey Ivan! Hey Newton!” Greg greeted, setting his backpack down on top of the table.

“Hey Greg,” Newton mumbled, adjusting his glasses. “Hi!” Ivan grinned, biting down on his hamburger. “Woah you are demolishing that burger!” Greg laughed, sitting down. “Oh! Uh… yeah, I’m uh-” Ivan froze, feeling his teeth. “He’s just hungry-” Newton quickly answered, closing his book.

“Yeah I feel ya, I haven’t eaten all day,” Greg chuckled, grabbing his pizza. “Wait really? Why?” Ivan asked, looking concerned. “Meh, felt kinda sick this morning, I kinda lost my appetite.” Greg slowly munched on his food. “Is that why you’re wearing a hoodie in 90 degree weather?” Newton raised an eyebrow. “Yup! And a couple heating pads on my back- I was really itchy too but I didn’t have a rash or anything so I kinda just brushed it off,” Greg shrugged.

“Oh no.” Ivan squeaked. “Oh no what?” Greg put his pizza slice down. “...Well, you know how I was talking about changes after uh…” Ivan fidgeted with his fingers. “Greg, could you go get me a snack? I just had P.E. so my legs kind of hurt.” Newton interrupted, handing Greg a couple dollars. “Oh, uh sure?” Greg awkwardly made his way over to the lunch line. Ivan turned to face Newton, “I thought you wanted me to tell him that-”

“We are in a building filled with approximately three HUNDRED students right now. What if someone overhears us?” Newton whispered in Ivan's ear. “We won’t have another chance to tell him. We can’t text him or call him because there’s no way to make sure his phone is secure. Plus, this is probably something that he’s gonna need emotional support for- We have to tell him in person. We won’t see him over the weekend so-” Ivan took another bite of his hamburger.

“What if we tell him tonight?” Newton snapped his fingers. “Huh?” Ivan cocked his head. “We'll tell Greg, Amaya, and Connor tonight about all those… changes, it’ll be nighttime and no one’s going to be around.” Newton rubbed his chin. “We can sit them all down and we’ll get the nighttime teens to talk to him about it. We’ll ease them into it instead of dropping it all at once! Genius!” Ivan raised his hand to give Newton a high five.

Newton awkwardly high fived Ivan just in time for Greg to wander back to the table. “Okay so I didn’t know what snack you wanted because you never specified so I got you pretzels-” Greg triumphantly held up the pretzels before handing them back to Newton.

“Thanks Greg.” Newton said, opening the pretzels.

“Yup no problem! So what did you want to talk about Ivan?” Greg turned to face Ivan.

“Don’t worry! It can wait!” Ivan smiled. We’ll talk about it tonight.

~~~✶❂☾❂✶~~~

Almost one, almost one. Greg eagerly tapped his feet on the floor, watching the ticking clock hanging on the wall.

This was it. In five minutes, school was out. And then all that was left to do was to wait. Finally, he was going to have two full nights to find his friends. And hopefully not get jumped-

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

“Final bell!” The students all rushed out of the classrooms, eager to get home. And Greg was obviously- no exception. Packing up his backpack, Greg waved goodbye to Teacher (or Mr. Taylor but he had been teaching them FOREVER so it was kinda hard to break that particular habit-) and walked out of the classroom. 

It was kinda colder now though. Greg sneezed feeling the lower temperature as he opened the door leading outside. He was probably gonna need a LOT of medicine if he was this sick. But hey, at least he was able to go home now. Greg smiled, walking on the sidewalk, Finally all I gotta do is rush home and probably make some hot chocolate and-

“Greg wait up!” 

“Huh?” Greg turned around, seeing Newton and Ivan approaching him.

“Greg we kinda- we need to talk to you, Connor, and Amaya. Soon, like really really probably this week at the most soon. Preferably tonight with the… others- ” Ivan scratched the fake ears on his beanie. “I’m uh actually going out tonight, I umm… got a date-” Newton interrupted, adjusting his glasses. “Ooh~ Who’s the lucky gal and or guy-” Greg teased.

“Lilyfay…” Newton blushed, scratching his arm. “AWWWWWWWWWWWWW-” Greg’s eyes lit up, giggling. “SHSHSHHHSHSH-” Newton yelped, flustered watching Ivan also giggle at the interaction. “Okay calm down you two.” Newton huffed. “Hehehe. Okay so Connor, Amaya, and I are gonna be busy for a while tonight. How about we meet up tonight at one?” Greg leaned in, whispering to the two teens.

Newton nodded, “Yeah that works.”

“Got it!” Ivan smiled, scratching his arms again. “Are you itchy? I got lotion if you want some.” Greg dug through his backpack. “No thanks, it’s okay,” Ivan claimed. “You sure? I went through THREE bottles last night; I got a lot-” Greg grabbed a baby blue bottle of lotion.

“THREE?!”

“Yeah I was really itchy for some reason. Probably because of the cold or something.” Greg rubbed the lotion on his arms. “Erm actually that’s-” Newton raised his pointer finger.

“Welp! See you guys tonight!” Greg cheerfully waved goodbye to his friends, walking down the sidewalk.

“...”

“...He’s screwed isn’t he?”

“Yeah- he’s not gonna… have the best time-”