~~This is a stand-alone chapter that does not follow the main story~~
It was a dark Halloween morning in the small town. A thick fog hung low to the ground the air was cool and crisp as the sun came across the horizon. *RUSTLE* The trees rustled slightly in the wind, dropping their red, orange, and brown colored leaved to the sidewalk below, *SQUAWK* as the noisy crows squawked loudly in the distance.
*CRUNCH* As Wren walked further down the street, the fallen leaves crunched under her feet. She was dressed casually, dark and fitted jeans, black boots, and a wide neck, grey, long sleeve shirt. She had earbuds in here ears, listening to her favorite band as she made her way to Naya's new apartment.
She bobbed her head lightly to the music causing her braids and bangs to sway lightly. *BARK BARK* Her eyes darted to the side as she heard the dog barking and her face lit up when she saw who it was, "Echo! Come 'ere my big ole puppy!" She crouched down and opened her arms to the floppy eared German Shepard who happily came running her way from across the street.
Once he was within arms distance, he leapt forward and collided with Wren, causing her to fall backwards onto the sidewalk. "Haha oh Echo! Has daddy been treating you good?" Echo was happily wiggling and wagging his tail as Wren scratched underneath his collar.
"Wren, don't just let him tackle you like that! He's almost fully grown now, he's not a lightweight pup anymore," Michael said in an exasperated tone as he made his way over to Wren and Echo. He was also dressed casually, with a black and grey 3/4 length (sleeve) shirt, simple silver studs in his ears, jeans, and tennis shoes. His normally messy hair was slicked back slightly, fully exposing his face.
Wren looked over at Michael when she was finally able to sit up, "Hmm, what's the occasion stud? You almost never style your hair, it looks good," she said with a wink as she extended her hand out for him to help her up. He looked away in embarrassment, "Naya told me to do it for the party later. Tell me why we agreed to let her pick our costumes this year?"
"Because she dubbed herself 'The Queen of Halloween' so because we are her best friends, we indulge her and make her happy," Wren said with a shrug, "Plus, this is going to be pretty tough for her. Mav dumped her to try and go after Eve." Michael looked over to Wren, "You mean the accounting major that looks like she could be a social media model?" Wren rolled her eyes and smirked, "Yes, that Eve. We are friends so I introduced them and they became fast friends, then Mav had to go and fu-"*GRR*
Echo growled over in the direction across the street. Wren and Michael immediately looked over and saw a stray cat, fluffed in anger as he spotted Echo. "Heh, come on Echo, let's get going," Wren said as she ushered both Michael and Echo away from the angry cat.
...*KNOCK KNOCK!* Wren knocked on Naya's door while Echo obediently sat between them, wagging his tail in excitement. "I'm coming!" Naya yelled from inside the apartment; they could hear her footsteps approaching the door. When she saw them, she smiled and immediately reached her arms out to hug both Wren and Michael.
"Oh my gosh guys, its been soo long! I've missed-" *BARK BARK* Echo barked happily, "My baby boy Echo! Oh my little guy is so grown up. Aren't you beby-weby," Michael cringed, "Sheesh Naya, could you not baby him so much please?"
Naya looked up at Michael and stuck her tongue out, "Hmph, you're just jealous. Anyways, come inside guys! Sorry it's still sorta messy, I haven't gotten through all of the boxes yet." She said as she stood up and walked inside, with Wren, Michael, and Echo following close behind.
"Do you want us to help you with anything? I mean we have a few hours before the party right?" Wren asked, "No, that's okay! Michael, go ahead and take a seat on the couch! Wren, get your butt back here!" Wren smiled and shook her head as she made her way to the back with Echo eagerly following behind.
"So, what is it Naya? Don't tell me you-" *SWISH* before Wren could finish talking, Naya stood in front of her holding two different outfits. "Hey, I said nothing too revealing or tight, it's like you didn't even listen," Wren flopped backwards on the bed and Naya put the outfits next to her. "Just choose one quickly. I am going into the other room to get Michael ready. You had better be dressed when I get back here."
She looked down at Echo and ruffled his fur, "And for this handsome fella, I think I have something that may work perfectly for him too," *Ruff* Naya giggled and walked out of the room with another outfit and her makeup bag. Wren sighed, "Well, I guess I have to pick one, not like I have any other clothes..."
...After Naya was content with Michaels makeup, she handed him his costume and left the room for him to change, and so she could get herself ready as well. "Wren, I'm coming in. I hope your decent!" She opened the door quickly and closed it behind her.
"So did you finally-Dayum! You looking good!" Naya said in a theatrical manner which caused Wren to laugh. "Oh shush, how about you get dressed already," Naya smiled and quickly got dressed in her costume as Wren was finishing her detailed makeup.
...After all four of them were dressed and ready for the party, they gathered in Naya's small car and made their way over to Vivi and Galina's house. Once they arrived, they saw that there were already quite a few cars outside and they could hear the music coming from the house.
"Well they sure know how to throw a party!" Naya said eagerly as she tried to find a parking space, "Wait, isn't Vivi underage?" Michael said in a concerned tone as they got out of the car. "Yes she is, but her mom said as long as anyone who wanted to drink provided their own alcohol, then it would be okay," Wren said as she adjusted her hair.
"That doesn't seem right though?" Michael said concerned, "Look Michael, Galina and Vivi's parents pretty much own this and many other cities. Not to mention her dad and brother work within the police force." They walked up the stairs and through the open door, *LOUD UP-BEAT MUSIC PLAYING* After a few moments they found Vivi.
*SQUEAL* "Hey you guy, I'm so glad you were able to make it" Vivi came bouncing up to them in a cotton candy pink and blue tutu with her hair dyed pink to match. "Oh my gosh who is this handsome cowboy?" She said as she crouched down to pet Echo, who had a small cowboy style hat, a bandana around his neck, and a small plastic holster around his waist.
He wagged his tail and made a low barking sound, "If you want you can take him out back with our Mandy. I'm sure he misses her," She stood up and adjusted her costume. "As for you three, let me guess..." Vivi looked all of them up and down to try and figure out their costume. "Naya, you're a seductive fire fairy?" Naya smiled and nodded.
"Well done, well done. Um, Michael you are..." She noted his fashionably styled hair, his one dangle earring, thin necklace, stylish clothes, slight makeup, "You must be from...a boy band?!" Michael nodded reluctantly, "Oh yay, such eye candy. Good work Naya, you made use of his rugged features. He looks like he could actually debut as a star!" Michael turned his head away in embarrassment.
"I-I'm off to take Echo outside, I'll find you in a bit," he said as he walked away. "Awh, he's so shy," Naya said is a giddy tone, "Hm, Wren...don't tell me! With those skin tight black pants, stylish heels, and your absolutely flawless makeup and hair," She paused for a moment to think.
"The intricate details in your tattoos, specifically the ones on your hands...White low cut top with blood splatter around the collar, pinstriped coat with matching fedora hate..." As they were standing at the entrance of the kitchen, Michael was watching them from afar.
'Wren could wear virtually anything and it would be stunning,' he thought to himself as he grabbed a shot glass from a passing tray and drank it. After downing the shot and greeting a friend, he made his way back to the others.
"Oh my goodness Naya, you have truly outdone yourself! I never would have thought to dress her as an old style mafia/gangster!" Naya smiled, "I figured with her naturally cool and badass demeanor it would be the perfect outfit for her. I also meant to say, I really enjoy your costume; it's so bright and fun! Cupcake right?"
Vivi grinned happily, "Yes! I love it! Oh guys, I'm sorry but I have to go check on something, please enjoy yourselves!" As she walked away, someone called out for Naya and she turned to see who it was, "Oh Jayce! Long time no see, wow an athletic themed costume, so original," Naya said with a laugh as she left Michael and Wren.
"Thanks for being a good sport Michael, I know this isn't really your thing," Wren muttered. "I don't mind as long as I can spend time with you," his immediately froze, "Uh-I mean, I uh-" "Mikey, why do you always hold your tongue around this fox? Go talk with my brother Dimitri, he's the guy wearing the tacky scientist costume in the kitchen. He was asking for you," Galina said as she walked up.
Michael was reluctant but decided to leave, even as Wren protested. "Honey Bear, when are you going to make your move? He's stunning, all the women and even the men want a piece of his a-" "Hah, wow Galina, keep you head on track will you? It's not that easy. Oh, I like your costume, you're a sea witch or something?"
Judging by the shells and crab, along with the torn fishing net, she assumed it was something of the sort. "Good eye as always Honey Bear. Even better at changing the subject, anyways, let's go to my room. I have what you asked for," Galina suddenly got a serious look on her face; her narrowed piercing orange eyes completely focused. Wren nodded and the two made their way up the stairs.
...More people came and went from the Halloween themed party as time went on. It was already 2 in the morning when almost everyone had left. Michael was asleep on the couch with Echo, Naya was well under the influence of alcohol and currently hugging Jayce, and Wren was barefoot munching on snacks as she helped Galina and Dimitri clean the house.
"Thank you for the help. I am not sure why my sisters insisted on such a party, *sigh* do you mind if I stay in your room Gal? I need to be at work in the morning and your house is closer." Galina nodded and pointed Dimitri to the direction of her room.
Wren finished her snack and walked over to Michael and Echo. As soon as she was close enough Echo woke up and lazily licked her on the face before heading into the kitchen to the water bowl. "Hey Michael, are you awake?" She whispered. "You really do look great tonight..."
Wren sat near his head and put a hand softly on his shoulder. "Michael, we have known each other for many years and been through the good and bad times...I have only recently thought more into this," Wren sighed and looked away, as she did Michael opened his eyes and softly covered her hand with his, which caused Wren to quickly turn around and look at him.
"You could have-" Before she could finish, he grabbed her hand and kissed it, then he slowly got into a seated position, "If it's not too much to ask, I would like for you to continue..." He said in a timid voice; Wren was reluctant but eventually gave into his charm and carefully told him about her feelings.
..."To think, this whole time, we both felt the same way but neither of us made the move," Michael said with a low chuckle, "I know. I am a mess... I'm sorry. A-anyways, I uh-well-Happy birthday!" Wren said loudly as she grabbed a small bag that was next to the couch.
Michael was surprised but happy, "Wren, you shouldn't have. I know things are tou-" Taking her chance, she quickly filled the space between them and kissed him on the lips. Michael was startled, but quickly gave into the kiss. *BANG THUD!* They broke off the kiss and looked into the direction of the noise, only to see a drunken Jayce slumped on the counter with an even more drunk Naya leading him away.
"Why is it always him..." Wren grumbled in an annoyed tone, "Erggh..." they heard a slight groan from Jayce and turned away as he was trying to stand back up. "S-Sorry, anyways, I hope you like it. I am going to get ready for bed. I will have Galina bring you a blanket and pillow. See you later." Wren said with a smile as she walked off to the side room.
Michael was still sitting on the couch in shock then remembered the gift. He looked down at the small bag and opened it. Inside there were handmade candies, a voucher to a sporting event (curtesy of Galina's family connections), a handmade card with sweet words, and a picture from when they were younger.
Michael held the picture carefully, "Thank you Wren, I forgotten the four of us had taken a picture," he said with a sad smile. As he began putting the items away, he heard Galina coming down the stairs, and when he looked up, he saw she had a blanket and pillow. "Here, 'Madame' requested these for your comfort," she said in a sarcastic tone with a curtsy.
He smiled and gratefully accepted the offer, "Not to be nosy, but who were the other two guys in the picture with you and Honey Bear?" Michael paused then turned to Galina, "The oldest was Finton, my older brother, he died shortly after that picture was taken. The younger, darker haired one was Diego; Wren's adopted brother...He disappeared but they always assumed foul play was involved. It's been so long now that they legally declared him dead."
Galina sighed and leaned in for a small hug, "I'm sorry Mikey, thanks for telling me. You sleep good now, oh and happy birthday," with that she walked off and Echo made his way back to Michael, sitting in front of him, he flopped his head on Michael's lap. "Yeah I know buddy, but I'm okay. Lets get some sleep," Michael adjusted his body on the couch so Echo could have plenty of space to lay next to him' both falling asleep shortly after...
~~Hello, I hope anyone reading enjoyed this little short story/spin-off/alternate reality, or whatever this would be called. (Sorry if this wasn't the best of endings, I didn't mean for the story to be quite this long.) This is the first 'stand-alone' chapter, and is based on the characters real personalities from the main story. (If you have read the main story then you will know, some of the characters mentioned are dead, and some of the ones that were dead in this chapter are really alive in the main story.) Hopefully this won't confuse anyone. Feel free to leave feedback and let me know what you think. :) ~~