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self-conscious-author · 3 years ago

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Eeeeeeee! Kisses and smooches! Kisses and smooches! ♥♥♥♥

This was a very feel good chapter overall. I’m glad Tommy finally stood up to his dad. I definitely teared up a little bit, cause I’m a little bitch baby who cries at everything what-

But, uh, Merton.. if she finds out you went through her stuff you’re in trouble, babe.

In the Cards (12)

Big Wolf on Campus fanfic. Merton x OC. [Tommy also gets some pairings.]

Chapter Summary: Tommy can't de-wolf due to an illness, so Kalida and Merton skip school to care for him. Merton and Kalida later go on a date and when Kali gets home, she gets stern talking to from Uncle Bob.

Chapter 12: Truant

Merton sat at his desk, doing a final readover of his biology report.

Finding no errors, he pressed Print and flipped back over to MSN. To his disappointment, neither Tommy nor Kalida were online. A chat window popped up.

Margaret of Mertonia: hi Merton! ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: Hey. ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: How's your night going? Margaret of Mertonia: great! just watched that movie u recommended :3 ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: Did you like it? Margaret of Mertonia: yeah but vampires are still cooler than werewolves ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Margaret of Mertonia: I dont get why u like them so much Margaret of Mertonia: they just get furry and go crazy Margaret of Mertonia: vampires live forever and are super strong and misunderstood ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: I think you have a romantic view of vampires. Margaret of Mertonia: thats the great thing abt monsters tho is they can be whatever u want ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: I guess I want werewolves to be good :P Margaret of Mertonia: but good werewolves are so goofy ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: Maybe. Maybe I like goofy. ;) Margaret of Mertonia: haha that sounds like u ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: Are you saying I'm goofy? ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: I'm wounded. Margaret of Mertonia: i didnt mean it in a bad way tho ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: Sure you didn't. Whatever you say. ;)

Merton was pulled out of the conversation by a knock at his back door.

ʍ€яţ๏ɲ [Boo back.]: brb

He opened the door and grinned widely, shoving his hands in his back pockets.

"Hey Kalida. What brings you over?" She fidgeted. "I wanted to run something by you… You can say no." He let out a small laugh. "Alright. Come on in." He moved back to motion her inside. "Can I offer you anything? A chilled Yoohoo?"

She shrugged. "I'm okay. We just had dinner." She wandered over to his couch and hesitated. "Can I sit?" "Of course." He climbed over the back of the couch and sat to face her. He could read the nerves in her body language, but he was just happy to see her. "You're welcome here whenever, you know." She smiled softly and looked away, tucking hair behind her ear. "Okay, cool."

"So, what's up?" "I've um… I've had some time to think about what happened with Mark." "Oh." His face fell into a concerned expression. "How are you doing?" She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I'm okay. It was a weird experience." "Yeah, you've, uh, been through a few of those lately." She let out a hollow laugh. "Weirdly enough, I think the other timeline was worse than Mark."

"Wait, really?" Merton scrunched his face in confusion. "Yeah, I… I can't stop thinking about it. About how you got hurt." "But I didn't." He forced a smile. "I'm fine." "I know, but… You did. You died." She moved her trembling hand to her lap. "I was right there, and I couldn't do anything."

"Kalida…" Merton leaned forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "I don't know what it was like for you, but… It's okay now. I'm alright." She looked up at him as he rubbed her shoulder reassuringly. "I'm right here with you." She forced a smile, not wanting him to worry about her. "Yeah. You're right."

He tilted his head. "Are you okay?" She made an uncomfortable noise, looking away. "I'm fine. I just… What happened then, and what happened with Mark…. They were both bad, but they're just two totally different things."

He pulled his hand back, giving her space. "I know. I just thought… What he did to you… It's kind of like an invasion of privacy, or like a possession, I guess." "I think it was more like being drunk or something than being possessed. Plus, it was just-" she stopped herself, blushing as she looked away. "I mean, since it was with you, it wasn't so… Um… Like, bad…"

Merton raised his eyebrows. "Oh, uh… good…" He swallowed and picked at the chipping nail polish on his thumb. "Th-thanks, by the way. For… noticing it was weird, I guess, or not taking advantage-" "I don't think that's something you should thank me for." Merton interrupted. "If you care about someone, it should be natural to notice when they're not being themselves, or not to… Um…" He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to phrase his sentiment. "You know, it wouldn't be right, in that situation, to do something…"

She pulled her knees up against her chest. "Have you ever? I mean, gone all the way, with… anyone?" Merton cleared his throat, the awkwardness thick between them as they both avoided eye contact. I can't really lie about this. "I, uh. No, I have not." She nodded to herself. I feel like I shouldn't be so relieved…

"Have… you… ever?" "N-no. Not yet. I mean," She glanced his way and their eyes locked. "I'd like to." Merton stared back at her, mind going blank. "Eventually," she added. She broke eye contact and stared at his coffee table. "Right." He rubbed his hands on his pants. "I would also like to, eventually…" A tense silence fell between them.

Finally, Kalida took a deep breath. "Anyway, I came here because I was thinking about how a couple times, now, I've been in the camper and there's been a monster…" Merton shook his head slightly, trying to be normal. "Right…?" "Um, so, I was thinking, you know, maybe it would be good to have some weapons in there. Just in case something came up again-" "Oh, that's a great idea!"

She looked over at him, forcing a smile. "Only I don't have any, so…" He raised a brow, smirking slightly. "So you want to borrow some of mine?" "Yeah." She gestured, then started rambling. "But only if it's okay with you, because I don't want to mooch. Or if it's easier, you could help me get some of my own-"

"Kali, it's fine." He held his hands up. "It's smart to have a stash in Betsy. Then if something comes up, we don't necessarily have to head back to the Lair." "Okay." She tucked her hair behind her ear again. "If you're sure." "Yeah, it's no problem." He got up and walked over to a cabinet on his wall. He opened the door to reveal several axes and swords, and a variety of other weapons. "What do you think would be handy in there?"

She got up and made her way over. It was a different assortment than he'd had in the other reality; none of these were purely decorative. "I guess just something you don't need a lot of training in to use effectively?"

He rubbed his chin, studying the arsenal. "Hmm…" "Or maybe one I can't hurt myself with?" "Technically any weapon is dangerous." He pulled a rapier from its hook, then an axe and a crossbow. He turned to her with soft concern. "Promise to be careful if you use them." "I'll try not to break them, I promise." "No, I mean, don't hurt yourself. We're not… professionals." He gave a crooked smile. "Also, technically not all of these are legal to just have hanging around." She put her hand over his. "I promise."

---

Merton stood beside the camper while Kalida stashed the weapons inside.

When she came back out, she stood in front of him with her hands behind her back. "Thanks again." "No problem. I'm just glad I could be useful to you." She laughed. "What does that mean?" He shrugged. "You know, just... that it's nice to feel needed."

Her voice was a little too earnest when she replied. "I need you." He made a small noise, tongue-tied again at her choice of wording. "I-I mean, you're…" She blushed and looked to the side. "You're one of my best friends, and in the trio you're like the brain-"

"Actually, that reminds me." Kalida looked over at him, sucking in a breath. Merton licked his lips and pushed his hands into his back pockets. "I wanted to ask you- Since we haven't really- That is-" He cleared his throat. "Could I take you to dinner sometime?"

"Like a date?" He winced. "Yeeeeeah…?" Kalida broke out into a broad smile. "Of course." Merton lit up, grinning. "Great." "Great." They stared at each other, both unsure what to say. In unison, they broke the tension with an awkward laugh.

Kalida motioned to the driver side door. "I should probably get home. I have to finish my lab report for chem." "Right, school night." Merton gestured. "Don't want to keep you too late." "Right." She shifted her weight to her other foot. "Would it be weird to kiss you now?"

"Well, weird is relative. Technically we've already done more before so-" Merton was interrupted by her sudden kiss. He closed his eyes and kissed back. He leaned down slightly to make it easier for her, putting his hand on her shoulder.

When she broke the kiss, she gazed up at him. "Goodnight Merton." "Night Kali." He smiled down at her sweetly. She slowly backed away and climbed up into the camper.

He stood in the alley and watched as she drove off. When she was out of sight he let out a squeal, pumping his fist as he walked back inside.

---

When Kalida got home, she headed straight to her room with every intention to finish her homework. Sitting at the desk in her room, she pulled her textbook and lab notes out and looked them over. She found herself tapping her pencil against the pages and wiggling her feet, unable to focus.

I'll just make some tea. Then I'll be able to concentrate better.

She made her way down to the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. She stood at the counter, staring at the tea bag in her mug as she waited for the water to boil, but her mind was elsewhere. She kept thinking about how Merton had finally asked her out again.

I wonder where we'll go? And when? Is he a fancy restaurant kind of guy? Or maybe a packed meal up at the lookout…

Tommy entered the kitchen and pulled a carton of milk out of the fridge. He couldn't help but notice Kalida's far-off look. She was chewing her lip and smiling to herself, tapping her socked foot erratically against the kitchen tile.

"What's got you so excited?"

"Hm?" She started, glancing over at Tommy as though she'd been caught doing something. She forced a laugh, playing it off. "W-what do you mean? I'm just waiting for the water." Tommy raised a brow, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Uh-huh…" He poured the milk into a tall glass. "Must be some good tea you're making."

She let out a small snort. "Can't I just be in a good mood?" "Sure, sure." He put the milk away. "And I'm sure it has nothing to do with a certain pale loner you snuck off to visit after dinner." She gawked. "Did you talk to him or something?" Tommy tapped his nose and winked. "Wolf life." She rolled her eyes. "Well that's an invasion of privacy." He laughed, then chugged the glass of milk.

The kettle clicked off and she poured the hot water into her mug. "So what happened?" Kalida glanced at Tommy, then back at her tea. She moved the tea bag around in a circle to stir the water. "I borrowed some weapons from him." He raised a brow, not convinced. "That's it?" She tried to hide her grin. "And he asked me out to dinner."

He chuckled. "So you two are finally gonna have your first real date." He wagged his eyebrows at her. "Nice." She turned to face him. "It's not weird? I mean, I'm not saying you get a vote-" "As long as you can keep your hands off each other when we're all hanging out, I'm all for it." "Yeah?" She blew on her drink. He shrugged. "It's nice to see you guys so happy."

She thought back to the other reality, where Tommy had been with that Stacey girl. "How about you? Are you looking for a steady girlfriend?"

Tommy rubbed the back of his neck, but thought about it seriously. "It would be nice. But the chances of me being able to get close enough with someone, to let them know... y'know…" He gestured wolf ears. "It's just not something I can do right now."

Her shoulders slumped slightly. "I think you'll find someone eventually, though." Tommy shrugged. "It's not a big deal." "But still. I'm sure the right person is out there." Tommy forced a light-hearted smile. "I guess we'll see."

---

The night air was cold and wet.

Kalida railed against Tommy's chest, struggling in an attempt to break free.

"We have to go." "Let go of me!" She screamed in his ear as he lifted her over his shoulder, pounding his back with balled fists. He adjusted his grip, the rifle in his hands pressing against her legs as he struggled to keep her in his grip.

"MERTON!" She stared at the lifeless body fading into the distance on the road behind them. The dark hid his features, creeping in around her until it consumed everything.

---

Kalida woke with a start, clutching her chest as she grounded herself back into reality.

It didn't happen, it's not real.

She'd had a similar dream every night or so since being in the other reality. Sometimes she was fighting the monster. Sometimes Tommy was carrying her away. The outcome was always the same, though; Merton's body lying lifeless on the road.

She wiped the cold sweat from her brow and checked the time.

Three minutes before the alarm.

She clicked it off and got up, dragging herself into the bathroom to take a shower.

---

When she was finally ready to head downstairs to eat breakfast, she realized that Tommy's bedroom door was still closed.

Did he sleep in? She knocked gently. "Tommy?"

She heard a loud groan. "Kali, come in here."

She opened the door slowly, feeling awkward. "You sound like cr-whoa." She shut the door behind her quickly, speaking in a shouted whisper. "You're wolfed out!"

Tommy was staring groggily up at her from his bed, shirt soaked in sweat. His blanket had been kicked to the floor. The fur on his face was matted and messy, and his skin was discolored.

She knelt by the edge of the bed. "Are you okay? You look ill." "I feel so gross, Kal…" he whined. "I can't go to school like this." "Okay, fair. But you need to," she gestured at the top of her head. "Put the ears away? What if your parents come home and see you? Or Dean?" "Dean's not gonna come in here…" He rolled onto his side, wincing. "I can't go back to normal." "What do you mean you can't?" He pouted up at her. "I have to relax, and I can't relax… Merton knows…"

She nodded, patting his shoulder. "Okay. I'll call Merton. You just try to rest for a bit, okay?"

---

Kalida tapped her foot impatiently as the line buzzed. "Hello?" A young female voice answered. "Hi. Becky? It's Kalida Dawkins." "Oh. Um. Hi." "Hey. Is Merton still there?" "Lemme check." There was a scraping sound as Becky put the mouthpiece against her hand before yelling, "FREAKER! PHONE!"

She heard another line pick up, and a male voice answered. "Hello?" "Merton! Hey. It's Kali." "Oh, hey." She could hear the smile in his voice. "One sec." His voice was muffled. "HANG UP THE PHONE, BECKY!" Kalida heard the other line click off.

"Sorry about that. To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking with you this fine morning?" "It's Tommy. He's sick, can't get out of bed." "Did you try calling Sally?" "I can't. He's," she lowered her voice. "Wolfed out."

"Oh!" Merton made a humming sound. "Okay, I'll be right over. Call the school and say you're both sick - but pretend to be Sally, they won't let you out if you call in as yourself. I've tried." She tried not to laugh. "Okay, will do." "See you in a few." "Thanks." "Of course."

---

Kalida led Merton up the stairs. "Has he ever been sick like this? Since he got bit I mean?" "Not that I know of." She knocked on Tommy's door. "Can we come in?" "Yeah," he groaned.

She opened the door and led Merton in, closing it behind them despite only Dean being home.

Merton sat on the edge of Tommy's bed and gave him a pitying look. "Aww. Is Tommy not feeling good?" he felt Tommy's forehead with the back of his hand and frowned.

"Don't make me bite you," Tommy grumbled. "Been there, done that." He opened his coffin bag up and pulled out a thermometer. "Say ahh." Tommy grimaced. "Is that thing clean?" Merton put a hand over his heart and closed his eyes. "Thoroughly sanitized, and never used rectally." Tommy gave him a dubious look but relented. Holding the thermometer beneath his tongue, he layed back on his pillow.

Merton looked over at Kalida. "Could you go get a cool, damp cloth? I think we'll need to get his temperature down." "Sure. Just a sec." She left the room, closing the door behind her.

Merton took the thermometer out of Tommy's mouth when it beeped. "Like I thought. A mild fever." He pulled two pill bottles out of his bag. "Have you taken anything yet?" "No. I didn't want to get up."

Kalida came back with a bowl of ice water and a damp cloth. "Here." She set them down on the nightstand and gave Tommy a concerned look. "Fever?" His eyes barely focused on her. "Yeah."

Merton took the cloth and carefully placed it on his forehead. "Nothing too concerning. Just gotta get you to de-wolf before your parents get home. I'm sure you'll be back to yourself in no time." He looked over at Kalida. "Sorry to make you the errand girl, but do you think you could get something for him to take some pills with? A drink and a little snack?"

"Oh," she nodded. "Easy. Be right back."

---

Kalida spread peanut butter in a thick layer over the soft white bread.

Dean called from the living room. "Kali, you making snacks?" "Uhh, not really. Just grabbing something for Tommy." "You guys have a Pro-D Day?" "Uhh, something like that, yeah…" She grimaced, feeling bad for lying to her cousin. It would be bad if he called Sally or Bob home, though.

"I'm gonna take a little nappy-poo. Lemme know when you're making lunch!" "You got it, Dean!"

---

"I'm not hungry." Tommy pushed Merton's face away with his paw.

Merton shook his head, snorting. "You can't just take ibuprofen on an empty stomach, though. Besides, it's peanut butter. You love peanut butter."

Tommy grumbled. "Please, Tommy, we just want you to get better," Kalida made puppy eyes at him. He sighed and begrudgingly took the sandwich from Merton. He ate it slowly, making faces with every bite. Halfway through, he abandoned it on the night stand.

"Y'know, Tommy," Merton snarked. "We both skipped school to take care of you, and you're being real baby about it." "Oh no, I ruined your perfect attendance." Tommy rolled his eyes. Merton raised a brow. "It might not matter to you, but some of us actually care about our grades."

Tommy glanced over at Kalida, then back at Merton. "Good thing you two nerds are smart enough to catch up." Merton held his finger up. "For the last time, Tommy. I am not a nerd, I am a goth." "And I'm a werewolf who can't even be sick at home without worrying about being found out."

Kalida hovered near the bed, wringing her hands. She turned her attention to Merton. "Is he going to be okay? Get de-wolfed before they get back?"

Merton nodded, looking unconcerned. "I'm sure once the muscle pain subsides, he'll be able to relax enough to de-wolf." He refreshed the towel on Tommy's head. "You just gotta calm down, okay, Tommy? Remember those haikus we practice."

Tommy closed his eyes. "The wind feels so nice…" he mumbled. Merton rolled his eyes. "Close enough." "I have some relaxing music on my ipod," Kalida suggested. "That might help. They say music soothes the savage beast."

Kali winced. "That's a misquotation, actually. The line from The Mourning Bride is actually 'Music has charms to soothe a savage breast.'" "Oh. Really? Why didn't I know that?" Merton frowned, then shook his head. "But regardless, music does help calm him down, so it's worth a shot."

---

Kalida rubbed her arm as Merton shut Tommy's door behind him. She whispered to him, "Is it really okay that he hasn't de-wolfed?"

Merton flashed her a reassuring crooked smile. "I'm sure after he finishes his nap, he'll feel a lot better. The fever wasn't that bad." She nodded at her room. "Let's go in here so we don't wake him." "S-sure."

Merton followed her and sat on the edge of her mattress. Her room smelled sweet in comparison to Tommy's, maybe a bit floral. He rubbed his palms on his lap as he looked around. Small desk with a computer and pile of homework. Vanity with makeup, hair stuff, jewellery. Dresser, closed closet doors.

She sat down next to him, then flopped onto her back, staring up at the ceiling with a sigh. "I feel so nervous." "Tell me about it…" Merton mumbled. You're in the-girl-you-like's bedroom. On the bed with her. Sure, she'd been in his room several times, even in and on his bed, but never while he was on the bed with her. And not since that conversation about going all the way.

"Could you imagine if Sally saw him like that?" She whistled. "What would he do without us, eh?"

Merton snorted. Of course she was thinking about Tommy. He glanced over at her. "I guess he's lucky to have us."

She let out a small laugh, visibly relaxing. "Yeah. Doctor Dingle to the rescue." She grinned at him. "You knew just what to do, like it was obvious." Merton shrugged. "I had to babysit Becky a few times when she was sick. It's not a big deal."

She propped herself up on her elbows. "It must be nice to have siblings." Merton scoffed. "Nice? She's lucky I don't wring her little-" He made a gesture for strangling. Kalida stifled a laugh. "Yeah, I can tell you guys really love each other, though."

Merton's face softened. "Well, she's still my baby sister, even if she is hellspawn." "What does that make you?" He gawked, holding a hand to his chest. "Did I just go from Doctor to Hellspawn?" She laughed. "Just curious what the family tree looked like." He flopped down on his stomach beside her. "I have a detailed record in the Lair if you ever need to see it." "Mmm, sounds thrilling."

The two shared a tense gaze as the reality of them lying on her bed set in between them.

Merton licked his lips. He saw her eyes flit between his own and his lips. He scooched over, propping himself up beside her, then leaned in to kiss her tentatively.

She shifted slightly beneath him, moving closer. She couldn't help but think back to the night in the lair when she'd been under the effects of Lilin energy. In comparison, these kisses were overly cautious.

Merton was careful not to touch her as he hovered barely-over her on the firm mattress. He shivered when she put a hand on the base of his skull, pulling him down with her as she laid back. Holding himself over her now, his hands on either side of her head, he pulled back to catch his breath. He didn't know what she was expecting, but barring their previous tryst - thank you, Markus - this was the most he'd done with a girl.

She bit her lip while he stared down at her. Was she being too forward? Maybe he didn't want to get all worked up while his friend was in the other room?

She leaned up and rubbed her nose against his affectionately, closing her eyes. He smiled and rubbed his nose against hers in reply, more at ease. He kissed her more forcefully, letting himself enjoy the burning desire it caused inside him. Her fingers rested on his chest, pulling gently on his shirt as they continued to make out.

Suddenly she pushed him away, looking over at the open door of her bedroom. "Did you hear that?"

Merton sat up and listened. They both heard the front door close.

"Crap," she whispered. "One of them came home." She scrambled off the bed and closed her bedroom door. She checked the time. 12:15. Merton stood awkwardly beside her bed, and whispered back. "What if they come in here?"

"Why would they come in here?" But she heard the familiar squeak of the bottom steps. She pulled Merton toward the closet with her and shut the door.

Alone in the dark, cramped space, Merton wrapped his arms around her. Leaning against his chest, she could hear his heart pounding. Or maybe it was hers.

"Hello? Is someone up here?" Sally's voice called out at the end of the hall.

"Do you think she heard us?" Kalida whispered. Merton whispered back. "Maybe. Do you think Tommy's back to normal yet?"

Sally's slow steps made the hallway floor creak. Kalida imagined Sally opening the door to Tommy's room, only to find a werewolf in his bed. Would she accept that her son was a monster? She'd freak out. I need to distract her.

"I have an idea. Stay hidden."

Before Merton could reply, Kalida left the closet and grabbed her homework off her desk. She rushed out into the hallway, eliciting a yelp from Sally.

"Kalida! You scared me half to death!" "Oh. Hey Aunt Sally. Sorry." She winced and stood between her aunt and Tommy's door. "What are you doing home in the middle of the day?"

She rolled her eyes and shook her head with a self-deprecating smile. "I was working on Chem last night and ended up leaving my books in my room by accident. Just stopped by on lunch period to grab them." She held her notebook and textbook up as proof.

Sally let out a small sigh. "I heard someone moving about up here and I thought we were getting broken into." Kalida forced a laugh. "Luckily, no." She followed Sally down the hall and to the main floor. "I didn't know you came home for lunch."

"I don't normally, but I've got an interview out at the farm this afternoon, so I came back for rain boots." She rolled her eyes and slipped her boots on.

Kalida sat on the bench and tied on a pair of cheap black Chuck Taylor knockoffs. "Well, have fun with that. I should jet, gotta get back before class starts."

Sally followed her out, locking the front door. "Kalida, dear, wait." Kali hesitated, halfway down the stoop. "What is it?" Sally put her hands on Kalida's shoulders. "I just wanted to say, you're really doing great. With school, and even being a good friend to Tommy. It doesn't go unnoticed." "Aww, Aunt Sally…" she looked away, feeling a twinge of guilt. Afterall, she was skipping school, lying, and hiding a boy in her room.

---

Merton stood in the dark closet by himself until he heard the front door locking. He let out a held breath, then pushed open the door.

I wonder how long she'll be gone for? They hadn't exactly talked over her plan before he was left alone in her bedroom. He looked around. He didn't want to wake up Tommy, but at the same time, he didn't want to be caught in Kalida's room by Tommy's parents. He quietly closed her bedroom door, then sat down at her desk. He pushed the power button on her monitor.

It blinked on to reveal a screensaver of rotating photos. Kalida and her Canadian friends. Kalida's parents. Some children Merton didn't recognize. Merton and Tommy making faces.

Merton smiled softly and shook the mouse. A password prompt blinked onto the screen.

What would her password be? He tried his own. "That would be too easy."

KalidaDownSouth. No. GranvilleGang. No. FutureMrsDingle. No. Maybe that was wishful thinking.

He sighed, thinking back on when her friends had come to visit. NerdClubRepresent. The password screen cleared to reveal a cluttered desktop. Her background was a collage of Spuffy screen captures. He let out a small laugh. "She really is a nerd."

He clicked open a folder titled "Pictures". Inside were over a dozen other folders - some were dated, some were names of tv shows and movies. She had an entire folder of pictures of Harry Potter fanart. Most of them were of people at various events that he didn't recognize; friends, family.

He closed that folder and scanned the other folders on her desktop. Fanfics. Music. Road Trip.

He opened the Road Trip folder. The folder was mainly a jumble of images of different quality of landmarks. He double-clicked the Word document at the top titled Route Plan.

It was a detailed route - complete with screen-captured map images, tourist attractions, campsites, gas station locations, Walmart locations, everything - from Pleasantville all the way up to British Columbia.

He thought back to her conversation with him about running away in her camper. He hadn't taken it too seriously at the time, but now he felt a twist of concern. He opened a browser window and quickly emailed himself a copy. Just in case.

---

In an attempt to be convincing, Kalida had driven in the direction of the school. However, along the way, she'd gotten lost in the routine and ended up driving all the way there.

Technically I could go to class… That's what I'm supposed to be doing today.

She sat in the parking lot a moment mulling it over, but concluded it would be best to return to the house. She had left Merton there, after all, and she had no idea if Tommy was back to normal. Plus technically I called us in sick.

Remembering her conversation with Dean, she decided to make a quick stop at the Hungry Bucket on the way home.

---

Merton took the thermometer out of Tommy's mouth and smiled at the results. "I knew a rest would help."

Tommy sat up, de-wolfed and looking healthier. He motioned to his dresser. "Hey Merton, can you pass me a clean shirt? Top drawer." "Sure thing." He dug around in Tommy's dresser and pulled out an orange t-shirt. "This okay?" "Yeah, whatever's fine." He caught the shirt when Merton lobbed it - with vague accuracy - then pulled his sweat-soaked one off and tossed it back.

Merton grimaced and held the damp thing gingerly and carefully placed it in Tommy's hamper. "Thanks for that." Tommy laughed. "You think that's bad, stay away from the locker room after practice." Merton wheezed. "Right, like I'd go to the jock den when they're all hopped up and aggressive. Likely." Tommy frowned. "They're not that bad. Most of the guys are good people."

He perched himself on the footboard facing Tommy, his feet on the mattress. "I realize you forget this, Tom, but I don't exactly fit in with your friends." Tommy shrugged. "They're just my teammates. You and Kal are my real friends."

"Your pack?" Merton grinned. Tommy sighed. "She told you I said that?" He laughed. "I think it's cute." He rolled his eyes. "Cute, great."

"Hey, speaking of Kali…" "She already told me you asked her out." "No." He held his hands out. "I mean. Yes. I did. But that wasn't what I was going to say." Tommy raised a brow.

"You know, before… How she said something about taking off in her camper?" Tommy nodded thinking back. "Something about living in Walmart parking lots?" "Right. Well, when I was on her computer, I saw that she'd made up an actual route plan all the way up to Canada."

Tommy shrugged. "Could be old. Or maybe she's planning on driving up in the summer or something." "I-is she moving back to Canada when she graduates?" Tommy frowned. "I dunno. We never talk about that." The two shared a long look.

"Is it selfish to want her to stay?" Merton asked. Tommy ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "She's gonna do what she wants anyway. You know Kali." "One time, a while back, we talked about going to school in Europe." "Europe?" "They have that occult school in Germany. I could probably get in."

Tommy rubbed his arm. "Why don't you just ask Kali what she's planning?" "And say what, I was snooping on your computer?" "Were you?" "M-maybe a little." He gave a wincing grin. "Kinda maybe guessed her password and took a look when she wasn't there." "Yeah, maybe don't tell her you did that." Tommy gave Merton an unimpressed look. "Might not go over well." "Heh."

---

When Kalida pulled back up to the house, she prayed that Bob and Sally came home at their usual times, and didn't think much of seeing Betsy in the driveway.

She entered the living room and held a bag up to Dean. "Lunch delivery." "Is that the rapturous smell of fried chicken?" Dean was overcome with emotion. "You b-beautiful creature. Thank you." "Technically Sally asked me not to bring you these anymore, so keep it on the down-low, cuz." Kalida winked. "Oh-ho, not a problem." "Kay. I'll be upstairs. Enjoy." Dean dug into the bag excitedly as she left the room.

Once upstairs, she entered her room and looked around with confusion. "Merton?" Tommy's door opened and Merton stood in the doorway, smiling over at her. "The baby calmed down."

She laughed and joined him across the hall. She was relieved to see that Tommy had de-wolfed and was sitting up in bed, propped against pillows.

"I brought lunch. Tommy let out a pleased groan as he took a box of fried chicken from her. "You are a good person." "You Dawkins boys should be the mascots for the Bucket," she laughed. "But I'm glad you got your appetite back."

Merton nodded. "I took his temperature. His fever is gone. Should be back to normal tomorrow." "Then we can all go to school." She sat on the corner of his bed and pulled out a nugget box for Merton. Merton smirked as he took it from her. "Yes, your favourite." She rolled her eyes. "Nerrrrrd." Tommy whispered, then filled his mouth with chicken and avoided eye contact.

She tilted her head and gawked at him. "I have gone to a lot of trouble for you today, y'know. I lied to the school, I missed all my classes, I lied to your mom, I bought us all lunch-"

"I love you, Kali…" Tommy made puppy eyes at her as he continued to eat. "That's better." She took a chicken wrap out of the bag for herself.

Merton settled on the floor in a cross-legged position and started eating. He tried to sound casual, but avoided eye contact. "Assuming our wolf crisis has been averted, would you want to go out tonight, Kal?" "Oh, um, yeah, tonight would work fine." Tommy noted the rosiness in both of their cheeks. "Aww, I'm being ditched?" he teased. Kalida threw a french fry at him, but he just caught it and ate it, winking at her.

"Well I don't really want to share Merton with you," she shrugged. "Why not?" Tommy whined. "I saw him first." "Pretty sure I kissed him first though, so…" "Are you, though?" Tommy smirked and leaned toward her. "I've spent the night more than you have." Kalida narrowed her eyes and looked between them both. "That is true…" Tommy snorted. Merton grinned, tilting his head. "I feel so loved."

---

They spent the next few hours chatting and playing cards on Tommy's bed.

Around the time that school would have ended, Merton slid off the mattress and stretched. "I should probably head home." "Already?" Kalida pouted. "Bob and Sally won't be home for another hour or so." "I figured this would give us time to get ready for tonight." He grabbed his bag from the floor.

Tommy rubbed his hands together raising a brow. "Oh, so it's the kind of date you have to get ready for." Kalida instinctively smacked at him, her focus still on Merton. "Oh, okay. What's the dress code?" Merton scrunched his face and tilted his head to the side as he thought. "Nicer than school, but not formal?" Kalida mimed a gun with her fingers and made a clicking sound. "Got it." She slid off the bed herself. "I'll show you out."

Tommy nodded up at Merton. "Merton. Thanks for coming over today." Merton grinned widely, making a shooing motion with his hands. "Ah, it's not big deal." "Nah, man, you did me a solid. I appreciate it." He held a fist out. Merton met Tommy's fist with his own, and then they both mimed an explosion, eliciting a giggle from Merton.

Kalida followed him out into the hallway and down the carpeted stairs. She stood beside the door as he pulled his shoes back on. Merton cleared his throat as he tied his laces. "So, can I pick you up at like five?" "Yeah." She licked her lips. "Sounds great." "Great." He stood and hesitated in front of her. "Then, I guess I'll see you then." She nodded, smiling. "See you soon."

He turned and opened the front door, skipping down the steps. "Merton, wait!" She leaned over the rail of the porch. "Thanks again for coming today. I didn't know what to do." Merton shrugged, smiling up at her from the driveway. "Happy to help." She waved him off. "See you later!"

---

Kalida dabbed clear gloss over her lips, then checked herself in the mirror. She'd chosen a long-sleeved, casual maroon cocktail dress and paired it with black tights and ankle boots. Her long brown hair was slightly curled, and her makeup was smokier than usual.

That's not overdoing it, right? She examined her face, sneering at the bumps of skin where she was starting to break out. "Cause I totally wanted zits on a first date."

When the doorbell rang, she grabbed her purse from the floor and rushed down the hall. When she got down the stairs, she saw Tommy and Merton talking in hushed tones in the foyer with smiles on their faces.

Merton got distracted by the sight of Kalida at the foot of the stairs. His skin thrummed with excitement as she walked over. She looks like that to go out with me.

Tommy glanced between the two, immediately the third wheel. "Well, have fun guys." He winked at Kalida. "Try not to stay out too late." She stuck her tongue out at him. "Make sure to study before bed." He smacked her with his elbow on the way past, then waved his hand over his shoulder at Merton. "See ya!" With that, he was halfway up the stairs.

Merton cleared his throat. "Shall we?" Kalida nodded. "Let's."

---

Kalida looked out the window of the hearse, noting that they were taking the road out of town. As they passed by the area where they'd been attacked by the scorpion man, she took in a sharp breath and looked over to Merton.

"So where are we headed?" He grinned. "There's this great little Italian place in Muellenburg that my family sometimes goes to. I got us a private booth." "Oh, that sounds nice." "I figured even if you didn't want their pasta dishes, pizza's always a safe bet. And they have other stuff." She laughed. "I'm not that picky of an eater, I'm sure it's great." He grinned. "Great."

They chased the setting sun down the highway between towns.

Kalida laid back against the seat, relaxing a bit. "It's nice to get out of town, sometimes." Merton swallowed, remembering her route plan. "You're a bit of a vagabond, I guess." "What?" She thought a moment. "Am I?" "Well, sure… You're always going camping, for example."

She hummed. "I guess. I think I like to remind myself that the world is bigger than my little circle. When things get too stressful, it's nice to think that I'm choosing to stay in a place, rather than stuck in a place."

"Do you ever feel stuck here?" "I did at first. My hands were sort of tied." She looked over at Merton with a grin. "But I'm enjoying it now." "Even with demons and werewolves bugging you?" he teased. "Well, they're not the only ones I spend my time with." He felt a bit of color rising in his cheeks and forced a laugh. "I guess that's true."

A silence fell between them again as she messed with the radio.

"There's a lot of world I haven't seen yet, though," she commented lightly. "I'd really like to travel in Europe, and maybe see the rest of North America. The States is such a big place, and I've never been to eastern Canada." Her voice turned wistful. "In the Maritimes everyone has crazy accents, and they've got harbour towns and lighthouses. I've always wanted to see it."

Merton chuckled. "Like I said, you're a vagabond." "No, that's not it! Isn't a vagabond someone who doesn't have a home? I want a home, too. I just want to vacation a lot. I want to see a lot of things and learn about the big weird world we live in." He nodded, mulling it over. "I think I follow." She stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't you?"

"I guess…" He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. "I think I'd be happy anyplace, if I have my friends and my hobbies to keep busy with." "So I can just stash you in the back and drive Betsy around," she laughed.

"Oh, so in your imagined future, I'd be allowed in your camper?" "Yeah, why not?" "You never let anyone in there." "Oh." She tapped her chin. "I guess I haven't." "For all I know, you're hiding some terrible secrets in there." "Right, I might be one of the monsters you fight." "I think I'd make an exception for you." "Oh? You'd have a monster girlfriend?" She laughed. "How reckless of you." "It wouldn't be the first time," he muttered.

"Wait, what?" Merton winced. "Let's just say I've had… a less than perfect track record when choosing dates." "Gosh, well, no pressure on me to break the combo," she laughed. "How about you?" "Can't say I've ever dated a monster. At least not that I know of, anyway." "But you've had boyfriends before?"

She shrugged. "I've dated guys, but nothing serious. Things didn't work out for one reason or another. Normal stuff." Merton made a small sound. He wondered if she considered them something serious or not. Kalida wasn't sure what to make of Merton's silence. "I guess that's good, because it would have sucked to move away from someone I was in love with."

"Like Isaac?" "What?" "I was wondering what your relationship with him was." "Um… friends?" "But you kissed him, right?" "He kissed me. And I turned him down. Because I like you." "R-right."

"Let's not get weird about other people, okay? I like you, I'm not gonna do anything with someone else. That's not who I am." "Sorry." Merton shook the idea from his head. "You're right. Let's just have a good date."

---

When they got to the restaurant, Kalida looked around with mild surprise. It was a low-ceilinged first floor in an old building, with support pillars breaking up the tables. Along each side wall were private booths. When they were seated, the waiter lit a tealight and left them to ponder the menu.

"It's nice in here," she said quietly. Merton smiled to himself. So far so good. "I recommend their lasagna," he offered, looking over the large menu. "I'm not really in to red sauce, though." "Ah, the wholesome tomato, so unappreciated." She kicked his toe lightly with her foot. "I just prefer white sauce." "A boon to the dairy industry." She snorted.

After a moment she shut her menu. "So what are you getting?" He slowly shut the menu. "The lasagna." He shrugged and tilted his head to the side. "I'm a creature of habit."

---

As they waited for their food to arrive, they talked about various things. Kalida told him stories of her time in Canada, and he told her about things he and Tommy had fought. By the time their food came, they were holding hands across the table, lost in conversation.

Merton perked up, pulling his hand back as the waiter put his plate down. A small casserole dish was bubbling with cheese beside two pieces of garlic bread.

Kalida's order was a bowl of tortellini covered in Alfredo sauce. When the waiter left, she stabbed a tortellini onto her fork and blew on it carefully.

Merton dug right in, closing his eyes as he savoured the first bite. He let out a quiet, happy sigh. "Must be pretty good." He nodded, grinning at her. "It is." "You should gimme a bite." She stabbed another pasta and held it out to him. "Trade." "Oh, okay." Merton hastily scooped up a forkful of his lasagna and held it out toward her. They both leaned over and carefully fed the other.

Kalida considered the flavour. "It's good. For lasagna." Merton laughed, covering his mouth as he finished swallowing. "For lasagna. High praise." "From me it is." "What if I made you a lasagna?" "Lasagna Mertonia? I'd eat it." "Maybe I'll start practicing." She snorted. "It'll be the official dish of your people." "Yeah, me and Margaret can have a feast." "Margaret and I." Merton held a finger up to accept her correction. "Margaret and I can have a feast."

"So Tommy and I are cut, then?" "I don't think either of you have adopted the flag of Mertonia or pledged allegiance to its King." "You have like a ceremony fleshed out for that, or…?" Merton narrowed his eyes. "I really should." "Well, what if I just pledged allegiance right now?" "I would find that amenable." "Thank you, Your Highness."

Merton laughed, taking a bite of his garlic bread. "If I'm the King, I guess that would make you Queen Consort now." Kalida posed and flipped her hair. "I move up the ranks quickly."

---

After dinner, they took a walk along a lit path beside the river.

Holding Merton's hand, Kalida leaned against him. "Thanks for tonight, it's been really nice." "I aim to please." "I don't know how to one-up you now." "Oh, so it's a competition?" "Yep, that's right. If I win best-date, I become King." He laughed. "I don't think I agree to those terms." "But see, you will, if I one-up you. You'll be so impressed you won't be able to argue my logic." "Ahh, persuasion." "I can be very persuasive." "Oh, I'm well aware." "See, you just thought we were on a date, but I'm actually after your crown." "I had no idea." She shrugged. "I'm sly like a fox." He laughed. "It's a good thing I don't know what you're up to. I'd have to stop you." She grinned. "It's a secret to everybody."

They stopped under a lamp. "Maybe we should head back to the hearse." Merton suggested. "It's getting cold." She moved to stand in front of him, one hand still firmly holding his. "So warm me up." He let out a small laugh, but leaned down and kissed her forehead. "We're in public, though, so I can't do what I'd like to."

Her face flushed a pinkish red. "O-oh." She pulled him back toward the parking lot. "Then let's get back." He walked along with her, thinking that it was nice to have a girl who wasn't a monster actually interested in him.

Kalida wondered what Merton had meant about not being able to do what he wanted to. Was he just teasing her, or did he want to do something in the car? She tried not to feel nervous. She felt the heat in her cheeks. I guess he succeeded in warming me up, though.

When they got back up to the street, Merton squeezed her hand and pointed over to a café. "Want to get something to drink on the way home?" "Oh, okay. That sounds nice."

---

Kalida sipped at her London fog as Merton pulled out onto the highway.

"I think Tommy really appreciated you coming over today." Merton let out a dismissive snort. "No big." "Nah, I could tell. He asked for you specifically, even if he was a big baby about it once you arrived." "I'm just glad he didn't get seen. I'm not sure Mayor Bob could handle his son being deviant." "Yeah I can see that."

"One time he actually spearheaded an angry mob trying to hunt down the Pleasantville Werewolf. It was bad." "Oh, wow." Kalida gawked. "That must have sucked for Tommy. Your own dad trying to hunt you." "It was fine, though. They stopped looking for him." He waited a beat. "Obviously." She laughed. "I don't imagine they were especially well equipped for werewolf hunting anyway." "Luckily not. Tommy's infamy is mostly considered urban legend." "Our very own sasquatch."

---

They spent the ride discussing mythical creatures around the world – the Loch Ness monster, selkies, and more.

When Merton pulled up in front of the Dawkins residence, he cut the engine and looked over at her in the din. "Thanks for coming out with me. I had a great time." She took off her seatbelt and slid closer to him on the bench seat. "Me too. It was kind of romantic."

They turned to face each other.

"Thanks for giving me a second chance." Merton rubbed his arm. "I know I kind of blew it the first time-" "Don't-" she put her hands up. "Just never mind all that." She tilted her head at him. "Thanks for giving me a second chance too."

Merton leaned in hesitantly and Kalida kissed him before he could kiss her.

---

When Kalida stepped inside the Dawkins house, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Ignoring it, she slipped off her boots and made to go upstairs.

"Kalida, can you join us in the kitchen, please?" She heard her uncle's voice call from the other room. "Sure!" She put down her purse and made her way through the livingroom - past Dean, who was absorbed in a Brady Bunch marathon - to the kitchen.

Bob and Sally sat at the dining table, and looked over at her with stern expressions.

Bob spoke. "I feel like we've been very clear about our expectations, Kalida." She shifted her weight, the glow of the evening lost. "If you can't respect our rules-" "Bob," Sally put her hand on her husband's arm to temper him. She turned to Kalida. "We're just very disappointed that you would lie to us. And we're worried about you, dear. Heavens knows what trouble you might be getting up to."

Kalida blinked and stared back at them in stunned confusion. "S-sorry, what?" Bob frowned. "The school left a message on our machine. A student in our household missed a class. Ring any bells?"

She felt tongue-tied. She couldn't deny that she'd skipped her classes - but at the same time, she didn't have a story prepared to explain why. "Uh, I…" her voice died in her throat.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't stay in line for long. All that hippie stuff you're into," he pointed. Kalida could feel the sting of tears in her eyes as she stood, defenseless, before her uncle.

"You're just like that whackadoo mother of yours, thinking you can just ignore the rules, do whatever you like! Well not in this house, and not in this country. If you're going to disrespect Sally and I, I see no reason for us to continue to allow you to-"

A frustrated voice interjected. "Would you lay off?"

They all turned to see Tommy standing in the doorway behind Kalida.

Bob held a hand up dismissively. "This doesn't concern you." Tommy stepped into the room and in front of Kalida, blocking her defensively. "I'm sick of you being such a hardass to Kalida all the time."

"Language!" Sally gaped. "I don't care!" Tommy gestured in frustration. "Ever since she moved here, Dad's been giving her a hard time about everything. She gets better grades than I do, and studying with her has brought my GPA way up. She's always helping me with the chores, and she never complains. And she follows all of your rules. Why are you always ragging on her?"

"I don't think truancy is something to dismiss." "Dad! It wasn't Kali that skipped class!" Bob frowned. "What are you saying, Thomas?" Kalida put a hand on Tommy's arm and murmured. "Tommy…" It didn't feel right to let him take the blame.

Tommy took a deep breath. "I wasn't feeling well, so instead of going to bio, I caught a ride home with a friend. It was me that skipped class, not her." Sally looked between the two teens, seeming unsure.

Tommy continued. "You're just so convinced that she's a problem that you didn't even consider that it might be me, did you? Even though she's a better teenager than I am. I mean, if she isn't living up to your expectations, how could I?" There was real frustration and exasperation in his voice.

Kalida looked up at him with wet eyes, still mostly behind him. Is that really how you feel, Tommy? Bob deflated somewhat and looked off to the side. "I think you should get to bed. I expect both of you to be at all of your classes tomorrow."

Tommy inhaled sharply and whipped around, wrapping a protective arm around Kalida. She looked up to see his eyes glowing a faint yellow. He let out a thrumming growl as he lead her out of the room and up the stairs.

When they got to her bedroom, he followed her in and shut the door. He sat down on the plush carpet and leaned his head back against the door.

She stood at the foot of her bed, fists clenched. She tried to keep her voice soft. "Tommy, are you alright?" His eyes were closed, but he let out a brief snort at her question. "I'm just trying to calm down so I don't wolf out." "I-it's okay if you do, it's just us in here." "It's easier to not do it at all than to de-wolf after I get worked up." He opened his eyes and stared her down. "Thanks, though."

She nodded, then averted her gaze. He was emitting a strangely aggressive energy, and she felt like prey with no recourse. "You didn't have to do that… I would have just accepted getting grounded or-"

"No." His voice was a deep growl. "I'm sick of him harassing you. I should have said something earlier. I feel like I've been watching him bully you for months and I just-" He took in another sharp inhale and tried to slow his breathing.

A tense silence fell between them for a few long moments.

When he spoke again, his voice was softer, apologetic. "I'm sorry I snapped. And I'm sorry it took so long to say something. I knew it wasn't okay, that he was making you feel unwelcome."

Kalida stepped over to him and sat on the floor before him. "A bit. But I don't blame you for that at all. It's just Uncle Bob. I get that he doesn't like my mom." "He shouldn't take it out on you, though." She shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I know where I belong." Tommy looked over at her with concern. He felt a pang of anxiety. "And where is that?" She took one of his hands in her own and tilted her head at him. "With my pack." Tommy squeezed her small hand tightly. "You're not gonna disappear on me?" "That would be a cool super power to have," she teased.

His expression remained serious. "Hey, Kal… After you graduate, where are you gonna live?" She blinked. "I… I don't really know yet. I guess it depends on where I end up going to school." Tommy nodded solemnly. "Yeah. Of course."

Kalida studied Tommy's morose face. She shook his hand. "Where should we go?" Tommy forced a smile. "With grades like yours, you can probably go anywhere." "So why don't we see where you get accepted first, before I make any decisions? It would be better if I knew someone there."

He felt like she was just saying those things to make him feel better. He took his hand back. "Yeah, I guess it's still early."

She nodded, looking down. "To be honest, I'm not sure what to do." Tommy studied her face but didn't reply.

"When I first moved here, my plan was just to go home after grad. My friends up north aren't going to the same schools, but they'd all be in the same area. If I moved up there, I could see them any time." "...I guess you have a whole life up there." "I did." She pulled her knees up against her chest. "I had a solid plan for my life. I knew what I wanted to study, and what job I wanted. I had a social life." She forced a sardonic smile. "When dad took that job, it felt like the end of the world." Tommy looked away, frowning.

"In a way, I guess it was. Now I know about werewolves, and demons," she gestured. "How do you go back to a normal life? I don't want to just leave you and Merton to deal with all of that by yourselves." "Don't stay here just to fight monsters." "That's… not what I'm trying to say." She ran her hand through her long hair. "I just don't have a plan, for once. I have no idea what I'm doing once we graduate."

"Well… what do you want to do?" "That's just it. I don't know." She shrugged. "I don't really know who I am anymore. Everything changed all of a sudden."

"Yeah, I know that feeling."

---

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