#Egon and Winston said no because they thought it was crazy

[incorrectghostbustersquotes1984]

[While Dana and Janine are walking to the firehouse together, their attention is caught by a honking horn. Stopped in the middle of the street is the Ecto. Peter stands on top]

Peter: Hit it!

[With a couple of sparklers, Ray begins running circles around the car]

Peter: Dana Barrett! Will you marry me?

[Dana looks absolutely horrified]

Dana: Oh, my God....

Peter: [shouting to the city] Come on, citizens! Let me hear ya! Honk in the name of love!

[All the cars lined up behind the Ecto begin honking...though it's likely not for love. Ray races down the line of cars with his sparklers]

Ray: Honk for love! Honk for love!

[apocalypse-cowboy]

Warnings: angsty as HELL. I'm sorry in advance 🙏

Rainwater

If you told Scout that he would move out of Manhattan and go to Summerville with his brother, not only lose his brother, but also losing all contact with the people he considered family well...he wouldn't believe you.

He would call you crazy and say that "There is no plausible way that would ever happen." and call it a day.

Unfortunately for him, that was all true. After Egon passed away, he became recluse. Well, more than he already was. He wanted to desperately try to get into contact with his friends again but after some nasty things being said on both sides, mainly between Peter and himself, he knew it was pointless to even think about trying.

So he didn't talk to them again as a result. Hell, he never really talked to many other people anymore. But, it still hurt him to see his friends just leave him all alone after the good times they had spent together.

The only ones he really kept in contact with was his beloved niece Callie and her children Phoebe and Trevor. Though sometimes he could hardly look any of them in the eye. They all reminded him of Egon in some way or another. But he pushed through the pain and loss, then he began to finish what Egon and him started to work on.

With the high risks of Gozer coming back into the picture and possibly destroying life itself, Scout believed that it was up to him and only him to finish things once and for all.

The Ecto drives down a long dirt road that led to a decent sized house in the middle of nowhere. It was a nice sunny day, well it would be nice if the looming rift storm wasn't mocking everyone and spreading a feeling of doom.

In the passengers seat was Phoebe, Trevor was driving while Ray, Peter and Winston were in the backseat. The air was tense.

"Are you sure this will work? That we can convince him?" Treavor asked. Phoebe only sighed and shrugged "I don't know. But it's worth a try." She looks ahead at the house that is getting closer "Besides, either way, we NEED him for this. He and Egon knew more about this situation than we do." The three men in the back just silently nodded, only slightly listening. Winston took it up on himself to break the tension "Well.." he paused "Here's hoping this won't lead to any funerals." He joked trying to lift the mood. He didn't get any responses.

The car parks in front of the house, it was a cozy cottage home with a chain link fence and a gate surrounding the front yard. There was an old fashioned car parked near the side of the home, a doghouse could be seen slightly next to a large shed in the backyard that also had fencing around it.

Everyone gets out and the first thing they hear is a dog barking.

It was a golden retriever, it looked more happy to see people instead of hostile. Treavor smiled knowing who this is and quickly opened the gate and crouched down to start petting the dog while everyone else got in and closed the gate.

"Hey there Rook!" Treavor said while petting the dog's soft fluffy fur "Do you know where your dad is?" He asked. Rook whined in excitement and her tail started to wag as she quickly ran to the front door. She was very intelligent, Scout had trained her well when he got her as a puppy.

The OG Ghostbusters where surprised to see that Scout owned a dog. They never thought he would ever own an animal before.

Vinkman, being the snarky man he is, decided to poke fun at this "Of course he would prefer an animal's company over people's." He said sarcastically as the others rolled their eyes and shook their heads at his antics. "Well, I think it's sweet that he has a dog!" Ray spoke with enthusiasm.

Trevor finds the spare key that was hidden in under the welcome mat that said "Why can't you trust Atoms? Because they make everything up!" on it and unlocked the front door.

Everyone took a deep breath as the door opened and they went inside. Rook ran inside and went to lay down on her dog bed next to the couch that had various chew toys on it.

As the door shut behind them, they took a good look around the living room. There was a small sofa with a coffee table in front of it there were many pages of notes scattered around it. There was a dresser with a small T.V. that was playing a random game show on low volume. There was also an old grandfather clock near a window, the ticking noise was loud compared to anything else. The windows where blocked with blackout curtains, keeping the privacy of anyone inside.

Peter whistled lowly, "Would you look at this boys." He said while pointing at a wardrobe that held Scout's old tan, Ghostbusters uniform on a hanger. It was left unwrinkled, the patches that had the iconic Ghostbusters logo, "Spengler" was still embroidered onto the chest area and a few other patches that Egon had gifted to him that had a stupid science pun on it or some flower or plant ones where slightly faded due to time.

Ray got the other's attention "He still kept it." He said in awe while he pointed to the photo they had all taken together. They were all on the staircase of the firehouse, Winston and Ray where on the near the bottom while Egon and Scout were a few steps above them. Peter was on the ground leaning against the railing with a smug smile on his face. They all looked so happy in the photo. After it was taken Scout said that he looked stupid in that photo, he said he wouldn't keep it but it looks like he changed his mind.

Next to it was another photo, but it was of just Egon and Scout. They were standing side by side, smiling wide while Scout was holding a smoking ghost trap. In a hasty scribble, courtesy of Egon, the words 'Scout's First Catch' was written at the bottom. "And that one too." Winston said while pointing to the photo of the siblings. They all remembered how proud Egon was that day.

Next to the wardrobe, was a display case that gave anyone a full view of his protron pack. Surprisingly, it was still in a functioning condition and it looked like a few parts were repaired and replaced with newer more 'modern' technology.

The group was broken out of their thoughts when a loud thud came from the room upstairs, followed by a loud and slightly muffled 'FUCK'.

They all slowly made their way up the stairs until they got to a door that had signs that said 'keep out' or 'do not disturb' on them. They all look at each other and Phoebe knocks on the door.

"It's open!" The slightly muffled voice shouted. She opens the door and they boys are shocked at what they see. On the walls, there are various equations, diagrams, graphs and charts sloppily pinned to numerous bulletin boards.

A few tables where filled with various scrap parts and books. Though what shocked them the most was the state that Scout was in. He was hunched over the work desk, scribbling furiously on the paper and sometimes turning his attention to the new ghost trap he was working on. His hair was decently grey and from what they could see right now, he had grown out a short bear due to the obvious lack of proper grooming.

He was also wearing a loose fitting pair of sweatpants and a large T-shirt that looked too big for him.

They all slowly walk over to him, and they took a better look at him. His once healthy skin was now pailer, his eyes were tired and slightly sunken in due to a lack of a stable sleep schedule. He more or less looked like a zombie, but a tad bit more functional.

The man in front of the senses their presence, he clears his throat "It's rude to stare you know?" Scout says in his classic monotonic tone. His voice was slightly scratchy due to a lack of use.

Phoebe nervously picks at her fingers and takes a deep breath "Grunkle Scout?" She asked timidly. He hums in response as he was still focused more on the trap. Phoebe looks to Treavor and he takes over for her "We have some people who want to see you." Scout scoffs, his annoyance clearly showing through "If it's the cops again tell them I'm..." He turns around in his chair and when he sees the other three Ghostbusters, he stops talking. His expression falls falt as he looks at his Grand Niece and Nephew "Phoebe....Treavor..." He points to the trio "What are they doing here?" He hisses, not wanting to see them.

The boys flinch at the harsh tone so Ray tries to start the conversation, "Scout, listen I know you are upset-" "Upset is an understatement Stantz. But go on." Scout cuts off his former friend but signals him to continue. They all cringe when he uses Ray's last name instead of just calling him Ray.

"But, we really need your help with this." He pleaded "Please. I know we all didn't leave on the...best of terms..." He paused looking for the right words to say "But you know the most about what is happening out there. So please, we will do anything! Anything at all to have you help us." He begged.

The room fell silent, the tension was building as Scout thought up a response. He got up from his chair slowly, and approached them as he got up close and personal. There was hard silence as everyone braced for whatever was about to be said.

A stone cold look was on his face and his eyes were unreadable. They haven't seen him like this since college.

"No."

It was a short and quiet response. But to everyone else, it was the loudest thing in the room. Phoebe and Trevor were internally panicking. Winston and Ray held the most sadness in their eyes, but Peter...Oh boy Peter was pissed. And in classic Venkman fashion, he wasn't going to keep his mouth shut.

"So, let me get this straight." He started pointed to Scout "You. Are going to just let Gozer come in here and casually destroy the entire universe?" Scout only crossed his arms, not budging on his words.

Peter scoffed and shrugged "And for what? To be petty and bitter?" He continues to poke and prod hoping to get a response.

"Peter." Winston tried to stop him before it escalated to far "No!" Peter shouted startling everyone except Scout. He knew he would throw some sort of tantrum, he expected as much. "Im not gonna take 'no' as a good answer!" He grabbed the collar of Scout's shirt tightly. Despite the hight difference he had a pretty good grip on him.

"I want you to give me a good reason why." He said while slightly shaking the younger man, slightly getting in his face while he talked.

Scout's face contorted with anger as he harshly yanked Peter's hands off of him. He was pissed. He took a long shaky breath as he tried to compose himself "You want a real answer?" He asked rage slowly coating each word. "I'll give you a good reason." He said while he started to pace "First off, you called us crazy when we said that there was a high probability of Gozer coming back." He waved his arms around while he talked. He was an animated talker no matter what "Second off," he abruptly stopped pacing and pointed at his three former colleagues "You! You all left me alone when I needed you the most!" He shouted. His emotions overwhelming him "I was so scared, when Egon died. I wanted...no...NEEDED someone to turn to but NO!" He started to shout. He was getting emotional, all the stress, grief and rage he had collected over the years coming out all at once

"I NEEDED YOU! I NEEDED THE PEOPLE WHO I TRUSTED THE MOST! AND WHAT DO YOU DO?!" At this point tears where sliding down his face "YOU LEFT ME! THAT'S...That's what you did." He finished his rant. Furiously wiping away the tears of rage, anger and sadness from his face. He didn't like crying in front of people.

He was shaking, crying and on the verge of a panic attack. The boys where stunned at the amount of emotion he had shown. Not in a million years did they think that Scout Spengler was capable of showing this much emotion all at once.

Scout took a shaky breath and slouched slightly "So there. There's your reasons why." He whispered. Any other words being said where interrupted by the violent shake in the ground.

Everyone looked out of the windows of the attic to see the ever growing storm was rapidly growing. Rook was heard barking and whining in distress downstairs. "Dear God." Scout whispered in disbelief. His glasses slightly fogged up from all of the tears.

"What's going on out there?" Winston asked. Scout's focus was on the source of the storm "The portal is opening. All defences have been broken through." He said hastily while running his hands through his long messy hair in distress.

He thought for a moment then sighed "Fine, I'll help." Everyone sighed of relief "But I'm not doing it for you." He looked at his former friends "I'm doing it for them." He motioned twaords Phoebe and Trevor.

Though there was a small part of him that was doing it for the three of them as well, even if he wouldn't say so.

He still cares about them, even after all this time, and all they went through to get to this point.

[worldoftheskeptic]

"Dr. Venkman, do you plan on moving any time in the next few decades?"

"Hmm." Janine barely elicited a response from Peter, who sprawled on the couch with one arm dangling.

"I brought food." She dropped a takeout box on the coffee table. This garnered a mumbled thanks and a glance in her direction. His eyes fixed on the television again after a moment.

"Whatcha watching?" During these late night hours, Janine tended to get bored. She really should have gone home, but with Winston working on the car, Egon in the lab, and Ray running between the two, she figured she'd run interference in case anything went wrong. She had paperwork to catch up on, after all. And there was Peter, suffering through an intense bout of interest in the TV.

She tapped on his head. "Whatcha watching?"

He pushed her hand away. "I honestly don't remember." He watched the screen blankly. When he was like this, he had the unique talent of watching anything for hours and absorbing none of it.

Janine sat down at the foot of the couch, leaning where legs would usually dangle. She was not about to infringe on Peter's territory. It was too late, and she didn't have the stamina.

Once Peter had resolved that she wasn't leaving the room, he picked up the takeout box. It was his usual order. He picked at the food as a car raced through the streets of Gotham on the TV screen.

"Aren't you supposed to be doing paperwork?"

"Sure. Aren't you?"

Peter would have thrown the chopsticks at her if he had the energy. And anyway, he was hungry. He hadn't bothered to eat all day.

He sunk back into the couch, resigned to try to ignore Janine. She was being a busy body anyway.

Peter was surprised and irritated to find her hand on his forehead.

"Just checking." She responded to his glare, the hazel blue eyes looking particularly icy.

"Go away." He spoke through a mouthful of fried shrimp, adjusting himself to lean on one elbow.

"I'm so grateful that you're concerned for me, Janine. I'm glad you brought me food and let me slough off all day and you didn't even hassle me about it. Gee, you really are a great secretary, you deserve a raise and two weeks paid vacation."

Pete didn't seem to register her passive aggressive rant, instead he decided to conduct an orchestra with his chopsticks.

Janine huffed past her red lipstick and crossed her arms. "Fuckin jerk."

"Thanks, Janine." He was pretty quiet, but she heard it. It was belated and not even that sincere. Whatever. She'd bother him about it later.

"You're gonna sleep here?"

"Mm hm."

"You should have a blanket I guess."

"Could you not?" Peter looked up from his meal to give her a look that was something between scolding and pleading. He was feeling humiliated as it was. He didn't need the extra help.

"It's just a blanket. I was gonna grab one for myself anyway."

"Then stay downstairs."

"I like the company."

"Egon is downstairs."

"Egon is working and won't talk to me."

"This is a better arrangement?"

She rolled her eyes and left. When she came back, Peter had moved to lean against one arm of the couch, his legs curled underneath him.

"I thought you were incapable of movement for a minute there."

"Surprise."

Janine tossed one of the blankets at him and took the other end of the couch. She took the liberty of changing the channel, too. This was one of the worse Batman movies, she didn't care how cute George Clooney was.

Peter set his takeout box back on the table without commenting on the channel switch. Now it was a soap opera. Hot guy A sleeping with hot chicks B, C, and E, and none of them knowing about each other. The guy had amnesia? He really wasn't following.

Peter grabbed his takeout box and chucked it at the trash can near the door. It missed the rim by an inch and he sighed like it was a deeply troubling thing. He wasn't cut out for basketball. In fact, god, he was getting fat. And old. This too, he found deeply troubling enough to sigh about it and incite a glare from Janine.

She muted the volume on the television.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm dying, what's it to you?"

"You're dying. Should I get Egon up here with the adrenaline shots?"

"If he touches me once, he'll lose a limb. Your favorite one, too, I'll make sure."

Peter rested his cheek on his hand, pushing it up enough that it squished one side of his face into a squint. He sighed like a goddamn horse.

"Touchy." She scooted a little further into the opposite arm of the couch. She even leaned the opposite way, resting her chin in her hand instead of making herself look ridiculous.

"You'll be okay." Janine's eyes flickered over to observe his face for a nanosecond. He caught her nonetheless.

"Yeah? You psychic or something?"

"Yeah. About these things, yeah. I'm very psychic. I'm so psychic, I predict you'll see a therapist or something."

"Uh huh. How do you figure?"

"I'm telling you, that's how I figure."

Peter grumbled to himself and gave up supporting his head with his hand, instead burying his face in the arm of the couch.

"I really think you should be medicated sometimes."

"I can't, it's not on our insurance."

"You sprung for optical."

"Half of us have glasses."

"And dental?"

"Winston wanted it. Impacted wisdom tooth, hurt like a bitch."

"You didn't think this would be an issue?"

"I don't like therapists."

"You don't trust therapists."

Peter looked up. She just sat there and read him like a book. Over her fucking glasses, for Pete's sake.

"I get awful thoughts, if I tell them, they lock me up. It's happened before."

"That was that Hardemeyer guy. What a dick anyway- a jerk if I ever saw one. He's worse than you and Walter put together. Worse than Ron."

Peter almost laughed.

"I feel awful. I feel sluggish, and I can't eat, I can't sleep right. Sometimes I wish I were dead because then I'd feel better rested."

Janine looked over at him, her pinky resting on the edge of her glasses. "You're not gonna hurt yourself, are you?"

"No. I don't want to feel any worse. I just-" his voice skipped a couple notes higher, his throat tightening.

"Don't make fun of me if I tell you this."

"I gotta know what it is first. If I have to call someone-"

"No, it's not like that. When I feel this way, I..." there was a long silence as Peter tried to strategically avoid the sobs rising in his throat.

"I just want to be held, and then I get angry, because it's too frustrating to feel so useless and then have somebody tell you they love you. I feel so disgusting I have to leave the room so no one can look at me."

Janine frowned, but said nothing. She could predict what was coming next.

Peter wiped at his eyes and kept his profile to her. "That used to drive Dana crazy. I could barely stand being in the same apartment as her and go sleep on the couch. I couldn't even return the littlest gesture, the tiniest bit of affection. She was like, I love you and I'd come back saying, haha, that's so funny. I don't even get it. Hilarious."

He rubbed his nose on his sleeve, hiking the blanket over his face. Janine tried not to look like she pitied him, or felt disgusted, but she failed at both.

Somebody else might have told him to get over himself, that he was lazy, that if he just had the strength of character, none of this would even faze him. Janine might have too, if she didn't know a little better.

She scooted over to sit next to him and put an arm around his shoulders, like she was propping him up. Not affectionate, not loving, but supportive nonetheless.

"Peter, you fuckhead." She squeezed his shoulder. "I don't know why you told me that, but I won't tell anybody."

Peter sniffed, trying to scrub the tears off his face before they could leave his eyes. "I'm sorry. I wanted to be alone and I acted like a fucking jerk."

Janine leaned into his shoulder, resting her head against the plaid of his shirt. The shoulder part of his sleeve was still dry.

"Yeah, you're a jerk, but that's not all you are." She didn't bother listing off any positive qualities. He'd just go and shoot them down as she said them, so she left them for him to contemplate. She didn't bother making eye contact either. His face was hidden as it was and it was difficult to ignore the undignified whimpering he was doing. She gave his back a reassuring rub and stood up.

"Try to get some sleep, okay? I'll get out the insurance forms and you can call them about the policy tomorrow." She patted his shoulder. He seemed to have calmed down quite a bit, breathing even with his face buried in his arms. She was sure there were still tears streaming down his face.

"Tissues are right here. Goodnight."

He slumped facedown into the couch. "Night."