(You’re gonna wanna read Smile Pretty first, friendos.)

Written by KB, @tuckthisshitimout​ and @bluebelladon​

Today was different. Much different. But mainly in the fact that Dan didn’t awake to silence, rather an annoying alarm clock beep. Another strange thing; it was the middle of the night. Dan quietly exited his bed, being aware of  the sleeping Arin in the room next door. Opening his closet door, Dan pulled out a red and white suit. Sure, he didn’t believe in Santa Claus, but he wanted everyone he was in charge of now to be happy. He has already picked out the perfect gifts for everyone, all wrapped and ready in a large sack in the corner. Placing on the scratchy beard, Dan tip-toed out of the room, with the large sack slung across his shoulder. Entering the living room, Dan reached into the big sack. He pulled out two presents wrapped in pink wrapping paper. Both were labeled “Arin” in cursive writing. Dan carefully set them down under the beautifully decorated tree they had gotten just a few days prior. Dan took a deep breath, before sneaking out of the house and making his way down the dirt path. Creeping up on the house next door, Dan climbed up the ladder that was balancing against the house’s walls. Walking carefully on the roof, Dan placed himself on top of the chimney. Throwing the bag down first, a huge cloud of chimney smoke puffed up against him, covering his face. This was his first time doing this, and he struggled to keep in his coughs. Arin and him had practiced with their own chimney, but Arin had made sure to clean it first os Dan wouldn’t get hurt. Coughing loudly, Dan hopped down the chimney, landing on the floor with a poof. Grabbing the sack, Dan pulled out present in two colors. Blue, and darker blue. Such variety. This time, after placing them under the tree, he decided just to use the front door to leave safety. Dan went from house to house, all night, making sure all of his citizens had the perfect gifts. He wanted to be a great mayor, he wanted to give them a nice Christmas. Waddling home, Dan walked into his house silently, grabbing a cookie from a plate nearby. Entering his room, Dan removed the costume. He groaned and sat down on the bed, grabbing a cloth off of his night stand and wiping the soot off of his arms and face, before laying down and getting comfy under the covers. He couldn’t wait to see everyone’s smiles tomorrow, but right now, he was tired enough to sleep for years.

The next morning, Dan awoke to an excited Arin, jumping excitedly in his bed. “ITS CHRISTMAS! ITS CHRISTMAS!!” Arin screeched into Dan's ear. “Okay! Let's go downstairs, you goof.” Arin had a huge smile on his face as Dan lead him downstairs to the living room. Arin was practically bouncing. It was his first Christmas and from what Dan had told him about it, he was ecstatic. The others were supposed to come later so they could all exchange gifts. They were probably as excited as Arin. Dan sat down on the couch as Arin sat on the floor. Picking up a pink present, Arin shook it. Hard. “It's sounds soft!” Arin exclaimed happily. Arin attacked the present, ripping the paper off it furiously. The paper went everywhere. Arin’s eyes grew wide as he reached in and carefully lifted out a beautiful, silky purple gown. It’s top bust portion was a lilac with embroidery on the edges, while the bottom skirt was large and deep purple. In the bottom, the dress was accompanied by a small, light pink tiara.  “OH MY GOD!” Arin exclaimed as he lifted it up to his body. “It's so pretty!” Arin's smile grew as he placed the tiara on his head. “Put it on, princess.” Dan asked. Arin nodded as he ran up to his bedroom.  He soon came back down the stairs happily, skipping along and grinning. However, he was too happy. Arin’s foot suddenly caught the skirt and he toppled over. Dan sprung into action, running towards the staircase. He dived quickly, trying to catch Arin before he fell to the floor. “I gotcha, princess. Just, watch your step.” Dan grinned. Arin giggled as he tried to support himself upward. Once he got steady, he lunged at Dan for a bear hug, holding him in tight. “I love it…” he mumbled, nuzzling his face against Dan’s shoulder. “I knew you would, princess.” Dan smiled as he ruffled Arin's hair. “Go on.. Open your other presents!” Arin jumped up, and ran towards the tree. Arin grabbed the nearest present, ripping the wrapper of it with excitement. Inside was a small cartridge, that would fit Arin’s SNES. It read “Megaman X” on the front. Arin gasped. “You actually got it? How? It sold out on the first day!” Arin exclaimed. Dan smirked. “I have my ways…” Arin was practically shaking with excitement. He was absolutely elated. “Heh, come on, why don’t we go play it?” Dan asked. “But Dan, you’re forgetting your present” Arin whined, laying and reaching far under the tree. Arin pulled out a present neatly wrapped in red and gold wrapping paper. Arin smirked as he passed the present into Dan's arms. “Come on. Open it!” Arin exclaimed. Dan was practically frozen. “You...You got something for me?” he asked, quite surprised. Arin nudged Dan's arm, but Dan hesitated. He pulled at the paper gently, removing the paper carefully. He made sure not to make a single rip. Inside was a plain white box. When he removed the lid, he saw two slips of paper lying in the bottom. Both read “Tortimer Island”. Dan gasped, covering his mouth. “How did you get these? They don't normally sell tickets to just anyone!” Dan asked. “I have my wayssss” Arin said in a singsong voice. Dan hugged Arin, lifting him off the ground and spinning him around, laughing. When he finished, Arin suddenly looked down. “Dan uh… you know, these tickets, they aren’t just for a normal tour and stuff. They’re uh… They just… They’re couples tickets” he mumbled. Dan chuckled. “That's fine, boo.” Dan leaned in as he pecked Arin's cheek. “I'm going to get dressed before the others arrive. Okay?” Arin nodded as Dan stood up from his seat, dashing up to his room.  Arin contemplated taking off his dress. It was a little… much for such an early morning. Maybe he should save it for another occasion? Walking down the stairs in his new clothes, Dan and Arin stood by the door, waiting for the guests. After a few minutes of silence, the doorbell rang. Arin opened it enthusiastically. Suzy sprang out from behind, tackling them both in a large embrace. She had a fluffy, red sweater and a santa hat to match. “Merry Christmas, you love birds!” She exclaimed. “Merry Christmas to you too, Scuze!” Dan said. Arin smiled as he ruffled her hair. “Glad you can make it!” The others crammed in the doorway behind her, trying to all pile in at once. They all had bags in hand, with gifts and food inside. “TIME TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, YOU MOTHERFUCKERS!” Ross exclaimed within the pile. All the others screamed with excitement as they piled onto the living room couch. “Heh, alright, come on, no one get too crazy. Set your stuff under the tree, and I’ll take all the food into the kitchen for later” Arin corralled everyone, holding out his hands to take the plates and dishes. They all handed Arin their homemade dishes, while Dan placed all the presents under the tree. “So, who's going first?” Dan asked politely. “Can I go first?” Barry asked quietly. Dan smiled in agreement. Dan shuffled through the presents, handing Barry all of the ones with his name and setting them on his lap. “Ok Barry, you may start the opening!” Arin exclaimed. Barry smiled as he grabbed the first present. It was from Ross. It was sloppily wrapped, but the thought was there. He pulled it out, eyes growing wide. It was a handmade statue of him and Ross high fiving. On the base, the letters “BFF” were chiseled. Barry giggled as he held it up for closer inspection. “Ross! I love it!” Barry exclaimed as he pulled it close. A huge smile grew on Ross’ face. Slowly, Barry picked up the next present. This one was from Holly. It was a homemade puppet of a burger character Barry had made a long time ago. His name was burgey. “Quick, fly him across the room!” Holly said. Barry smiled, as he tossed the plush burger to her. They passed it back and forth for a bit, before Barry grabbed the next gift; Suzy’s. It was crafted and bent metal, turned into a picture frame with a photo of her and Barry smiling together. It was from the first day Dan became mayor, so they both had genuine grins. Barry smiled as he placed the frame next to him. He winked as he grabbed the last gift. It was from both Dan and Arin. It was a box, filled with a bunch of random items that Barry all loved; a sweet smelling candle, a teddy bear, an eraser shaped like an ice cream cone, a Ness doll, and so on. Barry smiled as he looked at each item. Closing the box, Barry stood from his seat and hugged each person in the room in thanks. “Me next! Me next! Me next!” Ross whined. Ross was jumping up and down where he sat. Everyone giggled at his juvenile actions. “Calm down Ross” Holly laughed, shoving her gift into his lap as he began to open it happily. He ripped the paper violently, sends bits of it everywhere. Within the paper was a small white box. He lifted the lid and gazed down at the knit scarf. It was his favorite colors, with little embroidered pictures of him and his friends. It had obviously taken a long time to make. Ross blushed as he placed it over his shoulders carefully. His smile grew more and more as he looked at the images that were embroidered within the fabric. “I love it!” Ross said in a sweet voice. Holly brushed it off as if it were nothing. Then Suzy handed her gift over. The present was wrapped neatly in blue and gold paper, topped with a bow. Ross removed the bow, and placed it on his head, as if he was a present. “Wow, I love it. Thank you so much Suzy” he laughed. SUzy shoved his arm with a chuckle. “Come on now, open it” Ross giggled as he attacked the paper. He pulled out, yet another box. Opening the lid, he pulled out Suzy’s gift. I was a small canvas, a watercolor painting of Ross’ cat Orph sitting on his lap. “Awwww” Ross cooed as he picked up the painting. “I'm gonna hang this on my wall!” Suzy smiled. Arin handed his and Dan’s over, Technically it was only Arin’s because Dan had already giving everyone gifts, but still. Ross ripped the paper to reveal a piece of paper in plastic. It was a print of him, surrounded by his favorite game characters. Tiny charactures of the others were splattered around each game character. “Whoa, did you make this?” Ross gasped, holding it up. Arin blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah…” He mumbled. “It’s great, I love it” Ross praised. Finally, Barry slid his present over. Ross smiled gently as he opened it. It was a bag, and inside was a single picture. It was a photoshopped picture of Ross on a throne. He was wearing a crown, as the characters in the background were burning. Next to him, was what he assumed to be Tom Nook’s skeleton. Ross burst out laughing. “No, this, this one is my favorite” he giggled, as did everyone else except for Arin. He didn’t find it too funny. After everyone settled down, Suzy asked if she could go next. Arin smiled as he handed her the present he and Dan got her. It was a beautiful necklace. It matched her hair, it matched her eyes, hell, it just went with Suzy as if she was meant to wear it. Suzy smiled as she placed the necklace around her neck. Holly them came up close to look at the charm, before passing her present to Suzy. Inside were two stuffed kitties, one of her cat Mochi and the other of her cat Mimi. They looked exactly like the real ones, down the the smallest fur patterns. Suzy pulled the plush cats close, nuzzling their fur. She petted the fur down flat before Ross handed his gift to her. Despite being messily wrapped, the gift inside had a lot of thought. It was a brand new make-up set. Nook had only allowed her one, and by now all that was left was a sliver of lipstick and a few particles of blush. She squealed with excitement as she looked at the pigments and brushes. She stroked one of the brushes against her face, a smile covering her face. Everyone giggled as Barry handed his gift. A brand new skirt, galaxy print and going to about her knees. Barry looked over at Holly, she had obviously made it from an order from him. Suzy smiled as she held it up to her body, pretending to swirl around in it as she giggled. She then thanked everyone for their gifts before sitting down. “Holly’s turn!” Ross yelled, passing his gift over to her. Holly giggled as she opened the gift. Inside of clothes box was a painting of her stuffed bird, which she named Lt. Birb. There was a lot of detail in the painting, going so detailed that the iruses had tiny particles in them.Holly gasped and threw her arms around him. “It’s amazing!” she gasped. Ross blushed. “Oh. Heh. It's nothing.” Holly smiled. She suddenly grabbed his cheeks and smooshed them together. “It’s everything” Ross blushed harder as Suzy pushes her way through the two, practically shoving the gift in her face. Holly giggled as she patted her down and grabbing the perfectly wrapped present. Suzy had put together a necklace made of bird feathers and small sapphires. “Don’t worry, they came off naturally” Suzy assured. Holly smiled as she put on the necklace. She hugged Suzy tightly before Barry handed his gift with a smile. She tore it open, revealing a stained glass portrait of a bird. Her smile grew as she picked up the delicate object, being wary not to drop it. She placed the glass up to her face, and she looked through it, making the others laugh. Arin handed her another present, tied and wrapped neatly. It present had holes in it, which made her worried. Upon opening the gift, there was a box, with you guessed it. Holes. Holly carefully removed the lid, and out came a bird, flapping frantically within the room. Holly jumped up off of the couch and made tweeting sounds, trying to calm and call the bird to her. The bird flew around everyone’s head before landing on Dan’s, nesting itself in his hair. Holly creeped up to it, before picking it up carefully. At first it fidgeted, but after getting comfy in her hands, the bird calmed down. “Heh. Looks like he already likes you Dan” Holly giggled. Everyone giggled as Holly sat down with the bird. She cooed it quietly as the others tried to come up with a name for it. Holly glanced at Arin, and smiled, as to say “thank you,” without words. He nodded and grinned back. Holly knew it was specifically from him, as she was the only other person who knew Dan was playing Santa. She had to make the suit “for him, so they had to tell her. After everyone settled down, Suzy handed a gift to Arin. He smiled as he picked up the present, wrapped in pink and blue paper. It was topped with a bow, which had a flower pattern on it. Arin carefully pulled it open, as not to rip it. Inside was a collection of hair accessories. Bows and headbands and hair ties and pins and clips and much more. Arin giggled as he picked up the biggest bow in the box, before clipping it to his hair. The big bow bounced as he laughed with the others. Ross was next. The box wasn't too large, but it did say “Fragile” on it. Arin pulled out a small coffee mug that read “World’s Best Mom”. Arin laughed as he picked up the mug carefully, holding it up to his face, pretending to take a sip. “Thanks, son!” Arin joked, and the others laughed. Ross smirked. “Anything for you, mommy” he purred in a way too sexy and low voice. Arin blushed at the remark. Everyone laughed again as Barry handed his gift. It was a crunchy roll onE YEAR FREE MEMBERSHIP BY USING THE CODE “game grumps”. BUT BARRY IS SUCH A CHEAPO BECAUSE A MONTH MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY 6.95 STUPID BARRY GO GET YOUR GRAPE CRATE. BUT NOW ARIN CAN WATCH ALL HIS FAVORITE ANIME LIKE- “Awe, thanks B” Arin smiled. Barry smiled back, before a ghost escaped his mouth. “Oooooo!!!!” “ Thanks crunchy roll ghost!” Suzy exclaimed as the ghost flew past her. Everyone giggled as Arin hugged Barry. Holly gently set her gift on top of Arin’s head, balancing it carefully. Arin gently picked up the present off his head. The present was rectangular, and small. Arin carefully removed the paper, revealing a paint set. There were various different colors and brushes in the set, perfect for any painter. “Oh my gosh these are really good paints! Where'd you get these?” Arin gasped. Holly giggled. “I got them from the art store at the next town over!” Arin smiled. “You mean Athens?” Ross asked. Holly nodded. “Yup! They have really great stores there.” Suzy grinned. “Then we’ll have to visit soon. Now that we can finally have nice things” Holly then pulled out the final present from her bag, along with everyone else. “We all sorta pitched in for this” Holly said. Everyone smiled as they handed Dan their gifts. Dan blushed as he picked up the first one, which was from Ross. He opened it carefully, and inside was a pair of sparkly boots. Dan would look like a giant wearing them, as they were platform boots. Next was Barry. His gift was a rad red band and some eye liner. Dan giggled as he tried to place the headband over his head. His hair covered his face like a cloud of hair. Next was Suzy’s. Inside the box, a sparkly red cape. Dan smiled at the tiny cape, attaching it to his back. He twirled, watching the tiny cape fluttered as he spun. Holly finally handed over her gift. His eyes grew wide as he opened the large wooden container. It was a sparkly light blue suit, but not a fancy suit. It was more like a costume. The shiny spandex outfit sparkled as Dan picked it up. He gazed at the frills and folds on the outfit. “This is...incredible” he exclaimed, holding the suit up to his body. “But uh… What exactly is it for?” Everyone went silent. A knock came from the front door. “Who's coming now? We already started.” Dan asked. Arin grinned. He knew exactly who it was. He hopped up and answered the door, revealing a very pissed off looking but Christmas sweater wearing Brian. “Brian? What are you doing here?” Dan asked. Brian walked up to him, placing his hand onto his shoulder. Brian stared at him, his face loosening. “You...You are?” Dan gasped before Brian nodded. Dan instantly leaped forward to cover him in a large hug. “Oh my god you're going to be so happy here Bri! I'm gonna make the town awesome you're gonna love it!” Dan giggled as he spun Brian around in the hug. “But, Uhhh…. What does this have to do with the costume?” Dan asked as he looked at Brian. He was silent, but his expression was serious. “W-What? B-But I can't, Arin sold my old base when he lost his memory” Dan sighed. Arin sighed behind him. “A-about that…. Uhhhh” Arin hesitated as he passed a long box in Dan's direction. Dan’s jaw practically dropped to the floor. “No way, you didn't” he breathed. He carefully opened the box, revealing a bright blue v-neck base. He gasped as he hugged Arin tightly in joy. “Oh my god I can't fucking believe you!” Dan screamed, bouncing up and down in happiness. “It's nothing…” Arin said quietly. He cupped Dan's face to bring it closer. He smiled. Dan leaned forward and pecked him quickly. “Don't be so modest princess” Arin giggled as he pecked him back. Brian awkwardly stepped backwards as the two embraced. Let's just say he wasn't much for PDA. “So can we eat now? I'm starving!” Ross whined. Dan sighed. “Of course! To the kitchen!!” He exclaimed as he sprang up. Arin had placed out everyone’s dishes except for his own, which were either in the fridge or the oven. “Arin, where's your dish?” Suzy asked. “It's not quite ready yet,” he whispered. “Awww, but yours is always the best!” Ross whimpered. “Ross this is the first time we've done this” Holly giggled. “Yeah but Arin still makes the best food” Ross huffed. Arin giggled under his breath. “Why don't we start eating so I can finish making my dish, eh Ross?” Ross chuckled as he ran and grabbed his plate. He piled his plate high with goods, but left a large open space for Arin’s. Everyone else piled their plates with the food, huge smiles on their faces. Arin went to finish his food as everyone say down, beginning to dig in. Even Brian lifted his mask a little to stick one of Holly’s homemade scones in his mouth. Everyone was joyous. They told stories, made jokes, and sang songs as they ate their food. After what seems like a while, Arin finally finished his dish. “You guys better like this, it took me days to make” Arin sat down the dish on the counter. From the table, it already smelled amazing. Everyone sprang up to look at the dish. It was steaming, still warm and toasty. It was a casserole amalgamation of local eggs, honey smoked ham, a thin layer or crumbled cereal, and topped with more scrambled eggs and gooey cheese.“Oh my god Arin! It looks amazing!” Suzy exclaimed. Arin blushed. “Well then! Let's dig in!!” Ross exclaimed as he held up his fork. Everyone screamed with cheer as the went closer to the dish. Arin smiled as he placed a serving on everyone’s plate. When Holly came up, he stopped and went over to the fridge. “I know you're a vegetarian so I made you a small one all for yourself without the ham” Arin grinned. Holly smiled as she received the meal. Arin served himself a plate before sitting down. More stories and jokes were told throughout the meal. The mood was just right.This was it. This what Dan wanted. How he wanted his citizens to feel. He wanted his villagers to be happy and healthy. He wanted what was best for them. “So, you guys are going to Tortimer, right?” Suzy asked as she stuffed her face. “Yeah! We are going in a few days. We just need to pack.” Arin replied. “Don't fuck him too hard while you're on your romantic vacation, Dan” Ross laughed. Dan giggled. “I'll try not to!” Dan joked. “So why are you guys even going anyway?” Holly asked. Arin stayed silent. “Uhhh.. Cause why not?” “Well I do see Holly’s point. Dan just started being mayor, a vacation seems like a strange thing to do” Barry said. Arin stayed quiet. There was an awkward feeling in the room. Dan looked over at him, concerned. “Everything okay princess?” “Everything's fine! Why do you ask?” Arin said awkwardly. Dan pursed his lips and reached under the table to grab Arin’s hand. “Oh, I almost forgot! Can you help me in the other room for a sec Ar?” Dan asked. Arin nodded slowly as Dan lead him to the next room. “Are sure you're okay?” Dan asked, squeezing his hand tighter. “I...it’s just…no” Arin mumbled, looking down. “Come on babe. You can tell me.” Dan asked quietly. “...I saw Nook” Arin whispered, voice cracking. Dan went silent. “Did you really?” he asked. Arin slowly nodded. Dan placed his hand on Arin’s shoulder. “H-He's been watching us Dan. I'm getting really scared… I-I saw him outside my window once in the middle of the night and I was sobbing b-but I didn't want to wake you up so I hid in my closet and goddamn it Dan I'm so terrified he's planning something” Arin choked. Dan brought Arin close. “It’s okay Arin. There’s no need to be scared. If you were that afraid, l wouldn’t mind!” Arin looked down. Did Dan understand what he was trying to say? Does he believe him? Arin suddenly pushed away and grabbed his arms, still looking down. “You think I'm crazy” he murmured, stepping away even more. Dan blinked rapidly. “No, no, no no no!” He said over and over, gripping Arin’s arms. Arin ripped himself away. “Yes you do. I can see it in your eyes. You think I'm going insane” Tears began to well up in Arin’s eyes. Dan shook his head. He looked Arin straight in the eyes. “Princess, I don’t think that. Please… Princess..” It was hard for Arin to not believe him when he used that soft tone and sincere stare but just what Dan had said… he didn't even seem worried about Nook, like he thought it was all in Arin’s imagination. Arin plastered on a smile to make Dan feel better. He nuzzled his face into Dan’s chest, as he let himself finish his crying. “All better?” Dan asked. “Mhm hm” Arin lied. Dan ruffled Arin’s hair as he giggled softly. “Let’s go back to the kitchen.” Arin nodded and let Dan lead him in. “Hey, did you get whatever you needed help with worked out?” Ross asked as they entered. “Yup! Everything is all sorted out!” Dan exclaimed with a smile. Arin smiled weakly as he entered behind him. “Well I don't know about you guys, But I'm getting seconds” Barry grinned. “Go right ahead!” Dan exclaimed. Pretty soon, everyone finished and gathered up their gifts, thanking each other for them. “This has been the best Christmas” Ross smiled. “It's been your only Christmas” Holly replied. “Exactly!” Ross exclaimed. Holly giggled as they left the house together. “Okay then! Let’s start cleaning up.” Dan said. Arin nodded slightly. He picked up the small bits of torn wrapping paper, while Dan cleaned the kitchen. Dan hummed to himself as he cleaned. It wasn’t any tune in particular, but it was familiar. Everything was going great. Christmas was a success. His best friend was moving in, and he'd get to start his band again, not too shabby. Everything was perfect. Well, to Dan it is. And while he was sure Arin wasn't going crazy, he was almost certain Nook was gone. It was probably just bad memories plaguing his mind that would fade away, right? Dan shook his head at the thought. Walking back into the living room, Dan hugged Arin from behind. Arin stayed silent as he tried to pick up the last bits of paper off the floor. “Come on princess…” Dan cooed. “C-Come where?” Arin stammered, shocked from the sudden hug. Dan hummed as he stood Arin up. He twirled him in a circle, before making him stare into his eyes. “Anywhere, as long as we go together” he laughed. Arin blushed as he chuckled awkward. Dan gave a hearty laugh. “I'm so fucking corny, huh?” Dan shrugged. “Aww shucks, Daniel!” Arin joked. “I can't believe this whole Christmas celebration took so long. Probably cause there are 6 of us” Dan sighed. Arin chuckled. “Yeah. We are a pretty rambunctious group.” Dan nodded his head in agreement. “Thanks for everything Ar, really” Dan smiled. “It’s nothing, really!” Arin responded. Dan leaned forward and pressed his lips against Arin’s to shut him up. “Really” Dan reiterated. Arin smiled. “Really.” He kissed Dan back. Dan got flustered. “Heh, I'm gonna g-go try on my new costume” Dan excused, grabbing the pieces and running out. Arin giggled. While waiting, he looked out the window. There was a strange figure looking at him. At first it was unclear but- Arin’s heart stopped. He ran upstairs screaming and starting to hyperventilate. “Dan! Dan!” Arin huffed as he knocked on Dan ’s bedroom door. Dan peaked out of the room. Arin was practically in tears. Before Dan could process what was wrong, Arin lunged forward and buried his face into Dan’s chest. Dan stroked Arin’s hair. “Is everything all right?” Dan cooed. Arin shook his head. “H-He's there… He's there D-Dan… I saw him o-outside” Arin said through his sobs. “Who’s there?” Dan asked quietly. “Nook… He’s outside..” Arin choked. Dan sighed. “Come on, let's go check” Dan shrugged. Arin's eyes grew wide. “N-No!” “Why not?’ Dan asked. He was getting skeptical. “H-He might hurt you” Arin murmured. Dan rolled his eyes. He was getting tired of this. “Come on, I just want to see if he left” Arin sighed as he released himself from Dan. Dan slowly went down the stairs, and Arin followed closely behind. Dan looked out every window, saying things like “No Nook here” or “Nope, not here either”. It was evident that he was just playing along as if treating Arin like a child afraid of a monster under their bed. “But.. But…” Arin choked. “He was there! I saw him! I swear!” Dan shushed Arin. “Come on babe. Its pretty late. You should rest.” Arin’s face scrunched. He knew what he had seen, he knew he wasn't crazy. Why couldn't Dan believe him?Arin sighed. “Fine..” Dan stroked his hair as Arin crept slowly to his room. He shut his door and sat down on his bed, sniffling. “Why won’t he believe me?” he asked himself. “He's naive and elvish and he doesn't really care about you” a voice answered. Arin assumed it was in his head. “No… that’s not true. He cares about me!” Arin said to nothing. “Pfft, oh my you're still living in that fantasy. How do you know he didn't just use you to become mayor?” The nothing replied. “He wouldn’t do that! He’s to sweet and kind. I mean…” Arin went silent. “Do you remember when Nook was sweet and kind?” Arin nodded. “Y-yeah. I do.” He responded hesitantly. “And remember when he slowly began to get worse and worse until you were under his full control? Seems similar to what Dan is trying to do, right, but with treating you like a lesser person, someone beneath him” the voice sneered. “But…. But…..” Arin tried to respond to the nothingness, but he couldn't think of any words. He was left speechless. The nothingness laughed. “Admit it. You know he's using you and eventually he will turn against you and your friends” the nothing commanded. Arin stayed silent as more tears fell. “He wouldn't, would he?” Arin choked. The nothingness sneered. “Heh, well if you trust him and you're wrong. Just remember all the pain Tom Nook caused. You will be inflicted once more only by a different hand” the nothingness shrugged. Arin didn't respond. He stayed silent as he heard laughter from Dan's room. Once again, the nothingness chuckled. “What are you going to do, ‘princess’” the nothing mocked. Arin bowed his head to the nothingness. “What you wish of me.” He responded sternly.

Dan crept into Arin’s room that morning, peeking his head in to see that all of Arin’s belongings were packed. He must have been very excited for the upcoming trip. He tip-toed to Arin's bed quietly. He tapped his shoulder lightly. “Good morning princess!” He cooed. Arin rolled over in bed and moaned. His cheeks had tear stains still from last night. Dan used his thumb to try to wipe the stains away. “You okay baby?” He asked gently. Arin suddenly jerked away from his hand and got out on the other side of the bed. Dan was startled by his actions. “Arin?” He asked, trying not to provoke him. Arin snarled. “A-Arin?” Dan took a step back, putting up his hands. A sniff came from Arin’s direction. So many emotions were taking over, and Arin couldn't control it. Dan couldn't stand it. “Please Arin, talk to me. Say anything, anything at all to let me know you're okay” Dan begged. Arin couldn't take it anymore. “You won't turn on us, will you?” He asked behind his tears. His voice was low and stern. “Wh- Us? Who’s us? And why would I ever turn on you?” Dan stammered. Arin stayed silent as he stood from the bed. Dan began to slowly creep over around the bed so he could get closer. “A-Arin… Please……” Dan begged as he slowly got closer. Arin suddenly pulled his blanket off of his bed and wrapped it over his upper body, Hiding his face. “Arin doesn't want to talk to you right now” he mumbled into the fabric. Dan stepped back. Is he okay? “Oh…. Okay….” Dan stammered as he slowly left Arin alone in his room. Dan sighed as he slide down on the closed door, running his hands through his hair. What had he done wrong? Why didn't Arin want to speak to him? And why was he talking in the third person? So many questioned filled his mind as he tried to listen to what was going on the other side of the door. “Did you see how suspicious he was? He just left you alone, even when he could tell you were distressed” a voice could be heard saying, and it definitely wasn't Arin. He heard Arin sigh. “What can I do about it? I can't change how people act.” Arin choked. Arin clearly sounded distressed and under pressure. “But you can change what people you hang around. You should leave before he hurts    you” “But still… I just don't want to leave him all of a sudden.” The random voice giggled. “So you wish to be beaten is what you're saying?” Dan gasped at the voice’s remark. “No.. No!” Arin cried. “Then we have to leave” “Leave? Why?” “So he can't hurt us” Arin fell silent. “Just, not yet. Can we wait?” “No! We have to leave now!” “But… But…” Arin sounded hurt. “Look at the scars on your arms. There are so many. Do you really need another? In your heart for that matter?” Sobs came from the other side. No more words came from Arin, only incoherent mumbles. “Do you?!” The voice practically screamed. Dan couldn't stand hearing this anymore. He burst into the room, feeling his chest aching within himself. “Arin!” He yelled. Arin yelped as he threw the blanket over himself. “Go away!” Arin screamed harshly. Dan's heart ached with every word Arin spoke. Dan took a deep breath and walked forward. Arin whimpered, slowly backing away as Dan tried to get closer. “Arin, who were you talking to?” Dan asked as he took another step. “N- No one! It's none of your business!” Arin responded harshly. His voice was cracking. “Please tell me. I could hear them” Dan got closer. Arin didn't respond. He slowly backed up as far as he could go, before bumping into the wall. He whined. “Who were you talking to” Dan pushed, now only about 3 feet away from Arin. Arin whimpered as he slid down the wall, covering his whole body in the blanket. Dan balled his fists, beginning to shake. He suddenly choked back his tears and stepped back, putting his hands up to his face. “Arin. Please.” His tears threatened to fall as more scarred sounds came from Arin. What happened? What is this voice doing to him? “Please look at me. Please let me touch you. Please let me do anything” Dan begged. Arin only whimpered more. A muffled voice came from inside the blanket. “Can you at least tell me what I did wrong then? What I did to hurt you? I can't live without knowing what I did to hurt the person I love more than anything” Dan murmured. Arin sobbed. He didn't respond. He shuffled as he tried to move from where he say, but something refused. “I… I…” Arin tried to say. His words were drowned under his cries. “If you tell me, I'll leave you alone. I'll let you go. I'll let you do anything, you can become mayor even. Just tell me what is bother you please” Dan couldn't hold back the small drops of tears that dripped down his cheeks. “I can't take this anymore!” Arin screamed. Dan jumped back at the response. Under the blanket, a voice chuckled silently. “I just can't!” His words choked out of his mouth, almost as if they were forced. “What can't you take?” Dan asked. At least Arin was talking. It was a start. Arin screamed. “Just… I can't take it!” His response was vague. He didn't even answer the question. “What is it! Please just tell me so I can try and help you” Dan pleaded. Dan was getting worried, frustrated even, at Arin. He couldn't wrap himself around the situation that was brewing before him. “E-Everything” Arin  mumbled. “Everything? What do you mean?” Dan asked hesitantly. “I don't know! Something is just telling me that…” He choked. His voice cracked, and fell silent. Dan held his breath as he waited for Arin to finish. “I-it tells me you're gonna hurt me” Arin finally blurt out. “I would never do that! Why… Why would it say that?” What the heck is it? Dan thought after his comment. “B-Because you treated me like a child, like someone below you and that you didn't care” Arin whispered. Dan fell silent. “What? Arin, no…. You don't believe that do you? But….” He couldn't respond without stuttering. “I-I do a l-little…” Arin cringed. Dan didn't respond. “I-I Know I saw Tom, b-but you treated me like I w-was insane” Arin went on. “I… uh…” Dan tried to think of a response. How could he respond to something like this? “Now let me leave. It's obvious. T-that voice was right. You don't care” Arin huffed. “B-but I do care!” Dan replied without thinking. “Just go!” Arin screamed. Dan scrunched his face up. “Not until you know how much I love you” Arin held his breath as he heard Dan walk closer. “Dan…don-” He cut himself off. Dan carefully took Arin’s hand in his own, rubbing his thumb gently over the top. “Arin… You may be afraid… But I still love you.” He gripped his hand tighter. He pressed a kiss to Arin’s hand. “And I would never purposely try to hurt you. Please, try to listen to me and not that voice” Arin whimpered at the touches. “I-I can try to.” He said quietly. “I just can't escape it.” Dan continued to rub his hand gently. “Try your best for me...please… Arin, I believe you. I believe Nook is still after you. I just… didn’t want to believe it myself because I’m so afraid he’ll hurt you again. I just don’t want to think he’s actually back” Dan sighed, “I’m sorry if that hurt you… I didn’t mean it to” Arin went silent for a moment, before using his other hand to remove the blanket from his face. His eyes were puffy and swollen from crying, his cheeks stained with tears. Snot dripped from his nose, with a sad and stressed look in his eyes. He opened his mouth to respond. Dan however, cut him off. “And I just want you to be safe and to hold you a-and to kiss you and seeing you in pain… I-I refuse it. I can’t let you get hurt, I don’t want to believe anyone is hurting my princess” Dan's face was sincere and full of love and worry. Arin sniffed as he placed his head on Dan's chest. Dan ruffled his hair lightly. “I can't stand seeing you like this. It hurts just seeing your tears.” Arin reached his other hand out and wrapped it around Dan’s torso. “D-Dan… I’m sorry” Arin mumbled. Dan hummed quietly. “Baby… It's okay…. Life's pretty hard at the moment, I know…” Arin shook his head. “I-I’m so sorry… But you have to promise you w-won’t hurt me… I-I can’t stand anymore scars” “I promise..” Dan said gently as he kissed Arin's forehead. “I promise.” Arin nuzzled his face into Dan’s chest, hugging onto him so tightly that Dan almost toppled backward. Dan chuckled as he squeezed Arin back. “Come on big cat. It's time for breakfast.” He said sweetly as Arin sighed “I...Sorry, I-I don’t wanna get up…” Arin mumbled. Dan grinned and helped him up, putting him into bed. “I’ll make you breakfast in bed, okay? Sorry, my cooking is most definitely not as good as yours” Arin chuckled. “Okay Dannyy” He said sleepily. Dan smiled. He sighed. He didn't want to leave him alone, but he was hungry! “I’ll be fast, and I’ll check on you when I can, okay?” Dan made sure, tucking him in. Arin nodded as Dan rushed out the door to the kitchen. What would he make that's quick and easy? Eggs? Dan turned on the burner and cracked in an egg, which quickly burned and almost caught the house on fire as Dan had it up way too high and forgot to put butter in the pan. “Fuck!” He exclaimed as he tried to put the fire out. It wasn't long before the fire alarms in the house went off, causing Arin to run down the stairs into the kitchen. He didn’t even ask what happened. He just grabbed Dan by the waist and carried him out of the house before saying a word. A small fire formed in the kitchen. Some villagers came running to the house with buckets of water to attempt at putting the flame out. “Are you alright?” Arin asked, still holding Dan bridestyle. “I'm.. I'm fine. I just suck at making eggs.” Dan chuckled nervously at himself. “Any burns?” Arin huffed. Dan looked at himself. “Nah.” He huffed. Arin hugged him tight. “Thank god… why didn’t you just heat up leftovers?” Arin asked. “I really wanted to make you something.” Dan pouted. Arin smiled and pecked his cheek. “Aww, well I admire the thought” The two chuckled as a villager came up to them. “You're house is fine, just some burnt stuff here and there.” The two sighed. “Well that’s good at least” Arin shrugged, setting Dan down on the ground. Dan giggled as he grabbed Arin's hand. The two walked back into the house, being careful around the remaining villagers inside. “Thanks for putting it out” they’d often thank the kind people as they filled out. The villagers smiled as they left the two alone. “I'm gonna heat up some leftovers.” Arin said. “Ahhh, can I try again though? With uh… your help?” Dan mumbled.  Arin chuckled. “Sure! Learn from the master!”

“Are you sure you packed everything you’ll need” Arin checked for the 30th time. “Yes mom. Sheesh!” Dan exclaimed sarcastically. His arms flailed in the air.  Arin playfully shoved him, before picking up his bags and setting them outside near the front door. “Well, you better get your ass ready cause we are gonna go soon!” Dan laughed as he dragged his bags near the front door. “I can assure you I am totally ready for this trip” Arin smiled triumphantly. “You remember underwear?” Dan asked. Arin suddenly stopped. “Fuck, one sec” he said, running back to his room. Dan face palmed. “And you were worrying about me forgetting something!” Dan exclaimed, trying to hold his laughter. After a few moments, Arin came running back down the stairs, holding multi-colored briefs. Arin rolled his eyes as he stuffed his underwear into his suitcase and zipped it back up. A horn bellowed outside. “Well, that's our queue! We better get going.”

Dan exclaimed. Arin nodded and bolted outside happily, skipping happily up to a bus waiting for them. “Yeah!!! I can't wait!!” Arin exclaimed as he bounced up and down where he stood. The bus doors slid open, Arin carrying his suitcase up the steps. Dan followed closely behind the excited Arin, giggling at each step. There weren't many other on the bus, so they were almost alone. Arin flopped down on a seat, giggling excitedly. “Oh my god Arin we haven't even left our street and you're already too excited” Dan laughed, sliding in next to him. Arin smiled. “I just can't wait!!” He said, wrapping his arms around Dan. Dan ruffled his hair. “Heh, I’ve only been to Tortimer once when I was young. How many times have you gone?” Dan asked. “I haven't been! That's why I'm so excited!” Arin bounced. Dan laughed. “Well then I'm glad we're going. Oh gosh I'll have to show you so many great things! Like pineapples and sea shells and turtles and stuff” Dan gushed. Arin listened carefully as Dan talked about all he remembered from his last trip. He went on for a while, telling stories and jokes. Before they knew it, they were at the port. Only a short boat ride and they be at their destination. Arin jumped up and down as they carried their luggage to the boat. It soon took off from the shore, Arin still bouncing. “You know you may wanna calm down a little babe, I don't want you getting seasick” Dan warned. “I'll be fine!” Arin exclaimed as he slowed his bouncing. Dan giggled as Kappn’ sang his songs. “I've never been on a boat before either. Well, that's a lie. I have been, it's just never been out in the water, only attached to the dock. When I was a fisherman, I only fished from the shore or from the docks. I never knew how this felt. Are we allowed to explore?” Arin asked. Dan smiled. “Yeah! We can explore if you want to. But didn't you have plans for our trip?” Dan asked, bumping Arin's shoulder. The two laughed. “Heh, yeah but we still have time! I wanna do everything we can together” Arin said. Dan smiled as he pecked Arin cheek. “I know you do.” Arin narrowed his eyes. “And that's what I'm gonna do” he smiled. He put his arms out at his sides and began to run down the boat, laughing and looking at everything. He looked down into the ocean at the fish, he watched the birds fly above. He giggled as a bird landed in Dan's hair, like Holly’s new pet bird. “Your hair is just a nest” Arin commented as Dan struggled to get the bird out. Dan laughed, causing his hair to shake. The bird flew out after the strange movement. “Hey you two! Sit down and try to keep your stomachs! Cap said rough waves are ahead!” Someone yelled. The two nodded as they took their seats, hands clasped. Their fingers intertwined as the waves crashed against the boat. After a while, Arin started leaning over. “Dan...I think I know what it's like now to feel seasick” he mumbled. Dan rubbed Arin's back. “Don't worry baby..” He cooed as Arin got sick over the edge. “And it's not fun!” Arin mumbled. “You can rest once we get there, okay? Want me to look for something to settle your stomach?” Dan asked. Arin nodded as he tied his hair back. Dan giggled as he went searching for something to help him. He soon came back with a bag of crackers and a slice of bread, along with a few pills and some water. “They said you should eat this and take these to help with it” Dan instructed. Arin nodded as he hesitantly took the pills and ate his bread. “Thanks Dan” he smiled. Dan giggled. “Come, sit back down. We have a little bit of a way to go.” Arin nodded. Dan gripped his hand tight as they sat. A few times Arin had to lean over again to ease his stomach pain, but he managed to keep down his breakfast until they got to the port. They had arrived at Tortimer. “Woo! We made it!” Arin said weakly as he walked on Dan's side. Dan patted his back. “We made it. Come on!” Dan said happily. “Maybe today should just be a relaxing day so you can feel better” Dan suggested as they grabbed their things. Arin nodded weakly as he dragged his luggage behind him. “S-sure. Let's relax.” He smiled. Dan let Arin lean his weight on himself they walked through town, making their way to the beach house. Dan opened the door slowly, walking into the quaint little home. The decorations consisted of seashells, and various beach-like aspects. “Hm, cozy. Come on, let's get you to the bedroom” Dan soothed, leading Arin through the house. Arin nodded as he examined every nook and cranny of the house, before entering their shared bedroom. There was only one large bed. Arin froze. Him and Dan had never actually slept in the same bed before, as the ones at home were both too small to fit two people. Dan noticed Arin's discomfort. “Uhhh.. I can pull the couch in, if you don't want to share?” Arin shook his head no. “It's fine.” A slight blush appeared on Dan’s cheeks. “Really?” He asked. Arin blushed too. “Yeah..” Dan smiled.Dan took Arin’s things and helped him into bed before crawling in next to him and stretching. “Do you wanna watch a movie?” Dan asked. “Mhmmm” Arin hummed. “Do you have one in mind?” “Umm...I don't know many. I've only seen 3 or 4” Arin murmured. “I think I have an idea! I'll be right back.” Dan said. Arin yawned and nodded as Dan got out of bed. He went to his suitcase and dug out a DVD, before placing it in the player. Dan rushed back to bed and cuddled up beside Arin. “This has been my favorite movie since I was a little kid” he smiled. Arin giggled. “It better be good!” Dan smiled as he nuzzled his face into Arin's neck as the movie started. The title screen showed up. The movie was called “The Last Unicorn” Dan suddenly got embarrassed. What if Arin thought he was girly or childish and laughed at him? Arin hummed as the music started to play. Dan relaxed his shoulders as the beginning credits roll past. What is he worrying about? It's just Arin. He sighed. By the time the last scene ended, the two had cuddled close to each other, happy and sleepy. Dan lazily turned the tv off and shoved the remote off the bed, running his hands through Arin’s hair. “Hmmm...Hey Dan” Arin murmured in a sleepy voice. “Yes Arin?” Dan responded as he twisted strands of hair in his fingers. Arin yawned. “Dan can you promise me you'll take care of everyone?” Dan smiled, scooting a little closer. “Only if you'll help me. I can't do it without you” “Of course. We can help you. We will always be there.” Arin wrapped his arms around Dan's waist. Danny smiled and slowly fell asleep.

“Arinnnn...Arin wake up, come on. You'll miss the sunrise” Dan tried shaking him awake lightly. Arin groaned. “I be there in a sec. Hold on.” He murmured into his pillow. “But the sunrise won’t be there soon. C’mon Arin, please, for me?” Arin groaned and propped himself up on his arms. “You'll be thanking me after you see this...come on” Dan whispered excitedly, reaching out his hand for Arin to take. Arin lazily placed his hand in Dan's as he pulled him up. Dragging him across the house, Dan opened the door to the balcony. Arin squinted at a faint blur of light on the horizon. Slowly, a pink glow filled the sky, followed by yellow and then orange, painting the clouds and the ocean in pastels. “Well?” Dan asked, leaning his head on Arin’s shoulder. Arin's face said it all. “It's beautiful Dan.” “Told you it was worth getting out of bed for.” Dan teased. “Now let's go back inside and change into clothes we haven't slept in.” Dan tried to walk away, but Arin didn't budge. “Just a little longer” he mumbled. Dan sighed as he walked back to Arin's side. He glanced at him briefly. Arin was staring at the sky, transfixed. By now there were only faint hints of the colors, the sky turning the beautiful blue this place was famous for. “That was amazing” Arin finally himself shook out of his trace. “Well, it happens every morning so I guess you're in luck” Dan giggled. Arin giggled as Dan left him alone on balcony. “Come on sleepy head! We have to get changes!” Dan called from inside. “I'm coming!” Arin

responded. Shooting one last look at the horizon, Arin walked back inside, ready to face the day. “So, what did you have planned for today? I need to know what to wear” Dan asked, flipping through his outfits. “Well… Today we are doing bonding exercises, so wear something sporty or some shit like that.” Arin said as he shuffled through his belongings. “Gotcha.” Before long, both of them were in shorts and t-shirts, with Arin grabbing his floppy hat. “It's called skin safety.” He said to Dan, who looked like he was about to comment. “You're just trying to justify looking cute” Dan mumbled, touching the hat’s rim. Arin giggled as he tried to remove Dan's hand from the hat. Dan resented, and instead pulled the hat of and placed it on his head. “Hey!” Arin lunged for the hat and before long they were roughhousing as they both grabbed for the hat. Dan held it above his head, taunting Arin with his long arms. They were the same height, but Dan’s arms were longer. Arin jumped and tried to grab it, but in the process knocked Dan over onto the floor. They pestered each other, crawling all over the place all because of the hat. “Give it back!” Arin would scream over and over again. Dan would always reply with a cheeky “No!” Eventually Arin took a breather and looked at Dan, wearing the hat and grinning happily. Arin surged forwards and kissed Dan, pulling the hat off Dan’s head as he did so. Arin put it back on his own head and adjusted it smugly. Dan's face turned into a tomato as he looked at Arin. “Guess you win!” He shrugged. Arin laughed. “We're going to be late for bonding if we don't get moving.” Dan smiled and opened the door for Arin. Arin happily skipped outside. Despite being the one to plan the trip, he didn't know where exactly this bonding place was. All he had was an address. “Uh Dan? Do you know where this is?” Arin asked, showing Dan a slip of paper with the address on it. Dan looked at it carefully. “I think so, turn left here.” Eventually the pair got to the plaza where they’d begin the exercises. The islands bragged that every tour and activity would only be with people you wanted, so Danny and Arin had the plaza to themselves and their instructor. “Alright you two. Don't know why you're here, and frankly I don't care. My job is help you bond through team exercises, not listen to your life stories. Now let's do a quick jog around the plaza, hm?” The instructor blew her whistle. Dan quickly went ahead of Arin due to his long legs, but Arin was able to keep up with him. The two practically ran side by side around the plaza, neither was faster than the other. By the time they were back where they started they were both out of breath. The instructor said monotonously, “Now that you've run by yourself, you're going to bond with your partner by doing a three-legged run around the plaza. Please stand still so I can tie your ankles. She knelt down and secured a cloth tight around their ankles. “Alright, we're gonna do this again. On your mark…” The loud ear pierced of the whistle sounded. The two looked to each other and nodded. In unison, they chanted,” forward, back, forward, back” over and over, alternating feet. Halfway around the plaza, the tie slowly became undone, but they didn't notice. “Forward, back, forward, back” they went on all the way to the finish line until stopping to rest, already sweating. The instructor placed her hands on her hips. “I'm impressed. You kept moving, even without the tie.” The two quickly looked down to see the tie wasn't there. “Oh, I didn't know we lost it” Arin giggled. The instructor laughed a bit before straightening. “Enough dilly daddling.” She led them to a large tub of water balloons next. “Now. Do you know what game we’re playing?” She asked. “No but I have a feeling we’ll get wet” Arin sighed. “Not if you work together.” The instructor said. She picked up a balloon and handed it to Dan. “Throw this to your partner. Each time you catch it, take a step back. Simple as that, got it?” The two nodded. “Ready….. Go!” She blew the whistle, and the two started to pass the balloon. It went well, till Arin got cheeky and chucked the balloon at Dan. Hard. Dan gasped and attempted to juggle it so he could catch, but to no avail. Water soaked his shirt. Arin chuckled at the misfortune. Dan grinned as he picked up another balloon and chucked it back at Arin. Arin squeaked as the only balloon his head, water splashing over his body. The two ended up in an all out water balloon war. They threw all the balloons until there was none left, their clothes dripping from the water. The loud whistle screeched again. “What are you doing!?” The instructor yelled. The two looked at her, trying not to laugh. Her face scrunched up. “Down and give me 20 push-ups. Now” she commanded. The two sighed as they dropped to the floor. Arin went slow with his push-ups, while Dan's were quick and sharp. However, Dan had to stop half way as he was out of breath. Arin ended faster. The instructor scoffed. “Now that your muscles are warmed up, you're ready for the next activity.” He positioned Arin behind Dan Now fall for backwards” she instructed. Arin didn't budge. He stood still. “Fall!” The instructor called, louder this time. Arin nodded and fell backwards. “Wait you're not yet one who's supposed to-” Arin landed on the ground. “Ow!” He exclaimed as he tried picked himself up. “I'm sorry, sorry, sorry…” Dan repeated as he held him,  up. The instructor sighed “Arin, Dan was supposed to fall” she scolded. Arin stared at her blankly. Click! “Ohhhhhh!” Arin giggled nervously. “Why don't you try again. This time Dan will fall and you catch him” she said. They nodded as they stood back up. “You ready Dan?” Arin asked. “Yup!” Dan exclaimed. Folding his arms over his chest and closing his eyes, Dan began to lean backwards. Arin held his arms out as Dan fell gently into them. Dan tilted his head back to look at Arin. “Heh, sorry, I couldn't help falling for you” Dan and laughed. “Oh my god I'm gonna drop you that was so bad” Arin chuckled. Dan laughed, his eyes closed shut. Arin took the opportunity to lean in to kiss him briefly. But before their lips connected, the instructor flicked Arin’s forehead. “Do that kind of bonding later. Now Arin, get in front of Dan and fall back.” Arin nodded as he help stand Dan up. Walking in front of him, he held his arms out wide. He shut his eyes and fell backwards. Dan tried to catch him, but felt Arin too be heavier than he thought. He let Arin fall in top of him, causing the two of them to fall on the floor. They laughed off the pain. “Get up, one last activity. Get ready” the instructor huffed. The two stood up, as the instructor told them to do. “Alright. Now I want you to tie a blindfold around your partner. Decide who goes first” she said. The two looked at each other briefly. “I'll go blind first.” Arin said. The instructor nodded. Dan tied a strip of fabric over his eyes. “Now, Dan. Get on the other side of this obstacle course” the instructor pointed. Dan nodded as he walked his way to the other side. “Just so you know Arin, I'm down here!” He screamed once he got there. “O-Okay!” Arin yelled back, putting his hands out in front of him. “Alright knuckle-heads listen up. This is what you do. Your partner is going to lead you across this room, only using his words” the instructor barked. “So I can only use my words to lead him?” Dan confirmed. “Yes! Only your words!” The instructor yelled back at him. “U-Uh, okay. Arin take a few steps forward!” Dan yelled. Arin slowly walked forward a few steps. “Stop! Take about 3 steps to your left and keep going” Dan screamed, trying to stop Arin from hitting the obstacles. Arin followed Dan's instructions, walking very slowly where he directed him to. He was cautious where he stepped, despite not knowing where he was. “Okay um… Step really high! You gotta get over something in front of you” Dan yelled. Arin lifted his foot up high, as he tried to step over the thing. But….. “Oof!” The air was knocked of Arin’s chest as he hit the ground. “Dude! Are you okay?” Dan screamed. Arin grunted as he sat up. “I'm cool. All is cool.” He stated. “Dan, stay at your position! Only use your voice, go on with the exercise” the instructor commanded. Arin had a small scrape on his knee where blood was dripping down his leg, but he seemed alright. “O-okay… Arin! Go three steps to your left. You're going around the object.” Dan screamed. Arin nodded as he slowly walked. Dan kept passing instructions to Arin, leading him slowly to the other side. “Alright, you’re almost there. Now just walk a few steps forward with your arms forward” Dan instructed. Arin did as he was told and walked right into a pair of lips, Dan hugging him tightly. “You made it.” Dan mumbled quietly. Arin blushed lightly. The instructor gave a fake cough. “Okay, Dan. It's your turn to be guided.” The instructor said. Dan nodded lightly. “Yes má-am.” He said as he released himself from Arin. He walked to the start and tied the cloth around his face, getting ready. “Forward!” Arin instructed. Dan walked forward a few steps, waiting for Arin to tell him when to stop moving. “Stop and walk to your left... then turn so you’re facing forwards after about 2 of your steps” Arin said. Dan paused for a moment to comprehend the instructions, before doing as he was told. He took each step carefully, trying not to make a wrong move. He remembered this part. This was the part Arin fell on. He suddenly became scared and hesitant. “Don't worry Dan! I could guide you around it if you want.” Dan didn't reply. “Just guide me Arin.” Dan responded. Arin pursed his lips. “Do you trust me?” “I trust you Arin.” Dan said. “Step up really high. Like, knees to your chest” Arin instructed. Dan lifted his foot high, whilst holding his hands out for balance. “Careful! Step just a little farther!” Arin yelled. Dan slowly moved his foot out. He moved it till his toes felt ground. “There! Now just lift your other foot over slowly” Arin said. Dan pushed himself up carefully, pulling his other foot onto the solid ground. “Perfect! Almost there babe! Just run forward and you’ll be here” Arin smiled. Dan pulled his arms in front of him as he ran straight. Forward. Just as Arin said to do. He practically tackled him, running hard as he bashed into Arin’s open arms. They laughed as they rolled on the floor. Dan removed the blindfold and pecked Arin's cheek. “Alright, I think ya two already trust each other pretty well. Why don’t you head on home and get a room. People ain’t too fond of PDA” the instructor said. They blushed in embarrassment as they stood up. “Thank you má-am. We had fun.” Dan said as they departed from the building back to their condo. “Jesus, I haven’t eaten anything all day! I’m starved!” Arin whined as they walked in the house. “Well, it's around dinner time, maybe a bit late, but we could go out. There some good restaurants on the island.” Dan suggested. Arin clapped his hands. “Oooh, we gotta try all the cool foods! Like that… spike apple?” Arin guessed. Dan giggled. “More than fruit Arin. They have dishes with fish and such! Maybe we can try shark, or something exotic of the sorts.” Dan pondered. “Oooh! What kind of clothes should we wear to a thing like this?” Arin began to ruffle through his suitcase. “Maybe something a bit decent. It's a bit of a high class restaurant, but not posh, you know?” Arin nodded as he pulled out his outfit. It was a light, floral print tank top and a pair of jeans. “This okay?” “It's fine. I'll wear my matching shirt so we go together.” Dan pulled out a Hawaiian shirt and shorts to match. They looked ridiculous, matching and all. It was perfect. Arin slipped on his sandals and followed Dan to where he remembered the restaurant being from his childhood. Dan stood in front of the restaurant's door before stepping in. “This is the place.” He said as he grabbed Arin's hand. He nodded as they walked into the building together. “Hello and Welcome!” The lady in the front said enthusiastically. “Table for two please?” Dan smiled. The lady nodded and grabbed two menus, before leading Arin and Dan through the restaurant to an empty table. The lighting was dim, and romantic. The only nearby light was that of a candle. The lady placed the menus on the table, before leaving the two to get settled. “Enjoy your meal.” She said as she left. The seats were carved and wooden with ocean print cushions. Dan picked up his menu and began to look it over. Arin tried doing the same, but he recognized nothing. “Do you think maybe we can share something? Nothing on this menu is familiar to me.” Arin asked. Dan nodded. “Sure! We can share something. Let me see….” Dan tapped his chin before pointing. “How about this buffet plate? It’s got a little bit of everything” Dan suggested. Arin nodded. “Sounds good!” Dan smiled. They talked a bit before their waiter arrived. “What can I get you to drink?” he asked. “I'm good with a water, thanks.” Dan said politely. “I wanna try uh… that thing. The Island “Dah-quee-rye?” Arin tried to sound out the weird word. “You mean the Island Daiquiri?” the waiter confirmed. “Uh yeah. That. I want to try that please.” Arin said awkwardly. “Okay then…. Do you know what you want to order?” The waiter asked. “One Island Buffet Plate for the both of us please” Dan grinned. “Alright then… I’ll be back momentarily with your drinks.” The waiter said. He strode off, returning a few minutes later with a glass of water and a totally outlandish looking drink. Arin looked at the drink as the waiter placed it in front of him. “Enjoy.” He said with a smile as he left. Arin held the glass up close to his face. The drink concoction was a mix of colors. It looked like a slurried fruit ice treat. He smiled as he held it up to his lips, taking a large sip and- Arin quickly spit the drink back into the glass, coughing and wheezing. “Ho-ho my goodness. What's in this?” He asked as he swished the drink around, mixing the colors. “It's a Daiquiri. It has alcohol and fruit in it….” Dan paused. “Mostly booze…” he tapped his chin. “B-Booze?” Arin repeated, “Oh no…” Arin went silent. “What's wrong?” Dan asked. “I uh… don’t exactly drink” Arin mumbled, “I get drunk really easily and nauseous. In fact, after the small bit I swallowed, I’m not sure if I can eat a whole lot. Goddamit, I was so excited to eat all these new foods with you” Dan took Arin's hand. “It's okay. We could always box the food up for later. A midnight snack almost. And the drink? We could get you a new one.” Dan suggested. “Really? We can do that? Nook always made us throw out our food when we were done, we weren’t allowed to take it home” Arin said. “Well..

Nook’s not here. Is he? Of course we could do that. We can't let this good food go to waste.” Dan said. Arin nodded. Aside from the alcohol, the fruity taste on his tongue from the daiquiri tasted pretty nice and sweet. When the waiter came around again with their large buffet plate, Dan asked for another daiquiri for Arin, but specified he wanted it to be a “virgin” one. The waiter nodded as he took the mixed drink from Arin. The plate of food sat in front of them, showcasing various different seafood and fruits. Far more than Arin could recognize. He was pretty sure all he knew was maybe 3 types of fish back from his fisherman days, but other than that it was all foreign. “So.. Uhh… What do you want to try first?” Dan asked. Arin thought for a moment. “How about… This one!” He picked up a small piece of squid, prepared into calamari. “Okay then! Let's try it!” Dan said as he picked up a piece. The two popped the squid into their mouths at almost the same time.  It was crunchy, like an onion ring. “Interesting.” Arin mumbled. They went through most of the plate before giving up. It was a lot of food. The new drink Airn got was delicious too! It was as fruity as the last one, without the alcohol. But pretty soon, he felt like he was gonna vomit because he was so stuffed. The night was filled with smiles and laughter. It couldn’t have gone any better. After collecting the left-overs and paying the bill, they walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. “Wanna make a pillow fort when we get home?” Dan proposed. Arin smiled wide. “Hell yeah!” He exclaimed. As they walked inside, Arin set down the boxes of food and began pulling off cushions and pillows and blankets, throwing them all on the floor. “Come on! Let's become architects!” He exclaimed. Dan giggled as he helped Arin set up the fort. It was large, tall enough to crawl around and sit up in, and large enough to roll around. Arin laid himself under a blanket, forcing Dan under with him. “Wanna watch another movie?” Arin asked. Dan nodded. Arin got up and dug through the movies that were provided at the house. “Can we watch this one?” It was Beauty and the Beast. “Sure!” Dan said as he turned himself into a burrito. Arin put it in the player before looking back at Dan and laughing. “What are you doing?” he giggled. “I'm a Danurito!” He exclaimed as he rolled around on the floor. He giggled maniacally. “Dan-ur-ito?” Arin questioned. It then dawned on Dan that Arin probably had no idea what a burrito was. He laughed nervously. “Let's just say, i'm a present cuddly wrapped. Hmm?” Arin nodded his head and smiled. He crawled next to Dan just as the movie started. As Arin got sleepier, Dan unwrapped from his blanket and put it around both of them. Arin smiled as he nuzzled his face into Dan's chest. His eyes fluttering closed slowly. “Night Princess” Dan whispered. Movie still playing, Arin slept peacefully on Dan's chest that night.

Dan woke up once the weight was lifted off of his chest. Arin was tip-toeing across the floor, out to the balcony. He opened the door quietly, as he sat on one of the chairs that looked over the railing. He sighed. Dan hazily smiled at him, but his heart suddenly stopped. “So you really trust him?” It was the voice from the other day. The voice apparently startled Arin as well, for he jumped back a bit as it spoke. “Yeah.. Why?” He responded. “He just gives you a few kisses and everything is all okay huh?” “But… It's not just that. It much more than that!” Arin protested. “Like what? Bribing you with food? And how do you know he didn't purposely let you fall yesterday?” “That was an accident! Plus, it was my fault for moving too fast! Dan does care about me!” Arin tried to lower his voice as he spoke. “Was it? I thought that was a trust exercise? Why would you trust him? He could've said stop” the nothing argued. “It looked as if I was going to make it, but I slipped a bit. It's my fault I fell!” Arin exclaimed quietly. “Plus the other exercises went wonderfully!” “You know he's seemed hesitant to trust you, why is that?” “What? What do you mean?” Arin asked. “When it was his turn to trust you, he waited. He didn't trust you from the get go” “He was waiting for my instruction, wasn't he? I had to guide him. Plus, my instructions were confusing.” The voice hummed. “So you had to ask if he did? Listen, you obviously have a set mindset, so let's just imagine he didn't trust you. Why do you suppose that would be?” Arin went silent for a moment. “Uhh. I'm uhhhh… Forgetful a lot, and Uhhh… Clumsy. I mess up a lot, and don't really follow orders that easily?” Arin said. He was quite resentful. “Maybe he thinks you're stupid. You didn't even know that one drink had alcohol, or any movies to watch” “But I've been in a confined environment for a long time! I didn't get exposed to many of those things.” “And he thinks you're stupid for that. You really think he’ll love someone who was so shut off from the world?” “But that's not my fault I was shut off! It was Nook’s. I was forced into that situation!” Dan couldn't stand this anymore. This time he tried a different tactic. Dan crept across the floor so Arin couldn't hear him. He slowly got closer to the door, the conversation continued. Dan pressed his back against the glass. “So now you're placing the blame? How do you think you got there?” The voice asked. “I-I don't remember.. I've been there for as long as I can think back” Arin sighed. “But who brought you there? Who left you behind, without warning?” The voice was getting louder. It cracked as it spoke. “I don't know! I can't remember!” Arin choked, still trying to whisper. The voice sighed. “Nobody just leaves you in a town like that though. Can you think of a reason why you were left there?” “C-Cause whoever it was didn't like me?” Arin suggested. “Exactly.” The voice said, clarifying the statement. Dan grew mad. He suddenly sprang around the corner, screaming “who are you, where are you, and why are you hurting my Arin!” Arin jumped back in his seat as Dan burst around the corner. “Oh Daniel. It's not polite to barge in like that. You should've asked.” The voice said sternly. “Where are you! Show yourself!” Dan yelled, moving towards Arin and getting in a defensive position. The voice laughed. “I'm far away from you two.”the voice said. “Now answer my other two questions” Dan commanded. The voice laughed again. “I Have no obligation to answer such questions Daniel.” Dan narrowed his eyes. “Then leave my princess alone” he snarled. “What are you going to do about it if I don't? I'm capable of much more, you know.” “I swear I'll find you, but until then I won't let Arin out of my sight” Dan warned. The voice chuckled. “If you say so.”’it said mockingly. Dan turned to Arin before hugging him tight. “You okay?” Arin was silent for a moment. “I'm fine. Thanks for caring.” “Arin...please don't say that. I can tell you aren't fine. And you deserve to be loved and cared about by everyone” Dan mumbled, running his back. Arin sighed. “It's just that.. It knows when to come. It's like, watching us, waiting for moments like that. But…” Arin tried to respond to himself. “Then I won't give it the chance. We’ll find that thing, okay? But until then I'm gonna keep you safe. Try not to leave my sight and if they try talking, find me, please?” Dan instructed. Arin nodded. “Yeah.. I'll find your bony, yet cuddly arms.” He jokes as he buried his face in Dan's collar. “Good! I'll bony cuddle you to death if they talk to you again” Dan giggled. Arin giggled as Dan ruffled his hair. They hugged tighter on the chair for a few minutes, before the sun began to rise. “There it is” Arin smiled, looking past to the sun. The colors plastered against the sky like a canvass with a beautiful painting. “I should've brought the paint Holly got me. It would have been fun to paint that beauty” Arin sighed. “I'm sure that beauty is already in your memory. Plus, you never know if you don't check your bag.” Dan winked. Arin's eyes grew wide. “Did you…?” Dan smiled. Arin pecked his cheek and ran inside to look in his bag, digging out the new paints. He continued to look for something to paint on, before grabbing a thick piece of paper from the bottom of the bag. Arin ran back out, only to whine as the sunrise was already over. He'd have to wait until tomorrow. “It's okay man. You can paint it tomorrow. Come on inside.” Dan said politely. “Alright” Arin shrugged. He set down his things on a followed Dan back in. “Sooo.. What are today's plans?” Dan asked as he opened his suitcase. “A thing called a hike. I have no idea what that is” Dan nodded. “It's like… A walk on rough terrain. I would suggest athletic clothes, and sun gear for it.” Arin nodded and put on a pair of cut off pants and a light pink tank top. Dan dug in his suitcase, before pulling out a light blue tee shirt and shorts. Arin suddenly walked up behind Dan. “Hey, turn around” he smiled. Dan turned around slowly, to face Arin. Before he could say anything, Arin booped his nose with a small dollop of sunscreen. “Safety first!” He giggled. Dan laughed as he rubbed the sunscreen in. Arin had already applied his and pulled his hair back into a ponytail as Dan rubbed his sunscreen in. “Onwards and upwards!” Arin exclaimed as he marched out of the house. Dan giggled as he marched behind him. The hiking trail wasn't too far from their beach house luckily. Dan and Arin stopped at a shop along the way to grab twobottles of water. “Do you think this will be enough?” Dan asked as they bought the water. “It should be enough. Let's go!” Arin exclaimed as he hopped out of the shop. They soon arrived at the hiking trail. A canopy or large palm leaves shaded the path. By the entrance of the path was their guide. An old looking turtle. “Ah, so you're the two I'm taking alone? Come on then, we got a lot to see” he greeted, before slowly...turning…around. Oh boy. This was going to be a long trip. Dan and Arin followed the turtle slowly, their walk faster than his. “Now don't go too fast now, you'll get lost” the turtle warned. It seemed unlikely they'd get lost, the trail was just a straight line. They slowed their walk to a crawl as they let the turtle go ahead of them. “Why do they have a turtle as a guide?” Arin whispered to Dan, as quiet as he could go. “ I don't know. I'm not even sure why we need a guide! There hardly any danger of getting lost” Dan grumbled back. The turtle scoffed. “I can hear you, you know. I have ears like a bunny. Now, follow me.” He said as he slowly went off path. Dan and Arin shared unsure glances. They didn't want to cause any more trouble by arguing, but the turtle was leading them off the path. Resentful, they followed the turtle closely, watching where they stepped. To their surprise, the turtle was going a bit faster, as they traveled on top of rocks and other obstacles. “So uh, how long have you been a tour guide?” Arin asked trying to make conversation. “Ah.. You know. A few…”

The turtle said. “A few what?” Dan asked. “Decades” The two nodded. He was a turtle, after all. “You must know these paths very well then yes?” Dan asked. The turtle nodded. “I know every hidden path on this hike trail. Every sight to see.I know them all.” He said. “Hidden paths?” Arin repeated. “Yup! There everywhere. Even in life.” Dan sighed. Wisdom, an extra bonus. “Where does this secret path go?” Dan asked. “Only to the best view on the island!” The turtle exclaimed. “Really?” Arin gasped. The turtle nodded. “You're still taking us after we disrespected you?” Arin questioned. The turtle smiled. “My friend, there is no need to get worked up over one thing. There is always something better after something horrible has happened.” Arin nodded and bowed his head. “Thank you sir” The turtle smiled. “Now just a little ways more, okay?” He instructed. Dan and Arin nodded as they held hands. They followed the turtle closely behind. “You know you kids are quite lucky” the turtle commented. “Uhhh… How so?” Dan asked. “Obviously found your other half. I used to have a second half too” the turtle smiled. Dan went silent. “What happened to your half?” Dan asked resentfully. “Aw, he and I had a good run, but hares don't live as long as turtles” he sighed, “still, it's not too long before I join him again” Dan frowned. “I'm sorry for asking.” The turtle chuckled. “Oh, it's fine. Things happen. Why don't we pay attention to our surroundings?” Dan nodded and looked to tree canopy once again. It kept the hard sun out of their eyes. The trees the covered them were bountiful with fruit and flowers. Birds flew high in the sky, as bugs buzzed around them. “You know, I'm excited to join all this someday. How great it must be to help this beautiful world. Help it grow and live” the turtle grinned. Dan nodded. He knew how that felt, wanting to help something grow and thrive. That's what he stands for as the new mayor. “Every breath you take...every other living being has already breathed it in. Everything is connected to something else. Quite complicated, no?” Dan nodded. Everything, everyone, has breathed the same air, has shared the same sky. The whole world as a whole is connected far grander than anyone could imagine. “It's sad when one tries to take control. When forests get cut or water gets stopped or anything that tries to step on another creature. They do not realize they cannot just climb a pyramid to control. Everything has a place and a role, and conquering by means of violence will disturb the order. Have you ever heard of a butterfly effect?” The turtle asked. Dan nodded, but Arin didn't. He never heard of the concept. “It's often mentioned in those “science fiction” movies the youth watch, though the concept it very much true. The belief that of just one thing changes, the actions of one small thing can affect the entire future in drastic measures” the turtle suddenly turned and stared at Arin from an uncomfortably close distance, “you seemed to have suffered from the butterfly effect drastically, haven't you?” Arin thought for a moment, and the turtle was right. All these things, the experiences he had with Dan, the Christmas with friends, Nook being cast away. None of that would've happened if he hadn't told Dan about the document. None of it. The future would be so drastically different, that Arin didn't want to think of it. He looked at the turtle and nodded. The turtle grinned. “You're very brave. Thank you for what you've done” the turtle turned back and continued walking. Dan squeezed Arin's hand as they followed. The turtle got very deep for a bit there, far deeper than Dan thought it would go. “Ah! Here we are!” The turtle exclaimed. The turtle stepped away to show the two the view. Both of their eyes grew wide as they stepped closer to the view. It was the entire island, displayed in beautiful detail. The small shopping district, the sandy beach, the tropical forest. All stood before them as they stood on the clifftop. “I'll leave you kids alone. Tell me when you want to go back down” the turtle smiled walking a little ways back into the forest. “It's beautiful, isn't it?” Dan asked as he stared. Arin nodded. “It is…. But not as beautiful as you…” Dan snorted. “We’re cheesy, huh? This might as well be a Hallmark movie” Arin laughed. His laugh was a lot longer, and the snorts made Dan laugh as well. “Hey Dan?” Arin asked once he finished. Dan looked at him. “What is it Big Cat?”Arin leaned over and rested his head on Dan's shoulder. “Thanks for being my butterfly” Dan smiled. He sighed as he relaxed his shoulders, letting Arin get comfortable. “We can see the mainland from here” Arin noted. “It's so tiny from up here.” Dan said. “Makes you feel big” Arin smiled. He sighed as he turned his head to place it in Dan's neck. “I could stare forever, but then I couldn’t look at you” Arin smiled into Dan’s skin. Dan chuckled. “Man, it's a Gouda thing I love you, or I'll throw you off the side of the cliff that was so cheesy.” Arin laughed and shoved his shoulder. “Oh my fucking god dude” “What?!” Dan laughed. He shoved Arin back lightly. Arin stumbled a little, but Dan grabbed his hand. “Your puns are atrocious” Dan laughed. “Who can I blame? I can't control how punny I am!” He exclaimed. Arin rolled his eyes and shoved Dan again...too hard. Dan started to tumble backwards, a little too close to the edge than he would like. Arin gasped. “Dan!” he screeched, reaching to grab him. He leaped forward, grasping his arm tight in his grip. Dan’s heart was racing. He was shaking. “O-Oh my god I’m so sorry” Arin whispered. He could hardly speak. Arin pulled him up, standing Dan back on his feet. He buried his face into Dan's chest. “I’m really sorry..” He choked. Dan patted his head. He was terrified, still shaking, but he knew Arin didn’t mean it. “I’m fine, see? No harm no foul” Arin could hear Dan's pounding heartbeat. He knew Dan was afraid, but he also knew he was safe. “G-Goddammit I’m so sorry… We should head back now…” Arin mumbled, pulling away. Dan grabbed Arin's hand to comfort him. “Guess we should then.” Dan responded quietly. Arin nodded and looked down. “I know it was an accident. Do you want to know why my heart was beating so fast though? I...I’m really fucking impressed you know. You have reflexes like a cat! I can trust you with my life” Dan squeezed his hand and smiled. Arin giggled just a little bit. “You trust me that much?” He asked. Dan nodded. “I trust you more than anyone. You are a Big Cat after all.” Dan replied. He saw Arin smile a bit. Arin got a determined look and suddenly swept Dan up, bride style. “Well then let’s get going!” he exclaimed walking back to the turtle. The turtle saw the two and smiled. “Guess we are heading back down?” He asked. Dan nodded. “Yup!” Arin actually didn’t get too tired as he carried Dan. The turtle turned around and eyed him a few times, before going back to leading. Maybe it was expecting Arin to set him down. They walked down the path slowly, before reaching the main road. The sun was starting to set, and night was coming upon them. “Uh. Thanks  for the hike Mr!” Arin exclaimed, still holding Dan. Arin turned to smile at the turtle one last time, but he was gone. Arin turned around to look which way he went, but it was if he was never even there. There was no trace of him. “Where did he go? He just disappeared.” Arin asked. Dan tried to shrug, be he was still in Arin's arms. “No clue.” The two shared confused glances before shrugging it off and going back home. Walking up to the bed, Arin dropped Dan onto to it. He landed with a big Floof! Dan laughed as he wrapped himself in blankets. Arin groaned and stretched out his arms. He had carried Dan all the way back without setting him and down was feeling pretty sore. Dan grabbed Arin's arm as he pulled him onto the bed. He took another blanket and wrapped him tightly, for protection. “My body is gonna ache so bad in the morning” Arin groaned. “We can take a break tomorrow.” Dan suggested. “And do what?” Arin asked, getting comfy. “Watch movies… Go to the pool…. Snuggle…. Watch movies…” Dan listed. “Mhmmmmm” Arin hummed, snuggling into Dan’s chest. Dan ruffled his hair as he listed more things they could do. “And you can paint your painting…” Dan finished before kissing Arin’s forehead. Arin sighed as he is eyes got sleepy. It was a long day on the trail. “Night Big Cat” Dan whispered as he became drowsy himself. He kissed his forehead as the two drifted off peacefully.

Arin made sure to hop out of bed extra early. He had to capture it today; he had to paint that sunrise. Grabbing his paints and canvas, he tip-toed quietly to the balcony. Using a table and chair, he set up a temporary easel to paint on. It was about to start. Arin started on the horizon, the place where the lake touched the colored sky. He painted slowly, wanting to capture every color and detail in the sky. Mixing his colors and brushing lightly, he painted the pastel sky. Once it was finished, he stood back and looked at his painting. It was great, a perfect painting of the sky but… something was missing. It seemed...empty in a way. He didn't know what it was that was missing, until he came walking through the balcony door. Dan sat quietly in front of Arin, blocking some light, making him a silhouette. “Are you almost done with it?” Dan smiled, turning to look at Arin. “Almost done.. Hold still…” His tongue stuck out as he worked. “Hold still? Why, you don’t want me looking at it?” Dan asked, turning back to look at the view. “Just trust me.” Arin said as his paint brush stroked the canvas. He made the large puffy curls with his brush, then moved onto the lanky, spindly body. He made sure that every detail on Dan was as precise as possible. He wanted the painting to be perfect. “Are you done now? I’m excited to see what you made” Dan giggled. “Anndd… Done!” Arin exclaimed as he lifted his brush off the canvas. Dan walked away from the railing to look at his canvas happily. He gasped as he examined the piece. The mix of the colors, the stroke of the brush, the…. “I-Is that me?” he asked. He pointed to the black silhouette near the edge. Arin instantly blushed. “M-Mhm hm” he hummed. Dan smiled. “It's really pretty Ar. I love it!” Arin’s eyes went wide. “Really?” Dan nodded. “Really!” “Heh, thanks! I can’t wait to bring it home and show the others” Arin smiled. “I bet they'll love it too. You really captured the moment.” Dan said as he hugged Arin, still looking at the painting. “It looks better because you’re in it” Arin grinned. Dan giggled lightly. Dan wrapped his arms around Arin’s chest. “Now, you feel up to swimming?” “Uhh… Sure. Just let me clean up.” Dan nodded, still holding on. Arin picked up all his things as he dragged Dan along. Placing his things on the bed carefully, Arin shuffled through his suitcase looking for a bathing suit. “You know if you want me to change,you’ll probably have to let go” Arin giggled once he found a suit. Dan giggled. “Fine!” He sighed as he released himself from Arin. Dan the shuffled through his belongings as well. Arin pulled on a pair of red trunks dotted with light yellow flowers. Dan pulled on a pair of light blue trunks, with no pattern. As Arin adjusted his trunks, Dan decided it was his turn to mess with Arin. He grabbed the sunscreen and sprayed Arin’s back, making him jump at the sudden cold blast. “Ah! What the fuck dude?” Arin exclaimed as he turned around. Dan tried to hold his laughter. “You gotta rub it in now!” Dan said under his breath. Arin scowled playfully. “Why don’t you rub it!” Arin murmured. “You want me to do it? Fine!” Dan shrugged. “Wait! Not-” Arin started, but it was too late. Dan pressed  his hands against Arin’s back. He was doing it a lot lighter than he had anticipated. Dan was obviously being gentle on him. Arin still acted dramatically. “Oh nooooo” he whined. Dan decided to play along. “You gotta take it, or leave it.” He smirked. “Wouldn’t someone please save me from the evil Dan Avidan!” Arin laughed. “You're under my control now!” Dan exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around Arin again. “Your wish is my command” Arin said in a flat voice. Dan giggled. “What?” “I must listen to what you say master” Arin mumbled. Dan shrugged. “Okay then? Hmmmm…” He thought for a moment. “Why don’t you get me a glass of water” Dan commanded. Arin nodded as he stood up. He walked silently to the kitchen area of the house. A few seconds later, he came back in, glass in hand, and held it out for Dan. Dan took it hesitantly, and took a sip. “Mhm, thank you mind slave” he smiled. Arin nodded. “Do you wish for anything else?” He asked blatantly. “Um… I want a kiss” Dan closed his eyes and pointed at his cheek. Arin nodded as he pecked it lightly. “Is that sufficient enough?” Dan bit his lip. “Hmm, that was pretty good, but I think I need more” he giggled. Arin nodded again as he fulfilled his request. Dan giggled lightly as Arin pecked his cheek a bit more. “That feels much better but… I think I need one on the lips” He pointed to his lips, and smiled. Arin leaned in slowly to meet up with Dan. Once he pulled away, Dan grinned. “Yup! That was perfect” He looked at Arin with a smile. Arin looked at him blankly. He blinked rapidly, before he placed on a smile.  “Heh, um, do you need to put sunscreen on the rest of your body?” Dan asked. Arin nodded. “Yeah, but just a little bit.” Dan smiled as he picked up the bottle to spray him again. He quickly got Arin’s stomach and chest, causing Arin to make a small peep again. “You okay buddy?” He asked once he took a pause. “It’s so cold” Arin mumbled. Dan cooed. “I can warm you up..” Arin blushed bright red. “H-How do you plan on doing that?” Dan shrugged. “I don't know…. Maybe by doing.. This!” He pulled the entire comforter off the bed and tackled Arin in the large blanket. He wrapped him up tightly, being aware of how his body is placed. “Wahhh! The comforter will smell like sunscreen” Arin whined. “It's fine! We could always get another!” Dan exclaimed as he finished his job. “Heh, Alright I think I’m ready to swim now” Arin smiled. “But I just wrapped youuu!” Dan whined. “Aw, come on. It’ll be fun to swim” Arin slipped his hand out from the blanket and grabbed Dan’s hand. Dan sighed. “Fine! Just let me unwrap you.” He said. He slowly removed the blankets from Arin, only using one hand. “Come on! We should get there early before little kids piss in it” Arin said, dragging Dan along and out the door. Holding onto his hand tightly, Arin lead Dan to the pool. It wasn't grand or anything. It was just a basic pool. Nothing fancy. Arin was still walking closer, increasing his speed. “Arin...what are you-” he began to run and jumped over the edge of the pool by the deep end. As soon as they hit the water, Dan yelped and released his grip. He flailed as he tried to reach the wall of the pool. Arin popped back out of the water, little mermaid style and sweeping the hair out of his face. “Dan?” He asked, once he opened his eyes. He looked to find him gripping the wall tightly. “Is everything okay?” he asked, swimming over. “I.. Uhh.. Ugh. Why am I so stupid..” He mumbled. “What? What is it?” Arin asked. “I.. Uh..” Dan stuttered as he adjusted his grip on the wall. Arin gently wrapped his hands around his waist. “Please tell me what’s wrong” “I-I know you, uhh. Wanted to go to the pool, but uhh.. I don't really swim all that much?” Dan looked away slightly. “Oh...We can leave then if you want” Arin pulled himself onto the deck. “No, no, no!” Dan repeated. “We can stay, but I'll just uhh, sit on the edge here.” Arin pursed his lips and shook his head no. “That’s no fun without you...Listen, do you want to swim together?” Dan hummed for a moment. He looked at Arin. “Uhh… Sure!” He said hesitantly. He lowers himself carefully into to water. Arin slid in as well and held out his hands. “Come on, I’ve got ya. Just think of it like...dancing” Dan nodded as he swam up close enough to hold hands. Arin clasped tightly, and gently spun Dan around in the water. “There you go, here we are. You’re okay...See?” Arin soothed. Dan nodded. Arin gently pulled him in the water, mimicking dance moves as he went along. “Heh, There, not so bad. Do you want me to let go now?” Arin asked. Dan looked down at the water. It wasn't that deep. Right? He nodded slightly. “Okay, okay. Stay calm” Arin said as he slowly let go. Dan moved his arms and legs quickly, trending the water to stay afloat. “There ya go, see?” Arin grinned. Dan giggled as he uses one hand to splash water in Arin's face. “Hey!” Arin giggled, splashing some back. Dan laughed as he splashed some more. Arin was laughing way too hard, a little bit of the water splashed into his mouth. He had to take a minute to cough it up. “Oh my god, dude! Are you okay?” Dan asked as he tried to swim closer. He placed his hand on Arin's shoulder. Arin nodded,  spitting up the last of it. “I'm good.” He smiled weakly. “Sorry, I-I’ll stop splashing” Dan sighed. “It's fine dude. Come on!” Arin gestured. “You sure?” Dan confirmed. “Yeah! Just, follow.” Arin said. Dan nodded and followed where Arin was swimming. “Where are you taking me?” Dan asked. “You’ll see” Arin winked. They were heading towards the shallow end. As they got closer, Dan was able to walk in the water instead of swim, but Arin still swam. “Alright, come on. Hope on my back” Arin grinned. Dan looked at him in confusion. “What?!” “Just treat it like a piggy back ride” Arin said. Dan shrugged. “Okay then.” He swam over a hopped up, securing himself on Arin’s back. “Are you ready?” Arin asked for confirmation. “I have no idea what you’re doing, but I-I guess” Dan mumbled. Arin secured his arms around Dan's, and slowly started moving. Dan tried to keep himself steady as Arin carried him back into the middle of the pool. As Arin moved, he bounced lightly, to send Dan upwards and downwards, like a boat. He stopped far away from any edges, and said “Now put your feet on my back”. “Okay?” Dan slowly rose, being careful not to disturb Arin where he was. “And now stand up” Arin smiled smugly. Dan stood up slowly, his arms out wide for balance. “I’m gonna flip you off, ready?” Dan nodded before he could he process the request. “Wahhh!” Dan screamed as Arin flipped him back so he splashed into the water. As he rose above the surface, Dan spit out some water that ended up in his mouth. “Woo!” Arin turned and giggled. “You okay?” he asked. “I'm good!” Dan exclaimed as he raised his hands up. “Good. Hey, so you don’t go in pools too much… ever play Marco Polo?” Arin asked. “I've heard of the game, but I haven't played.” Dan said. “Well, I‘ll be Marco first” Arin closed his eyes. “Now swim somewhere in the pool and yell “Polo” when I yell Marco. I’m gonna try and touch you, but you have to try and get away from me” Arin explained. Dan nodded. “I'll give you 10 seconds to swim away.” Arin slowly started counting down, and Dan swam away as far and as fast as he could. “Marco!” Dan heard Arin scream. “Polo!” He responded. Arin swam towards his voice, as Dan tried to silently move away. Arin would continue to say and follow Dan's voice, and he caught up quickly. At one point, Arin had Dan cornered in the pool. “Marco!” Arin shouted. “...polo” Dan mumbled as Arin reached forward and grabbed him. Arin opened his eyes to look at Dan. “I found you” he said in a sing-song voice, his eyes closed as he spoke. Dan chuckled. Arin opened his eyes again. “Okay now it’s your turn to- o-oh my god” he covered his mouth. “What?” Dan asked quickly. “Uh...remember earlier when you put sunscreen on me? D-Did you maybe forget to put some on yourself?” Arin mumbled. Dan thought for a moment. “Shiiiitt..” He mumbled. “Am I all brown now?” He asked. “It’s not...too bad. Okay sorry that was a lie it's sorta bad” Arin murmured. “How bad is it?” Dan asked immediately. “Err… Kinda sorta maybe a little bit a lot bad…” Arin mumbled, looking away and biting his lip. “I'm peeling, aren't I?” Dan asked. “Maybe in a few places” Dan shrugged. “I knew one of us would get burnt, so I have ointment back at the condo, so it's fine.” Arin cringed. “Yeah but uh… I know it’s gonna get better but your hair made it uh… you know” Arin murmured. Dan had a confused look on his face. “Extremely uneven and unnatural looking” Arin blurt out. Dan chuckled. “It's cool man! You don't need to worry about wonky tan lines. It's not forever!” Arin sighed and nodded. “Does it hurt at all?” he asked. “Maybe in a bit, but nah. Nothing.” Arin took a deep breath. He was just glad it wasn’t painful. “Maybe we should just go back inside now” he suggested. “You sure?” Dan asked. “I'm fine if you want to stay a it longer. I'm not even a raisin yet!” He looked down at his fingers. “Heh, yeah but you look like an islander. It’s sorta cute. I just don’t want it getting to the point where you gonna pick all you skin off” Arin smiled. Dan sighed. “Fine. Let's go get dried off.” He grabbed Arin's hand as they swam out of the pool to their towels. Dan wrapped it around his head, covering his damp, now flat, hair. “You look so weird with your hair like that” Arin commented, poking at one of the sopping strands. “My hair is flat like yours! And I find it cute..” Dan said as he touched Arin's hair. The two laughed and tracked in a few puddles of water as they went back home. “Hm, you know what I’m really craving right now?” Arin said as he went to change. “What is it princess?” Dan asked, shuffling through his luggage. “Ice cream. I mean, I’ve never had ice cream, but i have had cream and ice before and I saw a shop that sells it” Arin said. Dan chuckled. “Ice cream is nothing like ice and cream on its own. Hurry and get dressed, we can get some!” Arin cocked his head to the side. “Then what’s it like?” “Well, you just have to experience it. It's hard to explain.” Dan said. Arin huffed and slid on a shirt and shorts. “Fine, let’s get ready to head out. But first but on some sunscreen why don’t ‘cha?” Arin laughed. Dan chuckled as he grabbed the sunscreen. He dabbed and sprayed it carefully, being aware of the blisters that had formed. He cringed a little, but brushed them off, following Arin out the door. Arin was wearing his sun hat again. He pushed it around a bit, before adjusting the hat. Arin got flustered, which made Dan chuckle. “Does this look too… girly?” Arin sighed, noticing people’s glances at him adjusting the hat. Dan shook his head. “It fits you, in both ways.” He winked. Arin blushed as he finally got the floppy hat settled on his head. Dan chuckled lightly as he grabbed Arin's now free hand. “So, if ice cream isn’t just cold cream, why is it given that name?” Arin wondered. Dan thought for a moment. “Uhhh.. I'm not sure actually. Huh. We could ask an employee when we get there!”Arin nodded as they approached the store. It wasn’t too big. They were greeted to the smiles of the two workers at the front area. The two...didn’t seem to fit in exactly. They sort of even reminded Dan and Arin of themselves, but they quickly brushed it off. It was ice cream time. “Welcome to Coldstone Creamery, what can I get you?” one asked. Arin looked in the containers at the ice cream. “Dan, what would you suggest?” He asked. Dan paused for a moment to think. “Hmmm..” “Oh uhh… I usually prefer chocolate!” the employee behind the counter answered. Dan and Arin stared at him blankly. “Then, uhh.. I guess I'll try that then.” Arin said. The other employee scooped it out and plopped it on a cone. “And for you sir?” they pointed to Dan. “Me?! Oh, uhh… Strawberry? I kinda wanna mix it up a bit.” Dan said. He didn't want to say chocolate because of the weird interaction with the other employee. The employees nodded and got him his ice cream. “Any toppings?” one asked. They shook their heads no. “We're good.” The employees nodded. “That’ll be 6.50” “Wait… Uhh... What's that in bells? The price seems pretty low…” Dan asked. “...Bells?” one asked. They looked at the other employee confusedly. “Is that not a form of payment here?” Dan asked. The two employees exchanged glances. “We’re just gonna uh...You know what? On the house. We need to go speak with our manager. Have a nice day” one smiled awkwardly. “Oh-Kayy… Thanks?” Dan said awkwardly, as he and Arin slowly walked out of the shop. “So are you ready to try it?” Dan asked. Arin nodded as he held up the cone. “So how do I eat this?” he asked. “It's kinda hard to explain… Just. Uhh.. You use your tongue to ‘lick’ the ice cream like this.” Dan demonstrated, sticking out his own tongue and licking a good amount. Arin watched as Dan ate some of his ice cream, before he paused. “Now you try!”  Arin paused, but then stuck his tongue out like a cat and took a lick. He didn't get a lot, but he did get enough for him to swallow. His face lit up. “Woah. That's really good!” He exclaimed as he went for another lick. Dan giggled, as he had some of his. Not noticing the drippings on the side of the cone, Arin's hand was soon covered in melted chocolate ice cream. “Ugh! It's all sticky!”’he exclaimed, as he placed the cone in his other hand. “Let me go get some napkins.” Dan said. He walked back into the shop, to find that the employees weren't at the front counter. When he entered, the bell on top of the door rang, someone in the back called, “Welcome to Coldstone! We'll be out in a moment!” Dan called back, “It's fine! I'm just getting napkins!” Ice cream in hand, Dan walked to one of the tables, and grabbed a handful of napkins. He walked back outside, to find Arin sitting on the floor, with no cone in hand. “Where did your ice cream go?” Dan asked. Arin giggled. “I ate it all!” Dan’s eyes went wide ‘Whoa, that fast?” Dan gasped. Arin nodded excitedly. “It was really good!” “Heh, I’m glad you liked it. Here, you can wipe off your hands” Dan held out the napkins. Arin took the napkins with his sticky hands, and cleaned them off carefully. “You better finish yours too before it melts” Arin pointed to Dan’s dripping cone. “Oh! I forgot about that for a moment!” Dan exclaimed. He quickly ate it all up before helping Arin back up. “So, did you enjoy your treat?” Dan asked once he cleaned himself up. “Mhm hm!” Arin hummed, skipping down the path. Dan giggled as he went after him. “Wait up!” He called. Arin let Dan catch up to him. “Dan, we gotta do everything tomorrow for our last day. We just gotta go crazy” Arin smiled. “Did you have something in mind?” Dan asked. “Hmm… well, we could go to the beach or that one thing, what was it called… where all the people were dancing with fire?” Arin thought. “A Luau?” Dan asked. “Yeah… Uh… That thing, you said. A Luaout, or whatever.” Arin said. “You wanna go to that? I’m sure there’s one tomorrow” Dan figured. Arin nodded. “It sounds fun!” “I don’t know about you,  but I wanna pig out on leftovers from yesterday” Dan giggled. Arin jumped up and down excitedly. “We can eat and watch movies!!” Dan nodded in agreement. “Wow, you seem excited. Are you on a sugar high or somethin’ Ar?” Dan asked. Arin shrugged. “I dunno! But come on!” He exclaimed. Dan narrowed his eyes. “Arin, how often do you eat food with sugar?” Dan went on. Arin thought for a moment. “With Nook around, Uhhh.. Not often enough? Still don't.” Dan pursed his lips. “Arin, ice cream is full of sugar” he sighed. “So?” Arin asked. “If your body isn’t used to sugar and you eat a lot of it at once all of a sudden, your mind gets sorta...weird” Dan explained. “In what ways?” Arin asked. “Well, you can feel jittery or over stimulated or excitable” Dan thought. “Is there anything else?” Arin asked, shaking Dan's hand. “Just making you hyper and maybe sick afterwards?” Dan said. Arin shrugged. “I'll be fine! Let go back to the condo!” Dan shrugged his shoulders. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Dan confirmed. Arin nodded quickly. “I'm fine, come onnn!” he whined. Dan eyed him skeptically, but sighed and went along. Holding hands, Arin skipped ahead, pulling Dan behind him. Dan could practically see him shaking a bit as he skipped. He followed Arin closely behind; watching him carefully in case something went wrong. Arin was looking at everything excitedly, breathing fast. Once something caught his eye, he ran off the dirt road after it. “Arin! Where are you going?” Dan called as he went after him. Arin disappeared behind a wall of bushes. When Dan pushed through them, Arin was nowhere to be found. “Arin!” He screamed. He pushed through the bushes some more, as well as running around frantically in the area. Arin was gone. There was hardly a trace that he had even been there. Tears formed in Dan's eyes as he collapsed on the ground. Where did he go? Why did he disappear? Dan suddenly got an idea. He tried to quiet his chokes and sobs to listen. Maybe because Arin was alone...the voice would talk to him. He waited. And waited. And waited, and heard nothing. The only voices were of the villagers passing the road nearby. Eventually, someone noticed him crying and walked up to ask what was wrong. “I-I was walking back to my condo with my boyfriend, when he got distracted and ran off, and… And..” Dan sobbed a bit more. “Hey hey, calm down. We’ll look for him, okay?” the islander soothed, rubbing Dan’s back. Tears flowed down his face. He nodded slowly as he stood back up. “Now which way did he run off?” the islander asked. “He ended up behind those bushes, then disappeared. That's all I saw.” Dan said, pointing to the bushes. “Okay, we’ll look around” the islander said, “What’s your name?” Dan sniffled and rubbed away his tears. “D-Dan” he mumbled. “Okay Dan. Now, what does your boyfriend look like?” The islander asked. “H-His name is Arin and he has l-long brown hair with a blonde streak” Dan said. “He was wearing a light pink shirt with jean shorts.” Dan continued. The islander nodded. “Do you have any idea why he ran away?” they asked. “He was chasing something. I don't know what though.” Dan answered. “What did it look like?” the islander asked. “I didn't really see it. He went after it really quickly before I could look.” The islanded pursed his lips and tapped his chin. “Why would he run away from you?” “Well, uhh… We had ice cream, and he isn't really used to having a lot of sugar. He was pretty over stimulated. At least, I think that's why.” The islander looked around. He could’ve gone anywhere. “Maybe we should just walk around” they suggested. Dan nodded. The islander lead the way as they walked around the area in silence. Dan kept shivering and looking around everywhere, looking for any trace of Arin. There were no signs. No footprints, no hat, no….”Arin! Please! Where are you!?” Dan screamed suddenly. Nothing. No response, no anything. All that was heard was the sound of the wind. “Please calm down, Dan. I’m sure he’s fine” the islander soothed. Dan breathes heavily. “It's just… Ugh!” He sighed, placing his head in his hands. “What is wrong? I’m sure he’s okay” the islanded patted Dan’s shoulder. Dan sighed. “It's just that… Things he experienced aren't really the best things.” The islander nodded. “Listen sir, you look in no condition to search for him. Maybe you should head home and I’ll ask people to keep an eye out for him” the islander proposed. Dan tried to oppose, but the islander was right. He can't go out now. It’s getting pretty late, and with the lack of dinner, he might not make it well out here either. “Why don’t we get ya home, hm?” the islander said, “Lead the way and I’ll ensure you get there safely” Dan nodded as he walked ahead of the islander. They walked in silence as the sun set around them. “Is there anything else I should spread around to people who can look him?” the islander asked. Dan thought for a moment. “If.. Uh… If anyone finds him… They should be aware of a tanooki like person in the area. He might have something to do with it. And please tell him to come home. H-Here’s my phone number. Call me if you find him please” Dan handed over his number on a slip of paper. The islander nodded, taking the slip. “I will let you know if we receive anything.” Dan nodded as he went inside the condo. He tried eating, but only got a little bit down. His was so scared, he felt nauseous. He sat on Arin's side of the bed with his container of food in front of him. Dan looked around the room, to see if anything was misplaced. Part of him hoped something was different, but it was to no avail. Everything was exactly as he left it. Nothing was out of place. Once he couldn’t eat anymore, Dan set the food on the bedside table and rolled over. “Just sleep...just sleep...everything will be okay in the morning” he whispered to himself. He laid his face in Arin's pillow, and breathed that familiar scent. He let it wash over him as he tried to doze off to dream land.

When he woke up that morning, Dan really expected Arin would be lying next to him. Maybe Arin came home in the middle of the night and laid down with him, but no. He awoke to silence, and all he could hear was the chirp of the birds. Dan groaned as he sat up in the bed. He slept in yesterday’s clothes, and his shorts had left marks on his skin. He felt gross and sick. Honestly, throwing up didn't sound like a bad idea right now. He checked his phone, but there were no messages or missed calls. He sighed in disbelief. Now that Arin was missing, there was no real point to go anywhere or do anything. It's usually him who makes the plans. Dan could wait at home for a call or trust Arin to return on his own, or go out and search. Dan ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't just sit here and let others look for him, could he? First thing was first, he changed into a fresh pair of clothes. “Maybe...I'll leave Arin a note if he does come back here” Dan supposed, grabbing a small piece of paper and scrawling down a note.

Dear Arin,

On the hope that you do return on your own, please know that I am looking for you. I will most likely return back here at some point, so please. Stay here and don't go anywhere. I don't want to lose you again.

Love,

Dan.

Dan paced back and forth in the waiting room. The entire group was silent. Arin was getting tested for rabies, and so far, it hasn’t been good. When the nurse finally some out and handed Dan the results, he could hardly look, but he knew he had to. He opened his eyes to look, and he gasped. Saying nothing, he handed the form for the others to see. They read the sheet over carefully.

Signs of Rabies: Negative

A wash of relief crashed on everyone. Arin was fine, and he was recovering. “He might be able to come home in a few days.” The nurse said. “How many scars will there be?” Holly asked. “Quite a few, but they aren’t that noticeable.” The nurse smiled. “Do you have the remains of what he was wearing when we brought him in or did you throw it out?” Ross asked. “The dress is still intact, but it’s currently getting washed. We are trying to get all the blood stains out for you.” Ross nodded. “Can he speak yet?” Dan’s eyes got wide with hope. “Yes, you may see you. Just, don’t startle him.” Dan basically ran in with excitement. He didn’t care what the nurse said. He was too eager to talk to Arin again. Bursting through the door, Dan saw Arin sitting up in his bed, eyeglasses over his eyes. He was reading some book he didn’t recognize. When he looked up at Dan, he smiled widely. “morning” he whispered in a raspy, hardly audible voice. Dan smiled, as he walked up to the side of Arin’s bed. He grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers. “How ya feelin’?” Dan said calmly. He did tone down his excitement a little, knowing it was very easy for hospital patients to pass out when they were too stimulated. Arin hummed. “I’m fine.” Arin turned his head to stare into Dan’s eyes. Dan’s smile grew a bit bigger. “I missed you…” Arin rasped, “you know which part I missed most?” Dan shook his head no, squeezing their fingers tighter. Arin reached over with his other hand, touching Dan’s chest in the area over his heart, before pulling him forward by his shirt and connecting their lips.

The next morning, Dan woke to silence. All he could hear was the chirp of the birds outside. He took a deep breath. Eggs. He smelled eggs. Dan smiled as he exited his room. “Morning Mr. mayor, you hungry?” Arin giggled once he walked into the kitchen. “Good morning baby,” Dan cooed as he pecked Arin’s cheek. “Your eggs smell wonderful!” Arin scoffed. “Uh, duh. They always smell wonderful” Arin giggled. Dan laughed as he kissed Arin. “I love you baby..” Arin smiled. “Yes Daniel, I know.” Dan moved into this town looking for a new life. No screaming every morning. Nice people. Smiling faces. But he soon learned that wasn’t what he really wanted. At first, the road was bumpy, but he couldn’t have it anyother way. :)

Ah, an important question. I’ll tell you everyone’s just so it can all be together. Usually, it’s hard labor/menial tasks, and they’re aimed to be exactly what the person doesn’t want to do. It can vary, but these are what they usually end up doing:

Arin: working the books. balancing checkbooks, organizing files, shredding papers. The most boring office shit you can think of that Nook would need done. He takes phone calls where his literal only line is “Hello, thank you for calling, please hold” and then pushing the hold button. It’s all secretarial, but Arin hates it because he has to focus on the most boring tasks for extended periods of time and sit still in a chair for far too long.

Holly: Chopping down trees/lumber work in general. She’s constantly ambushed by bees and she tries to apologize to every bird whose home she ruins. But she also has a quota to reach, so there isn’t much time to dillydally.

Barry: Delivery services--especially returns. Not only does he have to constantly make conversation with total strangers, but with returns, they’re usually not very happy to see him.

Ross: In-store customer service, where he has to smile and act polite all day, and the customer is always right! Plus he’s constantly hounded by the little hellions that are Nook’s nephews (I think they’re his nephews?).

Suzy: Digging up fossils/finding those weird money rocks/also finding those trees that just drop money for some reason. She’s also at risk of bees, for one thing, and she hates getting all covered in grime and shit when she has to dig stuff up.

and Brian? Fuckin telemarketing. Yeah, that’s right. They took the fuckin dude who literally lives off of being the silent type and make him answer phones and call people with “sales for this!” “deals for that!” And being chipper isn’t exactly in his wheelhouse either.

That’s probably the thing that makes Danny realize “okay this is not cool, someone needs to do something about this.” Because it’s one thing if he’s not having a grand time, but his friends are literally beating each other up over a seashell. It’s ridiculous.

okay okay so I have literally thought about this maybe once. So I’m winging it basically (but what else is new?)

So for their very very basic needs, Nook provides that shit. That’s essentially what their “paychecks” are for. They never see a single bell of it, but it keeps a roof over their heads and enough food to survive in their stomachs.

If they want extra stuff? They gotta work for it. Selling seashells, the few fruit they can get their hands on, all those limited resources they fight over tooth and nail and sometimes it gets a little darker than you’d think because they need that money right now. Once they leave the safety of their little home, it’s like they don’t even know each other sometimes. They’re just mindless slaves existing.

Sometimes (like with Arin and Brian) they can make a little extra cash in the club or just playing on the streets with a tip hat in front of them. It’s not much, but it helps. They get paid for their club gigs and the people seem to like their music.

Awww that would be so cute, thank you for bringing light to the terror that is this supposedly-adorable AU! I like to imagine that the people around the club know Arin and Brian because they have a Starbomb (minus Danny)-esque band that they occasionally get to do for a little extra cash/happiness.

oooh interesting. Well, they’re all kind of faking happiness around him at first, but as he gets to know them, he realizes they’re all pretty burnt out and depressed about their situations. But let’s see...

Arin -- The first of his housemates that he meets. Arin kind of shows him around and tells him about the town and all the people (or animals) that live there. Danny and Arin immediately play off of each other well and it feels really natural for them to be friends. He’d probably be the one Danny gets the truth from, seeing as he’d end up knowing him the best pretty quickly and would realize that Arin’s kind of faking all this happy-go-lucky bullshit.

Suzy -- When he first sees her, he’d think she was some kind of punk/goth girl that wouldn’t wanna hang around much of anyone. Then he hears her voice and she’s greeting him like “hi! welcome to our little house! you must be the nice new roommate we’re getting!” and she’s just so sweet that he immediately feels welcome in the house.

Ross -- The impression can only be described as “angsty teen” because Ross is really easily irritated just by their general circumstances that Danny showing up seems like just some new shit he has to deal with that he didn’t ask for. It takes Ross a while to warm up to him, so for a while Danny just kind of avoids him.

Barry -- Doesn’t seem like much of a conversationalist, so he’s kind of awkward for Danny to be around at first. He also is kind of put off of Barry at first because Ross hangs around him a lot and sometimes walks into a room where Ross will immediately stop talking when Danny enters, so he thinks they’re talking shit about him (when really Ross just stops normal conversations because he doesn’t want Danny to jump into them).

Holly -- Immediate adoration. She’s really sweet and accommodating and also responsible, so she sets him up with everything he needs like a bed and dresser and everything in his room. When he sees her all depressed and exhausted it feels like a slap in the face because she’s the purest of all of them and obviously none of them deserve it, but especially Holly.

Brian -- It takes a while for Danny to even come into contact with Brian. At first it’s just this mysterious guy who wears nothing but black and occasionally can be found in their kitchen or disappearing down a hallway. Their first conversation is kind of shitty because Brian doesn’t have a filter and goes straight into “relentlessly joking like we’ve known each other for years” mode, which isn’t really appreciated when Danny is trying to just get to know the guy. But Arin talks him up so much and everyone else says he’s “alright.” Once they actually start talking about music and stuff, they hit it off better.