OCs! OCs! OCs!

Specifically, Liam and OCs of my friends. In order:

Liam and Sun Hee (@spidget-finner). They met for the first time twice! Once at the club and once at work the very next morning. They get along nicely thanks to their strict work and personal life divide, their love for a good party and some other personal stuff. Liam really appreciates their friendship even when their alliances don't align.

Liam and Deadbeat a.k.a. Warden (@universe-party). Two pictures. Liam stumbled upon Deadbeat's concert once, caught a vibe and decided to seek out more. Once Liam managed calm down enough to listen to the words, his like for Deadbeat was solidified. Liam would love to be friends with him.

Part 24: The Wedding

Maddie x Wally

Warnings and info: everyone is Alive AU, set in 2023-24 (in line with the show), swearing, underage drinking, assault , buckle in this is a long chapter

Summary: With the tension between Wally and Edward not fading any time soon, can Wally put his differences aside for the wedding or will that tension cause problems?

Masterlist

When Maddie and Wally got home that evening, they went straight to their room. Wally didn’t want to face anyone. He just wanted to hide away for the rest of the night. Maddie didn’t push him to talk. She didn’t even try. She knew better. He’d talk when he was ready. And when he did, she’d be there – just like he had always been for her.

Wally barely slept that night. He tossed and turned until he eventually drifted off, only to wake up again at 6:55am. He couldn’t fall back to sleep, so he slipped out of bed carefully not to wake Maddie and stepped out onto the balcony, watching the start of the sunrise. He took a deep breath, the crisp ocean air filling his lungs.  

A moment later, he heard the soft creak of the balcony door behind him. Maddie stepped out, wrapped in a blanket.

“Hey,” he said, glancing over. “What are you doing up?”

“You left the door open,” she said, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.  “The cold woke me up.” 

“Shit, sorry.”

Maddie looked at him. “You look freezing. Do you want me to grab the other blanket?”

Wally shook his head slightly. “No. I have a better idea.” He reached for her hand and gently pulled her down to his lap, the blanket shifting to cover both of them. “That’s better.”

Maddie smiled softly. “Yeah… this works too.” 

For a while they sat in silence. The sound of waves rolling onto the shore filled the air as the sky shifted into soft shades of gold and orange. They stayed like that until the sun had fully risen. 

“I’m gonna go for a quick run before breakfast,” Wally said eventually. “Then we can head into the city and find something to wear for the wedding.” 

Maddie nodded. “Okay. I’m going to take a shower.” She leaned in, brushing her lips softly against his before standing. 

The steady rhythm of his footsteps against the pavement gave Wally something to focus on, something other than the constant loop of thoughts running through his head. The argument from the night before replayed in fragments – his dad’s voice, the way he’d dismissed everything, like Wally didn’t even know his own mind. And then the wedding. Sitting there, watching his dad marry another woman. Meeting people he was supposed to call family. The thought alone made his chest tighten. But somewhere in the middle of it all, Maddie’s voice cut through. Calm, steady, certain. You can do this. He held onto that as he ran, letting it ground him.

By the time Wally got back to the house, the morning was already well underway. Sunlight spilled through the windows as he stepped inside, the cool air of the house replacing the lingering warmth from his run. 

Maddie sat at the island with Jess and Izzy, the three of them mid-conversation. Maddie looked up when Wally walked into the kitchen.  

“How was your run?” she asked. 

Wally grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl before replying. “Good. It helped to clear my head.”

“Ew,” Izzy said, shuddering. “You’re one of those people who runs for fun and not because they have to?”

A small smile tugged at Wally’s mouth.

Before anyone could respond, Edward and Mallory entered the kitchen. 

“Morning,” Mallory said. “You two were out pretty late last night. We didn’t even hear you come in.” 

“Umm, yeah.” Maddie said. “We had dinner and went to the movies.”

“Oh, how… nice.” 

She then glanced at Jess and Izzy. “Have you two picked out your dresses yet?”

Jess shook her head slightly. “Not yet.”

Maddie looked between them. “Wait - aren’t you guys bridesmaids?”

Mallory let out a light laugh, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh no, I’ve got my girlfriends as bridesmaids. We’ve all known each other for years.” 

Jess forced a small smile before taking a sip of her tea. Izzy just rolled her eyes, subtle and quick. 

“Right,” Maddie said softly.

Edward grabbed two protein bars from the cupboard, passing one to Mallory before turning to Wally. “You and Maddie should go with the girls today. Get to know each other.” 

Wally glanced at him. There was something almost smug in his expression- like he wasn’t even sorry for what he’d said the night before. like it hadn’t happened at all. 

“Okay,” he said simply. He turned to Maddie. “I’m going to shower.”

She nodded. “Okay,” 

Without another word, he left the kitchen. 

Izzy watched him go before muttering under her breath, just loud enough for Jess and Maddie to hear, “God, Edward is a dick.”

Jess exhaled quietly but didn’t argue. 

“Come on, Ed. The trainer will be here soon.” Mallory said, already moving toward the hall. Edward followed without another glance. 

 Maddie blinked. “Uh… trainer?” 

“Yep,” Izzy said. “They’ve gotta be in ‘tip-top shape’ for the big day.”

“They’ve got a full home gym and everything,” Jess added. 

“Of course they do.” Maddie muttered, rolling her eyes. She pushed herself up from the stool. “I should probably go get ready. And- sorry Edward kind of forced us into your shopping plans. We really don’t have to-”

“Don’t be silly,” Jess cut in. “We know where to go around here and more importantly, where not to go.” 

“Okay,” Maddie said, smiling. “We’ll be down in a bit.”

Not long after, they were out of the house and heading deeper into Malibu. The drive itself was short, the ocean stretching alongside them as they followed the winding coastal road. Sunlight reflected off the water, bright and endless, completely different to the grey skies Maddie and Wally left behind in Split River.

Jess pulled into the parking lot of an open-air shopping centre not far from the beach. The whole place felt different from anything Wally and Maddie were used to back home – palm trees lined the walkways, storefronts opened out onto sunlit paths, and everything carried that relaxed, effortless California feel. 

They wandered throughout the shopping centre for a while, passing store after store filled with dresses and suits that were definitely out of their price range. 

Izzy stopped in front of one window, staring at a dress for a second before scoffing. “Yeah no. I’m not spending that much on something I’ll probably only wear once.”

Jess glanced at the price tag and winced slightly. “Same.”

Maddie let out a small laugh. “Okay, good. I thought it was just me.”

Wally looked between them. “So, we’re all collectively broke.”

“Yep,” Izzy said. “And mommy dearest won't pay for it either. Which means we’re not shopping here.” 

She turned, already scanning the street. Then her eyes lit up. “Oh-there.” She pointed across the street. A smaller shop sat tucked between two larger stores, the front window filled with mismatched racks of clothes and a slightly faded sign hanging above the store.

Jess glanced across the street. “Now that is something I can afford.”

The bell above the door jingled as they stepped inside. Racks of clothes were packed tightly together, everything from casual wear to formal squeezed into every corner. 

“Okay,” Izzy said, already moving. “This is where the real finds are.” Jess headed toward another rack, more focused. “You just need to know where to look.” 

Maddie smiled to herself as she started flipping through hangers, the fabric brushing against her fingers. 

Jess and Izzy had already gathered a few options, dresses draped over their arms as they moved through the racks with ease. Meanwhile, Maddie and Wally lingered a little longer, still flipping through the hangers and taking their time. 

“Okay, I’m done looking,” Izzy said finally, shifting the dresses in her arms. “We should go try these on.” 

Jess nodded, already turning toward the back of the store. “Yeah, before you change your mind five more times.” 

“Rude,” Izzy muttered, though she was already heading toward the fitting rooms. 

The fitting rooms were small, tucked into the back corner of the store with slightly crooked mirrors and curtains that didn’t fully close.

Izzy stepped into one of them, the curtain stopping short. “Jess, can you hold this over a bit more?”

Jess grabbed the edge of the curtain and held it closer to the wall for more coverage. 

Maddie hung up a few options in the next dressing room as Wally found a simple light- coloured suit jacket with matching pants. 

 A moment later, Izzy had tried on her dress options, finally deciding on one. “Okay, I’m ready.” Izzy said. 

Jess stepped back and pulled back the curtain aside as Izzy walked out in a light green dress that fitted neatly through the bodice before falling into a flowing skirt, the puff sleeves adding just enough attitude to make it unmistakably Izzy’s. 

“I think this is the one,” she said, spinning once on the spot. 

“It’s so cute.” Jess said, as Maddie and Wally walked over. 

“It suits you, Izzy.” Wally added, dropping onto the small couch near the dressing rooms.

Izzy smiled. “Did you find anything, Maddie?”

Maddie glanced at the dresses hanging beside her. “I think so. I have a few options.” 

“The curtains don’t fully close, so you’ll have to get Wally to hold it.” Jess said. 

“And no peeking,” Izzy called as she disappeared back into her dressing room. “I don’t care if you’re dating - I don’t want to hear my future stepbrother talk like that.” 

Wally blinked, caught off guard as Maddie tried (and failed) to hold in a laugh.

“Don’t worry, Izzy.” Maddie said. “We wouldn’t do that to you.” 

A few minutes later, Izzy finished changing, stepping out of the dressing room. Jess slipped inside straight after, Izzy holding the curtain for her. 

Maddie stepped in the other dressing room, while Wally held the curtain in place. 

A moment later, Izzy glanced over at Wally. “Are you going to find a tie to go with that suit?” she asked.

“I don’t-”

“You’re wearing a tie, Wally.” Maddie cut in from behind the curtain. “If I have to wear a dress, you have to wear a tie.”

Wally laughed. “Okay, okay. Have you found a dress you like yet?” 

“No,” Maddie said. “I’ve tried on two so far.” 

“Okay. I’m ready, Izzy.” Jess said. 

Izzy stepped back as Jess pulled open the curtain, stepping out in a light blue dress. It was simple and elegant, fitted at the top with thin straps before falling into a soft, flowing skirt that moved effortlessly as she walked. 

“That was quick,” Izzy said. “How many did you even try on?”

“This is the second one,” Jess said, glancing at herself in the full-length mirror. “It just… feels right.”

Izzy rolled her eyes. “That’s rude. I tried on like six before I found mine.” She held up the dress draped over her arm.

Jess laughed softly, giving herself one last look in the mirror. 

Maddie poked her head out of the dressing room beside them. “It’s really pretty, Jess.” 

Wally nodded. “Yeah, it’s nice.” 

Jess turned slightly toward Maddie. “Have you found something?”

“Uh,” Maddie said, “the dress I have on now is a possibility. I’m just not sure.”

“Well, that’s what we're here for,” Jess said with a smile.

Maddie smiled back.  “Thanks.” 

She pulled back the curtain and stepped out of the dressing room. The dress was soft and light, a pale pink that caught the light with every moment. It fitted neatly at the top before falling into layered, uneven ruffles that cascaded around her legs. 

“Maddie,” Jess said softly. “It’s perfect.”

 Maddie glanced down at the dress, running her fingers over the ruffles. “You think?”

“Absolutely.” Izzy said. Then she looked at Wally. “What do you think?”

Wally just stared at Maddie. For a second, he couldn’t even find the words. The way the dress fell around her so effortlessly, the way it moved when she did- he couldn’t look away. He was completely captivated. 

Izzy snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Uh, earth to Wally?”

Wally shook his head. “I’m sorry -what?”

“I asked what do you think of Maddie’s dress?” Izzy repeated.

“It’s perfect, Mads.” Wally said, his voice softer now. “You look beautiful.”

Maddie smiled, glancing down shyly. It was the first time that she’d ever seen at a loss for words, and something about it made her feel warm, almost giddy. 

“Okay,” Jess said, breaking the moment. “Now we just need shoes, accessories- and a tie for Wally.” 

“Hang on,” Izzy said, disappearing back between the racks. A few minutes later, she returned holding up a pale pink tie. 

“This will go with your suit,” she said, handing it to Wally “And it just so happens to match the colour of Maddie’s dress.”

Wally took it, eyeing the colour. “Does it have to be pink?”

“Oh, toughen up, princess.” Izzy said, rolling her eyes. “I know fashion. This works.”

Maddie glanced at him. “It couldn’t hurt to try it all together.”

Wally smiled slightly. “Okay. But I’m doing it for you - not because I’m scared of what Izzy might do.”

“You should be.” Izzy said with a grin. 

Maddie laughed. “Does she remind you of anyone?”

Wally nodded. “She’s literally Rhonda.”

Izzy looked between them, confused. “I’m choosing to take that as a compliment.” 

Jess and Maddie changed back into their clothes. By the time they stepped out, Izzy and Jess had already started moving through the racks again, picking out shoes and accessories. 

Maddie lingered behind with Wally, one hand lightly holding the edge of the curtain. 

A moment later, Wally called out. “I don’t know about this… maybe I should find something else?”

“There was nothing else in your size, babe.” Maddie reminded him. “Just let me see. Jess and Izzy aren’t here - it’s just me.” 

Wally hesitated for a second before pulling the curtain aside. The suit fit him cleanly, light in colour and sitting across his shoulders. The white shirt kept it simple, while the soft pink tie brought everything together. It worked. 

“Okay, I hate to admit this,” Wally said, glancing down at himself, “Izzy was right about the tie.” 

Before Maddie could respond, Izzy and Jess returned. 

“I always am,” Izzy said, arms full of shoes and accessories. “There is a reason when I get to college I’m studying fashion.”

“You’d get along great with our friend Dawn,” Maddie said, glancing over at her. “She’s applied to a school in LA.” 

“I like her already.”

 Wally looked over at Maddie. “So… this looks okay?” 

“It’s perfect, Wally,” she said smiling.

He turned toward the mirror, taking in the full look. “I like it. And bonus- the tie matches your dress.”

“And the shoes you brought from home will work with it too.” Maddie added

“Oh yeah,” Wally said. “Then it really is perfect then.”

He stepped back into the dressing room. A few moments later, he re-emerged, the suit draped over his shoulder. 

Together, they made their way to the register. The elderly woman behind the counter smiled as they approached. “You were very respectful back there,” she said kindly. “Not many people are.”

Maddie smiled politely. “Of course.”

She rang up their items, chatting lightly as she worked. “People come in, make a mess, leaving things everywhere… it’s nice to see otherwise.” By the time she finished, she glanced up at them again, her expression softening. “I gave each of you a little discount.”

Izzy’s eyes lit up. “Okay, I love you.”

Jess laughed under her breath. 

“Thank you,” Maddie said warmly.

“Have a good day,” the woman said with a smile

“You too,” Wally replied. 

February 1st – day of the wedding.

The house was quieter than it had been the past few days. Not calm- just missing something. Them. Edward and Mallory had left for the venue the day before, and with them went the tension that seemed to linger in every room. Every conversation with his dad lately followed the same script- short, strained, ending in something worse.  At least silence didn’t turn into a fight. 

Wally was up early again. The beach stretched out in front of him as he ran, the sand uneven beneath his feet, the sound of waves crashing steadily beside him. The air was cool, sharp enough to clear his head, even if only for a second.

His thoughts circled back to the same thing. By the end of the day, Mallory would be his stepmom. The word still didn’t sit right. He exhaled, his pace slowing slightly as the thought settled in. Everything about it felt rushed. Forced.  

And Mallory. He didn’t trust her. Not even a little. There was something too polished about her, too controlled. It reminded him too much of his dad. 

His mind then drifted to his mom. They FaceTimed the night before, him and Maddie sitting side by side on the couch. The conversation flowed like normal– checking in, talking about Sandra’s treatment, the usual things. But it was the tone in his mom’s voice that gave her away. The slight pause before she answered. The way her voice dipped for just a second before she steadied it again. 

Even if things ended badly with his parents, it didn’t mean it had always been that way. Wally could still remember what his dad used to be like – before the company, before they money. His gran always said it had gone straight to his head. She wasn’t wrong. That’s when he changed. Or maybe… he’d always been like that, and the money just made it easier to see. 

Wally swallowed, pushing the thought aside as he kept running.

At least he wasn’t the only one struggling with all of this. Jess and Izzy weren’t thrilled about the wedding either. They’d admitted as much to him and Maddie, sharing their own version of the same story. A parent choosing someone else. They weren’t happy about it. But like him, they didn’t really have a choice. 

As he continued running, his mind drifted to Maddie. The tightness in his chest eased at the thought of her. She’d been there through it all. Every conversation, every shift, every moment he didn’t know how to handle, she stayed. Steady and certain - even through everything she was going through.

She’s been the one to say it first. To take the leap he hadn’t been brave enough to take. And now? He couldn’t imagine doing this without her. They hadn’t been together long, not officially. But after years of friendship, of knowing each other inside and out, nothing felt new. It felt right. 

His pace slowed to a stop near the water’s edge, his breathing uneven as he stared out at the ocean. Whatever challenges today would throw at him, he knew he wouldn’t have to do it alone with Maddie by his side. 

When Wally returned after his run, Maddie, Jess and Izzy were all in the kitchen, making breakfast… more like attempting. 

“I’m telling you, Jess, it needs more cheese,” Izzy said, peering into the pan. 

“It already has cheese,” Jess replied, frowning as she poked at it with the spatula. 

“Not enough cheese.”

“That is definitely enough cheese.”

Wally paused in the doorway, watching for a second before stepping inside. “Should I be concerned?”

Maddie glanced over at him, a small smile forming instantly. “I did say I could make something,” she said, “but they insisted.” 

Izzy pointed the spatula at her. “We’re perfectly capable.”

Jess nodded. “We just.. don’t usually cook together.”

“That’s becoming very obvious,” Wally said, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. 

“It’s fine,” Izzy said. “It’s just eggs. How hard can it be?”

As if on cue, something in the pan stuck slightly. “Okay, don’t say anything. Maddie’s told us that you’re really good at cooking” Jess said, wincing. 

“I didn’t say anything.” Wally said. 

“You were about to.”

“Okay I totally was.” 

“I knew it.” 

Maddie laughed softly, stepping closer to the stove. “Do you want us to-” 

“No,” both Izzy and Jess said at the same time. 

“Okay,” Maddie said, holding her hands up in surrender. “We’ll just… supervise.” 

“That somehow feels worse.” Izzy muttered. 

Maddie leaned against the counter, watching Wally for a moment instead of the chaos in front of them. She couldn’t even imagine how he is feeling about today. All that she could do was be there for him. 

“Hey,” she said quietly, as he stepped closer to her. “How was your run?” “Good,” he said. “Cleared my head.”

She nodded. “Good.”

A small scape came from the pan behind them. 

“I think it’s stuck,” Jess said. 

“It’s not stuck.” Izzy replied.

“It’s stuck.”

Maddie glanced back at the stove, then at Wally again, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly. 

Wally huffed out a quiet laugh. “Alright,” he pushed himself off the counter. “Move.”

Jess didn’t hesitate, handing him the spatula. “Please.”

Izzy raised an eyebrow. “Wow. You’re giving up this easily?”

“Yes.” 

Wally stepped in beside the stove, assessing the situation. Maddie moved with him without thinking, grabbing a plate and setting it down beside him. 

“The heat is too high,” she said quietly.  “Yeah,” he agreed, turning it down slightly. “And it’s been sitting too long.” 

“Should’ve listened to me about the cheese,” Izzy muttered. 

Wally glanced over at her, confused. “That’s not the problem.”

“Are you sure?”

Maddie nodded. “Very,”

After Maddie and Wally successfully saved their breakfast, they sat around the table, the earlier chaos settling into something easier. Instead of talking about the wedding, they talked about themselves. The kind of conversations that would have happened the first time they met- if things had been normal. 

Jess spoke about college, about being in her second year and how full on it could be. There was a quiet confidence in the way she talked about it, like she had found her place there. She spoke about psychology with a kind of calm interest, about understanding people and the way they think, like it mattered to her in a way that beyond just studying. She also mentioned that she is thinking about becoming a child psychologist, wanting to help shape young minds and help them through their feelings. When she mentioned her boyfriend, Liam, it was brief but telling – the softness in her expression, the ease in the way she spoke about him. They had been together for nearly two years, something steady and familiar in her life. 

The conversation then shifted to Izzy. She spoke about fashion with certainty, like it had never been a question. Even at sixteen, she already knew what she wanted- to study design, to get into a good college, to build something of her own. She talked about New York with a kind of bright exactment, not just as a place but as a goal – imagining her work on a runway at New York Fashion Week, something people would stop and look at. There was a confidence to it, bold and unapologetic, but underneath it sat something sharper. A determination that made it clear that wasn’t just a dream she liked to talk about. It was something she fully intended to reach. 

Wally and Maddie listened, asking the occasional question, the conversation moving easily between them. 

When the focus shifted back to them, it wasn’t an introduction so much as a continuation. Jess and Izzy already knew about their plans for college, they wanted to know more about them, about their life in Split River. Maddie and Wally talked routines that had become second nature over the years – early mornings, long days, the way everything and everyone felt familiar. Then the conversation shifted to their friends, their personalities, their dynamics, the way their group somehow worked despite making no sense on paper. It came together in pieces – stories, small moments, the kind of details that made it clear how much those people mattered to them.

Jess and Izzy listened closely, asking questions here and there, building their own picture of Split River. 

Eventually, it circled to how Maddie and Wally got together. How they had been best friends since they were ten, how they live across the street from one another, how their moms are best friends, so it was easy for them to become close. The years of friendship, the almost, the timing that never quite lined up. Until it finally did. 

After that, the conversation softened again, drifting between topics, between laughter and quieter moments, until it eventually faded into something more relaxed. By the time early afternoon rolled around, they couldn’t delay the inevitable, it was time for them to get ready for the wedding. 

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of quiet preparation. Showers ran one after the other upstairs. The bathroom door opened and closed between Jess and Izzy, their voices occasionally carrying through the hall, while the quieter sounds of Maddie and Wally getting ready stayed contained in their room. 

Maddie showered first. By the time she stepped out, the mirror had already begun to fog over, the bathroom still warm with steam. She wrapped her hair in a towel, slipped into a bathrobe and moved back into the bedroom. 

A few minutes later, Wally slipped into the ensuite, the only sound was the running water.  When he finished, the room was thick with steam. He paused in front of the mirror, wiping away the fog with the palm of his hand. His reflection came into view, blurred at first, then clear. For a second, he just stood there. He took a deep breath. Then let it out. He did it a couple of times, one of the many grounding techniques he’d learned over the years. Then he reached for the robe, tying tighter before stepping back into the bedroom.

Maddie sat at the vanity, focused on her makeup, her hair still wrapped in a towel. Soft music played quietly from her phone beside her. 

Wally ran a towel through his hair as he crossed the room, grabbing his suit before heading back into the ensuite to get dressed.

 By the time he returned, Maddie was finished. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting her dress. Wally paused in the doorway, a slow smile spreading across his face.

“You look beautiful, Mads,” 

Maddie turned to him, her expression softening. “You clean up nice too.” Her hand lifted, brushing lightly against his cheek. 

Wally smiled, something quieter behind it.  “Thank you… for being here.”

“You don’t need to keep thanking me, Wally,” she said gently. “I want to be here. For you.”

He held her gaze for a moment, then nodded. He leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him just before their lips met. “I just applied lipstick.”

Wally shrugged slightly. “Don’t care.” His lips brushed hers anyway, soft and brief. When they pulled apart, he let out another breath, steadier this time. “Let’s get this over with.” 

Downstairs, Jess and Izzy were already waiting. They both looked up as Wally and Maddie came down, taking them in properly now that everything was put together.

Jess smiled. “You ready for this?”

Wally let out a small breath, glancing between them. “Nope. But… let’s get it over with.”

Wally, Maddie and Jess moved to the front door, but Izzy stopped them. “Whoa, not so fast. We need photos. Our dad wants photos and I’m sure your moms do too.” She turned, scanning the room before pointing toward a section of wall near the windows. “Here, the lighting’s good.”

“Okay,” Jess said, walking over to where Izzy stood. “But quickly. We can’t be late or we’ll never hear the end of it.”

Wally rolled his eyes. “I don’t even want to imagine that.”

They gathered in front of the white wall, the late afternoon light spilling in just enough to soften everything. Izzy immediately started directing them- where to stand, how close, small adjustments until it looked perfect. 

Maddie took a couple photos of Jess and Izzy before they swapped, Jess taking photos of Maddie and Wally. They shifted positions, adjusting angles and poses as they went. 

“Okay,” Izzy said, scrolling through the photos. “Now a quick group one, because the Uber is already here.” 

She quickly set her phone on a timer, propping it up on the table before hurrying back to joining them, standing next to Maddie. 

She picked up her phone again, scrolling through. “Perfect. We can go now. I’ll AirDrop these in the Uber.”

They headed out and climbed into the Uber As Izzy sent the photos through, Wally and Maddie scrolled through them on their phones. Maddie paused on one. It was just the two of them – her looking up at him, him looking right back at her. Not posed. Not forced. Just… them. Like they’d forgotten anyone else was there. 

She tilted the screen slightly toward him. ‘I think this is my new favourite photo of us.” 

Wally glanced down, his expression softening. “Mine too.” 

Around fifteen minutes later, the car turned onto a long, winding driveway. The Stone Manor Estate came into view ahead. The car then slowed to a stop.

One by one, they stepped out of the Uber, the sound of the ocean faint but constant in the background. The Stone Manor Estate stretched out in front of them – white stone balconies catching the light, perfectly manicured gardens spilling down toward the water. Everything felt too polished, too perfect, the late afternoon sun casting a warm, golden glow over it all. 

For a second, no one said anything. Then-

“Jess, hey.” 

Jess turned, her face lighting up immediately. Standing near the Welcome to the wedding of Mallory and Edward sign was Liam – tall and lanky, with dark brunette hair that fell in loose waves. His porcelain skin caught the soft light, and his simple black suit kept everything understated, but put together.

He made his way over, pulling Jess into a quick hug before stepping back, his attention shifting to the others. 

“Wally, Maddie, this is Liam,” Jess said, glancing between them. “Liam, this is Wally - our soon-stepbrother and Maddie, his girlfriend.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Liam said with a smile. 

“Yeah, nice to meet you too, man,” Wally said. 

Liam held up his fist and bumped it with Izzy’s “Hey, Izzy.”

“Hi.” Izzy said. 

“Ready?” Jess asked, looking toward the pathway lined with flowers, leading to the ceremony area. 

“I guess,” Izzy said, rolling her eyes. “I really don’t want Edward has my stepdad… but he does have a pretty okay son, so I guess it’s fine.”

Wally laughed. “Thanks. I think?” 

They all turned down the path to the ceremony area. 

The closer they got, the quieter everything felt, the ocean, the low chatter, it all faded, leaving just one thought circling. By the end of the aisle, his dad would be standing there, like nothing had happened. Like everything was fine. Wally’s jaw tightened, his chest pulling tight with it. Every conversation that turned into an argument, every time his dad brushed things off, it all came flooding back. And now this. A wedding. Like he was expected to fit into it somehow.

They sat in the front row. As Wally sat, the feeling didn’t ease. If anything, it sharpened, like a sharp dagger in the pit in his stomach. Then, without saying anything, Maddie’s hand slipped into his steady, warm, grounding. It was like she knew, without even looking at him, that he was spiralling. Holding her hand pulled him out of his spiral. Back to her. He exhaled quietly, his grip tightening around hers, enough to steady him. 

Music started to filter through the speakers around the garden, the groomsmen began to walk out, all three of them Edward’s friends. Wally recognised them, vaguely. Faces from years ago, from a time that felt distant now. They didn’t look at him, or if they did, it was brief. 

Then Edward stepped out. The shift was immediate. He moved with ease down the aisle. Beyond the altar, the ocean stretched out wide, the late afternoon catching the light. For a moment, his gaze flicked toward the front row. To Wally. It didn’t linger, just long enough to acknowledge his presence there. Wally’s grip on Maddie’s hand tightened slightly. 

The music changed again, the bridesmaids moved first, one by one, soft colours catching the late afternoon light as they walked down the aisle. Then, Mallory appeared.  She stood at the end of the aisle for a moment, the Stone Manor Estate behind her. Everything about her was polished, deliberate. The dress, the smile, the way she held herself, it was all practiced. Perfect. Wally watched her walk, steady and certain like she was stepping into exactly the life she wanted.

The ceremony began. It followed the same rhythm as any other – measured, familiar. The minister spoke about love, about finding the right person at the right time. Words that were meant to feel meaningful but landed somewhere flatter. Wally barely listened. His focus drifted - to the ocean behind the altar, the way the light shifted across the surface- anywhere but the front. Anywhere but them. 

Then came the vows. Edward went first. He spoke about growth, clarity, knowing and finally what he wanted. “Sometimes, it takes being in the wrong situation to realise what’s actually right.” 

Maddie glanced at Wally, the look on his face- his jaw tight, eyes wide - it’s like she could see the exact moment his heart dropped and all she wanted to do was to pick it back up and protect it anyway she could. She rubbed her thumb gently across the back of his hand, tightening her grip. 

Mallory followed. Softer tone, same intent. She spoke about self-worth, about not settling, about recognising when something no longer fits. “And having the courage to walk away from what was holding you back.” 

Maddie’s gaze flicked to Jess, the look on her face the same as Wally’s. Broken. Like she couldn’t believe her mom said those words. She couldn’t see Izzy’s face beside Liam, but she could see her hands curl into fists in her lap. 

The rest of the ceremony moved quickly after that. Rings exchanged, promises repeated, the minister guiding them through each step with practiced ease. 

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The minister glanced at Edward. “You may kiss the bride.” Applause followed soft at first then louder, as Edward and Mallory walked hand in hand down the aisle. 

The minister stepped forward, smiling out to the guests. “Thank you all for being here today. We invite everyone to head inside for the reception. Family, if you could please stay back for photos.” The crowd thinned as guests were guided inside, leaving only a smaller group gathered near the front. Wally stood, Maddie’s hand still in his as they followed the others. Jess, Liam and Izzy fell beside them, briefly introducing Maddie and Wally to Mallory’s parents, her brother, his wife, and their kids. Polite smiles, quick nods. Nothing that lasted. 

The photographer began to arrange everyone, calling people into place. “Alright, everyone in for a group photo – fill in the gaps.” 

Mallory and Edward stood in the centre, the rest of them shifting around them. “Everyone look here-” A flash went off then another. 

“Perfect, now let's do one with just the family. Bridal party to the side, please.”

Mallory stepped forward slightly, her gaze flicked toward Maddie and Liam. “Do you two don’t mind stepping out for a second? Just family for this one.”

Liam nodded easily, already moving aside. 

Maddie didn’t hesitate either. As she moved, she leaned in slightly toward Wally, her voice low. “Just go with it. Don’t start anything.”

Wally’s jaw tightened but he nodded. 

Maddie stepped aside next to Liam, both of them watching from the edge.

“Alright, step in closer,” the photographer said. “Let's get the kids of the couple next to their parents.”

Jess and Izzy moved into place beside Mallory. Wally hesitated then stepped forward, standing next to Edward. He forced a neutral expression, his shoulders stiff as the camera flashed again.

“Alright, that’s great. Bridal party next, everyone else is free to head inside.” 

Wally stepped back immediately, running a hand along his jaw, trying to ease the tension sitting there. He didn’t say anything. Didn’t look at his dad, just moved forward. He crossed back to Maddie’s side, the moment he reached her, something in his posture easily just slightly. 

Jess and Izzy joined them a second later, Jess drifting back toward Liam. 

“I want to say that I’m surprised by their vows,” Izzy muttered.

“But I’m not.” Jess let out a quiet breath. “That was fucking brutal. And this wedding’s not even close to being over.” 

The reception space opened up the moment they stepped inside. High ceilings stretched overhead, lined with chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow across the room. Light reflected off glass and polished surfaces, catching on everything- crystal, silver, the delicate edges of perfectly set tables. Flower arrangements spilled across tables and lined the room, soft whites and muted pastels woven through greenery. Candles flickered between them, small flames dancing in glass holders. At the centre of the room stood a champagne tower, stacked precisely, waiting. Nearby the bar gleamed under low lighting, bottles lined up in neat rows, untouched for now. A dance floor sat just beyond it, lights dimmed overhead, music already playing softly.

Guests filtered in, the room slowly filling with movement and quiet conversation. Staff moved seamlessly between tables, refilling glasses, chatting to guests and between each other. 

Wally and Maddie took their seats with Jess, Izzy, Liam and Jess and Izzy’s cousins. After that course after course followed. Plates placed down with precision, each dish smaller than expected, arranged with care that made them look more like art than food. As each course was sat in front of them, Maddie and Wally had no idea what the food was. Everything looked fancy, expensive. Food you wouldn’t find in Split River. 

The lights then dimmed, the music changed. Guests turned toward the dance floor as Edward and Mallory stepped into the centre, the attention of the room settling on them instantly. The opening notes of Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie filled the room, soft, sweeping, unmistakably romantic. They began to dance. Slow, practiced, effortless. 

Around them, guests watched, smiling, some swaying gently where they stood. Wally’s jaw tightened again. Of course it had to be this song. One of his mom’s favourites, and Edward knew it. It felt deliberate.  He couldn’t sit and watch it anymore. Maddie was mid conversation with Izzy, so he waited for a moment before leaning in slightly. 

“I’m just going to head to the bathroom. I’ll be back” he murmured, voice low. 

Maddie nodded. “Okay.” 

Wally stood, he wasn’t going to the bathroom, he didn’t have a plan, he just couldn’t be in the room anymore. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a full bottle of champagne sitting on a nearby table, not at the bar, not part of the display. Completely unattended. He glanced over his shoulder, making sure no one was looking, then reached for it, slipping it into his hand as he moved toward the hallway.  

Wally didn’t stop walking. The hallway stretched longer, the music fading behind him with every step there was nothing but a dull echo. He then approached a door with ‘this way to beach’ written across the metal plaque on the door. Cool air hit him instantly. 

A narrow set of steps led down toward the beach, tucked just off the side of the estate. Wally took them without thinking, his grip still tight around the neck of the champagne bottle. At the bottom, a deck sat just above the sand, strung with soft lights that cast a warm glow against the dark sky. Finally, a quiet spot he could take a breather. Or so he thought.  Jess stood there in Liam’s suit jacket, leaning back against the railing, a champagne bottle in her hand. Liam was beside her, relaxed nursing another bottle. 

Wally let out a small breath. “So, this is where you two ended up. Didn’t think anyone else would be out here.” 

Jess gave a dry half-smile. “Yeah. Same.” 

“Jess needed to get out of there. I’ve been here before, so I knew this spot,” Liam added, taking a sip from the bottle.

Wally sat down on the wooden bench that stretched along one side of the deck, twisting the cap off his bottle. “I don’t really drink, I just needed-”

“I get it, Wally,” Jess cut in gently. “You don’t need to explain.” 

For a moment, they just sat there. The only sound was the waves rolling onto the shore – steading, grounding.

“This day has been… a lot.” Jess said finally. 

Wally let out a quiet breath. “That’s one way to put it.”

Jess shook her head slightly. “The vows? That wasn’t even subtle.” 

“It wasn’t,” Wally said, his grip tightening around the neck of the bottle. “Felt intentional.”

“That’s exactly what I said to Liam.” 

Wally took another sip. “They just did their first dance to Endless Love. One of my mom’s favourite songs.”

“Seriously?” Liam said. “That’s such a dick move.” 

“Both of them are dicks.” Jess muttered. “Has Edward even tried to make things right after the other day?”

Wally let out a humourless huff. “My dad making amends? That would require him admitting he did something wrong.” Liam’s brows furrowed together. “What happened?”

“Long story short -I told him I wanted to be a physiotherapist instead of taking a football scholarship.” 

Liam nodded slowly. “I haven’t known you long, but I think you’d be great at it,” he said. “I’m studying kinesiology at UCSF.” 

Wally glanced at him. “Yeah?” “Yeah. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

“And all from what Maddie has told me,” Jess added. “it sounds like it fits you.” 

Something in Wally eased slightly. “Maddie’s been talking about me?”

Jess smiled. “Of course. She’s really proud of you – for standing up for yourself.”

A beat. 

“She’s a good one, kid. Don’t mess that up.” 

Wally shook his head lightly, a small smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. “Wasn’t planning on it.”

The reception carried on around them, music swelling, voices rising as more guests filled the dance floor. Maddie and Izzy had been pulled into conversation, moving easily from one topic to the next without really noticing how much time had passed. It wasn’t until there was a lull that Maddie reached for her phone from her purse, more out of habit than anything else. 

9:57pm.

Her brows pulled together. That felt… later than it should be. Her gaze drifted across the room. Wally still hadn’t come back. A small shift of unease settled in her chest. He’d left not long after the first dance around 9:20. Being in the bathroom for forty minutes? That was… odd. Maybe he ran into someone he knows and they got to talking? But no one on Edwards' side of the family came to the wedding, not supporting his decision. 

“I don’t think Wally ever came back,” Maddie said, quieter now. 

Izzy frowned slightly, glancing toward the bar. “Jess and Liam haven’t either.”

“Let's go.” They both stood up, heading towards the doorway. 

They reached the restrooms just as a staff member stepped out of the men’s.

“Hey- sorry,” Maddie said quickly. “Have you seen a guy, eighteen, about six-three, brown hair, light suit, pass by?

The staff member thought for a second, then nodded toward the end of the hall. “Yeah, I saw someone like that head out that door a while ago. It leads outside,” he said. “He had a bottle of champagne in his hand.”

“Thank you.”

Maddie and Izzy pushed open the door, the cool air hitting them. 

Izzy glanced at Maddie. “Does Wally usually drink?”

“No,” Maddie said. “Last time I saw him drink was the night he found out about his dad’s affair.” 

She glanced around the outdoor area, string lights above sets of patio furniture. “He was so hurt that night. My friends and I didn’t leave his side the whole night. Even after he told us to leave, we didn’t.” 

They continued walking around outside, then they came across the narrow staircase leading down to the beach. 

“Let’s check down there before we head back inside.” Maddie said. 

Izzy nodded as they headed down the stairs, the sound of the ocean growing louder with each step. Soft lights came into view first, then they heard voices. At the bottom, the deck came into view – Wally, Jess and Liam spread across it, three champagne bottles between them. Not drunk but definitely not sober. 

“Finally,” Maddie said, her arms crossed across her chest, slightly shivering. “We didn’t know where you were.” 

Izzy stopped short, taking in the scene – the bottles, the way they were all just a little too relaxed. “… are you guys drinking, underage?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Liam lifted his bottle slightly. “I’m not. I turned twenty-one last month.”

Jess pointed at him, nodding. “Yeah, see-legal.”

Izzy crossed her arms. “You’re not legal yet. You know how mom is with this shit.”

Jess waved a hand lazily. “It’s basically my birthday, in like… four months.” 

Izzy blinked. “That’s not how that works.” 

Jess shrugged, clearly unfazed. “Close enough.” 

Izzy plopped down next to Jess, picking up the bottle. “Gosh, Jess this is nearly empty.”

Maddie sat next to Wally on the wooden bench. She hasn’t seen him like this since that last night. He sat on the bench, shoulders looser than before, the weight he’d been carrying for days softened, but not gone. 

He met Maddie’s eyes. “Sorry,” he said, quieter now. “I just.. needed to get out of there for a bit.” 

Maddie’s expression softened instantly. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “I get it. Today has been a lot for you. This is the most relaxed I’ve seen you today.”

Wally nodded. “I am relaxed,” a pause. “But not because of the champagne.” He added quickly. “I’m not condoning drinking helps you get relaxed-”

“I know, Wally.” She cut in gently. 

A breeze rolled off the water, sharper than before. Maddie crossed her arms slightly, a small shiver running through her. 

Wally noticed immediately. “You look cold, babe.” 

Before she could respond, he stood, already taking off his jacket, draping it over her shoulders.  

“I’m fine-” she started. 

“Take it,” he insisted.

Maddie hesitated for a second then let it settle around her, still warm from him, still smelling like him. 

“Thank you,” she said quietly. 

Wally gave a small nod. “Of course, babe.” 

Izzy looked between them – Maddie wrapped in Wally’s jacket, Jess in Liam’s. she paused. “… wow.”

They all glanced at her. 

Izzy gestured vaguely between them. “So we’ve got two couples and then.. me.” A beat. “I’m like the fifth wheel here.”

Jess let out a laugh. “You’ll survive.”

“Barley.” Izzy said, shaking her head. Another pause, her gaze flicking out toward the ocean before landing back on them. “I didn’t sign up to be the only single person on a beach at a wedding.” 

“Hey,” Jess said lightly, nudging her shoulder, “maybe someone from the party will like you.”

Izzy physically shuddered. “Yeah- no. I’m good. Not that desperate.” 

Back inside, the reception carried on without pause. The cake was brought out – tiered, pristine, almost too perfect to cut. Edward and Mallory stood together, hands guided for the first slice, cameras flashing as the moment was caught from every angle. 

Slices were plated and passed around, the room settling back into conversation and movement. Edward returned to his table, plate in hand. He then glanced over to where Wally, Jess, Izzy, Maddie and Liam were sitting, finding the table empty. His eyes scanned the rest of the room. Nothing. 

“Honey, have you seen the kids?” he asked as Mallory returned. 

“No,” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “They’re probably fine.” 

Edward nodded. “You’re right,” he said, more to himself than anything else. “I’ll go look around for them in a bit. They need to taste this delicious cake you picked out.” 

“Sure,” she said, taking another bite of cake. 

Ten minutes later, with no sign of where they were, Edward stood, moving around the reception space. He spotted a staff member near the hallway. 

“Hi, have you seen a group of kids that were sitting at that table?” he asked, gesturing back toward it. 

The staff member shook their head. “No, but there’s a door down the end of the hallway that leads outside,” they said. “There’s a staircase that goes down to the beach. People usually end up down there during long events.”

Edward followed their gaze. “Alright. Thanks.”

He turned down the hall and pushed the door, stepping outside. The cool air hit him immediately. He walked for a moment before spotting the stairs. As he started down, voices carried up toward him – Wally and Izzy, light, familiar bickering. Edward let out a small breath, almost amused. At least they were getting along. 

He reached the bottom of the stairs, the deck coming into view. “There you guys are,” he called, stepping closer. “Cake’s just been served – you should come-” 

He stopped, he spotted the three bottles of champagne sitting between them, his expression shifted. 

“I should’ve fucking known,” he said under his breath. “Of course you’d be drinking.” His gaze landed on Wally. “Especially you.”

Wally straightened slightly. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Edward let out a short breath, shaking his head. “I knew this would happen,” he said. “I knew Maddie would end up exactly like her mother. It was only a matter of time before she started dragging you down with her.”

Silence. 

“What the fuck are you talking about? Wally stepped forward. 

Edward barely looked at him. “She’s a bad influence,” he continued, gesturing vaguely toward Maddie, then the rest of them. “Clearly it’s rubbing off on all of you.”

“I’m not even drinking, Edward,” Maddie said, her voice tight. 

Edward huffed a laugh. “You expect me to believe that? I’ve seen this shit before with your mother. Same excuses. Same bullshit.”

Wally’s fists clenched at his sides. “You are such a fucking prick.” 

His chest rose sharply, breath uneven. This wasn’t him. He didn’t do this. He didn’t lose control. He walked away, let things go. He always had, even with Xavier. Even when every part of him had wanted to hit him – when he found out what he’d done to Maddie, how easily he’d hurt her- Wally held it together. Swallowed it down. Let it go. But this- This was different. Hearing it from his own dad. About Maddie, her mom. Edward’s words echoed in his head- it was only a matter of time before she started dragging you down… she’s a bad influence-

Something in him snapped. Wally stepped forward – not fast, not rushed, just… certain. And then he hit him right across his face. The impact cracked through the air. Edward staggered back a couple of steps, caught off guard, his hand coming up instinctively toward his face as he tried to steady himself. 

Wally’s hand stung instantly, the force of it jolting up his arm, but he barely registered it. His pulse pounded in his ears.  “Don’t you ever-” his voice shook, breath unsteady now, “-fucking talk about Maddie like that again.” 

Edward steadied himself, his hand still hovering near his face. For a second, he just stared at Wally. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” he snapped, anger cutting through his voice. “You think you can hit me and walk away?”

Wally didn’t move. Didn’t back down. 

Liam stepped forward slightly, positioning himself just enough between them. “Alright, that’s enough,” he said, firm. “You need to go.” 

Edward let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh, his gaze flicking between them before landing back on Wally. “Unbelievable,” he muttered. “You had one job tonight and you still managed to screw it up.”

He shook his head, jaw tight. “I’m so fucking glad you’re leaving soon,” he added, voice colder now. “Means I won't have to see you.”

The words landed, heavy. Wally let out a short breath, something in his expression shifting – not anger, something quieter. Colder. “Yeah,” he said. “Ditto.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Nothing left to argue, nothing left to fix. Edward looked at him like he might say something else but didn’t. Instead, he turned and walked away, heading back toward the stairs, the sound of his footsteps fading as the distance grew. 

“I-” Izzy started, stepping forward. “Wally-”

“I just want to leave,” he cut in, voice flat. He turned for the stairs but barely made it up two steps before stumbling. “Whoa,”

Maddie was there instantly, steading him. “I’ve got you.”

“I can walk up a couple of steps, babe.” He muttered. 

“Because it’s going great so far?”

The climb up was slower than it should’ve been. 

“Why are there so many damn steps?” Jess complained. 

“There’s like twenty,” Izzy said. 

“That’s too many.” 

At the top of the stairs, Izzy pulled out her phone. “I’ll get us an Uber,” A few taps. “Five minutes away.” 

They made their way to the parking lot. Wally dropped onto the curb, staring ahead. Maddie stayed close beside him. 

Jess leaned into Liam. “Okay… I might be a little drunk.”

“You think?” Liam said. 

“Just a little bit.” 

“I’m gonna go grab our stuff,” Izzy said. “Maddie, stay with them” 

She turned, then paused, glancing back. “Don’t die.” 

And slipped inside. 

“Izzy?” Mallory called. 

She didn’t stop. She grabbed their things and headed back out just as the Uber pulled up. 

Getting them into the car took effort, but they managed. The driver had water bottles and bags ready like he’d seen this all before.

Back at the house, they stumbled out of the car.

“This is hard,” Izzy muttered struggling to hold up Jess and Liam. “I’m not doing this shit again.”

Maddie grabbed the spare key from the flower pot, unlocked the door, punched in the code, and flicked on the lights, never letting go of Wally.

They made it to the living room, collapsing onto the couches. 

“I’m so hungry,” Liam said, words slightly slurred. “The food was so fucking gross.”

“Oh my god, same.” Jess added.

“Uh… I could make some grilled cheeses?” Maddie offered.  

“Hell yeah, that sounds amazing, babe.” Wally said. 

“Okay,” Maddie said, already moving. “Izzy, shoes off. Get them comfortable. And grab some more water, maybe a bucket too.” 

Izzy winced. “Can’t I make the grilled cheeses instead and you deal with this?”

Maddie glanced at her. “After breakfast today? Not a chance.”

“Fair point.”

Maddie moved to the kitchen, starting on the grilled cheeses. From the other room, she could hear Izzy’s voice-

“You can at least help me take your shoes off, you sasquatch.” 

A few minutes later, Maddie came back with plates, handing them out. 

“Oh my god, yes.” Jess said, taking a bite. “I love you.”

Izzy had collapsed into the armchair, one arm thrown over her face. “That was so hard,” Izzy groaned. “They’re sleeping there. I’m not lugging their asses to bed.” Maddie laughed softly. “Welcome to my world.” 

She handed Izzy a plate before settling onto the couch beside Wally. She knew this all too well – looking after someone who’d had too much. It was going to be a long night – but for once, she didn’t mind. 

Part 23 Part 25

Edward finally got the punch he deserves! (we all cheered) but damn what an asshole

As always thanks @seeker1982 for your help with this especially with coming up with the idea of Maddie and Wally wearing what they wore in Quinn's shroom trip in season 3 ep 4 (and if you haven't seen that far ahead, whoops spoilers)

Tags: @lover1409@rosietoesy@jamiemoonymarks@unholypsychic@darth-jaderz@m3ntaltashia23@kellykeyser85@major-tomcat

Warnings: Shock collars, calling Whumpee 'Puppy', mild disassociation (I think), mild sleep deprivation, TV show hosts.

Please tell me if I need to tag anything else.

Part 2 | Masterlist

...................................................................................

Knock, knock.

Mal groaned at the knock at the door, far too tired to actually get out of the pile of soft blankets and plush pillows that made up his little nest on the floor. From the long day of press releases and photo ops with 'the city's greatest heroes' to a long, overcast night fighting supervillains and getting his ass kicked while he hoped for a glimpse at the moon, he had barely been awake when he crawled into the nest last night. That hadn't stopped the nightmares but then again, nothing would.

"Mal?" A far too chipper voice said through the door. Liam. "Mal, you're going to miss breakfast! Wake up!" a couple more knocks at the door.

Mal rolled over and covered his head with a pillow. He just wanted to sleep. Preferably without dreams.

There was an uncomfortable buzz from the shock collar around Mal's neck, a warning of pain that shocked him awake in a moment, making him sit up in the nest. "I'm awake!" Mal shouted, hoping to avoid a real shock. "I'll be out in a minute!"

"You better be! You know how the captain gets when our puppy doesn't eat!" Liam laughed, not unkindly, but Mal flinched at the nickname anyway. He really should have been used to it by now. After 5 years at Camp Rainer and 3 different teams after that, he should have been used to being called 'puppy'. But it made his inner wolf growl with irritation every time, self-preservation be damned.

"I'll hurry," Mal said, reaching to pull on some clothes. He didn't dally but he still expected it when a second warning buzz came 5 minutes later, this one probably from the captain. He trudged out of his room and headed to the dining room, ignoring the happy chatter as he sat at the table and laid his head on the cool wood, closing his eyes.

"You tired, Mal?" Maya asked with a gentle smile.

Mal smiled back out of habit and nodded. "Just stayed up too late last night. I'll be fine."

"Good," the captain, Simon, said, putting a plate of food down for Mal and petting him in between his wolf ears. "We have an interview with Callie so you need to eat up and be well-rested so that you don't try to bite people's heads off."

Mal fixed his hair and dutifully ate the food set in front of him. He hated interviews and Callie specifically. The fake smiles and cutting remarks made him want to bang his head against the wall. She wasn't any worse than any other TV show host but she seemed just as equally upset that the team treated Mal like a dog as she was likely to treat him like one herself. The hypocrisy itself was enough to make Mal's head hurt.

Mal ate quietly while the team ran over test questions and rehearsed answers. Mal didn't need to participate. He didn't technically have to be there at all. He was just there to show how good the rehabilitation centers like Camp Rainier were at taming wild beasts like Mal and he was already an expert at that. He hadn't even realized that he had zoned out until-

"And before we forget, we should probably change Mal into his public appearances collar."

Mal glanced at Kate, carefully keeping his face neutral as twin waves of anger and anxiety ran down his spine. His 'public appearances' collar was about four times more sensitive than his normal collar and the shocks ramped up in intensity much quicker. Even on his most careful and obedient behavior, he still got shocked at least once every time he wore it. If he didn't know this team better and didn't know the policy he might have assumed that they were just cruel for the sake of cruelty. Sadly, he did know better and no amount of begging would change policy. He had tried.

"Thank you, Kate," Simon said, pushing Mal's plate closer to him in an effort to make him eat more. He knew from experience that just being in that collar made Mal lose his appetite. Mal took a moment to indulge in some healthy annoyance at that before shoving everything back into their respective boxes in his head and forcing down a few more bites. "Liam, since you're done eating, can you go grab that?"

"Right away, Captain!" Liam left whatever he was tinkering with today on the table and left the room. Mal managed about four more bites before Liam came back. His fingers tightened around the fork, the thought of stabbing Liam with it and bolting entering his head and immediately being directed towards the appropriate box as he slowly put the fork down and pushed away his plate.

Simon stood and walked around behind Mal, turning off and unbuckling his current collar and putting the new one on. It was sleek and black, the 'corrective measure' more hidden but easily seen when pointed out. Mal's shoulders tensed when Simon switched it on, the tell-tale beep almost making Mal flinch. Simon rested one hand on Mal's shoulder and pet him with the other until Mal could force himself to relax back into his calm mask.

"Good boy," Simon said in that same deadpan he said everything in. Mal knew it was just the conditioning that made him preen at the praise but that didn't make him stop. Just sent an undercurrent of frustration through his head. Simon gave him one last pat and sat back down, leaving Mal to figure out how to breathe around the collar.

They finished breakfast quickly and piled into the armored car to head to the studio. When they got there, everyone got into their makeup and headed to their spots, having small chats with Callie and the staff. Mal mostly just sat quietly in his chair and started weaving in his head to calm himself down.

In. Out. Over. Through. Add another color. First color in. Second color out. Second color over. First color through.

The music that signaled the start of the show played and Mal made sure he hadn't forgotten to put on a smile before going back to his weaving. Add another color. Second color in. Third color out. Carry first color. Third color over. Second color through. Carry first color.

"So Mal, how has working with the city's greatest heroes been treating you?" Callie asked in her blindingly bright voice.

Mal looked at her and then glanced around at the team. The captain's serine smile and eyes that stared right through Callie, Liam's bouncing leg and hands signing the conversation to the crowd, Kate's calm, neutral expression and subtle 'get on with it' gesture, Maya's expectant look and encouraging smile. He heard his own screams playing from one of the boxes in his head as he turned back to Callie with his own calm smile.

Hi! I decided to make a little masterlist for this short series. There won't be a publishing schedule, but I'm open to writing suggestions, so if you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me!

SUMMARY: Moi and Liam are childhood friends. Moi's father has Liam locked in the basement. Moi does his best to keep his father happy so he won't kill Liam, while Liam strives to be the perfect prisoner so Moi won't have to suffer his father's abuse again. Genre: slice of life, drama, thriller. What you'll find here: Whump, platonic whumpee x caretaker, friendship, kidnapping, captivity, mention of death and murder, mention of child abuse, child whump (in flashbacks), hurt/comfort, angst, guilt, abusive father/son relationship.

CHAPTERS:

I'm here to take care of you

A nightmare that doesn't end

I'll always be there to protect you

I just want you to be ok

A mask to see you

I remain hopeful that you'll be free

CW: Lab whump (a little), multiple whumpers, inhuman whumpee, rockslide, obsessive behavior, pet whump (hinted), briefly mentioned abuse

When Liam was little, he saw one of the last ever documented Winged's ever to exist. Her wings were flame-red.

She was in a circus, but even child-him chose to ignore the bruises on her body, how every part of her except her wings were well-kept. He, and the audience, were too stunned to really pay attention. Not like they would've cared, anyway. Many people had Winged's as pets, no one was required to respect them.

The numbers dwindled down over the decades, and soon Winged's were even being poached. Masters had to keep their Winged's in closed doors at all times, and eventually the government took the last ones away.

Liam became infatuated with wanting to find more. He was sure there had to be at least one more left, but he was sure there were more than that. He was sure if he just looked and studied hard enough, he'd find something to find more and become rich. He'd even get a Winged of his own, and he hoped it'd have bright red wings, just like hers.

He started working for a private research center, surrounded by the research of all creatures that aren't human. Laws were different, there were more equal rights for others like the Horned, Scaled, and Gilled, but since there were no Winged's out there... there were no laws protecting them.

As he grew older, he grew more bitter. His obsession started to dwindle down by the time he reached thirty, and he thought he moved on, accepting that if there are any more Winged's on this planet, the chances of him getting his hands on them would be low.

Until one night, that is.

...

Alden has gotten better at hiding his wings, even if it still hurts like hell. He's managed to tuck them by his sides, and though it looks strange and unnatural, people still seem to shrug it off, considering he's done this several times.

He's glad he lives in a remote and cold area, because it gives him an excuse to bundle up and hide his wings better, and go to less-populated markets.

"Hey, Al. Haven't seen you in a while."

"Oh, hey, Em. Sorry, I've been kind of busy."

She chuckles. "I can tell. If you spend all your time in those caves, you're going to get hurt, you know."

"I'm fine."

She raises a brow but leaves it at that with a casual goodbye once he pays for his things. It's a miracle he can afford it, barely scraping by. At least he never has to worry about his medical expenses, since there's no way he'd trust any doctor with his wings. He'd get turned in, no doubt.

Alden goes to drop off his things at his cabin, and then decides some mining wouldn't hurt. He hit it big about a month ago, at least bigger than what he normally finds there. 

Since no one's ever down in the caves or the river, he decides to throw one of his jackets off. Everyone else in the town thinks he just gets cold easily, which is somewhat true, but not totally true.

He hums quietly to himself as he makes his way down the steep rocks. It's also extremely conventional he lives so close to the mining site. He grabs his helmet with a cap light from his backpack, his pickaxe and chisel, and leaves the rest of the equipment outside the cave. 

He knows where everything is, and he likes keeping his surroundings clear so no one gets hurt. He takes one of the mining lamps and lights it up, walking in further until he gets to his first spot of interest.

He sees something shiny in a small crevice of the rocks, so he picks up his pickaxe and chisel and starts hacking away at the rocks, trying to get whatever it is out of the crack. 

He has no idea what it might be, but it has to be valuable or it wouldn't be so deep in the crevice.

It's difficult work, and by the end of the day he's covered in sweat and dirt, and near what looks like the back of the cave. He decides he'll try one more location before leaving.

Just as he gets back to the close entrance of the cave, he finds one more area. He only hacks at the spot four times when he feels the whole cave start to shake. 

His head snaps up and he tries to look at what he's doing, but it's too dark, even with the light on his helmet.

Before he can rush out of the cave, the whole thing caves in and everything goes black.

...

"Dr. Schultz, you won't believe what we just found!"

"I really don't care," Liam responds bitterly, not looking up from his paperwork. "Can you shut the door on your way out, Blake? That'd greatly be appreciated--"

"It's a Winged."

That causes Liam to abruptly stop writing. His ballpoint pen falls out of his hand and onto his desk. He looks up at his assistant with wide, disbelieving eyes. "You're kidding."

Blake smiles. "No joke."

Liam quickly stands up from his desk and looks at him. "Is this real? You're sure?"

He nods. "He was recently transported here. He might be asleep for a while. Poor thing was in a cave that had collapsed."

"Show me now."

They make their way to a certain room, and Blake opens the door to room 640, where the Winged is located. He moves to open the door for Liam, but Liam shoves past him and throws open the door himself. 

He runs over to the Winged, who is currently laying on a bed with all sorts of medical equipment hooked up to him. He immediately goes to examining his wings. "Good, they don't seem injured much..." He frowns deeper at the color. "Blue. I wanted red wings."

"He's likely the last Winged alive," Blake mumbles, out of annoyance of Liam's reaction, or lack thereof. He knows a little about the slightly younger man's obsession with Wingeds, but he really thought he'd have more of a reaction at the extremely rare find, regardless of the color of wings.

Liam doesn't acknowledge him. He seems to be focusing on the Winged, taking in every detail. "Do we have any kind of file for him yet?"

"Not that I know of."

Liam continues to stare at the Winged in silence for several minutes. "I think we need to do some tests first before we do anything with him. We'll have to bring in some other doctors. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Herman for me. I have a lot of work to do."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, and when he wakes up, notify me immediately." He doesn't wait for Blake to respond before leaving. He simply walks out the door without a goodbye, as per usual.

As soon as he's gone, Blake looks back at the sleeping Winged. He thinks the blue looks nice, shiny and almost iridescent.

History has proven Winged's are more comparable to obedient dogs than birds, given they are loyal and compliant, even if they start off stubborn and short-tempered at first.