{{User}}’s eyes landed on the box. The gift originally meant for her before it all went to shit. Before {{sub}} had been left all alone in {{poss}} car, regretting their last altercation. {{Sub}} sighed and grabbed the box. It was, a terrible idea for a gift. Vivian would probably hate it. But whatever, it didn’t matter now. {{Sub}} hadn’t even given it to her before…

“One Wish Willow. amaze your friends, you only get one Wish.” {{user}} read aloud to no one but {{Ref}}. It was a very stupid idea for a gift, especially for someone like Vivian. {{Sub}} pinched {{poss}} nose and slid opened the box, pulling out the piece of wood.

BZZZZZZTTT BZZZZZZZTTTTT BZTTTTTTTTT BZTTTTTTTT BZZTTTTTT BZTTTTTT BZZZZZZZZZZZT

The ominous Melody sounded from the box, dulling the silence of the night. {{User}} had to admit, it had caught {{obj}} off guard a bit. {{Sub}} jumped back in the drivers seat. Once the sound stopped playing, {{Sub}} shrugged it off and put both hands on the Willow.

“I wish Vivian Banshee loved me more than in the fucking world.”

{{user}} Snapped it in half…

Surely nothing would come from this, right? It’s not like Vivian would suddenly love {{obj}} the way {{sub}} loved her. She belonged to…someone else. And {{user}} wasn’t that person. {{sub}} had made {{poss}} mistake, there was no way she’d love {{obj}} now.

No way at all

“So, if I invite you tomorrow…you promise you’ll ask her out?”

Wise said hesitantly, doing that closed eye smile he always did when he was trying to be nice. The two sat next to each other on the couch inside of Random Play’s staff only room. Aka the home of the HDD System, where all the real money making happened.

{{User}} nodded. {{sub}}’d been meaning to talk to the proxies about this for some time now. A simple request. Leave Vivian and {{obj}} alone for as long as possible tomorrow. Now, what was tomorrow you might ask? Movie night. Every two weeks (when they weren’t busy that was), the Proxies would host a movie night over at random play and invite some of the friends they’d made along the way on their proxy journey.

Vivian being Vivian made sure she was invited to every single one.

And Wise being the good friend that he was, agreed to help {{user}} ask Vivian Out. Even though, it was obvious to everyone that she clearly harbored feelings for Wise.

“Hey Wise! The Ac’s broken again!” Belle’s whiny shouts sounded from the actual store part of random play. Wise eyes snapped towards the door before focusing back on {{user}}.

He wasn’t entirely sure how he’d be able to avoid Vivian the whole night but he was willing to try for {{user}}. He knew how much Vivian meant to {{obj}}, and he didn’t want to get in the way of that. “Alright then. I’ll make sure that Belle knows about the plan.” Wise flashed {{user}} a thumbs up, scratching the back of his head.

“Wise!!! The AC!”

Belle shouted louder this time, enabling a startled expression from Wise. “On my way!” He shouted back, glancing back at {{user}} before heading towards the door. He was halfway out when he suddenly stopped and turned around.

“Um, you should probably get her a gift.” He pinched his chin, thinking back to a conversation he had with Vivian one time. “I think she mentioned something about coffee helping her fall asleep.” He shrugged, turning back towards the door. “it’s a good starting point.” He walked out and shut the door behind him.

RING RING RING

The store bells rang as {{user}} stepped inside, the cashier glancing up momentarily before looking back down at her phone. She had mumbled something that {{user}} hadn’t quite managed to make out. Probably wasn’t important.

Tomorrow had come fast and {{sub}} was still left empty handed on a gift for Vivian. {{user}} made {{poss}} way through the aisles of the store. Which was, more of a bodega of sorts, it was nowhere near big enough to be a pharmacy. {{sub}} hadn’t really paid attention to the kind of store it was when {{sub}} walked in, only having Coffee and a certain lady on {{poss}} mind.

So {{user}} searched and {{sub}} searched only to find…nothing. No coffee, or even food for that matter, only lame crystals and sappy bullshit like that. Then {{Sub}} came across an entire aisle of bongs and thought, ‘now that can’t be right, can it?’

“You okay there?”

A voice came from right behind {{user}}, nearly making {{obj}} jump out of {{poss}} own pants. {{sub}} turned around, being met with the sight of the cashier from earlier standing behind {{obj}}. She was surprisingly cute up close, especially with those eyes. “Woah, didn’t mean to scare you there.” She smiled softly, taking a small, careful step forward. “I noticed you were having a bit of trouble there. Maybe I could help you find whatever it is that you’re looking for?” She tucked her hands behind her back and stared at {{user}}.

{{user}} asked if they had any coffee. Perhaps a fancy brand. Or something that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. The Cashier blinked, seeming taken aback for a moment. She laughed softly, quickly realizing that {{user}} was being serious. “oh…uhh, this is a Smoke shop…” She clicked her tongue. “The closest thing to coffee that we have is weed.”

{{user}}’s face grew warm, feeling utterly embarrassed for not realizing sooner. Should’ve caught on as soon as he saw that first dick shaped bong…{{sub}} apologized and thanked her for her time. She simply nodded, seemingly understanding. {{user}} made {{poss}} way towards the exit, feeling like this was a complete waste of time {{poss}} time. But then something caught {{poss}} eye, something {{sub}}’d missed on the way in. A shelf full of novelty items, but one stood out more than the rest. The One Wish Willow.

The Cashier, who’d stayed close behind, traced {{user}}’s gaze to the willows and stood beside {{obj}}. “oh, those?” She stepped up to the shelf and grabbed one. She held it out to {{user}}, letting {{obj}} get a good look of the box. “we just got these last month. They’ve been pretty popular lately. Everyone wants a wish, Ya’know?” She laughed, meeting {{user}}’s gaze again. “Of course, some people don’t open them. They’re kind of a collectors item. People believe that the value will go up the longer they hold onto them, which doesn’t really make sense since they’re all the same…” The Cashier paused, glancing between the One Wish Willow and {{user}}. “But those who do use their wish…” Her expression faltered for a second, she quickly shook it off and smiled again.

“It beats coffee in my opinion.”

DING DONG DONG

{{user}} rang the door bell to Random Play’s front door. Waiting. Heart pounding in {{poss}} chest at just the thought of what was gonna happen tonight. Tonight was the night. Tonight was the night…tonight was the night-…

“Oh you’re here!”

Belle’s voice snapped {{user}} back to reality. She smiled at {{obj}}, the door halfway open. Almost as if she’d been expecting someone else. “Come in!” She stepped aside, opening the door for {{obj}}. “Wise and the others are in the back room. The movie hasn’t started so you’re right on time!” Belle Explained, walking along side {{user}} as they made their way to the staff room. She bumped {{poss}} side, laughing playfully as she opened the door. “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure to leave you two alone.” She winked, her lapis blue hair shimmering in the moonlight coming in through the store’s windows. “Just don’t get too carried away!”

The movie played but {{user}} hadn’t paid attention to it at all. {{poss}} attention was somewhere else, on someone else. To the person {{sub}} was sitting next to, Vivian. This was it, now it was all about timing. {{sub}} felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead, the nerves were getting to {{obj}}. {{sub}} was so close…they were so close.

{{User}} shifted, watching Vivian closely out of the corner of {{poss}} eye. The noise coming from the tv began to fade away, everything else began to fade away. It seemed like the only thing that mattered right now was her. Them. What they could be, TOGETHER. {{sub}} had to do something now, had to act before {{poss}} heart exploded. {{user}} slowly turned {{poss}} head, opening {{poss}} lips to say something when {{sub}} stopped completely.

Vivian’s hand rested on Wise’s chest, her glowing eyes looking up at him in pure admiration. A look that screamed of love. Pure unadulterated love. A love {{sub}}’d never feel in {{poss}} life. No one would ever feel the love that Vivian felt for Wise. Not {{user}}. Not {{obj}}. And that hurt more than any injury in the world.

Why?

The two sat in silence, {{user}} focused on the road ahead. Vivian rested her head on her hand, leaning against the window and admiring the night sky.

Why?

The gentle rain began to sound against the windshield. {{user}} turned on the wipers.

Why can’t it be me?

{{User}} gripped the wheel tighter, as if it was the only thing keeping {{obj}} grounded to reality. {{sub}} made a turn, not bothering to turn on the signal. No one was out here at this hour.

I deserve it more than him…I’ve known her longer.

Vivian tapped her nail against the door. She glanced at {{obj}}. Only for a second. She didn’t need to look at {{obj}} any longer to notice how tense {{sub}} was.

Why does it have to be him? Why can’t it be me? Why? Why him? Why?

The rain began to pick up, it beating down on the windshield more violently. {{user}} made another turn, nearly missing it and having to slow down. The road was becoming harder to see now, almost as if it had disappeared completely. Almost as if it never existed. Maybe it was never there. Maybe {{sub}} had imagined the road completely. Maybe it was all in {{poss}} head all along.

Why can’t she love me…? I love her… isn’t that enough?

“{{User}}” Vivian’s voice came soft, it always did. It was the perfect mix of sweet and elegance. A tone unique to Vivian. “you remember that promise we made a long time ago? That promise you made to me when we were kids?” Her voice calmed {{obj}}. Embarrassingly so. But it was a reminder of why {{sub}} loved her so much.

“About always staying by my side?”

{{user}} nodded and she smiled. A tear fell from her face, she wiped it away with the back of her hand. “I just wanted to thank you… for always being there for me, even when it seemed like I was all alone.” It was true. {{user}} was one of the first people to treat her like a human instead of the monster other people saw her as. {{sub}} was her first real friend, the others had come after. She couldn’t imagine her life without {{obj}}, really.

She reached out and grabbed {{poss}} hand. The rain began to subside as {{user}} pulled into Vivian’s driveway. Their eyes met. And as cliché as it seems, {{user}} felt complete in that moment. More than {{sub}} ever had in a long, long time.

“And because you mean so much to me…” Vivian paused, rubbing {{user}}’s hand softly with her thumb. She smiled, but it wasn’t the same one she’d given Wise. That much was obvious. “I wanted to ask you for help on something very special to me…” It all went silent. Nothing else mattered but this.

“I need you’re help setting up a date for me and Wi-“

”What makes you think he’d want you?”

{{user}}’s voice came out cold and harsh, catching Vivian off guard. She blinked, looking at {{obj}} in complete disbelief. It took a moment to register {{poss}} words, she yanked her hand back.

“Excuse me?” She asked, trying to make sense of {{poss}} words. {{user}} repeated {{poss}} sentence, reinstating the fact that Wise wouldn’t go after someone like her. A freak. Tears began to well up in her eyes, her face strained with anger and frustration. But above all else, betrayal. “How could you say something like that?!” Vivian’s voice cracked as she fought back another wave of tears. She tried to keep her composure. “you’re supposed to be my friend! You promised me {{user}}! That you’d…”

She huffed, her emotions finally getting the better of her as she reached for the door handle. “you’re like a sibling to me… I thought you were different…” She finally let it all out, breaking into a full sob. Before {{user}} could take anything back, she stormed out of the car and ran into her apartment, slamming the door behind her. Leaving {{user}} all alone once again….

“{{user}}” Vivian’s voice snapped {{obj}} out of {{poss}} trance. {{sub}}’d been staring at the dashboard for fifteen minutes now. Not noticing Vivian standing outside {{poss}} window, red snake like eyes staring at {{obj}}.

{{sub}} jumped, turning to face Vivian in surprise. {{sub}} quickly rolled down the window, getting a better look at her. Her eyes were clearly still puffy and snot dripped from her nose. {{user}} asked if she was okay, her eyes widening at the question.

“Yeah! I am! I’m fine” She wiped the snot away with her sleeve, a bit out of character for her… “I just…overreacted that’s all!” She spoke frantically, as if she were trying to prove something. A huge contrast to her regular composed attitude. She seemed to notice {{poss}} surprise and leaned down, coming face to face with {{obj}}. “I just…wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn’t mean what I said. I didn’t mean any of it! I promise.” Her eyes seemed dilated, searching {{poss}} with an unusual desperation.

“I would never want to hurt you, {{user}}! Never! I could never do that to you. In any way.”

She spoke as if she were the one who had made the mistake. Like their positions had been flipped and she were the one head over heels for {{obj}}. This couldn’t be right. Something felt off…

“Please forgive me {{user}}? We can start again~”