Dive Deep into Creativity: Discover, Share, Inspire
Read this story people, you won’t regret it. A must and hopefully soon a classic for the Andi Mack/Tyrus fandom :,)
Summary: When his family moves from San Francisco to the town of Shadyside, T.J. thought his life would change. And it did. He just didn’t think it would come in the form of the ghost of a boy who haunted his new bedroom.
Prologue
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11
@delicatesleeper,@ibroughtachallah,@frenchtohste,@alittletooliteralleah,@tyrusmagocious,@tjskipping, @mirrorslover, @opatrickr, @lesbianrelateddeath, @justkimberley,@burning-hot-pan,@green-lemonboys,@anotherangelfromspace,@thebisexualweirdo,@likelightning-inabottle,@thedampjofangirl, @fizasdr, @awkward-bisexual-alien, @whipashwhipash, @abg-blah,@atthemomentimintothis,@emberofthefrost, @sana-drinks-isklar, @tyrusisobviouslyendgame, @delilahdee00, @lazymarvelfan, @glitch-ditch-canonbitch, @miracufan
A/N: Hi, guys! Here it is now: the epilogue. Please read this note, first! It’s very important!
First things first, I want to thank everyone who read, commented, liked/left kudos, and followed this story from beginning to end.
Second, a couple of things have occurred since the last chapter was posted and I’d like to address them here, now.
So, I know most of you were unhappy with how I chose to end that chapter but you already knew what you were getting into when you clicked on this story. So, to that one person who was very rude in their comment (you know who you are, if you are still even subscribed to this since I politely asked you to unsubscribe and I’m still kindly asking you not to bother with reading this Epilogue because it’s not for you), this is what I have to say. A writer can choose how to end their story in the way they want, it’s their work and it’s their vision. They worked hard to produce a story and, for an emotional story like “Lost Boy” that’s filled with angst and tragedy, it can take a toll on their own mental and emotional health. I have no problem with constructive criticism, but your comment was not constructive, at all. You have no idea how many times I’ve re-worked this story since last year, the effort and every bit of my own emotions I put on it. So, the fact that you said the things you did makes me believe that you don’t realize all the work it took to create this story you supposedly enjoyed but proceed to insult when it didn’t end the way you wanted. It’s MY story.
And, following up on that, if you’re unhappy with how I wrote my stories and you want to write your own version, please, please, please, PLEASE ask me for permission. My story ideas are precious and important to me, as any author will tell you. This is the second time it’s happened and both times, both stories were written without my permission. Even if you credit me in your author notes, which I appreciate, I still want to be asked if I’m okay with it because when it’s sprung up on me, I’m caught off-guard and it upsets me. I want to be able to make that choice to have something I come up with re-written and I won’t pretend I’m okay with it. So, again, please, please, please, PLEASE ask me for permission, it’s only common courtesy.
And, third, I’ll be taking a short break after this but I will start accepting prompt requests again, soon.
With that said, enjoy this Epilogue!
…………….
The streets and houses looked the same as he remembered…yet also not the same.
Mrs. Singh’s shrubs are still shaped like birds. The Caranos’ front porch had been re-painted from white to a bright sunny yellow. Mr. Lee’s picket fence was finally fixed. And the Smith’s gnomes still stare stonily right into his soul.
A breeze swept by him and he shuddered, zipping his jacket further up before stuffing his hands into the pockets. He continued down the path to his destination, his gaze swiveling around and taking in his surroundings.
Everything was familiar…yet also not familiar.
After some time, he finally made it to the gray-painted house with the navy-blue roof and white windows. The picket fence surrounding it was still intact and still white.
He couldn’t help the smile that graced his lips as he walked up the path to the front door. His stomach was filled with butterflies and nerves. He kind of felt guilty for being here and almost turned tail and ran. But, no, he was going to do this. He swore to himself that he would.
Raising a hand, he pressed his finger to the doorbell and waited.
Seguir leyendo
I loved this 😭😭😭, if y’all excuse me, I’m gonna go spam Disney and Hulu social media once again with more #DisneySaveAndiMack
T.J. and Cyrus hold hands in the lunchroom underneath the tables, and he finally learns who Marty is
nice, open ended prompt! :) thank you!
Marty’s nerves run wild as he walks with Buffy into the lunchroom. Earlier, Marty was trying to work up the courage to grab her hand by brushing them together as they walked. Before he could think about reaching for her hand, though, Buffy assertively intertwined their fingers in a total “Buffy move”. Marty smiles, and out of the corner of his eye he sees a smile pop up on Buffy’s face, too.
Now that the two of them are officially dating, Buffy insisted that he sit with them at lunch to get to know her friends better. Of course, he already knows them somewhat, but within the time that he was gone, a lot changed. A lot more than he expected.
The biggest surprise is TJ Kippen. After all, the last time Marty interacted with him, he was a colossal jerk and bully. Yet now, Buffy tolerates him enough to sit together at lunch. And honestly, to Marty, TJ doesn’t appear nearly as intimidating as he did before. His previously guarded and sharp facial expressions have mellowed and morphed into something softer and friendlier. His usually composed, pristine hair flops around his forehead. As Andi talks to him, he laughs and grins, two things that would have been foreign from the old TJ. Sure, he laughed and smiled before, but now Marty realizes those sounded more fake, like a cool guy persona.
“Hey!” Buffy greets, practically pulling Marty along.
They plop down by Andi, who scoots over to make room. TJ, Cyrus, and Jonah sit across from them. As they sit, Marty feels TJ inspecting him closely. He tries everything he can not to meet TJ’s eyes.
“Welcome to our humble, lunchtime abode,” Cyrus greets.
TJ snorts, which startles Marty. He finds himself locking eyes with him on accident. He expects intimidating glares, but what he gets is a curious glint from his eyes.
“Wait, I know you!” TJ suddenly exclaims. “You’re Marty!”
“From the party!” Cyrus choruses with Andi.
Buffy rolls her eyes, “Took you long enough, Kippen!”
TJ responds to Buffy by sticking his tongue out and throwing a crumpled-up napkin at her.
“Will I ever lose the ‘from the party’ part?” Marty asks with a sigh.
“Nope!” Buffy grins, jostling his shoulder.
The group dynamic is different than Marty remembers it. Before, it was really just Buffy, Andi, and Cyrus (with Jonah occasionally), but now, even though the group hasn’t expanded much, they all seem closer and happier than before. It makes Marty wonder just how much he missed during his time apart from Buffy and how things could have been different if they remained in contact.
“Teej!” Cyrus suddenly whines, trailing off into giggles.
“I’m sorry!” TJ apologizes with a laugh. “I can’t help it. It’s just funny how ticklish you are.”
“It’s not funny!”
Then, Cyrus buries his head into the crook of TJ’s neck, and TJ just lets him. Never has Marty seen TJ acting so soft. But he appears more content than ever before.
From his side, Buffy sighs, “Just ignore them. They’re always this gross when they’re together.”
“You’re just jealous, Driscoll!” TJ replies teasingly.
Cyrus lifts his head up from his position against TJ, “Are you two ever going to call each other by first names instead of last? It sounds like you still hate each other.”
“Don’t worry, underdog,” TJ promises, “I just like to get under Buffy’s skin, but I don’t hate her.”
“First name! I win!” Buffy beams.
“Wait—what? It wasn’t a competition!”
“Everything’s a competition if you try hard enough, Kippen.”
Marty can’t get past how friendly things seem between TJ and Buffy now. He’s used to her complaining about the other boy endlessly, not teasing him and actually enjoying his company.
The rest of the lunch period is loaded with talking and playful bickering between them all. By the end of lunch, Marty finds himself even more included in the group than before. It’s one of the best lunch periods he’s ever had, especially since the entire time, Buffy is pressed up against him. Their relationship is still new, still growing, but Marty has a feeling that it will last.
“I gotta head to math early for help,” TJ explains near the end of lunchtime.
Jonah reaches out to fist bump him, “You got this, man!”
“Bye TJ, bye Cyrus!” Andi waves.
Marty notices that although Cyrus never said anything about leaving early, Andi says goodbye to both of them. No one else seems to find it strange besides himself. Buffy picks up on his confusion, of course, and goes to explain.
“They go everywhere together now,” she hints.
Marty doesn’t understand the odd insinuation in her voice until he sees TJ and Cyrus get up. Their hands are intertwined and obviously have been the entire time during lunch. Marty realizes that he never saw either of them use more than one hand. Suddenly, as they walk away, it all starts to click. TJ and Cyrus. He would have never expected that.
“Now you’re getting it,” Buffy chuckles.
He frowns in confusion, “I still don’t really understand. I mean, how? When? Since when is TJ even a nice guy?”
“Well, let me tell you a story…” Buffy trails off, smiling to herself. “It all started with Cyrus.”
Boss: TJ, you are a great employee and I really don’t want to let you go, but I’m gonna need a very good explanation from you for that not to happen...
TJ: Remember how you say everyday that the customer is always right??
Boss: Seriously Kippen?...
TJ: ...And that “if it’s in our hands, we should go above and beyond to make sure they leave happy and satisfied ”??... Your words, not mine!
Boss, to himself: Oh God, I think I know where this is going...
TJ: ... the customer seemed upset and this specific request was literally in my hands! Technically I was just following your instructions!
Boss, trying to keep his composure: Bringing the customer to your side of the counter and hugging him from behind, your chin on his shoulder, while still taking orders at the register doesn’t meet that criteria!!
TJ, looking down at Cyrus, still wrapped in his arms: But that’s what the customer asked for! right muffin??
Cyrus: Yes sir, I specifically said “ I want a long and tight hug from my boyfriend, for here please”
Boss, conflicted: You could have waited until lunch break!
Cyrus, with guilty puppy eyes: I might have added the word “Now” at the end of the order... please don’t fire him, it’s all my fault...
TJ: Sir, how can one say No to those eyes?!!
Boss, defeated and sighing: Fine! I’ll let you go with a warning this time, but don’t let it happen again... and honestly, I don’t think I can fire you, your mom would never forgive me if I did
Cyrus, relieved: Thank you Mr. Kippen! Won’t happen again, we promise!
TJ, whispering while dragging Cyrus out the door with him: Talk for yourself...
Mr. Kippen: I heard that Thelonious!!.. Don’t be late for dinner!!
Cyrus’ voice from the distance: See you tonight sir!! I’ll bring dessert !!
Mr. Kippen, soft smile and rubbing his temple while making a phone call: You won’t believe what our silly son did today, that kid is so in love...
Substitute Teacher: Ok everybody, I want you to turn to the person next to you… Say hello to your ¨Egg Baby Project¨ Partner!
(TJ appears out of nowhere beside Cyrus, pushing Cyrus´ actual partner to the side)
Cyrus: TJ what ar…
TJ: I think we should name one of them after your Bubbe Rose…
Cyrus, still a bit shocked but with an amused smile: One o-o-of them??
TJ: Yeah, I´ve always picture us with a couple kids. We could adopt twins. Me, being one myself, can tell you it is always nice to grow up with siblings…
Cyrus now with a full grin: Since when you´ve been thinking ab…
TJ: Do you think we should give them hyphenated last names?, I think Goodman-Kippen sounds reeeeally good…
Cyrus about to faint from happiness: TJ are you propos…
TJ in full rant: But of course, you would have the last word, I mean you are the wiser one and I completely trust your judgement. That would maybe make you the ¨bad cop¨ sometimes in front of the kids when they become teenagers though, you know, since I must likely will be telling them all the time: Go ask Abba Cy, If he says yes then you can go to that party…
Buffy to Andi, both of them holding back laughter and watching the exchange fondly from the back of the classroom: Should we tell TJ he skipped the ¨asking Cyrus to be his boyfriend first¨ part??
Andi, chuckling: I mean, hopefully he´ll take the hint after this. Also, How long do you think it will take for the teacher to find out TJ doesn´t go to this class?? …
The GHC plus TJ and Amber at the park, lying on the grass, looking for shapes in the clouds:
Amber: A cup of coffee! That one is definitely a cup of coffe!
Andi, with a teasing tone: How do you know that’s a cup of coffee? It could be tea, or just hot water
Amber: Ok first, I’m a waitress, I know a cup of coffee when I see one. And second, don’t get technical on me, you evil cutie...
Cyrus: A T-Rex! Look at the little arms!
TJ, excited and pointing up: Cy! That one looks just like your birthmark! with the little pointy edge and everything!
Buffy, sitting up immediately and looking at Cyrus with a piercing gaze: Cyrus... can you explain why TJ knows the exact shape of your birthmark?!
Cyrus, nervous: I... It... It’s not what you think!
Buffy, protective friend mode on: KIPPEN! YOU ARE SOOO DEAD!!!
TJ, already up, scared look and hands up defensively: Buffy please, we can explain!!
Amber whispering to Andi: I don’t get it, Why is this a big deal??
Andi, amused, looking at the show in front of her: His birthmark is on his ribcage
Amber: And?
Andi: And nobody has seen Cyrus without a shirt, ever!!
TJ, already running: It was great while it lasted right underdog!?? 9 days and almost 11 hours!!
Buffy, chasing him: I TRUSTED YOU WITH MY BEST FRIEND!!
Cyrus, out of breath, running behind them: BUFFY WAIT! ...MY MOM ...SHOWED HIM ...MY BABY PICTURES! ...I SWEAR!
Andi: Amber look! That cloud looks like a heart! Awwww!
Buffy to TJ, putting him aside from mixed basketball practice : What is going on man?? You are extremely distracted today, and Cyrus is not even here…
TJ with sad demeanor: I know, I´m sorry. It´s just… I like him so much… Do you think he likes me??
Buffy: Seriously dude?? You´ve literally been dating for the past three months
TJ: I know, but it´s just too good to be true… what if he is doing it to spare my feelings?, I mean, that would be so on brand for him, thinking about others first… It comes to him as natural as losing one of his shoes whenever we are outdoors - he says with a light chuckle and heart eyes.
Buffy, exasperated, : I can´t with you guys!! Both of you are ridiculous. One of these days my eyes are gonna get stuck from all the rolling they do because of you two!!… Just so you know, and hopefully this will convince you: Yesterday we were talking about math and out of nowhere he pulls out his notebook and starts reading us his vows… his vows for his wedding!! WITH YOU!!
TJ, pulling out a crumpled paper from his pocket : Really?? Can I read you mine?!
Buffy: …
TJ: My Dear Cy, muffin of my eye…
Buffy, defeated: It´s happening, they are stuck. I´m gonna be blind for the rest of my life…
Buffy to TJ, putting him aside from mixed basketball practice : What is going on man?? You are extremely distracted today, and Cyrus is not even here...
TJ with sad demeanor: I know, I´m sorry. It´s just... I like him so much... Do you think he likes me??
Buffy: Seriously dude?? You´ve literally been dating for the past three months
TJ: I know, but it´s just too good to be true... what if he is doing it to spare my feelings?, I mean, that would be so on brand for him, thinking about others first... It comes to him as natural as losing one of his shoes whenever we are outdoors - he says with a light chuckle and heart eyes.
Buffy, exasperated, : I can´t with you guys!! Both of you are ridiculous. One of these days my eyes are gonna get stuck from all the rolling they do because of you two!!... Just so you know, and hopefully this will convince you: Yesterday we were talking about math and out of nowhere he pulls out his notebook and starts reading us his vows... his vows for his wedding!! WITH YOU!!
TJ, pulling out a crumpled paper from his pocket : Really?? Can I read you mine?!
Buffy: ...
TJ: My Dear Cy, muffin of my eye...
Buffy, defeated: It´s happening, they are stuck. I´m gonna be blind for the rest of my life...
High School Principal: Good morning everybody! As you all know, we have our “lunch with a friend” charity auction event today. So lets get started! Our first student is Cyrus Goodman, VP and Co-Founder of the film club and honorary cheering member of both the Girls and Boys Varsity basketball teams. Let’s start the bidding at 5 dollars
Andi: 5!
Leo, a student on the audience: 7 dollars!
TJ: 10 dollars!
Principal: Mr. Kippen, let me remind you that you can not bid, you are up for auction too!
TJ, from the line of chairs on the stage: What?! That’s so unfair! Marty! Jonah! Back me up here please??
Marty: He is right your highness! That’s not fair
Jonah: Yeah! So not cool!
TJ: Ok, thank you, but that’s not what I meant, help with the bidding guys!
Jonah: Oh! We got you bro!
Marty: 10 dollars!
Cyrus, confused: ok, what are you d...
Leo: 12!
Jonah: 15!
Leo: 20 dollars!
Principal: 20 going once...
Marty and Jonah, putting their money together while TJ gives them a concerned look: 25 bucks!
Leo: 30!
Principal: 30 going once, 30 going twice...
TJ, desperate and with his hands messing his perfect hair: GUYS!
Marty and Jonah, to TJ with apologetic eyes and voices: We are poor man!
Buffy, rolling her eyes but ready to help: you owe me TJ, big time... 32 dollars!
Cyrus: Seriously people! What’s goin...
Leo, anticipating what will happen and with a smirk on his face: 70 dollars!
TJ, glaring at Leo: You son of a...
Principal: MR. KIPPEN!!!
Buffy Jonah and Marty counting their money: We only have 52, Andi how much you have??
Andi, chuckling and handing her 20: Here, we got this!
TJ, throwing them his 25 from the stage: MAKE THIS HAPPEN GUYS!!
Buffy: 97 dollars!
Leo, triumphant: A hundred dollars!
TJ, falling on his knees: NOOOOOOO!
Cyrus, confused: What just happened??
Principal, stressed and ready to say SOLD!: A hundred going once... A hundred going twice...
Amber, walking dramatically to the front of the auditorium: 197 dollars!
Leo, sitting back down: Ok, I’m out!
Principal, praying no one else will bid: 197 going once? Twice?? ...Sold to Miss Amber Kippen for 197 dollars!
TJ: THANK YOU LORD!!!
Amber: You are very welcome little bro! Now, all of you dorks (pointing to TJ, Andi, Buffy, Jonah and Marty) hand me your 97 aaaaand ...The Spoon can use some deep cleaning this afternoon...
Buffy, with menacing eyes to TJ: We got you your date, you better make this official man or I swear to God...
Principal: Anyways, moving on. Our second student, TJ Kippen...
Cyrus: Take my money!!
Principal: Forget it, I quit!!
A silent Cyrus. A broken TJ. A memory that helps them heal
•••
It’s a cold Friday afternoon, cloudy skies and chilly air, the complete opposite from last week. Cyrus guesses it is fitting, the weather just how he has been feeling lately; gray, dull and sad.
It´s been a week since the costume day fiasco.
The girls’ basketball team practice just ended. While the players walk to the locker room, Buffy looks towards the bleachers, looking for him.
Their eyes meet and he nods his head to let her know he will be waiting for her right outside the gym, as always. He knows she is worried; Andi is too. He has been quiet and has refused to tell them how he feels, because if he does, he knows everything will feel more real. For now, he prefers the numbness.
As he walks through the double doors, he sees someone standing in front of the vending machine. Even though the person is not facing Cyrus and has the hoodie up, he already knows who he is. He thinks about turning around and leave, but for some reason his legs refuse to move. He has been avoiding TJ since last Friday, ignoring his texts and calls, walking away when he finds him on the hallways, he even suspended his social media accounts. He just doesn’t feel ready to hear whatever the blonde boy has to say, not yet. But maybe this is the way the universe wants things to be.
He thinks it is time to get this over with, maybe after today they can finally agree that they´re not friends anymore, the mere thought hurting enough to make his numbness evaporate. With that he takes a few steps forward and stands by the other boy´s side, that is when he notices how down the basketball captain looks; messy hair, bags under his eyes, slumped shoulders.
Right then he lets himself think: Is it possible that TJ feels as miserable as he does? What if the green-eyed guy values their friendship as much as Cyrus does? What if his calls were not to cut ties forever?
He feels guilty now.
He pushes the thoughts aside because having that kind of hope right now can only be dangerous.
Apparently, TJ hasn’t noticed his presence yet. He has this intent gaze, deep in thought, looking at the items on the vending machine as if they will give him the answers he needs.
Without noticing, the smaller boy sighs and that’s when it happens. Their eyes meet and time stops. They stand there, staring at each other, not saying a thing but with longing looks, missing one another even when they are right there, just a few feet apart. How silly! Cyrus thinks. It´s only been a week, but the truth is that it feels like it has been ages since the last time they talked.
TJ´s blinks and his eyes get watery and hands fidgety. He opens and closes his mouth, as if trying to put into words what he wants to say. Cyrus just stands there, waiting in silence.
“I´m so, so sorry Cy” TJ says, his voice heavy with shame, not meeting the brunette´s eyes. “I miss you”
Another quiet minute passes, Cyrus doesn’t know how to answer. He guesses TJ takes the lack of words as a refusal to his ¨apology¨ because what he says next surprises him
“I´m scared” He whispers, his voice soft and fragile.
More silence from Cyrus, he is just at a loss for words. He has never seen his friend this broken. He wants to hug him, comfort him, make his pain go away. But his own pain stops him, he needs to protect himself too.
Cyrus waits for TJ to elaborate, but he stays quiet. He just looks back at the vending machine, with nostalgia written all over his face.
The browned-eyed boy follows his line of sight and his heart skips a beat when he notices what the other boy is looking at.
“Are we going to be ok?” TJ says, shaky voice and uncertainty coloring his features.
Cyrus looks down and thinks about it for a moment. He can feel TJ´s expectant stare on him, noticing his clenched fists too. He makes his decision.
He leaves the room and goes back inside the gym, leaving TJ standing where he found him, with a defeated expression on his face.
After a few seconds he is back, with the backpack he forgot at the bleachers on his shoulder. His friend still glued to the spot where he left him, clearly confused. He unzips his front pocket, takes out a dollar, taps 3 0 7 into the vending machine an waits for it to give him his snack.
For a little while the buzzing of the device is the only sound filling the air. Then the muffled sound of a plastic bag falling.
Cyrus takes it and hands it to TJ.
Cheese Puffs.
TJ takes it and holds it with both hands delicately, as if afraid that it would break. He meets Cyrus ‘eyes and tells him with determination in his voice
“I´m gonna make this right, I promise”. Cyrus just shrugs slowly as a response, his eyes a little bit softer than before.
“Cy, are you ready to go?”. He hears Buffy´s tense voice calling from behind. He nods, still looking at TJ
He lingers for a few moments, then turns around and walks away with Buffy by his side.
TJ stays there, presses the cheese puffs closer to his chest and repeats to himself with a hint of a smile
“I´m gonna make this right”
Substitute Teacher: Ok everybody, I want you to turn to the person next to you… Say hello to your ¨Egg Baby Project¨ Partner!
(TJ appears out of nowhere beside Cyrus, pushing Cyrus´ actual partner to the side)
Cyrus: TJ what ar…
TJ: I think we should name one of them after your Bubbe Rose…
Cyrus, still a bit shocked but with an amused smile: One o-o-of them??
TJ: Yeah, I´ve always picture us with a couple kids. We could adopt twins. Me, being one myself, can tell you it is always nice to grow up with siblings…
Cyrus now with a full grin: Since when you´ve been thinking ab…
TJ: Do you think we should give them hyphenated last names?, I think Goodman-Kippen sounds reeeeally good…
Cyrus about to faint from happiness: TJ are you propos…
TJ in full rant: But of course, you would have the last word, I mean you are the wiser one and I completely trust your judgement. That would maybe make you the ¨bad cop¨ sometimes in front of the kids when they become teenagers though, you know, since I must likely will be telling them all the time: Go ask Abba Cy, If he says yes then you can go to that party…
Buffy to Andi, both of them holding back laughter and watching the exchange fondly from the back of the classroom: Should we tell TJ he skipped the ¨asking Cyrus to be his boyfriend first¨ part??
Andi, chuckling: I mean, hopefully he´ll take the hint after this. Also, How long do you think it will take for the teacher to find out TJ doesn´t go to this class?? ...