Store Mates

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at https://archiveofourown.org/works/41805693.

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories:

F/F, Multi, Other, Gen

Fandom:

Amphibia (Cartoon)

Relationships:

Sasha Waybright/Marcy Wu, Anne Boonchuy/Sasha Waybright, Anne Boonchuy/Marcy Wu, Anne Boonchuy/Sasha Waybright/Marcy Wu, Anne Boonchuy & Sasha Waybright & Marcy Wu

Characters:

Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright, Marcy Wu, Anne Boonchuy's Parents

Additional Tags:

Autistic Marcy Wu, Lesbian Anne Boonchuy, Bisexual Sasha Waybright, xe/xem pronouns for Marcy WU, He/Him and She/Her Pronouns for Sasha Waybright, they/them pronouns for Anne Boonchuy, Lesbian Marcy Wu, Dorks in Love, Awkward Flirting, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Demiromantic Anne Boonchuy, Demiromantic, Halloween, Halloween Costumes, Swearing, Alternate Universe - No Amphibia, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - College/University, Bigender Sasha Waybright, Genderqueer Marcy Wu, Genderfluid Anne Boonchuy, Genderqueer Character, Genderfluid Character, Anne Boonchuy Has ADHD, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Trans Anne Boonchuy, Trans Lesbian Anne Boonchuy, Amphibia References, Sasharcy Week 2022, Marcanne Week 2022 (Amphibia), Sashannarcy Week 2022 (Amphibia), Sashanne Week 2022 (Amphibia), Soft Sasha Waybright, Soft Anne Boonchuy, Soft Marcy Wu, holiday romance, First Meetings, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Meet-Cute

Language:

English

Series:

Part 1 of Holigay Hearts

Stats:

Published: 2022-10-03 Completed: 2022-10-31 Words: 13,692 Chapters: 6/6

Store Mates

by Ohsoclever1

Summary

Sasha and Marcy have been working at the local Halloween store for the past two years, but this year is different. They’re in their first semester of college and have a new coworker Anne Boonchuy. Both find Anne intriguing for their own reasons, and against Marcy better judgment the two place a bet on who can get Anne to agree to a date first.

OR, Marcanne vs Sashanne are your classic tropes of friends to lover vs enemies to lovers in this world or the next (inside a Halloween store).

CW: Swear words.

Preview:

“Sounds like a bet.” She said with a devious grin.

“I’ve read enough cheesy romance novels to know that bets don’t turn out well.”

“Well how about a scare dare then?” Sasha placed a hand on hip, egging Marcy on.

“Still a bad idea, but I'm listening.”

This story is finished, updates every Monday until Halloween, enjoy!

Update: 'Store Mates' is a story that can be read all year around :).

Notes

Anne: Genderfluid,  They/Them

Sasha: Bigender, He/Him She/Her

Marcy: Genderqueer,  Xe/Xem Xir ( pronounced as Ze)

Gratitude to m.does.arttt on IG for the Title: 'Store Mates'!

Spoilers in comments, so leave yours and wait until your finish with the story to read others. Enjoy ❤️💙💚

I love to read your comments (short, long, emoji, different languages), see your Kudos, bookmarks, and subscribes, so trust me no matter when you come across "Store Mate" I will see those things :)

Chapter 1: Scare Dare

Chapter Notes

Spoilers in comments, so leave yours and wait until your finish with the story to read others. Enjoy ❤️💙💚

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Anne didn't know why they applied to work at a Halloween store. They didn't like being scared and hadn't dressed up since they were thirteen. But, here they were, fresh out of high school in their first semester of college working at Heebie Jeebies, the local Halloween store. Not like they needed the money since they were on a full ride scholarship, but scholarships didn't pay for merchandise from favorite shows or Black Pink concert tickets. Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy loved their baby Bean, but they weren't giving them money for any of that.

"Wait, wasn't that skull over there?" Anne's words shook from their lips as their breath hitched.

Anne raised a brow looking over the skulls they had just sat down. They shook their head and kept putting the skulls on the shelf. When they reached for the last skull they swore it moved to the opposite side of the shelf. Anne started freak out on the inside because either their eyes were playing tricks on them, or the decorations were moving on their own, they hoped it was the latter.

"What the Frog —" They placed a hand over their rapidly beating heart.

The skull started sliding towards them, almost running after them. Anne's eyes widened; they were frozen in shock until it came face to face with them. Anne screamed falling back placing their hand on the black cloth of the shelf knocking over every skull that they just put up.

On the floor trying to catch their breath Anne was met with laughter that came from the skull. Anne looked towards the laugher that revealed their coworker Sasha, the taller of the two, still wearing the skull head used to prank Anne to the floor.

"You should have seen your face!" She was laughing through the skull which still was creepy.

Anne's face was all flush red as they stood up not even acknowledging her. The coworker would have been cute, if she wasn't so annoying. Sasha had been teasing Anne since they got there two weeks ago. Anne picked up the cloth, shaking it out before putting it back on the shelf. They sighed while picking up the skulls from the floor and slamming them down on the cloth in frustration.

"Be careful, they're already dead." Sasha laughed and walked over to her slightly shorter, but taller than Anne, coworker Marcy.

"Are you going to keep the skull on all day?" Marcy said with a smirk.

"Oh, I forgot I had it on." She grabbed the skull with both hands, taking it off like a helmet revealing his flowing blonde hair.

Anne got a glimpse of the sight and cursed themselves for thinking the girl looked pretty. They turned back to the skulls ignoring the thought.

Marcy shook xir head. "Sash, you'll never get their number if you keep scaring the shit out of them." Marcy said before putting a bookmark inside xirs graphic novel.

"Who works at a Halloween store named Heebie Jeebies, if they don't want to be scared, Mars?"

"I don't know, have you ever tried asking them?" Marcy put xir finger to xir chin "Have you ever had a conversation with Anne?"

Sasha scoffed. "Well  duh"

Marcy raised a brow . "Besides teasing them, Sashy."

"Hey, that's how I flirt." Sasha crossed her arms leaning on the counter.

"How is that working for you?"

"Well your super sweet approach ain't working either."

"I'm waiting for the right moment –" Marcy said with sly smile "... for the cherry on top."

“Sounds like a bet.” Sasha said with a devious grin.

“As the smart one here —”

“Hey, I’m smart.” Sasha crossed her arms over his chest offended.

“Okay, smarter one.”

“Hey?!”

“I’ve read enough cheesy romance novels to know that bets don’t turn out well.”

“Well how about a scare dare then?” Sasha placed a hand on his hip, egging Marcy on.

Sasha was very competitive and couldn't pass up the opportunity to beat Marcy at something. Truth was Mars was better at almost everything than him, in school, video games, and even with the customers.  This was the one time she felt he could beat Marcy in something. And scoring a date with someone as pretty as Anne was a win in itself.

“Still a bad idea, but I'm listening.”

Marcy knew xir were amazing, but sometimes xe doubted if others thought the same of xem, this was Marcy’s chance to prove xe was worthy of someone’s affection. That someone being as sweet, kind, and attentive as Anne made it a win worth betting for.

“If I get Anne to date me first you have to close on Halloween night.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad —”

She smirked  “ …with Maggie.”

“Ugh,” Marcy threw xir head back “She’s the worst.”

“Yup, while me and — “ Sasha thought for a moment. “What's their last name?”

“Why does it matter?”

“Just tell me.”

“Boonchuy.”

“Me and Boonchuy are in WeHo (West Hollywood) dancing with  our fellow queers in fabulous costumes.” She spun around. “ Oh, and I bet I’ll get a kiss.”

“Sashy has so much faith that Anne will date her.”

“You have just as much faith, Wu.”

“That’s because I believe in the friends to lovers trope.” Xir leaned against the counter with a confident smirk.

Sasha held her stomach and laughed heartily. “Everyone knows enemies to lovers is the better trope.”

“Those people are toxic and Anne isn’t one of those people.”

“Those people like thrill and Boonchuy is one of those people.”

“How do you know when you’ve never talked to them?”

“I can just tell, Mars.” She leaned against the back counter. “So are we on?”

“Usually I wouldn’t play your silly game, but —”

Marcy looked over to Anne, sighing after  putting all the skulls up once again. Xe watched them wipe the sweat off their brow and Marcy couldn’t help the smile from watching them.

Marcy wasn’t automatically physically attracted to anyone, but Anne was sincere. They gave xe an apple during orientation when Marcy mentioned forgetting to eat breakfast.  They listened to Marcy talk about xir favorite cosplays that were done in the past. Anne even knew some of the shows, and they offered to check out the ones they didn’t. Anne’s laugh— well it spoke a language only Marcy’s stomach knew… that always replied with butterflies.

“But what, Wu?  Spit it out!”

“Anne isn’t a prize, they’re a person. A person I want.”

“Is that right?” Sasha smirked.

“Yes, and at the end of Halloween me and Anne will be in Weho kissing.”

Sasha laughed with her arms over his chest. “We’ll see about that.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I’m the bold type, so I have no problem with asking someone out.”

A smile played on Marcy’s lips. “I have other ways of getting people to date me.”

“Hey, sorry to interrupt — ” Anne walked up to the two smirking at each other.  “Whatever this is, but is there anything else y’all need me to do?”

“We’re not your boss Boonchuy, figure it out yourself.” Sasha rolled her eyes.

“Oh, you know my last name?’ Anne said, shocked.

“I told him.” Marcy smirked while opening their graphic novel.

“Oh, that makes more sense.” They nodded

“Hey, I could've listened during orientation.”  He sucked his teeth.

Marcy and Anne both laughed “Sure.” Marcy teased. “Seriously, Anne, you don’t have to report to us.” Xe smiled sweetly.

“I know.” Anne leaned against the counter. “It’s just y'all worked here for the last two years and I’m new.”

Sasha started pretending they were playing the world's smallest violin. Marcy smacked her hands away. “It’s ridiculous they make us go to orientation every year.”

“It’s to get to know the new employees.” Marcy turned a page.

“Well, that would make sense if we had new employees. Anne’s been the only new employee in two years. Before them we were all hearing the same information about each other.”

“Awe, I brought joy to your life.” Anne teased.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Sasha leaned more against the counter getting caught in Anne’s warm smile.

“Is the lion caught by a mouse?” Marcy teased low enough that Anne wouldn't hear, but loud enough that Sash would.

“Whatever, I’m going on my break.” Sasha grabbed his purse flustered before turning back to Anne. “There is something you can do for me first, Boonchuy.”

“What?”  Anne got bored easily, so really any work or genuine conversation to make the day go faster, they were more than okay with.

“Can you turn on the popcorn machine over there?”  Sasha pointed in the direction past the entrance door.

“Okay.” Anne said with a skip and a smile.

They plugged in the only plug that was out of the socket. Circus music started to play and Anne  titled their head in confusion at the popcorn machine that was still dark.

“Hey Sasha, I don’t think the Popcorn Machine works.”

“The popcorn machine never works.” Marcy said, confused while looking up from xir book.

“What was that Marcy? I can’t hear you over the circus music.” Anne shouted while still kneeled on the floor.

“Circus - Sash, you didn't?” Marcy turned to face the blonde who had a smirk.

Anne titled their head trying to make out what the two were saying. They jumped back when the ten foot clown started to move its long claw nail fingers with his horrible laugh and glowing eyes reaching over Anne.

Sasha laughed before leaning into Marcy's ear. “Last one for the road.” Sasha walked out

Marcy shook xir head while walking over to help Anne up.

“What’s his deal?” Anne shook their head, still staring in the direction that Sasha left.  "How are you even friends with her?”

Marcy thought for a minute wondering if xe should take this opportunity to ruin Sasha’s chances  with Anne, well even more, but xe didn’t want to win Anne’s heart – hand? Maybe it was too soon to be thinking of love, but that was Marcy. Xe didn’t feel anything for you, or so deeply that it drowned xem at times.

“Marcy.”

“Huh?”

“You spaced out there.”

“Oh, sorry.”

They both walked back to the counter in the middle of the store.

“It’s okay, I space out too.” They rocked on their heels. “ADHD, am I right.” They chewed their lip nervously.  “Don’t tell Sash. I don’t need him to have another reason to tease me.”

“I would never betray your trust, Anne.

Marcy put on a pained smile. The fact that xe had just placed a bet on them like an object instead of a person with feeling — wasn’t too trustworthy Marcy thought. But, it wasn’t a bet xe told xirself. Oh no, it was a scare dare, for fun and since Anne would never date either of them there was no harm no foul. Plus Marcy  knew xe would never do anything purposely to hurt Anne. Marcy sighed and gave a slightly more relax smile.

“Secret safe with me, Anne”

“Thanks Marcy.”

“Sasha’s an asshole, but not that kind. She wouldn’t tease you for serious stuff. Stuff people shouldn’t even make fun of people for. People really shouldn't tease people for anything”

“Oh okay.” Anne smiled a little.

Marcy blushed a little hoping Anne didn’t mind that tangent. “I’m autistic and Sasha never teased me for that.”

“Cool, I mean, if you think it’s cool.” Anne rubbed the back of their neck.

“Yeah, I think it’s cool.”  Xe smiled. “Sasha isn’t so bad, She’s just awkward at times, especially if he really likes you.”

“He likes me?” Anne smiled lightly.

This made Marcy's heart ache. Did xe already lose Anne before trying to get them?

Anne cleared their throat. “Of course, you mean he likes me as a human being, not like Sash likes me like anything else.” Anne laughed. “She's not even nice to me.”

Marcy just stood frozen, not turning the page in xir book, not nodding, not blinking. Marcy didn’t know where to go from here. It was easy to have comebacks for Sasha; xe knew him for two years and their friendship was a pattern Marcy  understood. Anne was new, a puzzle xe hadn't figured out all the pieces yet.

Anne just smiled. “Well, enough about Sasha,  probably not cool to talk about him when she’s not here, even if he’s an asshole.” Anne hopped on the counter next to Marcy which woke xe from xir daze.

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Xe's voice cracked a little.

“Why do you work at a Halloween store?”

“I told you at orientation.” Marcy laughed nervously.

“Yeah, you told me the orientation answer, but what's the real answer?”

Marcy smiled thinking could Anne know how many masks xe wears, even in this short time. “Well, I like ghosts, witches, all the supernatural stuff, but the real stuff.” Marcy looked to see if Anne’s eyes had any signs of judgment, but they didn’t. “So, this is the closest I get to it every year.”

“That’s cool.” They said sincerely.

“Really?”

“Yeah, you should tell me some ghost stories one day.”

“I thought you’re scared of — ” Marcy stopped, not sure if they would take offense.

“I am, if you surprise me, but if I know I’m going to be scared then I like it, you know?”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

“So, you’re going to invite me over to hear some of your ghost stories?”

“Like a date?”

“Hey, what are you dorks doing?”

“Back so soon, Sasha?” Anne rolled their eyes hopping off the counter heading to the stockroom to get more boxes.

“I’ve changed my mind.” Marcy turned to Sash once Anne was all the way in the stockroom.

“You don’t want to date Boonchuy anymore?” He crossed her arms over his chest. “Dang ten minutes and you are already breaking up.”

“I’m definitely dating them.”

“So what have you changed your mind about?”

“The date.” Xe started chewing on xir  bottom lip. “Going to a big festival to win a kiss at the end of the night is a Sashanne thing.”

Sasha raised a brow “Sashanne?”

“Yeah, you know Sash/Anne, your ship name? Anyway, keep up.”

“I like that my name is first —”

“As I was saying, but a Marcanne thing is going to an abandoned house where I’ll give Anne my own personal ghost tour. I’ll tell them all the history and finish the night at the dorm, cuddling in a blanket with some hot cocoa.”

“Boo, you dork.”

“Anne is going to love it.”

“You’re so sure they’ll date you.”

Marcy looked up to see Anne carrying a box of fake knives. Anne looked over the box and smiled at Marcy who smiled back. “Amphibia- lutely.”

“What does that mean?”

“Amphibia, a sub part of CNC: Creatures and Caverns, so Amphibia/Absolutely = Amphibia- lutely.”

Sasha's eyebrows furrowed “Why?”

“Anne and I liked Amphibians.”

“How do you know–”

Marcy pointed to Anne’s Frog beanie, frog charm hanging from their phone and the frog phone case itself.”

“Oh, I knew that.”

Mary snickered. “Get ready to work on Halloween with Wendy — Opps, I mean Maggie.” xe smirked mischievously.

Sasha rolled his eyes. “She’s the worst, but she is funny, you must admit.” He smirked.

Marcy simply shook xir head turning back to xir book. “I guess you’ll enjoy your Halloween night working with her.” Xe teased.

Sasha was getting flustered by Marcy's confidence of winning. She leaned against the counter watching Anne hang up the fake knives and had no idea how to win them over. Sasha was really kicking himself for teasing them for the last two weeks

Chapter End Notes

Yay, Chap 1! Welcome to everyone who is joining me on this journey! This fic was created because I wanting to work at a Halloween store and meet cute queer people. So, Trio + Halloween Store = perfect combo, lets freaking go!

First: Please comment, bookmark, kudo and subscribe! I have a beta and edit a lot, but things slip through the cracks sometimes, so let me know!

And even though Store Mates is finished the feedback keeps me posting and helps with the other Amphibia fanfics I'm woking on. I appreciate you.

Q: Who do you think will win Marcanne or Sashanne?

Store Mates is a five chapter fic that will be updated every Monday up until Halloween day. I hope you stick around to see who wins the scariest dare of Sasharcy's lives! Chapter dates:

Chap 2: 10/10

Chap 3: 10/17

Chap 4: 10/24

Chap 5: 10/31

Chap 6: Art + Annocement

Lastly:

1: I already have an on going story that is finished called 'Trio of Hearts'. Updates every Thursday, we are already 5 going on 6 chapters in, so check it out!

2: if you go to my username and push subscribe button you'll get a notification after I post a new story and I have quite a few new stories for you!

3: If you enjoy this story and know a friend who will too then please share it :)

Chapter 2: Trick or Treat

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Sasha walked into the store looking around before walking in and out of the break room. He made her way back over to where Marcy was standing while playing xir switch.

“Where the hell are they, Wu?”

“Good afternoon to you too, Waybright.”

“Yeah, yeah. Where’s Anne?’

“They have the day off.”

“What, how do you know that?”

“You know we do that Marcanne thing — “ Xe snap xirs fingers “ … we have an actual conversation.” Xe scoffed, “Sashanne should try it sometime.”

“I was, but they aren't here are they?” He crossed her arms over his chest “I was going to even be nice.”

“Poor them, really missing out on all that Sashy charm.”

“Whatever nerd.” Sasha threw his bag down and kicked it under the counter.

“That’s right Sash, you show that backpack who’s boss.” Xe smirked while looking back at xir game.

“Mars, I’m bored.” She hopped on the back counter behind Marcy.

“Sasha, you just got here.” Xe smile to xirself.

“I know, but who am I going to scare if Anne’s not here?” She pouted. “You’re a lost cause because you’re not scared of shit.”

“Yeah, watching real possession videos since the age of five will do that to you.”

“You suck.”

“I love you too." Marcy raised a brow to xirself. "Aren't you suppose to start being nice to them?" Marcy focused more on xir game.

"Oh yeah." Sasha said in realization. "I guess I would still be bored even if they were here."

"You know you can have fun without scaring people."

"Like how?" Sasha whined.

Marcy looked up from xir game to see Sasha leaning dramatically over the counter like a cat on a window seal. “Big baby, do you want to dress up in the costumes?”

“Yay!” Sasha hopped off the counter clapping his hands in excitement before grabbing Marcy's arm and running to the dressing room.

Sasha came out as Bonnie and Marcy reluctantly as Clyde. “It’s so much better to thrift cheaper, better quality costumes.” Xe shook xir head, “I feel like I'm wearing a birthday banner because of the material."

“Mars don’t complain.”

“Okay, okay.” Xe put xir hand up in defense.

“Selfie time” Sasha put her arm around Marcy and snapped the pic.

They tried on more couples costumes, such as Sasha as Gomez and Marcy as Morticia,  Sasha as Willam and Marcy as Fred, and even Marcy as a plug and Sasha as a socket which Marcy rolled xir eyes.  Sasha made sure to take an unreasonable amount of selfies Marcy thought.

Once they changed into their regular clothes the two laid on the floor head against head.

“Marcy?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s your favorite color?

Marcy laughed, “You don’t know?”

“I never asked, but I assumed it was green since you always wear it.” Sasha laughed.

"Okay, so why ask now?"

“Well, you said that assuming would make an ass out of me and you, so I thought I'd ask.”

“You listened?”

“Of course, I did.” She chewed his lip. “I like your rambles, but if you ever tell yourself that I said it, I’ll beat your ass.”

Marcy laughed heartily. “What?”

“You heard me.” He teased. It was easier to be soft with Marcy when he wasn’t facing xem.

“I do like green, but my favorite colors are blue and red. I don’t wear them often, but I have little things like my switch colors for instance.”

“Oh, that's true.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Martian, do you care?”

“What do you mean?”

“You like deep and personal questions.”

“I think any question can be deep and personal when you give it the chance to unfold.”

Sash felt her face get a bubble gum pink. Marcy always had a way of adding a splash of pink to her. He cleared his throat, my favorite colors are blue and green actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I always wanted to be the blue or green ranger growing up, but my mom said that was for boys, so I held on to the colors in secret.”

Marcy felt a warmth in the pit of xir stomach. Something about this side of Sash always made xe feel like a furnace in the best way. Xe wanted to say something sweet and warm, but instead asked, “how did you watch the show, isn't it off the air?”

Sasha laughed. “My uncle Grime has the VHS and I would watch it at his house.”

After finding out this much needed information Marcy could think of that sweet warm thing xe wanted to say which felt more like fact than anything. “Well, you would have made a great Blue or Green Ranger.”

Sasha's face got a tint darker.

“You should do it this year.”

“Anne might think it’s dorky.”

Right, Anne. This is who it was all about, the bet. How could xe forget even if it was for a few hours?

“Anne’s amazing! I know from experience that they wouldn't think anything someone enjoyed was dorky.” Marcy's stomach got warm at the thought. Anne was amazing and that’s who xe was trying to date, xe reminded xirself.

The two spent the rest of the day on the floor head against head taking turns ringing up customers. The customers were a few families with screaming kids who touched everything, knocking down skeletons leaving Marcy and Sasha to pick up. Sasha felt this was karma for the other day with Anne. There were also a few teenagers who came around closing time to scare each other which made Sasha smile. Marcy and Sasha closed up and went opposite directions.

Sasha walked with a skip in her step and a smile on his face thinking about the day. She really enjoyed her day goofing around with Marcy. He always enjoys that lovable little nerd’s company.

Sasha was kicking a pinecone that slid  towards a pair of combat boots with rainbow shoelaces. When Sasha looked up he caught the sight of beautiful curls blowing in the wind. Sasha's eyes widened; she would know that crown of curls anywhere.

He ran to catch up with them. “Anne, wait up!”

Anne looked back and sucked their teeth at the sight. They turned around and walked faster.

“Hey wait!” She caught up and bent over to catch his breath while holding her knees. “Didn’t you hear me calling you back there?”

“Yeah, I did.” Anne placed their hand on their hip.

“So, why didn’t you stop?”

“We’re not at work. I don’t have to deal with you.”

“Ouch, I deserve that.” Sasha stood up straight. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting.” She rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m not that good with being social, believe it or not.” He laughed awkwardly.

“I believe it.” Anne said stone face.

“I know I’ve been an ass for the past two weeks.”

Anne raised a brow for him to continue.

“Can I buy you a coffee, so we can start over?”

“Is this some kind of trick?”

“No, it’s a treat, my treat.” She smiled warmly.

This melted Anne a little. “Well, technically if you count orientation you've been an ass for two weeks and a day.”

“Okay, I’ll buy you a venti.”

“And a pastry.”

“Dang Them, you’re expensive.”

“Never said that I was a cheap date.”

“Wait so this is —”

Anne grabbed his hand, “come on.”

Sasha dragged behind them. “Hey, I’m still trying to catch my breath.

“Didn’t you say you were a cheerleader jock?” Anne pulled him into the shop.

“Former,” Sasha corrected and adjusted her bag as they stood in the line.

They both order their drinks: Anne ordered an iced green tea matcha with pumpkin foam with a cheese danish. Sasha ordered a hot black coffee, a splash of coconut milk with a little sweetener, and cinnamon on top. They sat at their table and Sasha couldn’t help but watch Anne sip their drink. They really were cute and Sasha felt her cheeks get warm.

Anne raised a brow. “Hey, they didn’t ask our names.”

“Hmm, you’re right.” Sasha looked at the nameless cup.

“ I wonder when did Money Coffee stop asking for names.” They crossed their arms over their chest.

Sasha laughed, “maybe it was because of the misspelling complaints.”

Anne shrugged, taking a bite of their danish. “Seems less personal.”

“So… “ He cleared her throat. “Why were you off today?”

“Too personal, ask something else.”

“Huh?”

“The reason is personal and I don’t know you well enough to share.”

“You share personal stuff with Marcy.”

“I know xem better.”

“We’ve known each other the same amount of time.”

“Time is a concept.” They took another bite of their danish. “True, we’ve known each other for the same amount of time." They smirked. "But while you were teasing me, Marmar actually talked to me.”

“I thought we were starting over?”

“We are, but with a less personal question.”

“You call Marcy, Marmar?”

“Well, I haven’t called xem that to xir face.” They giggled, “I just kind of have nicknames for people until I’m comfortable enough to say it to the person.”

“What’s mine?” Sasha looked at Anne’s grin, “never mind.” She looked at his cup in her hand.

Being nice was hard; she doesn’t know how Marcy does it. She was so much better at making a joke.

“You know you don’t have to stop being sarcastic.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I don’t mind sarcasm, just don’t be rude.”

“Okay, I think I can do that.” Sasha smirked. “So what’s your favorite color?”

“That’s your best shot?”

“What anything can be deep and personal if you let it unfold.”

Anne smirked “Marcy tell you that?”

Sasha's eyes widened; She didn’t expect to get caught. “Yeah,” he finally said. “How do you know?”

“Because I told xem.”

“That snake charmer.” She took a sip of his drink. “Using your words to charm me.”

“So, you're a snake?” They teased.

“What? No.” Sasha said, confused.

“You called xem a snake charmer, making them the charmer and you the sna–”

“Ugh Boonchuy, give me a break. I wasn’t thinking.” She laughed, “I mean they’re the snake for using their charm.”

“Again, that makes you a snake too since you did the same thing to xem.”

“Yeah, but it’s in my character.” Sasha teased. “Are you going to tell me your favorite color or not?”

“Red and green.”

“Christmas colors?”

“Exactly. It’s my mom's favorite holiday and it means a lot to her, so it means a lot to me and my dad too. Plus the colors go well together.”

“Blue does too.” Sasha added, “I think people forget about the blue that appears during Christmas.

Anne nodded, taking the final bit of their pastry. “So why do you work at the Halloween store?”

“For money.”

“Besides that.”

“I like to scare people and to be scared.” He sipped her drink. “Scaring people means you have control over them, even if it’s a little bit.”

“So you like to control people?” Anne sip their tea “And be controlled.”

“Yeah, I mean no.” He chewed her lip “I like the way it makes my heart beat. It’s nice to think that I can make someone else do the same.”

“You know there’s other ways to make people's hearts beat.” A soft pink splash on their cheeks “Like being sweet.”

“I’m not that good at that.” She said in a hush tone.

Anne shrugged, “Maybe you’re better at it than you think.”

Sasha sip her coffee trying to hid his face “I guess, Boonchuy.”

“So, is that all you like about Halloween?”

“No. I also like the lore of the Holiday. Well, Mars says it’s not technically a holiday since holiday means holy day which usually has a religious connection. I don’t care because it's still my favorite Holiday.” They took another sip of their coffee. “Mars always tells me some interesting historical facts about it.”

Anne took a sip of their drink examining Sasha’s face “So you two are close?”

“I think we’re just used to each other.”

Anne raised an eyebrow at this. “Do y'all hangout after work?”

“Yeah, every Thursday we play this game where I’m the fighter and xir the puzzle master.” Sasha shook his head, “we always get so close to winning, but lose every time.”

“Why do y’all lose?”

“It works better as a three person team. Sometimes we invite others to play, but they don’t get it. They’re not as into it as me and Mars.” She shrugged while taking another sip of his coffee. “Even when they’re into it they're not that good at it, because it takes heart to get the villagers to trust you.”

“Are you talking about Serenity of Stones?”

“Yeah, you know it?”

“ I play it with my dad and mom sometimes, but my mom always backs out. I haven’t found anyone my age to play it.”

“Maybe you can play with Mars and I sometime.” She slipped her coffee to hide her smirk.

“Yeah, I would like that.” Anne smiled while taking another sip of their drink, “it’s a date.”

Sasha was going to jump for joy, but realized the date included her and Mars, so did he win or was it a tie?

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sash.” Anne stood up grabbing their empty cup and pastry sleeve. “Do you mind if I call you Sash?”

“No, I like it. I mean I don’t mind it.” He stood up too. “I can walk you out.”

“Sure.” The two walked to Anne’s bus stop.

“How long until your bus comes?”

“Oh, my mom’s picking me up, but you don’t have to wait.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Okay.”Anne nibbled their lip.

“That was a nice coffee date, huh?”

“More like a coffee meeting.” They teased.

“Ouch.” She clutched his chest.

Anne giggled and held their arm with the other while they both waited in silence. This was new, Anne didn’t know if Sasha was going to keep being nice to them, or if this was a one time thing. They just enjoyed the moment while they stood waiting with her.

Mrs. Boonchuy pulled up and Anne waved to Sash walking fast to the car. “ See you later.”

“Is it too early to meet your mom?” Sasha teased.

“Bye Sasha” Anne waved him off while getting into the car.

Mrs. Boonchuy smirked, driving off, “who was that?”

“Mom, don't start.”

“I’m just saying they’re cute —”

“Sash uses He/Him and She/Her pronouns.”

“Thank you. She is cute.”

“Mom, he is too young for you.” Anne smirked.

Mrs Boonchuy rolled her eyes “I meant for you.”

“I know.” Anne put their headphones in. “I’m going to listen to my music now.”

“Okay, Bean.”

“Love you mom.” They fluttered their eyelashes

“Love you too.” Mrs. Boonchuy shook her head.

Chapter End Notes

Yay chapter 2! Welcome to those who are new here and so much love to those who came back!

Please Comment, Bookmark, and Kudo :) Gratitude to those who already have, the love/feedback means a great deal to me :)

This chapter gave us some Sasharcy and Sashanne, I hope you enjoyed!

Chapter 3: 10/17/22

BTW Dearies:

1. I was a part of a collaboration story 'Sugar & Smoke Rings' with Isweartogod, it's on my page, so show it some love.

2.Remember if you go to my username and push subscribe button you'll get a notification whenever I post a new story :)

Chapter 3: Throuple Costumes

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Anne had their guard up for the next few days just in case Sasha was tricking them after all, but each day was pleasant. Sasha even offered to do stock work to make up for Anne having to restock the skulls after he scared them.

As the days turned into weeks they started to trust Sasha a bit more and the two even talked amongst themselves often. Anne even agreed to some surprise scares, but Sasha would have to clean up any mess that was caused because of it. Sasha gladly agreed to the terms with a smirk which made Anne slightly nervous, but not worried

After working at Heebie Jeebies for a month or so, Sasharcy were a big part of why Anne felt comfortable there. The trio laid on the floor head against head until the last thirty minutes of work. Marcy waved to the two before walking out to eat, decompress, and recharge in Sasha’s car for xir lunch break.

Anne and Sasha laid head to head on the floor with their eyes closed.

“Sash?”

“Yes Anne?”

“Remember when we went to Money Coffee for the first time?”

“How could I forget, I almost lost a lung just to ask you.” He laughed.

It got silent and Sasha didn’t want to push, but she also wanted to encourage. “So, are you going to tell me why you wanted to work at a Halloween store, scary cat?”

Anne smiled. “Black Pink Money.”

“I like them.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, but if you tell yourself that I said that, I’ll beat your ass.”

“Huh?” Anne shook their head.

“You heard me.” He cleared her throat. “But what’s the real reason?”

“I was hoping to meet cute queer people.”

“So, did you?” Sasha smirked.

“Yeah, Marcy is pretty cute.”

“Damn, just destroy me Boonchuy, I guess."

Anne laughed fully having to catch their breath. “You’re not so bad, Waybright.” they said. “I always have these fantasies of how things will happen and get disappointed when they don't.”  They shook their head. “I was actually surprised that it turned out how I wanted this time.”

“Hmmm” Sasha nodded. "Why did you want to meet them?"

“I don't know, I guess it's nice to talk to people who get it.”

“I get that.”

Anne bit their lip.“ What I really wanted to tell you.” They cleared their throat. “ Do you remember the question I said was too personal?”

“Yeah?” Sasha said simply now staring at the ceiling.

Anne started to chew on their lip, not knowing if this would make or break their bond, but they already told Marcy who was cool with it, so they had to see if Sasha was too.

“Well, I think it’s not as personal anymore. No, that's right, it's still personal, it probably will always be." They breathe to calm themselves. "Maybe it's just that we've gotten more personal.”

“Oh yeah?” Sasha blushed.

“Yeah.” Anne was blushing too.

“I’m ready whenever you are, Boonchuy.”  She cleared his throat. "But you don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to." He said softly.

The rare tone in Sasha's voice made them smile before taking some deep breaths. “I had a meeting at the LGBTQIA center called Herstories which is a Transfem group that I'm a part of.” They said in one breath.

“Oh, that’s cool.” Sasha said simply.

“That’s it?”

“Sorry to disappoint?”

Anne laughed lightly. “Quite the opposite, Waybright.” Anne sighed softly. “Do you wish I told you sooner?”

“No. You told me when you felt safe and that’s most important. I know sometimes it isn't always safe to share.”

“Yeah.” Anne said with a sniffle.

“You okay, Boon—”

They focused more on the ceiling. “I’ve befriended and even dated some folx who were NB, Gender fluid, Gender Queer, Bi Gender, you name it. Some identify as trans while others didn’t." They sighed softly. "They claimed to support and understand me until they didn’t.” Anne wiped a small tear “I know I shouldn’t think everyone is the same —” They closed their eyes trying to get their thoughts together.

Sasha was doing her best just to listen and not fall into the habit of fixing things. He wanted to let Anne just speak and be, but she also wanted to reassure them.“It’s hard opening yourself up to new people when others hurt you. I’m sorry they hurt you.” She sighed. “Boonchuy, I’m going to fuck up, shit I already have." They both laughed lightly. "But I’ll do my best to be better when I do.” She sighed, “you deserve that much, and more.”

Anne smiled, whipping away the lingering tears with their arm. “You seem like the type.” They sniffled.

Sasha heard the sniffle again, but decided not to point it out this time. “Thanks for telling me. You didn't have to, but I appreciate you did.” He smiled. “I’m still learning how to validate feelings." She bit his lip nervously. "My therapist and I are working on it.”

“I’ll say you're getting better.” They both blushed and neither of them could see it.

“Thanks Boonchuy.” She chewed his bottom lip.

“ You know - " They cleared their throat. "I relate to the term Transfemme at times, but I think Trans-them has a nice ring to it too.”

“Trans-them. I like it.”

The two continued to lay in silence and as much as Sasha was enjoying Anne's presence he was biting back the guilt. Anne has been open and honest while here he was betting on them like some game to win. Sasha opened his mouth to speak, but the timer to go home went off. Anne got up and Sasha found herself losing his nerve.

The next day work was a stand still as the store was very slow. The closer it got to Halloween the slower it got. The trio basically had the whole place and night to themselves laying head against head.

“Is the store going to be this slow until Halloween?” Anne asked.

“Yeah, then there is a period on Halloween where parents are rushing to get last minute costumes for their kids, or couples who were invited to last minute Halloween parties show up.” Marcy said.

“So, enjoy the free time now, Boonchuy.”

They closed their eyes and listened to the faint sounds of Black Pink on the store speakers. Marcy put it on the store playlist after the second week of working together since Anne liked them so much.

Anne smiled a teasing smile to themselves.“ So, what do y'all do on my days off?”

“What we do without you is none of your business.” Sasha teased.

“Whatever Waybright.” Anne rolled their eyes.

“We usually try on couples costumes.” Marcy said with a shrug.

Anne hummed to themselves.“Why aren’t there any good throuple costumes?”

“Like Powerful Girls?” Sasha teased.

"Or rock, paper, scissors." Marcy said excitedly.

“Hmm, maybe Mustard, Ketchup, and Relish.” Anne raised a brow.

“Oh, that is a good one.” Marcy said.

“Or GrAnne Cracker, Marshmallow, and Sash-late”

"Like a s'more" Sasha raised a brow.

“You might have to work on that one.” Marcy laughed.

“Why do all your ideas involve food, Boonchuy?”

“Because food is life.” They shrugged.

“True, we do need food to live.”

“Hush, Mars.”

“You hush.”

“No you.”

“No you.”

Anne smiled softly before clearing their throat, gaining the attention of the two . “At the risk of Sasha teasing me. “ They sighed. “I’m glad we’ve been scheduled to work together these last few weeks. It's like fate or something.”

Marcy laughed. “More like a royal order”

“What do you mean?” Anne raised a brow.

“Shut up, Regina Mean Grrrl Wu.”

“Sorry, Queen Elizebeth Waybright.” Xe teased.

“Care to fill me in.” Anne said with confusion clearly laced in their voice.

“Sasha threatened anyone who got a shift with you to switch with us.”

“Really Sasha ?” Anne said, shocked and a little flattered as the hue redden in their cheeks.

“Marcy is making it sound bad.” He rolled her eyes, “I didn’t threaten, just passionately negotiated."

“Passionately or aggressively?” Anne raised a teasing brow.

“Same difference.” He shrugged.

Anne laughed. “I guess fate needs a little help sometimes.”

“Well, if that’s the case — would you like to come over and play Serenity of Stones after work ?”

“Yeah, I would like that a lot.” Anne smiled, focusing more on the ceiling.

After a short drive the three got to Sasha’s dorm? Marcy’s dorm? Anne looked at one side of the room that was clearly Sasha’s with the red guitar, cheerleading pom poms, and a leather jacket hanging up. While the other side was clearly Marmar’s with xir switch, bookshelf with xir graphic novels, and donut plushie pillow on the bed. Anne placed their fingers on the bridge of their nose.

“Sash, you didn’t say you and Marcy lived together!” Anne shook their head before sitting in the red bean bag.

“When would that even come up?” Sasha sat in the green bean bag.

“Maybe when I asked if you two were close and you replied that you’re used to each other.”

“Wait, you said we were used to each other?”

“Well, we are.” Sasha shrugged.

“You’re trash.” Marcy shook xir head.

“Won’t argue there.” Sasha leaned into their bean bag.

Anne leaned into their bean bag still baffled by Sasha. “Wait.”

“Oh my toad, you’re still on this?”

“Yes, I am.” Anne leaned in closer, “why did you say y’all only play a game on Thursdays?”

“No, I said we play a game on Thursday, meaning we make time for each other then.”

“Y’all always walk the opposite direction after work.”

“Mars usually goes to xir CNC games or some other nerd thing.”

“Watch it, Waybright” Marcy shook xir head.

“Why didn’t you and Mars discuss it since y’all talk all the time.” Sasha rolled his eyes.

“It never came up.” Anne shrugged.

“You didn’t ask xem if we were close?”

“No.”

“Why?"

“Because I knew Marcy would tell me the truth.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Anne put up finger quotes. “We're used to each other”. They titled their head. "I was trying to see how emotionally mature you were.”

“Hey. I'm -” Sasha looked at Anne and Marcy with their eyebrows raised.  "Whatever!"  She slumped into the bean bag

"It's okay Sash, you're getting there." They wink before sticking their tongue out.

Sasha turned away muttering, crossing her arms while hiding his blush.

Anne looked over at Marcy who looked over xir table of snacks: Flamin' Hot Cheetos, skittles, sour worms, Reese's, Ben and Jerries, Doritos, Green tea matcha pocky, Pepsi, Ginger Ale, ice tea, and pizza.

“I don’t think I got enough snacks.” Marcy said looking at the table that was covered in them.

“No Marmar, this is enough.” Anne assured sweetly.

“I hope you don’t mind me calling you, Marmar?” A soft blush played on their face.

“No. I like it.” Marcy turned to hide xir face that was now bright red.

Sasha scoffed, “All these snacks are for you, Boonchuy.”

“I always have snacks.” Marcy crossed xe arms over xir chest.

“Yeah, a bottle of water and a banana.”

“It’s usually an apple, Sashy.” Marcy rolled xir eyes and grabbed their controller. “Whatever, can we play the game already?”

“Touche.” Sasha teased.

They played the game for hours, Marcy getting loud and excited with every puzzle they shoved while Sasha beat against her chest after slaying an opponent. Anne looked at her game mates laughing at the two with a soft blush dusted across their cheeks since they secretly found it cute. The trio did it, they won for the first time causing them to cheer as they high five each other right before Anne’s alarm went off.

“Oh, I have to go and study for midterms.” Anne stood up.

“You’re leaving already?” Marcy couldn’t help the pout that appeared on xe faces.

“Yeah, sorry.” Anne had a slight pout too.

“I could help you study,” Marcy jumped up.

Anne giggled gently causing Marcy’s stomach to respond again. “You don’t even know the subject.”

“Believe me xe knows any subject except PE.” Sasha teased getting a pillow to the face.

“Yeah, I'm pretty good at these things,” Marcy shrugged with a soft blush.

“Cough. Nerd. Cough.” Sasha dramatically pretends to cough into his fist.

“Okay, well maybe next time.” Anne smiled, bouncing on their heels “My dad’s already outside waiting, so I should go.”

“Oh okay.” Marcy dropped xir head a bit. “See you soon, Anna Banana. Oh, sorry —.”

“It’s okay, you can call me Anna Banana.” They smiled sweetly before engulfing Marcy in a hug. "I like it." They said into their neck.

Anne’s bear hugs still surprises Marcy, but xe eventually accepts it while always returning the excitement and warmth of it all.They both let go smiling at each other while Sasha ate his Cheetos while shaking her head. Anne put their hand on their hip and looked at the former cheerleader jock.

“Are you going to hug me or not?”

“Not.” Sasha popped a skittle in his mouth.

“Okay.” Anne shrugged before turning to walk away.

“Wait, I’m just kidding Boonchuy.” Sasha jumped up running behind them engulfing them in a hug. Both of their stomachs fluttered at this. This was the first time they hugged in this position. Sasha backed away not knowing if he overstepped. “I’m sor–”

“No.” Anne turned with a smile. “I liked it.” They swung their hands together before giving Sasha another hug from the front. Sasha rested her head on Anne's shoulder.

“Okay, bye Boonchuy.” Sasha said, a hint of longing in her voice as he lifted off Anne shoulder.

“Bye.” Anne gave a gentle wave to both of them before leaving the two with their thoughts.

Chapter End Notes

Yay chapter 3! Welcome to those who are new here and my love to those who came back!

Please Comment, Bookmark, and Kudo :) Gratitude to those who already have, the love/feedback means a great deal to me :)

Chapter 4: 10/24/22

Chapter 4: Pumpkin Spice

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The time spent with Anne made it clear that this was no longer a bet hiding behind a scare dare. This was a feeling in the pit of their stomaches when Marcy would help Anne study inside their kitchen, or how Sasha and Anne's  coffee chats lingered with time.  This was no longer Sasha trying to prove herself to Mars, or Mars trying to prove worthy of someone's affection. Those things they knew how to hide from with sass and sarcasm unlike this which they couldn't control.

Their shoulders started to slump, and their feet dragged as they moaned around the store. Good thing it was a halloween store or the customers would have swore they were the living dead from the dread displayed on their face. They were in trouble and far too deep in it to admit their wrong and beg Anne for their forgiveness. They had to do what they've always done which was to complete their scare dare. Even if their hearts were beating so hard against their chest it caused ringing in their ears -- like they always do.

Anne walked in like a ray of Sunshine waving at the two before hopping on the counter. They smiled at their two coworkers who were moping around the store. “What’s wrong with you two?”

“Halloween is a week away and we’ll no longer be working together.” Marcy sighed sadly.

“Awe Marmar, We can still hang out." Anne took out a ziplock bag of green cotton candy grapes.

“You promise?’” Xe glimmered a little at the thought.

“Yeah dude, of course.” They laughed, “I’m still going to need a study partner for the next four years or so, and you're great.” Anne offered a grape and Marcy took one.

“I usually don’t like grapes because of the texture, but these are crisp.” Marcy popped the grape in xir mouth while grabbing another.

Anne smiled sweetly. “Want to know a secret?”

“Yes, please.” Xe said with excitement.

“I get this kind especially for you.” They brushed a curl out their face. “I know how you are about texture, partner.” A blush dusted across their cheeks.

Marcy's face flushed red. “You know —” Xe chewed xir bottom lip. “I could be another kind of partner too.” Marcy fidget the grape in between xir fingers.

Sasha's  was impressed and kind of nervous he might lose the bet right in front of her.

“Yeah, like what kind?” Anne popped a grape in their mouth.

“Um —”

“What no offer for us to hang after Halloween, Boonchuy?” Sasha interrupted and Marcy rolled xir eyes.

Anne popped another grape in their mouth rolling it around with their tongue before eating it with a smirk. “I only really like the pumpkin spice foam and that ends after the season, so —” they shrugged.

“Ouch.” Sasha held her hand over his heart “I’m just pumpkin spice foam to you, Anne?”

Anne giggled hopping off the counter. “Their eggnog lattes are pretty good too.” They winked, “Maybe you could be that to me too.” They tossed a grape in Sasha's direction which she caught and popped in his mouth. “Oh, impressive.” I’ll be back.” They walked towards the break room.

“What was that?” Marcy hissed once Anne was out of earshot.

“What?” Sasha struggled before pulling out her phone to mindlessly scroll.

“You saw I was about to make my move and you interrupted me.”

“I don’t know what you mean, Wu.” He turned away from xem.

“Yes, you do.” Xe crossed xir arms.

“Fine, I didn’t want you to win the bet.” Sasha put her phone down.

“That’s all this is to you, huh a bet?”

“Isn’t that what it is to both of us?” Sasha crossed his arms over her chest.

“No. I really like Anne.” Marcy looked at xir shoes.

“What, and I don’t?”

“Do you?” Marcy titled xe head.

“Duh, Mars.” he threw her hands up dramatically.

Marcy sighed, “We shouldn’t have bet —.”

“Hey.” Anne smiled

“Hey!” The two jumped back.

“I know y’all both are sad about us not working here soon.”

“Yeah.” They said sadly in unison.

“So, we should hang out more outside the store.” Anne beamed.

“That sounds fun.” Sasha shrugged trying to hide his smile.

“What did you have in mind, Anna Banana?” Marcy smiled brightly.

“There’s a haunted house still open when our shift is over.”

“You want to be scared, Boonchuy?” Sasha raised a brow.

“Maybe.” They smirked. “ Or, maybe I get the best of both worlds.”

“Which is?”

“Hiding behind your arms, Sash while Marcy informs me of the inaccuracies of the ghost.”

“Okay.” They both said

“It’s a date.” Anne winked before heading to their task.

_______

The night went as Anne said with her hiding behind Sasha's arm which made them both blush while Marcy pointed out the false portrayal of the ghost. After the haunted house they sat in the parking lot in Sasha's car  where Marcy told real ghost stories that freaked Anne out. Sasha and Marcy cuddled each side of Anne to soothe them and while cuddle a little into each other too.

Once Anne had enough of being frightened and needed to get home for exams. The trio went to Jingle Burrito for the five dollar box deal. The night ended with the pair dropping Anne off an them kissing the two on the cheek before going into their house.

The next day they went to the pumpkin patch grabbing the three orange pumpkins with the most overgrown green knobs to carve into Jack o'lanterns.  Sasha saw a bouncy slide and the other two noticed her staring at it for a while.

“Did you want to slide down it, Sashy?”

“No, it’s childish.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before looking back at the two. “Right?”

Anne and Marcy looked at each other then back at Sasha “Yeah – Right!”

They both ran over to slide with Sasha on their heels. The three put their pumpkins with their shoes climbing up the rope ladder to get to the top, falling off a few times in the process. Once they set on top of the high inflatable side they grabbed each other's hand and slid down together. Of course they did it six more times before heading to Anne’s house to make candy and caramel apples in her kitchen and eating them before they even had a chance to harden.

They love the time that they all spent together, but Sasha and Marcy's hearts ached as the days started to fade. Anne tried to cheer them up by inviting them to see the new Suspicious Island horror movie: Supernatural Suspicions, two days before Halloween.

“That movie was so funny.” Anne laughed hard.

“I thought you were a scary cat?” Sasha tested.

“I am, that’s how you know it wasn’t scary.” They bounced on their heels. “The acting was so bad it took me out of it.” They laughed harder. “The boyfriend's part was so —” Anne titled their head. “Are y’all going to add anything or—”

“Oh yeah. Of course.” They both laughed a little.

"The jump scares were nice.”  Sasha shrugged

“You would like those,” Anne shook their head.

“I like that they filmed it in a real haunted house.”

“If you say so, Marmar.” Anne shivered.

“Did you still like the movie at least?” Marcy asked.

“Yeah, I did Marmar.”  They brushed a curl out their face. “Thanks for letting me use your jacket.” They wrapped it around them more. “I didn’t know it would be so cold in there.”

The two spent the entire movie with Marcy’s coat wrapped over them like a blanket. Once the movie ended Marcy let them keep it.

"You’re welcome Anna Banana.” They fidgeted with xir fingers.

“You sure you don’t want it back?” Anne rocked on their heels.

“I’m fine.” Marcy chewed xir bottom lip. “I run hot.”

“Yet, you cuddled Anne the whole movie —”

“What was that?” Marcy questioned.

“Nothing roomie.” She said sarcastically.

“I’m going to go to the restroom.”

“You want some company?” Marcy said.

“No, I’m okay.” They smiled, “I’ll be right back. Promise” They ran in the direction of the restroom.

The two stood there and looked in the opposite direction with their arms crossed over their chest. Both of them sighed just for the other to sigh louder.

“What’s your deal?” Marcy snapped.

“What’s yours?”

“I asked you first.”

“I asked you second.”

“This is getting us nowhere.” Marcy said exhausted.

“Agreed.”

They both sat down back to back.

“I liked these dates with you and Anne.” Xe smiled trying to ease the tension.

“Yeah, I like it too.” He cleared his throat. “But, aren’t we supposed to be dating Anne separately.”

“Do we have to?”

“Why wouldn't we want to?”

“If Anne chooses that means, someone is going to win, but someone is also going to lose.”

“So is it that you don’t want to win the bet, or you just don’t want to lose it?”

“Sasha, again with the bet?”

“Not just the bet.”

“What is it, the scare dare?” xe rolled xir eyes.

“Aren’t these friends dates?”

“I guess so.”

“I don’t want us to just be friends.” Sasha said in a hush tone.

They both stayed silent leaning on each other only hearing the breath between them.

“With Anne?” Marcy said softly for clarification xe wasn't sure xir wanted.

“Yeah. Don’t you want the same?” Sasha's tone was just as soft and unsure.

“I – I wish we never made that bet.”

“What bet?”

They looked up to see Anne standing there with their hand on their hip.

“Anne,'' they both said in shock.

“What are you doing here?” Sasha stumbled out as her and Marcy stood up.

Marcy's face palmed at the scene that failed horribly in front of xem.

“I’m on a date here.” Anne crossed their arms over their chest.

“That you are.” Sasha leaned on the counter.

“What was the bet?”

“Not a bet, a scare dare really.” Marcy started to twiddle their fingers faster than earlier.

They both looked at Anne who’s patience looked thin. “The dare was?”

Marcy looked over to Sasha who was frozen in place. Xe inhaled deeply before breathing out in one breath “We made a scared dare for who could get you to say yes to a date first.”

They all stood there silence so loud you could hear their eyes blink.

“I need some air.” Anne said before they walked out.

Sasha and Marcy looked at each other before running behind them.

“Anne, wait.” They both called out running after them which was easy to catch up since Anne wasn’t walking very fast.

“Great, we caught you.” Sasha said surprised she wasn't out of breath, “Wait, why were you walking so slow? Last time I lost a lung trying to chase you.”

“Tired.”Anne shrugged. “And I should be asking the questions, Waybright.”

“Sorry, sorry.” He put her hands up in defense.

“Please ask whatever you want, Anne.” Marcy said gently.

“Do y’all even like me?”

“Yes. Of course.” They said together and Anne could tell who’s answer was who’s.

“Do y'all really want to date me, or was it just for a bet... well scare dare?”

“Yes. Of course. No. Not all”

“Even when my feelings were hiding behind a dare I really wanted date you, Boonchuy.” He kicked the non existing rocks in front of her. He bit her lip and fiddled with his fingers behind her back.

Anne rarely saw this side of Sasha, but softie Sasha made them soft too.

“And you.” They tried to keep up their tough exterior, turning to Marcy whose eyes always made them soft.

“I’m not always good at knowing what I want, or expressing it either.” Marcy couldn’t face Anne while saying this. “The dare was a chance for me to figure it out.” Xe cleared xir throat. “I’m sorry if I hurt you in anyway.” Marcy picked at xirs nails, “I do like you and want to date you.”

The silence returned it was less loud, but still very present as the two waited for Anne's next words, if any.

Anne smirked at the two dorks and couldn’t hold their laugh any longer. They laughed a hearty laugh that made the two look at them.

“What, our feelings are funny to you?” Sasha looked up at Anne and crossed her arms over his chest.

Marcy looked over a little hurt. “I know what we did suck, but you don’t have to be mean.”

“Sorry.” They held their hands up in defense. “I knew about the bet... well dare.”

“What?!” The two said in shock.

“You two aren’t good at whispering.” They rocked on their heels.

“Wait, you knew all along?” Marcy asked.

“Yeah, at first I just wanted to toy with you two for betting on me, but I ended up really liking you both.”

“You’re an ass.” Sasha rolled her eyes playfully.

“I learned from the best.” They raised a brow.

“Whatever.” Sasha muttered.

The trio stood there quietly trying to process all the information and figure out where to go from here.

“So?” Anne finally spoke.

“So?’ Sasha raised a brow while Marcy looked confused.

“Who’s going to ask me out?”

“I mean, we both are.” Marcy rubbed their neck.

“So, who is it going to be, Boonchuy?”

Anne put their finger to their chin, “Both.”

“Excuse me?” Marcy said, a little taken aback.

“That wasn’t an option on the multiple choice.”

“I wrote in my own answer.” They smirked “I’m poly and I like you both.”

“Oh.” They said in unison.

“I would like to date you both and I figured since you like each other —”

“Whoa.” They both said.

“Who says we like each other?” Sasha continued.

“Oh, y’all haven't realized that y'all like each other, yet?” Anne said, genuinely confused. “Well, y’all do.” They laughed.

“Everything is just so funny tonight, huh Boonchuy?”

Anne chucked at his little eye roll. They cleared their throat. “So, if you're not okay with being a throuple or in a polycule, eventually, then we could stay friends if that's what you want.” They gave a sad shrug.

“What?” Sasha was a little overwhelmed from all the events that just happened.

Marcy thought of being in a poly relationship; it made more sense to xem, but xe thought they wouldn’t be presented with the opportunity, so they were more than okay dating one person, or being alone if it came down to it.

“I know it’s a lot to take in..” They smiled. “You two can think about it and let me know when you’re ready.”

The two nodded slowly, still processing “Okay,” they said.

“I can have my dad pick me up, if y'all need some space.”

“Of course not.” Marcy said.

“No way, Boonchuy, we’ll take you home."

They walked to Sasha’s car, “So Anne…”

“Yeah, Sash?”

“Were these sneak dates or something?”

Anne laughed, “of course not, that sounds creepy.” They shook their heads. “These were friend dates.” They got to the passenger side where Sasha opened the door for them and then the back door for Marcy. Anne continued while getting in the car. “I had to know if I could be friends with you before actually considering dating either of you.”

“Oh Demiromantic, are we?’

Anne smirked, “Amphibia-lutely.”

“Ugh! You and Mars with this.” She got in the driver seat, fastened her seatbelt.

Anne looked at the two before shaking their head.

“What?” The two said in unions.

“Lucky for you two I found out about the dare when I did.”

“Why is that? Because there would be no way I would have dated either of you knowing that you were playing with my feelings.”

“But, you played with ares.” Sasha protested.

“No, I joined the game you two made.”

“Fair enough.” Marcy said, ashamed.

Sasha muttered in agreement, equally ashamed.

“What was that?” Anne teased.

“I’m sorry, Boonchuy.”

“Me too Anna- Banana.”

Anne nodded and they were on their way to drop Anne off.

Anne got out of the car looking at the two who had a look of confusion and guilt. They smiled leaning into each of their windows placing a kiss on their cheeks.

"What's that for?" Sasha said, confused, touching her cheek with a smile.

"Yeah, we don't deserve it." Marcy said holding xir cheek gently

Anne smiled warmly, leaning more into the car. "I know I can't get rid of the confusion. You both need time for that, but I wanted to say that don't feel guilty about the dare, I forgive y'all."

"We are sorry they said in unison."

"I'm sorry too."

"Why?" The two questioned.

Anne shrugged, "I should have just busted you two and we wouldn't be in this mess."

"I'm glad you didn't,'' Marcy said."

"Yeah, we wouldn't got as close as we have." Sasha added.

"Okay then." Anne chewed their lips. "Don't feel pressure, okay? "

They both nodded watching them attentively.

"I'll support whatever you both decided."  They leaned from out the window and patted the car before walking away.

Sasha and marcy watch them stroll away slowly to their door and into their house.

"Martian?" Sasha looked at his hand on the steering wheel.

"Yeah Sashy?" Marcy looked at xir fingers

"Do you want to get in the front, so we can start the conversation? " She squeezed the wheel. "Or --"

"We can start now." Marcy opened the back door and then the passenger side to sit next to Sasha.

"Hey." Sasha smiled shyly at xem.

"Hey." Marcy smiled shyly back."

"Mars, you sure you don't want to wait until tomorrow? I know you get overwhelmed."

Marcy smiled softly. "I know you get overwhelmed too Sashy, even when you don't admit it. Do you want to wait?"

Sasha felt warm in his chest, Marcy really did know her better than anyone. "No. I'm ready if you are."

"Ready." Xe said with a soft nodded and softer smile.

Sasha started the car and they were on their way.

Chapter End Notes

Yay chapter 4! We are one chapter away from ending this journey. I hope you all have been enjoying the ride! Welcome to all those who joined us this week. So much love to those who came back to the fun :)

Please comment, kudo, subscribe (to me and the story), and bookmark! Gratitude to those who already have. The love/feedback back means a lot to me.

Q: Any Halloween plans?

Chapter 5: 10/31/22

Chapter 5: Bewitching

Chapter Notes

Bee & Oum are still the Boonchuys' canon nicknames. Qadir & xylia are their first names I've given them. :)

please read end notes carefully.

Don’t forget to Kudo!

Enjoy! I appreciate you reading ❤️💙💚

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Mr. Qadir Boonchuy and Mrs. Xylia Boonchuy watched Anne check their phone just to put it down and pick it back up again.  They both assumed their child was waiting for a text or call from their store mates.

Mr. Boonchuy took playful pity on his child and suggested a classic horror film to cheer them up. Anne had agreed happily since they didn’t find the black and white horror films as scary as the modern ones. They waited on the couch for their dad to come out of the kitchen with snacks.

He walked out with a plate of nachos and a blow of popcorn placing them on the table before walking back in the kitchen for their root beer floats.

“Are you doing anything for Halloween, Bean?” He sat beside them with a gentle smile on his face.

“It depends on Sash and Marmar.” They shrugged.

“Oh, your new partners?” He wiggled his brows.

“We’ll see.” They grabbed a chip and placed it in their mouth. “They have to agree to date me first.”

“I’m sure they will.” He turned on tv scrolling for one of his favorite films.

“How do you know, huh?”

“You’re amazing, Bean. Anyone, two, or more would be lucky to have you”

“You’re my dad, you have to say that.” They mutter.

Mr. Boonchuy laughed lightly, “that’s not true.” He ignored their eye roll. “There’s no law that says a parent has to admit their child is amazing." He smiled gently.

“Fine.” They shook their head embarrassed. “But, they have to think they’re amazing for each other too.” They fidgeted with their fingers.

“It will all work out. Try not to worry.” He patted their knee with a reassuring smile.

Anne looked at the TV trying to distract themselves. “How were you and Mom scared of this?” They gestured dramatically towards the movie.

“Your generation is too focused on special effects.” He tapped his head with his finger. “It’s about the mindscape.”

Anne laughed while eating another chip, “CGI does suck, but I can’t get over the fake blood in these old films.”

“Use your imagination, Anne.” He shook his head

“They're coming to get you Barbara.” Anne mocked the scene. "I’m so scared." They shivered.

“Why are you so annoying?” He said playfully while throwing some popcorn.

“It's hereditary.” They threw some popcorn back. “And I thought I was amazing.”

“A father can change his mind.” He said playfully before throwing some more.

Anne gasped, “I never.”  She threw more at him

Mrs. Boonchuy walked into a popcorn storm and looked at her family in disbelief. “Hey, what's going on here?"

Anne and Mrs Boonchuy set up straight. “We're going to clean it up Xy, don't worry.”  Mr. Boonchuy said.

“Good Q, because I don't see any maids here.” She placed her hand on her hip.

“Honey, I would never think of you as a maid.”  He nodded sincerely.

Mrs. Boonchuy glared at Anne “Bean?”

“Amphibia-lutely not ma'am.”

“What?”  Mrs. Boonchuy said, confused.

Anne opened their mouth to explain, but was interrupted by the doorbell. Mrs. Boonchuy looked at the pile of popcorn on the floor and back at her family with a raised eyebrow.

“I'll clean it, Xy.” Mr. Boonchuy said sweetly. “I did throw the first handful.”

“Fine. I'll answer the door.” She said, shaking her head.

The two leaned back to watch her walk out of sight and went back to throwing popcorn.

A scream came from the TV and Anne jumped.

Mr. Boonchuy laughed, “Thought these classic horrors were funny?”

“Dad, everyone knows that I'm scary.” They rolled their eyes. “It’s not a win.”

“Feels like a win.” He leaned back with a smug smile.

“Oh!” Mrs. Boonchuy said in delight.

“Who is it, Mom?” Anne yelled towards the door grabbing her root beer float from the table.

“Don’t yell,” their mother yelled back.

“Sorry,” Anne yelled again, taking a sip of their root beer float.

“Still yelling.” Mrs.Boonchuy yelled before shaking her head. She waved for them to come in and closed the door behind them and led them into the living room “It’s QT pie one and two.” She gestured to both of them in front of Anne.

“Mom!” Anne whined, putting their float down while getting up to greet Sasha and Marcy. “Hey.” They said walking up to the pair with a wave.

“Hey.” They waved back nervously.

“I'll leave you three to it." Mrs. Boonchuy joined her husband on the couch.

“Did we interrupt anything?" Marcy asked nervously.

“I was watching a movie with my dad.”

“Oh we could come back later.” Sasha offered

“Don’t worry, you three go ahead and hang out." Mr Boonchuy said.

“Would you like to go to my room?” Anne offered shyly.

“Yeah.” They agreed, both equally as shy.

“Leave the door cracked, Bean.” Mrs. Boonchuy said playfully.

“Mom.” Anne whined with a flushed red face “Don’t make it weird.”

“Sorry, sorry. I trust you.” She laughed nervously.

Anne led them to their room letting the two walk in first following behind and closing the door. “I wasn’t going to make a move. I promise.” They put their hands up in defense.

Sasha smirked. “I —.”

Marcy cut them off rolling xir eyes. “ We should talk.”

“Of course.” Anne scratched the back of their neck.

The pair laughed awkwardly looking around the room. “So, where do we sit?’ Sasha finally asked.

“Oh sorry, you can sit on the couch over there.” They did so while Anne sat on their bed.

“Marcy and I had a long talk.” Sasha smiled softly.

“Yeah, a really long talk.” Marcy added

Anne looked at both of two encouraging them to continue when they both were ready. The room was silent for no more than a few seconds, but it caused Anne to rub their neck, fidget with their fingers, and rock their legs. Sasha finally opened her mouth to speak again and Anne sighed in relief.

“We do like each other and we have for a while –” She breathed

“We had to get out of our own heads of not feeling –” Marcy trailed off

“ - good enough.”  Sasha added with a smile. “That’s where you come in, Boonchuy.” She looked down shyly nibbled her lip.

“We um —” Marcy started to chew xir lip too

“Came to date me?” Anne teased.

Sasha laughed. “Full of ourselves, are we?”

“I’m a catch and you know it.” Anne wiggled their brows.

“Fine, we want to go on a throuple date.” She admitted.

“So, why the long faces?” Anne looked worried, noticing the change in their body language.

“Who’s going to work the store?” Sasha whined.

“I can work with Maggie and you two —”

“No, Maggie is the worst.”  Marcy said, cutting them off and shivered.

“You think my sense of humor is harsh, I know you won’t like hers.” Sasha shook her head.

“ I wanted to spend Halloween with you too, Anna Banana.” Xe gave a gentle smile.

“Yeah, Boonchuy the three of us.” She said warmly.

Anne covered their rosy cheeks with both hands. “Well, the three of us could work the store?”

“What? You want our first official date to be at the store?” Sasha crossed her arms over his chest.

“No —  but, does it matter what we do as long as we’re together?”

“Awe – “ Marcy beamed.

Sasha made gagging noises. “Y’all are so cheesy. I think I’ve changed my mind.”

Anne shrugged. “Okay, so it’s  just you and me, Marmar.”

“I’m fine with that.”

“Damn, that’s messed up. Y’all won’t even miss me?”

Marcy smirked. “Awe, we couldn’t have a Anna Banana, Marshmallow, Sashwich without you.”

“That’s way better than the GranAnne, Marshmallow, and  Sash-late.” Anne praised.

“I know.” Marcy said proudly. “You did get the Marshmallow right.”

“That’s because you’re my little Marmar mallow.” Anne cooed

“Anna Banana, stop.” Marcy held xir warm cheeks before turning to face Sasha. “Sashwich, you have to come.”

Sash shook his head, but the small tint of red was present on her cheeks. “Anne doesn’t want me there.” she playfully rolled his eyes.

“I would like to kiss you at midnight, but since you’re over us dorks — ”

“Wait, kissing at midnight on Halloween is a thing?!”

Anne smirked. “It could be —” They bit their lip “... our thing.”

“Okay, so date at the store it is.” Sasha’s heart was beating so hard against her chest that he couldn’t even hide her excitement.

Anne laughed proudly while Marcy shook xir head.

"I guess we'll get out of your hair." Sasha stood up with hesitation.

"I Know we interrupted your movie night." Marcy stood up sadly.

Anne laughed at their dates while shaking their head "Do y'all want to stay for classic movies and snacks with my dad and I?

“Are you sure, Boonchuy?”

"Yeah Anna Banana we wouldn’t want to -" Xe trailed off.

"Hush." Anne stopped xem playfully.  "I would love to have you two." They titled their head and looked at both of them sweetly. “So will you stay?”

"Yeah. Of course,"They both said.

________________________________

Sasha walked into the store the next day with drinks for herself and his two dorks. She was greeted by Anne and Marcy’s annoyingly cute smiles.

“What?”

“We got you something.” Marcy said, clapping xir hands.

“Yeah we did.” Anne said, bouncing on their heels.”

Sasha put down the cupholder “So, are y'all going to let me in, or — ?”

“Stop whining big baby.” Marcy grabbed xir iced  apple crisp macchiato. “Did you have them make it upside down? You know I can’t drink it any other way.”

“Yeah Martian, I know how you are.”

“Good.” Xe booped his nose.

“You’re welcome by the way.” Sasha sucked her teeth.

“Oh, I have a feeling you’ll be thanking us soon enough.” Marcy wiggled xir eyebrows.

“Okay, I’m over this date already.” Sasha playfully rolled his eyes.

“No you’re not.” Anne leaned in close causing Sasha to blush.

“Ugh! Betrayed by my own flesh.” Sasha crossed her arms over his chest before looking them over. “Anne, what are you wearing?”

“What?  We agree you are Harley Quinn, Marcy is Poison Ivy, and I’m a version of Catwoman, Cat Humxn.”

“Yes.” Sasha looked confused.

“I made my hair into cat ears, painted on whiskers, and I’m humxn, so duh Cat Humxn.”

“Really Boonchuy, I thought you were going to wear Catwoman’s mask.” Sasha shook his head.

“I know, but don't I get credit for our complimentary shirts ?” Anne gestured to Sasha's shirt that said rock, theirs that said paper, and Marcy's that said scissors.

“Fine.” Sasha smiled at how cute they were.

“You can’t say I'm not cute.” Anne said as they moved in a little closer.

“I guess I can’t.” She looked the other way to hide his face.

“Close your eyes.” Anne said sweetly.

“Are you going to kiss me, Boonchuy?” Sasha turned to face them.

Anne bit their lip, “Maybe.”

Sasha closed her eyes without hesitation hearing the two giggle.

“Okay, open them.”

“I knew you were bluffing.” She said with her eyes still closed.

“Open your eyes already.” Marcy shook xir head

“Fine – OMT!” Sasha screamed at the sight.

“OMT?” They both said

“You dorks are rubbing off on me.”

“So what does it mean?” Anne raised a brow curiously.

“Yeah, spill it.” Marcy added.

“It means oh my toad.” She said, swinging his hands. “Me and Grime went to the Amphibian exhibit a while back. I guess they're kind of cool.” He fiddled her fingers. “I guess I see why you both like them.” Sasha looked up to see them smiling in awe. “But, if y’all tell yourselves that I said that,  I’ll ---”

"We know. We know. Kick our ass." They said in unison.

Sasha's face turned a soft pink "Don't y'all forget it."

They both cleared their throats before cupping their hands near their ears to listen for a thank you. The pair gestured their hands for Sasha to get on with it.

"So, what do you say, Sash?"

"Don't be shy, Sashy." Marcy added.

“Thank you both, this is amazing.”

“There it is.” Marcy said with a head nod.

“How?” Sasha questioned, hugging it to her body.

“I told Anna Banana how you always wanted to be the blue and green Power Ranger.”

“So with our employee discount, my drawing skills, and my mom’s sewing skills — we stitched the two together. Now you can finally be both.” Anne said, bouncing with excitement.

“Oh and I painted the helmet." Marcy added

Sasha gave them a big hug before running to the break room to change into it.

Anne grabbed their green tea matcha with pumpkin spice foam and stood next to Marcy as they both waited.

Sasha ran out and flipped across the floor to her dates. Marcy and Anne both clapped and cheered.

“Wow, once a cheerleader jock, always a cheerleader jock.” Anne blushed softly.

“Yeah.” Marcy nodded with approval.

Sasha stood up with both hands in the air “So, I look good?”

“Amazing.” They both said.

“I love it.” Sasha twirled around before clapping happily. “But—” he stopped and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Anne said softly.

“Sashy, you can tell us.”

“I’ll ruin our throuple costume.” He looked down sadly.

“Anne sort of did that already.” Marcy teased.

“Hey. You’re supposed to tease Sash, not me.

“I’m kidding Anna Banana.” Marcy poked their cheek. “And Sashy is sad, I can’t tease them now.”

“I’m right here.” Sasha said.

“We know.” They both confirmed.

“Seriously Sash, you can be Harley Quinn as a power ranger.”

“That’s very fitting for you actually.” Marcy looked her over.

“How so?”

“The hero and the villain.” Xe smirked.

Sasha rolled her eyes and smiled.“I’m wearing this all night!”

Sasha, true to her word, wore the costume all night only taking off the helmet to drink their black coffee with cream and a dash of cinnamon, or to breathe better.

They spent the final hours of their shift laid head against head talking in a circle. The trio’s batteries were pretty drained once it was time to clock out, but Sasha wouldn’t admit it.

“It’s only eight o’clock.” Sasha whined.

“But we’ve been working since noon.” Marcy  said.

“I’m not ready for the night to end.” He protested.

“Is that because you want a kiss at midnight?” Anne slightly brushed their hand against Sasha's check before resting it there.

“I mean it’s twelve somewhere.” She pressed her cheek into their fingers

Anne eyes sparkled “You smooth mutha —”

“True, it's midnight in several places,Texas for one, but with their current politics no one who doesn’t live there wants to go there.” Marcy shook xir head.

Anne laughed walking over to help them pack up the last box. “What do you want to do, Sash?” They yawned, “I’m too tired for WeHo.”

“We can do Marcy’s Ghost tour.” She offered desperately.

I’m too tired to focus.” Marcy rubbed xir eyes.

Sasha pouted, “I guess we could go home.”

Anne smiled gently at the pout, “we could watch movies and cuddle.” They playfully shrugged as a smile played on their lips.

Both Sasha and Marcy perked up. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Marcy said.

“I wouldn’t mind.” Sasha added, trying not to sound too excited.

“I mean if you’re not ex—”

“I am.” He admitted quickly.

Anne giggled. “Okay, it has to be at your dorm or my parents will be annoying.”

“Okay.” They both said

________________________________

The trio got clean and cozy, Anne wiped the makeup off their face, Marcy washed the spray paint out  xir hair, and Sasha changed back into her jeans and rock shirt.

They cuddled up watching a horror movie followed by cartoons for Anne sake who was appreciative. They all began to get sleepy, but surprisingly made it to midnight. Anne looked at the time and sat up a bit to hold on to their confidence.

“Sasha?” They said softly

“Yes Anne? Sasha said, equally as soft.

“Can I  —”

“Yes!” Sasha cut them off with excitement.

“Dang Sash, can I finish?”

“I already knew what you were going to ask, Boonchuy.”

“Really, how so?” Anne tilted their head.

“Are you kidding?”  Sasha scanned their eyes to confirm they weren’t teasing him. “You’ve been teasing me since yesterday about a kiss.”

“Whatever.” Anne playful shook their head.

“So, are you going to kiss me or not?” Sasha playfully rolled his eyes. “If you still want to.” He said gently.

Anne giggled at how cute softie Sasha was. “Yeah, I still want to.”

Anne leaned over Sasha placing their hand by his side to support themselves. They started to lower themselves to her lips. Sasha inhaled a quick breath and closed his eyes in anticipation. Anne closed their eyes too, and placed a sweet gentle kiss on his lips. The two smiled into it before parting with a blush on their cheeks.

Anne laid back in their spot next to Sasha and the two closed their eyes while their chest lifted and fell gently. Marcy couldn’t help the smile on xir face from the sight that played out in front of xem. After a few minutes of silence they took a breath to gather xemselves and spoke softly, but clear enough to hear.

“Okay, I know I said getting a kiss at the end of the night was a Sashanne thing, but can it be a Marcanne thing too?”  Marcy nibbled xir lip.

Anne smiled sweetly before leaning over to face Marcy, lifting their hand to caress xir chin before holding it. Anne glanced into Marcy's eyes before pulling xem into their own lips. They both leaned into the kiss shyly before pulling back with wide grins. The pair looked down counting their breaths before looking away. Taking their spots on the opposite of Sasha while closing their eyes. Sasha smiled widely and held their own heart cuddle next to the two.

Anne was the first to lay on their side followed by Sasha and Marcy. They looked over to Anne's smile which caused them to look at each other then away. Anne laughed and shook their head playfully.

“Seriously?”

“What? Don’t peer pressure us, Boonchuy.” Sasha pouted.

“I’m not, just a gentle push.” They smile widened. “No pressure. I promise.”

Sasha inhaled before turning to face Mars who was already leaning in. They stop half way to look into each other's eyes. Allowing themselves to see and feel the warmth they always had for one another before sealing it with a kiss. Anne’s heart drummed against their chest as they watched the two pull back with a smile.

“So, this is a Sashannarcy date?” Anne said dreamy.

"Sashannarcy." I like that Sasha smirked

"Only because your name is first." Marcy playfully rolled xir eyes. "But, yes Anna Banana, I guess it is."

“I look forward to having more of them.” Anne cuddled back into the two.

“Me too.” Sasha and Marcy said cuddling back into them and each other.

Chapter End Notes

Happy Halloween!

OMF, We made it to the end, yay! I love that for us :)

Welcome to those who are new here and so much love to those who been here from the start! I appreciate each and everyone you.

Please comment, Kudo, Subscribe (to me and the story), and Bookmark. Gratitude to those who do, it means a lot to me :)

BTW:

1. I still have an on going story that updates every Thursday: Trio of Hearts, we are on chapter 9, so check it out!

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Q1: How do we feel about chap 5? Did ‘Store Mates’ turn out how you expected/hope for? Tell me everything!

Q2: How would ya'll feel about a book 2: Christmas sequel to this ?

Update: Book 2: KISS (Keep It Simple, Sashannarcy) exist!

Chapter 6: Art + Announcement

Chapter Summary

Not a chapter but exciting news! ❤️💙💚

Hello lovelies :)

Happy 2023, I appreciate all of you who shared 2022 with me and this lovely fic. I hope to see you enjoy new fics from me this year. Sending so much warmth, love, gentleness, and protection to you all.

1. I wanted to share this beautiful art by instagram: @m.does.arttt (DoNot screenshot and use any art I post.) This scene is from the final chapter before Sasha changes into her Power Ranger costume :)

* If any of you wish to draw beautiful fanart for any of my fics, please do! Pretty please share it with me.

❤️💙💚

2. I also wanted to announce that Store Mates officially has a Book 2:KISS !!!

You’ll find it as the second part of Holigay Hearts  series, or on my page. Remember to subscribe to me if you haven’t for updates ❤️💙💚

*Also comment, kudo, bookmark it like a gentle hug of encouragement and it also helps others who may like the story find it. Gratitude :)

Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Scare Dare

Chapter 2: Trick or Treat

Chapter 3: Throuple Costumes

Chapter 4: Pumpkin Spice

Chapter 5: Bewitching

Chapter 6: Art + Announcement

Afterword