this story doesn't have a happy ending

chapter two

Frankly, Mercury didn't know how he had managed to get through the day without accidentally exposing his biggest secret.

He had had a crush on Theo for a few years now- that much was certain. Once Theo's lanky frame- garnered from years of soccer training- had matured, her chubby cheeks tightened into high cheekbones, and her braces came off to reveal a flawless smile, it was impossible to keep your eyes off of her. Even before all of that, though, Mercury couldn't deny that she was enchanting. She could make you feel at ease anywhere.

This wasn't always the case, though. There was no longing gaze, no fireworks as they locked eyes for the first time in the parking lot of their elementary school. Actually, when they first met, he thought she looked like sunshine on steroids. There was a period of time where Theo was almost like a sibling to him.

Almost.

She was still a kid, through and through- a quality Mercury envied. She continued to eat those dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets with honey mustard long after it became socially acceptable to do so. It became a natural occurrence to see a teenage Theo devouring her favorite childhood snack in the Rutherford-Belmonte household. When teased over it, Theo, unfazed, would simply flash a cheery grin and ask: "Would you like one?"

Truly, it was only a matter of time before he fell in love with her.

Mercury lifted his head from where he was burning a hole into his plastic take-out container with his eyes. His gaze naturally zeroed in on his girlfriend. She was saying something to his stepmother, pausing for a moment before laughing at something she said. Brown hair flipped back and forth as she spoke, otherworldly pale eyes creasing at the corners as her melodic voice rang in his ears.

He propped his chin up with the palm of his hand, watching the masterpiece that was Theodora Elaine Rutherford-Belmonte. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and that was before taking her appearance into consideration. She had a heart of gold, put up with him long before they became a couple, could make you pee laughing without even trying- what more could he ask for? Besides, the curve where her hips met her thighs certainly didn't hurt. In fact, he would love to feel those curves beneath his-

"Mercurio!" Mami's voice cut through his thoughts.

He jumped, nearly knocking over his glass of water. "Shit! S-Sorry, I was lost in thought. W-W-What did you say, Mami?"

She raised an eyebrow at his language but otherwise stayed silent; he was old enough that he was allowed to curse but not old enough that he could without receiving some form of silent warning. "I was just asking what you guys were up to while we were gone."

Mercury nearly choked on his own saliva, but as his mother's son, he knew how to keep his cool under pressure. "It wasn't that different, honestly. I played video games when I wasn't working, but that's pretty much it."

"Any parties we should know about?" Mom teased, eyeing the two over her glass of wine.

"Nope!" Theo replied a little too quickly. "None at all. Because we are your children- well-behaved children. You know, me and him, your son and daughter, well-mannered and would never go behind your back-"

"Okay!" Mercury clapped his hands together before their moms could reply. He fought the blush that threatened to seep into his face. Any sort of physical reaction to Theo's guilt-ridden monologue would surely result in a parental interrogation. "It's getting late. Don't worry about cleaning up, Theo and I can do it."

Their mothers looked mildly bewildered by both Theo's rant and Mercury freely offering to help around the house for the second time that day. The two stepsiblings held their breath. Finally, Mom broke the silence. "That would be really nice. Thanks, kiddos." Everyone stood to say goodnight to one another. Kisses and hugs were exchanged. The couple reminded their children that they were not allowed to stay up past midnight before striding upstairs to their bedroom.

Theo and Mercury waited with baited breath until they heard their mothers' bedroom door close. They exhaled in relief. Mercury turned on his heel to face her. She had collapsed into a chair, cheeks flushed and head in her hands. "We need to work on your lying skills."

"I know, I know," she sighed out. She looked up to admire those mocha orbs she loved so much. His face was contorted with worry but the fond look in his eyes remained. "From now on, I'll let you do the talking."

A chuckle escaped Mercury's pale pink lips. "I think that would be best, mi amor."

Theo brightened at the familiar nickname. She made grabby hands for him and he obliged. He strode over with ease and tugged her out of her seat. Squeaking, Theo's arms instinctively wrapped around his middle. "I hate you," she said, voice muffled by his shirt.

"I know you do," he retorted. She pulled back shortly afterward, staring up at him with that toothy smile he loved so much. "You're gorgeous," he whispered.

Her smile only widened. She wrapped her arms around his neck, raising herself to her tiptoes to peck his lips. "As are you, my love. As are you."