She's Just A Girl

Fun and Forgiveness

[A/N: I listened to this song when the album came out, and even though this chapter had already been written, I could not imagine a more fitting anthem and inspiration for the vibe of Dani and Sean in this part. I recommend starting the song towards the end when they have their late-night discussion. But frankly, I love it so much that I listened to it on a loop while reading through this entire page. I'm also adding the link to the panel from 2015 referenced in this part in case anyone hasn't seen it. When writing, I imagined Dani kind of in the place of CinnamonToastKen (I know, I'm sorry, I love him too but I just did). So here's that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_phtOmu6t84 Happy Reading :)]

*****

I arrive at the hotel at the same time as Mark and Amy. Planned? Yes. Did I think it would actually work? Not at all. Amy sees me first and runs to me before Mark has time to grab the bag she tossed to him.

"Hey, Peebs," I grin, hugging her as tight as I can. Aside from the boys, Amy is probably my best friend. Since I don't have much of a family to speak of, I have spent countless holidays, birthdays, and celebrations with them. Amy and I grew close shortly after she and Mark started dating. At no point did either of us feel insecure or jealous of the other, and there were times when it was Mark who felt like the third wheel.

"Hey, Sunshine." I loved the nickname Amy gave me years ago. She said it was because my hair practically glowed in the sunlight, and my ability to make people smile.

Mark sets the bags down on a hotel luggage cart and begins to walk toward us. He practically shoves Amy out of the way to hug me. She returns his attitude with a playful punch on the arm. I can't help but laugh at them. They are perfect for each other.

I hug Mark as tightly as I did Amy. It has been over seven months since I've seen them last, an unusually long amount of time between visits, but even seven days would feel like a lifetime.

If I'm being honest, it took all of my willpower not to cry in Mark's arms. In the middle of the hotel lobby. The combination of comfort from the hug, the joy of seeing them after such a long time, and the emotional turmoil I faced leading up to this trip made me just want to tell Mark everything I was feeling at this exact moment. But I couldn't; Amy was there, and as much as I love her, there were still some things she didn't and didn't need to know.

We check in at the front desk of the hotel and Mark hands me a room key. "Thanks again for letting me stay in your room," I state, taking the key and putting it into my purse.

"Don't mention it. There's no reason for you to waste a whole bunch of money on another room if we had an extra bed," Mark replied. It was very Mark Fischbach of him, looking out for me and my finances even though I am a grown woman who could absolutely afford my own hotel room. It was incredibly sweet of him to offer nonetheless, and I would enjoy getting to spend extra time with him and Amy.

"Felix and Marzia are already here," Mark continued as we board the elevator to the fourth floor, "they're staying in the room beside ours. Sean and Gab should be here soon if they aren't already. I think they're further down the hall, but still on the same floor."

I simply nod in response. As we ride the elevator up to our floor, I rest my arm on Amy's shoulder. Once I hear the ding signaling that we've arrived, I grab my bags and follow Mark to our room. It's a nicer hotel room. One of those that has a kitchen separate from the living room, which is also separate from the bedroom. Spacious.

"Do you want first dibs on a bed?" he asks. I shake my head and step aside to let Amy walk through the door first. It's only fair that they get first dibs on a bed since it is their room after all. Despite this, Mark still sets his bags down on the bed farthest from the window, knowing the other would be my pick if I did choose.