Crybaby Multi-Fandom Mute AU

Crybaby Multi-Fandom Mute AU Part 3

Today is Halsey's costume party. I decided to dress up as a doll, since I already had some clothes that seemed doll-like. I was in my room, finishing up my makeup.

Brendan had come over a little bit earlier to borrow one of my brother's old Halloween costumes. I don't know which one he decided to wear, but he was in the bathroom across the hallway, getting ready.

"Hey, Mel." Brendan says, peaking his head into my room. I can see his reflection in the mirror. He's dressed up like a cowboy. "Yeehaw?"

I turn in my chair to face him. "Why was that a question?" I sign.

"Does it look nice?" He asks, walking further into the room.

"It looks like a Halloween costume." I sign, smiling. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Are you?" He asks.

I nod, standing up. "Let's leave then." I sign.

We head downstairs and both wave to my brother as we walk out the front door. Brendan is one of the few people in our friend group who can drive, but we decided to walk to the party, since Halsey only lives a few houses down the street from me.

I pull out my phone and type into my notes app while walking. I show Brendan.

"Troye and Halsey both think Johnny likes me too."

I watch his eyes as he reads the message.

"So, do you agree with us now?" Brendan asks. "That he likes you."

I nod. If everyone thinks Johnny likes me, then he probably does.

I type again. "I still don't get WHY though."

"Why he likes you?" Brendan asks.

I nod.

"You could always ask him."

I type again. "I guess so.."

"He'll be at the party, Mel." Brendan says. "Ask him tonight."

Before I can think of a response, we arrive at Halsey's doorstep. There is music playing from inside the house, audible from the sidewalk. It looks busy inside.

"Seems like word spread about the party." Brendan says. He begins walking towards the door, glancing back at me when I don't move. "Are you coming?"

I nod, then hurry to catch up as he walks inside.

As we walk inside, the music gets much louder. I can't make out the song, but I can recognize the singer's voice from the many times Troye has made us all listen to Matty Healy.

As my eyes roam the room, they land on Johnny. He is standing against the wall, next to Halsey. She's dressed like a vampire and is talking to someone I don't recognize. Johnny's eyes are already on me. Is he also dressed like a cowboy?

I tap on Brendan's shoulder, waiting for him to look at me. When he does, I sign "I found him. He's staring at me."

"Well, you look nice. Your costume is cute." Brendan smiles, then turns to find Johnny. "Bro stole my idea." He says, jokingly. So Johnny is dressed like a cowboy. That's a strange coincidence.

Brendan waves him over to us and Johnny quickly makes his way across the room.

"Hey." He says. His eyes move up and down Brendan quickly. "Twinsies." He says in a weirdly monotone voice.

"Yeah!" Brendan laughs. "That's weird, right?"

Johnny laughs weakly, then turns to me. "Melanie, I wanted to talk to you."