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Dylan Skylar

Halloween came and went without much issue, aside from the brief interruption.

Now, though, I'm paying the price.

The hangover hits like a freight train, and every time I do this, I regret it.

When I'm comfortable and alone, the calories listed on the back of a bottle of champagne don't mean anything to me. But the morning after? That's a different story.

I spent the better part of the morning leaning over the toilet, forcing it out of my system, only to drag myself to work like a zombie.

As I sit at my cubicle, sipping water to smoothe the headache pounding in my skull, a voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Looks like someone had a little too much fun last night."

I glance up to see Nicholas leaning casually on my cubicle wall, a smirk on his face.

"You didn't drink?" I ask. "You look way better than I do."

"Not much," He replies. "Jason and Grayson were wobbling all over the place, so I couldn't risk blacking out. Someone had to make sure the randoms didn't crash at my place."

I snort. "Those two are the worst people to trust at a party."

"You can say that again." Nicholas says, rolling his eyes. "Speaking of which, why didn't you show up?"

"My couch, a bottle of champagne, and some Batman movies were calling my name."

Nicholas chuckles. "You look like you had a wild night anyway. What happened? Some chick come over?"

"Don't make me laugh," I mutter, turning back to my computer.

Nicholas isn't done. He spins my chair around, forcing me to face him.

"Mario Party tonight?" He asks with a grin.

"Can't," I reply. "My mom's coming over to stay the weekend."

Nicholas beams. "I love your mom."

"Trust me, she loves you back," I deadpan. "Pretty sure she's got a small crush."

"I wouldn't mind being your stepdad," He quips, winking.

I groan. "Go back to work."

"Fine," Nicholas says, straightening up. "But I'm still coming over. How does seven sound?"

"Fine," I retent. "Seven."

"Gotcha."

Before I can turn back to my work, another voice cuts in.

"Does this mean I can finally come over?"

I spin around to see jason standing behind me, his hands clasped together in an exaggerated plea, his wide eyes full of faux innocence.

"Mom's been having a rough time lately," I explain, my tone softening. "Tomorrow's... his anniversary."

Jason's expression changes instantly. The playful gleam in his eyes dims, replaced by quiet understanding.

"Oh." He steps closer, his voice lower now. "Dyl, I'm sorry."

I shrug, trying to keep my composure. "She just... doesn't want to be alone, you know? So yeah, you can come over. You always cheer her up."

Jason's lips twitch into a faint smile. "Of course. Anything she needs. Anything you need."

I nod and turn back to my computer, not trusting myself to say anything else.

"I'll bring wine," Jason adds softly after a moment. "Knowing you, you probably finished all of your."

"Funny," I mutter, my voice steady again. "But you're right."
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Uploaded 11/04/24
Edited 01/19/25

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