Tyrus One-Shots

Fake Love

Shadyside always seems to be obsessed with couples. The town just has to be so fascinated by the concept of two people together, there's no other explanation. Just about every store and restaurant have special discounts and deals for couples. It's almost weird. Like one of those romantic movies on a certain channel, which every one is exactly the same.

A few dollars off here, a free dessert there, and once in a while a flower crown made of roses. At times it was all too cringy and seemed like some high school foolery. Like that one administrator that gets a little too invested in their job and goes all out, which still looks too extra.

Everything intensifies during February.

Even the schools got into the town's mess. The cafeteria gave couples extra muffins and a few more fries. The library wouldn't do fines. And on Valentines Day itself, couples receive big gift baskets from the principal. Of course the ones in a relationship loved it all, they didn't realize the privilege they have. People who were single were looked down upon and treated bad.

Andi stood in line with Jonah by her side. They hold hands, of course. They giggle at everything that the other says. As the line moves up, they can see the special daily item for couples.

A red velvet muffin. With cream cheese frosting in the middle. And also on the top designed like hearts. They were bigger than the usual muffins and were limited.

Andi and Jonah made it to the front of the line. They grabbed a tray and filled it with their usual pizza and fries. Each one took one of the specialty muffins and then went to the group's table.

Cyrus was eagerly waiting to reach the food. Of course he couldn't decide what he wanted. One minute he wants chicken tenders, another minute he wanted a hamburger. He practically bounced in his place.

He made it to the front of the line and noticed only the chicken was left. He had no choice and grabbed the basket. He reached towards the specialty muffin, but the launch lady smacked his hand.

"Couples only." She told him.

"But why?"

"Couples are better than singles. And this muffin is better than the others."

Cyrus groaned and reached for the blueberry muffin. Another hand smack it away. He turns and sees TJ next to him.

TJ smirks and says, "He's mine."

He takes two specialty muffins and places them on both of their trays. TJ even grabs a blueberry muffin.

The two make it to the group table. TJ walks off as Cyrus sits next to Buffy. Cyrus takes a hold of TJ's wrist. "Wait. Why don't you join us."

"I really shouldn't. I'm your friend, not theirs."

"He's right." Andi says. "We don't want him with us.

Buffy chimes in. "Yeah, not after everything that he has done."

Cyrus watches TJ go sit at an empty table across the room. His head hangs low as he eats. Cyrus checks out his friends around him as the joke about TJ. Cyrus shakes his head and leaves. He walks over and sits across from TJ.

TJ lifts his head and smiles. "You really want to have lunch with me? Your friends are over there."

"You're my friend. Or should I say boyfriend after you got us these muffin."

"What can I say. A muffin for my muffin." TJ jokes. He takes a bite of his chicken as Cyrus chuckles at the comment.

Cyrus's face lights up. "TJ, you're a genius!"