We Are the Kids From Yesterday

I'd Encourage Your Smiles

It wasn't long before Ghoul was getting better and the guys were ready to get out of the hotel. They had spent a few days too long and Party was starting to get jittery, sick of the peeling wallpaper and moldy carpet. He was probably more ready to leave than all of them. It was him who lead the four out of the building and happened to find Iris talking with a group of people. She seemed to quickly say something before going over to the guys.

"Party, this your crew?" she said, smiling, her hair styled in messy pigtails the way it was the day at the coffee maker. Her lips were more subtle today, dark coral rather than bright red but still remarkably pretty.

"Yeah," he said, motioning to the guys as he introduced them. That's Fun Ghoul, Jet Star, and Kobra Kid. Ghoul, Jet, and Kobra."

"Nice to meet you guys," she said with a smile. "I'm Iris."

Kobra and Jet each shook her hand, giving a friendly greeting but Ghoul stood with his arms crossed, a bitter look on his face. Of course he'd still be mad at her, with his temper he'd be angry at her forever. Hopefully he wouldn't snap or go crazy like he occasionally did.

"Looks like it's gonna be just me taking you guys to that Zone 6 diner," said Iris, hands on her hips. "We just came back from our church, we had gone to check, Draculoids left the place a dump. They're not willing to head back yet."

"As long as you have a place for us," said Jet. "We need one."

She grinned, saying, "The diner is still intact, I made sure to check. Don't worry, you guys'll be somewhere soon enough."

"Party, I don't know if I trust her," muttered Ghoul. "I just... don't like her."

"Because you know about our history, I bet," Party said back to him. "Don't worry, my heart is yours," he added as he took Ghoul's hand and squeezed it

"If she makes a move on you, I swear to god..."

"If she does, I'll tell her off. Let her know I already got the person of my dreams." Party lightly pressed his forehead to Ghoul's and a small kiss to his lips.

"You're the sweetest," said Ghoul softly.

Party smiled, still holding Ghoul's hand as Jet and Iris talked. "It's close?" asked Jet, seemingly more nervous than he usually seemed.

"Not too far into Zone 6," responded Iris, her arms crossed and her face neutral. "Definitely one of the closer areas to stay."

"Good, I don't want to be out too long," continued Jet, fulfilling his role as the dad of the group. "You know, cuz of the Draculoids. It's dangerous as hell."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Iris said with a sigh. "Little shits are everywhere."

That was about when they all headed out. It was a bit quiet at first as Iris lead them out, until she decided to say, "Really the only one of you I've sort of gotten to know is Party. We should get to know each other a bit."

Ghoul shot a glare at her back before looking at Party as Kobra said, "Well... we've been a crew for about four years. I'm Party's brother--"

"And I'm his boyfriend," chimed in Ghoul loudly, making sure it was known. "In case you were thinking about trying anything."

"Wow, subtle," muttered Party to Ghoul. He loved the guy but it was true he could be a tad bit possessive. Especially now.

Iris laughed before saying, "I wasn't gonna, don't worry. I kinda got the message, seeing you two before we left. Holding hands and pecks on the lips. Those are pretty boyfriend-y gestures."