When WW arrived downstairs a while later, he’d changed into a grey tank top and some black shorts. “Hey, need any help?” He asked his mom, who was the only one in the kitchen, humming as she chopped up veggies. “Is everyone else outside?”

“Yeah, your dad’s started the fire… You okay?” She put down the knife she was using in order to face him.

“Mhm! Just wanted to be alone for a while.” He shrugged a shoulder.

“Still hungry?”

“Of course.” He kissed her cheek. “Need help?”

“Nah, I’m almost done. Maybe take the veggies out, though?” She handed him the bowl full of vegetable sticks she’d cut up.

“At your service.” WW hummed, headed for the screen door that was already half open. Their little fire pit was in the middle of the garden, surrounded by cobbled stone similar to most of the paths throughout their back yard. There were stone benches around it, topped with red and white cushions WW’s aunt had made them. As WW approached the firepit, he heard laughter. Cori’s laughter, light and breezy and so, so very girly. Nothing like her actual laugh, which was loud and unrestrained. Just before they came into sight, WW imagined that she was sitting next to Pan, laughing at something he’d said, and shoving his arm playfully.

But no, when he saw them, they’d gone back to chatting quietly. Cori was watching Pan as he told her a story, her eyes a little wide like they always went when she was listening carefully. He saw two empty spaces next to his dad and resolved to sit there instead of anywhere near the plant man and his cousin. But when Pan looked up to see him coming, he smiled awkwardly and patted the seat next to him. WW set the bowl of veggies down. No. He thought, groaning mentally. Why did he have to do that? Now if I don’t sit next to him he’ll think I’m rude. He suppressed a frustrated huff as he sat down next to Pan. He didn’t have to look so pleased  with himself. But Pan did. His smile widened when WW sat down, and he shifted so his back wouldn’t be to him. WW grabbed a carrot stick and ate it slowly. It wasn’t as if Pan’s story was going to entrance him like it had Cori. Don’t know why you’re trying to include me or whatever, I’m not going to listen. He thought bitterly. Even if he’d wanted to, the story, which was halfway through, made no sense out of context. All the names, the situation, everything… But Pan still told it, looking over to WW every now and then to see if he was listening. But WW kept facing the fire, not looking anywhere but it and his carrot stick.

But WW recognized Cori’s giggle, and glanced over just in time to see her shove Pan’s arm. There it is. He shook his head. How obvious of her. But Pan, clearly loving the attention, was grinning from ear to ear.

“I can’t believe you’d do that! Weren’t you scared?” Cori put a hand on his arm and left it there. WW knew the trick.

She’d read it aloud from some teen magazine, a few years back. Ironically, she’d been reading it to try to give WW tips on getting his crush to ask him out to prom.

“Make him feel like a hero. Manly. It says that guys like it when girls swoon over how brave they are.” Cori had giggled as she flipped through the pages.

“Yeah, pretty sure none of this ‘advice’ translates to gay guys.” He’d huffed.

But he had used some of those tricks. And they’d even worked.

Cori leaned toward Pan, her arms on either side of her chest. WW wanted to punch her in the boobs that were already pretty big, why are you trying to push them out more? Pan shook his head, his own chest puffing a little bit. WW rolled his eyes again. How did guys fall for that act so easily?

“Nah,” Pan boasted, “I’m not scared of vampires.”

“Scared of bunnies, though.” WW muttered. Pan’s face flushed green, his chest immediately de-puffing.

“I-I—It just startled me!” He defended, crossing his arms.

Cori couldn’t help but snicker. “A bunny?”

“He screamed when he saw her. And then he hid behind me.” WW smirked. Try to make him sound powerful and brave now, Cori.

“Aw…” She squeezed his arm gently, “I understand… You’re a plant person, and bunnies eat plants. I still think you’re very brave. I have every faith you’d protect me if a mean old vampire came after me.” WW cringed at the sweet tone in her voice. That was all it took for Pan’s smile to return, soft and sweet and focused on Cori.

“Thank you.” He hummed softly, bumping shoulders with her.

“Where’s mom with the food?” WW huffed, looking toward the door. He just wanted to get this over with, so he could go be alone.