Another chapter; so far so good. I was easily criticized, which was quite unexpected, but that's okay. I know it's pretty dumb to focus on romance, but I'm letting you know now that it won't always be about that. The main idea of this story is certainly love, but not just in a romantic sense. And there will be slightly darker themes, because realistically – life gets harder and many lives get darker. That's the sad truth. Plus a lot of people do have their views on what a 'good story should be like. Writing is a hobby, not my occupation, and I do it to improve. As a critique on Fanfiction once said (not to me though): There's always going to be worse people out there.

Anyways, time to do what I love doing: replying to reviews.

Qoheleth: Hello and thank you for your critique. I know you have your principles on what does and doesn't make a good fanfiction, and I do respect that. You stick by your principles, and I'll stick by the rules of Fanfiction alone. As long as I don't write like someone who doesn't give a care about who reads it despite because of their obvious mistakes. I'm not referring to anyone here though. As for the names, I don't really want to look into their deeper meanings. I do know Felix means lucky or maybe even happy. I just like how these names suit them. However, I'll take it as a way of helping me to become a better writer in the future so I'll consider stuff like that when writing another story when the time comes. Again, thank you.

CNBW: Hello and it's nice to see you again! I'm glad you still stick around the fandom. I'm not sure if it'll be as good as the first, or better, and I'm especially unsure if I can complete it at this stage, but in time the unexpected might hit me in the face and I'll end up finishing it somehow.

HollyAnne1084: Thank you for the review… and pointing out what happened. Hopefully things stay this way for as long as possible. No spoilers, if you know what I mean.

BrickOli: I'm glad to hear that! And it's been ages since you last reviewed my works. Take care!

Tripledent: I too am glad. I should write more stuff about this actually. I don't want to be too centred on romance.

Happy reading.

The local festivities ended just after dusk. Some people stayed to clean the park, the rest went home or elsewhere. Not long after they cleaned, Desiree and Angus bade farewell and went to their reserved restaurant. The mayor, and every parent except Freddie, left to the mansion for their party. Meanwhile, Felix escorted his father to the car and drove them home along with Joy and Sadie.

"Did you enjoy your day, dad?" Felix asked with his gaze darting from the rear-view mirror back to the lit road ahead.

"Oh, it was fun," Freddie answered hazily from the backseat. Sadie was next to him, already asleep and leaning against his arm. "It'd be a lot more fun if I could stand."

"Don't worry, I know you'll get back on your feet again, Mr. Nerveling. I promise!" Joy spoke softly from the front.

"I could only pray for a miracle, Joy. Thank you." He managed to laugh. Felix turned towards the designated driveway and parked just outside their garage. Freddie shook Sadie awake as everyone left the car. Before Felix could help his father on the wheelchair, he tossed the keys to Sadie, who was already heading for the door. Joy couldn't help but admire the view of their home. It looked more modern than their old home. She did miss the small front garden and their classy doorstep. She turned around and helped Felix sit Freddie on the wheelchair.

The moment Joy entered their home, she inhaled the scent of newly-coated paint with a mix of navy blue and lavender. The interior wasn't as big as her home but it had a cozy ring to it. She could smell hints of air fresheners lingering around the hallways, particularly where the bedrooms and bathrooms were. She even saw a vague view of their backyard at the end of the hallway, easily spotting some of the plants she loved to see every time she visited their old home.

"I love it here! You guys really placed a lot of effort into this place," Joy swooned breathlessly.

"It's mostly Felix who did all this. Mom was still in the hospital taking care of dad so she wasn't around to help. I-I didn't really help much," Sadie mumbled.

"Oh come on, Sadie. I'm sure you did loads! And in you saying you didn't help much, you still made some astounding contributions to the place. Be proud of yourself – even if it's just the little things!" Joy replied.

"I guess."

"Alright, make yourself at home. Dad's got to use the bathroom so I better go help him. Help yourself to the leftovers mom made this morning," Felix said before rushing to the restroom.

"Sure. Thanks, Felix!" Joy answered before heading to the kitchen with Sadie. "Whoa, you even got a walk-in pantry! Man, Bing Bong sure knows how to build a home."

"I'm sure yours has one too," Sadie thought.

"Yeah, we do. And a walk-in closet. Ten bucks say Desiree's got one too."

"Lucky… ours doesn't have one."

"That doesn't matter. You still dress good without one!"

"Yeah, right," Sadie groaned.

"No, I'm serious! Who's the girl who can still look adorable without makeup; or look pretty with and without glasses? That's always been you."

"Yeah, and my mom."

"See? You got your beauty from somewhere. So, what's for dinner?"

"Um, I think she made Chicken Kiev."

"Whoa, seriously, she made that from scratch?" Joy asked, her eyes incredulously wide.

"Yeah. I did help her with that," Sadie added.

"Right, where's your cupboard? Because I need to try it ASAP."

As they were setting the table, Felix came to the dining room with Freddie. "We're back. What'd we miss—oh, is that mom and Sadie's Kiev? Nice."

"Yeah, I had no idea you guys could cook like chefs! I can't wait to try it."

"Oh, she got to serve that dish back at our old café while you were in Canada. Unfortunately, Sam became depressed again not long after you and your family came back, so she let Angie and Jolie doo the cooking," Freddie explained. Joy's smile faded slightly. "I really need to try every dish I missed out on."

The four of them settled down. And having said their prayers, they dug in. Joy's eyes couldn't get any wider with what she was eating. "Oh. My. Goodness. I've died and gone to food heaven!"

"You should've seen Felix. He nearly fainted," Sadie giggled.

"And you literally cried," Felix retorted.

"I was thirteen, doofus," Sadie shot back playfully.

"Save the regular squabbles for later," chuckled Freddie. Several minutes went on in silence, sharing awkward glasses and hearing the faint sounds of chewing and glasses clinking.

"Hey, listen, I'm really sorry you never got to go to that party," Joy muttered sadly.

Freddie smiled and flicked his hand. "It's totally fine! After all, there's no place like home." He looked to Sadie. "I learned that from your mom," he whispered, earning a giggle from the young Teardrop.

"You're not at all upset about not going to that party, are you?" Sadie asked her. Joy shook her head. "Of course not! My mom's right. It would've been a lot more fun if you guys came too. I'm happy to go by majority rules as long as I'm with you."

"That's sweet of you, Joy. And you don't need to worry about your parents. They'll be home safely by daylight." Freddie rested his utensils together and backed his wheelchair with a yawn. "Well, I'll go get some shuteye. You three do whatever you want. Just don't make too much noise."

"S-Sure. Wait, I'll help you to your room, dad!" Felix insisted.

"I'll be fine, kiddo. I'll be around the corner from here," Freddie declined.

"Fine. But I'll check on you every ten minutes!" His father simply shook his head in contentment and guided his wheelchair to the bedroom.

"Sleep well, dad," Sadie called. The Nerveling nodded and was immediately out of sight. Joy smiled warmly at the sight.

"You know, Joy," Sadie broke in. "You don't have any sleepwear for tonight."

Joy looked down and realized she was still wearing her blue sundress from earlier. "You're right! I can't sleep with this dress or mom will be upset with me because she ironed it this morning! I can't go home now. It's too dark out!"

Felix stepped in. "I can drive you—"

"No. I don't want to make you or your dad worry. Are there any clothes I can borrow?" Joy asked.

"My size is too small. So is mom's," Sadie answered before nudging her brother's arm.

"Me?! U-Um…" Felix stammered with his face beet red.

"Oh, come on, I'm sure you have something for me to wear that's close to my size," Joy pleaded.

"You can always sleep without the dress," Sadie suggested.

"SADIE!" Felix shouted, then covered his mouth at how loud he just sounded.

"Sure. Why not?" Joy said casually.

"What!?"

"Seriously, Felix? You're dating. You need to get used to it," Sadie argued.

Joy raised an eyebrow innocently. "Used to what?"

"A-actually, I might have something for her to wear. Follow me." Felix grabbed Joy's hand and took her as far away from Sadie as possible.

Desiree and Angus exited the restaurant after paying their tip. Their home was only a block away. Hands were intertwined, revealing rings of emerald and ruby on both fingers. They walked along the brick path, laughing at the memories they shared. Desiree wrapped Angus' blazer around her chest.

"You may be small, but your clothes are actually quite warm," Desiree whispered.

"Hey, how else would I look this hot?" Angus teased.

Desiree rolled her eyes with a smile. "Your seething rage takes it all."

Silence passed and all they could hear was their pacing on the rocks and the sound of chirping crickets. "Say, Angus?"

"What?"

"What's the first thing you think of when I say 'kid'?"

"A nuisance?" Angus quickly answered.

"Right… the second thing?" Desiree continued.

Angus looked at her. "Sadie?"

Desiree snorted. "Sadie?"

"What? I call her 'kid' all the time!" Angus reminded.

"Oh, right. I forgot how cute that is," Desiree chuckled. Then she went on, "The third thing?"

Angus paused for a moment and shook his head. "That, I can't really say."

"Angus…" Desiree began.

"Des, I don't even know if I've got the patience to take care of a kid. I'm not exactly ready for that sort of commitment yet," Angus admitted.

"If you're not ready then why did you want to marry me so soon?" Desiree questioned.

"Because I love you? Look, I'm just not ready at this point okay? End of discussion."

Desiree wanted to ask more questions, but felt as though she was moving too fast. "S-sorry. I was just curious. I didn't mean to go too fast."

"You weren't. We've been married for three years after all." Angus clenched her hand, but not enough to make her wince.

"Exactly. So why can't we try now or as soon as possible?" Desiree wished she'd stop asking these questions. She saw a sudden pain in his eyes, even when he's not looking at her.

"Maybe you should consider the consequences."

Their night went on normally. But in the end, neither of them could sleep, especially Desiree.

Felix rushed to his closet and opened a few drawers in search of a sweater, or something similar. Joy looked around his room. Like his old room, it looks so… purple, only this time it looked simpler. There weren't as many belongings and there was also a shelf full of psychology books, and some novels he promised to read for later. Next to it was his desk, with a computer that looks unused. And next to the double bed rested his encased guitar.

"Your room looks so organized!" Joy commented.

"It's only been a few days. Give it a week and you'll see a pigsty the next time you visit," huffed a sceptical Felix.

"Really?" Joy joked.

"That's what anxiety does, I guess. You take out your frustrations by tearing the house apart. Ah, here we go!" Felix took out a lavender knit sweater. "I don't wear this often and it might look too big on you, but it'll do."

Joy took the sweater and hugged the soft fabric. It was like touching wool, or a cloud – whatever that feels like – or hugging Sadie. "It's so soft!" she squealed. "Wait, it's summer. I-it'll be too hot."

"That's what the AC is for. Now if I could at least find some pants for you to wear-"

Joy looked worried and shook her head. "It's fine, Felix! I think this is enough."

"I-I don't know…" he stuttered back.

"Hey. Thought you'd escape me for long, didn't you," Sadie said as she entered the room.

"Oh, Sadie, I get to wear this for tonight. It's like one of those couple goals I keep seeing on the internet, where the girl wears her boyfriend's shirts! I don't know why that's such a big deal, but now I get to find out. I'll be right back!" Joy headed for the bathroom, leaving Felix to cringe.

"What's wrong with you?" Sadie wondered.

"Sorry, it just feels… weird when she talks about those 'couple goals' kids write about these days on the internet. They make me cringe."

"You're right about that," Sadie nodded. "But don't act like you don't want to see Joy wearing something of yours."

Felix felt his cheeks burn. "It's not that. I'm just saying we don't need to read those goals when we can discover them ourselves."

"You made your own goals, didn't you?" Sadie deadpanned.

"Indeed I did," Felix took out a clipboard and flipped a few pages. "Which is why I need to be fully prepared in committing myself to her before certain things escalate too quickly."

Sadie rolled her eyes. "You're such a hypocrite."

"Hey, the internet puts everything in disarray. I like to keep myself organized. There are fifteen stages I wrote. Right now I'm on Tier Five: Inviting her to sleep over. At least I feel—hey!" Felix got cut off as Sadie snatched his clipboard.

"'Potential hazards for a sleepover?' There weren't any hazards when she last came over," Sadie recalled.

"That's when we were still in high school! You know, we were young, naïve and still oblivious to worrying about any potential risk factors in the entire household because dad was always there to protect us? Apparently I'm in charge now, and I've got a lot to protect. Not that I'm complaining.

"My entire goal is confidence. I hug her, kiss her, watch movies, have dinner, cuddle, huggle, sleep with her, drive, drink, drink and not drive, travel, propose, get married, go on our honeymoon, have a kid, get old, and die. Those are my goals in a nutshell," Felix explained. "So long as nothing gets in the way, my entire list is completely underway!"

"Like a potential breakup?" Sadie deadpanned.

Felix paled and felt his mind implode. His eyes dilated in horror of the unimaginable and let out a dry shriek. Sadie rolled her eyes nonchalantly. A sense of dread and anxiety flooded his mind, and he snapped. "I didn't think this through! What if she does break up with me?! I can't live with that; I don't even have a backup plan!" He grasped Sadie's shoulders and shook her violently. "She can't break up with me, Sadie! I don't want her to! I—"

"Who said I was breaking up with you?" Joy interjected. Felix released Sadie, who stumbled slightly while adjusting her glasses, and turned to the Starlight.

"N-No one! I-I mean, she did, I mean….erm… uh," he stuttered, obviously tongue-tied. He finally focused on what she was now wearing – it was his sweater! He sighed with relief that it was too big on her. Unlike the way it shaped his slender frame, the sweater hugged her body rather comfortably and reached an inch above her knees. Because it was too big on her, one side of the sweater dangled off her shoulder slightly. Above all, her Persian blue eyes and innocent smile complemented everything he loves about her.

Joy walked towards him. "I love it! It's not itchy at all. Do I look okay?"

He felt himself getting redder by the second whilst averting his gaze from looking any further. "It looks good on you! Er-I mean, you wear it better than me—wait, gah! What I meant to say is…" Sadie and Joy looked to each other and giggled. Felix took a deep breath. "It's cute."

Joy pulled him into a hug. "Aw, thanks! See, that wasn't so hard. So, who wants to watch a movie?"

"I heard Shoes of Doom is on right now," Sadie recalled.

"I don't know. That is a scary movie. I'm not sure a certain Nerveling's going to like it," Joy giggled deviously as she reached up to stroke the strand of hair sticking out of his head. Frantic, Felix jumped and swatted her hand away.

"Stop that! And I watched that movie long enough to know what happens next. I'm no longer scared of those demonic shoes that look fancy… then creep up on you… and control your feet… and can't be taken off unless someone picks up an axe and then - AH!" Felix shrieked as he felt a sharp poke on his back.

Joy burst out laughing. "Nice one, Sadie."

"These are the little things that make my day," Sadie said to herself before blowing on her finger.

"I'll prove to you I'm not… as scared of it as I used to be. Turn on the TV. I'll check on dad first then join you." Felix exited the room. Joy and Sadie did the same and headed for the living room. Sadie wiggled her finger and Joy leaned to her level as they walked.

She whispered, "He was staring at your legs." Joy snorted in response and struggled to stifle her fit of giggles, but couldn't contain the blush on her cheeks. Sadie kept on smiling knowingly. Joy loved it. She had never seen Sadie so happy in a long time. Not long after, Felix came to the living room in his sleepwear.

The movie was halfway finished when they tuned to it. Unfortunately for Sadie and Joy, Felix was responsible for holding the popcorn and accidentally flipped it over after watching a cliché jump-scare scene. He took advantage of this moment to distract himself and claim he was 'used' to seeing the rest of the movie and even commented on how 'boring' it was, despite their disbelief. Already tired, Sadie kissed her brother goodnight and left to her room. As they kept everything intact in the living room, the couple snuck up on Sadie, who was already sound asleep in an instant.

"I'm glad she doesn't cry herself to sleep anymore," Felix sighed softly. Worried, Joy rested her hand on his shoulder. "I hate it when she feels that way."

"I'm happy for her too," Joy agreed. "We should probably sleep too."

"Good idea."

As they entered Felix's room, Joy thought of something strange. "You know, I noticed Sadie only has a single bed. Why is it you have a double bed?"

"Huh? That's because Bing Bong said that whenever Sadie gets a nightmare, she can sleep with me. Apparently, that doesn't really happen anymore. Unless…" It suddenly dawned to his mind the most obvious reason why Bing Bong intentionally gave him a bed that big. In fact, she was right in front of him. "Oh…"

"What?" Joy asked innocently.

Felix blushed and shook his head. "N-Nothing. After you." Joy smiled and obliged as she sat on the bed. After settling herself in, she caught Felix just standing and staring at her. She smiled shyly. "What?"

"N-Nothing." Felix was lost in a trance. Sure they started dating on a Christmas nearly five years ago, but this is Felix dating her. He was always the shy type and she kept her patience. Before then, she already quit her teaching job from Canada and decided to find a similar one somewhere nearby, which took months. Eventually, she found a teaching job at a local school and easily fit right in thanks to her charisma. Feeling guilty, Felix always used his job as an excuse to go slow with Joy, in fears of rushing in. Then as Bing Bong became the mayor, all the families volunteered to bring his village back to life, which took three years ago today. There was also Angus and Desiree's wedding to attend to a couple of years back, which they helped plan.

Needless to say, they didn't make much progress in their relationship. The most they got to do together were brief make out sessions, which Felix always broke first much to her disappointment. Now, there was no excuse. He knew she had been patient for too long because of his lack of self-esteem and severe anxiety. It was time to help himself. He walked to the other side of the bed and the moment he laid down, Joy rested her head on his chest. Whenever Joy came over, after their relationship began, she never had the opportunity to sleep over. And when she did, Felix would be too busy. Therefore, the feeling felt foreign for both of them. Felix wanted to ask questions, yet his racing heart beat him to it. Joy hummed with pleasure at the feeling.

"You don't have to be anxious of me, you know," she giggled.

"Sorry. It's just… new." He felt himself relax and wrapped an arm around her and caressed her back. Joy squeaked from his touch. "That tickles!"

"Oh, really?" he teased back, but didn't try anything. She was spared for now.

"I kind of realized something." Felix gulped. He knew she was going to talk about this eventually. "We've been together for almost five years already! And not much has happened because of all those events we had to go through."

Felix sighed in defeat. "Look, I'm really sorry. It's really my fault. I kept holding us back. You know how I am with this. I'm not confident enough!"

"Felix, I know you're under a lot of stress. I don't mind waiting because I don't want to do anything you don't want." She leaned upwards to kiss his cheek before laying back on his chest.

He shook his head. "I feel like I should be the one saying that."

"I'll tell you what, we can make up for those lost years starting tomorrow."

"You have work tomorrow," Felix pointed out.

"The day after tomorrow?"

"I'm working that day." Joy looked at him sceptically. "What? I can show you my roster if you want."

"Weekend?"

"Fine by me."

Joy squealed and kissed his chest, causing him to freeze for a moment.. "Yay! Oh, and you're picking me up from work. I want to introduce you to my colleagues!"

"Anything for you." He lifted her chin up to kiss her for a second then reached for the lamp. "G'night, Starlight."

"I love you too… boo," she giggled wearily. She tried, he thought back. As she quickly drifted off to sleep, he reluctantly wrapped his free arm around her while his other hand remained loosely intertwined with hers. Within seconds, he finally relaxed and was in a deep slumber for the night.

They're so awkward with each other right to the end. It's adorable.

I know this chapter was mostly romantic, but don't worry. I've got other ideas too. This story will (and should) also be focusing on the imperfections of these characters. They may have good designs, but they're not exactly perfect. My headcanons for them in this story would be this: Sadie obviously has depression; Felix obviously has anxiety; Angus has PTSD, given his occupation as a sergeant; and Desiree has an eating disorder. These aren't uncommon since anyone could come up with these headcanons for them in any AU, or even in the canon-world being Riley's mind.

Concerning the Truth or Dare, I do not know when the next chapter will be up. Hopefully soon when I get around to it once my break comes around. I've learned to grow out of my past days as an IO writer. I'll take whatever support I get, no matter how small. And I thank those who love and support this story so far.

And seriously, no flames here please. Not here, not on any story in this fandom. If you want me gone for good then go ahead and flame me for all I care. Critiques are different and I can tell. Critiques include correcting grammar and vocabulary errors, making suggestions on how the story should develop, what should and shouldn't have been included, etc.

Finally, I want to keep Author's Notes as short as possible, because that's what's making each chapter so lengthy.