Shaggy looked out of the kitchen window into their garden where Scooby Doo was playing with some of the neighbours kids and Velma was sitting on a sun-lounger reading a story to a couple more of them. He was doing the washing up, the kitchen still bore the scars of him having just taught the kids how to make soup and bake bread. He reflected on all the changes that had occurred to them in the past few months, not just in their personal circumstances but in themselves. Neither he nor Scooby ate anything like as much as they used to, the lack of constant random terror having dulled their appetite. He'd started working out; there were even signs of muscles, something which Velma found she liked much to her surprise. Scooby Doo had become a favourite and unofficial mascot for the whole apartment block. The strangest change had been with Velma, a few months ago he'd woken one Saturday morning to find her walking into the their bedroom wearing her standard Mystery Inc outfit and announcing that they were going clothes shopping as she'd just given most of her day clothes away to charity and that literally she didn't have anything else to wear.
"Why?" he asked sitting up in bed. He'd been warned that there'd be days like these. His father's parting words came back to him remember son when in doubt just say 'yes dear' and keep your head down.
"Because, because I need to, because, emm" said Velma sitting down on the bed next to him. There was a perfectly rational explanation for her behaviour when she'd done it, it just eluded her now.
"Because you're not Mystery Inc's Velma Dinkley anymore, you're your own Velma Dinkley now" he said resting his chin on her shoulder and his arms round her waist.
"And Shaggy's Velma as well" she smiled, thankful that he understood.
Clothes' shopping with Velma was an unusual experience; she simply went to a sensible store, walked up to a sales assistant and asked them to find some casual and business clothes that suited her. They were done and out in just under an hour. Now he knew why Daphne and Velma had rarely gone clothes shopping together.
The noise from outside brought him back to reality. Things were still a bit hectic with them, but were working, albeit If they were going about things in a rather unusual fashion. It's a habit we've got, we lived together before we'd even dated and now we've a surrogate family he mused as he dried his hands and put the dishes away, there was still another half hour before the bread was ready and the kids could eat the fruits of their labour. He looked again at the scene outside, Scooby was now playing tag with the older children while Velma was still reading to the younger ones, despite being small Velma always seemed to have room on her lap for one more. Well, at least we know we're all good with kids he thought, Velma looked up and blew him a kiss; he smiled and went out to give Scooby Doo moral support.
Looking down on this were Sal and Molly, a retired couple who lived in the apartment above. They were sitting on their balcony enjoying the balmy summer evening and listening to the sounds coming from below. The couple were playing with their dog in the garden and it sounded like a few of children from the apartments above them were also there. A short while later they saw the dog go running around the garden chased by some of the children laughing and shouting. The couple had only been there about six months, but it felt like they had been there a lifetime. It had been a relief when the previous occupants had moved out, the sounds of arguing, fighting and regular visits from the police at all hours were now replaced by happier noises.
"Still don't approve of them living together like that. In our day you were married before you lived together" said Sal
"Oh don't be so grumpy, anyway that day will come Sal, sooner than you think. I've got a feeling about them."
"I'll say this for them though; they are the nicest people we've had here for a long time."
"I agree. It's good to hear children playing around here again. They've done a lot of good since they've been here; I hear that the Williams' children's grades are up already, all thanks to that young lady. And he gives a lot of his time at the local homeless shelter. They've always been friendly and helpful towards us, remember when we both had colds."
"True, still I don't approve of them living together" determined to continue his grump.
"Would you rather have them or the previous married couple?" said Molly cutting to the chase.
"OK you got me; I'd have them any time."
"Exactly they've been friendly since the day we met them..."
The flat below them had been empty for a while; the landlord had to repair the place before it could be let out again. Finally the day came when a removal truck pulled up outside. Molly looked with interest from the landing as a young couple with a dog moved it. From the looks of them the signs weren't promising, she looked like she'd barely left school and he looked like a layabout. After a while she noticed something which caused her to reappraise her initial position Quite a lot of books she thought.
"Oh man, am I glad that's over" she heard the young man say when all was done. I knew you had loads of books but."
"Just you wait till my parents come with the rest of my books, and some bookcases. Besides all your vinyl records are quite heavy as well" the woman paused, from the sound Molly guessed she was stretching her back "Well we've just survived one of the most stressful things you can do, twice within a few months."
"Finally we can unpack; I've had it with living surrounded by boxes."
"You said it, let's get started before we lose the momentum. I'll tackle the bedroom."
"Oh OK, Scooby you can do the living room and I'll do the kitchen" said the man.
Molly chuckled, it sounded like the dog had just said 'okay'. Molly stayed and listened, There was some brief shouting, but that sounded like 'ow ow ow!' and followed a thump, something had been dropped on a foot she guessed. Finally music began to sound and she found herself humming along to a familiar tune, then she realised, it was coming from the new couple's apartment. Again she had her pre-conceptions challenged, it wasn't loud brash rock or that people speaking and shouting music; it was Crosby, Stills and Nash. The music she'd listened to when she was in her early twenties.
"Wondered where you were" said Sal walking up behind Molly "What's going on?"
"New couple moved in downstairs, got a dog with them"
"And?"
"Jury's still out at the moment but they're sure different from the other lot, seemed to bring in mostly books and records. And they've been playing some Crosby, Stills and Nash."
"That takes me back a bit."
Suddenly the music got louder and they were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice from below.
"Hi, I'm Velma and this Shaggy, we're your downstairs neighbours"
"Like please to meet you man"
"And this is Scooby Doo"
"Rello" said Scooby
Sal and Molly paused for a second trying to work out if the dog had just said hello.
"Would you like to come in for a drink? Like so far we've found the kettle cups and spoons."
Sal and Molly looked at each other for a second "Yes, I think we would" said Molly
Daphne was so nervous that she hadn't found the courage to call ahead but she knew they didn't go anywhere on a Friday evening. As she got out of the taxi she could hear the sound of children playing, then a dog barking. She knew that bark anywhere, Scooby Doo was having fun. She almost went back there and then, content in the knowledge that if Scooby was happy then so were they, but the taxi had gone. Daphne hurried to door of their apartment and rang the bell before her courage completely failed. She could hear noise through the door and had to ring a few times but soon she heard someone come to the door. She heard a sharp intake of breath, the next second the door was almost torn from its hinges as Velma opened the door. Daphne stared at her, she was wearing a floppy straw hat, her hair was a longer and styled differently, her glasses were now contemporary thin metal framed; she was wearing a olive-green loose v-neck T-shirt and matching ¾ length shorts and sandals. To Daphne she looked so different, so more mature, now appearing as she was, a woman in the full bloom of her adult life. Velma did likewise, gone was Daphne's signature purple dress and high-heels, instead she was wearing purple trainers, black jeans, a deep-purple blouse, a black jacket and carried a small purple suitcase.
Before Daphne could say anything she was grabbed and nearly crushed by Velma's embrace, Scooby was there a few seconds later almost pushing Velma out of the way.
"Like, who's at the door guys? Daph!" said Shaggy as he appeared in the hallway. To Daphne's eternal relief his face broke into a huge smile and he rushed over to greet her.
"I'm sorry I didn't call, I just couldn't get myself together enough" said Daphne quietly.
Velma quickly led Daphne towards the bedroom; she could see Daphne was working hard to keep her emotions in check. Shaggy closed the front door then headed to the kitchen.
"Like I'll get you both a coffee, still black no sugar?" Daphne nodded "Things are a bit hectic at the moment Daph, so you two talk in the bedroom. I'll bring some food in for you both in a bit after I've fed the kids" said Shaggy. Daphne stooped dead in her tracks and did some rapid mental calculations.
"Kids! But, but you can't have, have you?"
"No Daph, these are some of the neighbour's kids" said Velma. Shaggy and Velma glanced at each other, Daphne tried to read what passed between them.
Velma sat Daphne down on the bed then closed the door. Daphne looked up, to Velma she appeared so upset and hurt; it was the hurt that she found the hardest to see in her friend's face. Velma sat next to her and took her hand.
"Daph?"
"I've left Fred" Daphne said quietly
"Oh thank goodness, we've been so worried about you. When?" whispered Velma closing her eyes with relief.
"Last month, but we really parted the day we got back from New York. I moved into a separate room that night when I saw that note from you."
"I'm sorry Daph, I just couldn't take it any longer; neither of us could."
"I understand Velma, you had to go. When I read that little p.s. saying that you and Shaggy were going together as a couple that was such a bittersweet moment."
"Jinkies Daph I can't describe how that day felt. It was a total rollercoaster for me. One minute I'm bawling my eyes out trying to write a letter to Shaggy the next we're well, you know, together" Velma blushed.
"Awwww Velma."
"I know Daph, it's a special memory."
"I'll bet. So how are you two doing now? It sounded tense at times."
"The first week or so was just a blur. The two months in the company place though, that nearly broke us. How we didn't end up killing each other or just walking out I don't know, we both slept on the couch from time to time."
"Jeepers Velma, I knew it had been tense but didn't know it was that bad."
"It was both our faults, we let things go too far too fast. But I don't think we'd be where we are now if it wasn't for that time. We both grew up a lot."
"So?"
"Things changed when we moved here, we could unpack, literally and emotionally and as for sleeping on the couch, it's only when we fall asleep watching TV."
"That's so old-married-couple Velma" said Daphne
"I guess so. What about you Daph? We haven't really followed what MI have been doing, we know you've got some new people."
"We did a couple of cases, just me and Fred" Daphne paused "For a while it looked like he was starting to see sense. That we could rebuild what we've lost but..." Daphne paused.
"I know Daph, we've all felt like that on a case. You gave it your best shot. We all loved the old Freddie, we still do; but the new one…" Velma shook her head.
"The final straw was when I found that he'd been sleeping with one of the new team members. He was insufferable and inattentive yet still expected me to play the role as his glamorous and loyal girlfriend, even while he was..." Velma wrapped her arms around Daphne and pulled her close as Daphne's emotions let go.
"What are you doing now?" asked Velma softly when Daphne regained her composure.
"I've moved in with my parents for now. My father has forbidden Fred from coming anywhere the house or near me which is a huge relief, he's got the lawyers all lined up just in case. I'm not sure what I'll do next, but I knew as soon as I had my head together I needed to see you all. I need time away from Coolsville so I'm thinking of visiting my relatives in Scotland and Paris."
"That'll do you the world of good, you look worn out Daph."
"I haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks" said Daphne
There was a gentle knock on the door; hearing no objections Shaggy entered carrying a tray with a bowl of soup for the each and some odd-shaped rolls. He quickly retired so he could keep an eye on the kids. Teaching them how to wash-up afterwards was his next task.
"I've missed this, jeepers how I've missed this" said Daphne holding the food in her hands.
"I know Daph. I wouldn't change how me and Shag are now, but I've really missed you not being here."
The pair continued to talk and catch up with what had happened in their lives, there were tears and laughter from both of them. 'The Princess and The Geek' they were known as at school, the unlikeliest double-act ever to grace a school corridor. Despite their differences, probably because of their differences, they'd stuck together through thick and thin and over the years had formed an unbreakable bond, except of course when it came to clothes shopping.
Shaggy knocked and stuck his head round the door "Homework time Vel."
"Homework?" said Daphne
"Yeah, I help the kids with their homework on Fridays and Shaggy teaches them how to cook something."
"Like Douglas has some business studies stuff, that's your area Daph d'ya want to help?"
"Sure, why not" Daphne brightened.
Finally all the work was done, the children were returned home and Shaggy had taken some of the soup and rolls up to Sal and Molly. Daphne sat on the couch and stroked Scooby head which was resting on her lap.
"How are you doing now Shag?"
"Better like now we're in our own place. Too many new things, we nearly called it quits, but we made it through without killing each other. I wouldn't change things now thought."Shaggy smiled at Velma who looked happily back at him.
"So what do you do Shag?"
"Like I have three jobs, I'm a part-time investigator for the local Humane Society, a volunteer cook at local homeless refuge and a house husband. The last one is the hardest" Velma put her hands on her hips and gave Shaggy an amused stare.
"See what I mean Daph!"
Daphne laughed and wiped a tear from her eye. She realised she hadn't really laughed for weeks either.
They talked for ages finally Daphne lay down on the couch and stretched out; she folded her jacket up and used it as a pillow. It's like we were never apart mused Daphne, she let the familiar sounds of her friends talking lull her to sleep.
"So Daph there's a live music club a few blocks from here or Spanish restaurant we've been to a couple of times. Daph?"
Shaggy and Velma looked at Daphne; she was sleeping deeply so they quietly took their leave returning briefly to cover her with a couple of blankets. Velma glanced back as she headed to bed; Daphne's face was now one of peace. That night on a old couch, with Scooby curled on the floor next to her, her jacket as a pillow and a blanket thrown over her Daphne Blake slept the sleep of the saved.
(A/N Fred is a more extreme version of the character from the first live-action Scooby Doo film)
