Saturday quickly arrived; the day of the party. I made sure I got up early to clean the house before we set up. It was six in the morning on a Saturday, what was wrong with me? I guess I was just excited for the party. Before I got to work on cleaning the house I decided to take shower, I don't have to bathe but it felt nice and I sort of missed it. I found myself listening to Grojband's shower song that they did; what can I say, it was catchy.

I got to work on cleaning, making sure the windows were clear, the floors scrubbed, and pretty much a complete wipe down of everything else in the house. After I was finished I looked at the time and found only an hour had passed. I was surprised with myself, I had never done any sort of cleaning that fast. Maybe I was becoming a parent. Since I was done I decided to look through a clothing catalogue, it would be nice to change my outfit a bit.

As I flipped through the pages something caught my eye. It was a plain-looking pink apron, and it just spoke to me, as if it was made just for me…then I saw the price.

"A thousand dollars!? Why is a fine-looking apron so expensive!? Wait…fire-proof, stain-resistant, carbon fiber insulation? Well then, that is a military grade apron, but I can't just spend money on myself like that. Sure I got millions of dollars, but that's for important stuff."

I looked around the living room after I realized I was talking to myself.

" *sad sigh* Well, I guess I can always look at it from time to time. It would look good on me."

I went into the kitchen and looked at the list for the party; pretty standard stuff: food, drinks, and balloons. Then there was the techy stuff that I'm sure Kin and Kim both have so that was covered. I'd have Katrina get the snacks while everyone else helped set everything up, which wouldn't take too long thus giving the band some time to practice before their performance.

I set my laptop on the counter near the stove and looked up some omelet recipes. I also decided to make a few news updates the band websites because I knew the fans would want to tune in for the special livestream battle of the bands. I began cooking breakfast for myself and the kids when they decided to get up and come down; all the while listening to 'I'm Alright' by Kenny Loggins.

I heard someone coming down the stairs half an hour later and looked to see it be Corey, probably smelling the breakfast I made.

"Well well well, look who's up."

Corey: "Morning, what smells so good?"

"Breakfast?"

Corey: "Sweet!"

Corey sat down and began eating when we both heard Katrina come down the stairs. Corey, with his mouth full, just waved to his sister; who smiled and waved back.

Katrina: "Breakfast smells great! There's no crust on the toast right?"

"Don't worry, I cut the crust off your toast just for you. I still don't understand your allergies Katrina, they just seem…odd."

Katrina: "Tell me about it, but hey, everyone's born different."

I joined them in eating breakfast and asked if they wanted to listen to anything while we ate, they both only shrugged. I would have expected a request from Corey at least, but nonetheless I snapped my fingers and a random classical piece began playing.

"I assume you two are excited for the party?"

Katrina: "Ecstatic! This'll be like the perfect opportunity to show everyone how much I've changed!"

Corey: "That sounded like something old Trina would do."

Katrina: "Old Trina is gone, and new Katrina is here! Sure I'll be nicer, but I won't be some pushover and I'll get firm when necessary."

"Sounds like an improvement to me. Speaking of a new Katrina, I looked over a certain someone's dental records. Aren't you getting your braces off by the end of the year?"

Katrina's eyes lit up with joy, "O-M-G you're right! I can't wait to get these out, it's so hard to maintain them."

"Just as a head up, as soon as they come off your teeth are gonna feel really weird. So don't be embarrassed if you end up licking your teeth a lot. And don't get me started on the retainer."

Corey: "Wow, I am glad I didn't have the tooth gap; I couldn't handle braces."

We finished breakfast and the two went off to get ready for the day as I cleaned the dishes. I kept thinking to myself I that I was getting pretty good at doing average housework; it was an improvement to what I used to do. After I finished the dishes I grabbed the magazine I was looking at earlier and sat on the couch. I found the page with the pink apron again and stared at it for a while…an hour, I stared at it for an hour. It was a really nice looking apron and as bad as I wanted it I was going to hold myself back and not spend money on myself.

Bernadette: "Whatcha lookin at?"

Needless to say I was startled, so startled in fact I quickly closed the magazine and chucked it across the living room. I felt my face get really warm so I knew I was flustered about the whole thing.

"N-nothing! What, who!? Bernadette how are you this fine morning you sure do look lovely! When did you get here!?"

Bernadette only giggled at my light freak out, "I got here like 10 minutes ago calm down."

"Sorry…it's just, you startled me."

Bernadette: "Sorry, so Katrina and I are heading to the store to get the food now."

"Okay, I'm probably gonna get some work done, so…see you later."

Her cheeks turned a light red as she waved and left the room. My heart was pounding and my palms got sweaty.

"I am such a nervous wreck around her."

My phone began to ring in my pocket so I answered it, "Marvin Backs speaking, how can I help you today?"

Kin: "Hey Marv, it's Kin…um, can we talk? I got some stuff I need some help with something."

"Yeah, sure Kin. Meet me at my office, I'll be over there shortly."

He hung up the phone and I made my way to my 'office'. When I got there, Kin was already waiting for me outside the garage playing a little video game. I was curious as to what he wanted to talk to me about.

"Hey Kin, did you wait long?"

Kin: "Hey man, nah it's cool, I got here like 5 minutes ago."

I unlocked the garage door and motioned him inside, I closed it behind us and sat down across from him.

"So what's up?"

Kin: "Well, the thing is, Kim and I have been talking recently and we've learned a lot about each other. She says that she likes me, but like in a really good friend kind of way."

"And so, what, do you two have an attraction to one another?"

Kin: "We talked about that too, and we came to a conclusion that neither one of us find the whole dating scene to be our thing? Like we'd hang out and enjoy each other's company but no funny business."

"Oh, well then you two are aromantic then."

Kin: "Aromantic?"

"Yeah. You feel no romantic attraction towards another individual. There's a wide range on how it is for different people but from what you told me it seems like you have a basic case."

Kin: "Huh, yeah I guess that makes sense. Thanks Marv!"

"Not a problem. Anything else?"

Kin: "Oh yeah, that Marcus guy who was here. Is he a vampire?"

My eyes widened when he asked me that, honestly I never really told anyone exactly what Marcus was. Sure he is a vampire but he's actually a lot more than that.

"Well, thing is, he's not just a vampire."

Kin's eyes lit up as he pulled out a pen and notepad, "go on."

"Well he's part vampire, yes, but he's also part human, demon, siren, banshee, and mancubus."

Kin: "That sounds dangerous."

"He is seductively dangerous, yes."

Kin: "Yeah, are we ever gonna see him again because he sorta promised he'd play with us one time."

"Yeah he got…caught up in some personal business so we might not see him for a long time."

Kin: "Dang, I'll have to tell the others that. Well that's really all I had, so I guess I'll see you later."

"Anytime Kin, later."

I escorted Kin out of the garage and waved him off. I then sat down in my chair with an overwhelming sense of boredom. The party wasn't until tonight and they all had everything under control; I had a lot of time to kill. I decided to look online to see if there were any upcoming gigs or special appearances, but to no avail. Besides I had a feeling that I'd be helping them with a lot of schoolwork once they get back into it.

I sat still staring at the computer screen until the screensaver activated, where I caught a glimpse of my reflection. I had seen my reflection multiple times, but I never really looked at it. I brought my hand up to my face and slowly moved over the features of my face. I had seen myself in so many different universes that I never really appreciated the opportunity I had with each of them. Each style of animation was so unique, and I remember each one had a different feeling to it. This face felt…fuller, but compared to everyone else it felt simpler.

I snapped my fingers to get some music started so that could relax a bit. 'The Middle' by Jimmy Eat World began playing as I laid back into the chair, and as the song went on I couldn't help but think of a certain teal-haired girl. I had strong feelings for her and she knows it, while at the same time she has feelings for me and I know it.

"Then why am I such a butt!? Why can't I just express my feelings towards her? Maybe I am just a pathetic loser. No! It's that kind of thinking that's holding you back! But what if she finds out about the real me, I don't want anything bad to happen to her!"

I continued with this fight with myself for a solid hour, and as it continued it escalated into yelling at myself and finally into an all-out tussle. I stopped after I had thrown myself into the garage door.

"Alright…I know what I have to do!"

I grabbed my phone and texted Bernadette to come see me at my office. After a few minutes she texted back saying that she was on her way and asked if there was anything wrong.

"Nothing wrong, I would just like to talk to you. Send."

I brushed myself off and sat in my chair, trying not to feel so nervous. It was hard not to; Bernadette's sweet, caring, and tries really hard to please people. And yet she also has some hidden bits of strength and some sass in her. In a last minute attempt to be a romantic I put some scented candles here and there and lit them before quickly sitting on my desk, trying my best not to look embarrassing.

I then heard a knock on the garage door, and I knew it was Bernadette. Before hitting the automatic door opener I took a deep breath to get some last-second courage in. I hit the door opener and snapped my fingers to start playing a song I had saved up for a moment like this. When the door opened to reveal Bernadette standing there with a curious expression on her face, REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling" began to play. When she heard the music, her face turned that adorable shade of red that it does and I noticed she was holding back a giggle. I felt my face going red as the song started going and giving her an awkward little smile. She slowly started walking towards me as the song continued around us, and I couldn't help but move myself towards her as well.

Our eyes were locked on to each other, never looking away we grew close until I felt her small, tender hands on top of me. Our eyes were gleaming with wonder and a want towards one another, and as the chorus to the song began our faces had come together in a kiss that felt as if it could stop time and bring gods to their knees in tears. Her lips were warm and soft, and I never wanted to let go, but we needed to breathe eventually. After we broke the kiss she looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

"Is…is there something wrong?"

Bernadette: "I just never thought…I'd meet someone who cared for me as much as you do."

She then began to giggle in joy and it eventually turned into a laughter which got me laughing too. We hugged each other tightly and just continued to laugh and sat on the couch.

Bernadette: "So, heh, are we dating now?"

"Absolutely."

She gave me a big kiss on the forehead as she pulled on my hoodie collar. "We should probably get going."

"I guess, but we could take our time."

Bernadette: "Exactly what I had in mind."

We got up and she helped me blow out the candles and lock up the house. We then slowly started heading back towards the Riffin house. She had her arms wrapped round right arm and nuzzled into my sleeve. She looked so happy and at peace, it brought a smile to my face with a blush.

"Hey Bernadette?"

Bernadette: "Yeah, Marv?"

"I…ahem, I love you."

Bernadette's face went bright red and she hid her face in embarrassment with a giggle. Her timidity was adorable and I couldn't get enough of it. I knew that it had been a long time since I last dated someone, but I was going to do my best to make it work between us. That was a promise.

When we showed up at the house everything looked like it was coming together for the party: all the food was out, speaker system was set up all around the house, anything breakable was put away; it was very impressive. Then I heard a high-pitched squeal come from the stairs, Katrina had saw Bernadette and I holding hands.

Katrina: "O to the M to the G! Did you two finally get together!?"

Bernadette: "Eeee, we did, isn't it great!?"

Katrina: "Like totes great Mins! Hey Marvin, can I talk to you in the kitchen for a sec?"

"Sure, I'll be right back Bernadette."

I followed Katrina into the kitchen, not expecting what was going to happen. "So what's up Katrina?"

She turned around and she had a mad stare on her face. She quickly grabbed me by my hoodie and pulled me down to her eye level.

Katrina: "I know you're our legal guardian now, and while I'm grateful for everything you've done for us and stuff, but Mina is my best friend. So if she's even the tiniest ounce of unhappy, I. Will. Hurt you. Okaysies?"

I was so afraid I couldn't say anything so I only nodded in agreement.

Katrina: "Okay then, well party time's almost here so let's get this place lookin' great, kay?!"

I gave a nervous smile that was also packed up by some fear. It was nice to know that she still had her powers of intimidation. I walked into the garage to check up on the band, and when I did they were playing a rocking song that they had recently come up with. I waited for them to finish before giving them a slow clap.

"Absolutely wonderful you guys, but I think you're gonna need more than that if you wanna beat the Newmans."

Corey: "I'm not worried, this should be fun!"

Laney: "How are you even able to manage two rivaling bands anyway?"

"Laney, come on, I've had plenty of experience in my life to know how to handle two groups of fourteen-year-olds. It's not like I haven't done this before."

Kon: "Hey, Mina just updated her relationship status on Bleater! You guys got together, that's awesome!"

My face turned red with embarrassment; I wasn't use to people being supportive or even knowing about me being in a relationship with someone. "Y-yeah, y'know I thought that maybe now was a good time as any to…let her know how I felt?"

Corey: "Let's cut him some slack guys, he deserves to be happy."

"Thanks Corey. So how many songs do you guys have for the battle?"

Kin: "J…just the one."

"You're kidding me."

Laney: "We sorta just finished this one."

I couldn't help but facepalm and take in a deep breath. "It's fine, it's fine. One song each band should be enough, then you guys can just play I guess."

Kon: "Hey as long as we're having fun, this is a party after all."

They all gave me reassuring thumbs-ups and I just chuckled it off. I then went to see how the rest of the house looked. I tested the bowl of punch to make sure that it wasn't spiked; I knew I could trust them but it was just a precaution. Thankfully it wasn't. I then felt a tap on my shoulder, and I turned around to see the Newmans with their equipment.

"Hey, you're early. You can set your stuff up in the garage, Grojband's still practicing."

Carrie: "Sure yeah, we'll get right on that, but…can you and I have a little…chat?"

I got nervous again, I had already been threatened by Bernadette's best friend, my god-daughter. Now I was going to be threatened by her younger sister. Problem was, I wasn't too sure how she was going to threaten me. So her bandmates left to set their stuff up while Carrie gave me a rather sinister grin as she pulled me down to her eye level.

Carrie: "Do you care about my sister?"

"Yes."

Carrie: "Do you care what happens to her?"

"Yes."

Carrie: "Are you going to let her down?"

"Never."

Carrie: "Good, because if anything happens to her, I'll rip out your femur and beat you with it. Understand?"

"Y-yes ma'am."

Carrie: "Good, okay, great talk. Have fun!"

With that, Carrie left to join the others and I just slumped onto the floor still registering in my mind what had just happened. I felt the small, tender head pats of my new girlfriend on top of my head.

Bernadette: "There there, I'm sure we'll be fine. Now come on, party's starting and guests are gonna start showing up!"