Title: Just a Year. Or Two.
Writer: Pochee
Rating: M
Summary: This is the somewhat epic story before the epic story. This story takes place before Ramona moved to Canada, before Scott got a real job, before Wallace started dating the other Scott, and before Julie became a bitch-wait...no, Julie was always a bitch, never mind. This is the less-awesome-than-the-actual-Scott-Pilgrim-comics tale about how our awe-inspiring, uncanny, oddball duo met; and why they share the same bed.
Everything's at the end.
I own nothing mentioned in this chapter or story. All characters, video games, and shows mentioned belong to their rightful creators.
Goodbye, and Goodnight!
Chapter 9: Tying Off Loose Ends
I came home from Young Neil's place, to finally move into Wallace's apartment, only to find out that Wallace wanted to buy another bed, or more like two beds:
"What? Why?"
"Cause it's weird to come into an apartment, that two people share, and see a mattress on the floor and realize that's where they've been sleeping,"
"But don't lovers share a bed?"
"No- Wait, what-"
"Plus, we've been sharing it up until now, so why change something that didn't break?"
Wallace stared at me for a moment, rubbing his temples before he answered: "One: I think you meant, 'why fix something when it's not broken.' And two: you're living here now, so if you really want to sleep on a mattress...fine." I smiled at him before engulfing him in a hug.
"Thanks, Wallace,"
"Yeah, yeah, at least let me buy some more pillows," And with that, he pulled away and left for the store.
A couple days later, I met up with Stephen Stills to recruit our ideal band member. Stephen Stills and I agreed that we would need a drummer who could kick some major ass. That's when a certain fiery redhead popped into my mind, "What about Kim Pine?"
"Kim plays the drums?" Stephen Stills seemed surprised, "Since when?"
"Since like always?" Stephen Stills gave me this look, and so I corrected myself, "Okay, no, since high school."
"That sounds better," Stephen Stills rolled his eyes, "Do you even know if she wants to be part of a band?"
"Why won't she?" I questioned, who played an instrument and didn't want to be in a band?
"...fine," He sighed after a couple of minutes of thinking it over, "Where does she live?"
"Um, can't we just meet her like here or at the Rockit?" I quickly offered, not wanting to go any where near her apartment.
"That's unprofessional, Scott," He frowned, before he grabbed my last nacho.
"Dude-!"
"Where does she live, Scott?" Stephen Stills asked again, firmer this time and I knew he meant business.
"Fine, but you owe me a nacho!" He nodded, "She lives in a fortress full of horrid beast and monsters."
"Are you seriously describing her roommates like that?" Stephen Stills asked, completely turned off by my description. Although, I doubt he was ever turned on to begin with...
"That's how she described them!" I tried to defend myself, but Stephen Stills just rolled his eyes again.
He would never admit it, but once we reached the front steps to Kim's apartment, Stephen Stills was just as nervous to see what was inside as I was. As we climbed to what could be our last minutes of life, he explained the plan:
"We can do this," Stephen Stills told me, "Just knock, Scott."
"What? Why me?" I asked, fear running through my veins, "You're the leader of this band, I'm just the bassist!"
"Fine, be a wimp and wuss out on me," He frowned as he raised an arm to press the doorbell, but instantly turned back to me, "As leader of this band, I order you to do it!"
"What?" I yelled, throwing my arms up, "And you call yourself a leader!"
Suddenly, the front door to the apartment building opened, "Um, can I help you?" Stephen Stills turned around to be met by a girl with blonde hair.
"Uh, yes, we're looking for-" Stephen Stills started, but the girl walked back into the apartment yelling: "Kim! There's two dipshits standing at the door like some fucking retards, they must be friends of yours!"
Stephen Stills and I exchanged looks of confusion and fear, before a fuming Kim Pine came running down the stairs. She pushed us further out of the doorway, slamming the door behind her, and nearly punching me in the face, "What the fuck are you doing here, Scott?"
"I-I came because Stephen Stills-" I stopped and motioned to the man beside me, then continued, "And I wanted you to join our band."
"Your band?" Kim arched a brow, unimpressed, but curious.
"Yep, we're the Sex-bob-ombs," Stephen Stills spoke up, taking the lead like a leader should, "I play the guitar and Scott plays the-"
"Bass, I know," Kim's eyebrow fell back into its place, as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Oh... Well, anyway, we want you as our drummer cause Scott said you can play some mean drums," He tried again, only to be ignore.
"The Sex-bob-ombs, uh?" Kim eyed me as a smirk spread across her face like a forest fire.
"Don't look at me, I didn't come up with it!" I put my hands up defensively, smiling at Kim for knowing me too well.
"Yeah, okay, I'll join," Kim sighed, her smirk disappearing, "But only because I like the name."
It's been two months. Two whole fucking months since I've played my Final Fantasy game.
"Wallace, where the hell is the disc?" I questioned him, irritated to the max.
"I already told you, I lost it," He weakly smiled with that apologetic look on his face. This was getting old, really old.
"Wallace, for real man, where is it?" I sighed, "I'm so close to finishing it, like it's not even funny. I dreamt of the final cut scene!"
"I know, I know," Wallace continued with that stupid guilty look on his face, "I'll buy you a new game."
"A new game!" I almost smacked him when I threw my hands up, "I don't want a new one! Just tell me where the old one is, Wallace!"
"Scott, you act like a six year old sometimes..." He frowned as he walked away, towards the kitchen.
"Well, maybe if you didn't act like a fucking old fart, and stopped hiding my shit-"
"Your shit? I bought you that shit," Wallace corrected, as he opened the fridge. I frowned, so? I was the only one who played it around here...
"So, do you have any plans for today?" Wallace questioned, walking back into the living room area, a beer in hand. He was trying to change the subject again.
"Yeah," I hissed as I turned around to watch him plop down onto the armchair, "I was going to play some Final Fantasy."
"Oh, come on, Scott," Wallace rolled his eyes at me, "Just stop,"
"I would if I had my Final Fa-" I began again, but was rudely interrupted by a flying beer can (still full of beer).
"Alright! I didn't lose it!" Wallace yelled, standing up and marching over to the mattress.
"That almost hit me..." I mumbled as I watched him reach under our bed and pull a CD case out. It was a blank cover, but when he opened it, I could see the Final Fantasy disc inside. I raced over, snatching the game from him. "Ha ha!" I cheered with a triumphant grin, running to put the disc into the console and play some FF XIII!
"Wait! Scott!" Wallace tried to stop me, but it was too late. The game was in and playing, the controller was in my hands, and buttons were being pushed.
"Dude, I've waited so long to play this," I beamed, taking a seat on the floor in front of the TV. I loaded my file and waited for the game to begin, "Oh man, bro, this is going to be sic-"
Suddenly, the background music for the first level filled my ears. I stared blankly at the screen, "Why am I back on the aircraft?"
"Well, about that..." I turned around to find that Wallace's guilty face was back 10 fold.
"Wallace, be ever so kind and explain to me why the hell I'm back on the fucking aircraft!" I voice continued to increase in volume, until I was shouting at him. He flinched and looked away.
Clearing his throat, he spoke in a quiet voice, "I started playing it and accidentally saved over your game..."
I walked out. Just sat my controller down on the floor, stood up, and walked out the door. I walked across the street, in through my front door, right pass Stacey, and up the stairs. When I got to my room, I calmly locked my door. It was then, and only then, that I screamed a continuous string of fucks and shits.
My life was over, like game over.
The small ringing of the tiny bell sung throughout the cafe, as I entered the building. "Welcome to- Oh... It's you," A joyful and wonderful Julie Powers glared as she went back to reading her magazine behind the coffee shop counter.
"Why, hello to you too, Julie," I laughed as I approached the register, "You seem cheerful as always."
"Oh, shut up," She frowned as she turned away from the gossip magazine and went over to the espresso machine, "The usual?"
"Yes, thank you," I replied, trying to read her magazine upside down. I squinted my eyes, but it seemed futile.
"I got some juicy news yesterday," Julie told me over her shoulder as she filled one of the small, plastic shot cups.
"Yeah?" I questioned, grabbing her magazine and walking over to a two-seater table. I flipped through the pages while waiting for Julie and my espresso to join me. I stopped on a page that featured Lucas Lee, 'the new rising movie star'.
"So, guess what," Julie smirked as she placed my coffee in front of me and took the seat across from me.
"What?" I asked, drinking some of my delicious, godly espresso.
"Guess," Her smirk grew.
"Julie, I hate guessing games," I stated bluntly, "Just tell me."
"Fine, but you're no fun," Her smirk fell into her normal frown, but she proceeded to tell me nonetheless, "I heard this rumor-"
"From?" I interrupted her, if the source wasn't creditable, then she could stop right there.
"A friend," She glared at me, "Anyway, I heard that another Chinese family is moving into town"
"Really?" I asked, a bit surprised. A lot of Asian families had been moving here recently...
"Yep, and you know the worst part?" She leaned forward over the table, beckoning for me to do the same. I gave a short sigh of irritation, before complying to her request.
"What's the worst part?" I asked, just wanting to drink my coffee in peace.
"They named their high school daughter named after a kitchen utensil," She hissed more at the thought, than anything else, "I mean, who does that?"
"I don't know, maybe they're hungry people?" I attempted to crack a joke, as I went to sit back into my seat.
"...that was stupid as hell. God, you need to get out more, Wallace. You've been spending too much time with Scott," She spoke as she stood up, snatched the magazine off the table, and started back for the counter, "I remember when you use to be cool."
"Yeah, love you too, Julie," I laughed as I looked out the window nearby.
"Yo, Kimberly!" Scott called out as he busted through the front door of No-Account Video Store, while I followed behind him.
"I swear to God, Pilgrim..." She growled shooting daggers at him, "Call me that again, and I'll rip your larynx out with my bare hands."
Scott just laughed as he disappeared behind one of the video shelves. "How's business been?" I asked the redhead as I walked over to the counter.
"It's been fine," She sighed, turning her attention towards the computer in front of her, "We'll be having some competition in couple of years."
"Oh, is a new store coming in?" I asked, looking at the movie posters on the wall behind the counter.
"No, our boss made an announcement yesterday that Amazon is moving some of their American workers over here," Hollie Hawkes smiled as she appeared from the back room.
"Why does that mean competition?" I arched a brow, but gave a quick wave to Hollie.
"Cause people will order videos off the Internet compared to coming here," Kim explained as she studied the blue screen in front of her.
"Plus, who wants to walk all the way here and rent a movie, when they can just stay home and it'll get delivered to their door?" Hollie made a valid point and both Kim and I nodded in agreement.
"Well, at least you have loyal customers like me and Wallace!" Scott beamed with pride as he emerged from one of the aisle with a movie in hand.
"Yeah, unfortunately..." Kim mumbled, frowning at the computer.
"It's nice when you two show up, because we get to have a quick chats like this," Hollie grinned as she took the DVD from Scott and scanned it, "It doesn't feel like we're working, you know?"
"Hm," Kim assented with Hollie, her eyes never leaving the computer screen.
"Oh, speaking of your wonderful company, Scott," Hollie's smile didn't weakened, as she bagged the movie, "When are you planning on taking us to the Rockit for those drinks?"
"What drinks?" I asked, obviously missing out on something. And it had to be something important because Kim finally looked up from the computer with a smirk on her face.
"Oh, yeah..." Scott looked away, as Hollie handed the bag to him, "I'll call Kim later about it..."
"Okay, well, have a nice day!" Hollie called as we headed for the door.
"And come again..." Kim groaned as she went back to staring at the company computer.
"Thanks!" I smiled at the girls and followed behind Scott.
"What was that about?" I chuckled as I realized that his face had turned pink.
"Nothing, don't worry about it..." He sighed, walking in the direction of my house.
"Well...okay, but am I invited too?" I joked, never being able to pass up a drinking opportunity.
"If you want, I guess," He laughed, waiting for me to catch up. We walked side by side, holding hands, until we reached my house.
"Ah, what about this one?" Stacey asked as she picked up a CD. Julie hummed as she looked at the disc from over Stacey's shoulder.
It had been a while since Julie, Stacey, and I had just hung out. And I mean, hung out for fun. Not for brain storming or looking for solutions to my relationship problems. So, Stacey had suggested that we go to the CD shop and find some new music. Afterwards we would go to the Stephen Still's place and listen to Scott's new band, Sex-something or other.
"Oh no, this one's better," Stacey's voice brought me back into reality. She was holding up a record now, and Julie and I exchanged looks.
"Yeah, I mean, that's a good band and all, Stacey," I weakly smiled, not wanting to offend the girl with my next statement, but Julie spoke up before me:
"But you don't own a record player, in case you forgot," She rolled her eyes as she moved on to the next section of music.
"Maybe I don't," Stacey mumbled as she put the record back, "But my boyfriend does..."
There was complete silence after that. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards Stacey. Julie's jaw was slacked and her eyes were wide, "Y-You have a boyfriend? Since when?"
"What? You're kidding, right? You're just a kid though!" I exclaimed, smirking a bit as I did. I had given myself away, but I doubt Stacey would have fallen for it anyway.
"I knew you would be happy for me!" She smiled, before engulfing me in a hug.
"Wallace, you can't support this underage relationship. Stacey's just in high school," Julie joked with a smile, before she walked over to Stacey to receive her hug. "So, what's he like?" Julie questioned curiously.
"Is he hot?" I smirked at the duo.
"Wallace!" Stacey scolded with a grin, "And yes, he is."
"Well, not only does the six year old get a boyfriend, but she gets a hot one," Julie complained, "I wish I had one..."
"Wait, what?" I arched an eyebrow, "Last time I talked to you, which was like two days ago, Stephen and you were dating."
"What happened?" Stacey asked, concerned.
"Nothing," She sighed, turning to the CDs in front of her, "We just needed a break."
"More like Stephen needed a break," I smirked, receiving a glare from Stacey, "I mean, no offense or anything, but you're a lot to handle."
"Offense taken, jackass," Julie hissed at me before her angry face changed to one of shock. Suddenly Julie was pushing passed me to reach the "New Releases" section.
"Look!" She beamed as she held a single CD in her hands, "They finally released their debut album!"
"Who?" Stacey and I questioned in unison.
"Who else, but The Clash at Demonhead?" She frowned when neither Stacey nor I reacted, "Ugh, its Envy Adams' new band."
"What?" Stacey all but screamed, as she ran over and snatched the CD out of Julie's hands.
"Hey!" Julie protested.
"Can you guys imagine Scott's face if he found out that Natalie drop an album?" Stacey's brows knitted together as she looked around the music store nervously.
"He'll eventually found out, even if we don't tell him," I pointed out with a sigh.
"So, then just tell him, what's wrong with that?" Julie proposed, grabbing the CD back from Stacey.
"The problem with that is: Scott's a jealous guy. If he found out, he'd probably piss his pants or something dramatic," I explained, rubbing my temples. I love Scott, but sometimes he overreacts. No, scratch that. He always overreacts.
"Like the time you told him about his game," Stacey snickered, as we all headed for the cashier.
"I told him I was sorry!" I threw my hands up, "I didn't know he'd throw a tantrum!"
"Look, Wallace is right, whether we tell him or not, he'll find out," Julie handed the guy at the counter the Clash at Demonhead CD, "So, let him find out on his own."
We all agreed and decided that Scott would figure it out in time. Later we all went to Stephen's house for Scott's band practice. They hadn't even been practicing for ten minutes, when Julie decided to announce the news about Clash at Demonhead to Scott. After that, he refused to leave the bathroom, and was in there for about 30 minutes having a hissy fit.
"Scott, where is today's newspaper?" I questioned when I finished cleaning dishes, "I put it on the counter before I started cooking breakfast-" But when I put the last plate away and walked into the living room, I found it in Scott's hands. "What are you doing?" I asked him, tilting my head to the side. He was laying on his stomach on the floor with the newspaper spread out all around him.
"Looking for a job," He stated bluntly.
"Why?" I asked as I took a seat in the armchair.
"If I'm gonna live here, I have to help pay for rent," He answered in a matter-of-fact way.
"Wait, hold on, live here?" I moved to the edge of my seat.
He nodded, eyes still skimming the articles.
"As in my apartment?" I suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable.
"Our apartment. And yes," He nodded again.
"Scott!" He turned his head to look at me, "Since when did you plan on living here?"
"Since the beginning?" Scott looked confused by my question. I exhaled a pent up sigh, before slumping in the chair.
"So, you never really planned on moving out?" I asked purely for clarification.
"Sounds about right," He smiled before turning his attention by to the job section of the newspaper.
"Fuck, the least you could have done was let me buy a bed..." I mumbled, somewhat grumpy.
"Who needs a bed, when you got a mattress and someone to keep you warm?" He said as he got up and walked over towards me. I rolled my eyes as Scott climbed into my lap. He strung his arms around my neck and puffed out his cheeks, "Don't be mad."
"I'm not," I simply replied. Scott smiled before giving me a quick kiss.
"Good," He hopped off my lap and took his place on the floor once more, "Then tomorrow you can help me get back to where I was in Final Fantasy!"
"Wait, no, no way in hell!" I stood up and marched over to him, "I refuse to play that game ever again!"
"We'll see, we'll see."
In a small apartment, in a tiny town, in Toronto Canada: what seems like two average roommates discussing job opportunities is nothing but the opposite.
Wallace Wells, a 24-year-old man 3 years out of college, talks with his boyfriend, Scott Pilgrim. Scott, only 21 years of age, exchanges views (and kisses) on life with Wallace, all while spread out on the floor like a bear rug. It was widely known by the entire town that Scott was not only dating Wallace, but that he was also living with him. The only thing that did not occur to the couple was that no one minded their relationship. In fact, those who saw the duo out together could not help but smile and think, "About damn time."
Holy crap...it's done. I finished the story! :D
But at the same time, I'm dying inside. I don't want to say goodbye to "Just a Year Or Two" and I definitely don't want to say goodbye to you guys (the readers)! I don't know any of you, but you all are awesome people. Thank you so much for going on this weird and crazy journey with me. I really hope that we can all do this again sometime! :)
Personal Thank You's (for the last time):
PrettyLittleScars: Oh my goodness, you're a comic book illustrator? Oh man, oh man, that's sooo cool! :D Well, congrats on the publication! What's the name of the comic? And thank you so much for reviewing and reading. Your reviews are always so kind and supportive. I really hope you enjoyed the story. :)
BlakeLovesPeace103: You're so welcome! I'm glad that the kinkiness (is that even a word? xD) worked and I'm so happy that I made you happy. Your reviews make me just as happy and thank you for all the support! No smut this time, but I hope you liked it anyway. :)
sheetamoon: Did I ever tell you how much I enjoy getting reviews from you? Between all the hugs and wicked awesomeness, it just makes my day! I'm glad that I could portray most characters accurately. Aljfdkfjafs! Your reviews, they're just so helpful and awesome. Thank you a ton for reading and reviewing, and hanging in there with me! :)
XamierTheNobody: Hahaha, no, no more self-hate or bitchy-ness. I couldn't write anymore drama filled chapters. xD Please love this chapter too? And seriously, thank you so much for reading this story and loving it and just for reviewing and ugh! Just thank you! :) P.S. your profile picture is priceless. xD
Adam-1D: Y u no like smut? Haha, no it's totally fine. I understand. I hope you like this chapter a little more (especially since there isn't any smut). Ah, you called my story nice, thank you! Thank you for loving the story and reviewing! Thank you, thank you, thank you! :D
Your Failing Epicness: Ah, love you too! :D And I promise I will! I'm actually planning to write another one soon, so be on the look out! Aww, you're too kind, calling my story "too good". Thank you a bunch for, first of all reading it, then loving it, and finally, for reviewing! It makes me so happy to know people actually like this. So, thank you again. :)
Welp, that's it kids. This story has finally come to an end. Thank you to everyone who read it, added it to their favorites, or reviewed. You guys made me want to finish this and, honestly, this is the first story I've ever finished. So thank you all! Thank you for the support, and the laughs, and just everything!
So, for the last time, please review and thank you all again. Have a great weekend, guys! :D