Chapter 11: Chocolate Eggs and Surprises

Easter…

"Zack, would you relax already!" Will scolded. She would have to remind him that it is not easy for a girl to talk on the phone while putting on stockings. "The party is going to be great. No alcohol, lots of dancing, and Al will be dressed like an anime bunny-girl." She switched the phone to speaker before attempting the stockings again.

"Just relax. You already got me to make sure all the guests are wearing rabbit ears, dressing fancy, and that the girls have dresses that match the color of their ears. Still mad at that, you know."

"Who the blue blazes are you talking to?" Al called from the hallway.

"The Easter Bunny! Now would you go put on your face, you nosey fox," Will yelled back. "Look Zack, I gotta go. Your girlfriend is having a crisis and if she finds me talking to you, it'll ruin everything. See you later." Will hung up the phone before walking out to find Al racing around half dressed looking for her left shoe, and Kat waiting in the living room. She was on the phone with the groomers. With Zack's party going on, the girls had decided to board the pets that weekend.

Will waited for Kat to hang up before asking, "So what's the word on the kids?"

"Well, do you want the good news or the bad news?" Kat replied, slipping her phone into her purse. She watched Will's eyes widen with concern. "The good news is the Whiskey met a dog named Henry, and they became fast friends. The bad news is that they now have to be isolated from the other dogs because they have formed an alliance, took all of the toys, and guarded them with snarling teeth. Whiskey pinned a Great Dane down because he, the Great Dane, took a squeaky toy. Also, I think that the Great Dane was Prince, Russell Wilson's dog. So that happened."

"Russell Wilson? You mean that guy from the football team?" Will asked. "Is he the one who eats skittles?"

"No, he's quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and it's the NFL," Kat said in a slightly condescending tone. "But you were close though."

Kat got up off the couch to head for her room. "Did Zack seriously have to color coordinate?" she groaned, throwing her hands in the air with gumption.

"At least we got to pick our own clothes," Will commented, though she agreed with Kat. Zack had specifically assigned the three girls colors: Al would dress in blue, Kat was in pink, and Will was given chocolate brown. Apparently, the guys would be receiving a colored bow tie at the party to match their dates. Anyone single would be without a tie and receive a special penalty from the host.

"This so stupid," Kat groaned, "and why does it have to be on a Sunday?"

"You're just mad because there's no alcohol."

"There's no what now?!" Kat asked, stopping and turning around to stare at Will in disbelief. "And how does he think I am supposed to get through the night?"

"At least there won't be any kids this time," Al stated, struggling into her shoe.

"Let's just hurry. The party starts in half an hour and we still need to do hair and make up." Will watched Al run back into her room. Kat went into the kitchen to get a drink—probably a glass of Riesling. Will decided she should finish getting ready too.

She slipped back into her room and put on the rest of her outfit. It was humorous just how different their outfits were. Kat had chosen a knee length, sleeveless dress with a snow-white base color. Different shades of pink and red splotches infused together were scattered about to look like abstract flowers. The dress flared slightly as the waist and had a high scoop neck cut. She wore pink heeled shoes and a set of matching bunny ears, tying it all together.

Meanwhile, Will and Al had gone to a costume shop and purchased bunny girl outfits. Al's was very similar to that of a traditional Play Boy bunny rabbit, tail and all. Will had chosen a light brown dress with puffed sleeves. The dress had a large cotton tail sewn to the back, and came with matching gloves, a chocolate apron, and rabbit feet shaped shoes. Will had passed on the rabbit feet and gloves, and had gotten a pair of brown lace up boots instead. She was all set except for her hair; she just could not decide on what style would look best with the bunny ears.

Ring!

"DOOR!" Kat called. "This is going to be a long night." Sounds of clinking glass and liquid being poured interpreted that Kat was about to down another glass of wine.

Ignoring it, Will went back to her hair. She was still struggling to find the right look. She could hear voices outside her door, but she focused on trying to straighten the top layer of her hair. She had gotten a small section done when there was a knock at the door.

"It's open!" she called. She heard the door click and turned around to find Puck standing there. "Hey stranger, what are you doing here?"

"Zack sent me to pick you all up, though Kat's boyfriend arrived as I did, so she will go with him."

"Well, he better take Al too. I still haven't a clue what to do with my hair." Will scoffed. "The rare occasion I actually care how it looks. Oh, why did I think I could straighten it in under thirty minutes?"

"Would you like some assistance?" Puck asked.

"Ha! Thanks, but unless you're some secret miracle hairstylist, I doubt there's anything that can be done."

"Only braiding and straightening." Will cocked an eyebrow in surprise. Puck laughed. "Shocking, I know, but I used to wear my hair much longer," he admitted, walking up behind her. "My mother got fed up with trying to convince me to shorten it, so she made me learn how to care for and style it. I think she was hoping I'd give in and cut it."

"I can relate. Did the short cut once; never again," Will joked. "I usually don't cut it, and styling can be a pain with a sensitive scalp and long, thick hair. But I doubt you could do any worse than it is now."

"Does this mean you're willing to let me try?" Puck asked with a hopeful smile.

Will shrugged, turned her back to the mirror, and handed him the brush. He gladly took it and began. As he worked, Will was pleasantly surprised. The brush glided through her hair, and Puck seemed to have a way of undoing knots and tangles without pulling. Will felt herself relax under his hands.

"What's the purpose of this party again?" Puck asked.

Will snapped open her eyes. Did I just fall asleep there? she thought. She looked at Puck in the mirror. "It's just a little thing Zack wanted to do," she replied. "We've all been busy lately, and I think he wanted to throw a party to bring back a little excitement. He is kind of vain about getting older and loosing his party status."

"I wouldn't say he's vain per se," he noted, putting the brush down. He then picked up the flatiron. "Though I feel it's more likely he wants Al to remember this party."

Will gave a very unladylike snort. "No kidding. She woke up after St. Patty's feeling like a train wreck and had almost no memory of anything. I don't think I could've gotten her to eat without you using your telekinesis on her."

"Guess it was fortunate…" Puck took a small section of Will's hair and separated it into strands. Then he picked up the hot iron. He became very focused on his task. "Certainly one of the most memorable birthdays for you."

"Hey, you're already off probation, remember?" Will teased. "And you earned major brownie points for sending those brats into a panic. Never thought they'd be the type to be scared of bats. I don't think they'll set foot in their treehouse for weeks."

Puck chuckled. "You may be right. It's a suitable place for them with all the insects investing the tree."

"Could switch them out for pigeons," Will suggested. "When those things find a roost, they don't leave."

"Then Lock, Shock, and Barrel might move in with you in retaliation."

"No thank you!" They both laughed.

"Okay, just one last thing and then you're done," Puck said.

"What do you mean…" Before Will could finish her question, Puck stood back. Will looked into the mirror and could not believe her eyes. Her hair was completely straight. It fell almost to the small of her back, making it much longer than it usually appeared.

Will stood and turned around. "Puck, you're awesome!" she said before hugging him. "I can't believe you did this in twenty minutes. It takes Kat nearly an hour to straighten my hair."

Puck hugged her back. "What, no kiss?" he asked playfully.

Will laughed and slapped his shoulder. "Fixing a girl's hair isn't on that level," she said. Will then retrieved two necklaces for her jewelry box. The first was her skeleton key, the other her birthday necklace. She slipped her key into a little purse. As she was about to slip on the other necklace, Puck stepped in, taking it from her hand. Smiling, Will moved her hair back so Puck could do the clasp. Then he picked up the bunny ears laying on her vanity and placed them atop Will's head.

Will turned around with an impish grin. "What would I do without you?" she teased.

"Still be trying to get ready," Puck stated, though he was thinking, She's so cute in that dress. He kept the thought to himself, instead looking down at his watch. It was already five o'clock. "We better get going or we'll be late."

"And if that happens, Zack will never let me hear the end of it," Will said. "He's got me working the room so everything's set for tonight. Making sure there's food, plenty of dancing, and everyone's wearing their colors. By the way, what's your color?" She pointed to Pucks outfit. "Zack swears he'll throw Easter eggs at anyone showing up stag."

"The guys receive their bow ties at the event, remember? I just have to tell Zack who I'm with." Puck started turning a little red and he drew his gaze from her. "And I was thinking…well, I was wondering if, maybe, you and I…"

Will paused, tapping her finger to her chin. "I don't know… I guess since my previous date canceled. The Easter Bunny was supposed to escort me, but it's kinda his holiday, so he's busy." She smirked. "Eh, what the heck! Throw on some ears and you'll be an easy substitute."

"Very funny."

Will stuck out her tongue and then left the room, Puck following after. When they got outside, Will quickly locked up the apartment. However, when she started walking out to the curb, she was greeted with the sight of Puck opening the passenger side of a black 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder.

"Seriously Puck? What happened to your Camaro?"

"Late Christmas gift from my father," he explained. "Said my other car was too old even for this century. If it helps, I made my brother take the Veyron."

XXX

"Oh, can't you just feel it!" Eros cried. "A young girl in the spring of first love."

"Eros, please, we need to keep quiet," Jack hushed. He was beginning to see why Valentine asked him to stay with the angel. "If we're caught, there'll be consequences."

"Now Jacky, I do know what I'm doing. I still don't see why we have to skulk about these bushes." Eros looked down in disgust as his favorite outfit was getting poked by the shrubbery. "Honestly! I just had this chiton dry-cleaned!"

"I know you're upset," Jack said, "but Valentine made it clear we were not to be seen, only observe. Doesn't he still have you on probation?"

The angel pouted. "Use one little love arrow on the wrong person and Vally grounds me," he complained. "Honestly! I'm older than him by centuries, and he has the audacity to treat me like a child. No flying. No archery. No invisibility! It's positively barbaric!"

"Please calm down," Jack said. "Valentine said something was going to happen today, and he wanted a report. You volunteered because Will was part of it."

Eros calmed, a dreamy smile coming to his face. "Ah yes! My stubborn blossom has finally bloomed," he whispered. "I was tickled pink when I learned she began dating. I wanted to congratulate her immediately, but silly sweetie had to go and be secretive. Just like a modern Romeo and Juliet. It's so romantic!"

Suddenly, the car pulled out of the driveway. Eros gasped and grabbed Jack by his wrist. "Hurry up, Jacky, or we'll loose them."

Jack reluctantly allowed Eros to drag him along. Occasionally he had to pull them back into the alleyways when they came to close encounters with people on the street. Yet Eros was oblivious in his mad dash to find out what was going to happen at this party.

I'm beginning to understand why Valentine stayed behind…

XXX

The party was in full swing. The lights, music, the food; everything was decorated to fit an Easter party. The decorations consisted of giant egg props, egg-shaped balloons, and streamers of blue, pink, purple, and green. The tables were set up with all kinds of sweet treats:chocolate eggs, cakes, cookies, brownies, and mountains of candy. The punch bowl was filled with fruit punch Capri Sun, and of course, everyone was dressed like fancy rabbits.

Zack was talking with some of the guests when Will and Puck walked in. He excused himself to welcome them.

"Hey you two," Zack greeted with a wide smile.

"Hey Zack. Looking sharp," Will said, laughing at how he appeared like the March Hare after it had stolen Doctor Who's suite. Her eyes drifted to scan the room. "Looks like you added some extra decor."

"You know me." Zack tugged on his jacket and touched his hat. "I'm just a flare for the dramatics."

"No kidding! It looks like the Mad Hatter threw a party for the White Rabbit and the Easter Rabbit with Pinkie Pie as the party planner."

Puck laughed. "Not what I would say, but she makes a point."

Zack stuck his tongue out. "A party's gotta have some party to it," he said. "Otherwise, it's a bunch of stiffs drinking with no purpose. And that is no fun. Speaking of things that are fun, where is my lady?" He looked around but the girl in question was nowhere in sight. "I worry when I can't see her."

"Funny, I recall you having a different reaction on St. Patrick's day," Will said dryly. "But in any case, I thought she was here already."

"She should've gotten here before us," Puck added. "Remember? She went with Kat and Val, and they left well before we did."

Zack started to panic. "What'd ya mean she's supposed to be here by now? I haven't seen her. This cannot be happening!" He clenched and unclenched his fists in rapid succession.

Will walked over and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Dude, chill! Everything's going to be fine." Will then lowered her voice so Puck would not hear her. "You've been planning for this, and if you recall, I've dealt with these types of jitters before. Trust me! Things will go just as planned if not better. Any moment now, Al will come bursting through those doors and knock you outta your shorts."

"You had better be right, Will. I'm more wound up that a crated puppy dog at dinner time," he said, scratching his jaw nervously. "Where the Sam Hill is she?" he asked when the doors opened.

There stood Al, flanked by Kat and Val, strutting her stuff. Will and Puck smiled when Zack could not keep his jaw from dropping. It was clear he liked her bunny outfit.

"Why hello my sexy March Hare," Al said, coming up and kissing him boldly. "Love the décor, by the way."

"Where'd you guys go?" Will interrupted. "We left almost thirty minutes after you."

"I like to meddle in affairs of the thump thump." Al raised a suggestive eyebrow and giggled. "Besides, I need to make an entrance."

"Haha, very funny. But seriously, where were you?"

"Had to pick something up," Kat quickly explained, waving her hand in the air as to distract them from the question. She turned to Val and moved her head toward the punch bowl in a pointing direction. Val gave her a wink.

"On it, babe." Val ran over to where Kat had pointed. He was carrying a couple of large bags. He set them down on the counter, and began taking out several items: apples, oranges, red wine, and Brandy. "Everything's all set for you," Val called. Recognizing what they would be used for, Will glared at Kat.

"Are you kidding me?" Will hissed at her. "You do realize we're not twenty-one, nor are we in Mexico. Why did you bring sangria?"

"Oh my god! Keep your pants on. Now sure how you expect anyone to have fun with no booze. Do you remember that wedding we went to that didn't serve alcohol?" Kat questioned.

"No," Will said blankly.

"Exactly." Kat slowly backed away to prepare the drink as Will rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"You know what, I'm not even gonna try to argue with you," Will groaned, rubbing her temples. "I'll just collect car keys and make sure we have cabs to get people home. Excuse me."

"Work it sister!" Al cat called, watching her go. She then turned her attention to Zack. "Well, what's on the agenda, my dashing one?"

"Well…um…party," Zack said, tearing his eyes away from her sultry outfit.

Puck snickered. "Looks like you're having trouble," he teased. "I thought it was the cat that got the tongue, not the rabbit."

"Bunny!" Al corrected.

"Sorry. You know, I think I'll go help out Will."

As he ran off after her, Zack turned to Al and Kat. "Hey, you girls noticed how chummy those two have been?"

"Yeah, I noticed," Al said, squinting her eyes and tilting her head.

"Yeah, it's been that way for a while now…" Kat said.

"I don't think they know," Val whispered ever so quietly in Kat's ear.

"I'm just saying, it seems like they're a little too friendly," Zack added.

"You guys, they–" Kat was cut off by a hand on her arm.

Al was quiet for a moment. Her hand stayed still on Kat's arm, but everyone could see the wheels turning in her head. Then, her eyes widened and she started bouncing up and down, quietly screaming, "Sweet mother of mutation, THEY'RE DATING!"

"You didn't know?!" Kat exclaimed.

"You did?!" Al snarled, unable to believe what she was hearing. Even Zack was shocked.

"Don't look at me like that. Val was the one who told me. He figured it out!" Kat pointed to Val, outing him. "He spotted them coming out of the library last month."

"They've been going there several times, and each time I saw them hugging," Val explained. "A couple times Puck even kissed Will's cheek."

Al glared at Val while reaching her hand out to strangle his neck. "Imma kill you!"

"I'm gonna go make the sangria now," Val said nervously. As he turned and briskly walked away, Al stood next to Kat, returned her hands to her side, but was still steaming.

"I can't believe she kept this from me," Al hissed.

"It would make sense," Zack argued. "We do tease them, not to say we won't after this. Makes sense they'd keep it on the down-low."

"This is true. I'm horrid at keeping secrets," Al said, nodding her head slightly.

"I just can't think how I missed it. Puck has been super spazzy lately. Not to mention he went all out for her birthday," Zack continued, thinking back. "He kept asking me about Will's likes, dislikes, and what type of jewelry she wears, but I never thought he'd get her something like that. You see the size of that rock?"

Al pouted. "Why wouldn't he ask me?"

"Or me?" Kat added. "We're her friends. Even if the guy is super weird." She shivered, remembering the first time she met Puck.

"Probably didn't want to be obvious going to the besties," Zack suggested.

"I was wondering where she got that," Al said. "She hardly takes it off."

"I think it's sweet," Kat said in a childish tone. "God knows that… Wait, quiet, they're coming back."

Will and Puck walked up. Will had a large plastic bag in hand, and Puck was straightening his newly acquired rabbit ears.

"Well, we wrangled up most of the keys, but we'll need to– What are you guys whispering about?" Will asked, handing the bag over to Puck. "You all got really quiet and Al looks like a fox caught in the henhouse."

Al started to form words, but couldn't make a quick come back. Ever her knight, Zack came to her rescue. "We were placing bets on if Puck would get drunk again," he said with a dark smile and a wink.

Al backed his lie. "It's ten to one against," she stated, smiling at the end of her sentence. She started to look like a mix of the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter from Tim Burton's rendition of Alice in Wonderland. Her face looked ready to crack.

Will rolled her eyes. "Seriously you guys? When did we go back to sixth grade?"

"Did you have a betting problem when you were in sixth grade? I think not! It is perfectly normal to place bets on one man's sobriety. Now, what is your bet?" Kat rambled trying to make the lie more sensible.

"Do you really expect us to believe that?" Puck asked suspiciously. He knew they were all lying by the sound of their erratic heartbeats. However, to call them on it would raise suspicion. Will, Al, and Zack still had not revealed their secret to Kat and her boyfriend.

"You had better believe it," Al said, giving him a glare and stepping in front of Zack.

"Okay, let's get you as far away from him as possible," Kat interjected, cautiously steering Al away from Puck.

"Well, that was weird," Will said, eyeing her friends suspiciously. "Anyway, why don't we ignore whatever just happened, and focus on having fun. It's a party! I say we grab a bucket of that dessert buffet and then hit the dance floor."

"Don't forget the sangria!" Kat added.

XXX

A couple hours later, the party was starting to liven up. More people were either going off a massive sugar rush, or they were getting too tipsy. Will had spent most of the time trying to keep Al away from Kat's sangria. She specifically needed to ensure her friend stayed sober tonight.

"Will, I want sangria!" Al whined, tugging on said girl's arm.

"Ally, this isn't Halloween Town. You're not legal to drink," Will insisted, tugging back. "I'm not explaining to your mother why you got arrested. Again."

"But it's sangria!" Al countered, knowing her argument was all in vain.

Will laughed. "Say, why don't you hit the dance floor?" she asked, patting Al on the back. "Kat and Val look like they're having fun. Bet you and Zack could show them up."

As she spoke, the very couple Will spoke of danced their way over to them. Val spun Kat once before he let her go to talk with her friends. "Hey, who ordered the oversized rabbit?" Kat asked, pointing her thumb at the door.

"Rabbit?" Both Al and Will looked to the front door. Standing there was someone dressed in a Rubie's Easter Bunny costume, complete with white jumpsuit, a yellow vest and tie with multicolored polkadots, and matching rabbit head and feet. He carried a large basket filled with colored tissue paper.

Will laughed as she looked on. "Oh no. Please tell me Zack didn't hire an Easter Bunny?" she mocked, watching the "rabbit" hop around the room. "That thing would scare small children."

"And Al…" Kat said. She smirked and pointed to Al.

Al stared at the rabbit and slowly backed herself away. She slid behind Will and let out a small whimper. "That…is scary…" she whispered, and it seemed like even her ears bowed back in fear.

"I guess, but hey! It looks like he's giving the guests something," Will pointed out.

"Ohmagod! It's coming this way. Everyone look away!" Kat said quickly and quietly. When the rabbit hopped toward them, he held out his hand to Kat. It appeared that he wanted to give her something. Despite the smile on the mask, the rabbit acted nervous, like a shy schoolboy with a crush. Kat gave him an are-you-kiding-me look.

"You really expect me to take that?" The rabbit just nodded. He pushed his hand closer to her.

"Thanks?" Kat said. She opened her hand to accept whatever it was, if only to make the guy leave her alone. When she looked, she found that a plastic pink egg had been dropped into her hand. "What the hell is this?"

Al pointed an accusatory finger at the egg. "Is it a bomb?! I bet it's some sort of explosive device!"

The rabbit mimed a laugh and then moved over to Will. For some reason, it paused, appearing to have forgotten what to do. Will cleared her throat. "Well, uh, Mr. Rabbit," she began, "am I to guess you got an egg for me too?"

The rabbit nodded and held out a large purple egg to her. Unlike Kat, the rabbit did it very bashfully.

"Why, thank you, good sir," she teased, taking the egg. The rabbit folded his hands behind his back and kicked one foot, twisting from side-to-side. Will laughed. "Aww! How cute. In a…really weird way."

"It's all a trick!" Al said. She pushed her way forward and held out her hand to the rabbit. "But I want one too."

However, when the rabbit reached into his basket, he came up empty.

"Can you check again?" Al asked, creeping out slightly.

The rabbit turned his basket upside down and shook it out. Nothing. He looked back at Al, shrugging his shoulders.

Al quirked her lips in annoyance. "Totally fair, guy… Totally fair." She crossed her arms.

"Easy Ally, don't take it out on the rabbit," Will urged. She tried to move between them, but Al held up her hands.

"Just saying this it totally fair," her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Al, wait!" Everyone looked up to see Zack coming forward. "Come here for a sec and don't rip his head off," he said to her.

"And why should I not?" Al asked. "I'd like an egg too…please…"

"Loveling, I've got your egg right here." Zack held up the missing egg. It was smaller than the ones the other guests received, and colored a robin's egg blue. "I wanted to give it to you personally"

"Ooo pretty! Gimme, please," Al demanded.

"Hold your horses, my Ally Cat. I kept this egg so I could do this." Zack opened up the egg, revealing a round-cut fourteen carat diamond in a white-gold band. He got down on one knee.

"What…"

Zack smiled. "Can I have everyone be quiet for a minute because this took me a month to rehearse," he called out to their audience. "Seriously, I don't wanna repeat myself here."

"What the f…" Kattrina started, but Val covered her mouth before she could finish.

When the room became silent, and all eyes were focused on them, Zack turned his attention back to Al. She was staring blankly with her mouth partially open in shock. Was this really happening? He smiled and took one of her hands to prevent her from escaping. Her eyes met his. They spoke of confusion, disbelief, and anticipation.

"Alice, we've been going steady now for two years. I probably wouldn't even have met you if not for that mix up at the theater. I had gone in thinking I'd be seeing Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters, and I happen to sit next to this cute girl wearing a Deadpool T-shirt. I do some small talk, thinking I'm never going to talk to her after this. But then the film breaks, so they played Mama. Next thing I know, the girl—which is you—starts curling up against me, some total stranger you don't even know. You flinched and shrieked for two straight hours, but you still clung to me like I was some childhood friend. I couldn't believe it! I coulda been some creep or a pervert for all you knew, but you still looked to me each time you were scared. Afterwards, I walked you to your car. I didn't think I still had a shot, but I gave you my number, and told you to call me if you got scared. Who'd thought you'd call me six times that night!"

The whole room laughed. Even Al could not stifle a few giggles. "And four times the next day," she added.

"On the fifth call I asked you out for coffee," Zack continued, unable to keep a teasing tone from his voice. "And the rest, as they say, is history."

While Zack continued with his proposal, Puck and Val were standing behind Will and Kat, watching the spectacle.

"Bet you didn't see this coming, did you, Kat?" Will asked, whispering in Kat's ear.

Kat leaned over to Will, whispering, "Not today, not now, but how'd you know?"

"Oh, I knew he would propose, but not how he'd do it," Will confessed. "I'm just glad I talked him out of filming it."

"Who knows? You could be next," Kat said, winking at Will.

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked.

"Shh! I think he's coming to the end," Puck said.

At this point, Zack stood, still holding onto Al's hand. She looked up, wondering when he would get to it because the suspense was killing her. However, Zack gave her the half smile he knew made her knees weaken. Making Al wait always made her final reaction more fun.

"I'm not the most romantic. I have conversations with people without saying a word. Okay, I only do it once in a blue moon, and I'd be really mad if this whole thing was in my head." At this he paused and turned to Will. "Seriously Willy, this is why I wanted it on film!" he shouted.

"Just get to it, Zack-Attack!" Will called back.

"Alright, alright." Zack turned back to Al. Everyone was snickering, making his face flush a little. "Now we are getting down to tacks of brass. Al, I can honestly say I've never met anyone like you. You're bold. Honest. You can command a twelve hundred pound horse like a champ, yet you have a tender side of you. Don't blush, Ally, you know you're obsessively loving when we're at your parents house watching over their dog."

"He's totally my dog. They are just in denial," Al interrupted. "But, seriously, what is happening right now?"

"Haha, I'm getting to it," Zack said. "Look, I know I'm not always the most crazy guy around, but Ally, you have enough crazy for both of us. I've had some people tell me I must have a saint's patience, or a way to tone down your crazy. I tell those losers to drop dead. There's nothing—not one single fiery hair on your head—that I would change. Every day with you is like opening a present. I never know what I'm gonna get, and I'm always surprised with something completely amazing. I can't imagine one day of my life without you beside me.

"I know there's still things you want to do before settling down. Finish school and finally quit that job that makes you madder than a wet cat. Though I'll still hope for those bad days because I want to find ways to make you feel better. I'm not saying we gotta fly off to Vegas right now, and I'm not about to tell you I have a minister hiding backstage. Because I don't, and if I did, your dad and brother would hunt me down and gut me like a fish, while your mom provided the alibi. But what I amsaying, what I am asking you…"

Zack turned Al's hand over and deposited the ring into her palm. He folded her fingers over the ring and brought her hand to his lips. After kissing her knuckles, he enfolded her hand in both of his.

"I couldn't think of anything in all the nine realms that would make me happier, than to call you my wife. Al Tanner, will you marry me?"

Al gaped at him, her mouth dropping a little more. Her free hand flew to her mouth and covered it as tears welled in her eyes. The only thing keeping her in placed was Zack's hand holding hers. Otherwise, she would have run. However, unlike the year before when Zack had asked her—and she had taken off in a flash—she fully intended on staying right where she was. Slowly lowering her hand, her wide smile revealed, and she said, "I won't run this time."

"That's a relief," Zack breathed, chuckling. "So, that's a yes?"

"Of course!" Al shrieked, throwing herself at him. He caught her easily and stood to swing her in a circle as the whole room erupted in applause.

Holding hands, Zack and Al turned to face the cheering crowds. Zack lifted up their joined hands and shouted, "Did everyone see that? Because I will NOT be doing it again."

Everyone laughed and Al beamed before kissing his cheek. The room then drowned in several well wishes for the newly engaged couple. When the crowds finally dispersed, Will and Kat ran over to Al, swarming her as they screamed in sheer excitement.

"We need to start discussing details right now!" Will said, the smile never leaving her face.

"Well, we already know who's planning the whole thing," Al declared, looking at Kat. "I think you called it while we were in Chelan. Just remember, no birds!"

"Oh crap!" Kat exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" Will asked, a little concerned.

"Now I have to plan a wedding…as if I weren't busy enough…" Kat trailed on, half talking to herself.

While the girls plotted, Val and Puck were doing their part in congratulating Zack. They patted him on the back while Zack kept his wild smile on his face.

"I didn't actually think I'd get through it all," Zack exclaimed. "I thought I'd blow it for sure."

"I think you did well," Puck said. "And she said yes. All you have to do now is plan it, marry her, and begin a life with the woman you love."

"The proposal was the hard part," Zack said with a seemingly knowing smile. "I can't wait to get to all that."

"Haha… You think Kat is going to let you plan your wedding? That's funny." Val laughed "Guess I won't be seeing Kat for a while. She has a knack for putting all her effort into planning events."

"Don't worry about it, Val," Puck encouraged. "At least you know she'll be your date to the wedding."

"And Will will be yours," Val said, nudging Puck. "By the way, you two really need to be more subtle if you're gonna try to keep things from Kat and I. Plus, Kat noticed how giddy she's been acting. No mistaking a girl in love."

"Huh? I-In l-l-love?" Puck chuckled nervously. "Wha-What are you talking about?"

"I think we know exactly we're talking about, Garlic Bread." Zack chuckled.

Val put his hands around Puck's shoulders as if to give him a man to man talk. "Welcome to the dating life, my friend." Puck's eyes shot open. Val pointed to where Kat, Al, and Will were standing. "If you date one of the them, you date all three of them." Val whipped Puck around so he was facing him. "Make sure that if Will wants you to spend the night that you plan on a scary movie marathon, and be ready to have two girls in your lap."

Puck looked back and forth between them. "Uh, guys, how much have you had to drink?" he asked, slightly serious. "Will and I are just friends."

"Nice try but you've been found out," Val countered. "I spotted you guys at the library, and took Kat to make sure I wasn't seeing things."

"You what? But wait, that wasn't… I mean, Will never said anything…" Puck stammered, trying to maintain himself. "She never even–"

"Hey Zack!" Will called, making the guys turn around . "This guy says you need to pay him, or he'll charge you for overtime." She was indicating the rabbit who had delivered the eggs. He was standing over by the girls.

"Oh yeah, sorry man," Zack said, gently smacking his forehead. He and the other guys joined the other group. "Kinda got caught up with proposing to the love of my life. How much do I owe you?"

"He said it's $150 for the hour," Will informed him.

"I think I got that." Zack got out his wallet and rifled through a few pockets before extracting the money. "Hey, thanks again for passing out the eggs, man."

"No problem," the rabbit replied. His voice was muffled from the mask, but it was easy to understand him. "Congratulations to you both. And if you need entertainment, we also do weddings." The rabbit then turned toward the girls. "Of course, I'm also available as an escort."

"Uh, define escort?" Will asked, becoming uneasy. She leaned into Kat. "Did Zack say where exactly he found this guy?" Kat just shrugged.

"Easy bunnies, didn't mean to ruffle your fur." The rabbit chuckled. "So, you wanna cut out early? I heard the theater down the street is still playing that Captain America movie."

"Um, I have a boyfriend," Kat said a matter-of-factly, pointing to Val. The rabbit turned toward Val who was only three inches away from his face. Val puffed up his body faster than a gorilla in a zoo.

"Actually, I was talking to her," the rabbit corrected, pointing at Will. She blushed and inched closer to Kat and Al. Stepping away from Val, the rabbit tried getting closer to Will. "What's the matter, bunny rabbit? Thought Cap was your favorite?"

"W-What… Do I know you?" Will asked hesitantly.

"Oh, ouch! You wound me, Princess. And I thought we had something."

"Wait a second…" Will gasped. "Dean?"

The rabbit chuckled before removing his mask. When it was off, there stood a young man with short deep brunette hair and dark green eyes. The collar of his suit hung low without his mask, revealing he wore an umber shirt underneath. What was surprising was that he wore a brown bow tie that matched the color of Will's dress.

"Surprise!" The stranger flashed her a smile. "By the way, nice look, Will. I thought Halloween was months away?"

Will squealed and ran up to the stranger, wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged her back, picking her up off her feet. "You jerk!" Will scolded, laughing as he spun her. "You told me you were working tonight."

"I am. This is my second job. Aaron called in sick and the boss asked me to fill in," Dean explained. He set Will on her feet but kept his arms around her waist. "I know, super lame. Kids parties suck but least it pays good in tips."

"No, I think it's kinda cute, but that mask is really creepy."

"Umm, hello? Who is this?" Kat demanded.

"Oops!" Will blushed and turned to face her friends. "Well, guess I better come clean," she said. She took a step back and held her hand out to Dean.

"Kat, Al, everyone. I'd like you to meet Dean Harrison. My boyfriend!"

XXX

AN: I bet none of you were expecting that little twist in the end. Don't worry, all will be explained soon.