It's all the same, you and I, it's over now. I know you're sorry. And I know you, so you know me. But us remains impossible, yeah us remains impossible.

GRACE & JEREMY

Grace exited the school and crossed the parking lot quickly, excitement thrumming even in the soles of her feet. Reese had parked close by and got out of his truck, crossing to her car.
"So what are we doing?" Grace shrugged before unlocking her car and throwing everything in the backseat.
"I don't know yet."
"Okay," Reese agreed easily, climbing in. He watched her carefully even though a blind man could see the difference from the last time he saw her. He smiled slightly. Yeah, she was different. And yeah, she'd pulled through hell. He knew she could. "It's pretty here," he said as she backed out.
"Mm," she let out. He didn't ask where her head was at, letting her think through whatever it was. Grace didn't realize the silence until she pulled into the driveway. She glanced at Reese in surprise, fighting the urge to cry. "Thanks," she let out. He shrugged. "I'm sorry," she continued, "it's like the first time we've seen each other in forever and I've got my head all wrapped up in drama."
"So spill. Please tell me it has something to do with that adorably scruffy boy?" Reese wiggled his eyebrows and Grace had the thought that on anyone else it would be painfully annoying. As it was she smiled.
"Something," she muttered elusively before climbing out. Reese followed and through the door Grace could hear the beagle barking.
"You got a dog?" he questioned.
"He wandered to our back door. He's adorable and Uncle Dustin's letting me keep him."
"Does Uncle Dustin know that?" Reese questioned with a laugh. Grace stuck her tongue out at him and unlocked the door.

She scooped up the dog to stop him from running out.
"We just need to name you," she said to him.
"How about Killer?" Grace rolled her eyes, staring into the warm brown of the beagle's.
"You're such a tool sometimes." Reese tossed himself down on the couch.
"I did drive multiple hours in order to come visit you." He sighed, crossing his legs before swinging his foot back and forth. "The way I see it you owe me."
"Oh? And what do you want in payment?" Grace questioned, finally letting the dog down. Reese pressed a finger to his chin, smiling in thought.
"Fresh chocolate chip cookies and all the gooey drama that goes with them."
"Ugh," Grace said, slapping her forehead. "You're not letting this go are you?" Reese shook his head back and forth slowly. "Fine!" she let out in exasperation before stomping to the kitchen. Reese followed.
"So, Jeremy," he let the name roll off his tongue slowly, smiling the whole way. He plopped into a chair on the table and watched her go into the small kitchen.
"And Tyler," Grace added, sighing mentally. There was no use hiding it. One way or another Reese would get it out of her.
"Tyler?" he let out, eyebrows raising.
"Yep. Two. Both adorable. Both like me back apparently. Oh yeah, and they used to hate each other."
"Damn." He stretched out the word enough that it didn't even sound right. Grace pulled out a cookie sheet.
"But," she huffed, "they've agreed to be friends. And I told them I only want to be friends." Reese didn't respond, staring at her openly. She finally glanced over and caught his gaze. "What?"
"I'm sorry; I'm just waiting for the punch line."
"Tyler has issues with his dead father and Jeremy lost both his parents? Ba dum dum cha?" She went to the fridge and pulled out pre-packaged cookie dough. Ripping it open she continued. "They both seem really nice and cool…but come on Reese, you know me." She paused then, letting the statement hang in the air.
"Yes I do know you," he agreed. He stood and paced behind her before wrapping her in a hug, letting his head hang over her shoulder. "And if anyone deserves a sweet, hot guy, it's you. Everybody gets a second chance at some point Grace. And I'll happily take your leftovers." Laughing slightly she smacked the top of his head before pushing him away.
"This kitchen's not big enough for the both of us." Reese paced away and resumed his chair. Grace silently thought that she couldn't handle any more emotional baggage anyways.

Once Reese had swallowed half the plate of cookies he let his hands rest on his stomach in content. The beagle ran into the room then, making his presence known.
"We really do need to name you," Grace mused. He barked.
"Maybe he's hungry," Reese offered.
"We should go shopping for supplies," she let out. "Then Uncle Dustin really can't say no." Reese arched an eyebrow.
"You're devious."
"So?" Grace questioned, propping a hand on her hip, "You helping me or not?"
"You know it." They took the beagle out back, Reese making sure he didn't run off, before tucking him back inside and leaving. They batted names back and forth on the drive, coming up with nothing. Grace wasn't paying attention to where they were going closely and when they turned onto Tyler's street she shrugged and pulled into the driveway.
"I'll be right back," she tossed at Reese. She was just going to make sure that he was okay. Then she was going to get back in the car and leave. She wouldn't even go inside. She knocked hesitantly, heart jumping into her throat as she waited. Why was she doing this again? General concern for his wellbeing. Yeah, that sounded like a pretty good excuse-reason. It was his fault really, for not texting her back. Totally his fault. The door swung open.
"Yes?" Tyler demanded, all but glaring at her.
"Um," Grace stumbled backwards unintentionally. "You don't look sick," she blurted before heat rose in her cheeks.
"What do you want?"
"Well I was just," her hands clenched in the sides of her jeans, "I was just wondering if you were okay."
"Yeah well don't." He backed up a step and moved to close the door.
"Ty," Grace objected, eyes widening. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I just don't have the time or patience for this," he half gestured between them.
"I thought we were friends," she murmured quietly, tears beginning to pool in her eyes. Tyler shook his head.
"Just get back in your car and drive away. Pretend we never met. I'll do the same." The door slammed in her face and Grace stood completely still in shock. What the hell had just happened?

Reese met her halfway back to her car, tugging her into a hug wordlessly. Grace shut her eyes, tears pushing out as she did.
"I-I," she let out. Her voice failed her and she snuggled closer to Reese.
"Grace?" She looked up from Reese's shoulder, she knew that voice. Jeremy had pulled in behind her car; he was already out of the car, the door standing open. "What happened?" he asked. She moved from Reese's arms to Jeremy's before whispering,
"I don't know." She sniffled and pulled back. Grace glanced to the door, both Reese and Jeremy followed her gaze, each looked like he was sorely tempted to go up there himself. "I just wanted to see if he was okay and he yelled at me and told me to pretend that we never met." Jeremy didn't mention that he was here for the same reason. His eyes narrowed as his mouth set in a thin line, jaw clenching. Clearly Tyler was back to his former ways. Terror spun through him for a split second. What did that mean for him? He shook away the thought. He didn't matter right this second. Grace was crying. Tyler had made Grace cry. God damn it.
"You need a distraction," he blurted before putting on a brave face. "Let's go get some food." Taking the keys from her hand he gave them to Reese wordlessly. He didn't see the way Reese was staring at him appreciatively. Grace glanced back to the house as Jeremy pulled her away, an arm around her shoulders. She thought that she saw a curtain flicker. But it was probably just her imagination. "So what are you and Reese up to?" Jeremy was trying to kick start the distraction. Anything to stop her from crying, and dare he hope to see a smile?
"We were going to go to the pet store," she murmured, climbing in the car as Jeremy held the door.
"Pet store?" he questioned, climbing in.
"Yeah," she scrubbed a hand over her face, "there was this dog at my back door this morning and we don't have food for it or anything."
"You're taking in a stray dog?" he questioned lightly, glancing in the mirror to make sure Reese was following them.
"Well, I'm pretty sure my uncle will let me keep him. He kind of owes me right now." Jeremy nodded.
"So what are you going to name him?"
"That's the continuing mystery," she said, turning towards him and gifting him with a tiny smile.

A/N: Okay. Hi. So I know you miss Ty. So do I. He's coming back in 5 chapters. I'm perfectly willing to double post for two days if you guys want me to. Let me know. Also, I promise that when he comes back the focus will be shifting towards Jyler. Finally I know. Lastly: A Jyler Preview for you…

"They didn't speak for a long time. In fact, neither of them moved for a long time.
"You okay?" Jeremy finally whispered.
"No."
"Can I do anything?" There was another silence.
"You're already doing it." Jeremy desperately wanted to ask what had brought all of this on, but he didn't. Instead he remained silent, waiting for Tyler to make a move."