Johnny's POV

I lean against the windowsill of the dining room window, looking out towards the empty cul-de-sac as rain pours down hard, limiting my visibility to only a few feet. I notice my reflection in the window and sigh my eyes are swollen and tired. I haven't slept since finding out about Reed's mom. I've been keeping a close eye on her, she's been in an almost fogged state, it's like she's there, but not. The loss of her mother is a huge blow to her, and it's hitting me hard too, just in a different way.

I lean my head against the glass, the cold helping with my headache. "I just can't catch a break."

"You alright there, John?" I groan to myself when I see Ginger's reflection appear in the window.

"I'm fine." I say, though I know it's not very convincing.

I hear her walk up to me and I can already see that smug look on her face. "You know, you've always been a terrible liar."

I growl to myself. "I really don't feel like dealing with your crap."

"Having a hard time with Reed?" Her smirk disappears and she looks concerned, for once.

I nod. "She's taking losing her mother so hard," I look back out the window. "I don't blame her though, it was so sudden."

"But you two are engaged now," Ginger says, leaning against the window, facing me. "That's something she can be happy about."

"Yeah," I say, looking down. "She's trying to, but I guess she's not able to get past that she can't share her excitement with her mother."

"Hmph," I glance over at Ginger and she is scratching at her chin, her ears flattened. "Poor thing…"

"Yea-" I suddenly stop when I look outside and see Reed just standing in the middle of the cul-de-sac, getting drenched by the storm, "What the hell." I shove past Ginger who just yips in surprise, but lets me go.

I storm out the front door, the wind blowing the heavy rain towards me. "Reed!" I shout, cupping my hands around my mouth. "Reed!"

I watch her as she slowly turns her head to look at me. Her eyes are narrowed and I can tell she is crying despite being soaking wet from the rain. She just blinks at me and I walk out to her, not caring how soaked I get. "Reed, what are you doing? You're going to catch a cold."

She blinks again, looking down at the ground. "I want to go home."

I reach for her, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her to my chest. "You are home."

"But I want my mom." She says, her voice cracking.

"I know," I say, rubbing her head. "I wish I could bring her back for you."

"I'm scared, Johnny." Reed says, her voice barely heard over the thunder.

"I'm right here," I look at her big eyes. "As long as I'm around you don't have to be scared."

"I'm scared that I'll lose you too." She says, her eyes remaining locked on me and I can see the tears running down her face. "What if I lose you suddenly too? What if-"

I put my hand over her mouth, closing my eyes to keep myself from crying. "I am not, I repeat, not going anywhere." I lower my hand, opening my eyes to look into hers. I hold up her left hand, pointing to the ring around her finger. "I promise."

She looks to the ring, then back to me, her eyes welling up. "I love you."

I don't know why but hearing her say that in such a vulnerable way causes me to freeze. I look her up and down, my heart begins to beat rapidly. Without thinking I just push myself against her, locking my lips with hers. She wraps her arms around my neck, her breath warm against the cold rain. I start to walk backwards, never pulling away from her until I reach the steps of the house then I just grab her hand and pull her inside, leading her upstairs.

We get to my room and I slam the door shut, locking it behind me. No one is going to bother us for the rest of the day. I grab Reed once more and push her up against the door, my hands grabbing her under her tail, holding her up. She pulls me by my collar into another kiss and her short legs wrap around my waist. This kiss feels different, it feels vulnerable, it feels almost broken. I unbutton her soaking wet sweater and toss it aside, my fingers gliding over her wet scales.

I feel a tingling sensation as Reed's claws glide through the fur around my neck and move up to my horns. She really loves playing with them, though I can't say I mind since it feels amazing when she does.

I step back and move towards the bed, gently throwing Reed down, pulling my wet shirts off. I look back at her and her eyes are almost on fire and I have to try and control myself, moving towards her as calmly as I can.

I climb on the bed and loom over Reed, her eyes big and anything but innocent. I watch her as her eyes start to water once more and I don't hesitate before pushing myself to her, locking my lips with hers and giving her my all.

Thunder crashes outside, the room illuminated by lighting. Reed's form lies fast asleep beside me, her scales shiny with a combination of sweat and rain. I roll over onto my side, gently rubbing her shoulders while she sleeps. I give the back of her head a soft kiss. I think back to when I first met her, how all I noticed about her was that she had a tight body with a snarky attitude. Now she's become the center of my world. I would give up anything and everything for her. Now she's more than just a pretty face, she's my fiancé. This dumb freshman somehow managed to make me fall in love with her. I chuckle to myself, I've gone soft. Gross.

I roll over onto my back and just stare at the ceiling, taking in the sounds of the storm outside. I suddenly hear a rustle on the other side of me and peek to see Reed facing me, her eyes halfway open, watching me carefully. "Hey, Johnny," Her voice is hoarse and tired.

I give her a half smile. "Yes?"

"Can we get married August twentieth?" She says calmly, though tears begin to stream down her face.

I reach over to gently wipe them away. "If that's what you want, but why that date?"

She gives me a full smile, the tears flowing steadily now. "It's my mother's birthday."

That evening I find myself staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, watching as a steady stream of tears just trickle down my face. I swallow hard to keep myself from making a sound, but don't fight the waterworks. I breathe out slowly, adjusting my shirt collar and sweater. I then furiously wipe my face, being sure to dry up any evidence of emotion. I'm Johnny Worthington for Christ's sake.

I walk out into the lobby, the sunlight blazing in, the storm past and the scare simulator challenge just a couple hours away. I spot Javier standing by the entrance to the kitchen and put on my signature smirk. "Jav," I say, walking over to him, my confidence returning. "Tonight's the night."

He gives me a confident grin. "Yes sir it is. Are you ready to end your last Scare Games with a bang?"

"Oh you know it." I pop my neck. "Those Oozmas aren't going to know what hit them."

"What about Miss Reed?"

I pause, trying to keep my expression steady. "She will be fine, she's upstairs getting ready."

"Are you sure?" Jav presses, looking me directly in the eye.

I look down. "No, I'm not," I glare up at him. "But what choice do I have?"

Jav places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, amigo. We will encourage her as best we can."

I nod curtly. "Thanks."

I walk back upstairs to check on Reed and see that she is sitting on the side of my bed, her sweater on and her horns polished and clean. I've never seen that before. "Hey," I say, keeping my voice soft. "You gonna be okay for tonight?"

She looks back to me, her eyes bright. "I think I'll be okay."

I walk over to her, sitting down beside her. "You don't have to pretend." I put my arm around her shoulders. "Not for me."

"You don't have to pretend either." She says, giving me a loving smile. "I can hear you crying you know."

My eyes go wide and I feel my face get hot. "How?"

"You forget how good my hearing is." She laughs a little. What a sweet sound.

I chuckle. "Right," I point to her. "I did forget about that."

"You don't have to be tough for me." She says, leaning her head against my shoulder. "I know better than to think you're as one-dimensional as you lead on to be."

I smirk, looking out my bedroom window. "So you want to get married this year?"

"Of course," She says, giving me a weird look. "Why wait any longer than necessary?"

I shrug. "Just making sure."

"Are you buying a house?" Reed asks, more life coming to her voice.

"No," I say, rubbing her side. "I was thinking we could have a nice apartment. Just until we decide to… expand." I wink at her and she giggles.

"I hope we can have kids," She says, "Our own kids."

"I'm sure we will." I say, giving her a tight squeeze. "Never say never."

"Since when did you become so wise?" Reed says, arching an eyebrow at me.

I laugh, giving her a playful punch. "Watch it now."

"I overheard Addison call you Jonathan." She says, narrowing her eyes. "Is that your actual name?"

I huff, a quiet snarl escaping. "I thought you were asleep during that."

"I went in and out, just never opened my eyes." She gives me a smirk. "So is that your real name?"

I sigh, pinching the space between my eyes. "Yes, that's my real name. Do not call me that."

She laughs. "It's so geeky, but I guess it's better than John-John."

I can't help but snort at that. "That's true."

Reed laughs again then goes silent, staring out the window. "Her funeral is Friday." She looks up at me. "Go with me please, I can't do this myself."

"What about your dad?" I ask, pulling her closer to me.

"He will be too torn up," She says, I can see the sadness filling her eyes once more. "I need someone there to help me stay strong."

I lay my head on top of hers, breathing out slowly. "Of course I will go with you." I rub her arm. I'm not making her deal with this alone. It just wouldn't be right.

I walk downstairs with Reed still under my arm and I see everybody is gathered in the foyer, ready to start heading towards the arena where the simulator is. I reach the base of the stairs, giving everybody a confident smile. "Alright," I pause, looking around at everyone, including Reed. "Whose ready to show those Oozmas what real scarers can do?"

Heeyyyyy guys! I feel like my updates are becoming slower and I'm so sorry about that. I haven't lost interest in this fic whatsoever, I've just been very busy. I actually started watching MU again so I can keep the timeline as accurate as I can. I also noticed some funny details like when Sulley knocks over Hardscrabble's scream can you can see Johnny and the RORs cringing in the background. It's really funny. I laughed for a solid twenty minutes. Anyway, I hope you guys are still enjoying this as much as I am! I really love your amazing feedback and look forward to it every time I post a new chapter! Anyway, I will see you guys next chapter when they take on the scare simulators! Ooooh, so exciting! So until then, Bye-bye!