Several students in Mr. Mod's class had already gone to sleep at the start of Terra, Raven, and Gar's presentation on the Great Depression. Those who had not fallen asleep were either listening, goofing off, or slowly falling asleep themselves. Despite the lack of attention and respect in the room, Terra, Gar, and Raven carried on with their presentation, not for a single moment did they show a sign of digression.

Mr. Mod listened to them intently, genuinely surprised at how well their presentation was coming along. He didn't expect them to prevail with flying colors. It surprised him how Gar, who was normally a slacker, spoke loudly and clearly while reading from the report his group wrote. He was also surprised at how well organized their slide show was. Terra, who stood behind the computer dictating the slide show, was in perfect sync with Gar. The slides presented always matched up with what he was saying. And then there was Raven who would cut in every now and then to present a model they created. There was three models: one that showed the life before the Great Depression, during, and after.

Gar felt a wave of relief wash over him as he neared the end of their report. "And so, the Great Depression did not end until after the country entered World War two. The increase in production of war materials provided jobs, and the unemployment rate decreased to about one percent in 1944."

Terra clicked the key that made the slide show switch frames. A picture of the American flag appeared along with the words 'the end'. Raven flicked on the lights and Terra turned the power point off. Both girls then joined Gar and stood before the class. Several students clapped for them, including their friends. Kori clapped the loudest. Raven, Gar, and Terra were shocked to see that Mr. Mod was amongst those who clapped.

"Well done my duckies, well done," he said, grinning ear to ear. "And here I thought you three weren't learning a thing!"

Terra, Gar, and Raven glanced at each other. They weren't sure if that was a compliment or not.

"That power point of yours was spot on. Excellent work."

Terra eyed Raven and smirked at this.

"I also enjoyed those models you had. Outstanding work."

Raven smirked at Terra.

"And that report," Mr. Mod nodded his head, very pleased with his students. "You knocked my socks off! Good job."

Gar smiled, feeling proud.

"This project of yours is worthy of an A plus. Congratulations."

"Wait a minute, you're serious," Gar couldn't believe his ears. He couldn't remember the last time he got an A plus. He couldn't even recall ever having an A plus. "You're not pulling my chain are you? We really get an A plus?"

Mr. Mod nodded.

"Hot damn! Woo hoo," Gar cheered, wrapping Terra in a bear hug. "We got an A plus. I got an A plus! I rule! Go me!"

"I suggest you sit that rear of yours down Logan and zip it," Mr. Mod said coldly, scowling. "Unless you want me to take away that A plus for behavior."

Gar immediately clammed up. He didn't want to put his A plus in jeopardy. "Sorry sir," he murmured softly, heading towards his seat. Before he sat, he turned towards Raven. He raised a hand. "High five on a job well done?"

Raven eyed him. Under normal circumstances she would reject his offer at a high five and leave him hanging, but she was in a good mood today so she raised her hand and slapped his. Gar deserved a high five after all the work he put into the project. Not only did he get her and Terra to get along, but he also helped her with the models and Terra with the power point. And even though writing essays isn't something he's good at, he helped with that too.

Raven sat in her seat and stole a glance at Gar. She had to admit, he was maturing a little everyday.

"Alright, who's willing to be my next victims?" asked Mr. Mod, grinning evilly.

At the sight of his vicious smile students immediately ducked their heads and looked the other way.

"No takers? Well then, I'll just have to decide then. Let's see," Mr. Mod scanned his students with a hawk eye. He was looking for the weakest link. His eyes settled on Wally who grew exceedingly nervous under his stare. He smirked, delighted at having picked out a jittery one. "Wally and Alain, I'd like to hear your report on World War two."

Neither Alain or Wally made an attempt to move from their seats.

Mr. Mod rose a brow. "Is something wrong boys?"

Alain cleared his throat. "Uh, well... You see, sir, it's like this--"

"We didn't finish!" Wally cried out, unable to handle the pressure.

"Didn't finish," Mr. Mod repeated, turning his eyes to Alain. "Is this true?"

Alain nodded, feeling disappointed in himself. He knew he shouldn't have listened to Wally and goofed off. That one day of goofing off turned to two days, then three and then four, until finally he forgot about the project completely.

"If it helps we have a short report." Alain said as he rose from his seat and handed a few papers to Mr. Mod.

Mr. Mod took the papers and read them over quickly, shaking his head. "Only two pages. And it's not even typed! It's a shame to because this paper had great potential. If only had you actually completed it... Oh well! You two get an F."

"An F!"

"Dude, that's totally unfair!"

"I decide what's fair and what's not fair," Mr. Mod scolded. Wally grumbled and Alain buried his head in his arms. He ignored the two upset teens and turned his attention back to the class. "Okay, next up is Cindy and Mandy on the Cold War. Let's go girls, we don't have all day."

TT

Vic's grin widened as his thumbs tapped against the buttons of his hand held game. A few minutes later he passed through the current level he was playing. Vic pumped his fist. "Aw yes! Finally! Woo hoo!" Vic spun around to face Gar, ready to rub his victory in his nose. "Hey, grass-stain, guess... what..." his sentence fell flat on his tongue as he drunk in the sight before him.

Terra and Gar were in a passionate lip lock on the couch.

Terra had settled herself on Gar's lap while one of his hands rubbed her thigh, and the other her back. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she played with his hair.

Vic rolled his eyes, peeved at the sight.

Vic was delighted that Gar had managed to get a girlfriend, one that he truly cared for and cared for him back. He was happy to see Gar had finally moved on from the Raven incident, that he managed to build a pleasant relationship for himself. He was proud of his friend, he genuinely was, but at the same time he couldn't help but be a bit jealous.

Back in the day it had been him in passionate lip locks, it had been him with the cute girl on his lap. He was the one who had gone on dates, entertained a lass, and was romantically linked.

When he was with Karen she used to sit on his lap. They would be in either his house or her house watching a movie. She would sit on his lap and his arms would be on her waist. Sometimes when he was grounded he would sneak off just to see her.

When he was with Sara they would spend hours together. She would often leave him with a good hickey or two, and she often enjoyed it when he let his hands roam freely.

Those were the good old days.

But now it was Gar who was going on dates, entertaining a girl, and romantically linked. He was the one with a girlfriend, watching movies while she nuzzled on his lap. He was the one sneaking out. He was the one who got to roam his hands around and sport a hickey; blushing when his friends teased him later on.

Vic looked down at the game in his hands and glared. It wasn't fair. Everyone had someone but him. He was lonely, so lonely that he was reduced to playing hand held video games during his leisure time. And to make matters worse he had to listen to the love birds smooching on the couch.

Well, not for long.

Taking out a small ball he had gotten from a quarter machine, Vic took aim and flicked the small item at Gar's head.

Gar tore his lips from Terra and rubbed his head. "Ow! Something just hit me."

Vic whistled innocently and clicked the buttons to his game, acting as nonchalant as possible.

Terra picked up a small blue ball with white swirls on it. "Where'd this come from?"

"It's not mine."

The tune of Terra's cell phone filled Gar's basement.

Terra stood up abruptly and grabbed her things. "I gotta go!" she quickly headed for the stairs.

"Don't you think you should check that?" Gar asked, referring to Terra's unanswered cell.

"No need, I already know who it is, and I already know what it's about. I gotta get my butt home or else," Terra blew a kiss at Gar. "Smell ya later!"

Gar caught the kiss, smiling. "Later, babe!"

Vic rolled his eyes.

Gar leaned against the couch and turned his eyes towards the ceiling, sighing in content. "Isn't she great?'

"You two make me wanna barf."

Gar turned his attention towards Vic and grinned. "What, you aren't jealous, are you?"

Vic scoffed, crossing his arms. "No. It's just gross that you two were making out."

Gar leaned against the arm of the couch, his grin widening. "Aw, you are jealous."

Vic narrowed his eyes. "Shut it grass stain or I'll show Terra the video of you tap dancing in fifth grade."

Gar drew back, mortified. "You wouldn't..."

"Try me."

Gar crossed his arms, scowling. "Fine, but you're only pist because you don't have anyone to make out with."

"Fuck you." Vic snapped, glaring at his companion.

"Come on man, it's nothing to be upset about. About two months ago I was single, too."

Vic's scowl increased in fierceness.

Gar ignored Vic's expression. "You're not pist about me making out with Terra. It's something else. Admit it."

Vic sighed, defeated. "Okay... maybe I'm feeling just a bit lonely these days. I mean, I haven't been on a date since that whole thing with Sara..."

"Dude, I know how you feel. Believe me, I do," Gar smiled softly. "But you have nowhere else to go but up. Just hang in there and I'm sure you'll get a girl."

"I wish I had your optimism, Gar," Vic replied, dejected. He rose from his seat and grabbed his things. "But let's face it, I don't see myself getting back on the dating horse anytime soon."

Gar watched his friend go while contemplating. Ever since Karen and Sara Vic just hasn't been the same. What he needed now was something joyous to lift his spirits, or rather, someone.

Gar placed his fingertips together, his smile widening into a Grinch like smile. He had a plan.

TT

Elliot's stomach rumbled loudly and he eyed the powdered doughnuts on the counter. He licked his lips hungrily, his eyes widening and the rumble in his stomach felt like an earthquake.

He was so hungry.

Ever since Roy became his mentor he had been on a diet. A dreadful diet that didn't include anything with sugar, which meant all of his favorite snacks had been cut out of his life.

Elliot bit his lip. He felt as if the doughnuts were calling out to him.

He had been exercising with Roy nonstop today. He deserved at least one doughnut. If he acted quickly perhaps he could sneak one without Roy finding out.

Tip-toeing his way to the counter, Elliot looked behind his shoulder. No one in sight. He grinned and rubbed his hands together before opening the box. He snaked a doughnut out of the box and licked his lips. Brining the tasty snack to his lips he readied himself to take a bite...

"Elliot!"

Elliot jumped in shock, the doughnut slipping from his fingers and back into the box. He slowly turned around and what he saw was a scowling Roy.

"What do you think you're doing?" Roy asked angrily, crossing his arms.

"Well I... I... uh...," Elliot stammered. He was caught red handed and now he was stuck. "I'm sorry."

"You were cheating on your diet! Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have given you that break," Roy scolded. "I thought you were committed to change. I thought you wanted to get in shape so we could get you a girlfriend."

"I do, I do! I just wanted a snack."

"You want a snack," Roy grabbed the fruit bowl and shoved it into Elliot's hands. "Eat some damn fruit!"

"Uh... Am I interrupting something?" Jade asked softly, hesitantly stepping into the kitchen.

"It's nothing honey," Roy assured her. He glared at Elliot. "I just need to give Elliot a lesson on healthy food. But before I do that, I think he needs to do more push-ups."

Elliot frowned, his eyes on the floor.

"Well," Roy motioned towards the exit. "Those push-ups won't do themselves.

Elliot sighed sadly and made his way to the door. Before he left Roy snagged a banana from the fruit bowl.

Jade rose a brow at Roy. "Do you have to be so hard on him?"

"I'm trying to help him, Jade. Sometimes when you want to help people you have to give them tough love," Roy tossed the banana in his hands. "You should know that better than anyone after all the crap I pulled last year."

Jade pulled out a doughnut and took a bite, understanding Roy's reasoning. "Still, I'm curious. I thought you were only going to help him in exchange for the project. You already got a B, so why is he still coming over?"

"Because I have yet to fulfill my obligation to him. I need to get him in shape and looking good before I take him girl hunting."

"Okay, but try and be a bit nicer to the guy. He's trying."

"Okay, I promise. Now," Roy stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her stomach. "How are you and our bundle of joy doing?"

"Well I'm extremely hungry," Jade patted her stomach. "And this one won't stop kicking me."

"Probably gets that from you," Roy smiled and pecked Jade's lips. He leaned down and gave her stomach a peck, too. "Oh, here." He handed her the banana. "Eat this. It's good for you and the baby."

Roy then left the kitchen, leaving Jade holding a banana in one hand and a doughnut in the other. Jade weighed the subsistence, deciding which one she would rather eat.

"What's that baby," Jade asked her stomach. "You would rather eat the doughnut." Jade shrugged and took a bite of the doughnut. "If you say so!"

TT

Sitting in the audience both Troy and Kelly looked upon the stage. Two of their students walked off and two new students took their place. One of the students was a teenage girl with short blonde hair and green eyes. Next to the girl stood Gar, who currently was clenching and unclenching his hands out of nerves.

"Alright, Annie and Gar, I want you to act out the scene just like I taught you," Kelly said, clipboard in hand. "Just relax and let the words flow. And remember to have fun."

Annie and Gar nodded and took their positions. They nodded at each other and went into a different state of mind, taking on the personalities of the characters they were portraying. Annie was taking on the role of Maxine, a girl with a wild streak. Gar was playing Ben, a boy she was courting who was an introvert. The scene they were displaying was when Maxine finally managed to break Ben out of his shell.

Gar took a deep breath, as did Annie.

"Action." Kelly said.

Springing forth onto the stage, Gar ran forward. "Woo hoo!"

Annie came behind and paused to catch her breath, resting her hands on her knees. She giggled, standing up straight and pushing her bangs away from her face. "Well... it looks like someone has found someone mojo."

Gar spun around with open arms and a wide smile on his face. "That party was incredible! I've never felt so alive!"

"If you ask me it was seriously lacking in the fun department. The dancing was cool but the music reeked."

"Are you mad woman? That party was... it was..."

"Awesome?"

"Yes! That's the word. It was awesome."

Annie bumped shoulders with Gar. "Well I'm glad you enjoyed your first party."

"Cut!" Troy yelled.

Kelly looked at her partner. "Why did you yell cut? They were performing perfectly."

"I'm just not buying this," Troy looked at the stage. "Gar, when you're on stage I want you to sell it to me. Ben is finally letting go for the first time. I really want to feel how ecstatic he is. When you get home I want you to practice your lines some more."

Gar nodded. "Okay."

"Good. Now let's get the next pair up. Ariel and Jimmy, let's see what you got."

Annie and Gar left the stage while the next pair took their places. Once he was backstage Gar took a seat on one of the folding chairs. He buried his head into his knees and breathed deeply. The after effects of being on stage was thrilling, but Troy's comment had him worried. If he didn't shape up he would lose the role of Ben.

Someone patted his back.

Gar looked up and saw Allison, a fellow participant of his acting classes. Ever since he had enrolled in the classes, Allison had always been someone he could talk to. Not only was she kind, but she was beautiful, too. Allison was a tall and slim girl with bright green eyes and long brunette hair. She was a brilliant actress as well as a straight A student from Jump City Private School.

"Hey, Allison," Gar greeted. "What's up?"

"I should be the one asking you that," Allison took a seat besides Gar. "You didn't seem all that accepting of Troy's advice."

"I really thought I nailed my part."

"You did really good, Gar, you should be proud. And don't take Troy's advice as a negative. He's only trying to help you better yourself."

"That's true... On a bright side this means that Terra can help me rehearse." Gar grinned at the thought. Terra was an excellent partner to go over lines with.

"Ah, I'm so jealous of you. I haven't been on a date in, like, six months. It feels like forever."

Gar's ears perked up at her statement and he looked at her slyly. "If you don't mind me asking, why is that?"

"Oh, I don't know...," Allison leaned back into her seat. "I guess it's because the boys at my school are real snobbish."

Gar moved his seat so they were face to face. "Go on."

"It's not that they aren't nice, it's just that they aren't my type."

"So what is your type?"

"Oh, you know, good guys. Someone strong and handsome and smart. Someone who can make me laugh..." Allison trailed off.

"Well then you're in luck, because it just so happens that I have a single friend who is all those things and more."

"Really," Allison rose a brow. "What's your friend's name?"

"Victor Stone, but we call him Vic."

"Uh-huh. You know, this sounds an awful lot like you're trying to set me up on a date."

Gar grinned. "Well that depends if you're going to say yes."

TT

Elliot fell to his knees, breathing heavily. He was over at Roy's house again doing exercise, only this time he was in the yard doing laps.

"Ugh, I can't do this!" Elliot whined as he collapsed to the ground, rolling over on his back.

"Elliot, get up. I'm not training a quitter." Roy barked.

Elliot sighed. Roy was worse than a drill sergeant.

"Come on, Elliot. Move it, let's go!"

"I can't... run... anymore."

Roy rose a brow. "Is that so, hmm. Well I guess that means you don't want this," Roy pulled out a small notebook from his pocket. "It's my own book on dating tips and pick up lines. I was going to let you have it but... since you don't want it--"

"I want it! I want it!" Elliot responded quickly. A book of such caliber would surely help him along the way.

"Well if you want it you'll have to work for it," Roy said strictly. "Now on your feet."

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Now run!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Elliot quickly did as he was told and ran forward.

Roy watched him go and smiled to himself. At first he thought helping Elliot was going to be a burden, but at the current moment he couldn't help but think about how much fun it was bossing someone around. He sighed in content. "It's good to be in charge."

TT

"No."

"C'mon."

"No."

"Please."

"Not uh."

"What do you have to lose?"

"That's a good question. I'll think about it on my way home," Vic said as he headed for the front door. Gar leaped on him and grabbed him in a head lock. "Ow! What the hell, Gar! Let go!"

Gar tightened his grip. He knew he was taking a risk right about now but he didn't care. Sure, Vic was bigger and stronger, but if he could just get him to stay a little longer if would be worth it. "C'mon on dude, it's for your own good!"

Vic managed to grab Gar's arm and yank him off. He then captured him in a head lock of his own. "Dude, I am not going on a blind date!"

"Why not?"

"Because... well...," Vic released Gar and rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think of a good answer. He snapped his fingers, a thought coming to him. "What if she's ugly?"

"She's not," Gar assured him. "She's real pretty."

"Gar, you think when Terra burps it's the most beautiful sound in the world. I don't even wanna know your definition of pretty. And besides, what if this girl turns out to be, I don't know, crazy or something?"

"Her name is Allison and she's from my acting class. She's cool, trust me on this," Gar crossed his arms. "Now would you stop being a jackass and just go on the date. Once you see her I'm sure you'll like her."

Vic looked at Gar with dull eyes. "Yeah... I doubt that. So I'm just gonna go home now."

Before Gar could grab him, Vic put his hand on the doorknob and pulled the door open. Once he opened the door he stepped out, and upon doing so he bumped into someone; a girl with bright green eyes and brunette hair. Vic could feel his cheeks burning as he took in the sight of her.

She smiled at him and placed a hand on her hip. "You must be Vic," she extended her hand. "I'm Allison. Gar's told me so much about you."

Vic was at a loss for words and nodded dumbly, a smile on his face. "Uh huh."

Gar came into view. "Look, Allison, I'm sorry but Vic doesn't--"

"Want us to be late," Vic said quickly, covering Gar's mouth and pushing him away. "We should get going. Shall we?"

"Oh, okay," Allison waved at Gar. "See you later, Gar."

She walked off with Vic trailing behind her. Vic turned around and gave Gar a thumbs up. Gar returned the gesture and smiled.

TT

At first Vic was wary about going on a blind date, especially one planned by Gar, but he had to admit, he was having a good time with Allison. They had a long conversation on their way to the movie theater, and Vic was surprised to learn they had much in common. Both realized they had an interest in cars as well as sci-fi movies.

After the car ride they both went to see a new horror film playing, and once they were done with the movie they went to a fast food restaurant.

Vic placed his tray of food on the table and sat opposite of Allison. "So...," he began casually, grinning at her. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

She nodded. "Very much so. You?"

"Same."

"You know, this may sound silly, but when Gar told me about a blind date I was worried."

Vic rose a brow, curious. "Really?"

"Yeah. I've never done the blind date thing before," Allison confessed. "I didn't know what to expect. A part of me really didn't want to do it."

"No way. That's how I felt. I was ready to bail before you showed up."

Allison found herself chuckling along with Vic at the confessions. However, she stopped and looked at him curiously. "Wait a minute, if you were ready to leave, what stopped you?"

Vic caught her gaze and held it. "You did."

Allison blushed, flustered by the seriousness in his voice. "Wow. You sure know how to compliment a girl."

"Allison... would you maybe, you know, if you're not busy... wanna do this again?"

She looked up, grinning a little. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

He smiled back. "Yeah, as a matter of fact I am. So what do you say? Would you like to go out with me again?"

He saw her pause, and for a moment he thought she would say no, but then she smiled at him and leaned in. Before he knew it he was kissing her.

She pulled away from him, smiling. "I would love to go out with you again."

TT

SPECIAL THANKS TOO Because Love is WAY Over-rated, clarkLover1, BerryDrops, cookiesruletheworld, ravencherithgirl, jcyz, Fan of the toons, Trimacle, Hexanna, Ace.04, Agent of the Divine One, featherpen13, BeastgirlRaven, Blackfire009, TerraBB4Eva, xxScriblezxx, Star 4 Robin, NegativeCloud, cookiegurl15, Keirii, Loy, mythica magic, lost in Neverland, TeenTitansFreakFan, Arwen-Arya-Diana-Rachel, Romancelover1321, tennisgal456, Daniella AND Princess of Markovia FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWS! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I'M HOPE EVERYONE IS HAPPY WITH THIS CHAPTER.

EXTRA THANKS TO lost in Neverland FOR BEING THE 800TH REVIEWER! AS A REWARD, lost in Neverland, YOU GET TO ASK ME ONE QUESTION ABOUT EITHER THIS STORY, ONE OF THE TWO SEQUELS TO FOLLOW IT, OR When We Were Young IF YOU PREFER. YOU ONLY GET ONE QUESTION SO PICK WISELY.

I AM EXTREMELY SORRY THIS CHAPTER TOOK SO LONG. TO PROVE HOW SORRY I AM, AND SINCE IT'S THE HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE WHO REVIEWS THIS CHAPTER GETS TO ASK ME ONE QUESTION. THAT MEANS YOU GET TO ASK ME TWO QUESTIONS, lost in Neverland.

OKAY, NOW I KNOW SOME EXCITEMENT MUST BE GOING ON ABOUT THIS, BUT THERE ARE SOME RULES. YOU ONLY GET THIS OPPORTUNITY IF YOU REVIEW THIS CHAPTER, AND THE OPPORTUNITY WILL END ONCE I UPDATE THE NEXT CHAPTER. ALSO, THE QUESTION HAS TO BE ABOUT EITHER Hanging By A Moment, one of the two sequels that follows HBAM, or When you were Young. AND REMEMBER, EVERYONE, EXCEPT lost in Neverland, GETS TO ASK ME ONE QUESTION, SO CHOSE WISELY.

ONCE AGAIN, I'M SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE, AND I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A HAPPY HOLIDAY!

NEXT CHAPTER: WALLY VS JENN

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