Author Note: I don't have much to say aside from I hope it's okay that I've uploaded twice in one weekend, but I really wanted to get this one out there! Also, sorry in advance to my readers for the angst, and sorry in advance to Fred Jones, who probably wishes I would retire from writing fanfiction. Please review if you feel inclined! (sets chapter down and runs away) - iamacliche
Chapter 11
If Fred was skeptical that Ghost Lake was haunted before, he has no doubt in his mind that Goose Lake is really and truly haunted now, as he feels himself so haunted, so mortified by the last several days, that there might as well be throngs of actual ghosts and monsters and goblins prowling around the circumference of the lake. The atmosphere is chilly and frigid in the van as the gang drive to meet Jordie, Erica, and Sid, rivaling the crackling tension in every mystery they've solved so far, and Fred can't help but feel a bit ghoulish and suspicious himself as he feels haunted by the ghosts of his past. He is haunted by not only every kiss and every laugh and every exchange with Daphne, but he is also haunted by the words he should have said back at the hotel twenty minutes ago. Would that have been the perfect time to explain what was going on and tell Daphne how he was feeling lately? What if he had no other chance now? And worse yet, what if he – and Scoobydoobydoo – was right, and every romantic interaction with Daphne was just for show, inauthentic, not real?
Fred attempts to extinguish the thoughts bubbling in his head as he pulls the Mystery Machine to a stop beside the Goose Lake Office. The ride had been glazed in silence, with only the sound of Velma's keyboard clattering as she researched the camera. Fred felt as though he was walking on a thin layer of ice every time he risked a glance at Daphne, but he was dying to glean what was going on inside her head. Unfortunately for him, she revealed very little, as she remained slouched in the passenger seat, her forehead pressed against the glass window as she watched the trees hurtle past the van. Shaggy and Scooby were uncharacteristically silent, too, and Fred realized with a start that he hadn't yet thanked Shaggy for throwing the suspicion off of him earlier with the fan art incident. He vowed to pull Shaggy to the side and speak to him privately as soon as he found the opportunity.
As soon as the van is in park, Velma begins to speak as though she hasn't noticed the taut atmosphere, or rather, maybe she speaks because she does notice the oppressive awkwardness barreling down on everyone's shoulders.
"All right gang, I've figured out the model of this camera, and it appears as though I was correct in guessing that the footage can only be viewed and controlled from a smart phone," Velma explains. "So that means only the person who put it there can view whatever it's been recording. Now that we know this, I have some new theories on a potential suspect."
"And, like, who would that be, Velm?" Shaggy asks.
"I hate to say it, gang, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's one of our new friends; more specifically, Erica, Jordie, or Sid. Who else would have known which exact hotel room we were staying in last night? They're the only ones who knew where we were staying," Velma points out.
"Unless someone were to call the front desk and ask about us," Fred speculates, daring to diffuse the silence. Talking right now is safe enough; they're focused on the mystery, and no matter what Mystery Incorporated may be enduring in their personal lives, they've always been able to suspend it for the sake of an intriguing mystery.
"I'd like to pressure Jordie, Sid, and Erica a little to see how they react to the news about the camera," Velma says. "We know from past mysteries that it isn't unusual for the suspect to be someone we've known all along, so it can't hurt. Besides, they're the only other suspects we have at this point, unless we're still considering Elma and Officer Bradford."
"But Erica and Sid and Jordie have all been so sweet to us," Daphne finally speaks, and it's the first time she's uttered anything since the fan art incident; it causes a ball of butterflies to swoop down Fred's throat and explode against his ribcage, his chest fluttering nervously.
"That may be the case, but we need to be cautious," Velma explains patiently as the gang climb out of the Mystery Machine. She points ahead and mumbles, "Here they come now, gang!"
Sure enough, Jordie, Erica, and Sid are loping towards the gang, oblivious to the tension sizzling in the air, hopeful smiles plastered on each of their faces. Velma has the camera fisted in the palm of her hand, so none of them notice it when they stroll towards the gang.
"Hey guys!" Erica chirps in her typically cheerful, upbeat manner. "How did interviewing the towns people go this afternoon? Did you gain any insight as to who the monster could be?"
"We didn't have too much luck there, but we did find one clue," Fred answers vaguely, purposely omitting that he and Daphne were attacked by the monster; he isn't sure that he's ready to address the issue head-on and look it in the face again.
Erica, Jordie, and Sid raise their eyebrows inquisitively at Fred's ambiguous comment, and in response, Velma holds up the circular camera. Fred squints, watching the three closely for any ripples of recognition that flash across their face, but Jordie, Sid, and Erica exchange confused glances; clearly, none of them realize what Velma has in her possession.
"We did, however, find this in the boys' hotel room," Velma says carefully, ensuring her voice is free of any accusation and any emotion. The entire gang lean forward subconsciously, eagerly drinking in and analyzing every twitch and every breath from Jordie, Sid, and Erica, but they betray nothing; it's apparent they still do not know what Velma is holding in her hand.
Finally, Jordie shrugs and asks, "What is that, Velma?"
"It's a camera," Fred responds, feeling a mix of relief and slight disappointment when each of them react with horror; Erica's face drops and her eyes widen, Jordie's hand flies to his mouth, and Sid yelps as though he's been strangled. While Fred is relieved that none of his new friends appear to be the monster, he's also admittedly a bit crestfallen; now the gang have to go back to the drawing board in terms of suspects. It seems like they just keep moving in circles and bumping into walls with this mystery.
Surprisingly, Velma just comes out and asserts what she has floated around with her friends already: "We think one of our potential suspects is someone closer to us than we initially thought. Who else knew exactly where we were staying last night and would have planted that beforehand?"
When the three of them continue to stare at Velma with blank looks, Daphne clarifies: "In other words, we are starting to suspect that it could be one of you."
It's as though a bomb has exploded with the implication; Jordie, Erica, and Sid are bursting with exclamations and surprise, and Fred flies back like shrapnel.
"But why would I have wanted to sabotage my own concert?!"
"Why would I undercut my own father?!"
"And, like, why would I kidnap my own best friend?!"
Fred has to admit that each of them have a valid cover here, so he's inclined to believe each of them. And, admittedly, it makes things even more difficult that so far, there isn't a noticeable motive in this mystery. He had hoped to uncover one with the citizens of Goose Lake, but no one exhibited bitterness towards the concert like the people who lived in Goose Lake did in the documentary filmed fifty years ago.
Erica shrugs her shoulders and offers up a smile. "Honestly, if you guys are considering all of us, I think it's okay," she admits softly. "You guys have to do your job; if there's something anyone is hiding, then I hope it comes out. As for me, I know I have nothing to worry about!"
Fred is once again touched by Erica's maturity and sweet, relaxed nature, but then she pins him in a look that lasts about three seconds too long, and he's reminded that she's been studying him since he cringed at the Fraphne nickname earlier; he had hoped she had forgotten all about that, but apparently that wasn't the case.
"Erica is right," Jordie agrees, nodding his head. "All that matters is that this show happens and it's safe for our fans."
"Yeah, and like, our hands are totally clean, so we have no reason to worry," Sid agrees. Again, Fred feels a twinge of disappointment and relief; surely, they wouldn't be acting this laid-back and worry-free if one or all of them were somehow involved in the mystery.
"Well, we've only got two days left, and I think you all are doing a great job so far," Jordie adds. "What do you think will be your next step in solving this mystery?"
"I suppose we could always set a trap," Fred suggests carefully, and already he feels a flare of excitement rise within him; no matter how many times he and his friends solve a mystery, this part is always his absolute favorite. He loved the thrill of building a complex (or even simple) trap; he loved the cat and mouse chase that lured the suspect into his trap; he loved seeing the "monster" encased in the newest net Fred had constructed for the mystery. Sometimes, (which he was admittedly embarrassed to admit) Fred even had dreams about making traps when he slept at night; his knowledge on nets and crafting traps was extensive, and it made him feel as though he was a worthy member of Mystery Incorporated, as though his contributions had tangible worth.
"I suppose that would be a good idea," Velma muses. "At this point, we don't have too many other leads, so it can't hurt."
"I think that's a wonderful plan!" Jordie beams, clapping excitedly. "And then if your trap works, we won't even have to worry about the monster crashing our concert, and this mystery will finally be over!"
"That's like, a groovy idea, guys, but first, do ya think we could stop and grab a bite to eat first?" Shaggy whines, clutching his stomach as though the hunger is literally eating away at him. "Scoob and I are, like, starved."
"Reah reah!" Scooby barks, grasping at his chest equally as dramatically as Shaggy; he even manages to shrink in his stomach as though he's malnourished for some extra attention.
"I think we all deserve a break," Jordie smiles, amused by Shaggy and Scooby. "Maybe we could order some pizza for dinner before you kids plan how you'll go about trapping the monster?"
"PIZZA!" Shaggy and Scooby screech with delight; their tongues practically roll out of their mouths and their eyes are wide as saucers.
"That would be so kind of you, Jordie," Velma says gratefully. "And then after that, we'll get right back to work and catch this Goose Lake Monster!"
"Well, I guess it's been decided then!" Jordie exclaims. "Erica, do you mind placing the order and picking it all up once it's ready?"
"Erica, I can pick it up if you, like, wanna order it all!" Sid offers. "I know you mentioned that you, like, had some stuff to work on for the concert still, so you can stay behind here and get it done!"
"That would be great, Sid, thank you!" Erica smiles gratefully.
Everyone smiles politely and waves before they all drift away in their own separate directions; Jordie and Sid move towards the stage to go over some last minute details on the show, Erica moves somewhere quiet to call in the pizza order, and the gang stand awkwardly, shifting around nervously until Daphne asks if she can speak to Velma in private. Fred feels his heart literally clench in his chest before he realizes this is the perfect moment to speak with Shaggy about earlier, too.
"That's fine, I actually need to ask Shaggy something," Fred says hastily, hoping that his cheeks aren't tinge with pink, signaling the embarrassment washing over him once again. Daphne smiles a thin tight line in Fred's direction before she scampers off with Velma towards the Goose Lake office. As soon as the girls are out of earshot, Fred whirls towards Shaggy and feels himself unspool like a ball of yarn.
Shaggy squeals, "Like, Fred, what the hell man?!" at the same exact moment that Fred moans, "Shaggy, Scooby everything is such a mess!" Fred is gushing with exhaustion and hurt and confusion and frustration, every emotion popping and crackling like sparks inside his chest.
"Like, dude, maybe everything wouldn't be such a mess if you had just told me what you were lookin' at last night!" Shaggy bellows, but his voice is already softer, kinder, as he sees Fred doubled over with panic.
"I know, and I'm so sorry, Shaggy," Fred cries. "Trust me, I know that now. And seriously, thank you for taking the fall for me back there earlier. I owe ya one now! I still can't believe you did that for me."
"Ah, gee, well, it's like, no big deal buddy!" Shaggy waves his hand away at Fred's apology as though it's nothing, and his anger has already melted significantly at the sight of a disheveled Fred. "I figured out pretty quickly that, like, that was what you were lookin' at online last night, and I didn't want to embarrass you in front of Daphne. But like, really pal, that's all water under the bridge now, so level with me here now; like, seriously, what is goin' on? You've been actin' fishy since we got back from splittin' up earlier, and I, like, don't get it!"
"Ri still ron't runderstand the ran art," Scooby whimpers, causing Fred's cheeks to burn once again.
"Don't worry Scoob, I'll, like, I'll explain it later, old buddy," Shaggy whispers.
"Shaggy, everything is such a mess," Fred exhales. "Last night I looked up the 'Fraphne' nickname online because that's all I've been hearing about since we got here yesterday, and I wasn't expecting to find what I saw on some of those forums. I knew that we had fans, er, or shippers or whatever, but I didn't realize just how crazy and obsessed they were about seeing me and Daphne together!"
"Like, gee, no kidding," Shaggy chortles as he recalls the fan art the gang had stumbled upon earlier.
"Anyway," Fred ignores Shaggy's interjection. "What was even worse than some of the content were some of the comments people left on the art. One person wrote that they think the kiss Daphne and I had last week on Talent Star was all for show, and that we'll never take our relationship further than that, and now it's all I can think about."
"But like, Fred, that's why we made a pact not to go online and search what people are writin' about us a while ago!" Shaggy reminds his friend. "We like, knew people would be sayin' things that would bother us, so we decided not to even bother lookin', remember?"
"Yeah, I know, and that's easier said than done," Fred laments. "I mean, trust me, I guess I wish I had listened to our own advice, because now I can't stop thinking about that comment when I'm around Daphne. But to make matters even worse yet was what happened when Daphne and I split up earlier. You see, Daphne wasn't being one hundred percent honest when she told you we dressed up to hide from the monster; we did do that, but she insisted that we hide our faces by pretending to – well – uh," Fred was suddenly flustered, his voice wobbling as crimson stained his cheeks when the memory rushed through him again, and Shaggy and Scooby's mouths gaped open as they waited for their friend to finish speaking.
"Well, she told me we could hide from the monster by pretending to make-out," Fred finally finishes in one quick breath, as though he may reconsider saying it all together if he doesn't push it out now. "But she gave me a real kiss, another honest to God, actual kiss like last week's, but only now she's acting weird and awkward around me, and we haven't discussed it again, just like the Talent Star kiss. I'm starting to think more and more that the fan who wrote that comment is right, and that everything's been just for show, and it's been really stressing me out."
"It's stressing me out even more because before this second kiss, Daphne and I were already feeling awkward around each other for the last week because of our Talent Star kiss, which we never acknowledged," Fred continues. "But now that there's this second kiss, it just makes things even more messy. And it's like the 'fakeout-makeout' flipped some sort of switch in Daphne, and she's acting even weirder around me than before, and I'm not sure if I can take much more of it. Plus, to top it all off, now she probably thinks I'm some weird pervert who was pouring over fan art of ourselves all night!"
"Let's not, like, rush into anything here," Shaggy says reassuringly, patting Fred comfortingly on the shoulder. "As of now, we have no reason to believe she doesn't, like, believe it was actually me, and if it makes ya feel better, I'll like, take that to the grave, Fredster. She doesn't have to know it was you unless you, like, tell her."
Fred's heart tugs, and he's once again blown away by the selflessness of his friend.
"And as for your situation with Daphne," Shaggy continues, and just her name alone brings heat to Fred's face. "Like, dontcha think it's really possible she has feelings for you, too? I mean, I get how you're nervous and worried and stuff, but like, dude, she's kissed you twice now. Do you think that was, like, an accident?! I really don't think that someone who doesn't have feelings for you wouldn't have, like, kissed you two times by now!"
Fred pauses, considering Shaggy's words. Admittedly, Fred had that same exact thought and that same exact hope, but then why hadn't anything blossomed officially between the two of them by now if that were the case? When Fred vocalizes this question, Shaggy shrugs and says simply, "Well dude, like, Scoob and I have been sayin' it all along."
Shaggy and Scooby grin at each other slyly before they chorus, "How many times do we have to say it?! JUST TALK TO HER ALREADY!"
"I mean, really, you like, won't know how she feels until you actually speak with her," Shaggy points out. "And besides, like, how is it fair to her to guess what's on your mind, too? She could be, like, thinkin' the same things you're thinkin' right now! It sounds like she's just scared."
Fred shakes his head incredulously, hopeful but still dubious of what Shaggy is saying, even though it does admittedly make perfect sense. "But Shaggy, I'm seriously afraid," Fred admits. "What if I finally tell Daph how I feel, and she laughs at me, or worse yet, she's repulsed and she acts awkward around me after that and it ruins our friendship? If that's the case, then Mystery Incorporated will dissolve, too, and I don't think I could even handle that if that happened."
"Like, dude, look around!" Shaggy spreads his arms apart and waves his hands with a dramatic flourish, his gesture matching his words. "Things are, like, already really confusing with you guys, and I really think that if you wait any longer, it'll like, put a strain on your friendship even more. Honestly, Fred, I think it'll just make things worse if you, like, continue to hide it from her. I mean, what good is it doin' to keep all of this bottled up and, like, hidden from her? And how is it, like, makin' things any easier on Mystery Incorporated right now? We all feel, like, super awkward around you both right now! It, like, can't get any worse."
Fred feels a pang of regret, and suddenly he wishes he had spoken to Daphne sooner; maybe if he had, this could have all been avoided. But that possibility means there is a chance Shaggy is right and that Daphne does reciprocate her feelings for Fred, and that's not something he's sure he wants to invest and guarantee in quite yet in case he's miscalculated horribly. He knows he has to try, though; after all, Shaggy certainly has several valid points. As daunting as it may be to talk to Daphne, what good is it doing to ignore each other and sashay around everything that's happened between them? And Daphne did initiate the kiss the second time, even if it was a scheme to hide from the monster…
"Okay, I'm going to do it! I'm going to talk to Daphne about how I feel," Fred asserts, eliciting a cheer from Shaggy and Scooby, which draws an inquisitive look from Sid and Jordie, who swivel their heads briefly towards the three friends from where they are standing on stage.
"Is it possible to, like, be proud of someone who's your own age? Because I'm, like, so proud of you, Fredster!" Shaggy beams, causing Fred to laugh appreciatively; it's a nice distraction from the daunting task ahead of him. Despite the fact that Fred has chased monsters and people in masks and entered haunted houses, he has never been more frightened than he is now, in these moments before he approaches Daphne and confesses how he's been feeling for the last several years.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Shag, because I've never been more nervous in my life!" Fred laughs anxiously. "Wow, I can't believe I'm doing it; I'm going to talk to Daphne and see how she feels about me!" It's bizarre for Fred to acknowledge that him and Daphne officially getting together is a real, tangible possibility after all these years of dreaming about her and thinking of excuses to hold her and imagining reasons to grasp her hand during a mystery; if all goes well, all the pretenses can finally fall away. Just imagining it already makes Fred feel like the happiest, giddiest person in the world.
"Ru can ro it, Reddy!" Scooby cheers helpfully.
"I'm, like, just glad we can finally stop yelling at you to just talk to her now," Shaggy jokes sheepishly, punching Fred affectionately in the arm.
"I don't blame you, Shag," Fred grins, before he inhales deeply and repeats, "Okay, here I go; I'm going to talk to Daphne now!" Fred exchanges high-fives and encouraging words from Shaggy and Scooby before he begins to walk towards the side of the Goose Lake Office, where he had last seen Daphne slip away with Velma. He still feels wobbly, uncertain, like a newborn giraffe learning how to walk on his legs, but the support from his friends makes Fred feel more grounded and secure as he approaches Daphne.
When Fred spots Daphne on the bench flanking the Goose Lake office, slumped forward as she speaks with Velma, he feels his stomach stage a revolt. Even though Daphne's forehead is creased and her posture indicates distress, she somehow looks even more beautiful than Fred has ever seen her, and he feels an invisible hand grip his heart in a death lock. He's tempted to run up to the bench and sweep her into his arms and kiss her like he's never been kissed before. All he wants is to wrap his arms around her and tug her close, with no charade or act or pretense, to hold her simply because he loves her. Fred busies himself with possible scenarios of how he'll start the conversation as he approaches the bench, each situation more cringe-worthy and yet sincere than the last.
Hi, remember when we kissed last week on Talent Star? Well, I really liked that a lot, and I kind of want to keep kissing you for the rest of my life, like until the day I die. Does that sound good to you?
So, you know how I use every damn excuse to hold you during a mystery? It turns out I'm not doing it only to protect you, but because I'm also stealing every excuse just to touch you.
You know how Mel Richmond told us we were a cute couple last week in Chicago? Well, it turns out, I happen to agree with him; we make a very cute couple.
You. Me. Back seat of the Mystery Machine, now.
Fred's so stuck in his own thoughts as they tumble around inside his mind like a centrifuge that he doesn't even realize he's almost there now; he is probably about three feet away from Daphne and Velma, who are sitting with their backs facing him and don't realize that he's approaching now. He opens his mouth, ready to call out Daphne's name, when he hears a gut-wrenching sob and instantly realizes that it's Daphne, which causes him to stop dead in his tracks.
"Daph," Velma says soothingly. "Why didn't you just tell me immediately about what happened while we were split up earlier? I could sense that something was going on between you two, but I never guessed it was a second kiss! Wow!"
Fred shudders as Velma's words slither down his spine, and all of his bravado evaporates in an instant. He briefly considers turning and running the other way; he feels as though he is eavesdropping in on a conversation to which he is not privy. It's obvious Daphne has just filled Velma in on the kiss she initiated during the monster's rampage, and something about it is obviously making her emotional, but what is it exactly? Just when Fred is about to sprint in the other direction, something pulls him towards the girls like a magnetic force, and he drops silently and stealthily behind a bush, concealing himself so he can listen undetected. He tries to ignore the pangs of guilt beating against his chest as he leans forward, eagerly drinking in every word.
"It's just so complicated, Velm, every last part of it!" Daphne erupts, and Fred can tell that she is still sobbing based on the sniffling and hiccupping he hears; he parts the bushes as silently as possible, noting how Velma rubs Daphne's back in an effort to reassure her.
As Fred watches, he feels his heart beat accelerate faster and faster, and he's certain it's so deafening that Velma and Daphne are going to turn around and catch him in the act. He's breathless, gasping for air, as though he's just run a marathon, even though he has no reason to be this anxious. But there's something about the way Daphne is behaving and speaking that simultaneously makes him want to run and hide and stay and listen, and he's not sure if he is ready for whatever she is about to say.
"What's got you so upset, Daphne?" Velma asks softly; it's evident she is just as concerned for Daphne as Shaggy was for Fred earlier, and as much as it hurts Fred to see Daphne so upset, part of him is hopeful that so far the parallels exist because they're having a conversation that is similar to the one Fred had with Shaggy just a few moments ago. "Try to help me understand what has you feeling this way."
Daphne pauses to collect herself before she finally murmurs, "It's all my fault, Velma."
Fred is leaning in closer and closer now so as not to miss a single syllable. His blood is rushing to his ears and he can feel the perspiration dotting his forehead, and he should probably close his mouth so his breathing isn't so loud, but he feels as though he is watching the climax of a play, and he can't tear his eyes away from the scene unfurling before him.
"How is this your fault?" Velma echoes, genuinely confused.
Another pause, and this time when Daphne speaks, Fred feels his heart plummeting and his ears ringing, and he has to clamp a hand over his mouth to stop himself for leaning over and vomiting into the grass.
"Because he's misinterpreting things, Velm," Daphne admits softly. "I'm pretty sure he keeps misunderstanding things, and it's all my fault."
Fred stumbles back, reeling as though he's been punched in the face, and honestly, he might as well have been after hearing this. Misinterpreting things. I've been misunderstanding things. Oh, God, oh my God, this isn't happening, this can't be happening…
"How do you know he's misunderstanding?" Velma prompts gently.
"I just know it!" Daphne wails, causing Fred to flinch again, the pain in her voice rippling through his chest. "Earlier today, when I kissed him again and I pulled away, I could see it written all over his face. I've been sending him mixed signals all week by not talking to him about either of our kisses and avoiding the subject every time one of us even touches on it. Plus, now that I've seen that fan art and noticed how embarrassed Fred was when Shaggy tried to claim it was him who found it, I realize that he definitely feels differently than I do about us being a couple. I've made a mess of things, and I've jeopardized our friendship, too. I mean, Fred was so ashamed that he didn't even want to claim seeing that fan art. How is that supposed to make me feel, Velma?!"
Fred is rasping for breath now like a fish flopping around on land, and he's working on trying to ball his hands into a fist and making sure his face doesn't collapse into tears; even though he knows no one is watching, the ache in his chest is so heavy that he's sure he would betray his hiding place with a sharp scream that matched the pitch of his howling heart. When he was in high school, Fred had a creative writing teacher who would sneer whenever a student wrote that their character's heart was breaking. "That isn't even physically or literally possible," the teacher reprimanded. "Don't ever write that, ever again."
But the thing about broken hearts is that it's more than a cliché; Fred knows it feels very, very real. There is a physical, painful strain in his chest, in the cavity where his heart shudders and bucks against his ribcage, and he's certain he can imagine his heart shattering like glass, splintering into thousands of pieces. And it isn't only his heart; it feels as though his entire body is about to crumble right there in the bushes.
Daphne and Velma continue to speak, oblivious to Fred and his inner turmoil as he resumes listening to their conversation.
"Well, Shaggy did say he was the one who found that fan art," Velma reminds Daphne. "So we don't know for sure that it was even Fred."
"And I don't believe it for a second!" Daphne snaps assertively. "Come on, Velm, you saw how Fred was acting; can't you just admit that Shaggy took the fall for Fred? I'm so mortified Fred even saw that!"
Fred isn't sure what's worse; the fact that Daphne and Velma never once bought into Shaggy's lie, or the fact that Daphne is clearly confessing to Velma that she knows how Fred feels about her and she doesn't return those same emotions. It is all of a sudden so very obvious to Fred: why Daphne never initiated another conversation after their Talent Star kiss, why Daphne rejected every person's claim that they "make a cute couple," why she didn't seem interested in discussing their second kiss, and now, most recently, why she's so ashamed that Fred stumbled upon all that fan art. Fred's feelings for her must have been more obvious and more exposed than he had initially thought; Daphne had just made it clear based on her comment about how "it was written all over her face" after their kiss earlier. And, just like the rest of his friends, she was smart and a detective, so she had quickly discovered his feelings for her and had baulked, hoping to avoid it all together. Evidently, the fan art was the last straw, and even though Shaggy had claimed it was his Google search, Fred's actions had apparently made it obvious he had searched the Fraphne nickname because of his feelings for her, and apparently it was something Daphne couldn't seem to get past.
Fred wishes he could kick himself; he feels like such a fool. He can't even believe he was just about to tell Daphne how he felt about her after all these years. It's a good thing he had remained concealed in the bushes; he would have embarrassed the hell out of himself had he actually spoken with her and confessed everything.
Fred considers pulling his limp body off the ground and crawling away to lick his wounds when he hears Velma retort, "Daphne, I know you said you feel as though you've ruined things, but you need to talk to Fred and be honest about how you feel. I keep telling you this, but seriously, just talk to him about it already. Even if you're terrified, you at least owe him that much."
There's silence for a few long, excruciating seconds, and Fred strains to lean forward and listen to Daphne, who finally whispers, "Yeah, Velm. I guess you're right. I just hope our friendship survives this. I don't think I could handle losing him as a friend and splitting up Mystery Incorporated."
Velma says something in response, but Fred has already hauled himself off the ground and is propelling himself blindly back towards the Mystery Machine, where he left Shaggy and Scooby eagerly waiting to hear about how it went for him; he can't believe he had initially envisioned this to have only a positive, successful outcome for him. Fred's vision is blurred as the tears flow freely down his cheeks now, and he picks up his pace, hoping that the girls don't spot him at the last second as he retreats like a soldier wounded in war. He struggles to come to grips with what's just transpired as his ears continue ringing, and Daphne's voice is swirling around in his head. "I just hope our friendship survives this. I don't think I could handle losing him as a friend and splitting up Mystery Incorporated." So it sounds as though Daphne intended on finding Fred relatively soon so she could break the news that she didn't love him back. He tried to find a sliver of solace in the fact that she at least respected their friendship enough to vocalize her fear of tarnishing it beyond repair with the bad news, but right now, Fred was struggling to comprehend anything, even the simplest of sensations: the wind kissing his cheek, the sunshine, which normally felt bright and cheerful but now felt abrasive and blinding, the tuffs of dandelions that had no business looking so cheerful and vibrant with their buttercup colored heads. Well, shame on Fred for being so hopeful and so optimistic about all of this. This was exactly what he had kept telling Shaggy and Scooby; there was always that chance that Daphne was not going to feel the same way about Fred, and even Fred himself had not allowed himself to fully admit this reality. What was he supposed to do now? He could never show his face around Daphne ever again. Maybe he would move to Mexico or join the Witness Protection Program and change his name, or –
"Fred," Erica's voice cuts through his stream of consciousness, and he spins on his heel, coming face-to-face with a worried Erica, her forehead furrowed as she runs her hands through her electric blue hair anxiously. "Fred, is everything okay? You don't look so well."
Fred is tempted to laugh sinisterly; is he okay? Is he okay?! How does he even answer that question right now?
"Oh, I'm peachy," he manages to choke out, flinching at how pathetic his voice sounds. Come on Fred, keep it together here. It isn't Erica's fault Daphne doesn't have feelings for you.
Erica squints her eyebrows incredulously.
"Listen, Fred, I've been really worried about you, especially as it pertains to Daphne, and I've been meaning to talk with you," Erica presses on gently as Fred steels himself, but he's sure that his facial expressions betray him when Erica continues even more softly, "Fred, is something wrong with you and Daphne? I saw how you flinched when I said the Fraphne nickname during practice earlier, and I've also noticed how you two seem distant ever since you've arrived here. I guess I just expected Talent Star's favorite couple to be more, I don't know, affectionate and happy, because that was how you always looked to me when I watched you on TV. What's going on, Fred? You can talk to me; I really care about you both."
Fred opens his mouth to reply, and for some reason, instead a sarcastic guffaw escapes, causing Erica to widen her eyes to the size of golf balls.
"Erica," Fred says sharply, and he realizes he's being too harsh towards her, but he's tired of the Fraphne talk. He's tired of having their "ship" name thrown up in his face while Daphne obviously doesn't feel the same way; he's tired of seeing what he's lost when he never even truly had it, and he's tired of the reminder of what could have been and never will happen. He's tired of it, of all of it, and he needs to convey to Erica just how much damage she is going to cause by continuously bringing up that nickname; even though Daphne plans to dash his hopes relatively soon, that doesn't mean he can't hope to at least remain friends with her, and in order for that to happen, he needs to make Erica stop embarrassing Daphne with that nickname.
"Erica," Fred tries again, his voice crackling and fragile. He coughs to clear his throat, and when he speaks again, his voice is much harsher than he intended for it to sound, but at this point, he's beyond caring. "Erica, I know you mean well, but you seriously have to stop bringing up that nickname whenever you see us. Daphne and I were never a couple, and we never will be."
Erica recoils as though Fred has struck her, and he immediately regrets the serrated, jagged edge in his voice.
"But…but…you guys kissed on Talent Star," Erica stutters, as though that should mean something significant. "And you guys just seemed so happy together, so I thought – "
"Yeah, well, you were wrong," Fred snaps back, loathing himself for this level of rage he didn't even know existed. "Daphne and I are just friends, and we'll only ever be friends, and that's it."
Erica looks as startled as though she has seen a ghost, and Fred swears he hears a sharp intake of breath coming from behind his shoulder, but when he turns around, no one is there; now he really knows the lack of sleep is eating away at his senses.
"So, let me get this straight; that kiss meant nothing? It was all for show?" Erica prods, the inflection in her voice indicative of her disappointment.
There's a few seconds of silence, and Fred feels the tears strangle his throat as he manages to choke out, "Yup, it was nothing. All of it was just for show." This admission makes him feel as though a part of him has died, as though there is some fundamental part of him that will remain behind as he goes on living his life. He tries to cross his arms and breathe deeply through his nose, pulling the air through his nostrils, but that doesn't stop the pressure mounting behind his eyes or the way his voice sounds strained and high-pitched.
"Now seriously, Erica, I want you to stop bringing up the Fraphne nickname, because it really isn't ever happening," Fred adds, trying to temper his anger a bit; he knows he shouldn't be taking his frustration out on Erica, but she's part of the problem as to why Daphne is acting so nervous around Fred. Maybe they could have pretended none of this had happened, and then there wouldn't have been the need for Daphne to break the news to Fred and let him down gently. Maybe then their friendship wouldn't be in jeopardy, and maybe then the very fabric of Mystery Incorporated wouldn't have been torn.
For some reason Erica is visibly having a difficult time processing all of this; her own eyes are swimming with unshed tears that threaten to spill over her long eyelashes, and the guilt gnaws away at Fred for being the one to break the bad news to her. He knew she was a dedicated fan ever since the gang had arrived, and he should have known she could potentially feel as disappointed as he did, which was both aggravating and endearing to Fred. Why did Erica feel so committed to a relationship that was obviously never going to mature into a full-fledged, romantic relationship? But he couldn't even blame Erica; that would make him a hypocrite since he had hoped for the same thing until Daphne had dashed those dreams just a few minutes ago.
"So what, did the kiss mean nothing to you?" Erica demands, her voice sharper and almost accusatory now. Fred was beginning to feel desperate; what could he say to make Erica understand that their relationship was a fraud, a sham? How did he show her that the critics were right, that the ScoobydoobyDoo user was correct, and that he and Daphne would never act on anything past that kiss, that it was all just for show?
"I guess…I guess we just got caught up in the moment," Fred's cheeks are burning, and he knows they're tomato red, but he isn't sure if it's because he's tired of trying to convince Erica the relationship was nothing, or if it's because he's frustrated that he ever thought he had a chance with a girl like Daphne. "I guess…I guess it was a mistake."
A mistake. The word hovers in the space between Erica and Fred as they stand frozen, rooted to the ground. That was most likely how Daphne would describe their recent interactions, too. After hearing what she had said to Velma earlier, there was no doubt in Fred's mind. But then why did it feel as though he had just told the biggest lie in the world?
Fred distinctly hears a sharp gasp and a strangled noise that almost sounds like an animal that is in pain; Erica must hear it, too, because they both turn around turn and glance behind their shoulders, but there aren't any animals around, and there aren't even any other people nearby aside from Jordie, who is setting up the stage as he awaits Sid's return with the pizza order.
Fred exhales; he's exhausted, and he feels as though his insides have been gutted and removed from his body, his organs turned inside out for the world to see and probe and analyze. He feels naked, raw, vulnerable; he can't remember the last time he's been so emotionally and physically depleted, and he wonders if he'll feel this way for a long, long time.
Erica finally releases a shaky breath she has been holding and murmurs, "Fred, I – I don't even know what to say. I'm sorry if I've been making you feel uncomfortable since you got here. It's just that I was such a huge fan of you both on Talent Star, and I always thought you were legitimate couple. It looked to me as though you guys had actual chemistry and had actual feelings for each other."
Fred considers admitting to Erica what's been going on along, since he knows she means well and she's been nothing but supportive. Besides, everyone is going to find out sooner or later that he's a lovesick fool for Daphne when she rejects him and breaks his heart all over again.
"Actually, Erica, you weren't totally wrong," Fred finally admits; it feels as though a huge boulder has been rolled off of his chest. "The truth is that I did – do – have feelings for Daphne. Like, actual, intense feelings. But I literally just heard her talking to Velma, and she basically admitted she doesn't feel the same way about me. So I'm expecting Daphne to come up any second now and break the news to me. I'm sorry if I was so harsh towards you; I know you mean well, and I could tell you've been meaning to talk to me for a while now, so I should have just been transparent about how delicate things were between her and me."
Erica looks aghast, as though she's seeing the Goose Lake Monster face-to-face again.
"What?!" Erica shrills, the surprise elevating her voice a few octaves. "I don't understand! What exactly did you hear Daphne say?!"
"She said I was misinterpreting things and that I misunderstood all that's happened between us," Fred tries to remain calm as he speaks, but he can tell his words are steeped in bitterness, which reflects how he feels inside, as though something is rotting and decomposing inside of him. "So she obviously figured out that I have feelings for her, and she's upset that I misunderstood the Talent Star kiss to mean that she's interested, too, when in fact she really isn't. I heard Velma tell her that Daph needs to tell me the truth, but Daphne said she was worried that it would ruin our friendship. I walked away after that because I couldn't handle listening anymore."
Erica is listening intensely, which is evident from the serious expression on her face, but as Fred speaks, something indecipherable glazes over her.
"Fred," Erica says slowly. "I'll be the first to say that it definitely doesn't sound promising, especially if I'm you and I'm already worried and anxious about what's on Daphne's mind. But I gotta be honest, here; what if you just tried talking to her directly and confirm that what you heard was true? What if there's a chance you're wrong?"
Fred instantly regrets informing Erica; how does she have the audacity to question what Fred's heard?! Is she not listening to what Fred is saying?!
"Look, Erica," Fred tries to remain patient and level-headed, but he's increasingly irritated with Erica's inability to accept the fact that "Fraphne" doesn't really exist. "I don't know how else to tell you, but – "
"FRED JONES, WHAT IS GOING ON?!"
Fred and Erica jump, startled at the sight of Velma, who's rushing towards them with her eyes aflame and her cheeks burning with anger. Shaggy and Scooby, who have been playing catch several feet away, are drawn towards the commotion, their foreheads furrowed as they stare at Velma.
"Like, what's goin' on, everyone?" Shaggy asks as Velma stomps towards Fred, thrusting her pointer finger in his face like a parent reprimanding a child.
"All right Fred, tell me what you've done to Daphne!" Velma screeches, her voice shrill.
"What?! Me?! What are you even talking about?!" Fred erupts, disbelieving what's happening right now; how is it that even though Daphne is the one who broke his heart (unknowingly, but still), Velma somehow has the audacity to be angry with him?!
"Well, obviously you did something," Velma explodes, hurling her words aggressively at Fred. "I just ran into Daphne a minute ago, and she was sobbing and crying uncontrollably. I knew she was on her way to talk to you about something, so when I asked her what was wrong, all she said was that she was quitting Mystery Incorporated as soon as this mystery was wrapped up, and she's considering dropping out of the concert altogether now."
It's as though Velma's words are as explosive as a bomb, and as the realization billows and ripples over everyone, Fred staggers backwards, his heart and his body aching as though he is literally breaking and crumbling again. Why would Daphne want to quit Mystery Incorporated? Why was she so upset?!
Fred opens his mouth, but he isn't sure what to even say or how to even defend himself; words are fragmented, half-baked thoughts that tumble haphazardly in his brain. His heart races as though he's been electrocuted, and he can't manage to cobble together a single, coherent thought, or even speculate as to what has just happened. Before Fred can even reach out and latch onto a single word in his brain, Sid's quaking voice wafts towards everyone as he races towards them. He has something raised in his hand, but even when he squints, Fred can't tell what it is Sid is holding.
Jordie, who was drawn to all the commotion beforehand and was already making his way over towards his daughter and Mystery Incorporated, is now racing towards everyone from the stage. "Sid, Erica, what's going on?" Jordie asks, doubling over as he attempts to catch his breath.
Sid is brandishing the item high above his head now, as though it's a trophy or a prize, but his face looks grief-stricken.
"Like, I was just pulling in back in from getting the pizzas, man, and I found this in Erica's car," Sid huffs. His cheeks are pale and his eyes are wide, as though he's just been chased by a ghost, and he is clearly disturbed by whatever it is that he's found.
"Sid?" Jordie asks, his voice hollow and solemn as fear washes over his face like a tidal wave. Fred's skin ices over with a nervous sweat as everyone steps closer, examining the item in Sid's outstretched palm, and when everyone sees the tattered box with a stock photo advertising the same exact camera the gang had found in their hotel room earlier, a collective gasp spears the already tense atmosphere as Jordie swoons and falls forward, the ground rushing up to catch him.