"Oh...I just felt like paying a visit, you know, see what a real high school is like," Crystal replied after a moment of thought.
"So, how do you like Monster High?" Christina asked cheerily.
"It's cool, I'm glad I found you, Shaggy"
"It's awesome to see you again too," Shaggy beamed.
"What are you doing?" Clawdeen questioned.
"Apartment hunting," Christina giggled.
"Make sure it has a big kitchen," Duncan laughed.
"Trust me that's like, top of the list"
"Apartment hunting?" Crystal repeated.
"Yeah," Christina grinned, "Shaggy and I are going to get a place of our own"
"That sounds nice" Crystal smiled, though it was strained.
She should have expected this. It had been years. Of course, he'd moved on. Of course, he'd have a girlfriend. They were clearly happy, hopelessly in love. The looks they gave each other were so sweet a human would land in a sugar coma with a glance. Sadly, this just complicated everything. How could Shaggy help her with her growing needs if his heart already belonged to another? He wouldn't;t betray his new girlfriend. He looked at her as if she'd hung the moon and stars. There was no asking for help. Not now.
…...
Meanwhile:
The door slid open with a metallic hiss causing her to look up in alarm. Her husband and children off-world left her with no one but pudge, the family 'dog' to keep her company Needless to say Nova was vastly unprepared for the sudden arrival. Her panicked expression melted into anger when she saw just who was in the doorway.
"Obsidian, what do you want?"
"I heard Crystal has finally started her mating cycle, why do you think I've come?"
"HA! My daughter's already gone to earth to breed with her chosen mate, you're too late!"
Letting out a shriek that would've broken the earth's sound barrier the enraged alien pushed past Nova to crystal's room.
Her room, filled with furniture made from her namesake was as clean and orderly as any other in the high-ranking household. Obsidian grabbed the diary crystal from beside the sleep pod and forced it open. His mind was instantly bombarded with logs of space exploration and pictures of various planets across the cosmos which bled right into entry after entry of a fleshy earthling who was a mere stick beside his imposing frame. This was who Crystal had chosen to mate with? After he'd done such a job of keeping all the other males away?
"I'd thank you to leave, Obsidian, or should I report you to the high council?"
With another barrier-breaking shriek, Obsidian stormed away.
…...
Crystal sat in the empty hall, mind spinning. Her kind didn't sweat but being shifted into a human meant she could. now, she understood the phrase sweating buckets. And, what was with this restless shaking? She didn't experience these strange things on her last trip to earth. Granted her last trip was a mission with the sole purpose of recording the habits of humans but still. It was a wonder she hadn't considering she'd met Shaggy, sweet, sweet, Shaggy on that trip. Now, now, it was like her body didn't quite know what to do with itself. It was a strange, unpleasant feeling and she wanted it to end.
"Crystal? Is that you?"
"Astronova!" now crystal was scrambling to her feet, relieved to find another familiar face, "It's been so long! I thought you were lost in hyperspace or something?"
"I was for many years, why don't we take a walk and catch up? You look like you need it"
"You have no idea"
…...
"Like, what do you say to a baking contest?" Shaggy prompted Christina, slinging his arm over her shoulders.
"Winner gets a kiss?"
"Loser has to stay the night"
"Oh, you're on!"
The two raced down the hall, back to the Home-ick classroom only stopping to don aprons and wash their hands.
"Pies, cake, or something more complicated?"
"Pie"
In the style of a Food Network show, they each took a kitchenette, rushed for supplies, and started a timer.
"Don't tell me you're using premade crust," Christina glanced at her boyfriend, "That's no fun"
"Like, it saves time"
"But it's so boring," Christina lamented, turning her attention back to the dessert that was taking shape before her.
"Oh, like the cherry pie you're making?"
"Don't insult my pie skills"
"Too late"
Christina rolled her eyes. This teasing always happened when they baked. It was their thing, stupid as it may have been but she wouldn't change it for the world.
While both pies were baking, the couple sat down to review the apartments they'd looked at.
"Best part of this one is the living room, just look at the windows"
"Like, did you see how small the kitchen was?"
"Yeah, hard pass"
"No kidding"
"Next"
Christina opened the next tab, clicking through the photos.
"This one's like, a few blocks away right?"
"Yes"
"What do you think about touring it after school"
"I'd love to but I can't, Cleo's booked me to cater her back to school bash remember?"
"Right, you're still my date?"
"Well, duh," Christina laughed, "I'll just be there extra early then I gotta rush home, change and we'll ride over together"
"Her dad approved it right?"
"Yes, or else I wouldn't be getting paid"
"I thought you didn't charge friends?"
"I don't but her dad wouldn't let me work for free
"So what have you got to make?"
"I've got the list right here"
The list rolled across the floor, out the doorway into the hall.
"ZOINKS, That's a lot of food"
"I know"
The timer dinged.
Pies are done!" Shaggy stood, "Like, get ready to lose!"
"Are you talking to your reflection?"
Their joyful laughter carried into the hall just as crystal was passing by with Astronova who'd been brought up to speed, the two girls, peeked inside, finding the couple tasting their treats.
"Fine..." Shaggy admitted, "You won,"
"Now where's my prize?"
They kissed, Crystal turned away.
"I am so sorry, my friend" Astronova rested a hand on her shoulder. "What are you going to do?"
"Keep quiet, I can't ruin what he has now, just look at them!" Crystal urged, "They're so happy together!"
"But..."
"But, what?"
"You deserve to be happy too"