Hello people. Third chapter here. I know what you're thinking 'It's about damn time.' I'm not very good at this fanfiction stuff. I'm more into original stories, where I can make up personalities instead of following the characterization of something already written. I tip my slash hat to all those who've been able to do it. I love you all platonically.

I have one more thing to say. In the episode 'Commie Dawkins' Tommy and Merton are talking about time travelling and it's consequences, when Tommy says 'ramipercussions' I thought that was the cutest thing I'd ever heard. That had nothing to do with anything. Sorry, I have no one else to tell.

And now the story...

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"Hey, Tommy." Lori greets cheerfully as she takes a seat beside him at the lunch table.

"Hey." He responds, not looking up from his lunch.

"Something wrong?" she asks, finally noticing her friend's sulky expression.

She receives a shrug in response.

Oh great, he's pouting about something, she thinks. Where's Merton when you need him? He can usually cheer Tommy up. That's it! Merton!

"Where's Merton?" she asks casually.

"With his new girlfriend." He replies sullenly, still not looking at her.

"New girlfriend?" When did Merton get a girlfriend?

Instead of answering, Tommy looks across the cafeteria. Following his gaze, Lori sees Merton sitting with a female goth. One she hasn't seen before.

"Who's that?" she asks.

"Mary Goodwin from Salem, Massachusetts." Tommy replies bitterly.

"Salem. That's where the witch trials were held. Merton must be in Heaven," she says.

Tommy groans in response.

"Why aren't you sitting with them?" she asks, ignoring his melodrama.

"I'm avoiding him for a week," he replies unhappily.

"Why would you do that?" she asks, confused.

"He told me to," he replies, then stands up gathers his tray, "I'm not hungry anymore. I'll see you later." With one last glance across the cafeteria, which causes his eyes to glow a possessive yellow, he leaves.

Poor Tommy, Lori thinks as she watches her friend walk away. In love with his best friend and probably doesn't even know it. She glances over at Merton and finds herself getting annoyed. That little twerp, she thinks uncharitably.

Sighing, she rises and gathers her tray. He probably doesn't even know what he's doing, so I shouldn't blame him. This is Tommy's problem. I'm staying out of it unless he asks.

Poor Tommy.

********

That sucked. Sorry. The best I could do. Review please.

-- A.H.