This side story collection only seems to be growing bigger and bigger. At least I'm updating something, right?

For anyone that's curious, I'm still working on the next chapter for the main fic and apologize for how long it's taken to do so. You all know what's happening, and if you don't, feel free to check out my previous chapters to figure it out. Like I said, I'm still updating here and making sure to at least give you guys some bite sized content.

Onto this chapter specifically, this is just something shippy I wanted to experiment with. None of this is canon, but I had the idea in my mind and figured you'd enjoy it.

I'll talk more at the end of the chapter.

"You said that you were afraid of makeup, right?"

Eddy barely opened up one of his eyes to give Cleo a quick look. He debated on whether or not that question deserved a response, only deciding to since she didn't appear to be teasing him. Why he'd let her into his room, he failed to remember, but he figured this was the consequence for it.

"I'm not afraid of makeup, Queenie, I just don't like lipstick." Eddy closed his eyes, doing his best to go back to sleep. "I don't know who mentioned it or how much, but it reminds me of a couple of… people that I'd like to forget."

"Right, the Kanker sisters. An interesting story, that." Eddy opened his eyes again, suddenly suspicious. Cleo was casually fiddling with a thing of lipstick herself, not looking directly at him. "You sure there aren't a few ways to curse them? I have a few to test out."

"We already got them sent to juvenile hall before we got here, so it isn't like we can do any worse." Eddy didn't mention it wasn't for the harassment and stalking, but that didn't matter so much. "Appreciate the odd generosity, but not really needed right now. Maybe if they break out, though."

Cleo shrugged and Eddy relaxed, though not by much. She'd been acting weird since her breakup with Deuce, and while the thing had been mutual, it didn't mean she wasn't a little off kilter about it. Maybe that was why he let him hang out here after all. He had been putting off watching her due to working on a project until now.

Cleo cleared her throat and Eddy realized he'd been spacing out while staring at her. She still didn't appear to be irritated at least, though she had raised an eyebrow.

"I was asking if you ever thought about doing something to deal with that." Cleo didn't even bother asking him if he was listening. He clearly wasn't, and he felt his face burn at getting caught. "I suppose that isn't easy, but I can imagine it's worth it to confront."

"What, you want me to put on some makeup or something? I look pretty good as is, Queenie." Eddy was sure this was a ploy to mess with him and feeling sorry for her didn't mean he'd let her do it. "Besides, last time I tried using makeup, my dad tried to teach me how to chop wood for a month. So many splinters…"

"I meant exposure therapy… though, I have a few questions about that last part." Cleo brandished the stick of lipstick and Eddy realized what she wanted to do with it. "I want to see how this color looks and I think it would be a perfect opportunity too-"

"I'm not letting you draw it on my face." Eddy frowned as she deflated. He knew that stick was probably a disguised permanent marker. It would be something he'd do in her position. "I've been able to avoid that at any party I've been too by staying awake. I'm not letting you do it in real time."

"I didn't say that was going to be how it happened." Cleo waved off the accusation, still brandishing the stick as a sword. "I'm being serious, believe it or not. I think it might be a good idea to test it out."

Eddy didn't know if that was remotely true, but something in him didn't let him say no. He did think about it for a few seconds, hands twitching unconsciously as he remembered a few spells that would undo writing, on body and paper. It would be a good way to test it out, even if it was a permanent marker…

"You know what? Fine. But if it turns out that's an enchanted permanent marker, I'm using it to write all over your body." Eddy sat up, but Cleo moved faster as he felt her hand on his chest. "Don't want me to check so fast?"

"It's more comfortable like this." Cleo probably actually wanted to put it on his lips too. He did note that the color of the lipstick was black. It was at least better than red. "…Maybe close your eyes too. Eye contact would be awkward."

Definitely a permanent marker then. Whatever. He could live with a few scribbled insults until his spell worked or he got Raven to help. Unless it was enchanted. Then he might be screwed.

"Fine. Make sure you do a good job. I don't settle for second best after all." Eddy let himself be pushed down and closed his eyes. It could let him sleep some more too. "Fire away."

Eddy didn't feel anything for a few moments, hearing the sounds of fabric rustling. He could smell Cleo's perfume and it did make him pause, realizing how close she was for this to work. He felt some tension when he heard the lipstick case open, and he didn't immediately feel it on his skin. Eddy was about ready to open his eyes before he felt a pair of hands hold his face and-

Smack.

Eddy nearly jumped, eyes flying open looked at Cleo's impish expression. He quickly noticed the fact her lips were now painted black, and he was feeling the tell-tale signs of fresh lipstick being stuck on his cheek.

"Uh, Queenie?" He was surprisingly calm considering all of this. This had been a bold move on her end, and he wasn't exactly offended. "What are you doing?"

"I'm seeing how my lipstick looks. It certainly leaves an impression, don't you think?" Cleo rubbed a finger close to the mark now on his face and studied it carefully. "Of course, that doesn't mean I know how long this one lasts. I might need to test that too."

Cleo leaned in and the only reason she stopped was Eddy leaning back from her. She had the presence of mind to stop and look over his face, noting there wasn't any fear in it. Just confusion on his part.

"What's wrong? Do you want me to stop?" Cleo raised an eyebrow, and whatever grip she had on him loosened. "I can find another way to evaluate it, though I don't think any of the others are as fun."

"Y-You don't have to." Eddy felt the words tumble from his mouth, not sure where they were coming from. It wasn't like it was bad, but he hadn't expected it. "I just- well, I didn't think-"

Smack.

Eddy paused again, feeling her kiss his other cheek. He felt like it was a shock to his system, but a pleasant one. She went for another kiss on the same cheek, letting it hang there longer this time.

"Good. Though, do tell me stop when you want me too." Cleo still sounded casual about all of this and somehow that was the only part still confusing Eddy. "Now, hold still."

Eddy almost blurted out a question, wanting to know where this even came from. He was fairly sure she didn't do this for all of her friends, otherwise-

Smack.

His next thought was obliterated as she kissed his forehead, moving her entire body closer to him. Eddy unconsciously put his hands near her waist, steadying Cleo and making sure she didn't fall over. Her perfume was permeating around them, and he realized he didn't know the brand. She usually bragged about-

Smack.

One on his cheek again, near his lips. Another shiver, and she was suddenly much closer. Eddy didn't know if that was on purpose or not. Was he a rebound or something? Or maybe this was just a random moment of weakness. Which was worse. Maybe he should stop this before she-

Smack.

Oh god, that was near the neck-

Ring, ring! Ring, ring!

Eddy felt a pang of disappointment as he heard Cleo's iCoffin ring, forcing her to back off and frown at it. Despite being undead, he could actually feel some warmth leave him as she got off, grabbing her bag and straightening herself out.

"I hate to say this, but it looks like I'll have to cut this short. Ghoulia is asking for help and that's not something to take lightly." Cleo did stop and lift up Eddy's chin. The boy could barely think about stopping her from doing so. "Looks like that brand was running out anyway. It's amazing, but certainly not long lasting."

Cleo let out a hum, letting Eddy fall backward as she moved towards the door and left the room without a word otherwise. The boy could only stare into space, dead silent as his brain finally caught up to his body.

"…I didn't dream that, right?" He didn't know who he was talking to. Whether it was his himself, some deity, or those Narrators that Maddie ranted about. "Yeah, that's it. I had a weird dream, and I'm going to wake up with Cleo having written on my face."

Eddy's phone dinged and he snatched it from its perch. He looked to find a message from Cleo.

I have some more colors and brands to test out whenever I get some time. I'd suggest coming over to my place tomorrow. Ghoulia does say experimentation is a good thing!

…Eddy wasn't going to get any sleep at all tonight.

I'll admit, I did try to make this solely for shipping purposes. If that doesn't get across, feel free to tell me. Like I said, it's an idea that gripped me.

I always figured Cleo was the kind of flirt that, while not stating her feelings outright, is somewhat aggressive in showing what her actual feeling are like. That, and it's Eddy, and I feel like she'd make it a competition or a test to see how long he can stubbornly wait for her to say something. This would lead to some serial escalation between the two before officially getting together. As said before, this isn't canon, but something I wanted to write out because I had the idea broiling around in my brain.

I'll make sure to get the next official chapter out as soon as possible, but don't be surprised if it takes a little longer. I'll see you guys later!