Twenty-Two

Wren lifted a box and carried it out of Tina's apartment to the truck that North brought from Jericho. She reached the door to exit the apartment building and positioned herself to push it open with her foot, but it swung open. Connor stepped aside and gestured for her to exit.

Wren smiled. "Thank you." She walked past him and loaded the box into the back of the truck. She pushed it as far as it would go in the truck bed before turning back to head up the stairs.

"Gavin and Chris are on their way with Gavin's truck and Chris's trailer to start packing up furniture," said Tina, placing her hands on her hips. "Thank you guys again for helping me with this."

"Of course," said Wren, squatting to pick up another box. Connor and North stacked boxes and carried them two at a time. Wren rolled her eyes at them. Neither android could see around the boxes they carried, yet they never fumbled on the steps.

Tina grabbed a box and carried it down while Wren followed with her box. They loaded the rest of the truck and the back of Tina's car. By the time they finished, Gavin and Chris arrived with the truck and trailer.

"Alright, let's hustle," said Gavin, clapping his hands together.

"We're not playing football," said Tina.

"I'd rather be playing football," said Gavin.

"Oh yeah, because you're so masculine," Wren scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Hey, who brought the truck?" said Gavin, gesturing to said vehicle.

"North did first," replied Wren.

Gavin looked at North, who merely raised her eyebrows at Gavin, unimpressed. He gulped and fidgeted before leaning toward Wren. "Is she always this cold?"

"Until she decides if she likes you or not," Wren replied.

Tina tossed the keys to her apartment to Chris. "You guys can start loading up the furniture while we drop off this load, okay?"

"Got it," said Chris. He turned to Connor. "Why don't you help us out, man?"

"Alright." Connor followed Gavin and Chris back into the building and up the stairs to Tina's apartment.

Tina hopped into her car while Wren climbed into the passenger seat of North's truck. North followed Tina through town to the new townhouse.

"Any luck with Markus?" Wren queried.

"No," said North. "But I'm distancing myself. I've considered asking someone to be my date to the gala."

"Yeah? Who?" Wren queried.

"Honestly, I was going to ask Tina. I think she'd enjoy being part of the group."

"Yeah, that's a great idea," Wren agreed. "But I don't think distancing yourself from Markus is the best idea. How is he supposed to know something's up if you don't tell him?"

"Because he should know by now," insisted North. "For an advanced prototype, Markus is an idiot."

"It must be the RK models," said Wren, smirking.

North grinned. "Must be." She frowned. "So, no luck?"

"I really don't think he feels the same way. He seems weird whenever something even slightly romantic starts to happen. Uncomfortable, even."

"Romantic? What'd I miss?"

"Nothing much, that's what I'm saying," Wren sighed. She pressed her lips together. "And he sort of went on a date."

"What? When?" North looked at Wren, her eyes wide.

"A week or so ago," said Wren. "He insists that it wasn't a date to him, but… I don't know. It still stung, you know?"

"I'm sure," said North, slowing down as they reached the townhouse. She parked on the side of the road. She shifted the truck's gear and turned in her seat to look at Wren. "Maybe you should take your own advice and talk to him. You'll never know and neither will he. Maybe he's scared to tell you how he feels."

Wren rubbed her face. "Maybe. I'm glad I'm moving in with Tina. It's difficult being around Connor so much. I'm emotionally exhausted from pretending that I don't feel anything more than friendship for him."

"Then maybe you should be honest with him," said North. "Even if he doesn't feel the same, you'll be in your own place and you can grieve and then move on."

"Maybe," said Wren. She smiled wryly. "But I'm a wuss, so probably not gonna happen."

"What is it the humans say? 'The first step is admitting your problem?' Something like that?" North grinned.

"Something like that," Wren agreed, hopping out of the truck. She grabbed a box and brought it toward the townhouse. The steps were dark, matching the front door and shutters. The rest of the exterior was white brick. Wren entered the building, her new home.

The floors were white while the stairs were black, continuing the contrast of dark and light. The skinny foyer led to an open area, the living room. Wren carried the box to that room, admiring the windows encircling the room. She set down the box and went to retrieve another. She brought the second box upstairs, where one of the bedrooms and bathrooms was located. There was another floor where the second bedroom was. Wren went back to the first floor and wandered through the open living room to a room off to the side. She grinned at the narrow kitchen. The floor was white tile with black diamond tile pieces spaced evenly to contrast the white. The cabinets were white with black countertops.

"Isn't this kitchen fucking awesome?" Tina questioned, setting a box on the counter. Wren nodded. "Did you see the bathtub yet?"

"No," said Wren.

"It's claw-footed. The other bathroom just has a shower, but we can share the bathtub because it's amazing."

"Thanks," Wren grinned.

They finished unloading boxes and returned to the apartment to load more boxes. They spent the rest of the day back and forth between the two places. Connor and North helped set up the wifi and TV after everything was moved in. Tina bought Gavin and Chris dinner before collapsing on the couch.

"When we have everything unpacked, we'll have a housewarming party," she promised, draping an arm over her eyes.

"Hey, Tina," said North. "I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Yeah?"

"You know that gala coming up to celebrate the android liberation?"

"Mhm."

"I'm allowed to bring a guest. Wanna be my date?"

Tina sat bolt upright. "Are you serious?"

"Yes…?"

"Fuck yes! I've always wanted to go to a gala. I'm a cop. I never really get to go to anything fancy unless I'm on duty at the event."

"Then we better go dress shopping," said North, smiling.

Wren nodded, sitting on the arm of the couch. "Yeah, I definitely don't have anything to wear to the gala."

North puckered her brow. "You're going?"

"I asked her to join me as my guest," said Connor.

North raised her eyebrows at Wren, who stated quickly, "Just as friends."

North's shoulders slumped. "Yeah."

Connor lowered his gaze and his LED flickered. Wren's stomach twisted. She wished it were more, but she wasn't about to pressure him.

"We also have some furniture shopping to do, Wren. You don't have a bed."

"Yeah," Wren shifted. She had decided to leave the bed at Hank's for Connor whenever he entered standby mode. Plus, she'd like something a little bigger.

"We can go shopping tomorrow," suggested North. "Early in the morning. We can help Wren find a bed and mattress and look for dresses. Connor, you're welcome to come on both outings."

"Thank you," said Connor, lifting his eyebrows, "but Hank and I have plans."

"Well, Connor and I should get back to Hank's. We're gonna spend the evening hanging out since it's my last night over there," said Wren, hopping off the couch.

"Yeah, I should get back to Jericho."

"Alright, guys. I'll see you in the morning," said Tina, walking them to the door.

Wren waved to North before climbing into the passenger seat. Connor and Wren rode in Hank's car home. Neither of them spoke the whole drive. Wren picked at her synthetic fingernails, her brow creasing. Her chest throbbed, though the sensation never dulled in Connor's presence.

Hank had ordered Chinese takeout for dinner. He gifted Wren's box to her and they sat at the couch while Connor picked out one of Wren's memorabilia movies. He chose Phantom of the Opera. Wren watched the film with awe, admiring the ballet in it. Her chest longed for a stage to perform on. She pressed her lips together. Missing things she did not remember was a persistent feeling, it seemed. After Phantom of the Opera, Hank picked out what he called a classic –Shrek.

Wren soon forgot the ache in her chest as she laughed at the movie. Hank lightened up tremendously, cackling like a child at moments of the film that he referred to as "meme-able." Hank and Wren cleaned the kitchen after the movie. Hank drifted off to bed after patting Wren's shoulder.

Wren turned to Connor. She smiled slightly. "Well… Goodnight."

Connor's lips twitched, though his eyes seemed sad. "Goodnight, Wren."

Wren headed down the hall before turning. "Wanna watch Star Wars? I might fall asleep, but… you can stay."

Connor perked his head up and nodded. He followed Wren to her room and set up A New Hope. They settled against the pillows and for a moment, Wren pretended that they were together and in love. Her eyelids drooped as she watched the movie. Her head rested on Connor's shoulder. "If you fall asleep, I'll tell you what happens," Connor murmured, his voice reverberating through his body. Wren felt the vibrations in her sternum.

"Thank you," she breathed. She closed her eyes.

…

"So, he asked you to be his date," said Tina as they walked through rows of mattresses. "Try this one."

Wren laid on the display and rolled around on it. "Just as friends. He was… very clear about that part."

"Yeah, because he's scared shitless to ask you out," said Tina.

"Too soft," Wren muttered, scooting off the display. "And no, I think it's because he didn't want me to get the wrong impression." She stopped in her tracks, her face draining of color. "You don't think he suspects how I feel?"

"Honey, the whole fucking office can see how you feel," said Tina, patting Wren's back. "But no. I think he's clueless. Just like you." Tina booped Wren's nose with her finger.

Wren rolled her eyes and tested another mattress. Too firm.

North folded her arms as she walked. "Maybe this could be the opportunity for you to tell him how you feel."

"Yeah!" said Tina as Wren tried out another mattress. "You'll both be dressed to the nines."

"And the gala will be romantic with its lighting and music," said North. "Perfect for confessing your undying love."

Wren snorted and slid off the mattress. "I feel like Goldilocks." She sat on another mattress. "I don't know… I kind of don't want to know."

"Why not?" Tina demanded.

"Because then it'll be real when he doesn't reciprocate. Sometimes, when we're alone together, it almost feels like we're together. I don't want that to end just yet," said Wren, hopping off the display.

"Wren, that's so sad," said North, shaking her head.

Wren gritted her teeth. "You don't have to make me feel worse."

"Sorry," said North. She sighed. "Connor definitely reciprocates. When you tell him how you feel, you'll see that we were right."

"Yeah, I've got ten bucks on you," said Tina, plopping down on a display. "Oh, this one feels nice."

Wren laid beside Tina, staring at the ceiling. "You bet money on me?"

"I'm kidding," said Tina. "What do you think?"

"I like it," said Wren, feeling the mattress conform to her body. "But I can't tell Connor. I feel like that's taking advantage of him."

"Connor isn't stupid," said North. "He's capable of turning you down. And I don't think he'll say he feels the same out of pity or because he's confused. You don't think he's pestered Hank about this?"

Wren frowned. Hank had figured her out pretty easily and had not told Connor her secret. Was it so ridiculous to consider that perhaps Hank protected Connor's secrets, too? Her heart twisted for Hank. She propped herself up on her elbows and eyed North. "Then why hasn't Connor told me?"

"Because he's a chickenshit like you," said North. "It's going to take one of you taking the initiative. Look, let's make a deal. I'll talk to Markus if you talk to Connor at the gala."

Wren narrowed her eyes. "You have to talk to Markus either before or at the gala, not after."

"Deal," said North, holding out her hand.

Wren's heart jumped to her throat. "But what if Connor doesn't feel the same way?"

North rolled her eyes. "Holy shit, Wren, how can you not see the way he looks at you?"

Wren's lips twisted. "Probably the same way Connor misses how I look at him." She sighed and shook North's hand. "Deal. I'll tell Connor at the gala if you talk to Markus before or at the gala."

North nodded, though she looked a little shaken. "Yep."

Wren jumped off the mattress. "I'll take this one."

"Excellent," said Tina, grinning. "Let's go dress shopping next."

…

After purchasing the mattress and leaving it in Wren's bedroom at the townhouse, North, Tina and Wren stopped at a boutique formal gown shop. Wren sifted through rows of gowns, picking out deep emeralds, royal blues and blacks as her choice of color. She knew how to pick something to fit her body just right. North seemed attracted to black and maroon and gold colors while Tina stuck to purples and greens. They slipped into dressing rooms and dressed into their first gowns. Wren pulled on a royal blue gown with a fitted bodice and thick skirt. She frowned at herself before stepping out. She toyed with the tulle skirt.

"I feel like Cinderella," she muttered.

"Is that bad?" said Tina, adjusting her boobs in her dusty rose dress.

"It's not me," said Wren.

North stepped out in a black, strapless gown. She looked stunning, though she admitted she felt constrained in it.

"That color looks okay, but I think the purple would look best," said Wren to Tina, who nodded.

"Yeah, I feel like my skin looks grey in this color."

They returned to their dressing rooms. Wren slipped on a green gown. This one seemed better, with its off-the-shoulder fit and contrast to her hair. She still felt a little odd in it. She stepped out to show North and Tina. Tina wore a strapless green gown and winked at Wren while North stepped out in a black gown. The black suited North, though Wren felt it was a typical choice for her.

"The green looks really pretty with your hair," said Tina, taking a fingerful of Wren's hair and braiding it.

"Thank you," said Wren, beaming. She booped Tina's nose. "You look lovely in green, too."

"You look like Poison Ivy," said Tina, snorting.

Wren's shoulders slumped. "Well, I don't want Connor to think I'm a cartoon."

"She's not a cartoon, but whatever," said Tina. "And I'm pretty sure you could wear a fucking paper bag and Connor would still have moon-pie eyes for you."

Wren wrinkled her nose. "Right."

"But you won't be wearing a paper bag," said North, "you'll be looking glamorous as fuck."

Wren grinned. "And Markus will drool over you. Do androids drool?"

"We can… but not really," said North, smirking.

"Okay, idiots, let's hope this next one is better," said Tina. They returned to their dressing rooms. Wren unzipped her gown (with some awkward maneuvering) and let it drop to the floor. She hung it up and paused, examining her reflection. She pinched a faint scar on her side, her lips drawing downward. Her fingers brushed the soft scar from her most recent bullet wound. A thin line scratched her abdomen from where she got slashed. The ointment Dr. Willis gave her seemed to work, but her scars would never fade completely. It would take a lot of serums and ointments to heal the bullet scar.

Clenching her teeth, she dressed into the black gown. It had spaghetti straps and lace around the breast. It sparkled around the bodice and cascaded into an elegant train. It hugged her figure in the right spots. She felt like her seductress self in it, yet still more elegant than she had ever been as an agent for Prometheus.

"Hot damn, Wren," said Tina, her eyebrows shooting toward her hairline. She looked stunning in her one-shoulder plum gown. North glittered in a sequined gold gown. It was atypical of her, yet still seemed perfect for her.

Wren smiled. "You guys look great."

"I don't know," said North, looking at the gold. "Is this… too much?"

"No, you look like a queen," said Tina, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know, it just seems too light for me," said North, frowning at herself.

"I like this one the best," said Wren. "It's unexpected. You always wear darker colors."

North scrunched her lips. "Because I look good in them."

"You look good in this!" insisted Tina.

"You seriously look like some sort of goddess," said Wren. "Like Athena or something."

North tilted her head, her eyes glazing over as she searched databases for a reference. Her lips quirked upward when she finished. "Goddess of wisdom and battle strategy? I can get behind that." She looked at herself in the mirror. "I actually do like it a lot."

"I can't decide… Green or purple?" Tina queried.

"I actually think I liked the green on you better," said Wren, tilting her head. "It fit your body really well. Not to sound weird or anything."

"Yeah, I think I liked it, too," said Tina, nodding.

"The green looked really good with your dark hair, too," said North.

Tina tossed her hair back. "Why, thank you!"

Wren shook her head and hurried back into her dressing room. She changed back into her casual attire and grabbed the black gown. North, Tina and Wren paid for the gowns and left the shop grinning.

…

"It's October," said Tina, typing up some paperwork. "We're doing something spooky, right?"

Wren grinned. "What kind of spooky are we talking about?"

Tina leaned forward, a sideways smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Evil Visions."

"What's that?" Wren queried.

"Oh, fuck that," said Chris. "I can't deal with haunted houses."

"That's because you're a wimp," said Tina. She looked around at them. "So, what do you guys say? Are we goin'?"

"I'm too old for that shit," said Hank, "but you guys have fun."

"Boo, whore," said Tina, jutting her bottom lip out at him. Hank flipped her off. Wren hid her laughter behind her hand. Tina looked at Chris, who shook his head. She turned to Gavin, who also shook his head. Tina gaped. "What the fuck's your excuse?"

"I've got plans this weekend," said Gavin, leaning back in his chair.

Wren raised a brow. "Oh? Got a hot date?"

"Maybe," said Gavin, folding his hands behind his head.

"Wait, wait, wait," said Tina, shifting her body to look at him, "someone agreed to go out with you? They like you? For your personality?"

"Shut up," said Gavin.

"Who's the unlucky girl? Or boy? I don't discriminate," said Wren, grinning.

Gavin glowered at her. "None of your business."

"But seriously, do they actually know you? I mean, you're kind of an ass," said Tina between chuckles.

"Probably just went for his looks," said Wren.

"I mean, how can you get a date, but I can't?" demanded Tina.

Gavin tossed a pen at her. "Fuck off. Both of you."

Wren and Tina snickered. Wren glanced at Connor and winked before returning to her paperwork. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his LED flicker. She tried to hide her smile. Tina swiveled in her chair to face Wren.

"Obviously you're coming," she said. Wren nodded. Tina looked at Connor. "Are you?"

Wren froze in her typing and glanced toward him. His eyebrows twitched toward one another. "I'm unsure as to what this event is."

"It's a haunted house attraction," said Tina. She bounced in her seat. "You know, people in masks jump out and scare you."

Connor tilted his head. "You… enjoy this sort of thing?"

"Yeah!" said Tina. "I fucking love Halloween. Haunted houses only happen during this time of year and I can't go by myself. It's more fun with a group of people."

"Well, there's one haunted house that's year-round," said Gavin.

"Fuck that place. I want to be scared not scarred," said Tina without even glancing at him.

Connor frowned. "What place?"

"McKamey Manor," said Gavin. "Their son runs it now, but they basically torture you there. Like, actually torture you. They post videos of it online."

Wren puckered her brow. "People pay to get tortured?"

"It's very cheap," said Gavin.

"Have you done it?" said Tina.

"Hell no," replied Gavin.

Tina snorted. She looked at Connor again. "So? Are you in or not?"

Connor glanced at Wren, who lifted her eyebrows at him. He turned back to Tina. "I suppose."

Tina punched the air. "Yes!" She relaxed in her seat. "I'm inviting North and the others, too. You guys need the full human experience, and that includes Halloween festivities. Which reminds me, Wren –I host an annual scary movie party every Hallow's Eve. We need decorations and party supplies and whatnot. But that's still a few weeks away."

Wren laughed and nodded. "Got it."

…

Wren and Connor stood outside a flat building in downtown Detroit at nine o'clock in the evening. Wren folded her arms to keep her core warm as a crisp breeze rippled through the street. She bounced from foot to foot to keep warm. The doors to Evil Visions were wide open, with flashing red lights and metal music playing.

Tina walked toward them from a parking lot across the street. She scurried across the street, grinning. "I'm freaking nervous."

Wren laughed. "It's just people in masks."

"They're still scary," said Tina.

Connor's lips twitched. "Why do you do this to yourself?"

"Because it makes you feel alive," replied Tina.

Connor's brow pinched together. "Being scared makes you feel alive?"

Wren nodded. "It's adrenaline," she explained. "There's nothing like a close encounter with death to make you feel more alive."

"Plus, it's spooky and I love all things spooky, even if it scares the shit out of me," added Tina.

Wren snorted and rolled her eyes. She looked up and down the street and spotted a group of three walking toward them. As the group neared, Wren realized it was North, Markus and Josh.

Tina stepped forward. "I have some rules for you androids. No using special abilities like night vision or whatever. You have to experience this with no advantages."

North's mouth stretched with a mischievous grin. "Deal."

"Are we ready?" Markus asked.

"Hell yeah," said Tina. The six of them entered the dark building. They paid for their tickets.

The cashier extended a skinny arm to the left. A wide grin spread across her cheeks. "Please enter the hallway. Welcome to Evil Visions!"

Wren and the others started down the hall. Tina looked around in the darkness. "Wren, don't fucking let go of my hand, I swear!"

Wren snorted and gripped Tina's hand. The two of them followed Markus and North into a wide area. A girl with bloody makeup on her face stood by a doorway, where screams and revving chainsaws sounded from within. The girl extended a hand with a blank expression.

Wren and the others handed over their tickets. The girl took them and stepped to the side. She said nothing as she gestured for them to enter.

Wren dipped her head and followed Markus and North inside.

A grotesque-looking woman sat at a desk. She held a baseball bat and banged it on the desk. Tina whimpered.

"Fresh meat!" shouted the woman. She tilted her head. "Oh, we've got us an android!" She approached Connor, who regarded her calmly, though his LED flickered. The woman moved to Wren and Tina, who trembled and shrank behind Wren. "What's the matter, girlie? You scared?" The haunter drew closer to Wren and Tina, who hid her face.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!" Tina breathed, covering her face with her free hand.

"I got a few rules!" said the haunter, backing away abruptly. "Don't take the props! Do not hit or touch or spit on my haunters! You paid to be here, so don't abuse them. And please, scream as much as you like." The haunter gestured to the doorway and grinned sinisterly. "Have fun."

Markus and North led the way, Connor following with Wren and Tina. Josh took up the rear. Tina staggered behind, hiding her face. "Oh God, oh Jesus, shit, fuck, I forgot how scary these things are…"

Wren giggled as they entered the next room. It seemed empty until two clowns jumped up on the desk and screamed. Tina let out a screech and backed against the wall, dragging Wren with her.

"Helloooo, kiddies!" cooed one clown. She jumped down and inched toward Wren and Tina, tilting her head from side to side. "Oh, looks like we've got a scaredy cat!"

"Oh boy!" said the other clown. He jumped down and cornered Wren and Tina. Wren smiled nervously as the two clowns neared. Tina hid her face, cowering behind Wren. Both clowns stooped toward Tina.

"Look at me!" squealed the girl.

"No, me!" said the boy.

"No!" Tina cried.

"You're not leaving till you look us in the eye!" shouted the girl.

"LOOK AT ME!" roared the boy, banging the wall. Wren flinched, grinning as Tina whimpered and shoved Wren forward.

"Move, move, move!" Tina cried.

Wren laughed and moved forward, but the clowns blocked her path. "LOOK AT US!"

"Tina, just look at them!" North cried.

The clowns looked at each other. "Tina? Tina? Tina! Tina! Is that your name, sweetie?" cooed the girl clown.

The boy tilted his head back and roared: "OUR SQUEALER'S NAME IS TINA!"

From the other rooms in the building, several haunters chorused, "TINA!"

Wren shook her head, grinning. She tugged Tina along, who groaned. "They know my name, they know my name!"

"Way to go, North," laughed Wren. They moved through the next few rooms, where the haunters got right in Tina's face. Tina never failed to let out a bloodcurdling scream. Wren giggled for the most part, though she did jump when a machine from above blew air on her.

Josh snickered. "Really, Wren? That's what got you?"

They entered a room with a long table. The room seemed empty, save for the head in the middle of the table. They shuffled past it until the head opened its eyes. "Hello."

"What the fuck?" hissed Josh, dancing away from the table.

Wren laughed. "Really, Josh, that's that got you?"

"Shut up."

They continued walking through, now more huddled together. Wren had no idea when she started holding the back of Connor's jacket, but she clutched it so tightly that the fabric wrinkled around her grip. They entered a room that looked like butcher's hall. Fake pig carcasses hung from the ceiling. Markus led the group through the maze of pigs. Wren looked around in the dim yellow of the room. She knew something was about to jump out at them, but she had no idea where the haunter concealed themselves. Out of the corner of the room, a large, muscular man in overalls and no shirt jumped out, cackling. He wore a pig mask and wielded a large knife. He charged toward them.

"Fuck that!" cried North. She leaped over a table and sprinted out of the room.

"North, wait!" laughed Markus, running after her.

Wren broke her grip on Connor's jacket. Tina screamed and jerked backward, yanking Wren with her. They crashed into Josh, who yelped. Connor ducked around the pig-man and turned, his lips quirking. He backed toward the door, but waited for the others. Wren gripped Tina's sweaty hand in hers and dragged her toward the exit, Josh pushing her along as the pig-man screamed at them.

They broke into the dark hall, panting. Markus and North waited, grinning and standing close together. Wren raised an eyebrow at them. She glanced at Tina, who clutched her chest.

"Damn, that was one scary dude," she muttered.

Wren snickered. "Yeah, definitely."

They moved to the next area, where a woman sucked in a rattling breath. Immediately, she zeroed in on Tina, who hid behind Wren, clutching fistfuls of Wren's shirt. The woman walked toward them, swiveling her head like a snake's. She licked her dirty teeth. "I've got a tombstone with your name on it!" she spat at Wren and Tina.

Wren giggled while Tina hid her face. The woman peered extremely close to Tina, forcing her way in between Wren and Tina. Wren let go of Tina, who cried out. Wren grinned as she stood by Connor. Tina screamed when the woman screamed right in her face.

"Wren! Wren!" Tina cried, crouching on the floor. Wren strode forward, extending a hand. The haunter wheeled on Wren.

"Hello, Wren!" she sang.

Wren laughed. "Hello. Can I get my friend, please?"

The woman sneered. "Be my guest."

Wren helped Tina stand and led her into the next hall, the woman following. A man leaped toward them with a screech. Tina screamed and dropped to the floor, breaking her grip on Wren's hand. The woman and man cornered her while she buried her face in her hands.

"Look me in the eye!" shrieked the man.

"No, God, please, no!"

"Look at me!"

"NO!"

"You're not leaving till you look at me!"

"No, I can't!"

"LOOK AT ME!"

The woman turned to Wren. "What's her name?"

Wren blinked. "I ain't no snitch."

"It's Tina," said Josh.

Wren gaped at him. "Josh!"

"Tina!" hissed the woman, banging the wall right beside Tina, who jumped and hid her face.

"Get up, Tina," cooed the man, right in poor Tina's face.

"I can't!"

Wren looked at Connor, who pushed his eyebrows together. He stepped forward and helped Tina to her feet. She buried her face in Connor's side as he led her away. Wren's lips twitched and her heart warmed to see Connor so caring. They rounded the corner, leaving the two haunters behind. A clown with black paint on her face grinned, flashing bloodied teeth.

"Let me see your tippy toes!" she cried. Everyone looked at their feet as the clown girl shined a flashlight at their shoes. "Are you ready?"

"For what?" said Josh.

The clown smiled. "For fun!"

"That's why we came here!" Wren grinned.

The clown let out a high-pitched giggle and stepped aside. Still in character, she said, "Watch your step, guys!"

Wren followed Markus, North, Connor and Tina up a set of steps. A slide descended into darkness below. Wren grinned and sat on it. "Murder slide!" She slid down first, listening to Markus and North's chuckles. The others followed and Wren led them through the next few rooms. Tina still screamed at every haunter. Wren sensed that they were nearing the end of the haunt. A room ahead flashed with a strobe light. Wren stepped inside and froze. Cockroaches littered the walls. Wren backed away, shaking her head.

"Fuck that, I don't do bugs." She shimmied in between Markus and North and slammed into Connor, her chest pressed against his back. She rounded behind him, still shaking her head.

"Wren, they're fake," said North.

Wren shook her head. "They look like they're moving."

North took Tina's hand and headed through with Markus and Josh. Connor lingered behind for Wren. "You can close your eyes. I'll lead you."

Wren looked at him, swallowed, and nodded. She gripped his hand but buried her face in his back as he led her through the cockroach room. They entered a room that had "CHOOSE YOUR FATE" painted in fake blood on the walls. Two extended from either room.

"They probably converge," said Josh.

"Then let's go right," said Markus, gesturing. They entered the dark hall, in which fake body parts hung. Wren still held Connor's hand and trailed behind him slightly. It seemed they had reached the end, but Wren doubted that cockroaches were the last scare.

Almost as soon as the thought crossed her mind, Wren heard the revving of chainsaw. Her heart leaped to her throat. The chainsaw haunter was close enough that Wren could smell the gasoline from the weapon. She charged forward, dragging Connor with her in a dead sprint.

"WREN!" shrieked Tina.

Wren kept running with Connor. They burst into the night, cold air washing over them. The man with the chainsaw still chased them. Wren released Connor's hand to jump over a rail. She wheeled, heaving and eyeing the man with the chainsaw, who lumbered back inside to torment Tina and the others.

Wren looked at Connor, who stood on the other side of the handrail Wren jumped over. He walked around it to join her, a smirk toying with his lips.

Wren nudged him. "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything."

"I could feel you about to say something."

"You know me that well?"

"I'd like to think I do," Wren answered, peering at Connor with a small smile. His faltered. Wren noticed how close Connor was to her, how little effort it would take for her to brush her lips against his.

Tina's screams interrupted their moment, jerking Wren and Connor's attention toward their friend, who ran out of Evil Visions with her hands in the air. North, Markus and Josh ran out after her, wide-eyed. They didn't scream, but they looked panicked enough. North pushed Markus and Josh out of the way as the man with the chainsaw followed closely behind.

"WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU BOTH SO SLOW?" North roared, running out. Markus and Josh doubled over, laughing. The man with the chainsaw returned to his spot inside. North's footsteps thudded to a stop as she joined Wren and Connor. Tina joined them, wheezing.

"My voice is going to be so fucking sore tomorrow," she said, rubbing her throat.

"I can't imagine why," Wren snorted.

"That really wasn't that bad, though," said Tina. "I mean, I'm super extra and I like to scream."

Wren chuckled, shaking her head. She grinned at Josh. "Pretty sure I heard Josh let out a yelp here and there."

Josh scowled at her. "You can't prove it."

"I can," said Connor.

"Yeah, me too," smirked North.

"I think the only one of us who didn't freak out was Connor," said Markus, raising his eyebrows at Connor and crossing his arms.

Connor raised his own eyebrows and shrugged. "I enjoyed myself."

"Connor's walking through there like he's walking down the street or something," said Tina.

"Or at the grocery store," laughed Wren. "I was fine until the very end."

"Wren, I saw your damn wig fly at the end. I saw your red-ass hair going whoosh whoosh as you deadass sprinted out of there and left us behind!" Tina wheezed.

Wren giggled and covered her mouth. "I don't mess around with guys with chainsaws!"

"Tina, you were on the fucking floor most of the time," snickered North.

"Oh my God, I know. I'm so dramatic. I hate myself sometimes," replied Tina, grinning. She huffed. "Well, I had fun guys. Thank you so much for coming."

"Yeah, I really enjoyed it," said North, embracing Tina.

"You guys are coming to Wren's and my Halloween party, right?" Tina asked, hugging Markus and high-fiving Josh.

"Of course," said Connor as Tina hugged him. His LED flickered.

Tina waved to Wren. "See you at the house." She turned and headed down the street.

"We're gonna head out, too," said Markus. He patted Connor's shoulder while North and Wren hugged.

"See you around," said North.

"See you," Wren replied. She hugged Josh. She backed away. "I need to give you your books back!"

"Stop by anytime," said Josh, smiling as he waved.

Wren nodded. "I will!"

She and Connor watched their friends disappear up the street. She turned to Connor, watching his LED flicker yellow. It returned to blue as he met her gaze. Wren hugged herself as a breeze swept through the side lot.

"Are you cold?" Connor queried.

Wren clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering. "I can handle it until we get to the car." Connor shrugged off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. Wren tugged it around her, pressing her lips together in an awkward smile. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," said Connor, leading the way to the car. He withdrew the keys from his pocket and unlocked the car.

"Sorry I pretty much mowed you down in there," Wren replied.

Connor's lips twitched. "You leaped over that rail. It was entertaining."

Wren laughed. Connor glanced at her, his lips parting. He looked away and started the car, turning up the heat. Wren gazed out the window. "I guess I should've ridden with Tina."

"I don't mind."

"I know. But I feel bad."

"You could stay at Hank's tonight," Connor suggested slowly.

Wren glanced at him. "Are you sure that's okay?"

Connor frowned. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Wren shrugged and looked at her hands. "I don't know."

Silence stretched between them for several seconds. Then, Connor muttered, "Do you not want to stay?"

"No, that's not it," said Wren. "I just didn't know if it'd be weird since Hank isn't expecting me to be there."

"I don't think it would surprise him," said Connor. He flexed his fingers. "We could watch the next Star Wars movie. It's not that late."

Wren nodded. "Yeah. I'd love to."

Connor's lips quirked upward. "Great."

They returned to Hank's house. Wren borrowed some of Connor's loungewear at his request. He stepped out of the room and she crawled onto the bed. Connor entered the room when Wren called for him and paused in the doorway, staring at her. Wren looked away from him, her cheeks warming. Connor's LED flickered as he set up the movie and sat next to her.

"Sorry I wrinkled your jacket," said Wren.

Connor hummed in amusement. "I didn't mind."

Wren leaned against him as the movie played. She tried to ignore the throbbing in her chest as she watched Leia and Han Solo pronounce their love for one another. Why couldn't she and Connor have that?

...…...

Sorry for the later update, guys. Next chapter is going to be a dooezy, though! (We've got a Halloween party AND the gala!) I'm so excited to write the gala scene and I'm going to take a bit more time to work on it, especially since I have another paper due next week. Bear with me, guys! I'm behind on pretty much everything, including writing and it's been stressing me out. But school comes first. Plus, I want to make sure the gala chapter is good, so don't be surprised if it's a later update! Anyway, I'm off on a tangent. Thank you guys for your continued support! I love y'all!
Also, the scene in the haunted house was based off of a real place. I went and did that with my friends a few weekends ago and it was freaking hysterical.