(Shaggy)

I couldn't believe I kissed Christina. It was so unexpected and wonderful but I was scared as I pulled away. I was so convinced I was in trouble. However, I was surprised to see Christina smiling.

"I-" I started to say.

"It's okay Shaggy,"

"It is?"

"Yes,"

"So, what does this mean?"

"I love you too"

SHE LOVED ME. Christina loved me! I was so happy. Christina was smiling at me.

"What?" I asked after she began to laugh.

"Your tail's wagging,"

I really didn't care because I was so happy.

"Come on, let's do something else now," Christina said.

"Like what?"

"Well, what do you want to do?"

"Can you bake something for me?"


(Christina)

I had told Shaggy about my baking earlier. I hadn't expected him to suggest baking. I had not baked in forever but, I missed it so, I happily pulled Shaggy to the massive industrial-sized kitchen. The chefs left quickly deciding to go on their break then. It was odd really people had been avoiding us. I honestly suspected it was Thorn's doing. Being in a kitchen baking cookies was something that felt like a long-forgotten memory from a dream. It was so unreal to me, especially with Shaggy there. When he first arrived here it seemed impossible to ever convince him of the truth and now, now he was willing to help us. Not to mention I'd fallen in love with him. Now that, was something I didn't see coming.

I was surprised that even remembered how to make the cookies without a cookbook in front of me. As I worked Shaggy watched from a nearby stool that he had pulled from the supply closet. As I rolled out the dough I heard Shaggy stand. Without looking I could tell he had moved behind me and was watching over my shoulder. I didn't mind surprisingly.

"Can I help?"

"Sure,"

I was even more surprised when he laid his hands on mine. We continued to work that way until it came time to pace the cookies into the giant oven. While they baked I sat next to the counter tapping my fingers on it. I had forgotten how impatient I could be when it came to baking. I was also so eager to eat what I made. Shaggy seemed that way as well. So, since I was bored I inquired about his life. He told me many things. About his parents and his sister. His parents like nearly every person in the country raised their kids with the monsters are the bad guy mentality. Because of this his sister, Maggie had always been very fearful and so had he. Shaggy channeled his nervous energy into cooking while Maggie preferred the comforts of her room and an ancient sewing machine.

When he told his parents he wanted to be a chef they railroaded him into becoming a monster hunter instead despite his fear.

That was cruel of them and I told him just that.

"I know,"

"You know, someday I hope for the Anti-Monster act to be overturned so, we can rebuild," I said.

"I agree,"


It was late now, bedtime for everyone. I will admit it is quite a comical sight to see everyone marching around in their nightclothes and fighting over the time spent in the restrooms. I, however, hardly ever slept, the only exception to this was when I would doze off but as that hadn't happened for a while I felt it was okay to return to the paperwork in my office. When I opened the door I was plenty surprised to see that Thorn along with the help of my cousins had finished all of it. Well, it was way, way too late for me to go to the gym so, I slipped into my room and, sat down. I wasn't sure what to do with myself.

Back in the earlier days of my organization, the work was never finished. There we were a group of survivors from the blitz attack on Monster High staring at the ruins of our school and fearing for our lives. I remember it all so clearly. I had stood there tangled in a mess of thoughts despite Draculaura's pleas to hurry and find a safe place we could hide but I had said no.

"What?" they had all asked in bewilderment.

Even though I knew it was risky, even though it probably wasn't safe I cast a spell. A spell that took us far, far away from the ruins of our beloved school and into an uncharted forest. I had built an underground base, a labyrinth hidden in plain sight. I decided to fight. Getting people and monsters to trust us was very hard at first but, our reputation spread throughout the monster community. Families came bringing their children, humans came begging to help and I was in charge of it all. I put my carefree throw a fit because I'm a moody teenager days behind me quickly. From then on it was work. Day in and day out I worked. I had never stopped working. Now, I had no idea what to do with myself.

Maybe Shaggy was right after all. Maybe I did need to divide out the work with others. I wouldn't readily admit it but, sitting behind a desk all day was rather boring.

I sat there mulling over the posibility when there was a knock at my door. Curious, I answered it only to find Thorn standing there with a childlike grin on her face. I knew right away what she wanted.

"Come in," I said opening the door wider so she could enter.

The smile never left her face as she asked how my day had gone.

"It went good Thorn,"

"Oh, come on I want details!" she squealed.

"Why? Are you writing a gossip magazine?"

"No, I'm curious that's all,"

"Yeah, sure you are,"

"Christina, you are the most hard-headed person I have ever known,"

"I learned from the best,"

"Ha ha very funny,"

"Isn't it?"

"So, you aren't going to tell me anything?"

"I believe you already know how my day went,"

Thorn went pale if that was even possible.

"I saw you watching us,"

"I'm not in trouble am I?" she squeaked.

"Do I look like your parent? Besides, you and the others finished all of my paperwork,"

"You're welcome,"

"I think you should be getting to bed now,"

"You're right, someone else wants to see you now anyway,"

"Huh?"

Thorn gripped my shoulders and spun me around to face the still open door where Shaggy stood nervously shifting from one foot to the other.

"Go," I said turning back to Thorn.

"Yes, ma'am,"

With that, Thorn left and, Shaggy entered nervously.

"Christina?"

"Yes?"

"Can I stay with you tonight please?"

"Why?"

"I've been having nightmares about you getting hurt,"

"Oh,"

"Please?"

"Okay,"

"Really?"

"Yes,"

Soon, Shaggy was stretched out on a cot that I had to drag out of storage. Scooby was there as well but, he was soon passed out in a heap on the floor beside my bookshelf. Shaggy turned to face me as I settled down on the floor with a book.

"Aren't you going to sleep?" he asked me.

"I hardly ever sleep Shaggy,"

"When are we going to tell everyone about us?"

"Tomorrow Shaggy,"

"How do you think they'll take it?"

"I have absolutely no idea,"


(Shaggy)

I woke up to the same jarring loud noise as I had before being put in the infirmiry. Looking to my right I noticed that it was in fact, Christina who activated the noise.

"Doesn't that ever attract attention?"

"Nope, there's a sound barrier,"

"Time for breakfast?" I asked sitting up.

"Yes, come on,"

Breakfast passed without so much as a glance our way. Except of course, when everyone stood up for Christina. After we had eaten our meal she pulled me into the conference room where the others had already gathered. Thorn was there with a knowing smile. Oh, she was devious! Christina stood atthe head of the table where she gently pulled me from my seat as she explained the new situation. Everyone in the room was surprised but Christina took it in stride. Then Thorn started clapping which everyone was soon doing.

"Anyone have anything to say?" Christina asked.

One by one they raised their hands like school childrren.

"Yes, Laura?" Christina asked pointing to Draculaura.

"I just want to thank you Shaggy, One for saving my life and two for making Christina so happy I haven't seen heer smile this much in years,"

"It's true," Sibella added with a grin.

I turned to Christina who was indeed, smiling.

This was going to be a good day.