"Happy Birthday!" Everyone yelled at once as Emma and Norman walked through the front door. Streamers were hung across the ceiling, with balloons and other decorations strewn everywhere.

The centerpiece of it all was the huge cake that sat in the middle of the dining room table. Pink frosting adorned the sides, and 'Happy Birthday, Emma' was written in big letters across the top, with two candles that formed '17'.

"You guys!" Emma yelled back in surprise before side-eyeing Norman, disapprovingly.

"I know you said you didn't want a big birthday, but that just wouldn't feel right. We all wanted to celebrate with you! Sorry I lied." He smiled back at her.

And it was all his fault, too. He had been the one to treat her to dinner after class, stalling to ensure that everyone had ample time to set up everything before they arrived back at the cabin.

They had all been living together for a little while now in the human world. However, in recent months, the group had slowly started going their separate ways, settling into their own lives. This was the first time everyone had gathered in one place since the start of the new year.

The group was practically centered around Emma, so it's no wonder they all gathered for her.

Ray sat in one corner of the room, with Anna in the chair next to him. While he saw that Emma tried her best to put on a smile, he could tell she really was a little upset with Norman for bringing her here against her will.

She had kept to herself significantly more since she lost her memories, that much was obvious.

The old Emma would be thrilled to have a big party. He thought to himself.

But even if she doesn't enjoy it as much, it's nice to see everyone under one roof again.

But with less danger this time.

It's nice to see everyone happy, healthy, and safe.

We should cherish these moments together. We may not get many more like this.

It's a wonder we made it this far in the first place.

…

Eventually, everyone settled in and mingled with each other, catching up on the events of the past few months. Some had school. Some had college. Some had jobs. Everyone had something big going on in their lives. Lannion and Thoma argued over which girl in their class was the cutest. Phil was sitting next to Eugene, helping him with some math homework he wasn't quite getting. Gillian and Sonya were talking to Oliver, blushing all the while. Zack and Pepe were going back and forth about various things they'd each learned in college so far, with Zack going to school to become a doctor, and Pepe, a chef.

Everyone is doing so well~

However, Ray saw a familiar patch of platinum hair out of the corner of his eye.

Through the window, he could see that Norman was sitting all alone on the steps of the cabin, looking off into the distance.

Ray perhaps let his gaze go on a bit too long, as he now felt someone poke his arm.

"Why don't you go talk to him?" Anna smiled at Ray. "See what's on his mind."

He felt his face get warm.

"I don't know why I ever said anything to you." He said, which only caused Anna to chuckle at him. "All you do here lately is tease me."

"It's not teasing. I'm rooting for you."

"Whatever."

She now pushed him gently in that direction.

"Go talk to him, Ray."

Ray glanced up at Emma, whom Norman had come in with.

"Why should I? There's no point."

Anna now looked Emma's way too.

"Ray." She leaned her head down a little to look him in the eye. "Nothing's going to change if you don't say something. You know that right? What's the worst that could happen?"

Ray sighed.

"Fine. I'll go, but not for the reason you want me to." He stood up and began walking to the door, bringing a big smile to Anna's face.

She had won, after all.

The door came to a close behind him, the warm August breeze tickling his cheeks as the sounds of chirping crickets hit his ears. Norman looked over his shoulder to see who it was, and smiled when he saw Ray.

"Hey."

"Hey." Ray stopped next to him. "Mind if I sit?"

"Go for it."

They hadn't been nearly as close as in years past. When they were enrolled in school, upon first coming to the human world, they had been placed in separate classes, and it had stayed that way. Norman also had a part time job, so there was even less time to be had with anyone else. It was more like an internship, really, working for Mike Ratri.

He planned to get a business degree and start his own company one day.

"What are you doing out here?" Ray finally spoke.

Norman remained quiet for several more seconds.

"Eh… Just sitting." He sighed. "Thinking. Plus, look at that view."

It was only then that Ray noticed the sunset. The same one he always saw, but beautiful nonetheless, the sun half resting behind one of the distant mountains. Red and pink streaks filled the sky.

Ray realized he had been looking at Norman this whole time, and that's why he didn't notice.

Maybe don't stare at him, dumbass.

"What'cha thinkin' about?"

Norman had his knees pulled up to his chest, resting his arms on top of them, and resting his head on his arms. He tended to get a little sulky when something was bothering him. Ray knew this well, of course.

"A lot of things."

"Mmhm. Like what?"

"It's just crazy how quickly time is passing. I don't know where it all went. Think about it, the three of us are going to be adults next year. Isn't that wild?"

"You know," Norman continued. "We probably aren't going to have many more gatherings like this. Everyone is living their own lives now."

"Yeah. I was actually just thinking about that myself."

"... Does that make you sad too?"

Ray pondered the question for a moment.

"In a way, yeah, for sure. But I'm also happy to see everyone else happy. They deserve it."

"Is it selfish of me to wish for things to go back to the way they were back then? Without the demons of course. Just one big, happy family under one roof."

"It's probably a little selfish… But it's okay to feel that way. I understand where you are coming from. It's definitely bittersweet."

As Ray looked over at Norman, he sensed that was part of what was bothering him, but not the biggest thing.

"That's not all, is it?"

Norman just shook his head.

Ray glanced back through one of the windows at Emma, who was laughing with Violet at something she said. However, something about her smile this evening just seemed… off.

"... Having girl trouble?" Ray playfully nudged Norman with his elbow, which finally caused Norman to crack a bit of a smile and chuckle.

"Well… Yes and no, I guess."

Ray just waited patiently for Norman to continue.

"I came to a realization the other day, Ray." Norman also glanced back in her direction, and Ray could tell he was forcing himself to smile at her.

"I… Can't keep chasing Emma. I don't think anything is ever going to come of it."

… Whoa.

That's big.

I didn't expect to hear that.

That would certainly explain why he's upset.

I'd be upset too.

"Whoa."

"What?"

"It's just surprising to hear you say that is all. Are you sure? You've been in love with her since we were little. Like, little, little. Anytime she wasn't around, it was all you would talk about."

"Yeah. I'm sure."

Just…

Wow.

"You've seen how she is since we found her." Norman continued. "Something's different about her, apart from the obvious. If she hadn't lost her memories, I'm sure things would be different."

"Yeah. I remember how she used to talk about you before we reunited with you. She-"

Ray saw that even the forced smile on Norman's face had faded.

"Sorry. I'm not helping."

"You're fine, Ray. I know." Norman now propped his head up a little, resting his chin on his arms, looking out at the sunset. "She probably loved me too, way back when. But things are different now. She's different now. We're still close, don't get me wrong, but we had to start over, you know?... I guess you do know. Everyone had to start over with her. She only knows what we tell her about her past. She didn't experience it first hand. I can't exactly tell her 'hey, we used to kinda be in love, you know' and expect her to just go along with it."

"That's true." Ray didn't really know what else to say. There wasn't really anything one could say in this situation to help.

Just let him keep talking it out.

"Plus, there's also that boy she's really close to in her class. I think she's in love with him. He just got to her first. They technically met before she 'met' us." Norman used air quotes around 'met'. "Still really fucking sucks either way."

Norman took a deep breath before continuing, trying to calm himself a little.

"I think maybe the best thing I can do is just let her go. Cheer her on from the sidelines, and still be there for her if she needs me. But, I think it's just going to end up hurting both of us if I keep chasing her. Especially me."

Ray thought back to a very similar thought Anna had expressed the night they had their talk:

'Well. If that's how it is… Okay. If I can't have you, I'll be your biggest cheerleader.'

'Are you really okay with that?'

'I have to be, Ray. You can't change your feelings. And I'm not going to stop being there for you just because you love someone else. What kind of friend would that make me?'

He couldn't help but wonder if this is how she felt then, and he felt his heart ache for her.

But also for Norman. He really hated to see him so heart broken.

"I know it hurts, but at least you have a good attitude about it. I think you're making the right decision, given the circumstances. You're approaching it really maturely." Ray put his arm around him. "I just wish things were different for you. I'm sorry."

Norman finally looked back up at him. Ray thought he could see the beginning of tears forming in the corner of his eyes, but Norman held his nerve.

"It's okay. Or it will be." He smiled at him. "Thank you for listening to me ramble on. I actually feel a lot better now that I've gotten it all out. I'm glad I can trust you with this."

I bet it probably does feel better to get it out…

"You can always trust me."

Something caught Norman's eye, and he turned a bit more to look back towards the cabin, through one of the windows, at Don and Gilda. He chuckled.

"It must be nice to have it as easy as those two."

"No kidding."

Don sat on the couch, deep in some friendly argument with Nat and Dominic. Probably about something sports related, as Don was not only the quarterback of the high-school football team, but also a starting pitcher on the baseball team.

Gilda was in her usual place: next to Don, wrapped around his arm, with her head resting on his shoulder, lovingly listening to whatever he had to say. She always talked more about him than anything else, always going on and on about his athletic achievements, or how much she loved him.

The two had announced that they were dating only a few short weeks after Emma was found, and everyone began to settle down. They were easily the closest pair out of everyone.

The two saw Gilda's lips move to say something, followed by Don looking over at her, smiling, and kissing her forehead.

Norman and Ray looked at each other and rolled their eyes, smiling and shaking their heads.

"They are made for each other, though. We always knew they were going to end up together." Norman looked back though another window to see Oliver still standing at the counter with a drink in his hand, talking to Sonya. Gillian had run off somewhere else, likely to sit with Nigel, as she always did.

Ray followed Norman's gaze.

"You know," Ray said. "I don't know if Oliver has it easy or hard."

"What do you mean?"

"He's such a playboy. It seems like he's bringing a new girl around every single week."

"Sounds kind of fun, honestly."

"Pervert." Ray laughed. "Personally, I think it sounds kind of lonely."

"Different strokes, I guess. I'm sure he'll settle down eventually."

"Bet Sonya wishes it would be with her."

"Bet most of the girls wish it was with them."

The two laughed.

…

They turned their attention back to the sunset. Now, only a quarter of the sun was left sticking above the mountain, and it had begun to get dark.

Norman bumped Ray with his shoulder.

"So, what about you?"

"Hm?"

"I shared what's going on with the person I love. We talked about everyone else. What about you, Ray?"

"What about me?"

"You must have someone you love. Or like, at least, right?"

"Yeah."

No! Ray immediately squeezed his eyes shut tightly in embarrassment.

I wasn't thinking!

Why the fuck did I say that?!

…

I don't know if I could actually say it.

"Oooooooh, yeah? Who is it?" Ray hadn't seen Norman this excited in quite a while.

Just as Ray feared, Norman began to dig for an answer.

Ray couldn't protest, though.

After all, he was the idiot who had just handed him a shovel.

"Actually, that's a silly question. I know who it is."

… What?... Ray felt his heart rate practically double.

"It's Anna, right?"

Oh thank god.

Ray laughed.

"I don't get it, why does everyone always assume that?"

"Well… You two certainly act like a couple as it is. You have great chemistry together, you spend all your time together, you're always sitting with her… The list goes on. What gives?"

Eh, he was truthful and open with me, I can probably tell him this at least.

"She actually told me several years back that she was in love with me. Before we even left for the human world. Back at the Paradise Hideout."

"Oh." Norman jerked his head back in shock. "Is… it not mutual then?"

"No, it is. I love her to death. Just not the same way she loves me."

"That's a nice way to put it, I guess."

Guess it's my turn to spill.

"Well, it's true. You know the story behind it… She literally helped save my life. Gave up her precious braids to help cover our escape. Emma told me later that she was more worried about me than anyone else, after hearing the escape plan, and wanted to do whatever she could to help save me. More than that, she continued to be someone I could lean on whenever I needed it. She was my rock during the year and a half we were at B06-32, and beyond. Even today." Ray turned to look back through the window at Anna, who seemed to sense his gaze, making eye contact with him, before smiling and winking. "It isn't an exaggeration to say I might not be alive if it weren't for her. I owe her everything."

"Wow… You know, that certainly sounds like love love to me. If you don't mind me asking, why did you turn her down?"

Maybe I'll just skirt around it, without lying to him.

"I… Well… I guess I just needed a friend, more than anything. She's the person I'm closest to. Even more than I was with Emma."

Norman sensed that something was lacking in his answer, and continued digging.

"But… You do have feelings for her, right?"

"Hm?... N-no. She's a sweetheart, but I didn't think of her like that."

A big smile came across Norman's face.

"Because you like someone else, right? That's why you turned her down."

Oh, you intuitive son of a bitch!

Ray felt his cheeks start to flush with color, and he stayed quiet, but Norman didn't need an answer from him to know he had struck gold. He knew Ray was shy about this sort of thing, but was determined to get an answer.

"So I'm right! Let's see… You mentioned you were close with Emma. Obviously. So it's Emma, right?"

Why are you so shy about literally everything else, but will gossip about romance like it's nothing? It's so unsettling.

Memories of the time he and Emma had spent together flashed through Ray's mind, and Norman mistook the silence for hesitation.

"Hey. If that's who it is, I won't be mad. Not at all. I'd much rather see her end up with you than someone else, because I know you care about her like I do. So-"

"That's not it, Norman."

At this point, Norman was really out of answers.

You need to stop talking.

You're backing yourself into a corner, here.

Nevertheless, Ray continued.

"You're right. I do care a lot about her… I love her, even. But it's not like that. I've always thought of her as a younger sister. I just want to protect her. But, she definitely didn't need protection most of the time, she just needed someone to assure her she was on the right path. You know how she is-... Was. She was always secretly questioning if she was doing the right thing. If she was properly protecting her family. Hell, if anything, she had to protect me from myself for a long time… I say Anna saved me, and I believe that… But it's more of an abstract thing, you know?" Norman nodded at him. "With Emma, I know. I know I one-hundred percent would have burnt myself up that night. She got close enough to risk dying with me just to save me. I love her, but it's more of an admiration than true love. Even if I did feel that way, like you said, things are just different with her now…"

You know…

We're sitting here spilling our guts to each other…

And I've never opened up to anyone like this.

Not Anna.

Not Emma.

No one.

I don't even really know how I ended up doing that.

It just felt so natural.

Ray thought back to what Anna said a while ago:

'Nothing's going to change if you don't say something. You know that right? What's the worst that could happen?'

Several bad scenarios immediately flashed through Ray's mind, but he quickly shook them off.

No.

It's Norman.

I think he'll be okay…

Even if...

He also thought back to what Norman had said:

'I actually feel a lot better now that I've gotten it all out.'

It probably would feel better to put it out there…

"It sounds like you know her even better than I do." Norman chuckled.

"I wouldn't say that…"

…

… Oh, fuck it…

"Well, damn, Ray. I'm stumped. It's not Anna. It's not Emma. It could be literally anyone else. I doubt you'd consider Gilda, since she's obviously always been Don's… Hmm… Gillian? She's a badass. I could see it. Violet?-

"It's you."

"-I mean, personally, I wouldn't think that Violet's really… your-..."

Norman looked over at Ray, eyes wide.

He saw that Ray was looking off, away from him, his whole face a brighter red than the sky a few moments ago.

"What?"

…

"It's you. Okay, Norman? The person I like-... The person I'm in love with is you."

"O-... Oh."

A long, awkward, deafening silence descended upon the two boys, the only sounds being the chirping of the crickets, and the soft chatter in the house leaking outside.

For Ray, everything fell silent. The only sound being the one of his heart pounding out of his chest. So loudly, in fact, that he briefly worried that Norman could hear it. He closed his eyes, just waiting to hear anything at all from Norman. At least ten seconds had passed, but for Ray, they may as well have been ten hours. Each one was absolutely agonizing.

Eventually, Ray just assumed he had messed up.

He had let Anna hype him up too much.

He hadn't really thought about how badly this could go.

What if he doesn't want anything to do with me after this?

What if this scares him off?

I've really missed being close to him…

And it seemed like we'd started something new tonight…

I'd hate for our friendship to end here, just because of this.

"U-um… So…" Norman finally spoke. "H-how long have you felt like this?"

I've come this far.

May as well take the shovel back and keep digging my grave.

"... Since we were little."

"... little little?" Norman repeated Ray's words back to him.

"... Yeah."

"O-... Oh."

…

"... Other boys too? Is that why you don't have feelings for Anna and Emma?"

"I can't really say. I've never really felt anything like it for anyone else. Regardless of gender."

Shut up.

Stop talking.

"Oh…"

AND WOULD YOU PLEASE SAY SOMETHING MORE THAN 'OH'?!

I'M DYING HERE, NORMAN!

But Norman didn't really know exactly what to say.

"Hey, you guys?"

Ray realized that the sound he had heard a second ago was the front door opening. He and Norman both turned their heads to look behind them, ending up just inches apart from one another, which didn't help Ray's nerves. It was Gillian poking her head out of the door.

"Are you two going to sit out here all night? Come on, Emma's about to open her presents."

"Oh, yeah, sorry." Norman spoke. "Be right there."

The last bit of sun had finally dipped behind the mountain.

Norman got up and began to walk back to the door.

"Wait a second! Hey!"

Norman looked back over his shoulder at Ray.

"You can't leave me hanging like that! What's the deal? Do you hate me?"

"Oh, come on. How could I hate you, Ray?"

"Then what? Did I creep you out? Are we going to be awkward now or something?"

"Nope. And nope."

"Norman, please. You have to give me something here. Surely you have to have some thoughts about what I said!"

"I do."

"Then please, tell me! You hate that I feel that way, right? Is that what it is?"

Norman couldn't help but laugh.

But he had teased Ray enough.

"Relax."

"Actually…" Norman turned around to face Ray, who was now practically groveling on the deck.

Norman flashed him a sly smile, trying to hide how flustered he actually was.

"I didn't know what to say… because I thought it was really cute."

Ray practically became a puddle.

Cute?

"... C-cute?"

"Yeah." Norman turned back towards the door, more to hide his face than anything.

"Adorable, actually."

…

"... What are you saying, Norman?

"I… Don't really know. But… Can we please figure that out later? I'm sure they're waiting on us."

… 'We'?...

Despite the relief, Ray's heart had somehow actually gotten faster, and while it seemed he couldn't get any more red, his face somehow found a way to get a couple shades brighter.

Did this actually happen?

"Hey… Are you coming, or not?"

Ray looked up to see Norman knelt down in front of him, holding out his hand.

Ray was finally able to smile, and relax a little more.

He took Norman's hand, and was helped up to his feet.

He couldn't help but notice that Norman hung on for a second longer than necessary.

…

They both made their way back inside, Norman taking up his spot by Emma, who had just picked up the first present from the pile around her feet. Ray once again sat down by Anna.

Thankfully everyone's attention was focused on the birthday girl, and not at Ray, who was a bright-red, shaky mess. This didn't slip past Anna, however.

"Jesus, you look bad." She half-whispered, half-snickered. "You okay?"

"Actually… yeah. I think so."

"... Did you tell him?"

"... Yeah…"

"... And? Don't leave me in suspense. What did he say?"

Ray had to replay it in his mind to be sure it actually happened.

"He… Said he thought it was… Cute… And that we'd talk about it later…"

"Oh my god, yeah?!"

Anna kicked her feet and practically squealed, which did draw the attention of everyone in the room.

"Oh. Sorry!" She said, looking around at the others.

…

Norman saw the exchange, and locked eyes with Ray.

…

Grace Field.

Glory Bell.

Grand Valley.

Goodwill Ridge.

Lambda 7214.

They had come from all over.

Now gathered in one place.

To celebrate the life of the person who tied them all together.

Perhaps the last time they would all be under one roof.

Each one was being pulled in a different direction.

Their lives were changing.

…

In the midst of everything sat Ray and Norman.

Aware, reflecting, watching it all happen.

As the two of them shared a shy smile…

Ray thought:

No matter what direction his life would take him…

He only hoped…

Norman would be traveling down the same road.