Chapter 12: Love, It's Never Easy

"Your WHAT?!" Kat and Al screamed together.

"Okay, starting to see why you wanted to keep things quiet," Dean joked, pretending to clean his ear. "I think I can still hear out this one."

"Oh shush." Will nudged his shoulder. "They're actually taking it better than I thought," she told him. "Still wish I'd had time to better prepare."

"Okay, hold up!" Kat said in her most sassy tone of voice. She snapped to Val "You said…" she started.

"I saw what I saw. That is all!" Val put his hand up as if being questioned by the police.

Al was enraged, like a volcano waiting to erupt. "Who the f–" Zack quickly covered her mouth before she could finish screaming.

Will looked around and saw the other guests were staring at them; her friends were making a scene. She quickly grabbed Kat and Al by their arms, and dragged them out into the hallway. She then pushed them into a near by broom closet and closed the door. When she turned on the light, all Will could see were Al and Kat madder than she had ever seen them. She tried to get them to calm down. It was a near impossible task.

"Who the hell is that?!" Kat hissed, spitting in Will's hair.

"Look, I'm sorry, but you two didn't really leave me much choice," Will said.

Al opened her mouth to answer, but was not quick enough to beat out Kat. "Much choice? Much choice! What do you mean we didn't leave you much choice?!" Kat argued.

Al again tried to speak but was stopped by Will's comment.

"Can you blame me? With all the blind dates and constant teasing about being single," Will rebutted. "Plus, you guys always made fun of the guys I liked, hence why I never said anything." She crossed her arms and looked pointedly at her friends. "I really am sorry I didn't tell you. Dean and I just happened. I wanted to see if this was anything before coming out."

Al tried a third time to speak, but was unsuccessful. "Okay, first of all, you're not coming out; you're not gay!" Kat shouted. "Second, I don't give a flying horse fart! How is he going to pass the friend test, huh? Huh? HUH!" She crossed her arms as well.

"Can I speak now?" Al asked Kat when it got quiet.

"Yeah, sure…" Kat said somewhat calmly. For the forth time, Al opened her mouth, but was again cut off by Kat's work rampage. "And another thing…"

"WILL YOU LET ME TALK?!" Kat looked at Al blankly, finally allowing her friend to talk. "Thank you." She turned to Will. "This is kind of a big secret, Will. You don't, you can't just keep these kinds of things from us."

"I know, and it killed me not telling you guys," Will apologized. "Can you forgive me? I mean, hey, now I can finally talk about some of the more fun stuff."

"Well, you could have been talking about this for however long your too have been dating. Wait a minute, how long HAVE you too been dating?" Kat asked as if questioning her alibi.

"About two months," Will confessed. "Give or take a day."

"Two months?!" Al shrieked but tried to calm herself down. "That's okay… I still have to give him my 'hurt her, I kill you' speech, ya know."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Will said. "So… Does this mean I'm forgiven?"

The tight space went silent. Kat was looking into a corner trying not to look at Will. A few seconds went by and all eyes were on Kat to say something. She sighed. "I suppose…"

"You girls are the best!" Will said. She grabbed her friends in a hug as the girls laughed.

"Hey, what's going on in there?" The girls opened the door to see Zack, Val, and Dean hovering in the hallway.

"Oh, nothing," Will said, sneaking a glance at Al and Kat. "Just a little girl talk, right ladies?"

"You just keep telling them that, sweet thing," Al said with a small smirk and a wink before eliciting a fit of giggles.

"Sometimes you worry me," Zack muttered under his breath. He shook his head before saying, "How about we get back to the party, huh? I gotta show my fiancé off, ya know?" He wrapped an arm around Al's waist and pulled her close.

He led the others out of the hallway and back into the main area. Will hung back a bit to gather herself. What a day! First, two of her friends were getting married, and then her secret boyfriend was found out, leading to an irate confrontation with her two best friends. She was exhausted.

"You look ready to pass out," Dean said. He set one gloved hand on her shoulder.

Will took a few calming breaths. "Nah, I'm fine. A little tired but not that tired."

"So, what now?" he asked.

"Well, it is my best friend's engagement party. Feel like hanging around for a bit?" Will asked, giggling. "Now that the secret's out, the girls are gonna put you through interrogation."

"Pft! Like those two are a challenge," he said. "Come on, let's have some fun. I didn't want to pay for popcorn anyway."

"Like you ever do?" Will teased. "Okay, let's get back to the party. But, uh…you better change first. The rabbit suit is way too creepy, D."

"Oh, and here I thought it was a chick magnet." Dean smiled and kissed her cheek. "Just tell those other guys that your dance card's full."

"Ha! Like I dance!" They laughed until Dean started walking towards the bathrooms. Once he was out of sight, Will headed back to the party when she heard an intense knocking at the door. She walked over and opened it when a hand reached through, and dragged her outside.

"Aaah! What… What the heck?!" Will shouted. When she was outside, she got a better look at her captors. "Jack? Cupid? What are you guys doing here?"

"HOW COULD YOU!" Eros shouted. "After all I've done for you, THIS is how you repay me! By going off with some other…boy?!"

"Hey Jack," Will said, completely ignoring the frantic angel. "What brings you to my world?"

"Just assisting Valentine Town." Jack quickly held up his hands in defense. "I promise, no stealing this time," he said with a smile. "Valentine only asked that I assist Eros on one of his check-up runs. He told me a couple was to be engaged, and that he wanted a report of how it all went."

"Well, that's great but it's Easter, not Valentine's day."

"True, but Valentine keeps an eye out around the world to ensure love and happiness," Jack explained. "It's one of the added tasks of his holiday. However, I never thought the engagement we were to witness would be that of Al and Zack."

"You saw that? I didn't event see you two in the crowds," Will pointed out.

Jack chuckled. "Oh, Eros wanted to, but I figured we weren't properly attired for such an event. We witnessed the whole thing through an opened widow near the back," he clarified. "It was difficult to at first when the crowds gathered, but Eros used a Valentine Mirror for us to see the entire proposal. Besides, we were asked to observe, not to intervene."

"Speaking of engaged ladies, how's Sally? I hadn't gotten a chance to talk with her in a while."

"She's doing well," he replied. "She will be happy to hear the good news. Oh, please extend congratulations to Al and Zack on our behalf. I know everyone in town will be excited to here they will be wed."

"Can do."

"DON'T IGNORE ME!" Eros shouted. He had been trying to get their attention with little success.

Will sighed and turned to him. "Don't you have some arrows to shoot or something?" she said, wishing she was not dealing with her least favorite holiday figure.

Eros huffed. "This is far more important! I just don't understand…" The angels demeanor suddenly changed from rage to pathetic sulking. "What was wrong with Puck? He's handsome, clever, and is descended from royal bloodlines. What makes that urchin–" Eros winced at the thought of Will's romantic choice. "–more suitable?"

"Look," Will said, loosing her patience. "I thought I already made it clear that I'm not interested in Puck. He and I are just friends."

"But you two are positively perfect for each other…"

"Yeah, we get along, but I don't see having a future with him other than as a friend," Will stated. She crossed her arms, raising one eyebrow in his direction. "Besides, I like to have a choice in who I date."

"Eros, please," Jack intervened, seeing where this was going. "What's important here is Will's happiness. You can't force two people together. It doesn't work that way."

"Ha! Shows what you know," Eros stated, turning to the side with a hand on his hip. "When I made matches, people would be completely happy."

"Would they? Valentine told us you would shoot at random," Jack said, making Eros wince. "They may have seemed happy at first, but did you ever consider what happened after the initial romance wore off?"

"No kidding," Will added curtly. "Do I even need to bring up all the twisted pairings that came from that? Pretty much your fault we have stalkers, pedophiles, and other complete psychos running around claiming what they do is for love. It's not love, it's sick."

"GAH! This is infuriating!" Eros then reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked to be an old fashioned compact mirror. Opening it, he pressed a few buttons before a low ringing was heard. When it stopped, an image appeared on the glass.

"What do you want now, Eros?" Valentine's image groaned. He looked to be doing some paperwork.

"You jackanapes! You knew about this, didn't you? You knew my fair princess had been sneaking around with some lowlife scum when I had a prince waiting to sweep her away to a life of perfect romance!" Tears began welling in his eyes for a moment. "And now my sweet princess is using dirty words and saying awful things."

"The language has changed over the past decades. Besides, it was your own fault Willa does not prefer your company, idiot."

"Bite your tongue, I know it's all that boy's fault! He did this to my sweet Willa!"

"Is this what it feels like to be out of the loop?" Will whispered to Jack.

"Must be," he replied. "Perhaps you should go back to the party."

"Yeah. Better to slip out when he doesn't not–"

"DON'T YOU DARE MOVE, MISSY!" Eros barked, causing Will to remain put. "Nobody's going anywhere until the matter of this, this…punk kid is resolved!"

"Ah, I see you learned of Dean. It couldn't be helped," Valentine said casually.

"Couldn't be helped? Damn it, Vally, I'm your partner! You should tell me these things! I'm the matchmaker, after all. I have a right to know."

"Need I remind you that you were not to interfere in this assignment?"

Eros lost it. "How could you? I thought we had something, Vally! I work and slave, and have been well restrained over the centuries, but you can't even trust me with something like this?! Where'd it all go, I ask you! So I made a few teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy little mistakes here and there; I thought we had looked past all that. I'm the Matchmaker; I know what's best!"

From over Eros' shoulder, Jack and Will watched Valentine sigh, adjust his glasses and then turn to look at his partner.

"I've been over this before, Eros. Matchmaking is a gimmick made by the internet dating industry. What we do here is help bring two lost souls together to create one entity. When you go off firing arrows at everything—and I do mean every thing—you deem fit as 'perfect,' I must ensure ways that the right pair are brought together. I had warned you at Christmas that young Willa was not ready to find love, yet you set off to force her into a relationship that had no time to grow, let alone blossom. Now you've place Ferdinando in an unbreakable bond for a girl who cannot be his because her heart belongs to another. Do you not even realizer the damage you've done?"

Eros was about to retort but clamped his mouth shut.

"If that's all you've to report, then leave me be. You were sent to see if the engagement was proceeding as planned. Not spy on Willa."

The stoic statement seemed to have broken the spell, invoking second wind from Eros. "How can you speak of work at a time like this!"

As Eros went on, both Jack and Will watched with concern. He was really venting into Valentine, but in all honestly, Eros was making a poor argument.

Jack leaned over to Will. "Perhaps now you might want to slip away," he suggested. "I believe your friends will worry if you don't return, especially Dean."

"Yeah, and as much as I like seeing Eros in trouble, this could take awhile," Will whispered back. "And yeah, Dean will start searching if he doesn't find me back with the others. I promise, I'll fill you in next time I see you. Not to mention I promised Sally I'd tell her all the juicy details."

"I know she'll look forward to that." Jack waved and watched Will disappear back into the building before turning his focus back to Eros. He was pacing frantically back and forth, still screaming at the little compact.

Finally he stopped, his face red with rage, and all but screamed. "You coldhearted monster! Why didn't you tell me?!"

Jack sighed. He had a feeling he was going to be late for dinner.

From inside, Will laughed as she listened to Jack try to calm Eros down. The poor skeleton was in for a long night. She watched the scene for a couple more minutes before joining her friends back. There was a loud commotion coming from the room. Will opened the door and suddenly found it hard not to stare. It seemed everybody was now on the dance floor doing the Electric Slide.

"Ha! And I thought this was saved for the wedding reception."

"You and me both." Will turned around to see Puck walking up to her. "So, still not gonna join in?" he asked, indicating the dancing.

"Nah, I'm good," Will said, watching the dancers. "I was never good at the Slide." Will then turned to Puck. "So, you straighten things out with everyone?" she asked.

"Yeah. When Val told me he caught us at the library, I guess he didn't realize you were only helping me with my English paper." He chuckled. "He had a few comments about me needing a tutor. Of course, Zack didn't buy it at first. He thought I didn't need school because I've already done it countless times. Then I showed him the online course schedule." Puck smiled proudly. "By the way, eighty-five on the paper."

"What? Puck, that's great!" Will jumped and hugged Puck, too excited to do anything else. "I knew you could do it!"

"Only because you helped me," he said, setting her down. "I had no clue how to write an analytical essay for a sonnet, and I actually met Shakespeare."

"You would've been fine without me. I'm just happy I could help. It's the least I could do for all the lessons you've given me. I'd never be able to control my vampiric abilities if it weren't for you."

"Well, my uncles really did most of the work." Puck blushed and rubbed the back of his head nervously. "But honestly, I would've done it anyway. I'd do anything for you, Will."

"I know. You've been a great friend."

"Yeah, friend…" The was an awkward pause before Puck spoke again. "So, Dean. He, uh, he seems like a good guy."

"Oh, the best," Will said. "I met him in my writing class. He's also a bit of a showoff, especially on his skateboard. I can't tell you how many times I've had to patch him up."

"I told you that you'd make a good nurse," Puck teased.

"And I told you, I don't do protruding bones," Will reminded him.

"Or needles," Puck said, doing a slight imitation. "Don't get me started on needles!"

Will and Puck were laughing when Dean reentered the room. He had removed his rabbit suit and now showed off in practical dark jeans and his burnt umber shirt. In addition to the bow tie, Dean now wore a pair of matching chocolate ears. He joined Will and Puck, his hand coming to rest on Will's shoulder.

"Hey Princess, miss me?" he asked after a quick peck to her cheek. Puck flinched at the action.

"Oh, were you missing?" Will teased. She brought up her hand to rest over Dean's.

"Real cute."

"Actually, we were just talking about you," Puck interrupted. "Will tells me you're quite the skater."

"Oh, she bring that up again." Dean smirked. "Who'd a thought? I see her walking to our professor's office to discuss a paper and I decide to try impressing her with a trick. I end slicing my arm on concrete."

"Of course, he remembers I can't turn an injury away and asks me out while I'm patching him up," Will finished. "Who'd have thought behind that sardonic skater-boy was a completely sweet, and charming guy."

"Thanks Will." He pulled her tighter to his side and kissed her cheek again. "So, I'm guessing this is the infamous Puck I've heard about?" he asked, looking to Puck. "Huh, no offense, but I thought you'd be taller."

"You know about me?"

"Yeah, Will talks about her friends all the time," Dean explained. "My fault, really. I got curious about who she hangs out with so I started asking questions. Now I get to find out how much of what she said is actually true."

"Hey!" Will poked his side. "You wanted to play Two Truths and a Lie," she said. "Besides, you're the one who tried that bogus story about living next door to Billy Idol."

Dean rolled his eyes, but his half smile told he was only playing. "Jeez, I can't get away with anything."

Will smiled. "Nope."

Puck laughed. "Don't worry, Dean, she lets you win once in a while."

"Good to know." The music slowed as the Electric Slide came to an end. Some of the group broke off as the song changed to "Black Sheep."

"Sweet! They finally played something descent." Dean then turned to Will and held out his hand. "How bout it, Will? Wanna dance?" he asked.

Puck smiled, thinking, Pft! Poor guy. Looks like he's about to be number fourteen.

"Haha, okay, why not!" Will took Dean's hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. Puck stared in shock. Will had actually agreed to dancing? She never agreed to dancing. He was still in staring as he watched her and Dean. They never got close, but Will was clearly having a good time.

Puck knit his brows. She never wanted to dance with me…

"Hey, Garlic!" Zack said, coming up and slapping Puck on the back. "Cheer up, would ya? It's my engagement party. Quit bumming people out."

"Zack, I've told you before, don't smack me," Puck moaned. He rubbed his shoulders, trying to reach his back. "You always manage to hit my wings."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Zack waited for Puck to jib him back, but he received nothing. His winged buddy only stared off at the dance floor. Zack followed his gaze until it fell on Will and Dean.

"Oh, right! That happened…" Zack set a comforting hand on Puck's shoulder. "Hey man, don't worry about it," he told him. "Look, how bout tomorrow I help you find someone new. There's that new chick in the firm who I've seen eyeing you. You know, the tall chick from the Caribbean?"

"Thanks Zack but my eyes are only for Will," Puck replied, removing his friend's hand.

Zack frowned. "Uh, hate to be Captain Obvious, but dude! She's taken."

"I know, and I'm happy for her, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to give up on her." Puck chuckled at the skeptic look on Zack's face. "Don't worry," he encouraged, "I'm not gonna start stalking them, or try to sabotage their relationship. I meant it when I said I'm happy for her. I just don't plan to give up until I no longer see a chance for me."

"Okay… I guess if that's what you want," Zack said. "Kinda fruity in the loops crazy though."

"It may be crazy, but it's how I feel." Puck turned to Zack. There was a sad smile on his face.

"Say, if it helps, Al thought there was something off about this Dean guy," Zack said, hoping to cheer Puck up. "If you like, Al can tell you all her conspiracy theories. She's weird but she's right most of the time."

"No, please, just let it be," Puck replied, turning back to the dance floor.

The song had changed, this time to "How To Be A Heartbreaker." Dean tried to pull Will in closer. She easily avoided him, like a sprite evading capture. It only made Dean laugh and try again. Zack did not see anything wrong with the him; Dean seemed to be an alright guy. But he also knew never to doubt when Al got the heebie-jeebies about a person. Though, he had to admit, it looked like they were having fun. But where did that leave Puck?

He turned to see Puck still watching Will. At first, he seemed happy. He still smiled and no doubt he was picking up whatever they were saying with his superhuman hearing. However, that was not what caught Zack's attention. It was what he saw in his friend's eyes, a look of pain, but also of acceptance.

"You said yourself you felt a connection with Al and you didn't even know if you would see her again," Puck said, he's gaze never wavering. "That's how I feel about Will. Even before Eros hit me with a love arrow, I knew I felt something for her."

Puck turned to face Zack, the sadden look still in his eyes, but something lighter to it. Zack knew instantly what it was.

"I've been around a long time, Zack, and I wish I could say I never dated, but that would be a lie. However, Will is not like any of the girls I've met before. Will is bright and fun, and she has this presence about her. She cares for others and while she may not always agree, she stands by her friends and does whatever she can to help them. She even sacrificed herself to save a whole other world when she could have gone back home and been safe. I don't need a magic arrow to know how I feel."

"But dude, she has a boyfriend," Zack reminded him. "I get you like her, but if this goes somewhere…"

"I understand."

"Do you? Dude, she really likes this guy. Maybe even loves him," he pleaded. "I don't wanna see you get hurt if this ends up becoming the real deal."

"Then I'll be happy for her," Puck stated. "If she really likes Dean, then I'll support her. Hell, I'll even help her. What matters to me is that she's happy. Even if that means she is happy with someone else."

"Puck…"

"It can't be helped." Puck sighed."All I want is for her to be happy." He took one last glance. Dean had caught Will and was spinning her around. She was smiling and laughing. It brought a lighter smile to Puck's face.

Zack sighed. There really was no talking Puck out of this. In fact, there was only one thing to do.

Taking him by the arm, Zack pulled Puck over to the punch table. There was still some sangria left. He filled a cup and handed it to Puck.

"You're in love. Have a drink."

The End

AN: Well, that's it for this story!

Once again, I'd like to thank CosmicHorse and my other friend, hereby now known as MojitoHurricane, for all they're help in filling in their characters. I also want to thank Werejaguar of Halloween Town for all the editing she's done. All three of you girls are wickedly fantastic!