Hey, everyone! Just wanted to say thank you for all the great reviews and support. I am so glad you all are enjoying the story. I hope to keep making it great. (To the best of my ability.)
Heads up: there is a tiny bit of Frelma in this chapter. Yeah-I ship them too. Little bit.
Final chapter is next. Enjoy and tell me what you think!
~Adair
Debutante Dramatics
Chapter 3
The grass is a vibrant green. The temperature is perfect for being outside all day and just enjoying life. The pleasant sounds of kids playing, adults chatting, birds singing, and dogs barking fill the air. An overall happy feeling circles the park as people take a stroll on this lovely day.
It was an excellent day for a football game. That was the idea Fred Jones had. It didn't take too long to find other willing participants. Soon he had two teams made, him being team captain of one of them, who then began a friendly game of touch football.
The yellow haired teen had attempted to get Shaggy in on the game, but the beatnik preferred watching from the sidelines with four or five hotdogs from the local vendor along with two drinks. Scooby-Doo had the same, but after eating his in record time he headed off to greet the other dogs roaming around. So Shaggy is currently sitting next to Velma on one of the few picnic tables, watching the ongoing game.
Shaggy is actually quite surprised at how long Velma has been sitting there with a perfectly good (and rather long, in Shaggy's opinion) book and not picked it up. Instead her eyes are trailed on the game. More specifically a certain team captain in an ascot.
A touchdown is made. Shaggy is startled when a usually quiet, calculating Velma suddenly jumps from her seat and throws her hands in the air.
"Yeah! Way to go Freddie," she shouts. Fred hears the praise and shoots Velma a smile and a wink. The genius girl immediately sits back down and grabs her novel. She opens it and buries her nose in, pretending to read. Not before Shaggy noticed the blush splashed across her features.
"What do you think, Velma? Like, is Fred going to win?" Shaggy asks his friend. Velma barely lifts her eyes from the book to give him her famous "duh" look. Shaggy gets those a lot from her. He's use to them.
"Just go get another hotdog, you bottomless pit." She tries to sound harsh, but the small smile fighting at the corners of her mouth gives away her amusement.
"Like, don't mind if I do," Shaggy says. He gets up from his spot and hums lightly to himself as he confidently walks back to the hotdog vendor. "Four of your finest hotdogs, please, my good man."
"Heh heh, sure thing Rogers." The vendor is no stranger to Shaggy. What with the beatnik being his best customer and all. He goes heavy on the condiments and hands the nearly overstuffed dogs to the customer.
"Thank you," Shaggy says, beaming. He turns to walk back to the bench when his arms suddenly feel lighter. Looking down, Shaggy mentally does a recount. "Hey! I'm down one dog. Like, didn't I order four?"
The small chuckle he hears from behind is a dead giveaway, but it isn't the laugh Shaggy expected to hear when food goes missing. It's not deep, jester-like to the brink of maniacal. This laugh was softer. Lighter. Nothing like Scooby-Doo's. Shaggy turned to find Daphne standing there, smiling at him.
"Daphne!" he exclaims, nearly dropping his food. His face breaks into a wide grin and he can feel his cheeks warming not unlike Velma's not too long ago. "Hey, how are you? What are you doing here?"
Daphne laughs again. The light sound not heard lately is music to the boy's ears. "Wow, Shaggy. I'm impressed. I 'borrow' a hotdog and you ask me how I'm doing before asking for your food back."
"Like, you can have it if you stay and eat it with me." Shaggy flushes further, realizing his mistake. "B-But only if, ya know, you wanna. I mean…Fred's playing football. And Velma—she and I are watching his game and you—"
Daphne can't help but laugh again. She hands the hotdog back to Shaggy, knowing better than to steal her friend's food. He may be a gentleman and share on occasion—when asked directly—but she knew how much he loved to eat.
"Thanks for the invitation. I'd love to, but I can't."
Shaggy tries not to let his disappointment show. The smile on his face has become forced. "Then what are you doing here?"
Daphne points behind her. For the first time, Shaggy notices the small group of people standing nearby. Their general appearance is very…disconcerting. There are four girls, each one wearing a frilly, but attractive, outfit not meant for the outdoors. Two pink dresses catch Shaggy's eye and he notices the girls wearing them are twins. Another girl with pasty skin contrasting a red skirt is trying to discreetly hide herself behind the two girls. The fourth, a taller girl with blonde hair and heels high enough to have her match the beatnik in height, is wearing sunglasses and looking around at the park distastefully.
"I'm playing tour guide," Daphne says reluctantly. "It was going pretty well. I showed them my favorite stores, but eventually I ran out of places with the latest fashions. I managed to convince them to stay fifteen minutes in the park for some fresh air before going back to put the finishing touches on the ball tomorrow. You're still coming right?"
Shaggy laughs. "Like, you have to ask?"
Daphne seems relieved to hear this. "Right, of course you are. I'm just—it's tomorrow, Shaggy. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. And—"
"Daphne, darling," the blonde struts forward to address the redhead, "aren't you going to introduce us?"
"Oh yes. Yes, I'm sorry." Daphne waves her hand as if waving off a stray thought. "Jessica, this is my friend Shaggy. Shaggy meet Jessica, one of the other girls participating in the ball."
"It's nice to meet you," Shaggy says, trying to sound confident. "I'd shake your hand, but…" Shaggy tries maneuvering the hotdogs so he is carrying them in one hand, but Jessica takes a half-step back and stops him.
"No. Don't go through the trouble."
"Oh. Alright."
"Shaggy," Daphne pulls him towards the rest of the girls. She gestures to the twins. "Meet Tammy and Tally. And the one on the other side of them is Chloe."
"Pleasure," Tammy and Tally say in unison while simultaneously giving a slight bow. Chloe barely raises her hand for a wave.
"Daphne, darling," Jessica says, once again tagging the fake endearment to the girl's name, "are we through here? I would like to finish things up at the house."
"You agreed to fifteen minutes, Jessica. It's only been five. I have to go say hi to Velma and Freddie yet. Why not take a walk around? Enjoy the day. I'll be right b—" Daphne is abruptly cut off by something running into her back and knocking her over. On top of Daphne's tackled figure is a very elated Scooby-Doo who proceeds to lick her face after letting out a joyous "Raphne!"
"Hi, Scooby!" Daphne exclaims between laughing fits. Shaggy laughs as well at the enthusiastic Great Dane. That is until he glances over and notices the four other debutantes watching on in horror. Jessica especially Shaggy can tell because she turns away and flips her hair in a dismissive gesture.
"I rissed rou."
"I missed you too, but I have to breathe, Scooby," Daphne gasps. "Please get off."
"Rorry." Scooby-Doo allows the girl to get to her feet. Daphne smiles and pats him affectionately.
"There's nothing to apologize for. Just keep in mind, after tomorrow, I'll be around so much you'll probably get sick of me."
"Like, I don't think that's possible," Shaggy says.
"Well," Daphne says resolutely, "we will have to test that, won't we? But later. I have a limited amount of time, and I have yet to say hi to either Velma or Freddie. If you'll excuse me."
Daphne walks away leaving Shaggy, Scooby, and the debutantes alone in each others' company. Shaggy tentatively glances at the girls. He startles back when he sees four pairs of eyes staring back. An awkward smile crosses his face. The smile is not returned, but the awkwardness seems to grow. So with a hotdog filled hand, he waves goodbye and abruptly moves to where Daphne and Velma are talking. But before he gets there, Daphne is off on the field to greet Fred. Thankfully it happens to be a timeout when she runs out there full speed. Fred greets her with open arms, picking her up and twirling her around. Shaggy watches while absentmindedly chewing on the first of his hotdogs.
"I'm glad her debutante ball is almost over," Velma says. "I miss having her around."
"Like, yeah," Shaggy says. Daphne is talking animatedly with Fred. Fred says something and Daphne looks around as if finally noticing the other players. She smiles and gives a small, embarrassed wave, probably apologizing for interrupting their game. They don't seem to mind. They laugh and elbow one another in the side as they point to the friendly interaction.
See? It wasn't just Shaggy who missed Daphne's company. Her sunshiny presence and happy demeanor helps brighten people and places alike. Whoever she interacts with is influenced for the better. Not having her around lately has affected the gang's mood significantly. It's as if they is off balance. The group needs everyone's participation or things become offset. Odd. Wrong. But Shaggy tries not to dwell on the bad. The debutante ball is tomorrow night and after it Daphne will be around more often, and the gang will be back to operating smoothly, hanging out and solving mysteries like they should.
Shaggy suddenly feels off again. The hotdogs feel lighter again. He looks down to realize the hotdogs aren't just lighter, they aren't even there! Shaggy snaps his head up to see Scooby-Doo running away with the three missing hotdogs sticking out of his mouth.
"Hey!" Shaggy shouts. He begins the chase. All Scooby had to do was ask, but no. He seems to find pleasure in taking Shaggy's food and making him suffer. As if the beatnik didn't get enough exercise running from ghosts, ghouls, and monsters alike, he has to deal with his best friend's antics too.
Miraculously, one of the shiny wrapped hotdogs is dropped. Shaggy bends over to pick it up, but he recoils. His face scrunches in disgust as he realizes the paper is covered in dog slobber. He unwraps it to find that the food itself is untainted. Shaggy smiles in victory. At least he has another. Two for him and two for Scooby-Doo. That's fair.
The beatnik stands to leave, but stops when he hears his name. He looks around until he spots the debutantes. He is beside a tree that stands in between him and them. They haven't noticed their audience.
"What kind of name is Shaggy anyway?" Jessica is saying. "Hmph. I cannot believe her friends. She hangs out with such…weirdoes."
Shaggy holds his breath, hoping he isn't noticed as he continues to listen. He has eavesdropped before, usually for mysteries, but when he or his friends are involved he considers the deed justified.
"We agree," the twins say in unison. Their voices are bored, however, leading Shaggy to wonder if they actually agree or are just going along with the lead girl's loud opinion. Chloe says nothing, continuing to stand there and shuffle her feet.
"That other girl, Velma I think—she's a nerd. It's painfully obvious. She brings a book to the park. Dead giveaway. And her clothes? Don't get me started. But I suppose Daphne has a good reason. Keeping a nerd around to do her homework. Smart thinking. I do the same on occasion."
"Good idea, Jessica," Tammy or Tally says. Shaggy has no idea which is which.
"You are clever, Jessica." Tammy/Tally says.
"But she did get one thing right. Fred Jones. Girls, look and behold a wonderful specimen of the perfect teenage boy. Strong, handsome, popular, and plays football. What more could a girl ask for? Much better than the other boy. Shaggy." Jessica nearly spits the name. "He is in dire need of a haircut and decent advice on clothing."
Shaggy tugs at a piece of his hair. He likes his hair. He thought Daphne did too. She has ruffled his hair playfully plenty of times before, claiming he looks cute with it all all messy. Also after running away from a monster Shaggy's hair becomes even more unruly. Daphne often takes him aside to run her fingers through his hair and make it semi-decent again. And his clothes…wear what makes you happy—Daphne's words. Shaggy has followed her number one fashion rule. A green shirt and brown bellbottoms with black shoes. It was comfortable and he liked it. So why did one nasty comment from a girl who obviously didn't know him or his friends make him feel bad?
Maybe—a very tiny voice in the back of Shaggy's mind says—maybe it is because she's right. Shaggy immediately drops the idea, but the seed has already taken root. Why would Daphne hang out with him? Or care about him the way he cares about her? Or even look in his direction? She's perfect, in Shaggy's eyes. Plus she's got Fred. Fred Jones, who's apparently "a wonderful specimen of the perfect teenage boy" according to Jessica. But Shaggy doesn't dwell on it. Daphne's his friend. A really good friend. She likes him for being open about his quirks. She would never hate him for who he is...Right?
Too deep in thought, Shaggy is completely oblivious to someone approaching until they are right in front of him.
"Zoinks!" Shaggy clutches his heart. He looks up to see Young Master William standing in front of him. William is staring at the beatnik with disapproval before bringing his gaze up and past him. Shaggy glances back to see that the debutantes have finally noticed his presence. He gulps, praying an actual monster will come and scare them all so he can run from this very, very, very uncomfortable situation.
He gets something better.
"William? What are you doing here?" Daphne has come, confusion written clearly on her face. She had said fifteen minutes and she meant it. The allotted time has passed. She approached the debutants to tell as such but found them preoccupied. "What's going on?"
Young Master William drops his angry expression and replaces it with a dazzling smile. "Ah, there you are, Daphne. I was sent over here by your parents to find you and bring you back home. There are more matters to be discussed."
Daphne sighs. She is visibly disheartened. "Yes, of course. Let's go then." All the debutants rush—as fast as a lady is allowed to rush—to the awaiting limo. Young Master William hangs back, extending his elbow for Daphne to take. Daphne smiles at him. It's almost painful how obviously fake the grin is. As Daphne continues facing him she deliberately sidesteps and takes Shaggy's arm. William glances between the two. Shaggy gulps. He's already on William's bad side. This helps nothing. But on the plus side, Shaggy thinks dreamily, Daphne is holding his arm again. Much to the beatnik's relief, William leaves after giving a small bow to Miss Blake.
A large groan emits from Daphne. And with it she drops her head to rest it on Shaggy's shoulder. Shaggy freezes, not wanting to disturb her more. But his concern speaks for him.
"Like, are you ok, Daph?" he asks. Worry is evident in his voice.
"No," Daphne mumbles. "Shaggy, I'm sick of this. Debutante balls aren't supposed to be stressful. They're supposed to be fun. And I am not having fun."
"But Daph, it isn't the ball yet."
Daphne trembles slightly. At first Shaggy fears she may be crying, but his fears are unfounded. Daphne is laughing. That soon becomes quite clear. Shaggy chuckles with her but cannot see what is so funny.
"I'm—I'm sorry," Daphne gasps through bouts of laughter. "It's…you're right. Ha ha! It's not the ball. It's just the planning! Planning is always stressful. How could I forget that? Thank you, Shaggy. Ha! Sorry. I'm not laughing at you. Really! You're the best."
Daphne again embraces her friend. She lingers in the hug, taking full advantage of the warmth and contentedness she feels. When his arms timidly wrap around her, she smiles against his green shirt. Fred's hugs may be energetic and carefree, but Shaggy's are always comforting and strong in their own way. With all that's been going on she needs that strength, and she doesn't want to give it up by letting go. But the car horn sounds, signaling for the moment's end.
Daphne sighs and pulls away. She smiles at Shaggy whose pale skin is now crimson. She can't help but giggle. The sound breaks Shaggy's reverie. He smiles back.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Shaggy," Daphne says. Then she's gone; in the limo being driven away—back to the pressure and anxiety she is now sure she can get through. Just one more day.
Shaggy watches the car turn and disappear around a corner. He can't seem to be rid of the ear-to-ear grin on his face. But, surprisingly, it has no trouble leaving when he remembers his hotdog and finds it nowhere to be seen. A familiar laugh can be heard fading in the distance.
"Scooby-Doo! Where are you?"