The floor was cold as he crept into the kitchen. His pace slowed when he noticed the light over the sink was on. There was only one name that came to mind. Or maybe it was stupid hope. But the logical side said otherwise. The storm was a heavy one. It was the only reason Feister could be up right now. Though, Mush figured there was another reason as to why she was awake. But, it was also stupid hope she was up for the same reason he was. The last time they spoke they were on ok terms. Mush wasn't as dumb as everyone claims he is, he knows why Feister is avoiding him. Just as their friendship was starting to heal he went ahead and kissed his ex-girlfriend. Or not ex, it was very confusing. Taking a deep breath he walked in to see Feister was sitting on the counter, legs folded over the other as she munched away at a fruit bowl.

Despite everything, he couldn't help but admire the way she looked in the warm glow of the light. Her hair was in a long side braid, her cheek were rosy, she looked so small in that giant t-shirt she loves sleeping in. This was cut short because her eyes flicked up. Her shoulders were now tense and tight features replaced the softness on her face from just moments ago.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Mush said in an attempt to ease the tension. If he could go back in time to change one moment of his life, it would be during the fight that caused all this. He regrets it now. He wants the girl who smacks him randomly after he says something dumb. The girl who rolls her eyes and makes fun of him. He wants Feister back. His loud, fiery best friend. Not this quiet closed off girl sitting several feet away from him. "Feisty-"

"Mush don't start," Feister sighed. But it wasn't the annoyed, frustrated kind. She sounded exhausted. "I'm too tired to fight with you."

"The don't fight," Mush said a little louder than he meant too.

She let out a small sound of frustration. "For once in your life, you're right. I'm done. I'm done with this back and forth every time you get a girlfriend. I'm done gettin' pushed to the side one second and gettin' told I'm your best friend and you'll always be there. I'm done. Mush, you're in love with Genevieve…I can see the way you look at her. You should be fightin' to keep her around, not me. She's perfect for the kind of girl you've been lookin' for. You've always had this thing for blondes but I guess preferences go out the window when this perfect little princess comes walkin' through the door in those stupid floral skirts and little cute sweaters she spent hours throwin' together to look like a pretty little doll." Feister closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself. There was a tiny thread that was still holding her together, but that was on the verge of breaking. "I'm over this friendship. Our bond was a fluke. Somethin' that never should've happened." pressing her lips in a tight line she shrugged.

Feister began to walk away, but stopped to say one more thing. "I know I'm broken…but I didn't think you saw me like that too." that was that. She left without looking back. Just like that, the last piece of her breaking heart shattered to the ground. The thread was broken. She was lost without her best friend but was done wasting time on someone who easily falls in love and completely forgets about her.

How many of those short lived romances know that his favorite color isn't just blue, but green as well. Or that it isn't a birthmark above his knee, but a scar from his failed attempt at the skate park. His go to shower song, for whatever the reason, is La Da Dee. He seems to have the hand to wrist movement for Just Dance. He has a big heart and is the sweetest, most thoughtful guy. Genevieve is a lucky girl…Feister wishes she could be like that. But she never will be. She's not that sweet perfect girl that nobody can't hate.

She's not his girl. Never has been and never will be. Yet, Feister can still cherish the small moments she had where she could pretend they were more than friends. Whether it was a dream or straight up delusion, she wasn't sure. But it was nice while it lasted. Once she reached her room the door was closed and locked she crawled back into bed and tried her best to fall asleep. It was hard with the storm raging on. The one outside and in her head.

Rain poured heavily. Thunder boomed causing Feister to flinch a bit. Looking towards the window she could just barely make out the glow of the city that never sleeps through the thick curtains. Taking in a deep breath she tried her best to go back to sleep. Rain was supposed to be a relaxing sound, and it was, but when it came to thunder and wind and the lightning is where she draws the line. It's a silly thing to be afraid of. She's well aware of that. Still, it doesn't seem like it'll be something she grows out of. So she'd wait until her body gave up on its own accord. How long could it be anyways?

In the meantime she was left to her own devices. Her mind began to wander off, this time reminding her of the fight she had with Mush. Images flashed by in a blur, words echoed through her ears. "You're broken, your own family didn't love you" was what stuck with her the most. It's funny what one's mind will do when left in the darkness. They made up then he went straight back to his ex. Not ex? It was all very confusing. Definitely the most complicated girl he's been with. Feister didn't count herself because of the best friend slot. Yup. She was stuck in that spot. She was easily replaceable. Forgotten. Nobody cared about her. She broke her biggest rule, don't get close with anyone. But she did. And she hates herself everyday for it.

"Can't sleep?" A deep male voice asked. She felt an arm wrap around her waist, tugging her closer. The shirt she was wearing had ridden up a bit, meaning that she could feel his hot skin against hers.

"Not really," she whispered.

"It might help if you weren't overthinkin'."

"I wasn't."

Through the darkness, Feister knew exactly what Mush's face looked like. She could practically feel it. That's how well he knows her. She hates him for it. Mush reached over her body, making sure to steal a kiss as he flicked on the bedside lamp. The soft yellow glow filled the room. She loved the way he looked in this lighting, everything was softer. The way the shadows moved over his features, the color of his eyes, all the way to how his hair fell on his forehead. It was in need of a trim. But not one that was too short, she liked threading her fingers through those soft locks.

But what really caught her attention was how the wedding band on his hand shimmered in the light. A small reminder that he was hers. Her mind was being mean again. It wasn't an unusual occurrence. She couldn't help it. You'd think marriage would fix all that but in times like these it only does so much.

"Feisty, it ain't just the thunder that's buggin' you." His voice was laced with sleepiness, eyes all hazy. She loved this look on him more than anything else. But she'd never said it out loud.

"It's the thunder."

"Feisty."

"Meyers."

The smallest smile turned up on Mush's lips as he tugged her closer. She was laying on her back while he laid on his side. Both his arms were wrapped around her. She was beautiful. Her usual fiery eyes were nothing more than a candle's flame. So small yet so destructive. Her hair was in all its glory. Down in a sea of waves. She had taken a shower that morning and it was in two braids all day long. So it was soft and somewhat cool since the thick layers hadn't gotten a chance to dry. Her skin seemed to glow as well. It was usually light in color, but had tanned during their honeymoon. She had gotten a light sunburn on her arms but it wasn't anything painful, she just had to keep moisturizing until the dry patches were no more, which wasn't very long.

"Talk to me."

"I'd rather sleep."

"Why do you always make it a point to argue with me." He studied her face, there was something on her mind. What it was, he wasn't sure. You'd think after knowing her for over a decade he'd be able to tell what's swirling through her mind. "Feisty, you don't have to hide things from me, I love you."

"It's nothin', go back to sleep Mush brains." turning off the lamp Feister snuggled back into bed. However she felt Mush reach over, flick the light on, only this time she felt him hover over her. Well, only halfway. The faint scent of cologne and the heat from his body was a combination she loves. "There a problem?" Feister asked as she opened her eyes. She was met with a soft blue sky that made her feel like she was drowning.

"Claire."

"Matthew. See, I can play games too."

"You're stallin'."

"Actually I'm sleepy." Mother Nature seemed to have something against her because at that moment thunder cracked rather loudly. Instinctively she clung to Mush. It took him by surprise because he lost his balance and somehow found himself laying on his side while she curled against him.

"You know," he began with a chuckle caught in his throat. "This kind of thing is supposed to be soothin'." that was partly the reason why Feister was currently awake. The other half was still a mystery. While it could really be nothing, he's known her long enough to know it's never just "nothing". "What's on your mind, c'mon talk-"

"Mush," Feister groaned. She squealed when he tickled her sides. She thought he was about to blow a raspberry into her neck, but just as she playfully tried to push him away. He kissed the spot that made her breath hitch. "I know what you're tryin' to do."

"I'm not tryin' anythin'," he replied with that boyish smile. "You're the only one I've ever loved."

And…there it was. Usually when he says stuff like that it melts her right then and there. He's not allowed to say those kinds of things because it messes with her head. She's not supposed to be all soft and sentimental. Especially now that a memory from long ago kept swirling in her mind. "That's not entirely true…"

"Sure it is. Why wouldn't it be." Confusion twisted on his face.

"Remember the fight we had."

"The one about the"

"No the other one," Feister cut off.

"Was it the"

"Not that one either."

"Feisty we have about twenty fights a day you're gonna have to be more specific."

"The fight, Mush."

"Oh, that. What about it?"

"So in that sense…I'm not your first love."

"Feisty-"

"You said you were in love."

"I said I thought I was in love."

"No difference."

"All the difference."

"Mush," Feister whispered. She didn't know what to say after that, instead he turned on her side so her back was to his chest. Just as she was reaching to turn off the light she felt Mush sit up, pulling her with him so now she was sitting in his lap. The warm glow illuminated his face in the most perfect way. It should be illegal. Sleepy blue eyes that look like the sky when a storm is clearing, soft messed up hair from sleep while his warm strong body wrapped around her. He smelt fresh and clean like always. It was hard to resist the urge to bury her face in his neck and drown in the scent.

He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, letting his hand slide down her soft cheek. "I've learned that what's labeled as a first love, kiss, date, doesn't mean anything. Sure it's the first time you're doing it, and at the time it's what you think that's what romance is all about, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The first girl I've ever loved is you, and only you. I was out of my mind nervous for our date thinkin' I'd screw it up. And when we kiss, nothin' else matters. You're a drug I can't get enough of. You're the one I love." he ran his thumb over her cheek as he leaned in for a kiss.

It was soft, slow and sweet, yet, there was something else too. Need. in that moment nothing else mattered, only her lips and the feel of her body. He loved the way her hands creeped over his shoulders. One hand resting on his neck while the other lazily ran through his hair. Pulling away he started to kiss her face, down to her jaw line until he reached the sweet spot at her neck. The small jolt and the way she tugged was rewarding in a sense. But it was the tickle of her warm breath in his ear that was the best part.

When Mush came up for air Feister had that dazed look in her eyes while her cheeks were somewhat flushed. Her hair was down in loose waves from it being braided all day long. The ridges were much more prominent since she had taken a shower in the morning. "I love you too," she whispered as she pulled him in for another kiss.

Suddenly they were lost in their own world of soft sighs and whispers of sweet nothings. Her breath hitched when his hand slowly slipped underneath her pj top. But it's ok, Feister got a little pay back when she locked her legs around his waist. Their eyes met for a moment. No words were said, but they knew exactly what the other was saying. Feister had never been more happy she was wearing a cami like set that night. Not that it really mattered because in a few seconds it'd be on the floor anyways….and the bottoms and…he started kissing that sweet spot on her neck again. The one that makes her mind all fuzzy. Yup, it was going to be a long night.

Mush was in that wonderful world where his brain was waking up but his eyes were glued shut. Everything was foggy, but not so much that he couldn't' register the warm body pressed against his. He then felt a leg hooked over his own. There was something else too, soft and sweet smelling. It ticked his skin when he shifted ever so slightly. Somehow finding the strength he opened his eyes. Barely, just barely he made out his wife snuggled against him. Her hair was sprawled out in all directions, an arm was draped over his stomach while her head rested in the nook of his arm. The blankets were pulled so high that it covered her nose. Or maybe they were low on the bed. He didn't remember much after that scrap of fabric Feister calls a pj top came off.

When she showed it to him he asked, "Is that a fancy bralette" because now that he's married he somehow knows the differences between those things. Well, not that Feister really needs to wear one because everything about her is tiny. It was at that point she smacked him and that was the end of that. Somehow that memory reminded him they were skin to skin. It was nice….he loves being married.

Feister started to stir and snuggle deeper into the mattress. He closed his own eyes, seeing no need to get out of bed just yet. Why would he anyway? There are only two times throughout the day when she's docile, in the morning before she wakes up, and when he goes to sleep at night. Maybe if Mush is lucky she'll do that cute thing when she gets food. Now if he factors in time spent behind a closed door then that's a different story.

Carefully, he wrapped his other arm around her and held her closer. The warmth of her body mixed with steady breaths and scent was always the best part of waking up. And going to sleep. As well as cuddling on the couch. And any other time where she lets him hold her this close. Mush opened his eyes once more, through his hazy gaze he admired how peaceful she looked. A rare sight but always a welcomed one. His girl is strong. Too stubborn for her own good, and so full of fire she could burn down an entire city. But he knows better than anyone that those flames don't just destroy everything and anything in its path, Feister also burns herself in the process.

Her mind is her own worst enemy. More so than others. Whether she knows that or not, he's unsure. But he does. Even after all this time she destroys herself from the inside out. While he's moved past that fight they had, for her, it still chips away inside. Mush is well aware he hit a bad spot that night. And it hurts more than anything to admit that he knew exactly what he was doing when he said it. In the moment he wanted to hit her where it hurts most so she could finally get out of his life. Looking back, he now realizes most of that anger was him trying to fight the growing love he has for her.

"Fourteen Mush, you're so stupid," he thought to himself. "You idiot! You fell in love with her at fourteen! " the logical side of his mind yelled. "Ok, ok fine. Spring fourteen year old Mush, is stupid! Why were we so stupid anyways?"

"I can hear you thinkin'," Feister mumbled grumpily. "Turn off that mushy brain of yours. I'm tryin' to sleep here." his chest started to rumble due to him trying to hold back a laugh. Which caused her to groan and roll away, tugging the blankets with her.

"Hello to you too," Mush whispered in her ear.

She felt him shift on his side and pull her back into the warmth of his body. But it wasn't just that, he was also strong and solid, but it was when he draped an arm around her stomach she got that safe, secure feeling. Within seconds, Feister let her body relax against his, soaking up the warmth of his skin, the soft ridges of his muscles, how suddenly she felt safe yet small at the same time. Her eyes started to close once more. Yup, everything was - "Mush," Feister groaned. "Go stick your little friend in some ice." as she spoke she shoved her idiot husband away and wrapped herself in the blanket as if it was amor.

"You weren't complainin' last night," Mush innocently replied with a shrug.

"MUSH!" she grabbed the nearest pillow and slammed it over his face. It was way too early for his male bedroom talk. Well, it was always too early, but the point still stood. "You just had to ruin a nice mornin' didn't you."

"Don't blame me! I have no control over this!" he gestured with his hand. Not that Feister could see it, because she was now completely underneath the covers.

"It's attached to your body!" Feister countered as she sat up. Or partly anyways. "Therefore you have complete control over it. And don't try to argue with me, it is a body part, therefore you can control what happens."

"It's just mornin w-" Mush couldn't finish that sentence because Feister had pressed her fingers to his lips. Why is she so pretty when she's staring daggers into his soul? Though the curtains were closed sunlight still managed to pour in through the little gaps. Her dark hair flowed down like a waterfall, Her skin still had that summer tan from their honeymoon. Her lips were as pink and kissable and he knew exactly what was hidden beneath the blanket. Images of last night played through his head.

And then Feister smacked it. "Are you even listenin' to me?"

"Yes."

"What was I sayin?"

"That you want wanna make out."

Feister let out a frustrated groan and flopped back on the bed. "Why did I marry you? No, scratch that, how did I get stuck with you of all idiots! Why didn't I continue to hate you for the rest of my life."

"That's not true," Mush said as he hovered over her. "You love me more than you hate me," he said while brushing his lips over hers.

"What makes you say that?" she sounded more sleepy than challenging.

"Because if you really hated me, I wouldn't be doin' this right now." he closed the small distance, pouring everything he has into that one kiss. He kept it slow and soft. Eventually he deepened it. Electricity jolted when she allowed it to happen, and he savored every little sound she made. The way her hands started to roam about. But it was cut off too soon.

"I hate you, because you have the power to make me forget about everythin' else."

"I love you, because you make me forget about everythin' else," Mush replied, then placed a light kiss on the corner of her mouth.

"I hate that I feel the safest with you."

"I love how you fit in my arms." he kissed her jaw.

"I hate how it's so easy to talk to you." she fought hard against the sparks dancing across her skin when he kissed near the sweet spot on her neck.

"I love how strong you are."

"I hate this. You make me want to run away and never look back."

Mush slipped a hand onto her cheek. " I'll chase you, no matter how far you run I'm right behind you."

"I hate it when you say things like that."

"And I love you." the gap was closed once more. It was still early in the morning, no need to get out of bed just yet. Though it didn't matter now, They were a tangled mess of limbs as they got lost in each other.

Author's Note

Ok folks, now we've reached the end of The Other Girl Mini Series. I promise I only meant for this to only have two parts, but the plot slipped away from me so here we are. I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did writing it even if it was a little sad. Seriously, if you don't know heartbreak is what I do best then you either don't know me or haven't been here long enough haha. Not to worry, I fix my problems. Always remember that as these characters get older (especially now that Meister is married), things like this will happen from time to time. No, I won't be making a habit out of it, you'll still get the same old fun, heartfelt, chaotic plots I've always done. But like I said, as characters get older little things start to change. That's why the scenes faded to black, I'll leave the rest up to the readers to imagine what happens next. Alblyn update, as of now I'm five-ish chapters away from finishing, so hopefully if all goes as planned their book will be dropping over the summer. Keep an eye out, a date will come as soon as I finish editing. Lastly, I have to say, I don't own newsies or anything else that got mentioned, only OCs and plot, hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.