As I said on the previous chapter, the deleted one will be posted here because it is way too long for chapter one . But it still depends some chapter will be longer some will be shorter depending on the plot but to make it easier to read . I will divide them to chapters but it'll increase the chapter more .
Honestly, This was more easier to make because it had been on my mind or I already planned this . This same goes for the next chapters but the rest are still unplanned . Also, as you noticed the book will be set like it's episode of the show but the actual story will take longer .
When Lucas exited his car and parked in their larger garage , Lucas entered the house but he was welcomed near the kitchen .
That's when he started to notice and it made him annoyed that he almost tripped over because of the slippery floor .
What makes Lucas complain internally is it was the entire house but at least they're clean plus the smell also tickles his nose .
And it was all over their house he tried roaming, but he didn't know where it really came from. It was just like it was used in the entire room or using actual lavender .
Speaking of plants, Lucas had his eyes shot at the "injured" plant laying on the floor. He rushed to him and check if he was fine ,
It breaks his heart but he's not 12 anymore to cry over this, he's matured enough but there are some times because he treated the plant like a child.
Instead of wailing like a child, his stress increased more when he knew who did this and it was none other than Toby .
Lucas rushed on them while he was like a bragging teen and followed the noise that came from the gaming room .
When he opened the door, Lucas caught Toby gaming with Jessica . They were like children playing games and seeing them again releases his stress and his petty anger on Toby .
Lucas sit behind them without noticing, he was like a child that excitedly waits for his turn and started cheering Kazuya [Jess] while laying on the bean bag chair .'
He also moved them so he can get closer with the two but they never noticed him because they were too glued on the screen.
As their game ended this time Toby wins . The two had to take a break from the game and stretch their body or even rest their eyes .
Now, Lucas is in between Jessica and Toby . At first the two never realised that he was there until they both looked at him in surprise.
Like that damned green lizard did just to give them a nearly heart attack.
"Lucas?! What are you doing here?!" They both shouted leaving Lucas laughing "Should i even say?! isn't obvious why i am here? Of course, i will stay for weekend here" He responses
"Uh visiting y'all?" Lucas answered sarcastically and laughed
"How's your case Lucas?" the two asked but Lucas never answered them back.
"Oooh, is that Tekken 8?!" Lucas asked excitedly, completely ignoring Jess and Toby's concern for him .
"I mean how was your day Lucas. Did you make them win?" The two asked in concern both wanted Lucas to answer quickly but their friend never answered.
Before speaking, Lucas closed his eyes and then took a deep breath "Long story…" Lucas shortly answered hoping Jessica and Toby would get it.
They did, but the two were both still curious about his case . But Lucas rather spills that can trigger their traumas.
"Good luck Lucas, I am sure that you'll get that we have done something worse than just human stuff . You can do it Lucas!" They both cheers him up
"Guys i am sorry if some weekend or even tomorrow i won't be available i will be more busier for that case." Lucas apologises . Meanwhile, the two just sigh as they can relate because they will be also busy and possibly would leave Venture falls again .
"It's fine Lucas, take your time. In fact, I'll be busy as well." Toby comforts his friend while patting his hand on him
"Same, I will be busy for the entire month . You know, I will return abroad again…" Jessica answered back lazily or feeling bit sad
"Aww, it's December but we're still busy . You know when we still have time together but our work stole that." Jessica added with a sadder tone.
"That's how adults work Jess. We are not students who can rest whenever they want or friends who can meet each other" Toby responded in the same way .
After the drama, Lucas didn't asked the two. He just picked Super planes '30 to play the game with them all day while playing the game they were like children bantering and cheering over a game .
Once Nick was dropped by the taxi, Nick was welcomed by the dark ambience but the house next to them already had Christmas lights.
No, this one is different from the others. It's like what he sees in Terrian isle so he assumed that there will be new neighbours .
He's both excited and curious about them. Back to the story, Nick noticed that the house was open or someone was there.
Nick smiled in relief that his friends were back but they never knew he was already here.
Once Nick entered their house, a new ambience but ear shattering silence welcomed him .
He was amazed or mezmerised on how tidy the house was . Other than that, the fragrance of lavender also filled the room .
Nick tried searching somewhere around their house to search for his friends but he failed to see them .
Until he heard some shouts and laughter that came from the gaming room excitedly, Nick rushed down to check his friends .
Without being noticed by them, Nick silently and gently opened the room . He was welcomed by the three like children playing a game completely unaware that he was here.
He crawled like spider man. He was behind Jessica and twerked behind her {As in he was dancing Wap by Cardi b}.
Because Nick is flexible despite being muscular he can also do the split which he was doin right now. Honestly, why the hell was he doing this?
Meanwhile Jessica never noticed him because she was playing video games, not even Toby and Lucas.
He also tried humping his ass on the floor and He can already feel the cloth tickling his cock but he stopped it before he got that final point or heaven feeling or before he got creamed.
Okay, that's getting worse Nick stopped his intrusive thoughts for messing around with her .
Out of embarrassment, Nick facepalms or more like he hits his head for regretting what he did .
Instead, Nick exited the room and another intrusive idea came to his mind after exiting the room . Nick took his pink suit from Squid game that he bought for them and its mask .
Soon, Nick comes to the power room and shuts the lights off except for his room while the trio are in the middle of playing games
"What the fuck!" The three shouts . Jessica shoot a serious eye on Toby and blamed him
"What? Me? Like, why was it always me?!" Toby points himself angrily
"Say it, I know y'all will say that to me" Toby added sarcastically
"Oh you know it Toby it was you" Jessica blames Toby which made Toby angrier.
"I paid the bills online okay!" Toby answered with callousness on his voice or he's getting pressed .
Toby stands up to check if the rest of the suburbs are fine where they all have power . Except for them unless someone messed around with them.
Because of this, a slight hit of fear started crawling around the three but they tried to be braver and rather silent on this "kidnapper".
Soon, the tv switched on again, instead a man in his 6ft appeared on the screen . He was wearing those pink suits from Squid game but their zipper was unzipped.
Revealing his mouth watering sculpted muscles . The three don't know how they will react to this if they'll cringe or if they just stay silent.
"Is he a male stripper? Or even a Pornstar?" Jessica questioned dramatically disgusted or more like she's making fun with him
"Must be a burglar!" Toby joined in a more concerned tone .
"But why would he take his shirt off like that? Oh, wait, is that the pink suit from the squid game? Oh shit, we're dying!" Lucas asked then started overreacting.
Soon, the man began speaking Are you a lost baby girl? I mean Jessica herlains? You're mine now I can see you with those assholes. Did they hurt you? I will kill you so that you'll be in my heart. Marry me Jessica or else" The man [Nick] seduced Jessica .
After the attempted flirting , the Tv went off making more dark but Toby and Lucas used their phone flashlights as a makeshift light .
Jessica just facepalms and shakes her head sideward because she's cringing ,laughing and blushing for him. Making Lucas and Toby tease her for being attracted to him .
Without speaking, Jessica crossed her arms and ignored them. If she could cover her ears she will but Toby keeps pulling her hand everytime she does it .
Toby removes her hand from her ears "Feed him with the best karma Jess. Lock his room, take them off and wear his clothes. Then scare him." Toby enables like he was a devil
"Ufff?! Why me?" Jessica complained while trying to point at herself and pressing Toby.
"You're the only one you can see on dark birdie" Toby sarcastically teased Jessica who just rolled his eyes on him .
"You can use a flashlight on your phone?" Jessica sarcastically questioned like she's really pressing Toby.
Instead of answering her, Toby scoffed at her then rolled his eyes. Either Jessica doesn't like it as well .
She also crossed her arms while Lucas never cared, he was just scrolling through his phone.
But Lucas was sideying them out of curiosity and smiling . In reality, he was not scrolling, he was chatting with Nick.
Jessica breathed heavily then groaned like she was a pissed toddler "Okay.." Jessica lazily responded then stands
After leaving the two men in the room , Jessica didn't even struggle to walk in a dark room .
It was like she was walking like in the day or with the light in the room. One of the things she got as an Air lord or because of bird powers .
Apart from that, she knew where the room was but for her? She doesn't need that . She knew where the hell is that beast was and it's located in the security room .
Jessica opened the door and realized it wasn't locked . When she opened the room, Nick was there observing the two men using their phone but all he cared now was chatting and scrolling through social media .
By tapping the switch as if it was a keyboard code . The power went on again and behind her .
That tall man, Nick, was behind her. He was smiling seductively but her lavender scent entices his nose .
"Are you lost babygirl?" Nick attempts to seduce and gets closer to her .
Jessica never flinched or even attracted , she just laughed and cringed at him .
Jessica flipped her hair dramatically and even tried modeling in front of him and it just made Nick give her a more seductive look .
Jessica chuckled and placed her hand on her waist "Excuse me? Jessica Smith herlains will never fall on a guy like you or take your last name. And please? I will never ever be your baby girl duh!" Jessica fights back but it was dramatic tone
"No, no matter what you said you will be mine" Nick seduced more that made Jessica roll her eye and urged her to vomit because of cringiness
"Whatever" Jessica rolls her eye but she was laughing on him
"Nice one Nick, is that how you flirt? Uff, so cheesy" Jessica teased
"But at least I'm good in bed" Nick teased back and winked
"No, you're just taking inspiration on porn or romance novels . Speaking of porn, you look like you're punishing the player by fucking them. Don't join me on your stupid games Nick" Jessica fights back with a dramatic and annoying tone .
Nick just laughed at her, what makes it funnier and found her cute [as always] is how the crystal sky blue eyes with his chocolate brown eyes .
But her lips were quivering not because she's nervous or frightened but she's starting to laugh back but she's preventing herself from even hugging him.
So, Nick offered his first but since she's dramatic, she never gave him back, making Nick refuse to pay back.
Like what Jess did on Lucas and Toby , the two gave each other the friendship ritual but Nick pulled her hand and wrapped his muscular body on her .
"I miss you Jess" Nick starts to cry then kissed her hair that tickles his nose because of her smell.
"You smell like Lavender" Nick compliments and tried not to be romantic
Jessica never answered, she just buried her head on his muscular body and started crying as well.
"I miss you too Nick!" Jessica hugs him back
Soon, the two break each other's hug then they start laughing though nothing was funny . It was just their usual friendly telepathy but soon Nick tried getting closer to her but Jessica avoided them causing her to nearly trip.
Luckily, Nick catched her hand but he hugs her not because he misses her but to sniff her hair .
Sniff, sniff "You smell like lavender" Nick compliments, trying not to be romantic but Jess claimed it.
"Stop flirting with me!" She complained and tries to break her hug on him
"I'm not trying to be romantic duh, you really do smell like lavender . Like did you take a bath with them?" Nick answered dramatically then he followed up some question
"Uh yeah, Toby gave me them . Then I use them" Jess answered
Explicit things filled Nick's mind after hearing her words ."What?! You took a bath with Toby?!" Nick shouts and covered his mouth out of shock
Jessica shakes her head while laughing. She didn't know how to react if she'd punch him out of annoyance or hug and laugh for being dramatic .
"No, that didn't happen, I was the one who did . Toby just gave that to me" Jessica answered but Nick smells that she's lying.
"But why did the entire room smell like Lavender?" Nick questions
"Ugh, it was Toby. Toby and I played there . He pranked me and poured me with that thing. Don't be mad at him he knew and regret what he did" Jessica answered back and tries to protect Toby from Nick who starts to get angry upon hearing Toby caused it .
"Okay" Nick answered shortly but she can see how disappointed she is but Jessica was smiling back at him but trying to avoid his gaze
Jessica looked at him then smirked without speaking or anything via telepathy . Nick can read what she meant until Jessica holds his larger hands .
Nick smirked back when he realized that Jessica was inviting him on a "date" but they were just shopping and not a date but Nick still likes it.
Before they could sneak out, and made sure that Lucas and Toby won't catch them.
Jessica turned the power off then pulled his hand as they gently, carefully not made a noise when she headed to his room to take his car keys .
Then she pulled Nick and guided him on the stairs but as much as possible, they tried to be faster .
"Hey , you will not bring your luggage?" Nick asked more silently
"Later" Jess shortly answered then laugh
"What about them?" He asked again but Jess didn't answer she just pulled him away until they escaped their house then locked it.
On the other hand, Toby finally regains his peace when the power goes back again; it also gives him the energy to continue the game with Lucas .
However , something of someone is missing as the third player probably left . But who cares? The two still played the game .
As usual both Lucas and Toby never get bored playing this game with matching random babbles and random banters but they realized something was off .
Something more than Jess takes things longer "Hey, I thought Jess is playing with us?" Lucas asked with bit of complaining,
"I don't know? What is taking her so long? She'll just check and fix the energy." Toby shrugged while fiddling his fingers on the console .
Before speaking, Lucas let out some dramatic breath then held his chest.
"But didn't she meet with that man? Oh my god, Toby we need to save her from that man he's going to kill her!" Out of his nervousness, Lucas placed his fingers or used them as cover on his lower part of his mouth
Before speaking, Toby laughs and pats his back "Bro chill, calm down okay? It's just Nick he's messing with her again! Keep it up Lucas, you're winning" Toby comforts him with a sarcastic tone knowing that he'll win over him or he was teasing him to win even though Luke was actually losing .
Other than that, he also celebrates knowing that he'll win the game . Toby cheered more as he's going to reach the finish line but Lucas shortly joined after ,
He's able to catch and lead him however right the moment he's about to win the tv went off again other than that the power also went off .
"Fuck no!" The two shouted and cursed as their game was interrupted by "annoying" switch things done by Jess or Nick .
Speaking of the two, they also heard some car engine that was about to head off causing them to curse and shout even more .
Immediately, both Toby and Lucas rushed to check them but they had to rely on their phone's flashlight.
They also argued over the door knob and they also tried to fit their tall and muscular body on the door causing them to break because Toby was pushing Lucas forcefully.
Jessica and Nick both laughed as if they were obscurio , immediately Jessica switched the keys to turn the car on .
Soon, the two head off without the other two as intended , they can go by themselves anyway .
While on the road, everything was silent but Jess and Nick were both celebrating victory .
To give everything a light, Nick showed up the actual cd album of Taylor's song that made Jess' eye flutter and some excitement
"Is that?! Is that Tortured poets department cd album?! Oh my god! Don't tell me, you bought the official one?! Nick, you know I always want that but they're sold out! You bought them?! And don't tell me, you attended the Eras tour?! Oh my gee! Why did you never invite me!" Jessica screamed as a fangirl
Jessica never stopped talking about repetitive words on how Nick attended eras tour by himself without informing her .
Not actually the worst but can be, Jess was so jealous of him because he also got the album she's about to buy.
And Nick, he never cared he just smiled at her and let the music play then shut Jessica by giving a sign to focus on the driveway .
As the song started in Fortnight by Taylor and Post Malone, Jessica forgot what was happening and started singing with her .
Nick also joined but in part of Post however, their voices are different and not matching .
One is more on to pop but her voice is deep while Nick? He's more on theatrical play .
Jessica was singing but she was looking at Nick in disbelief because of how baritone and deep his voice are.
Up till today, she can't still believe that Nick's pitchy voice transitioned to this though he had explained many times .But at least, the two were enjoying the game and they were singing their hearts out.
Back to Toby and Lucas, the two cursed and stood up when they realized that Nick and Jessica didn't just leave them but also outsmart them .
Out of annoyance, without any road trips, Toby rushed to chase them but Lucas led him, ending the two in a race . However, in the end Lucas won since he owns the key .
"Hurry Lucas, they already left! That man will bring Jessica anywhere!" Toby ordered Lucas in a sarcastic angry tone like he didn't say that it was fine to hang out with him.
Lucas just raised his eyes in disbelief "Are you jealous that Nick stole Jess for you? Uh, I thought you said it was only Nick? So should you trust him for her . Do you like her romantically?" Lucas teasingly assumed then laughed because he can see how pissed Toby is. Not only that but his words were really sharp and really teasing Toby .
While Toby? He didn't reply, he just gave him a very disgusted look that he will never ever like Jess like forever . He only saw her as "friend" but in Luke's face, he kept assuming he did.
"Nuh-uh! I will never like her! And please, I am not jealous duh!" Toby dramatically denied trying to imitate those mean girls' attitude with matching hair flip and an eye roll. He also crossed his arms and looked away
Lucas just laughed at him "Then why were you blushing?" Lucas teased more and tried squeezing his cheek that was turning red .
"Don't tell me you will do that brother fighting his brother over a girl? Tob, Calm down Nick will never do that on Jess" Lucas teased even more and it's making Toby pressed
Toby slammed the window out of annoyance if he can, he would literally break it or strangle Lucas "Maybe you? You were teasing her on me means you're denying that you like her! Or Nick!" Toby teased sarcastically with matching pretentious laugh ,
"Uff, no duh! I only see her as a friend or a sister" Lucas denies and makes up some words and tries to be dramatic .
But Toby just gave him some disgusted look and about to throw up because he still claims that he likes Jess knowing how caring he is to her.
Out of frustration, Toby combs his hair aggressively and slammed his hand on the edge of the window "Arghh! Can we just go! Those four eyed duo left us! And you're here taking bullshit? Now, go! Hurry Lucas!" Toby shouted angrily and pushed Lucas to drive his car
"Okay." Lucas answered shortly, still trying to tease then finally drove off .
"Aksually, I was jealous. That man didn't deserve her! She's mine!" Toby jokes and literally mispronounces "Actually" to make stuff dramatic.
Like 20 years ago, Jessica and Nick received their victory for leaving Luke and Tob alone . They deserved this, they barely hung out by just two of them .
The two were still singing but this time , they were singing Down Bad by the same singer and same album.
Not long after about 17 minutes, they finally reached the Shopping spree, one of the largest grocery stores in their country .
Nick continues the same song and how the song ends then wears his airpods while the other ones are for Jessica .
As usual, they continued their singing as well but they tried to be silent or just hum but with Taylor swift's song? They can't resist their fanboying and fangirling. With her meaningful songs, they can't help but follow her .
Nick offered [jokingly] offered his hand but Jessica slapped them and moved away then he laughed while Jessica? She gets a little pissed but she still laughs it off.
Once they entered the store or the grocery, Jessica was the one who took [ about to] but Nick steals them so Jessica will just be the one who'll check the items.
The first one they headed was the fruit section . They didn't just store the item but Jess also checked the condition of the Banana and each fruit had various sizes and various types .
Jessica's face turned into disgust when she saw the various sizes of bananas . This made Nick laugh because Jess was probably thinking something explicit .
Not only that, but she also judges how small but thick they are "Uff, so small can they have anything longer?" Jessica judges in a bit of a hate tone.
"Hah, my bananas are bigger and longer . I'm sure , you'll get addicted to mine." Nick teasingly whispered tightening his grip on the cart .
Jessica notices how he speaks and based on his mouth, she can notice he's thinking the same way as she did . Instead of feeling disappointed, she just laughs.
"What did you just say?" Jessica asked while preventing to laugh then her expression turned into a scolding tone .
"Ah, I mean …. That banana is perfect for boiled or fried! Also did you know that bananas are also mixed in halo halo? They're also perfect for chips other than Turon." Nick makes up his words and attempts to share his new knowledge for Jessica but she just smiles back and understands him.
"I know, thanks to Gina . I don't really like bananas but you're really tasted better when they're fried or boiled . Have you tried Banana q? They're also tasty." Jessica responds
"Oh yeah, I love them!" Nick compliments "It's one of my favourite street foods from Terrian isle!" Nick adds in same manner
Jessica then picks the better condition yet small banana but also picks the other one then shows them to Nick "Hey Nick, which one? Bigger or smaller?" She raised the bananas higher then offered them to him direct to his face .
"Um, both" Nick answered and takes the two bananas
After proceeding to the banana section they finally reached the apple section. Like in the bananas, they also have different types but this time they have different colors .
This time , Jessica picks the green apple first then suddenly remembers the late Aaron apple, the teen idol that discovered Toby and the one who's obsessed with apples
She didn't just pick them but also attempted to eat them "How do you like them apples." Jessica reenacts Aaron's voice that brought Nick a bittersweet smile for being little affected by Aaron's death .
"Damn, I may not be a fan of his but I miss him . It's really hard to recover a celebrity you knew from their death. Still can't believe that he died three years ago." Nick said in sadder tone but he tried to smile
"I remember Lucas being affected by his death . Even Toby." Jessica replied in the same tone .
"Yeah" Nick replied back "Now, speaking of Toby and Lucas, where the hell are they?" Nick asked like he didn't left them earlier
"Hmm, probably following us or they're having a date" Jessica jokingly replied then laughed then picked the good condition different apples but Nick took them from her hand then put them on the cart.
"Yeah" Nick laughed then pushed the cart but the two familiar men blocked their way .
"Oh shit" Jessica cursed "Speaking of the devil, and now you're here guys! Hello!" Nick greets shyly but his tone sounds sarcastic and pretentious .
"I now pronounce you , husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride." Toby announces sarcastically with a matching slow clap
While Lucas drops or makes a rain of flower petals from his power that he prepared.
Jokingly, Jessica wrapped her arms on his but Nick reacted annoyingly while Jess smiled like she won in a romance pretentiously . Instead of kissing or following Lucas' and Toby's joke they didn't follow them.
Jessica soon freed her arms on him then laughed with Nick "What are you guys doing here - I mean how did you follow us that fast? You guys didn't teleport? Or break the speed limit? You guys could get arrested." The two asked in unison but the other two just rolled their eyes.
"Actually, we did manage to follow y'all and if ya think we can't that's on you. You think that you two can run away with us? No you can't! And let me remind you we're only little late because Lucas, teased me that I like you but it's not" Toby respond in still sarcastic tone
"I also knew that you guys will attend my concert just two of you! Like what is a date? Oh come on, How will I handle my concert without me?" Toby scolds then crosses his arms .
"Yeah, that's unfair." Lucas rolled his eyes while his hand was on his waist.
Instead of cheering them up or apologising, Nick and Jess looked at each other then laughed it off . The faces of Lucas and Toby still resemble what they did years ago .
"Is there something wrong with me hanging out with Nick? Do I have to ask permission with you both? Like come on, Nick let us with you and we barely hang out." Jessica begs and demands dramatically
Toby sighs before speaking "Okay, let's make this drama stop okay? Let's make this quick because we still have business to go." Toby finally ends their nonsense childish drama .
The four continued walking in the fruit section thanks to Lucas . Like what Jess did, he also checks the condition of the fruits but he's way better and more observant than her .
According to Lucas, as someone who's connected in plants, they told him that they didn't treat them well .
What's worse is, those "babies" cried for him that they were being used in chemicals or something to make fruits more fresh .
Which saddened and made Lucas disappointed and felt bad on those little ones or the bigger ones but they still had to place it on the cart .
Once they completed the fruits , Nick proceeded to the vegetable section and his friends followed him .
Instead of selecting random vegetables, like they did before he only selects some vegetable that he wants .
Jessica comes closer and follows him on how he picked eggplants and observed them like what they did earlier. Luke also helps and observed those plants then put them on the cart ,
"Oooh, are you gonna cook Tortang talong?" Jessica excitedly asked
"Mhm." Nick answered shortly and shakes his head
"Ooh, that would be tasty!" Jessica clapped out of excitement that she's going to taste Nick's Tortang talong or his omelette eggplant.
Other than that, Nick also picked other veggies that interest Lucas and Jess; however, they are Bitter Gourd, squash , string beans and yes they also have squash flowers, Malunggay leaves and stems then a large native tomatoes .
"What are you cooking Nick?" Lucas asked and leads Jess who's about to speak
"Pinakbet ilocano." Nick answered "What's that?" Lucas asked
"It's a stir fried dish in Terrian isle mixed in bagoong or fish sauce not the patis but these one are different. They also have dinindeng and inabraw with same recipes ." Jessica answered which made the other boys in awe or amazement
"Sounds tasty" Lucas answered "Yes it is, Luke." Jess and Nick answered
"Terrian have best vegetable dishes i'll teach you guys how to cook and make them." Nick shared that made his friends clap
"You really fell for that country eh." Toby teased or more like a compliment
"Yes I do." Nick shakes his head again
"Nick, have you heard or tasted Munggo? They're also delicious" Jessica also shared or she informed him
"Yes" Nick responded then find some beans
Luckily, those local fruits from abroad were easy to find here in Venture falls which is rare . Thanks to other Terrain isles with a lot of overseas terrain, they managed to plant those here .
After proceeding to that section, the four headed to the seafood section that scared Toby a bit because instead of going to the fish section, which is fine for him, his friends intended to head on the shrimp section for him .
"Hey, Toby look? You want some shrimp? Mmm, they're tasty right Nick?" She teasingly asked then picked them and almost shove them to Toby's face who kept avoiding them feeling disgusted over that
"Yes Jess, they're perfect for Pinakbet!" Nick joined excitedly
"And Gising Gising!" Lucas joined
"Yes!" Jessica make a high five with him agreeing that they're delicious thanks to Gina
While Toby? He's disgusted and feeling traumatized over shrimp . He doesn't want what happened to him 22 years ago "I don't wanna eat sea cockroaches, it's disgusting!" Toby dramatically compliments or almost criticises the food .
"Oh come on, this shrimp was safer than the one you ate before. You won't be hospitalised here." Jessica guides
"No thanks, it's better to be safe" Toby denies , insisting that he wouldn't eat that
"Okay, understandable." Jessica responded and ordered Nick to go
But Lucas still put them on the cart without Toby noticing but his brother did .
Later, the kids headed on the different kinds of fish from around the world.
"Nick, use Tilapia, they're perfect for Pinakbet and inabraw also 's more better than shrimp and meat" Jessica informs
"Noted, did you know that they have other vegetable dishes? I will cook for you those." Nick responded then follow by another informing
"Ooh what are those?" Lucas and Toby asked
"Bulanglang." Jessica answered
"They have the same recipes but they're different. But they're delicious." Nick shares
All Toby and Lucas can do is tempt and crave for Jessica? She knew more recipes for Terrain foods thanks to Gina . Honestly, Nick is too but he's still learning.
After picking just a few fishes, the four headed in more sections but skipping in frozen foods thanks to Lucas because he hated those plus it's unhealthy even the other three hated them.
"So what should we need more of? We already have fish veggies, they're complete… hmm what's next?" Jessica lists down their stuff on the cart
Apart from that, she counts the prices and results and they're already painfully expensive and they still have more stuff to buy.
"We need meat." Toby suggested
"Then get some." Nick orders
"Okay." Toby responded lazily but still made a thumbs up on his brother
"Oh wait, get some corn too! Not the sweet korn k? The white one with smaller kernels." Nick ads and suggested that made Toby little annoyed for ordering him much responsibilities
"What will you cook? Popcorn?" Lucas asked
"No, he will cook Ginisang mais or Corn stew or something like that, hey Toby since you will take some stuff could you also get bittergourd leaves" Jessica suggested which interest the other two
Yet Toby's a little pissed because his friends didn't take them when they're there.
"Okay, I'll get those now, what's more?" Toby lazily asked like he was forced to do it
"I think that's fine but get some pechay too" Nick orders before Toby leaves , being pissed and crossing his arms.
"What's it for?" His older brother asked
"I'm cooking Kare kare and Sinigang na Baboy." Nick suggests more
"Oooh, that would be tasty! I've heard those because of Gina. Also have you tried Sinampalukan? Tinola? Bulalo? They're also good. Ooh, Nick I must add them on our menu." Toby claps in joy and excitement for tasting more Terrian foods that followed by suggestion.
"Oh yeah, they're also tasty!" Nick joyfully answered
"Pancit are good too," Jess suggested .
"You guys really love Terrian food eh? Or the culture itself." Lucas compliments .
"Oo naman, masasarap pagkain doon! Masasarap sila mag luto lalo na yung sa mga probinsya o sa mga bukid kaysa sa mga mamahalin na kainan." Nick answers but in different language this confuses Toby and Lucas since they're not used with them
"He said, Yes, their foods are delicious most of Terrian are good in cooking especially who lived in the province mostly in farms like he meant Carinderia or local food stores apart from Jolibee or more . I likely assume he was welcome in houses because homemade foods were better than the restaurants." Jessica translates and helps Nick because she understands what he said .
Just like Nick, she's very fluent when speaking the language . It is almost like she practiced more without an accent . That gave Lucas and Toby an awe .
Even Nick is amazed how she learnt the language well thanks to Gina and a few more Terranian .
"Oh, Nick, teach us the Terranian language!" Lucas and Toby begged
"Oh sure!" Nick answered
"I can help I know more" Jessica joined
"Oh really?" Nick asked teasingly
"Well what about you" Jessica asked back like she was fighting she even placed her hand on her waist
"I'm multilingual duh, and I can learn the language within 1 year" Nick fights back
"Okay, I know because of Gina and that's for 22 years" Jessica boasts
Nick didn't speak, he just shrugged and let her mumble random stuff or how fluent she is in Terrian language .
"Are we just gonna stand here for christmas?" Lucas starts as silence but filled with laughter
"Like, we don't have all day" Lucas chastises like he was targeting his friends
Soon, Toby left the picture to get some of what they needed while his friends stayed there for a while.
"Hey Nick, tell us more about Terrian isle" Lucas begs for more information or more stories
"Later" Nick shortly answered but it was dramatic
"Whatever" Lucas rolled his eyes and left just to follow and help Toby leaving Jess and Nick alone.
As the other two left, for Jessica's excitement, she finally had time with Nick .
They never speak, but their eye did , Jessica smirked while raising eyebrows giving a sign on Nick while Nick shakes his head,
Apiary from that, they also made some suggestion or plan that they'll leave Lucas and Toby .
But Nick told her no, which she understands . Back to normal or whatever, Jessica noticed how girls or even guys started their gaze on him or they're like judging him
Some seem like they were complimenting how attractive he is, some feel uncomfortable because he was showing his body! Or torso!
And it was late when Jess noticed it! Instead of joining those girls or getting mad for him she just laughed it off then she's the one fixed and zips his jacket .
Which made those girls jealous in a thought that she was his girlfriend but it's not.
While Nick? He blushed out of embarrassment and wanted to hide using his hoodie or a mask .
Not too long later, Lucas and Toby return while carrying their stuff and give Nick and Jess another teasing look because they seem akward to each other.
"What did we miss?" The two teasingly asks
"Nothing" The two answered back
"Did you guys do it?" Toby asks in serious tone but you can see that he was teasing them
"Nothing" The two answered and tries to return in normal conversation
"But why do I sense sexual tension?" Lucas teased
"Can we go back to shopping, nothing happened okay? This is not a romance show" Jessica makes up or she suggests they go instead of doing nonsense things .
Actually that never happened, both Jess and Nick were just being dramatic . Back to normal again, Jessica checked the cart again
"So what do we need more of? Meat, fish, veggies, what's more?" Jessica asked herself then count the prices again
"Rice" Toby points the nearby rice sack then ordered Nick to carry them
But instead of him, Jessica leads him which wasn't surprising. She's second to the strongest among them . Then she put them under their cart .
"I think this is enough" Jessica said in announcement which made the boys little annoyed or disappointed
"What about canned foods? Noodles?" Lucas completes
"Also dude, snacks!" Toby joined while scolding Jessica
"There's no problem with snacks, or bread. I already bought Terrianian foods or snacks. I will also bake Pandesal for our bread . That's same with spreads. So we only need a few" Nick answers like he didn't disagree with Jess earlier.
"Oh, that's nice" Lucas answered back shortly and it lit him up because they don't need more of him too, also starting to agree with jess.
"We need to save money , stuff are getting expensive these days . Not because we had everything we're rich we're still like the middle class people" Jessica points out
Which is true, sure they have cars of their own but that is because of hardship that is the same on their ps5 and more video games or how their renovate the house.
And like what Jess said, they're not rich. The four continued putting more stuff to their cart but these were the condiments or for cooking.
When something crossed Jessica's mind and she wanted to tell them this but she always forgot or she's trying to .
"Hey, guys I just remembered that we're having new neighbours" Jessica announce but it wasn't complete because of Lucas
"Ooh New neighbour who?" Lucas blocks Jess' dialogue
"Yeah, Gina was there. She told me that her cousin were moving with them but they'll just have a vacation. They'll come home by Chirstmas eve and Chirstmas and New year" Jess announced more which made the boys interested but curious at the same time .
"A new neighbour huh? Is he a boy? Or a girl?" Nick asks in a serious tone like he's trying to be jealous .
"Or, what if he's evil? Or a scammer or something? If not, he probably knows us and has a plan with us!" Toby judges or invents
With Toby's attitude, Jessica just rolled her eyes then massaged her temple. She hates how Toby is judgemental or stereotypes over new neighbours.
"What if he was the next lord but evil? If so, let's spy him or her" Toby adds more to Jessica's disappointment
Before speaking, Jessica groans and thinks how could be he's worst as 8 year old Paula? "Ugh, Toby you are a hypocrite and worse than Paula. That's literally stalking and could lead you more in danger since you were an adult. Sure Paula did it back then but she had redemption and her reasonings were quite understandable but you? You better be joking or not" Jessica scolds Toby
"Sorry, I just feel something with him though I never met that person" Toby defends himself but that isn't the excuse .
"That's not an excuse Toby. I too feel something strange but I won't do that" Jessica corrects Toby
Though Toby's blaming or accusation were enough . That new guy that Jess had mentioned still inked their mind .
To break that stuff everyone became silent and Toby continued wearing his headset and listened to About you by 1975 . While Jess and Nick continued playing So, long London by the same album.
Then Lucas also listened with his airpods to Yellow by Coldplay . As usual, the four put more stuff to their carts but never bothered to speak in whatever friendship language they knew.
All because of that new guy or Gina's cousin he or she ruined them for a reason they never understand.
And as much as possible the kids are making ways to stop it or attempt to seek their attention back to each other.
"Hey guys, after this we should go to the nearby nightclub" Toby starts then places his headset on his neck .
"Oh, the Albino Nightclub? The newly opened nightclub?" Jessica asked
"Yes, the one that opened few weeks ago or almost a month ago" Toby answered
"What made you or what did you eat? Why the heck are we going to a crowded place? I thought you hate them?" His brother questioned in scolding tone
"Um nothing? Is it bad? It's just once. Plus , I will have a concert at that club actually. So , no choice" Toby shyly answers or he was forced to
"Wow, that's amazing and exciting!" Lucas joins
"You guys shouldn't worry about the tickets. It's all free for all" Toby instructs his friends who got excited on his offerings
"Let's buy what we need, what do we need other than food?" Jessica asked herself then everyone else then count their cart again
"No need for shampoos and soap I already bought some" Toby corrects that Jessica raises an eyebrow to him.
"Oh yes, no need. I also buy some but that's not enough so let's go in a few more okay?" Jess still rides despite being pissed on what he did earlier.
Fast forward, they put more stuff on their cart and like before, another silence broke but the man wasn't in their mind anymore .
While Lucas was listening to Roads Untraveled by Linkin park , Toby for So far away by Staind and Jess and Nick still shared Taylor's Fresh off the slammer.
Other than just listening the three also sing along with the artist despite having different voices but it still fits in.
It's like they were like a band but as much as possible they tried to be silent yet there were still some passerby or shoppers noticing them .
Some are cheering, some are filming and them? They start to care, they start to acknowledge their fame in a good way.
"I think this is enough?" Jessica asked while looking at the stuff filled in the cart
"Yeah, enough for one month" Toby answered
"It's already cost expensive though we don't shop much" Lucas complained
"Yeah, inflation sucks" Nick complains
"So who will be the one who'll pay?" Nick adds
Because of how expensive their carts are, or the stuff they bought no one is willing to pay. They just look emotionless on him or in the face of feeling something was wasted then keep looking in the cart that wasn't full .
"I will pay" Jessica precincts herself then raises her hand thankfully she brought some money .
After paying and packing those stuff in their eco bag through self service. The four returned in the parking lot then stopped near their car.
"Guys, I'll take this home then we'll go ok?" Nick ordered them to stay and temporarily bids for them
"Hey, bring my guitar materials okay!" Toby commands
"Also hey, can you bring my small bag too? I had some stuff there for you all" Jessica shouts orderly
Without looking, Nick gave a thumbs up as he was facing Lucas' car but realised they're locked so Lucas threw his keys for him.
As Nick left the picture for a while, the three sat on the nearby bench and waited for Nick.
While the other two use their phone in different ways, Jessica took Nick's headset or airpods to listen to Florida! By Taylor Swift .
But she went back inside while the boys weren't watching. She just bought some canned drinks to cure or kill her thirst .
"Isn't it too early to drink?" Toby scolded and looked at her drink that he thought it was alcohol related
But it wasn't , it was a blueberry drink "It's not alcohol drink" Jessica respond like she was an angry or pissed teenager
"Okay" Toby answered shortly and it sounded sarcastic but Jess didn't care she just focus and waits for Nick
After that, Jessica sits beside Lucas and use her phone to cure her boredom as Toby leaves for good .
No, it was good because something crossed his mind . He should exchange that book he ruined .
Back inside the shop, Toby had to walk pretty far to reach the book and stationary .
He checks every aisle but he can't find any Agatha Christie's book or that same book .
And Toby wasn't used in shopping books , he had to travel to each or every genre of book .
Sadly or not, most of them were romance and he knew how Jess hated romance.
But it had non romance too but not all suited her taste . After almost an hour or less maybe 25 minutes? Yes, Toby said yes mentally after finding the book that he had been looking for .
To make it better or out of his luck and Jess' win, it was a collection of her hardbound books and she doesn't have those .
So Toby bought them and brought some pocket money to pay . Outside, Jess and Lucas were now chatting to random stuff but as much as possible they didn't mention gorm or stories from their work or why they were separated .
"Oh Toby? Where did you go? What took you so long?" Jessica welcomed him in question
Without talking, Toby ripped the paper bag and threw them in the nearby trash can.
Then he gave but Jessica carried the book "Hey what's this?" She asked but her arms fell out of heaviness or she was caught off guard when Toby almost threw but made it gentle.
"It was a reward for you. Something like an early gift" Toby shyly answered while his hands were on his back of his head then awkwardly laughed .
Jessica checked the box thing and smiled back at him then it was followed by laughter .
"Oh, Toby isn't too early for this? Like this is Agatha Christie's set. You know I always wanted this" Jessica responded sweetly that followed by a friendly embrace .
Then she drinks the blueberry drink but Toby took it from her to drink them too . But Lucas also stole the drink for him .
Then another man also grabbed and chugged them all as if they were water while Jess , Lucas and Toby were trying to get them but since he was taller.
The man won for the juice and the man is no other than Nick . After emptying the drink, he throw them and Jessica managed to catch them ,
She tried chugging them but Nick didn't give her some juice . Out of annoyance, she threw the can on the trash can .
"Let's go" Nick greets them then put his hand on his pockets .
Jessica looked at him from his feet to head . She was judging him because he was wearing black buttoned up polo shirt that matches his grey slacks .
"Why are you wearing Dark Gormiti's color?' She questions in a scolding tone.
"Uh, it's elegant? There's nothing wrong with that" Nick shyly answered .
Up until today, since they were young the kids only wear their desired colors that match their elements . And that's why Jess was shooting him some judgemental eye .
But the other part of her was blushing, he looks more handsome in black and he looks like a rich guy.
"Here's your outfit guys. And oh, I brought what you guys told me" Nick said then offered the clothes to them.
But again, Jessica didn't like her outfit because it was too revealing and she would look like Club girls or Street night girls.
"Ugh, Nick? What will I wear? You want me to become a stripper?" She complained
"It's better than a fitted party dress. There, you can do everything and dance freely" Nick advices
"Fine, I will wear this, where did you buy this? I saw this online but they're almost out" Jess still thanked him but it was follow by a question.
"Online, I bought the last stock for you" Nick lights up Jessica
"Thank you!" She let herself fall but Nick catched her with a hug
"Go change and let's go ok?" Nick hugs her back and kisses the side of her head .
Jessica nods, but she looks worryingly at him because she can't dress here or struggle to find where to change her outfit .
Again, they never talk but their facial language speaks all. Nick wanted to help but of course she doesn't want him to see her and Nick respects her privacy .
Yet he had seen her naked a few times especially when he took care of her when she's injured thanks to Justin's abuse . And the times when she shamelessly "doing it" with Justin.
Even Toby and Lucas saw it yet they never care but they still feel awkward or sometimes uncomfortable . Back to the actual scene, Jessica was still worried and looked at the boys .
So, Toby takes her hand and pulls her into a more hidden but safer place where they can peek out a little for her safety but they wouldn't watch her literally like they were perverts .