Chapter 19: Slumber Party and Confessions [Part II]

Although he seemed to be focused on the movie, Fern was more focused on Finn than he wanted to admit. Every time the teenager burst out laughing or made some low-key comment about the plot, the boy glanced at him out of the corner of his eye as if to record every little gesture.

"How bad is this movie that you can't stop laughing?" Fern whispered with a smile, leaning slightly toward Finn.

"It's a classic bad movie" Finn replied softly "how can you not laugh?"

Phoebe, noticing the exchange, gave them a small sideways glance. Although she had decided to try to ignore what she thought about what her friend had with Fern, that little interaction gave her a knot in her stomach that she could not prevent.

Meanwhile, Marceline, with her ever-active sixth sense, seemed to pick up on all the tensions in the living room but chose not to say anything. Instead, she tossed a bag of candy to Wendy and joked:

"We're going to need more sugar to survive this. Who picked this movie?"

"I suggested it" Finn said, raising his hand with mock pride. Marceline faked a dramatic sigh.

"Of course you did, hero. Of course you did."

The movie continued and gradually, the jokes and laughter were replaced by the relaxed silence of a group of friends enjoying each other's company. Even though they all knew that there were things that still needed to be resolved, at least at that moment, together, everything seemed more bearable. As the plot of that horrible movie advanced, Georgy could not help but drum noisily on his knees as if he were playing the battery, thinking that this would lighten the tense and silent atmosphere of the group, but Wendy gave him a slap on the head with her free hand to stop him from interrupting.

"Could you please stop doing that?" the keyboardist protested, still holding her beer bottle in her other hand, which was resting on her lap.

"Why are you attacking me like that?" Georgy asked, feigning an exaggerated groan of pain "I'm just trying to bring a little rhythm to this masterpiece of bad cinema"

"The only rhythm we need is the rhythm of your silence" Wendy muttered, returning her her attention back to the film.

Fern, who was watching what was going on between his two bandmates, decided to ignore them for a moment to focus his green gaze again on Finn, who seemed very concentrated on what was shown on the TV and smiled slightly, the blond boy sighed softly.

For what seemed like a couple of minutes, Fern remained in that position, just looking at Finn as if he was something precious, then, unbeknownst to him, he found himself resting a hand on the teenager's leg and resting it there, looking for some sort of reaction as he approached. Finn tensed as he realized what the other boy was doing and turned his nervous blue eyes towards him, raising an eyebrow, staring at him, analyzing him before smiling softly and placing an arm around Fern, pulling him close without a word. Fern was quite surprised and annoyed to see Finn make such a move on him, even if it was an affectionate one, that was not what the blond haired boy with the green dyed tips was looking for, his eyes met the teenager's and he immediately turned his head away, his fingers tapping anxiously on the blanket covered floor as he focused his attention back on the movie. Fern did the same, determined not to let his thoughts distract him any further.

The screen showed a group of teenagers lost in the woods, pursued by a figure with a gruesome mask and an old rusty axe. The strident music tried to add tension, but the results were more comical than frightening. The camera abruptly focused on the killer, who raised his weapon in a slow, theatrical motion, just before striking a blow at his victim. The music reached a thunderous climax, but instead of a piercing scream, the actor let out a comical moan that made Finn practically force himself to laugh.

"Please don't kill me! I'll give you my money!" Marceline repeated, mocking the film's lousy script.

Fern, oblivious to the laughter, sighed softly, clearly frustrated with the movie but too comfortable to protest.

And it was at that moment that he decided it was time to put his plan into action.

Fern stared at the TV screen as the scenes played, as if trying to memorize every detail of the movie when in reality what he wanted to do was something else. With his hand still resting on Finn's leg, he unconsciously began to slowly slide it upwards so that he could start rubbing his thigh, enjoying this strange opportunity to be able to touch the teenager, Finn tensed at the sudden contact, his blue eyes quickly turned to Fern who, realizing that he had been discovered, couldn't help but feel a soft blush creep onto his face. He continued stroking the blond as the scenes played out, Finn still had not reacted to the caresses but he was no longer focused on the movie, he was just happy to be able to be this close to the other boy.

A crack of thunder echoed exaggeratedly as the camera revealed the killer behind his next victim. The abrupt editing and poorly done visual effects caused it to break the tension of the moment between Finn and Fern, startling them slightly and causing Marceline to roll her eyes.

When they managed to calm down and get their racing pulse under control, Fern continued to stroke Finn's leg over his sleep pants and under the blanket as he contemplated the screen.

He then rested his closed hand against one of Finn's sides before closing his eyes, inhaling deeply and taking in the teen's scent.

Glob, Finn smells so good, it's a light mix of citrus soap and something that makes me think of sunny days in the woods, like fresh leaves and warm wood. I love him so much... it's like just being here, everything else disappears. As if this moment could last forever.

His touches against Finn's leg grew slower and longer, his fingers sliding down the fabric of his pants running almost the entire length of his leg before gracefully moving back down and up. Finn felt like he was losing his mind with that simple but addictive touch, he could feel his own head spinning as soon as Fern leaned down to pull his t-shirt up a little and press a soft kiss on his waist but just before his lips brushed against the teenager's skin, he heard another thunderbolt, the boy moved back and looked up to check if Finn had noticed what he was doing, but the blond's eyes were still fixed on the screen so it seemed everything was in order. Fern sighed in relief and then turned his green eyes back to the screen trying to pay attention to the absurd scenes playing out on the TV.

On the screen, the killer raised his axe once again, this time triggering a fake dramatic twist in which one of the victims stumbled in an exaggerated manner over an invisible root. The music reached another climax, and one of the actors let out such a high-pitched scream that Finn could not help but laugh under his breath.

Fern also pulled a free hand out of the blanket and used it to stifle a laugh as his other hand continued to massage Finn's thigh, only this time he did it a little harder compared to what it had been before, and his desire for the blond boy was starting to bubble over. He was not sure how long he could hold out, so he was counting on the movie ending soon. The sound of another poorly acted dialogue in the movie almost made him lose his composure but he quickly focused his attention on Finn, whose heat under his palm was still sending little shocks across his skin.

There was something about the way Finn was looking at him, about his relaxed expression and that unspoken trust between the two of them, that was driving him crazy. It was as if all rational thoughts had vanished, leaving only that need to be closer.

"Damn it, what am I doing?" Fern thought, stifling a sigh as his fingers paused for a moment, fearful that he had gone too far. But Finn did not withdraw his leg or push him away. Instead, he gave him a quick glance and lowered his eyes to the blanket.

"You're playing a very dangerous game" Finn growled under his breath, grinning at Fern.

"What do you mean" Fern asked, feigning innocence "I'm just trying to help my friend have a nice night out"

On the screen, the characters in the movie were shouting and running clumsily through the woods, with the killer following them in an exaggeratedly slow gait, the contrast between the absurd plot along with the intensity of what he felt towards Finn seemed almost comical to him. Fern had to stifle a chuckle as he glanced sideways at the blond boy, who now seemed more relaxed though he still did not move or comment on anything. The camera focused on the killer just as he raised his axe for a final swing, the music reached a raucous climax but this time, instead of startling, Fern found himself more aware of his racing heartbeat than the characters screams.

Finn bit his lip struggling to remain calm. He knew he could not go on much longer without the others noticing, especially Marceline, whose sarcastic laughter filled the room at irregular intervals. With each absurd scene in the movie, time seemed to drag on unbearably.

"Come on, get it over with" he quietly grunted, wishing the movie would climax so that the attention would disperse and he could escape the pressure of his own desire. He could hear himself gasping, felt his own cock stiffening as Fern's hand began to rub his leg more insistently, almost clinging to the skin under the fabric of his pants as he kept stroking up and down, only now he could feel his hand slowly moving up his thigh. Right now he was very turned on, part of him knew that what Fern was doing right now was very risky, crazy even, but there was another part of his mind that wanted him to keep going, to see how far he could go. Every reasonable thought was drowned out by his own lust, the other boy's hand had stopped moving and was now simply resting near the top of his thigh, just the slightest movement put that hand in a place it obviously should not be: it was so simple, even the most naive person would notice, and Finn was indeed one of those people, but he was also quite aware of what was going on. Before Finn could say anything, Fern slowly moved his hand up to his inner thigh, his breathing was slow and deep, the air in his lungs slid like a ghost over his skin and Fern could have sworn he felt the teenager tremble against him. A reaction that filled him with courage as his hand continued its journey to the desired destination "Fern, what do you think you're doing?"

This last he said it in a whisper to avoid calling the attention of the other people in that makeshift fort, but it was clear that Finn was incredibly impressed and bewildered, maybe a little anxious. Fern found these reactions quite cute, he simply looked at the teenager with a smile on his face and signaled for him to be quiet as his hand finally came in contact with Finn's crotch.

The teenager's body went completely rigid, a choked cry came from his throat, he tried to pull away from Fern, get up and switch places with someone else but stayed still again once the blond haired boy with the green dyed tips started massaging his penis. Finn fell backwards onto the blanket covered floor, and the blanket covering both teens remained in place as his blue eyes closed and he let out a low moan.

Fern let out a barely audible giggle as he dropped to his knees, pulled down Finn's sweatpants and boxers and gazed down at the teen's cock. Fern felt his own member tighten and his mouth water at the sight of it, then he took Finn's dick and gently licked the pre-cum that was forming at the tip.

Finn shuddered at the feel of that and bit his lower lip, Fern's green eyes scanned him and contemplated his blushing face as he thrust his entire length into his mouth, Finn moaned and grabbed the other boy's hair, thrusting into his mouth. Fern clung to Finn's waist to keep himself in balance with each thrust given into his throat, he moaned around his cock and dug his fingernails into the teen's skin. This part always made him aroused, ever since the first time they make love, Fern was more than eager for Finn to fuck him so hard he would not be able to remember his own name.

Finn could feel his orgasm approaching, he did not want to cum yet, he still wanted to enjoy it but Fern's mouth was so hot and pleasant that it was hard not to take his head and cum inside, so he pulled Fern's head away from his cock and tried to catch his breath.

Grob, he's too good at this, where the hell did he learn to do that? This is going to be fun.

Without hesitation, Finn pushed Fern's mouth into his erect dick again with one hand, while with the other he held tightly to the blanket underneath, his breathing became sporadic and Fern was aware that he was trying to fight the urge to give in to his needs, but it was also obvious that Finn was definitely enjoying being pleasured by him.

That fact became even more evident as soon as Fern felt the teen begin to move his hips to thrust harder inside his mouth, followed by the tip brushing against his throat, that was so fucking hot, and Fern knew that what they were doing was wrong, having his way with the teen right there in the living room of his home, in the same place where their group of friends were, as they continued watching the movie completely oblivious to what was going on between them. But he could not care less, after all, that was the part that made the whole situation risky and interesting at the same time, and there was no way he was going to stop.

Finn simply let himself be carried away by the sensations that Fern gave him, it felt amazing, beyond anything else he had ever known and he knew that even if he dared to try it for himself, he would never have the chance to replicate the feeling. In the back of his mind, he knew he would not be able to pull this off with anyone but Fern, and, as terrifying as it was, he was okay with that.

After a few minutes, the blond was panting and shuddering, giving Fern to understand that his orgasm was about to hit. This only prompted Fern to increase her movements against the teen's cock more insistently as she bobbed her head up and down leaving Finn with no choice but to let out a high-pitched moan. The blond haired boy with green dyed tips nibbled his member playfully with his teeth, earning another moan from Finn, the pressure inside his own sweatpants was driving him crazy but he was too focused on pleasuring the teen to jack himself off, instead he moved his free hand over Finn's belly, around his lower back, tracing his fingers down his spine, earning another moan from the blond boy in response which he obviously did not manage to stifle.

And with that, Finn began to move his hips, but now at a slower pace inciting Fern to continue sucking on his dick.

In just a few more seconds, I'm going to make Finn cum for me. And the best part is, no one cares what's going on! Everyone seems to be so caught up in the movie, who cares?

He looked at a part of the blanket covering both Finn and himself, just to check if he was moving too much, getting exposed in front of his band mates, but that did not happen, the blanket was firmly placed around them and any of the people gathered in the living room would notice that. They would simply assume that he had begun to fidget and make innocent movements in an attempt to get closer to Finn and make himself more comfortable.

The thrusts became a little more insistent, so Fern accelerated his movements as fast as he could, he felt the slippery pre-cum fluid flowing down his mouth and throat, Finn moaned and not in a very discreet way to say the least.

"Shhhh!" Fern silenced him as he pulled away from his cock only to give the teen a provocative smile, then proceeded with his task, sliding his throat up and down Finn's erection.

A suppressed gasp rumbled in Finn's throat, Fern smiled in satisfaction as he continued sucking on his dick. Finn let out a little yelp and quickly moved his hands to his mouth in an attempt to cover such embarrassing sounds.

"Huh? Finn?" Marceline asked worriedly "are you all right?"

"Yeah, yeah..." Finn answered nodding immediately, though avoiding looking directly at her "I just... freaked out about that part" he added nervously pointing to the screen where the killer was making another ridiculous move.

Phoebe arched a clearly skeptical eyebrow but chose not to insist. Wendy, on the other hand, took the opportunity to make another sarcastic comment about the movie.

"Honestly, if that scares you, then I need to show you something really scary" she said with a restrained laugh.

The group went back to focusing on the movie but Finn could not help but notice how Fern started bobbing his head up and down again. The boy felt a strange calm come over him, somehow, his partner's presence seemed to be just what he needed to relax at that moment. Fern bobbed his head to bring Finn to his highest peak of pleasure, although, from the sounds the teenager was determined to drown out, it was almost hard to tell if he was being subdued or if he was still feeling frightened by the pathetic scene.

Finn began to pant quietly, a torrent of helpless breaths making the pulse beat a similar rhythm in Fern's ears, he might be controlling Finn but right now he was totally lost in the moment, at his complete mercy. Fern continued his movements, his cock was as hard as it had ever been, and he decided to bring his erection against the teen in an attempt to release some of his own sexual tension, he knew Finn was close to orgasm, and he knew how to get there soon, so he stayed still and just kept a moderate pace.

It was fucking sexy to see Finn nervous, flushed and a little sweaty. Fern sucked faster and smiled in pleasure, noticing how the blond boy clenched his jaw and took deep breaths through his nose in an attempt not to moan. Fern laughed softly and at that, noticing that Finn's cock felt increasingly slippery as the spasms of his climax began to ebulliate, he stopped for a second to look at it. Finn watched him with heavy eyes, Fern simply gave him a broad smile and resumed his task, and in another few seconds, the teen was struck by orgasm, the penis inside Fern's mouth began to tense and he could feel Finn's waist moving insistently forward.

The blond haired boy with the green dyed tips noticed the tension in the teen's body as if he felt it too, as Finn's body tensed, he squeezed his eyes shut in frustration as his head leaned forward like he was accepting his defeat and giving himself over completely to his desires. His dick throbbed against Fern's throat who continued to stimulate the dormant organ. Meanwhile, Finn's mouth was no longer closed and he emitted a sound that could be considered a cross between a howl and a moan.

Fortunately, this sound was completely eclipsed by Booboo, who emitted a big yawn, a sign that he was starting to get bored and fed up with the exaggeratedly long movie.

"Oh, Glob's sake, how long is this damn show going to last" the trumpeter complained irritably.

Marceline let out a laugh, clearly amused by her bandmate's rant.

"I warned you it was going to be garbage, Booboo" she replied with a sly grin as she drummed her fingers against Wendy's leg who (still sitting next to him) was trying not to fall asleep.

"Yeah, but I didn't think it was torture" the trumpeter grumbled, suddenly getting up from his place next to the sofa "I'm going to get another beer, anyone?"

Phoebe shook her head still focused on the movie, Wendy raised a hand without taking her eyes off the TV.

"This must be the most boring time we've ever spent watching a movie together, well, except for the time we watched 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and the independent prequel of 'Heat Signature'".

Taking advantage of the distraction, Finn eventually came to orgasm as his cum slid into Fern's mouth. Another shrill scream filled the room, this time coming from the screen, followed by a blood effect so exaggerated it looked like something out of a cartoon. Georgy began to laugh, his knee-drumming resumed its rhythm, and Marceline, in her mocking tone, exclaimed:

"This is worse than a low-budget Halloween video!"

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, and Fern, maintaining a calm expression, leaned back a bit toward Finn, who was trying to hide the heat in his cheeks.

"Are you okay?" the boy whispered softly as everyone was distractedly making fun of the movie. Finn, still slightly upset, nodded quickly, trying not to cross eyes with him as he settled back under the blanket.

The movie finally came to an end, leaving a mixture of relief and uncomfortable laughter in the group. As everyone began to clear the living room so they could go to sleep, Minerva entered the living room with a tray full of mugs of hot chocolate.

"Some chocolate before bedtime will do you good, guys" the blonde-haired woman said with a friendly smile as she handed out the mugs to everyone present.

"Thank you, ma'am" Marceline replied, taking her mug in both hands and taking a sip "this is just what we needed after such audio-visual torture"

Minerva laughed softly before saying goodbye and retiring to her room.

"Have a good rest, boys. And don't stay up too late, okay?"

"Night" the group replied in unison as she disappeared down the hallway.

The silence that followed Minerva's departure was quickly replaced by complicit glances between Marceline and the others, Finn set his chocolate mug aside to begin passing out the blankets and pillows, everyone began to settle in for the night. Marceline, cup in hand, broke the silence with a curious glance at Finn.

"Okay, Finn, now that your mom isn't here, we need to know more details about what happened at the festival. Phoebe didn't want to tell anything else when we asked."

Fern, always serious, nodded from his corner. The others also seemed intrigued, especially Wendy, who looked at Finn with a mixture of interest and concern.

Finn sighed, stirring his chocolate with a porcelain spoon while avoiding looking directly at them.

"I don't know if it's a good idea to tell..." he said in a low voice, clearly uncomfortable.

"Come on, Finn. We're your friends. Whatever happened, we're here for you" Wendy said, trying to cheer him up.

Finn bit his lower lip, hesitating, but finally nodded.

"All right... but promise me you won't say anything about this to anyone" everyone nodded solemnly. Finn took a breath and began to speak, his voice shaky at first. He explained that during the festival, three boys from his school, known for bullying him, had pulled him away from the crowd pretending to be friends, calling him and promising that they wanted to 'talk in private'" Finn, still hesitant, decided to follow them, thinking that maybe for once everything could be worked out safely. But they took him to an uncrowded area near some stands where there were hardly any people hanging around "when we got away from the people, their attitude changed completely" he said clenching his mug as if trying to contain his frustration "one of them, the leader, pushed me against the wall and started to insult me" the group listened attentively, silently "I asked him to leave me alone, that I hadn't done anything to them, but he didn't listen to reason and hit me... several times" Finn continued, his voice lowering even more "the other two were standing guard, making sure no one came around..."

Marceline muttered a curse, and Fern frowned, his knuckles turning white from the pressure he was putting on them.

"What happened next?" Wendy asked, visibly upset.

Finn swallowed, remembering what had happened.

"The leader put me down and gave me a warning... he said he has eyes everywhere and that he'd be watching what I do. That this was not going to stay that way."

A heavy silence filled the room. Fern, who had been holding back, clenched his mug so tightly that there was a faint rustling sound. Marceline reacted quickly, taking it from him before he broke it.

"And why did they do that to you?" Wendy asked, her voice full of disbelief "Finn, I don't understand. What could they hate so much about you?"

Finn hesitated, looking at everyone around the living room before answering.

"It's... because of my orientation" he finally said, his voice trembling.

The words fell like a bombshell, leaving everyone momentarily speechless. Phoebe stared at him wide-eyed in surprise.

"Your... orientation?" the long dark haired young woman asked with a frown.

"I'm bisexual" Finn said quickly, his face red with embarrassment "but no one knows it. Not even my mom. Only those boys... they found out before I was ready to tell"

"H-how did it happen?" Fern asked, clearly intrigued by his friend's past but also a little shocked by the sudden confession.

"It was a few months ago... before we met" Finn answered feeling his voice crack slightly.

*Flashback*

It was an ordinary day at school, Finn was in the library checking out books for a literature project. In his hand was a copy he had borrowed from the book club, one that was about a forbidden affair between two boys, something that had caught his attention. He had heard wonders about the book and, although he was a little embarrassed, he could not deny that he was enjoying it.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice three figures approaching. The leader of the group of bullies, Mark, snatched the book from his hands with a smirk.

"What do we have here, 'Romance between boys'? do you really read this bullshit?" Mark asked in a contemptuous tone as his friends laughed behind him.

Finn tried to retrieve it but Mark passed it to Toughy, who lifted it out of his reach.

"It's none of your business, give it back!" Finn said firmly, though his voice betrayed an obvious nervousness.

"Oh, I think it is my business. Now I understand why you're so weird, is this what you like? Boys love? no wonder you're so pathetic" Finn felt the heat rise to his face, but he said nothing. He knew that anything he said would only make the situation worse "do you know what the worst part of all this is?" Mark continued, leaning toward him with a smile that did not reach his eyes "people like you are the reason this world is so screwed up. They think they can live their lives however they want without consequences. Well guess what? some of us still know what's right and wrong. And you, Finn, you're on the wrong side" Mark's "friends" laughed, and Finn felt tears burning in his eyes, but he forced himself not to let them out "you know what would be best? If you kept your disgusting "truth" a secret. No one needs to know what you really are"

He dropped the book on the floor before walking away with his group, leaving Finn alone, paralyzed by the mixture of shame, anger and fear.

Since that day, everything had gotten worse. Insults, pushes, whispers behind his back. All because they knew something he was not ready to share.

*Flashback end*

The shock of that confession was obvious on everyone's faces. Phoebe seemed especially shocked, as if she could not believe that Finn had been carrying such a big burden without telling her.

"Finn..." Wendy murmured, her eyes full of sympathy "I can't imagine how difficult it must be"

Finn tried to shrug, but the gesture was awkward.

"I didn't want to worry anyone. I thought if I ignored it, they'd get tired of it and leave me alone. But no matter what I do, they always find a way to make me feel miserable"

Fern, with eyes flashing with anger, stood up, walking to the window to calm himself down.

"If those guys dare lay a hand on you again, tell me. I'm not going to sit around knowing they're hurting you."

Finn looked at him, surprised by the intensity in his voice. Marceline, trying to ease the tension, stood up and put a hand on Fern's shoulder.

"Calm down, Hulk. Before you break anything, think about the fact that we need to settle this with a cool head."

"I don't know if I can keep a cool head if they hurt him again" Fern muttered, walking back to his seat.

Phoebe, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up.

"Why didn't you tell me, Finn? I thought we were best friends" the girl asked in a trembling voice.

Finn looked at her sadly.

"It's not that I didn't trust you, Phoebe. It's just... I'm just figuring out who I am. And after the festival... I didn't know how to tell you."

Phoebe looked down, clearly hurt, but ended up nodding.

"Okay... but promise me you won't go through this alone again, okay?"

Finn smiled weakly.

"I promise."

Marceline, looking to change the tone of the conversation, took a sip of her chocolate and said with a smile:

"Well, Finn, I must admit. You have incredible taste. Those kids are idiots, and you don't deserve to take their crap."

The comment drew a light laugh from the group, helping to relieve some of the tension. But in the air hung the promise that they would do whatever it took to protect Finn from now on.

After the lights of the makeshift pillow fort went out, the group began to settle into their sleeping spaces. Silence filled the living room, only interrupted by the rhythmic breathing of those who had already fallen asleep after the hustle and bustle of the day. However, Fern could not sleep, tossing and turning in his place, caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, he finally lay still, closing his eyes tightly as if it would help him, but it wasn't long before something jolted him.

A sudden, vivid flashback to the festival.

He sat up carefully, trying not to make a sound, the image of Tess and her hand reading came back to his mind with a haunting clarity. He remembered the girl's words clearly:

"You're going to meet someone who will change the way you see the world. It could be for the better...or for the worse."

He glanced over at Finn, who was sleeping soundly, curled up in the blankets on the mattress of his bed. For some reason he could not fathom, that memory and Tess's words seemed to revolve around him. With silent steps, Fern crossed the living room and stopped by the mattress, hesitated for a moment but then leaned over slightly and touched Finn's shoulder.

"Hey, Finn... wake up" he whispered softly almost afraid that someone else would hear him.

Finn grunted and stirred, half-opening his eyes with a frown.

"Fern, what the hell are you doing? do you know what time it is?" the blond boy muttered in a sleepy voice.

"Sorry, but... this can't wait" Fern replied, rushing to justify his interruption "there'ssomethingIjustrememberedandIcouldforgetitorleaveit'tilltomorrow."

"Really?" Finn sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and giving him an incredulous look "can't it wait until breakfast or something?"

Fern shook his head.

"No. It's about the festival... and it's something that Tess told me"

Finn sighed, clearly annoyed, but his curiosity made him nod.

"All right. But this had better be important" Fern looked at him with a mixture of anxiety and something Finn could not quite decipher. Before he could speak, however, he stopped. As if the words were stuck in his throat. Finn waited a few seconds, impatiently, before frowning "well? what's wrong?"

"It's just that..." Fern looked at Finn again, but instead of continuing, he shook his head and gave a nervous smile "forget it. Maybe it's nothing"

Finn looked at him in confusion but was too tired to insist.

"Damn it, Fern, you woke me up for this?"

"I'm sorry... I really am" Fern whispered, backing away from his place "night, Finn"

Finn mumbled something inaudible as he snuggled back into the blankets. Fern, however, lay awake staring at the roof as he tried to decipher what Tess's words really meant. Part of him knew that detail was not insignificant, but he also understood that he was not ready to share it at all.

The morning at Finn's home was a warm but comforting chaos. The small kitchen was barely large enough for all the guests who had spent the night there, Marceline and her band (Wendy, Georgy and Booboo) along with Phoebe and Fern settled in as best they could around the table sharing laughs and an improvised breakfast. Finn passed around plates of blackberry hotcakes and orange juice, while Minerva patiently supervised the moment. Marceline was checking her phone leaning against the kitchen counter while sipping coffee, until the sound of a notification caught her attention. Her eyes lit up as she read the message.

"Oh, my Glob! you guys need to hear this!" she exclaimed, everyone stopped talking and turned to her curiously.

"What is it?" Wendy asked, leaning forward.

"It's an e-mail from the festival bands contest" Marceline said with a smile, which grew bigger as she spoke "even though we didn't come in first place, they're giving us a special prize, they will give us some money for participating and... they've offered us to record some songs to produce our first official album!"

The initial silence was replaced by screams of joy, Wendy banged the table in excitement, Georgie and Booboo clapped their hands together and Phoebe clapped enthusiastically. Finn, on his side, gasped before jumping to his feet.

"Whoa, THAT'S AMAZING!" he shouted and before he could even stop to think about it, he hugged Fern tightly and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The kitchen was completely silent. Everyone looked at the scene with shocked expressions, and Finn, realizing what he had done, stepped back suddenly, completely red "I... I was just congratulating him!" he said quickly, raising up his hands in apology.

Fern, though equally chagrined, smiled calmly.

"Yeah, yeah, it doesn't mean anything. It was just a congratulation"

No one seemed to believe it, though. Marceline arched an eyebrow and looked at Phoebe, who was barely holding back a laugh.

"A-ha. A very... effusive congratulation" the young woman commented with a mischievous smile. Phoebe put a hand to her mouth to keep from laughing openly, while Fern scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably.

After that, the conversation went back to the subject of the band and their plans to record, but the sidelong glances and accomplice smiles made it clear that they would not let the topic go for long.

Finn closed the door and the house was quiet, or at least it was quiet for a moment until his mom called him from the kitchen.

"Finn, come here for a moment" the boy obeyed, although he was a little nervous at the tone of voice she used to call him. Minerva, who was washing the dishes, turned her head towards him and spoke firmly "I want you to tell me the truth about what happened at the festival, Phoebe told me that some boys attacked you"

Finn looked down uncomfortably.

"It's nothing, mom... I wouldn't want to get into any more trouble."

"Finn, you can't keep avoiding the topic. I want you to at least give me the names of those boys."

"Mom..." Finn was about to protest but his mom's serious look made him pull back, he gave a sigh and after a long silence, he gave in "okay. It was Mark, Jamaica, Blombo and Toughy."

Minerva nodded, her face now showing determination.

"Thank you for telling me. I'll come with you to the school on Monday to talk to the principal."

"What?" Finn's eyes widened in surprise "that's only going to make things worse! If they find out, they'll..."

The woman placed a hand on his shoulder, interrupting him calmly but firmly.

"I'm not going to let them keep hurting you, Finn. The school system has to do something and I'm not going to stand by and do nothing."

Finn looked down, knowing he could not convince her otherwise.

"All right... but don't yell and don't make this any bigger than it already is."

Minerva smiled slightly and kissed him on the forehead.

"I promise, sweetheart. But this has to stop."

Finn nodded and walked out of the kitchen, divided between relief and apprehension. Minerva, meanwhile, continued washing the dishes, her eyes calm but her mind filled with concern.