The cool night air brushed against Bailey's skin as he and Mia walked down the grey path. Stars littered the night sky, lighting it up with its bright glow. Bailey took in a deep breath, gazing at Mia from the corner of his eye. "So, about the mission... when exactly is it?" Bailey asked, staring down at his feet as he walked.

Mia hummed, running her fingers through her long black hair. "Next week on Monday I believe. Bright and early in the morning! It's going to be a long, dangerous day."

Bailey felt his heart fall to the bottom of his stomach. 'Next week?' He thought, biting his lip in fear. There was no way any of them were prepared. The final mission to stop the monster was just around the corner, leaving him little to no time to get his questions answered.

An awkward silence fell between the two. Mia looked relatively unbothered by the mission, but maybe it was just a brave face she put on. 'If only I could be like that.' He thought, letting out a quiet sigh.

***

"You can't go! I mean, you have too, but you can't!"

Drew looked absolutely distraught by the news. Seeing him upset made Bailey feel worse. "You think I want too? I mean, I've gotten so close to it before, but now I'm just so... scared."

Drew pouted, slamming his fist into the table like a child. They've been together for a month now. Their time together, their bond, grew so fast but now it seemed to end even faster. What was he to do when it's time for him to leave? Would he even be welcomed back to this world? Would everyone forget about him?

Bailey groaned, slouching in his seat like a sack of potatoes. Drew glanced over, eyes red from his tears. Bailey had never seen him so upset, it almost hurt to watch.

"I'm coming with."

"You can't! You know how dangerous that is! You're a shapeshifter! You don't know how you're body will react once it's actually inside the portal! It's not as strong as mine!" Drew sat up, his face cold and upset. "I'm going. You won't know I'm there because you won't know who I am. I have to protect you. I'm tired of being to one who sits back and watches others get hurt, or people caring about my needs. Let me help you, and everyone else. Let me be a hero."

Bailey had mixed feelings. There was no way he'd let Drew go. He wasn't sure how shapeshifting works, or how it would react to being presented with a worm hole. Would being a time traveler help him survive like a normal one would?

The sudden sound of Drew growling from anger brought Bailey from his thoughts. In one swift motion, Drew wrapped his arms around Bailey and collapsed in his chest. "Please don't die on me, okay? I care about you a lot. Y-you're one of my best friends! Maybe not as much as Aurora, but I care about you all the same. I need you to live, okay? Please promise me this. If you promise, I won't go."

Bailey held Drew in his arms, staring down at his watery green eyes. "I care about you too, Drew." He mumbled, feeling his own eyes water. "I promise, I won't leave you."

***

There was an awkward tension in the air. The conversation from the night before hung in the air like a flee. Bailey rested his hands in his lap, glancing over at Drew in hopes he'd break the silence.

Drew, on the other hand, look drained of any motivation to do anything. His face was frowning, green eyes dull of any light and joy. Bailey was a loss of words. He wasn't the best at emotional support, especially if he's feeling the same in a way.

Taking in a deep breath, Bailey made his way over to Drew, wrapping an arm around him. "Hey, are you okay?" He asked, knowing very well he wasn't okay. Drew looked up, eyes filled with tears. "I d-don't know. I've been feeling very bummed since last night, and I don't like it. I'm just so s-scared for you... for everyone..."

Bailey sighed, nodding his head in agreement. "I'm scared too. But we'll all be together, we'll be safe if we all work together as a team. We just need to have faith. Believe in ourselves and we can accomplish anything! Eh, who am I kidding. I sound like a hypocrite right now..."

A small smile formed on Drew's face, probably the first one in awhile. "It's okay," he said, "we are all hypocrites once and awhile. I think it's good to hear the hope and not the what if's. Thank you, Bailey. I think I'm feeling a little better now."

Bailey smiled, feeling a little better himself. Drew beamed, holding up a finger. "How about I whip up some of my famous waffles! I know how much you love them!"

Bailey found himself beaming as well. "Sounds like a plan! As long as you give me extra syrup and chocolate chips."

***

     The house felt calm, the uneasiness from before was gone from existence. Bailey smiled, closing his eyes to bask in the peace. He hadn't felt this calm in awhile. Then again, he never let it come to him with open arms.

Drew giggled as he stuffed his face with waffles. "This has to be my best batch of waffles yet!" He exclaimed, pride shining in his eyes. Bailey chuckled, nodding his head in agreement. "I think all your batches are great! I mean, I wasn't a huge fan of waffles before I met you. But you gave me a change of heart."

Drew's smile grew wide with honor, "I feel so special! I'll keep making the best waffles the world has ever tasted from now on!" He said, holding up his pinky for a promise. Bailey linked his finger with Drew's, a warm smile plastered on his face.

"And I promise I'll save the world, just for you."