"Hi," Lucia grinned, hugging her fiancé. "You need help with moving boxes?"

"Mhm," Sean hummed, kissing the top of her head. "Sure."

"Are you tired from driving?"

"I drove through a time zone, so I am a tad lagged."

"Aw. Well, silver lining, we get to spend a lot of time together."

"Now we do. You can help, if you want. Do you have work?"

"Nope. I took today off. Oh, and I know you have an interview later, but I was thinking that I could swing by after and we could get dinner."

"Sure. Sounds perfect."

"Alright," Lucia grinned. "Let's get to moving and unpacking those boxes."

They headed inside.

"So, I was thinking about our wedding," Lucia smiled. "What if we just do a small ceremony? Like we'll have Monica, Jonah, Paisley, Denny, and my father?"

"Yeah. Any other friends?"

"No," Lucia sighed. "They're basically my only friends. I was popular in high school and college, but I didn't keep in touch with any of them except Monica."

"Oh, I see. I don't have many friends either," Sean smiled.

"Well, then this works out perfectly," Lucia chuckled.

Sean chuckled with her. "It'll be nice and easy to plan."

"Yep. Oh, and we should stop by the bakery after dinner and sample some cake."

"Oh, yes. Now that I live here, we can do everything together."

"I'm looking forward to it," Lucia grinned.

"Me too. You going dress shopping soon?"

"Monica and I are going later," Lucia nodded.

"You'll be gorgeous."

"Thanks. I hope so."

"I know so.

"I love you," Lucia smiled.

"I love you so much," Sean smiled, going to get the first box.

"I love you more," Lucia grinned.

"Alright, alright. Let's unpack."

"Okay," Lucia chuckled, carrying a box inside. "Oh, hey, Denny."

"Hi. Bye. Gotta go!" Denny ran out the door.

"Wait, where are you- oh, never mind," Lucia sighed.

"He's going on a date," Sean answered.

"Ah, I see," Lucia nodded, setting the box in his room.

Sean nodded and turned on some music.

"They're so cute together, aren't they?"

"They are. I'm sure they'll be together for a while."

"I hope so. He really needs this."

"I'm sure."

—————

"Hi, Denny," Paisley smiled, getting into the car.

"Hey, Babe." Denny kissed her cheek. "Ready to head to the amusement park?"

"You know it!"

Denny chuckled and they headed out. "Let's ride some rollercoasters."

"I'm so excited," Paisley grinned.

"Me too. I love rollercoasters so much."

"Same," Paisley nodded. "They're so much fun!"

"Any other rides you like?"

"Tilt-a-Whirl," Paisley grinned.

"Ooh, that makes me sick."

"Well, we can find something else to do."

Denny shrugged. "You can always go on it. I like the Spring."

"I'll go on it, if you want to."

"Up to you, Paisley."

"I'll do whatever you want." Paisley kissed his cheek.

Denny smiled and they got in the car.

—————

Lucia wrapped her arms around Sean's neck. "I have to go," she sighed.

"Why?" Sean pouted, hugging her back.

"I'm meeting up with Monica, remember?"

"Oh, right. To go wedding dress shopping. Want me to go?"

"You have the interview," Lucia chuckled.

Sean sighed. "I suppose."

"I don't want to leave, but unless you want me to marry you in a pair of jeans and a Gilmore Girls t-shirt, I have to go shopping."

Sean chuckled. "Send me pictures."

"Alright," Lucia smiled, kissing him briefly. "Bye, Babe."

Sean waved as she headed out.

Lucia went down to her car and quickly drove back to her place. "Mon, you home yet?" She called from the foyer.

Monica came out of her room. "Hiya, doll!"

"Ready to go dress shopping?"

"Oh, yes!"

Lucia smiled and they got into the car. "I'm so excited!"

"Me too. I'm going to make sure you find the most gorgeous dress."

"Thanks. Mon."

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into a parking spot at The Bridal Boutique.

"Ready?" Lucia smiled.

"Of course!" Monica exclaimed excitedly.

The two went inside and a woman at the front desk showed them to a rack of dresses that were all in Lucia's size. They went through and picked a few together. Then Monica sent her friend into the dressing room.

Lucia came out wearing an off shoulder dress with a lace bodice and mesh skirt, a white ribbon tied around the waist. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful, Lucia. So amazing and loads of details."

"I like it," Lucia nodded. "Shall I put it in the maybe category?"

"Yes definite maybe. Let me take a picture." Monica got up and snapped a few pictures with her phone.

"Send them to Sean. I'm going to try on another."

Monica nodded and sat back down.

Lucia went back in and put on a sleeveless dress with a v-neck, beaded bodice, and chiffon skirt. "Thoughts?"

"Hm...nice and simple, but a little too simple, I think."

"I agree. This is a definite no."

"It's pretty, but not the right one."

"Agreed. I'm going to try on the next." Lucia went back in and tried on a laced v-neck dress with a full skirt and no sleeves. "I kinda like this one."

"It's a princess dress," Monica smiled in agreement.

Lucia twirled. "Take a picture for Sean."

"I will," Monica nodded, taking a video instead.

"Alright. Now that I'm officially dizzy," Lucia chuckled after twirling a few more times, "I'm going to go try on the last one."

"Alright. If it isn't any these, we'll keep looking."

"Okay." Lucia went back into her dressing room and tried on an off shoulder dress with embroidery over the bodice and upper part of the skirt, a long train following her. "I think this could be the one."

Monica gasped and covered her mouth excitedly, squealing. "Ooh!"

"You like it?"

"It's the one!"

"Should we send a picture to Sean or wait until later when I can put it on and show him in person?"

"Wait. This is the one!" Monica giggled, taking pictures for her own enjoyment. "Do you want a veil or just like flower crown or something?"

"I was thinking about putting flowers in my hair," Lucia nodded.

"Oh, that'd be gorgeous."

"You want to do my hair, don't you?" Lucia chuckled.

"Yes. And your makeup! You're my best friend, therefore, I must."

"Thank you," Lucia smiled.

"Of course."

—————

"Thanks so much for today, Denny," Paisley smiled.

"No problem." Denny walked her to the door.

"I really glad you asked me out tonight."

"Yeah," Denny smiled, pausing outside her door. "Hey, Paisley?"

"Yeah?" She smiled.

Denny bit the inside of his cheek. "I have something to say."

"What is it, Hon?"

Denny took a deep breath. "I love you."

Paisley's jaw fell open slightly in shock. "Denny, I- god, I don't- I can't-" she stammered.

"I hope you love me too. I want to keep being with you...for a long time."

"I- I-" Paisley sighed. "Denny...we...I...I don't. I'm sorry."

Denny paused and nodded. "I guess...you don't want to see me?"

"I- I'm sorry. This- it's moving too fast for me."

Denny sighed and nodded again. "Goodnight, Paisley." He had his head held high as he got in his car and drove off.

Paisley watched as left, feeling something pull on her heart. With tears in her eyes, she went inside and shut the door behind her.

—————

Denny gave a sigh as he approached his apartment door. He went inside and walked to his kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a bottle of Gatorade to drink. He had decided that trying to drown his sorrow in Blue Frost was the best at the time.

"Hey," Lucia smiled, popping inside. "How was your date?"

"We...broke up."

"What?" Lucia gasped.

"She said she didn't love me back, so I said goodbye."

"Oh, Honey, I'm so sorry." Lucia hugged him tightly. "That sucks."

"I feel shock," Denny said quietly.

"I know, Honey," Lucia nodded. "It's going to be okay."

"I'll be okay. How was your day?" Denny sighed.

"It was fine," Lucia shrugged. "How are you doing?"

"I'll be fine." Denny put the glass down and went to his room, but Lucia followed him.

"That's not an answer to my question," Lucia sighed.

Sean came waltzing in. "Hi, everyone!"

"Paisley and Denny broke up," Lucia whispered.

Sean went in and saw Denny's face getting angrier and angrier. "Lucia, I need you to step out for a minute," Sean said quietly.

Lucia nodded and complied.

Denny gritted his teeth and beat his fist against the wall, his pain showing in anger.

Sean walked forward to stop Denny before he hurt could himself, but Denny just kept pounding against the wall.

"Hey, it's going to be alright," Sean said softly. He pulled Denny away from the wall and Denny began to cry. Sean pulled him close and felt him grip his shirt.

"I...I...Why?" Denny cried into his friend's shoulder.

"Sometimes...sometimes girls just...they feel different," Sean sighed. "It isn't your fault, kid."

"I was so sure...I feel so useless."

"I know how you feel," Sean nodded. "Just trust me, alright? It gets better. I promise, it does."

Denny shook his head.

"Denny?" Lucia said softly from the doorway. "Honey, listen, there's nothing wrong with you, alright? You're amazing, and if she can't see that, she's an idiot."

"I just can't...I feel broken and led on."

"Come here, Honey." Lucia pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back gently. "Shh. It's alright."

Denny sniffled.

Lucia kissed his forehead. "It's going to be okay, Honey. I promise."

"No...it won't," Denny whimpered.

"It will," Lucia nodded. "Listen, just change into something more comfortable. I'm going to make you come tea and we can all watch a movie. Alright?"

"You'll making me tea?"

"Yes."

Denny kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

Lucia nodded and left the room.

Sean put a hand on Denny's shoulder. "We can talk later, okay? After she leaves, we'll have a little chat."

Denny nodded. "Thanks, Sean."

"No problem, man," Sean nodded, patting him on the back. He left and went out to see Lucia, leaning against the wall. "I know how he feels."

"I'm sorry," Lucia frowned.

"I know, but it's the worst place to be."

"I feel bad for him," Lucia sighed. "It was his first love...Do you mind if we put our plans off until tomorrow night? I really don't think he should be alone."

"No, I agree. I can take care of him, Dear, if you're tired."

"No, I should stay," Lucia nodded. "He'll need me."

Sean tucked some hair behind her ear. "He just needs someone to be with him. But don't go home too late, okay?"

"I'll try. I know how to deal with him, though. I should be here."

Sean nodded.

"I love you," Lucia smiled.

"I love you too."

Lucia made Denny tea and brought it into his room. "Honey? Do you want to come watch a movie?"

"I'll be okay...no rom coms."

"Alright. How about just a comedy?" Lucia smiled.

"Okay."

Lucia kissed his cheek. "It's going to bed okay. I promise."

"I guess."

"Look at me," Lucia sighed, sitting next to him on the bed. "You are wonderful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Now, I know that you're hurting. Your first breakup is always the worse. But I promise that one day, you will find someone and she's going to love you even more than I do. Alright?"

Denny sighed. "I thought she was the one."

"I know, Honey. And it hurts like heck. But it will get better."

"Really?"

"I promise, it will," Lucia nodded. "Come on. Let's go watch a movie."

Denny followed her into the living room.

Lucia brought him over to the couch and gave him his tea. "Here, Honey. Drink this. You'll feel better after."

Denny took it and sipped it.

Lucia kissed his forehead and sat down next to him. "Sean, come join us."

Sean nodded. "Hey, Denny? Can I grab something from the fridge?"

Denny shook his head.

"Hon, you've gotta eat something," Lucia said softly.

"No, for me. I want to eat," Sean clarified.

"Go ahead," Denny shrugged. "It's your place too."

Sean grabbed some food.

"Do you want something to eat, Denny?" Lucia asked.

"No, I'm okay."

"Are you sure? I know you haven't eaten anything in awhile."

"I had breakfast and a snack."

"That's not enough to sustain you. Look, I know you. I know that, when you get sad, you tend to neglect certain things. Like eating. But you need to keep up your strength."

"I'm fine, Lucia. Don't worry," Denny sighed.

"Alright. But I want you to eat something before I leave. Yes, I will actually sit here and watch you eat."

"Fine, but just a bowl of cereal."

"That's fine. I just want you to eat," Lucia nodded.

Denny sighed. "Sean? Can you help me, please?"

"Seems like Lucia has a pretty good handle on it," Sean chuckled, sitting down. "What movie are we watching, Denny?"

"I don't know. Maybe Madagascar."

"Perfect," Lucia smiled, flipping on the movie.

Denny watched, hardly laughing.

Lucia stroked his arm gently. She had hardly ever seen him so sad. She wrapped an arm around him and held him tightly.

Denny sighed quietly.

"I love you," Lucia whispered.

"Thanks."

"It'll get better."

"I guess I was stupid. I said it too early."

"Honey, you did nothing wrong. Don't blame this on yourself."

"I told her I love her too early. It scared her off...it was my fault."

"Denny, it wasn't your fault," Lucia said firmly.

Denny shrugged. "I have to go to the bathroom." He got up and left.

Sean scooted over to his fiancée and wrapped an arm around her. "It's okay."

"He's not himself," Lucia sighed, resting her head on us shoulder. "I don't like seeing him like this."

"He'll get out of the funk. We just...don't push too hard."

"I know," Lucia nodded. "Just...he does weird stuff when he's upset and he really shouldn't be left alone."

"I'll be here when you go home. Lucia, I am here to help. You don't have to take care of him on your own."

"I know," Lucia sighed. "Just...I know that he knows he can talk to me since we've known each other longer. I'm not saying that he doesn't trust you, just you guys aren't as close yet, and I don't want him to bottle it up."

"He sure didn't earlier," Sean thought to himself. But he said aloud, "I understand, Luci."

"Thanks," Lucia smiled, kissing his cheek.

Sean smiled back and they continued watching the movie.

"He's been in the bathroom an awful long time," Lucia said after a few minutes. "Check on him?"

Sean sighed and got up. "Denny, you okay?" He asked, knocking on the door.

Denny came out. "Sorry. I'm fine, just...looking in the mirror."

Sean saw that Denny's eyes were reddened and walked with him back to the couch.

"Are you alright, Denny?" Lucia asked softly as he sat down.

"Mhm."

Lucia rubbed his back comfortingly.

"I'm sorry."

"About what?"

"About being so moody."

"It's alright, Honey," Lucia said softly.

Denny sighed.

"I'm here for you whenever you need me, alright?"

"Okay."

"Do you want to wallow tomorrow?"

"I'll just go to work. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Alright. I'll be there too," Lucia nodded.

Sean smiled. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a third wheel," he chuckled.

"You're very welcome," Lucia grinned, kissing his cheek.

"Thanks, guys. As long as I am busy, I'll be okay," Denny smiled.

"Alright," Lucia nodded. "As long as you're sure."

—————

Lucia kissed Sean's cheek. "I've gotta go."

"Good. Drive safe and sleep soundly. I'll meet up with you tomorrow," Sean smiled.

"Goodnight," Lucia smiled back.

"Night, Lucia. Thank you for everything." Denny hugged her tightly.

"Anytime, kid," Lucia nodded, kissing his forehead. "I love you."

The boys waved as she left.

Denny sat on the couch, looking at his phone before tossing it away.

"How are you doing, man?" Sean sighed, sitting next to him.

"I feel...so...I don't know. Empty?" Denny asked more than told.

"That's understandable," Sean nodded. "It's hard to let go of someone you love."

"I guess, even if I'm not to blame, I feel like I could have prevented it."

"I understand that too," Sean sighed. "Look, I know it's hard, and I know it hurts."

"Really bad. She was everything that made me feel valued," Denny sighed. When he closed his eyes, all the details of Paisley were so vivid he felt like he could reach out and touch her.

"Eventually, things will get better," Sean nodded.

"I suppose so. What did you do?"

"I had this one really good friend and he helped me to get out of the house and do things and not sit here and try to blame myself."

Denny shrugged and rubbed his face. "It was just so sudden. She never let on that anything bothered her."

"Lucia didn't when she broke up with me. Sometimes all it takes is one little thing to scare them away. I've been on both ends of this, so I do know what I'm talking about here. One time, a girl told me she loved me, and I bolted."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, now I realize how stupid that was. But on the other hand, if I hadn't done that, I may have never met Lucia.

"Oh."

"Don't worry, kid," Sean sighed. "You're still young. You have plenty of time to find someone else."

"I guess so."

"Just don't give up hope, alright?""

"Alright. Thanks, Sean. Sorry I acted out earlier."

"Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong."

Denny sighed and sat up. "I am going to bed."

"Okay. Goodnight."