A continuation of 'I Belong With You'

A few months past since that faithful day, the day Lizzie became a lesbian. Honestly, it scared Dan. He was hurt, and he couldn't do anything about it. Sure he liked Lizzie but can he really use the word 'love'? Because Lizzie chose Stacy and look at them now!

Since it was now summer things started to change a bit, like changing seasons. Lizzie and Stacy now share a bedroom and are open about being a couple... at least Lizzie is. Lizzie needs to learn some PDA, this is getting crazy, Dan would often think. Because too often Lizzie would grab Stacy's hand or snuggle up next to her on the couch. And for the most part, it was painful to watch for Dan.

Dan isn't against gay relationships, he's sort of indifferent towards them. All too often he would see some gay couples walking around town. And now that Lizzie is a lesbian Dan has been going through the motions.

Denial;
Dan basically brushed past this stage. He wasn't as dramatic like Stacy or saw the world as pointless as some people believe it to be. He wasn't in denial for long, maybe a day before realizing something.

Anger;
Dan was too quick to blame Stacy for why he couldn't be 'happy'. So he became salty and did more rude things to Stacy, and didn't even talk to Lizzie. This lasted for a week and Lizzie became pissed with Dan to where she wouldn't talk to him awhile after that.

Bargaining;
All Dan can really remember during this time (according to Anthony because he documented how long the stages lasted for Dan) was Lizzie telling him, "Don't talk to me unless you're ready to start acting like an adult."

Depression;

The longest and more boring time of this whole process. This lasted all winter and all Dan did was stay in his room and have outbursts of emotion. Anger mostly but he always ended up crying at the end of the day. When you did see Dan he looked like a mess, and it was during time when Stampy decided to help. Helping Dan recollect himself. Like a cliché Dan reached the last stage in the spring.

Acceptance;
It was a journey, mostly tears and yelling but Dan finally realized something. He realized that sure, maybe Lizzie chose Stacy over him but it's not like she's completely gone. They're sill friends, or at least Dan hopes so. And if they never advance to something greater then that's fine. He's just happy to see Lizzie happy.

~~~

So one night all the friends where playing a game of Monopoly. Lizzie cuddling up next to Stacy, Sparklez still in his suit thanks to his new job, Anthony on the floor angry that he was sent to jail three times in a row (this actually happened to me while playing Monopoly once), and Dan was taking forever to roll the dice.

"Just role already!" Stacy complained.

"Hold your horses!" Dan said.

"Hurry up please, we don't have all night!" Sparklez said calmly.

"Why am I still in jail?" Anthony asked though it was more of a complaint.

"Come on dice," Dan whispered to himself, "I need a new pair of shoes!" He rolled the dice on the board and ended up in the 'just visiting' section next to jail.

"Hi Anthony," Dan joked, "how's jail?"

Anthony yelled, "Get me out of here!"

As if cued Stampy walked in with his bakers hat still on. A white powder was on his face and his shirt was a mess. Stampy gets so excited baking cake, Dan thought.

"The cake is ready!" Stampy cheered.

Everyone got up and went to the kitchen to get a slice, except for Anthony who was stuck in the 'jail box'. A box specifically for Monopoly; big enough to fit a person and a cut out hole so the person can see and roll the dice.

"Bring me a slice!" Anthony called out.

"Sure thing Anthony!" Sparklez called back.

While everyone was getting cake Stampy grabbed Dan's sleeve and kept him in the living room (forgetting that Anthony was there).

"Are you okay?" Stampy asked.

"I'm fine. In fact, I feel great! I'm beating everyone in Monopoly!" Dan said with a smile.

Stampy giggled for a second but then Dan saw his eyes start to wander. "Are YOU okay," he asked, "you look distressed."

"Dan... I need to tell you something. But you have to keep it a secret." Stampy whispered.

"Can we not do it here? Anthony is right there." Dan pointed out.

Stampy looked over and saw Anthony in the box. Anthony trying to be nice for not purposely spying on them, waved. Bright pink Stampy grabbed Dan's hand and lead him into the basement, where all the crafting tables and where Anthony sleeps, are.

Dan broke free of Stampy's grip and closed the door behind him. "Okay, we're alone. What do you want to tell me?" Dan asked.

Stampy sighed and took off his bakers hat, he touched the fabric then looked up at Dan. "Dan, we've been friends for awhile now and... sorry I just don't know how to explain this."

"Take your time Stamps." Dan reassured.

"Okay... okay," Stampy said, "you know how over the past few months you've been all over the place?"

Dan gave a nervous chuckle, "yeah I remember. You helped me and all, I honestly can't thank you enough for that Stamps."

"Yeah well," he continued, "lately I've been feeling weird about this but..."

"But?" Dan asked waiting for him to finish his sentence.

"I've been doing drugs!" Stampy yelled, then covering his mouth.

Dans mouth hung wide open. "What? Wait... what!"

Stampy pulled a little bag out of his pocket and threw it on the floor only for Dan to pick it up. "It's catnip... I've been using it for months and... I can't stop!" Stampy said with tears in his eyes.

Of course. Dan thought, Stampy would never do REAL drugs.

Suddenly Dan almost fell backwards when Stampy suddenly hugged him. "I just can't stop! Every time I want to stop I always get more, but I don't want it. I don't!" Stampy explained.

What do I do! Okay Dan calm down, you just found out Stampy is doing drugs... proceed with caution. Dan thought. As an attempt to comfort Stampy, Dan patted his head.

But this only caused Stampy to look confused and break away from the hug. He turned his back to Dan and walked a few places before stopping and using his sleeve to dry his face.

"Stampy?" Dan asked completely worried.

"I don't know what to do Dan," Stampy managed to choke out, "the man said he would hurt me if I didn't keep buying it."

Some cat sicko is abusing Stampy? Well now I'm... Peeved! I'm very peeved! Time to get serious.

"Joseph." Dan said.

Stampy turned around, confused. No one usually calls him by his actual name. But he was shocked when he was trapped in a hug.

Dan petted Stampy's head. "Whoever is threatening you... I'll make sure they don't do it anymore. You helped me, so let me help you."

"Thank you..." Stampy sniffled.

The two just stood there in each other's embrace, until the moment was ruined by a, "Now kiss!" Looking up at the top of the stairs Stacy, Lizzie, and Sparklez standing there.

"H-how much did you hear?" Stampy stuttered.

"Oh we just got here." Stacy admitted.

Lizzie smirked, "But I'm sensing some... sexual tension between you two. Hey don't look so angry Dan! Cheer up, there's always the carnival tomorrow!"

Oh right... the carnival. Maybe... we can just hang out tomorrow, just me and little Stampy..