Above video may be used for reference any time you need a visual for the phrase "dead inside". Someone help Daveed. I believe this video to be a cry for help.

-John POV-

The driver watches us rowdy teens pile into the bus Lafayette rented. The poor man looks done with life as we keep coming.

The only ones missing yet are Hercules, Laff, Philip, and his partner.

It's a large vehicle, typically reserved for sports teams and the like. The group thought it would be funny to dress up as football players for the ride there, and it certainly feels very sports teamy in here.

James and Jefferson are behind me, and I can hear them making out. It's going to be a long ride.

The door opens, and two dudes in pink cheerleader outfits jump on. Silently  I take out my phone and hit record. They do a cute little routine, involving a boost where Laff hits his head on the ceiling. Some cursing ensues before they continue chanting. We all cheer as they finish off, hand on a hip and a fist in the air.

I'm playing this video at their wedding some day. 

My siblings run up to their "uncles" after the group settles down.

The driver looks worse than before. I'm positive he's seen some shit before, but this is weird.

Philip and his boyfriend finally arrive, and we leave the parking lot. The group fills them in on what they've missed, and Peggy cackles as I play the video.

"Delete that shit right now, live performance only."

I show Herc it's gone, moving it to junk. He breathes a sigh of relief. I redownload it and send it to Alex after he turns away.

"You never know when you're going to need it."

"It's our secret then."

Peggy, dissatisfied with Herc making me 'remove' the tape, is restless.

"I'm boooored!"

"Stop whining Pegs. We haven't even driven 15 minutes yet."

"I'm not stopping until someone plays with me. I'm bored, bored bored, borededy bored BORED!"

I sigh as Adrianna joins her chant, thinking it's great fun to yell thinks obnoxiously.

At least Thomas isn't moaning behind me anymore.

"Should we do something to make Peggy stop?"

"Yeah, I'll get the tape."

I stare in surprise as Alex opens his backpack, revealing three rolls of duct tape.

"Figured I better come prepared for a 10 hour car ride."

Peggy is kicking Natasha's seat, bouncing chips off the back of her head. Natasha just flips her off and puts on headphones. I'm glad Peggy is too focused on being a nuisance to see us coming.

I clasp a hand over her mouth as my boyfriend bites off some tape. She attempts to eat my finger, and Angelica grabs her wrists. 

We're able to silence her, but her glare is almost as loud as her words. She stares daggers at anyone who dares to breathe. Laff takes a photo of her sisters smiling on either side of her, glad she shut up.

Adrianna has also gone quiet, tired of making noise now that Peggy is done.

"Anyone hungry?"

Hercules pulls out some skittles, and Peggy's eyes widen as she nods eagerly.

"Yeah, man, pass me the bag."

"You know I do babe."

"Why not?"

I hold out my hand as he dumps some candy into it. The Schuylers gleefully take some as well, making direct eye contact with their sister as they pop the rainbow into their mouths.

"Anyyyone else? Anyone at all?"

Hercules waves the bag around the circle, passing it directly in front of Peggy's face. She nods once again.

"Sorry mate, can't hear ya. Speak up." 

Peggy kicks Natasha's seat again as Herc downs the rest of the bag.

I make eye contact with the driver through the mirror, scared of the look in his eyes. Someone needs to help this man.

Peggy has stopped struggling, her forehead resting on the seat.

"You okay, Pegster?" She shakes her head, energy gone. 

"Well, if you promise to be quiet, I might have something that can cheer you up."

Hercules smiles at her, producing another bag of skittles from his fanny pack.

"If you stay calm, you can have these. But we have three rolls of tape, and only one bag of candy. It's your choice."

We slowly remove Peggy's tape, and she snatches the skittles from Hercules.

"Thank." Is all she says before shoving a few in her mouth.

This buys us all another half hour of good conversation before she finishes the bag. We all give a collective sigh as she throws the bag in the air, surprised when she politely joins in.

"So, Laff, hows work going? You must be amazing to be a model."

"Um, fine I suppose. I have fun. Mon fleur is the amazing one though, you should see the things he creates. I wish I had his skills, but alas, all I have is the ability to sit still. And dance, I'm a hot dancer."

"You have talent. You also have beautiful eyes. And sexy hair. Of course you're a model. The only other option is a commercial person. I'd buy tampons if you were the one selling it."

The two of them press their foreheads together as they continue gushing about each other. They give compliments in a weird way.

Peggy pulls a water bottle from her bag and takes a long drink as the two kiss.

She walked right into that love fest. Alex gives a tired sigh from my lap, and I snuggle him closer.

"You have the boniest ass I've ever had the pleasure to be under."

He shifts away, making it worse. I rest my chin on his shoulder as he gives a tired sigh.

"You tired muffin?"

"I'm never tired."

"That yawn and those bags under your eyes are very convincing."

"Next time let me bring my computer with and I won't be up all night."

"Yeah, then you'll be up all week."

He turns around, and I bonk his nose. I fix his legs so he's straddling my waist, leaning his upper half against my chest. Alex sighs as he melts against me.

"See, this isn't so bad."

We sit like this until his eyes finally close. He mumbles something in his sleep about me, and I smile. The bus rocks back and forth as I tune back into the rest of the groups chatter.

"Jefferson, you assfuck-"

"It's fuckass."

"I don't care what order the fuck and the ass come in, you are both."

"What'd I miss?"

"John, you're oblivious as hell. How did you miss these two fighting for the last fifteen minutes."

"He was lost in lover boys eyes, I bet."

Peggy makes a very graphic noise for someone who doesn't enjoy sex. Why am I always in the middle of this shit?

"These two are debating over who looks better."

"And their boyfriends are not helping."

"You two look the exact same to me."

"Shut it Jordan. Lafayette is a model, Thomas wishes he could get on his level."

"I'm serious. Laff, Thomas, come here."

The two guys make their way over too where Ellie and Jordan sit, and they grab a hair tie from my sister. They yank Thomas's hair back without warning, and we all stare as the teen makes a small moaning sound. Okay then. Remind me to never touch Thomas's afro, no matter how fluffy it looks.

Looking slightly uncomfortable, Jordan continues to tie back Thomas's hair as the three people most involved in this blush furiously. Peggy takes another swig of water.

"See, it's the same person!"

"Okay..."

"Yeah, I guess they're similar."

"That's fair."

"They literally look nothing alike."

"Lafayette is the unbearably sexy one."

Laff smiles as Jordan rests their head in their hands. Ellie wraps an arm around their shoulders, and I catch her eye as she smiles at them.

I don't like the look she's giving Jordan. It's the same way Alex looks at me. I'm going to need to check out this person if they're getting anywhere near my sister. 

I'm not risking her getting hurt.

-Thomas POV-

I untie my hair, it looks stupid pulled back. 

James wraps his arms around my neck as I make my way back to his lap.

Laff and I stare at each other. Do I really look like him? I think Jordan needs their prescription checked, one of us is significantly better looking. So much so it's obvious which.

I watch the couple in front of me cuddling as Alex naps, and I scoot back into my boyfriend.

There's an awkward lull in the conversation, even Peggy has managed to shut her mouth without prompting. The only ones not fazed by my outburst is the two youngest kids. 

I forgot they were here. I've never really talked to any of them. I hardly even know their names.

It's been two long hours in this fucking bus. Laff won't even tell us where we are being dragged, he just said pack a jacket. This entire thing is weird, but I'd rather be anywhere than home. 

Laughter soon fills the bus as Eliza whispers something to her sisters. I chuckle to myself, any noise is better than silence. There's enough silence at my house to last a lifetime.

We pull over in the nearest city, and I look around the area. It's a small gas station, the group heads inside.

James and I hold hands as we look for a snack. I grab a can of spray cheese from the shelf, as well as a thing of macaroni and some "coffee", conveniently forgetting to put in any decaf. 

Hehe, tonight we feast.

Peggy runs past me to the counter, arms full of junk. I look back to my single macaroni packet and wordlessly pile on three more. Treat yo' self. 

James holds a single chip bag in his hands, and I grab his favourite chocolate for him before heading to pay. Once he's left to go to the bathroom I grab him more food, he needs to eat. 

I drop my food off on the bus before heading to the bathroom as well, we still have 8 fucking hours of this never ending hellride. But I'm still having fun.

There's a bang outside the bathroom, and I jump.

"Jordan, I swear to all the fucking gods, you look at my sister wrong and I'll have your head on a spike. Her heart is fragile, she is fragile, and I see the way she looks at you. If you value your life, you will either take care of her for forever or let her down gently."

I stand with my ear pressed to the door. I smell drama.

"John, stop threatening them, they literally did nothing! My love life is none of your business, I'll stand up for myself." There's a loud clapping noise. "And I'm not fragile."

There's some heavy breathing from the hallway, and I make a mental note to watch my step around Ellie.

I leave the bathroom as if I didn't just listen to a better story plot than Twilight. Jordan is rubbing their neck, and John has a bright red mark across his face. Ellie is holding onto the one that she didn't injure.

James holds his hand out to me, and I sling my arm around his shoulder as he grabs my waist. As we approach the bus, his hand moves to my ass, and I feel him fiddle with the back of my belt.

"Jemmy baby, don't start anything you can't finish right now."

~timeskip, sponsored by no one-

Eliza pulls a game out from under her seat. Apples to apples, an amazing choice. There's a small groan as we realize it's junior, but she just jerks her thumb in what I believe is Adria's direction. I've been mentally calling her rigatoni, I'm not risking asking her real name. John might find that offensive.

Whatever, I'm still pulling the kinkiest shit I can. From Laff's expression, he is too. 

Maybe we are similar after all.

Rigatoni bounces around the seats with the deck until Ellie tells her to sit down. 

She does so. Right in my lap. 

I'm not prepared for this situation.

"Um... hello there friend."

"Hey." She gives a small wave behind her, somewhere in my general direction. 

"Adrianna, get off of Thomas. He doesn't want you there."

"No!" I wrap my arms around this tiny child protectively. "No, it's okay. She can stay if she pleases."

Her head tips back to look at me, and I feel my heart melt under her gaze. I love this thing.

"I'm Thomas."

"I know. John said you're a bitch. I don't know what that means, but you seem nice."

I go to glare at John, but it is a fair statement. As much as I hate too admit it, I was a shitty child. I'm still pretty shit. But I'm working on it.

The last cards are dealt out, and Adrianna holds hers in clear view of my eyes. It's not cheating if she's voluntarily not hiding her cards.

James shifts beside me as I flip down a red card.

Rigatoni swings her legs, repeatedly hitting me in the shins. The precious bean just hums to herself as she commits level one assault. It's slightly annoying.

I want seven. 

-Alex POV-

I'm shaken awake, although the screaming that ensues after would have been enough to get me up anyways.

"MON AMIS, ANNOUNCEMENT TIME! WE ARE APPROACHING THE BORDER, GET INTO POSITIONS!"

I rub my eyes as John dumps me onto the floor, and the entire bus stands and makes a weird t-shape with their arms.

What the fuck?

John pulls me up from the floor where he left me, placing me into a T as well. 

Once again, what the fuck?

"Anyone care to explain what is happening?"

"Nope."

"You have failed the vibe check."

"We're approaching a border. Stay in position troops!"

"Aye aye, captain."

I stand there dumbfounded, and lower my arms. Lafayette glares at me, and I raise them back up, relieved when he smiles. Okay then. I guess I'm a T from now on.

We pass a sign reading 'Welcome to Canada!' and the group relaxes. There's some white shit layering the ground outside, and we pull up to a booth.

"Any alcohol?" 

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Fruit?"

"Probably."

The bus driver continues answering questions with vague answers until we are waved through. 

"Now can someone explain?"

"We had to reach out, because then we could have one hand in each country. It's awesome."

"But, at some point you would be in both any-"

"Shhh. It's fun, Alex."

I just sit back in my seat, still trying to comprehend the reasoning behind this. After five minutes of deep thought, I come to the only logical conclusion:

There is none, this entire thing is bullshit.

I John onto my lap so he faces me, slipping into his hoodie with him.  Peggy takes a drink as he snuggles me in closer. There's a clicking noise from Lafayette's seat. I just smile, I was unaware of the fact that John doesn't wear shirts under his hoodies.

I shiver in the cold air. This is the only time I ever miss the Caribbean. Maybe then I could actually see shirtless John again. Although, being roasted to death isn't great either.

"I wouldn't be so damn cold if you let me get coffee."

"You needed a nap. Besides, you're cute when you're sleeping. I didn't know you felt that way, you're too moody to be that nice when you're awake."

He passes me a thermos, and I get excited. Then I see the marshmallows floating at the top. I crave caffeine. But cocoa will have to do. I down half of it before realizing what John just said.

"Wait... what was I talking about in my sleep?"

"You professed your undying love for Jefferson."

I groan as I lean into Johns shoulder. 

"My fucking subconscious, always screwing me over. This is why I don't sleep."

"I'm joking Al, you're more oblivious than I am. Smart with words, but so, so stupid with puns and sarcasm." I tap on his wrist twice, and he gives me a peck on the lips. "You did say 'John has a sexy ass' though. And then you cursed my name for denying you cuddles."

"I like cuddles, even in my dreams." 

"I'd prefer them awake so we can actually enjoy them."

He taps me twice, and I scoot his waist against me. His arms, in the hoodie sleeves, wrap around my neck as we kiss. It's gentle as we begin, slowly getting more desperate as we hold each other as close as we can. My hands run along his body under the protection of his hoodie. 

The bus hits a bump, and we are jolted away from each other. Peggy seems to be really thirsty today, she's taking another swig of water. 

Once the road becomes smooth again, the two of us poke each other's arms before resuming the kiss. I feel my ponytail being removed, John's fingers running through my hair. I let out a sigh before moving my hands down to his lower back.

I like Canada. Even if it's cold as hell, I have my boyfriend to keep me warm.

-Aaron POV-

I look around the bus. There's three couples currently making out, and from the look Jordan and Ellie are sharing, there might be four soon. My head peeks over the seat in front of me as I look at the youngest Schuyler.

"What do you think of all this kissing Peggy?"

"Aaron! I forgot you were here!"

"I get that a lot."

It's true. I'm that friend. The one who walks behind on those skinny ass sidewalks, the one who third wheels even on non-romantic occasions. But at least I'm tolerable.

I was excited when Lafayette invited me to come with them, I'm being included for once.

But as pretty much everyone other than the kids make out, I'm feeling pretty lonely nonetheless.

Jefferson, his boyfriend and Adrianna sit across from me, and I smile at the pair of them as Thomas hands the child some of his macaroni. That poor child. 

She looks as enthusiastic as Thomas does though, happily accepting his gift. His face lights up as she munches happily. Oh, dear Lord, this is just the encouragement he needs. I don't know if we will ever be able to get Jefferson away from this child.

Peggy has put on some headphones, I guess she doesn't want to talk.

I pull out a notebook, writing away. The words fill the page as my story takes form, the love I might never experience taking up the lines. 

I write of two lovers, separated by their beliefs as they strive to be together. Pushing past anyone who holds them back, overcoming their hardships. Their love is strong enough to withstand everything, and I cry slightly as I write the ending, a final goodbye as his lover is taken from him by death.

Someday, maybe I'll find someone like the woman in my story. I satisfy myself with that thought. The two of us lounging on the beach, a picnic blanket spread between us. Us getting married, building a home and adopting cats.

Damn, I'm lonely.

-Lily POV-

This is chaos. 

Most of these people are like a family to me. One huge, embarrassing, family.

I nod along to the music, focusing on the people around me. I watch Peggy slip on her headphones, and I flip open my screen to show her my music selection.

"You too?!?"

She scrambles over Eliza, joining me on my seat.

"I didn't think there were any theatre nerds on this bus but me!"

"Six is absolutely amazing, I don't understand how anyone could not like this."

"I know, right?"

"How crazy is it we're both listening to the same tunes?"

"It would be almost creepy if..." I trail off, motioning to the seat in front of Peggy's sisters.

"Yo, Tasha, what're you listening too?"

Receiving no response, Peggy reaches across the aisle to rip out one of Natasha's earbuds.

"Huh?"

"What are you playing?"

"21 chump street, that's my jam."

"Did I hear 21 chump street?"

Oliver races to the front of the bus with us, excited by anything Lin Manuel Miranda. The four of us converse about plots, manipulation, and love. 

"Naomi ignored the kid in a weed shirt."

"She created what she set out to destroy."

"Catherine just wanted love too, not her fault no one could treat her right."

I notice the man from behind Peggy's designated seat crying, and motion in his direction.

"Sir, are you okay?"

He looks up at me with a start, dropping his notebook in the process.

"Aaron, what's wrong?"

"Nothing! I'm fine."

He wipes at his face, and I step over Peggy to grab his notepad from the floor. I hand it to him, catching a few phrases off the page that's open.

"He doesn't deserve you, he has no right treating you that way."

"It's spreading. I can't fight much longer."

"Forever, my heart will belong to you."

"Can I read this?"

"You don't have too, it's, um, poorly written and I haven't edited it yet. But if you want to, then sure."

I smile at his rambling, sitting beside him as I read the story.

It's adorable, a man falling for a girl who has been forced to wed a snobby rich man. The two run away, creating a new life in a different town. His wife gets sick, and he's left to care for his daughter as a single dad after she passes.

I'm crying as well as I hand it back.

"This is great. I didn't know you were a writer."

"I'm not, just a hobby." He chuckles as he flips to a fresh page.

"Well, nonetheless, it's beautiful."

I head back to the girls, waving Burr over as he stares longingly in our direction.

"Whoah, vibe check time. You ever seen any musicals?"

"Does Cats count?"

"You have so much to learn, friend."

-Philip POV-

I pull my boyfriend over too where a small group has huddled, intrigued by the gathering. An open laptop sits between them, and I watch a man walk along the edge of a building.

Why do people have to be so reckless, doing stupid shit and risking your life in unnecessary situations is what gets you killed.

"What're you watching?"

"Not you guys too! Have you seriously never seen Les Mis?"

I shake my head, and the group of girls let out a collective sigh.

"We'll watch from the beginning at the hotel, but you can finish it off with us."

"What's it about?"

"The French Revolution!"

"French?"

"Revolution?"

Lafayette pulls away from his boyfriend, and Thomas walks over with a girl on his shoulders, who giggles as she plays with his hair. I hope she's careful. It was weird enough the first time.

George moves over as Laff moves towards us. I'm not sure how they met, all I know is it involved my boyfriend, Francis, and saving my life.

The screen morphs to a battle, people shooting as they riot in the streets. I watch in confusion as a young child walks out from behind the barricade. Then he crumples to the floor in a heap.

 Wow, that escalated quickly.

I feel George tense beside me, and rub the back of his hand with my thumb. 

"Merde, that was cold blooded."

We continue the musical, only eight people not crowded around the screen. We cheer as the show finishes, I need to see the first half later.

"Philip, pick a number between one and ten!"

"Uh, seven."

"Heathers it is."

We watch the musical with great intensity, and I enjoy getting the full plot this time. Thomas covers Adrianna's ears any time there's a curse word. Which is fairly often.

My arm wraps around my boyfriends neck and I lean my head on his shoulder as the singing continues. 

This is where I belong, I've found an accepting group where I can be myself. 

Whatever the twist in fate that brought us onto this bus is, I'm thankful for it.

4033 words, plus some new POV's. Hope y'all enjoy this. 

Love you guys!