This is my au about four lovers,aka best friends since Elementary throughout High school. Their names are Benjamin,Pico,Grace and you! Nobody will change my mind about this! Anyways,please enjoy.

You and Grace have just arrived at a quiet McDonald's at 9:00 PM. A corner booth is decorated with printed photos and a "reserved" sign made of fries-carton cardboard. Benjamin and Pico invited you two to come over because they have something amazing planned for their sleepover coming up.

As Grace opened the front door,she walked inside along with you behind her, her sleeves over her hands. She looks ready to bolt but you reassure her that she's okay. Benjamin and Pico are arguing over the placement of a McFlurry.

Pico:I’m telling you, the Oreo one goes in the middle! It’s the centerpiece!

Benjamin:But Pico,they're likes the strawberry one better! It matches the—oh! Grace! (Your OC)!

They both snap to attention. Grace stops a few feet away,looking at the drawings scattered on the table. You looked at one of the McFlurries in surprise.

Grace:What is all this? I thought we were just…meeting up.

Benjamin:We were worried when you didn't show up. We thought maybe… well,we know things have been hard since the station.

Benjamin rushed over to Grace in relief as Pico crossed his arms.

Pico:We’ve been sitting here for forty minutes looking like losers with a "reserved" sign. I almost shot a guy for trying to take your chair.

Grace:I’m sorry. I just…I couldn't get my makeup to cover the marks on my shoulder. I didn't want you guys to have to look at me like this.

You squeezed your hand against Grace since you are holding her hand the whole time. Benjamin gently takes her hand.

Benjamin:Grace! (Your OC)! Look at the table.

Grace walks closer. So did you. There are sketches Benjamin drew. Them laughing,Them singing and one specific drawing of them with gold ink traced over where their scars are,like Kintsugi pottery.

Benjamin:I didn't draw those to hide anything. I drew them because they’re part of your story now. You’re still the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.

Pico:And I made sure the staff gave us the freshest fries. No soggy ones for the Queen of the Train Station. Listen, Grace and (Your OC)…those scars? They just mean you’re harder to kill than the rest of us. That’s a compliment in my book.

Grace:You guys did all this for us? In a McDonald’s?

Grace tears welling up in surprise. You look through all these drawings,gently touching one of them with your hand in surprise.

Pico:It’s private. It’s got cheap nuggets and the lighting is terrible so you don't have to worry about your makeup. It’s the perfect date.

Benjamin:It’s a "Both-of-Us" date. You aren't alone in this,you guys. Not with your insecurities and definitely not tonight.

Grace:Both of you, huh? I think I can handle that.

Pico:Good. Now sit down. Benjamin is about to cry and it’s making the nuggets get cold.

Grace laughed as you giggled as well. You pulled out a chair as you sat down. She sat down next to you. Benjamin and Pico sat down besides them. For the first time in weeks,Grace lets her hoodie sleeves slide back,revealing her wrists as she reaches for a fry.

The grease-stained wrappers and empty McFlurry cups were eventually cleared away but the weight of the night hadn't fully lifted. Benjamin and Pico walked Grace and you home, each flanking her like silent guardians. As they reached their door,the usual "goodnight" felt insufficient. Inside, the atmosphere changed. The harsh streetlights were replaced by the soft, warm glow of Benjamin’s fairy lights and the smell of acrylic paint.

Art supplies are scattered everywhere. Grace is sitting on a stool, her hoodie draped over the back of the chair. Grace traces a long, jagged scar on her forearm with her thumb. She looks at her reflection in a small vanity mirror.

Grace:I keep thinking people are staring. Even at the restaurant...I felt like they were seeing the "broken" version of me.

Pico leaned against the wall,cleaning a smudge off his spray can.