Chapter Text
“Alright, everyone.” Ford rested his hands on the table in the middle of the room, and looked around. “First thing on the table--”
“Other than your hands,” Otto added.
“--Is that it’s great to see everyone here again. It’s been what, twenty years now?”
“You tellin’ me.” Bob nodded, leaning against Helmut even more. “Looks better on half of us than on the other half.”
“We’re not gonna get into that, Cactus,” Otto said, chuckling. “But your beard is definitely in the lower half.”
“Hey. This is the better version of it. You should’ve seen the old version.”
“I did. I just ignored it.”
“Boys, boys, let’s not fight,” Lucy said with a little laugh. “Crully is right. It’s good to see you.”
“So, do we have any plans? Anything we need to do?” Cassie asked.
“Yes, actually.” Otto stood. “First of all-- I say we have a party. Just the seven of us. Like we used to.”
“Don’t think my back can take an actual party,” Bob pointed out.
“Bobby. C’mon, even so, I’ll be happy to carry you back home.”
“Good to know you two have changed absolutely nothing,” Otto said. “But my point is this-- We should celebrate, even just a little. Something we could do together.”
“Bowling,” Compton suggested, simply.
“That’s a good idea.” Ford nodded.
“One rule: We all get to cheat,” Otto added.
“Deal.” Helmut nodded, grinning. “Good luck not getting caught, Lulu.”
“One more thing, actually!” Cassie interrupted. “Or, rather, second on the table. I’d like to suggest a group hug.”
“Heck yeah!” Helmut cheered.
“I’m up for it,” Ford added.
“Motion passes, four yesses, that’s enough,” Lucy said as she hopped up, quickly taking Otto in her arms before he could argue. The rest of the group quickly joined in, all hugging the central core duo.
“...I missed this,” Otto admitted, almost silently. “Don’t let it get to your heads.”