Hey there, I haven't been on here in a hot minute but since Disney + came out the inspiration just wouldn't go away. And who am I to turn away inspiration, plus it was only fair since So Weird is what brought me to this site to begin with, wayyyy back in the day. Before you head in, this is a Carey/Fi fic, and it is currently a one shot, buuuut depending on the response it may turn into a prologue to a longer story.

Also Disclaimer, I own nothing, as is with most of the rest of the world, Disney owns everything.

When I first came back from college, I noticed that Fi had changed but it was more in the little sister kind of way. If anything she was a little more annoying then she had been before I had headed off to school the previous year. For example getting in the way of Callie and I was frustrating to say the least, but then after we got on the bus things changed a little.

Bunking with two other guys is never easy but when they want to play video games all day and you want to write songs or practice guitar it is even worse. Fi was quiet when she was in research mode, whether on her laptop or with her nose in a book. It was certainly a rare thing but welcome all the same. So one night I stopped in and asked if I could hang out and practice. She seemed to like listening to my idle strumming, making a point to take her head phones off and listen. We would even start chatting from time to time and by the time we had reached my first gig at Harvest Aid she had become a sort of confidant. To say I wasn't disappointed to look to the side that day and not see her there cheering me on would be a lie since she was the person I had let in the most about how much I dreamed of being on stage and doing what I love. After that however we kept up our nightly hang outs in her room. At some point it evolved into me teaching her how to hone her guitar technique, her teaching me about the paranormal, us sharing our favorite movies and music. It got to a point where hanging out went beyond me needing a quiet place to go on the bus and became us just enjoying each other's company whenever we had a free moment. I started to view Fi as my best friend and I am fairly certain she felt the same. True I spent most of my day to day with Jack and Clu before he left, but when it came time to unwind, or have a good talk, Fi was the one I sought out.

*that was when she became my best friend*

Then it happened, the night I wandered into her room at the B&B. I had found something strange when Mrs. P almost ran over that dead rabbit. I was pretty sure it was nothing but I found myself hyped to talk to her about it anyway. When I walked in she was passed out reading some teen magazine and for a moment it was like she was just a regular girl. She looked so sweet and innocent and as I was waking her it hit me. I tried to push it down. We talked about what I had found and I teased her a little but this time I could tell, at least for me, it was different. The next day when that wolf was after us, my mind was consumed with protecting her. I was honestly terrified but all I could think about was getting her out of there safe. After that night I decided to take some time with my feelings and maybe give Fi some space. That was the worst decision I could have made. *that was when I realized I liked her*

A few days later Mrs. P was getting ready for her showcase and some kid stopped by. He was clearly into Fi and they even went out a few times while we were in town. Frustratingly during the show she was absent again. That night the tables turned and she sought me out. Everyone had gone to the hotel to sleep but I stayed on the bus playing guitar and, if I'm being honest, moping. I heard the door open and I looked up to find her walking in with a big stupid grin on her face. I didn't greet her I just looked back down at my guitar.

"Hey Carey. I was hoping I could get some, uh, dating advice?" She giggled, and deep down I seethed.

"Seems like ya did just fine to me." I retorted without looking up. Ok so maybe it wasn't THAT deep down. I could feel her eyes on me and that her demeanor had changed.

"What's with the attitude? I thought I would be able to talk to you about this stuff, I can't talk to Jack about it. I thought you would be there for me."

"I just don't really have time for this Fi. If you couldn't be there for me.. I mean your mom tonight then why should I be there for you." I got up from the couch and started heading to my room. Not surprisingly she followed.

"I had something to do and my mom understood that! Carey what is going on?" I turned quick on the spot and stopped short. She was very close to me, and she was so tiny, barely coming up to my chest. I dropped my head down a bit and breathed deep, catching the scent of her lavender shampoo. It's what her pillows smelled like when I hung out in her room and it was comforting to me. I gave in. "Never mind, sorry I didn't mean to be so mean. I'm just… stressed." She stepped back a bit and she smiled up at me.

"It's ok Care I get it. I probably shouldn't have come in girly guns blazing after one of the biggest concerts you have ever played." She turned and headed back toward the front of the bus. I followed her a little confused and fuzzy from the closeness and the lavender. As she went to exit the bus she turned again.

"I will let you get some rest, I can pick your brain about boys tomorrow. And hey by the way I am really sorry about missing your performance but what I saw was incredible. You always are." She smiled again and hopped down the stairs and across the street in to the hotel. I looked after her and then flopped down on the couch.

*that was when I fell in love with Fiona Phillips*

From that point foreword I decided to take the "just be there" route of getting a girl to like you. She wanted to go look at a secret government lab, I was going too. I found out a place we were at was haunted, I would tell her and we would explore together. She thought my dads childhood friend might be being followed by the ghost of their dead friend, guess I'm right there with her investigating.

Somewhere during this time the families separated and the we went to visit Clu and the Phillips went to see Mrs. P's parents. When they came back Fi let me in on what had happened and I started to worry about her. I still wasn't convinced all of this was real but I also trusted her. If she was right though, she could be in a lot of danger and that was the last thing I wanted for her. I wanted to get as close to her as possible but she had started keeping me at arms length. It started before that, after we found that secret room in that building where we were shooting the "She Sells" video. I went to the bus to let them know the building was safe to shoot in again, and I saw her crying. I tried to talk to her about it later that day but it was like new steel and concrete walls had gone up around her. Her normal chipper demeanor was gone and she was not my Fi anymore.

*that was the first time I thought I had lost her*

There was a short window after we went to visit Missoula that she was a bit back to her old self but then he showed up again. Bricriu. As per usual I really didn't believe her when she first told me he was back, but then Mrs.P started acting the way she was and it was hard to deny something was going on. After her performance Mrs. P and Fi were missing. They showed up less then an hour later soaked. Molly opted to go to her room and get cleaned up, but Fi headed down to the pool. She seemed upset but I was done being shut out. If I was going to be serious about my feelings for her I had to man up and get her to open up to me. I followed her, despite a strange look from Jack, at a pretty quick pace. I caught up to her by the time she had reached the elevator. "Fi, wait up."

"I am fine Carey." She said rolling her eyes. "I just need to think about some stuff." The look she gave me after that sentence spoke "alone" loudly to me. I didn't care.

"Fiona you are clearly not fine, and I am just trying to be here for you." I crossed my arms and looked down at her sternly.

The elevator dinged and she looked away from me and stepped in.

"Listen if you want to be a pest and follow me down I can't stop you. Just don't expect me to acknowledge you either." I stepped in after her and hit the ground floor button. We rode down and walked to the pool in silence. I took up post at a table by the door and Fi began walking the length of the pool back and forth. All I could think as she paced was how I wanted to hug her and make her feel better. Something was different it seemed she had made peace with whatever had been bothering her; she seemed calmer and less dark. But still something was hanging over her head. Finally after about twenty minutes she relented and threw herself into the chair across from me.

"You aren't going anywhere are you?" I shook my head.

"Your sometimes more annoying than Jack." I nodded my head. At this she finally giggled, I think it was the first time in at least a month that I had seen a genuine smile cross her face. I smiled back and reached across the table. "Fi tell me what's going on. I wanna help." to my complete surprise tears began to well up in her eyes. She broke down, grasping my hand just for something to hold on to. "I am so sorry Carey. Everything is just a mess and honestly I am scared." Fi was never scared and I was worried. She went on telling me everything from the details about the Banshee that she hadn't told me before to what Bricriu and the fire fighter had said. She was determined to keep following this path her father had started carving but she was also so terrified of it. I was finally reaching a point where I couldn't deny this stuff anymore. Why would she lie about something that was hurting her this much?

Finally I put my finger to her lips stopping her from talking. "Fi, if you need to follow this road, if you need to finish what your dad started, I will be right there with you."

"What about Jack He thinks it's all bulshit."

" I don't care what Jack thinks. I am going to be there for you no matter what." I got up and pulled her into my arms, taking a daring move and kissing her on the top of her head and breathing in that soft lavender scent. She leaned into the hug and a part of me broke for her. She was amazingly strong for someone who was so small, so young, and who had lost so much before she even knew she had it. *that was the moment I swore to myself I would protect her at all costs*

After that Fi and I became inseparable and one afternoon in Mississippi I got the face full of proof that completely threw me into her world. Someone had messed with my guitar, someone was sending us messages through that song, and there was no denying it. I also got to see up close how this paranormal stuff is so tied into the amazing person that Fi was. When these situations presented themselves to us our first thoughts were to be freaked or deny it happening. Fiona's first reaction was always 'how can I help whoever this is'. This just made me fall for her even more, a fact that was becoming increasingly difficult to hide and avoid. One night, not to long after Mississippi, I walked into her room to see if she wanted anything from inside the truck stop we had pulled off at. I found her staring at her computer and typing furiously. She stopped for a moment when she heard me come in and turned to look at me, wiping her eyes. She smiled upon seeing me and said she would be right there. I don't know what came over me but, like a stalker, I chose to leave her room and go back into mine, hiding behind the door and waiting for her to leave. After I heard the bus door slam I walked into her room and sat down at her computer. I pulled up the last window she had open and my heart shattered.

OllmanR: hey Fi, we need to talk.

Rockerbaby: sure Ryan... what's up? I miss you.

OllmanR: I miss you too but I don't know that this thing is working. I really care about you but you only seem to care about him.

Rockerbaby: I don't know what you are taking about. Where is this coming from?

OllmanR: Carey, Fi. I am talking about Carey. The last time you and I talked he was all you could talk about. He gets you in a way I just don't think I can. I mean I don't agree with it, I think he is to old and a guitarist isn't really a stable job, but clearly you see something in him that you don't see in me. I am sorry, but I don't want to be your second choice.

Rockerbaby: you are insane! Carey is my friend, I don't think about him like that! You are my first choice. I like you Ryan. However, I would appreciate if you wouldn't tear down being a musician. Not only is Carey an awesome guitarist, both of my parents are musicians. And also he isn't that old, he's only 18 that's only 4years.

OllmanR: see even in trying to tell me your feelings for me you can't help but come to his defense!

Rockerbaby: it's not that, I just don't like you tearing down the people I care about!

OllmanR: listen Fi I like you, I always have and always will, when you stop going after guys who are older then you maybe you will see you feel the same. In the mean time I'm not gonna wait around. Bye Fiona.

OllmanR has signed off

I closed the message quickly and left the room trying not to focus on the one line that was written in huge font across the inside of my brain. "I don't think about him like that".

*That was the first time she broke my heart*

For a few weeks after that I started staying behind with the roadies to pack up after gigs so I could talk to girls. It was the only thing I could do to get away from my feelings. During the day she was always there and I wanted to protect her regardless of her feelings for me but it took a toll on my heart. The evening was my time to get away from it. One night I met Tamera, or Tammy Faye, or whatever she liked to be called. She was the exact opposite of Fi. Older then me, short blond hair with bright blue eyes, and she was tall with long legs. She was certainly my type, a little ditzy but into music and out to have fun. She bought me a drink and we discussed my guitar playing and her college. It wasn't a bad night all in all and she promised to email me. She even left me at the bus door with a short but hot make out session. I was pleased that Fi was staying with her aunt because it gave me time to think. I grabbed my stuff from the bus and headed to the hotel room. When I got there Jack was on the phone with Gabe. I tried not to eves drop, sitting on the bed and opening up a comic I had been reading. However it was hard not to catch all the things those two talked about that had been so lacking in my conversation with Tammy. To my increasing horror they were all so often present(with the exception of a few kissy sounds and I love you's) in my conversations with Fi.

*that was the first time I missed her*

It became harder and harder to avoid my feelings as the tour went on. Getting sick and having to have my tonsils removed proved to be the exact opposite of helpful in getting some time way from her. During the week leading up to my surgery Fi was never to far away with some ice cream, soup, or tea. She checked on me after her late night research sessions and early in the morning before sound check. Seeing her doting on me genuinely lit up my day, but it made me fantasize about a future that I now knew was impossible. There would be no life together where we could nurse each other back to health every time we got sick. To repay her kindness, while she was studying for her exam I offered to hang out and help her. Of course Fi's intelligence far surpasses mine so my, let's say unique, technique of passing was less then helpful. There was a moment as I was leaving her to finish her studies when out of reflex I almost bent down and kissed her. Jack had come to grab her laptop and she had realized that my studying plan was not working. I apologized and gathered my stuff to head out of the room and leaned down. I caught myself just in time and changed direction. She gave me an odd look but moved on. I didn't get so lucky with Jack though.

"What is up with you and my sister?" He said as we stepped into the hallway.

"What do you mean?" I swung my bag over my shoulder and tried to look as chill as possible.

"I dunno you guys just seem…closer lately." We made our way to the elevator and I scrambled to find words that wouldn't make me sound the most guilty.

"Oh I mean yea. She has grown on me over the tour. Now it is like having a little sister. But like she doesn't annoy me as much as she annoys you." I laughed and stuck my hands in my pocket, trying to retain the cool guy look.

"I get that I mean it must be pretty hard not having Clu to look after."

"Exactly, you get it. Big bro stuff.:" I laughed again and we got in the elevator.

*That was the first time I lied about her*

I couldn't keep Jack off my tail for long. The more weird stuff we checked out the more it became obvious I was starting to believe Fi and the more that he noticed I was believing her the more aware he became of the fact that I was around her so much. While we were in Roswell he finally called me out. When we were out looking for Andrew he mentioned that I needed to stop hanging out with her. I brushed it off and got side tracked when we found Andrew, I honestly thought that was the end of the conversation. Later that night though, he got to me before bed. He came in the room and plopped down on my bunk, where I was working on my latest song. "So what is the deal with you and Fi?"

"I'm sorry what?" I stopped playing abruptly and stared at him dumbstruck.

"Obviously there is something going on. Either you guys are planning something, she is constantly bothering you, or you are just really into her weird stories."

"No I mean, like, I just like hanging out with her. She is funny and clever and her stories are interesting."

"Are you sure that is it? I mean if she has a crush on you and is bothering you or something I can talk to her." My heart broke a little at that.

"No it is definitely nothing like that man, don't worry." I went back to strumming and Jack got up and left. I prayed that was the end of that.

After that conversation I went to visit Clu for a few weeks while the band warmed up the new back up guitarist. I had Fi set me up with a screen name so we could chat while I was away and one night I came dangerously close to telling her how I felt.

Rockerbaby: So yea it turns out that the OSSN weirdo's were vampires; the only thing that snapped Jack out of it was his necklace from Gabe. It was insane I wish you could have been there!

CareBear: I wish I could have been there too. I would love to get my hands on that scummy guy for trying to hurt you.

Rockerbaby: We were ok and they are long gone off to who knows where by now. You know I can take care of myself Carey

I typed out my response and then deleted it. I wanted to scream, of course I knew she could take care of herself but that didn't mean I didn't want to ring that guys neck, or the creepy guy that seemed to like her. If it were up to me I would protect her with everything I had. But of course I couldn't tell her that.

CareBear: Of course but you know I worry about you guys.

Rockerbaby: Well we appreciate your worry. How is Clu doing?

CareBear: He is good, but I miss you.

I sent it before I realized it and immediately started to panic.

Rockerbaby: I miss you too, it sucks only having Jack around. It's boring and quiet with out hearing you incessantly working on that new song of yours. Is it almost finished?

CareBear: I don't know. I don't know if it will ever be done, the subject is…illusive.

I recovered nicely; thanks to her, and it did my heart good to know she missed me too but I certainly couldn't tell her the song was about her.

Rockerbaby: Well I love the way it sounds so I am sure it is going to be great. I got to go, Jack is calling me. I will chat with you again tomorrow?

CareBear: Yea for sure, where are you guys headed next?

Rockerbaby: We are headed home for a few days and then off to see if John wants to play on the album with you guys.

CareBear: Awesome well I cant wait to see you all again.

She signed off and what she would never know is that that message had originally read "I cant wait to see you again. Love you." But right before I hit send I realized what I had written.

*That was the first time I almost slipped up*

The concert was going really well and I had been trying all day to convince Mrs. P to do an encore. I was mostly doing it to keep my mind off the night before. I had gone in to Fi's room to ask her to listen to my knew melody for my song and I found her sitting on her bed listening to "Another World" and staring at a picture of her dad. When she looked up at me tears had stained her face and her eyes were red and puffy. She had clearly been at this for a while.

"Fiona, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just him again. I know he is trying to contact me, I just cant figure out what he is trying to tell me. I feel like it's so obvious but no one sees it but me." She put the picture back up and slunk down into her bed so her head was lying on the pillow. I took a seat on her desk chair and scooted a bit closer to her. I reached out for her hand and she looked up at me. I didn't hesitate though; I held it firmly and reassuringly.

"Fi, you know I believe you but I think your mom and your brother are scared of all of this. I know you want to keep doing this, keep following him, and you know I will support you in whatever you choose but you can't be angry at them for feeling the way they do."

"Angry is the wrong word. I guess I am just frustrated, if I knew what he wanted, what he was trying to tell me, then maybe I wouldn't feel so helpless." To my surprise she didn't let go of my hand as she snuggled further under the covers.

"I know what you mean. I want to help you with this however I can but it is hard not knowing what to do. I know the only way we are going to find out is by searching this stuff out, but I just don't think you can force it. You have come this far, sitting here being upset with yourself and your family is not helping you get any closer to the truth." She smiled at this.

"Yea and I guess that's not what daddy would have wanted."

"Exactly, we just have to keep moving forward and see what we can find. We still have a few months on the tour and I am sure we will learn a lot." I don't know what made me do it but I pulled her hand to my lips and kissed it. She blushed and smiled but she didn't pull away.

"Alright can I show you what I came in here to show you now? Or are you going to really play that teenage girl card and ask me to get some ice cream to go with your comforter and tears?" I let go of her hand and reached for my guitar as we both laughed. She sat up and rearranged herself to sit cross-legged on the bed.

Later that night I played the songs I knew so well as if by muscle memory, my brain so wrapped up in what Fi and I had talked about. When Mrs. P made the announcement that the tour was over it felt like a hit in the face that snapped me back to reality. So many things crossed my mind, was this the end of my career? Already, after it had just started? I knew we wouldn't be on tour forever but I didn't think it would end so soon. Then it hit me, Fiona. She was going to be devastated. I felt a pull, to go and wrap her in my arms and tell her that it was going to be ok, that I would still follow her and help her on her quest. I couldn't, but it took everything in me to keep my feet planted firmly where they were.

After we finished and mom had swooped in to save the day, I gave Fi and her mom some space. I knew she was upset and every time I looked at her I wanted to break down too. Finally the crowd became too much and I decided to make my point about doing an encore. I walked over to them and I could tell Fi was trying to keep me from seeing her cry again so I asked my question and made my departure as soon as Mrs. P gave me the go ahead. I didn't see Fi again till the next morning when she was back to putting on a brave face.

*That was the first time I realized I wouldn't be able to fix her*

When we reached New York Fi went to stay with her aunt. I was trying not to let the fact that we hadn't spoken get to me but it was getting really frustrating. At one point I had myself convinced she was just playing the game for her family. Being chipper and happy during the day and then when she would go into her room at night we would be able to talk about how she was really feeling about the tour ending. Her bedroom door was locked. She wasn't just keeping them out she was keeping me out as well. By the time we got to New York I was honestly angry with her and happy that she was going to stay with Rachel. When she came to Jack and I about the automatic writing I played into what Jack was doing because I was just so done with how she had been acting. I still regret not trying harder to get through to her. Once it was time for the show I was so distracted by the amount of people and cameras around that it had chased all thoughts of her out of my head. Another decision I would end up regretting till the end of time. As we played "Love is Broken" I stared at the empty seat. I had heard Mrs. P's freak out before she went on and I was just as worried as she was. At one point I Felt my stomach drop and I looked at her and saw her face. She felt the same thing I did. Fi was in trouble. I prayed desperately that Jack had gotten to her in time. *That was the second time I thought I lost her*

By the time we reached Colorado I had had enough. I was done being kept out, I was done being terrified and not being able to do anything about it, I was done giving her everything I had and getting nothing in return. The first day Annie showed up, things blew up. That night after dinner the girls went up stairs and Jack, Clu, and I decided to watch a movie. Once the movie was over I looked over and noticed the other two had passed out. I got up and turned off the TV and started cleaning up and then I noticed a figure moving in the darkness. I saw her hair swish as she slipped out the front door, I immediately put down the bowls I had been gathering and followed her. I grabbed my hoodie as I slipped out behind her. She was staring out at the woods with her arms wrapped around herself. I crept up behind her and place my hoodie over her shoulders.

"It's really to cold to be out here in your pj's." She glanced up at me, and then down at her shorts and tank top. She pulled the hoodie closer around her and took a deep breath.

"It smells like you." She said under her breath. I smiled despite myself.

"I knew you would corner me eventually, I am honestly just surprised it took this long."

"Yea well, you didn't think after New York I was just going to let you not tell me what happened?" I leaned against the railing and stared her down.

"I saw my dad." That was all she said, without even looking up at me. I literally couldn't move I just stared for a moment.

"You saw him?"

"And talked to him. He told me that the spirit world is angry with me, just like they were angry with him. Because I am meddling." She still hadn't broken her staring contest with the trees.

"Fi, what the hell happened on that roof top/?" She looked up at me now and tears rimmed her eyes but there was a smile on her face.

"Me and my aunt went to look for my dad. The automatic writing she was doing led us there. I am still not sure if it was really him or not, I didn't get to ask." She stepped away from the railing and turned to sit in one of the deck chairs, tucking her knees up to her chest as she did.

"When we got there I got locked out on the roof, and there was this horrifying spirit, it had three blank faces. It chased me, knocked me off the roof." Somehow, despite the fear I was feeling coursing through my veins, she was still smiling.

"He saved me, he made him self solid just long enough to grab my arm and pull me back on to the roof. Carey I was so terrified, I thought I was going to die, but he was there." Tears were falling down her face steadily but the smile had not faded.

"He told me there are things on his side who are angry and jealous of the living. That is why he was taken from us. And they wanted to do the same to me."

"Fi, oh my god. I am so sorry." I had no idea what to do at that point.

"It's ok, I got to see him, and I got the message he had been trying to give me which was what I wanted. Everything is going to be ok, but I think this might be the end of me diving into the supernatural." This took me by surprise.

"Wait you are just going to give up?" And then there it was her famous move lately…evasion. She stood up and headed toward the door, slipping my hoodie off her shoulders.

"I'm gonna' hit the hay, sorry I didn't tell you all of this sooner. I am still trying to sort it all out." She passed me my hoodie and left me standing there staring at the door.

The next day things only got worse. After a typically strange afternoon, Fi broke the news to the family that she would be leaving the tour to go live with her aunt in Seattle. To say I was angry was an understatement. That night I saw her sneaking out of the house again after conning my way into staying over in hopes the opportunity would present itself again.

"Fi!" I yelled as I stepped out onto the porch to see her heading toward the woods down the path.

"Carey we don't need to keep doing this." She kept walking not looking back.

"Fi, stop I need to talk to you." She turned on me.

"What Carey?! I am done! I am done with touring; I am done with the paranormal. I have to protect my family. I have to protect you. This is what I have to do, can't you just leave it?" She was yelling and I was taken aback but I was not about to let this drop.

"No I can't because the Fiona I know would not give up on helping people, on what her fathers mission was before he died. And we both know that is what it is. He was out there helping people, the same way you do. You can't let that go!" I yelled back and she was clearly set off balance by it.

"I had to give up the power Carey, it's the only way to keep all of you safe, and yes it hurts, and yes I feel like I have lost my purpose but there are more important things. I love you! I cant loose you!" She stopped suddenly. "All of you, I mean our families." She turned pink in the setting sunlight and turned on the spot heading into back toward the forest. I grabbed her by her arm and pulled her close and kissed her hard on the lips. She kissed back but then pulled away.

"I love you too. And I will still follow you anywhere." I whispered as she slipped away.

"I can't Carey. I am sorry." And she ran. Into the woods and out of my life. I got in my car and headed for home, I never looked back. I avoided the Phillips house until she was gone and didn't see her again till Thanksgiving. It was the most awkward holiday I had ever had the pleasure of partaking in and then she was gone for another year and half. *That was our first kiss, and the first time I really lost her*