Marshall Teller recognized the solitary figure sitting on the bench across from the town pond. The water was frozen solid and workmen were preparing the final touches for the annual opening of the municipal skating rink.

Mars rode carefully on the icy sidewalk and stopped in front of the bench, its lone occupant didn't seem to notice he was there. The lanky teen jumped off his bike, extended the kickstand and waited for it to fall over. It didn't. That was always a lucky omen. Mars wiped the snow off the bench and took a seat next to Dash X.

Without even glancing in Marshall's direction, Dash spoke. "Teller, what's all the commotion? Is there going to be some sort of ritual over there? Maybe a goat sacrifice?" Dash's gaze remained focused on the workmen. Mars thought he seemed a little down and distant.

"No goats, man, just delicious hot chocolate and cookies! The opening of the municipal skating rink is tonight. In fact, I'm glad I found you, everyone wants you to come." Mars waited for a reaction, there was none. "I guess that sort of thing doesn't interest a sophisticated bigshot and tough guy like you, huh?" Marshall tried his best to sound sarcastic but ended up just sounding snotty.

Dash glanced over at Mars. "That's not much of an invitation, calling me names and all. Who's this everyone who wants me to come to this shindig?"

Mars rolled his eyes. "Well, um, there's my mom and dad, Simon, Syndi, the usual suspects. My parents are always asking about you, you know. They worry about stray puppies, homeless kittens, and lost boys with no souls." Mars laughed. Dash looked hurt for a second and then exploded. "I have a soul, goddamnit!" He kicked the snow with his right foot and started to get up.

Marshall apologized immediately. "Jeez, man, take it easy, it was just a joke. I know you have a soul. Don't go, ok?" Dash looked appeased and sat back down. Mars continued, "Anyways Syndi thinks you're hot stuff, don't ask me why, and Simon is convinced you're some kind of space zombie, he's a big fan and they both really want you to come tonight."

Dash looked a little sad. "What about you?"

Marshall was confused. "What about me, what?"

"I mean that's all very nice, those people want me to go, but you never said you wanted me to go to this soirée." Dash turned his gaze back at the activity across the street. He was in a strange mood today.

Marshall was annoyed. "Of course I want you to go! I'm the one telling you about this! God, Dash! You can be so um, so um, frustrating at times!"

"Invite me properly or forget the whole deal." The grey haired boy gave Mars his snarkiest look, half frown and half snarl. Marshall sighed. He realized Dash wasn't quite himself and decided to cheer him up. He fell to his knees in front of his annoying friend and held up his hands in a pleading fashion.

"Please, Mr. Dash, sir. Would you please do me the honor of accompanying me to the big fancy par-tay this evening? Please, sir, would you?" When nothing happened after several seconds, Mars stood up and theatrically turned his back on Dash with his nose up in the air. The boy with the grey hair laughed out loud.

"Well, that's a proper invitation!" Dash grabbed Marshall by the seat of his pants and pulled him back down on the bench next to him. "I guess if it means so much to you, maybe I could come. I don't have any money, though."

"It's all free, man! Free skate rentals, free hot chocolate, free food, free everything!" Mars poked Dash's side. "C'mon, you'll have a great time!"

Dash smiled at the younger boy's enthusiasm, it was one of the things he loved about Marshall, his ability to get hyper-excited about dull, ordinary crap. He decided to have some fun with him.

Dash shrugged and threw his hands in the air. "I can't skate."

"I'll teach you!" Marshall countered.

Dash shrugged again. "I'm a klutz, I'll run over small children and kill them!"

"Their parents will get over it," Mars replied.

"The ice will melt and everyone will drown and they'll blame me! People always blame me!" Dash looked slightly embarrassed, like that last bit sort of slipped out accidently.

Marshall was losing his patience. "Look, Dash, that pond freezes solid as a rock every year on December 1st and remains frozen until March 13th. Nobody knows why, it's just an Eerie thing. It's not going to melt."

Dash was enjoying himself. "What if … "

"Will you please quit it?" Marshall balled up his fist and hit Dash on his thigh. "No more freakin' excuses! You will come to this thing tonight or I will personally kill you!"

Dash rubbed his leg. "Hey, that hurt!"

"Good!" Mars was upset; Dash could see it in his eyes.

"Oh I give up, what time?" Dash stood and playfully limped around for a few steps.

Marshall beamed. "6:00. I'll meet you right in front there, where they're putting up the big gate. Don't flake out on me, man. I really do want you to come and enjoy yourself for once, and don't be late!"

"Sure, 6:00 sharp, no latesies!" Dash watched as Marshall climbed on his bike.

"Teller!" Dash shouted just before Marshall rode off. The younger boy looked up.

"Thanks." Dash waved and turned away.

Puzzled, Mars rode past him, circled back and blocked his path. "Um, you're welcome?"

This is what Dash said inside his head:

"I know I'm a jerk and pretend I don't have any feelings and nothing scares me but I'm frightened and hurting and lonely all the freakin' time but you always make me feel better. Thanks for being my friend, Mars."

This is what Dash actually said out loud:

"Should I wear my ball gown or is this thing casual?" He erupted into laughter and patted Mars on the shoulder as he moved past him. "You're a riot, Teller. Everything's such a big deal to you. See you later."

"Not if I see you first!" Mars stuck his tongue out and rode away. Both boys were laughing as they moved away in opposite directions.