Disclaimer: I do not own the Scott Pilgrim series or any of the characters mentioned in this story. All original characters and lines belong to Bryan Lee O'Malley and other respectable parties. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and not to be sold anywhere.

This is a work of fiction, any similarity or likeness to any events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

A/N: I can already hear it…"V4tM! This isn't an update to The Final Farewell! Update it please! PLEASE!" Well! I wanted to finish up this arc before I decide to finish up The Final Farewell. So…here is the conclusion to Party Crashers! After this, I promise to finish The Final Farewell so that's what is coming up in the next few weeks. Also, THERE IS A POLL ON MY PROFILE! The reason this is in bold/caps is because I'm sure you guys have read both of my M-rated stories. I actually want to write another chapter for one of those stories, but I'm interested in which one you want to see get that second chapter. Review below or vote on my profile!

Voice4TheMute Presents…

"Welcome to our clubroom, ladies. How can the Joel Bruisers serve you?" Austin said to us as the room slowly got brighter, revealing Edward and Andrew off to the side messing with the lighting controls in the room. Lauren, Kim, and I slowly approached Austin while keeping each other close by. Being a girl in this room feels no bueno…hell, I'm sure no girl has ever entered this room. As we got closer, you could see the smug look Austin had on his face as his two friends joined his side, having their arms crossed across their bodies.

"We request your assistance, Bruisers." Kim started.

"Denied. Now get out." Both Lauren and I were surprised by how fast that answer came. However, it would seem that Kim expected that response as she didn't display any kind of reaction to the denial.

"It regards the party that Alice Thomas is throwing this weekend." Kim continued.

"We're not hired body guards, girlie. Now get out." Edward said.

"Denied again. We could care less about Alice's party. We don't need to risk something that has a chance for us to get expelled. Underage drinking and smoking? In the Dean's house? She will have cameras you know. Visual proof if we show up and 'commandeer' her alcohol." Austin said to us. This was a lost cause. They didn't want to help and I personally thought we were wasting our lunch time. But Kim held her position.

"I can grant you safe passage."

Everyone in the room was surprised by this statement.

Kim? Helping out the Bruisers? Is she THAT desperate for their help?

"What did you say?"

"Did I stutter? I said I can grant you safe passage. Guaranteed protection that there will be no visible proof that you were there, other than the whisper of students and rumors. If the time arises where it is questioned where you guys were…" Kim took a deep breath. "…I will vouch on your behalf." That was another bombshell of a statement, but Austin was smiling at the idea.

"Well well, Red. Could it be that little miss perfect has fallen to the dark side? Is this Pilgrim's doing? If so…I'm very impressed. Too bad you decided to hook up with him. We could have made beautiful music together."

Yeah…that's not creepy at all…

"Heard the dark side had cookies. So do we have a deal?" Kim asked, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently. I've never seen Kim like this. Yes, I've seen her work hard on her studies…and lecture Scott and me about how lazy we are, but I've never seen Kim be so persistent and pushy. Was this all because of Scott? Has he really influence Kim this much in the week of them dating?

"Deal. You grant us safe passage and we'll protect you." Austin said to us. I couldn't believe it. The Bruisers were helping US out?

"I didn't say we need bodyguards." Kim said, getting the attention of the trio again. "Your job is simple. All you need to do is distract the bouncers in the front of the house."

"That's it?"

"Once Lisa and I get through the front door, your job is officially over. From there, I could care less what you do. Crash the party with us, consume all the food and alcohol, urinate on the walls…I don't care. But I can guarantee that you'll get away with it." Kim said, in a very serious tone. This only made the Bruisers smile even wider. However, this made my impression on Kim go down.

Kim…have you always been this manipulative?

"Now that's an offer we can't refuse! Even though we hate your boyfriend, you can hang with us anytime, Red. But if you betray us…"

"You have my word Bruisers."

"Well then, boys. Looks like we have a job. We're going to help these ladies out and party like rock star!" Austin cheered as the rest of them high-fived each other in excitement. Kim started to head towards the door and Lauren and I followed right behind her. Here I thought Kim was a silent, innocent, play-by-the-rules kind of girl…but what I just saw…this completely changed my impression on her.

"Hey, RED!" We all turned around to see Austin standing up and starting, rather intently, at Kim.

"Yes, Austin?"

"If one of the bouncers happens to be Clark…"

"…do what you have to do." She said, in a rather dark tone, as we left the room. I manage to catch a glimpse of Austin's face before we left the room. He was smirking…almost impressed on what Kim just said. As we got out of the classroom, the lunch bell rang over our heads. "Damn, out of time. I still need to think things over. Ok, meet us at lunch again tomorrow, Lauren. I'll have everything ready." She said as Kim headed off to class. Lauren and I walked together since we both had class together this period.

"Hey Lauren?"

"Yeah Lisa?"

"Has Kim always been like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like this sinister, cunning, very sly girl. I mean, I feel that the Kim Pine I saw in there was completely different than what I know." I said to her as we rounded the corner.

"Hmm…sorta. She's very crafty and will exploit a loophole if she finds one. I mean, this semester she found a way to make a four-day-a-week class turn into a two-day-a-week class. But I must say…she really must be worried about Scott if she enlisted the Bruisers AND found a loophole for them to stay safe. She's really thinking seriously about this. Maybe something awaken the dark side of Kim. Like a 'shadow' version of her. Kinda exciting, if not very scary." Lauren said, almost too happy to see this side of her best friend.

"Shadow Kim? Come on Lauren. Get real."

"Yeah, that seems too cartoonish. But still, I am worried about her and this new scheming thing has going on." Lauren said as we made it to the classroom.

"Why?"

"I just hope she doesn't use this opportunity to enact revenge." She said as she walked into the classroom.

R-Revenge?

Life at St. Joel's 032b: Party Crashers

"Ok everyone. Gather around"

"Wait…what about Scott? Shouldn't he be here with us? At least know the plan?"

"It's best if he doesn't know, Lisa. He might make things harder on us."

"But what if he comes over to us right now while we are planning? I mean…the Bruisers are here as well."

"I wouldn't worry about that. Austin, Edwards and I took care of him before coming here. He'll find himself in a locked janitor's locker if he comes to before lunch ends. We have the combination so it's all good."

"That's not what I'm worried about!"

"Lisa, please. Bruisers, can you NOT kill my boyfriend?"

"Fine…"

"Thank you. Now down to business. We'll rendezvous two hours after the initial time set by Alice. We'll be super fashionably late to this party. Lauren, I want you to get there on time and text me who is working the front door."

"Got it."

"Also, if you can, find Michelle and Britney and make sure their drinks are topped off at all times. Take shots with them if you have to. But please watch your own limit."

"You got it."

"Wait…why do we want to push drinks to Britney and Michelle?"

"Because, Edward, it will be less opposition for us. Alice trust heir word. If we can incapacitate them on their own, then that's two less scouts."

"That's right Austin. Britney and Michelle pose major threats. Alice will trust their slurred speech any day so we have to get them to pass out. If she finds them, she'll assume it's just the alcohol and move on…but anyways, on to what I want you three to do…

Kim and I did our best to keep hidden in the bushes as Austin, Edward, and Andrew got up, all ready to fight. Kim reached into her bag and took out her cell phone. Whipping it open, she read again the names of the bouncers at the door. "David Richards and Clark Esteed…"

"Your last chance, Red. We won't-"

"We need to get in, Austin. Do what you must."

Ok. Let's go Bruisers. I will personally take care of Clark." Austin said as they crossed the street, heading to the house. The black-haired and blonde-haired guy instantly stopped the Bruisers with their extended arms, but with three well placed punches, they were down for the count.

Bruisers…I just want you to knock out the bouncers. If more show up, go ahead and take them out as well…

"Here you are my ladies." Edward said as he opened the front door for me and Kim. The music was loud, the house was reasonably dark, and the smell of perfume, cologne, and alcohol filled the air. I was the first one in followed by Kim.

"Thank you Bruisers. You're officially dismissed. And don't worry. You're well protected."

"We'll be in there later. You two owe us one shot each." He said as Edward closed the door behind us.

"Protip: don't drink anything those clowns give you." Kim said as we look at the horde of people inside the house.

"Wasn't planning to…"

"Ok, we know what to do." Kim said as she looked over at me. "Don't get caught, ok?" She said as I nodded in agreement.

"Same to you." I said as we went our separate ways.

"Lisa, once we're in, I want you to find Lauren. Lauren, when you find Lisa, tell her everything that happen so far. Scott's location, Alice's location, et cetera. I have my own thing I need to take care of."

I did my best to skillfully dodge my slightly drunken classmates but every now and then I got pushed into, elbowed, and even tripped over people. "Damn these are a lot of drunk almost adults…" I said to myself as I headed towards the living room, the heart of where the music was coming from. It was also the part of the house were we agreed to find each other.

"Lisa! There you are!" Lauren said as she hugged me with her free arm. Her other arm was keeping her drink steady.

"Oh, hey Lauren. Oh…you're friendly. SO what's going on? Inform me." I said to her, wanting to be debriefed. But Lauren just smiled at me, taking another sip of her drink.

"You should totally lighten up!" Lauren screamed over the music. "The plan is two hours long. No need to catch you up on the current events just yet. Do you want some? It's jungle juice. Fruit punch basically. Can't taste a thing." She said as she handed me her red Solo cup. In it was a very dark red liquid in it.

"What's in it?" I asked her as she shrugged. "Well…when in Rome. Bottom's up." I said as I took a small sip. It was sweet. Almost too sweet. I lowered the cup and looked at Lauren. I brought the cup back to my lips and drank some more. It was still sweet, with a hint of…something. I found myself taking one more big sip before realizing that I manage to kill the entire cup in three swigs. Lauren looked at me, impressed.

"Whoa Lisa…you can drink. Want me to get you another one?" She said, not waiting for my response and walking off.

"Lauren, wait! I- whoa…" I said, walking forwards fast to catch her but finding that my legs didn't move as fast as my brain wanted them to go. Something was happening. I felt more relaxed. My body was getting a little bit warmer, and it wasn't because of all the people around me. The music started to feel good…and my body wanted to dance.

Is this the effect of alcohol? I thought to myself, looking at my hands and slowly opening and closing them. I felt my cheeks next. They were slightly warm.

"You ok, Lisa? Don't tell me you're already drunk." Lauren asked as she handed me another red Solo cup. "Don't drink it all in one go like you did with that last one. Nurse it. Take sips. Also, make sure it's never empty. An empty cup means people will invite you to shots and let me tell you…that alcohol is nowhere sweet as this." She said we toasted and took a small swig.

"Thanks…" I muttered, looking around. "So this is the effects of alcohol huh? Feels weird…"

"But it's sooo relaxing and eases your body. It's why people run into things or become unaware of things." She said, taking another sip. I copied her so I don't feel out of place. "Plus with this, you'll act like a real party-goer: drink in hand and slightly happy. No one will bother you as you go find Scott."

"Speaking of which…have you seen him?" I asked, leaning up against a wall to ease the burden of standing. Standing suddenly started to feel like an exercise.

"Mmm…not recently." Lauren said, joining right next to me on the wall. "We came here together…had a shot. Alice showed up with Michelle and Britney. Had another shot. At some point, Scott left but I kept Britney and Michelle near the drinks. It was my job afterall…"

"Oh God…how much have you had to drink?"

"…maybe six? Seven?" I instantly took Lauren's cup away from her.

"You're done."

"Wah! No fun!"

"Drink some water or something. I'm going to find Scott and see where those two lackeys are." I said, pouring whatever was left of her cup in mine. I got off the wall and begin to navigate through the people once more.

Dammit. I shouldn't have filled my cup with Lauren's. It's too fully. Gotta drink it down some more…

With that, I took a deep breath and took one good swig, taking care of one-third of the entire cup. There was no lag between drink and effect this time. As soon as I exhaled, my entire body felt loose. My eyelids drooped and the burning under my skin and stomach were more apparent. But I felt at ease. Happy, even. So this is what it's like to feel tipsy…maybe even drunk.

Get it together Lisa! We gotta finish this first! For Kim and Scott!

…urg. Who cares about Kim and Scott?

Wha…?

Why am I even going this? What will this do for me? Kim and Scott will grow closer and closer while I continue to watch from the sidelines. They'll move on eventually…they'll leave poor Lisa Miller behind and get married or something…dammit Scott. Why didn't you pay more attention to me? I could easily do what Kim does for you, maybe even better. Why her? Why not me?

The conflict in my head was getting overwhelming. I found an empty seat to sit and tried my best to keep my head on straight.

I…I didn't mean that. I know I didn't mean that. It's the alcohol…it has to be. I would never try to break them up or anything. Keep it together, Lisa. I need to find Scott and…

"Come here Scott, I think we can talk in here." A feminine voice said as I barely heard it coming from the staircase.

That's Alice's voice! She's with Scott! I got up and carefully walked up the staircase just in time to see Scott and a tarted-up Alice enter a room. My eyes widen as I quickly stepped into a group of friends, doing my best to blend in with the crowd. I don't think the group mind that I suddenly entered their circle…they just looked at me and continued their discussion of comic-to-movie adaptations.

Crap! I failed. She has Scott now. I can only pray that he…what? I thought as the door that Scott and Alice retreated into opened again, revealing Alice and her ridiculously low cut outfit. I quickly looked toward the center of the circle, facing my back towards her. Alice was heading towards the stairs, briefly passing me for a second. At first, I was relived, but then she stopped and backed up, looking specifically at the group of friends I was with.

Crap! Crap! Crap! If it wasn't for the fact that I had my back against her, she would have easily identified me by face. I felt Alice's presence nearby as it felt like she was directly behind me. Bullets of sweat was now forming on my brow as I suddenly felt a hand o my shoulder.

OH SHI-

"Hey guys! Hope you're having fun! There's more alcohol downstairs. Drink up!" She said over my ear, towards the people I was hiding with. I felt her gaze fall o me all of a sudden. I couldn't make eye contact with her. I couldn't talk to her. I had to be perfectly still. There was a moment of silence…

…then…

"You need to ease up! You're so tense!" She said, laughing and moving away from the group. I saw her disappear off the corner of my eye and I let out one of the biggest sighs of relief.

That…that was too close. I think I just shorten my life by ten years. I thought to myself as I quickly moved out of the group and entered the room I saw Alice leave. What I was expecting to be a bedroom, turned out to be a study room. Walls covered with shelves of books. Off to the side was Scott Pilgrim, sitting in a very comfortable looking chair, sipping on his drink.

"L-Lisa? What are you doing here? I thought you weren't invited."

"The world works in weird ways. Now come on. We need to get you out of here!" I said to him as I took his hand and tried to pull him up on his feet. Then I remembered…I'm really weak.

"Wait, why? I'm having fun. And I'm learning a lot about Alice, just like Kim wanted."

"The plan changed. I need you to get up and go to the living room now. You know…the room with the DJ." I said, continually pulling at his farm to move. I wasn't sure how much time I had, but I need Scott to leave the room before she got back. If she only sees me, then it's ok. But if she sees both of us, then it's ruined.

"What do you mean the plan changed?" Scott asked.

Dammit Scott! What is this? Twenty questions? I need you to move! Kim's relying on you to…that's it!

"Scott! Kim's here!"

"What? She is? Why?"

"Who cares, right? She's here and she's alone and she wants to see you! She's…uh…in the living room! She'll tell you what's going on." I lied to him, but he instantly got up and nodded.

"A-Alright. I'm going to go see her. Thanks Lisa!" he said as he bolted out. It pained my soul to lie to him like that, but it had to be done. I quickly took Scott's seat and started moving my hair around, making sure my bangs were slightly in my face.

"Um…Lisa?" I saw Scott's head pop from the other side of the doorframe.

"Y-yes?"

"…why are you wearing the exact same clothes as me?" And why is your hair brown?"

"J-just nevermind! Get out of here! Kim's waiting!" I said to him as Scott's head disappeared from the doorframe. I sighed as I continued to fix my hair and position myself in the seat, based on how Scott was sitting when I saw him.

"Lisa, you're part in this plan is huge. Since I'll be taking care of other things in the house, I need you to find Scott…"

"Sorry I made you wait, Scott. I got the drinks I promised!" Alice said as she entered the room and walked towards me. I kept my head down…

I couldn't allow her to see my eyes.

"…and act as Scott's double."

"Thanks." I said, trying my best to mimic Scott's voice. I was practicing all last night. For a good hour, I was able to do simple, three word sentences. But anything farther than that and my voice breaks.

"Wait, why me?"

"You're the most qualified, Lisa. Upcoming actress and all. Think of this as practice for acting. All I need you to do is get Scott out, fish for information, and buy me some time."

"You wouldn't believe it. Both Britney and Michelle already passed out. Had to get people to help me carry them to my room. Kinda sad…this party was just getting better." Alice said, sitting next to me.

Man, this is some hardcore espionage. It's a good thing they lings in here are dim…I can barely see her own face. There is no way she'll recognize me.

"Um…yeah." I responded back. I need to think of some better responses.

"So Scott. How are things with Kim?" She asked, leaning towards me as she asked the question. I backed away slightly, still not wanting to make eye contact.

"They're…good." I said, again, keeping it below three word responses.

"That's good. I thought she would stay a silent, angry girl for the rest of high school. Did she say anything about me and her?" Alice asked. My heart raced.

This is it! I can finally get information about those two…!

"No." I started, taking a moment to adjust my voice. "What happened?"

"Oh…it's nothing exciting really. Besides, you two are dating. I don't want to ruin your image of her."

"Tell me." I said again. "I want to…know." Alice raised an eyebrow at me, maybe detecting my struggle with that sentence. But she took one more swig from her drink before putting it on the ground.

"Well…just don't go around telling people this, ok? Kim and I…we were once good friends. The best, even. We were freshman and in the same homeroom. Back then, the homeroom desks were arranged in fours so four people per table. It was me, Kim, Lauren, and Clark Esteed. Within the weeks we were force to see each other, we slowly became friends with each other. A close knit group. But I found myself being able to relate to Kim, oppose to Lauren and Clark. She was like me in a way. She wanted to be known…wanted friends…become noticed. But we took two different approaches. I took the more 'social' path to popularity while Kim took the 'academic' route. We were popular in our own way. Freshman would go see her for homework help while others come to me to hang out and chat. Naturally, my popularity grew higher and faster than Kim's…not to mention that my dad was the dean of students and the principal. If anything, everyone was ass-kissing me because of my dad while Kim was getting friends from her natural abilities. I was jealous of her. She was far less people talking to her everyday while I had hordes of people talking to me…but they liked her for her. The people that talk to me wanted to be my friend because of my connections to the higher ups. But that wasn't the worse part of it…"

"What happened?" I asked, not disguising my voice. I forgot to. But she didn't seem to notice. She seems to be wrapped up in her own world.

"Clark Esteed. Currently St. Joel's star quarterback. Kim's first crush. My first crush…" Alice said, bringing her face to her hands. "…my first boyfriend."

Oh no…it was about a guy. No wonder Kim's so freaked out about Alice inviting Scott and not her. She's scared that Alice will steal him away from her like she did before…

"Despite our growing popularity differences, we still hung out together and joked around. At some point, we both came to realize that we both developed a crush on our mutual friend, Clark. Lauren, at the time, was interested in something other than boys. But between us, we had a passive-aggressive love triangle within the group. As the weeks went by…we started competing for Clark's heart. I would use my connection to get whatever he wanted while Kim used her brain to help out the jock-brained boy. It all came down to a point that will break our little group up…they day Clark confessed to me."

"He chose you?" I asked.

"Yeah. He chose me. And since then, Kim grew apart from our group. Lauren did her best to keep in touch with both groups but she'll eventually go off and join Kim's camp. But I don't blame her. Kim needs friends. Lauren still does her best to be a bridge between us but…it's not helping any.

"I don't understand. Why?" I asked. According to Alice's story, it would look like she was the victim here. Kim is just holding a drudge because she wasn't chosen. Is Kim being petty? Is this just another side of Kim that she doesn't want people to see?

"Even though we've grown apart, I still consider her one of my close friends. I invited her to all these parties just so I can talk to her, you know, as slightly drunk equals. But she would walk away from me whenever I get close. She really hates me. That's why I need you, Scott."

"M-Me? Why?"

"I need you to talk to Kim for me. Why do you think I invited you and not her? I needed to get you alone without her influence. She would never allow me to get close to you in a scenario like this. And since you two are dating, you can throw in a good word for me. I need you to be my new bridge between her and me. I don't want her to hate me anymore. Despite what happened in the past, I want to be her friend again." Alice said to me. Off of the corner of my eye, I could see her eyes getting watery. Tears were about to come down.

I…I don't know what to believe in anymore. Alice has been painted as a bitch that has the entire school eating out of the palm of her hand but here she is: a scared, alone, young girl who just wants her best friend back.

"I'll help you…" I said to her, unsure if I was talking on Scott's behalf or my own. What she did next was unexpected…and VERY BAD in my current position.

She hugged me…

…and buried her head in my chest.

"Thank you Scott. Ever since Clark chose me over Kim, I've been trying to find a way to make amends and…um…" Alice stopped as I felt my face turn red as she moved her head left and right against my chest. I could look like Scott, act like Scott, even sound like Scott…

…but there was no hiding human anatomy.

Oh CRAP!

"This…is some chest you have here Sco-" Alice said as she looked up at my face.

We made eye contact.

Scott and I have different colored eyes.

…damn you genetics!

"LISA MILLER!" Alice screamed, getting out of her seat immediately.

"N-N-Ni Hao!" I greeted in Chinese, but that didn't pacify her…not that Chinese was proven to pacify her to begin with.

"How did you get in! I told those guys to keep uninvited guest out! Miller, you're such a dead little-" Alice yelled at me, her arms extended with the intention of strangling me. I balled up, hoping it would protect me from the onslaught that Alice was about to inflict on me.

"'Ever since Clark chose me over Kim, I've been trying to find a way to make amends.' Nice one Alice. Nice to see you haven't lost your touch." We both turned around to see Kim standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and staring right as us.

"Kim! How did you get in? How long have you been standing there?" Alice demanded as Kim strolled in, closing the door behind her. She had a piece of paper in her hand, but it was folded in a way so it's impossible to read its contents without unfolding it.

"Just got here myself. Heard you yell Lisa's name so I figured her clover got blown." Kim said as she looked at me. I mouthed out 'sorry' as she nodded back in forgiveness. "Trying to get Scott isolated in a private room so you can talk to him about past us, huh Alice?"

"That's none of your business." Alice snapped. "And he was never yours to begin with."

"I beg to differ. I believe he hung out with me to begin with. Then you had to do you little tricks to get him to notice you. The letter, I believe. You use that letter of yours to get him alone." Kim said.

This is it. They're talking about Scott. This is the confrontation that Kim wanted all this time. What is Scott to Alice? Does she like him or was she really just using him to act as an ambassador?

"I believe the saying goes 'all's far in love and war'."

"He liked me! They only reason he looked at you was because you manipulated his feelings." Kim yelled at her.

"I did nothing to him that made him change his feelings. I didn't bribe him or anything!" Alice yelled back.

"That's a lie! She gave me a drink." I said out loud. Both Kim and Alice looked at me for a moment before looking back at each other.

"I confined in you, Alice. We were after the same guy but I still confined in you because you were my best friend. And what did you do…?" Kim trailed as my eyes widen.

No…I was wrong. They're not talking about Scott. They're talking about…!

"…you used that information to get Clark to date you. You told him all about my insecurities and fears and convinced him that he would be wasting his time with a 'scared' little girl. You manipulated his feelings to your advantage and used my insecurities to get what you wanted. Good show, Alice."

"Kim, wait."

"I'm leaving Alice. Have a great party." Kim said, walking out of the room. It was then I understood the rift that was created between the two. I understood why Kim hated Alice and why Alice hated Kim: it was because of popularity and boys. Out of it all, though, I found myself sympathizing with Alice. Her story may be bias, but I can understand what she wanted: a bridge to finally close the rift between them. But there was still doubt in my mind. Was she serious about making amends with her Or did she want sympathy form Scott?"

"Leave Lisa. Leave or I swear to God I'll kill you."

She didn't have to tell me twice. I quietly got up and headed to the door.

"You know…you can still make amends with her." I said, holding onto the doorframe. Alice didn't respond. Her head was hung low and her long blonde hair was covering her face. "…and I still mean it when I said I'll help you out."

"Just leave…" I nodded as I left the room. There, among the crowds of people, was Kim.

"So no you know the truth. The question is…who do you believe?" Kim asked as we headed downstairs.

"I-I don't know. I mean, if she wanted to make it up to you, wouldn't she have done it by now?" I asked her we found Lauren resting on a chair. Kim motioned her to follow as we walked towards the kitchen.

It takes two people to accept a gift. I never accepted anything Alice tried to give me for an apology." Kim said. "Do you believe my story?"

"I…I don't know." I admitted. Whether it was the alcohol or not, it was hard to trust which story was correct. We found Scott happily chewing on carrot sticks and he joined out little pack.

"Well, believe what you want. I don't care."

"You…you don't?"

"I have Scott now. And with him, there stupid things seems…petty now." Kim said a Scott wrapped an arm around her. Scott had no idea what we were talking about, and neither did Lauren, but I don't think they cared. They were too drunk to care.

"So does that mean you forgive Alice?" I asked, hopeful.

"Hmm…no. I'll never forget her betrayal. Even if it's stupid, I'm going to be petty about it."

"That's mature…" I joked as Kim elbowed me.

"Like I'm really that mature to begin with." Kim said to me. "Let's go home. My tolerance for loud music and drunken people has hit its limit."

"Agreed."

"Have you guys tried that red drink? That stuff is awesome!"

"Shut up Scott…"

"Arg! I can't believe I lost it!" Kim yelled as we were walking down the halls of St. Joel's Monday afternoon, a minute after school ended. Kim was violently ruffling her hair in frustration as I walked next to her, hoping no one will associate me with the current psychotic mess that is Kim Pine.

"F-Forgot what?"

"The permission slip! The permission slip! The whole reason I wanted to crash that party!" Kim yelled again. I was thoroughly confused.

"Wait. Back up. I thought you wanted to crash that party because of Alice's intentioned for Scott. Are you telling me there were ulterior motives?" I asked her as she scratched her head.

"I may or may not have had a different plan…"

"Kim!"

"But it was for the band!"

"The band?" I asked.

"Yeah. When you mentioned that Scott went to see if he could rent the drum set, I knew he was destined to fail. He needed the stamp of approval from Dean Thomas. Like hell he'll get that. So I took the initiative. I got the form last week, filled it out, and even got my drum coach to sign it. The only thing missing was Dean Thomas. Now… he probably won't sign it…even for me. But then I got the idea of sneaking into his personal quarters while the party was going on and 'commandeer' is stamp.

"That's…evil. Sinister even. Who are you?" I said, backing away. My words were playful, but it would seem to have struck a chord with her.

"I…I don't know sometimes…" Kim said as I wrapped an arm around her for comfort.

"It's alright. It's the thought of the band that counts." I said to her, but she was still in deep thought. As we headed towards the Nothing Club (Scott BEGGED us to show up today), we saw the Bruisers hanging out in the hallway, making a human barricade in front of us. We stopped in front of them and they just stared at us. After a minute, they step aside and allowed us through.

"Oh yeah…that reminds me." I said. "How did you guarantee safety for the Bruisers? Sabotage the cameras? Call in dirty deeds? Drug the party-goers?" I listed, trying to see if I can come up with Kim's master plan. She shook her head, however, and gave me a simple answer.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Yup. Nothing. You see…Alice doesn't have many 'exciting' friends. When I went to these parties, it fell like a drag because no one went crazy or got in trouble or anything. Getting the Bruisers in there will not only guarantee our entrance inside but give life to an otherwise dull party. And I know the students wouldn't rat them out. Why rat out the life of the party? The only ones that would do that is Michelle and Britney but Lauren would take care of them. The truth is, she can drink anyone under the table. She's one crazy girl…"

"But what will stop Alice?"

"Alice? You mean the hostess that's holing illegal drinking parties at her house? The one person that has to clean up the mess afterwards, no matter how trashed her place gets? What is she going to do, call the cops? Alice can't do anything. So I did nothing in terms of the Bruisers' security. Funny how things work out in the end, huh?"

"Sounds like dumb luck, if anything. But it's still sad we couldn't get the drums. That would have been awesome."

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Kim quoted as we got near the clubroom. Then we heard something. Something along the lines of someone smashing a gong or…a cymbal. Both Kim and I looked at each other as we both ran to the clubroom where the noise was coming from. We opened the door to see Scott Pilgrim drumming away at the school's drum set.

"Check it out guys! Check this beat out!" Scott yelled as he hit random drums and cymbals.

"Scott! How did you…" Kim started as she took off her backpack and walked to the drum set. I was going to join them when I noticed a while piece of paper o the desk nearby. I picked it up and read it over, my eyes widening as I read into the details.

It's the approval form! But something's off. Kim said she made the form last week. This form was dated today. All the signatures look fresh, including the stamp from Dean Thomas. The person who'll be responsible for its care is Kim Pine…it will be housed in the Nothing Club when the band is not practicing…Mr. Monroe is the Professor who will monitor its use…but who created the actual…?

Then I read the name of the petitioning student.

Alice Thomas

I lowered the form to see Kim now talking a seat and giving Scott drumming lessons.

Maybe this is Alice's way to make amends. Not like Kim can refuse this.

"Come on guys, let's practice!" I said as I placed the form down on the table as I saw Scott's eyes light up.

"Totally! Let's do it!" Scott said, looking at Kim. "Kim?"

"Well…I do have my rums. So let's do it."

"Alright! We'll have our first practice right now! Sonic and Knuckles has official been formed!" I said as I stood on the right side of the drums and Scott stood on the opposite side."Live! From the Nothing Club! We are Sonic and Knuckles! One! Two! One, two, three, FOUR!"

And then…

…silence…

"…you idiots don't even have your instruments here!" Kim yelled at us as Scott and I sighed with depression.

Well…there's always tomorrow…

I'm glad I'm dating Kim. And I'm happy that she likes me for who I am…

…but…

…why does Alice's words ring loudly in my heed?

"What's your circumstance, Scott?"

"My what?"

"You know, your circumstance, your condition, your reason to date Kim Pine? What was it that made you realize you wanted her to be yours?"

"I…I don't know. Never really thought about it."

My circumstance in dating Kim Pine…

To Be Continued…

Next: Life at St Joel's 033: His circumstance!