Disclaimer: I don't own Scooby Doo.
Shaggy swallowed another bite of the chocolate with difficulty. He thought that chocolate was supposed to help with sorrow, not just make him even sicker to his stomach. He tossed it aside just as Fred opened the door to the van and climbed into the open back area. The blond shut the door and let silence take hold for a moment.
"We all loved him; you know that, Shag," Fred said, watching Shaggy in concern as he picked at the chocolate wrapper idly.
"Yeah," Shaggy whispered, his voice holding the shattered pieces of his heart.
Silence settled back over the two friends when Fred didn't answer. Shaggy was too occupied with thoughts of Scooby Doo's death to allow room for much else, including conversation. Scoob had been his best friend and now he was just gone. He hadn't expected it; Scooby had just went to bed and never gotten up in the morning. Sure, the gang had known the loving dog was old, but to have him taken that suddenly was hitting them all hard…but Shaggy especially.
"The girls are working on tonight's dinner to honor Scooby," Fred said after a while.
"Yeah? He would have liked that," Shaggy murmured.
"I'm sorry." Fred rubbed his friend's back gently.
Shaggy just shrugged and sniffed. "He had a good long life; it was his time no matter how much I wish it otherwise."
Fred nodded and kissed his forehead. "I understand. I just hate seeing you like this."
Shaggy glanced up at him. "I'll be fine."
"You don't sound so sure."
Shaggy looked away from him. "I will be," he said, though doubt was still in his voice.
Fred touched his cheek and gently turned his head back so he would look at him. "I'll make sure of it," he whispered firmly and kissed him.