Welcome Home Daphne

As Daphne left her bedroom smiling ear to ear, practically skipping, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and started texting her girlfriend, Velma. Just this morning Velma had filled her in on the ever-growing romantic tension between the boys, two years added angst and she hadn’t even been able to get the whole story before going to play hairdresser with Shaggy. Daphne didn’t need a file of evidence to see what was happening right in front of her eyes though, it was clear there was love in the air and she was already routing for the couple. As expected Velma was reacting with the same over-the-top enthusiasm at Shaggys comment in the bathroom. 

Daphne couldn’t recall a time Shaggy had ever been this open with his romantic interests, and now he was practically gushing over Freddie. Replaying the conversation in her head again made her giddy, jumping down the stairs two at a time before dancing into the kitchen. 

The breakfast dishes were all cleaned, stacked neatly on shelves of their cherry wood cabinets. Carefully grabbing two large glasses, she raided the fridge for their favorite mimosas. While Daphne usually preferred hers more ‘traditional’ just OJ and champagne, Shaggy of course added his own flair. Equal parts pineapple and orange juice, a healthy dose of champagne, a splash of white wine, and…maraschino cherry juice ‘to flavor’. She could hardly believe her ears the first time Shaggy told her about his favorite alcoholic beverage, it wasn’t long before he was cheering her on as she tried her very own shag-mosa. It wasn’t half as bad as she’d expected, with the tiniest splash of cherry juice added. It perfectly cut the sour pineapple orange flavor. She would never admit it to anyone, but Daphne doesn’t prefer OJ only mimosas quite the same anymore. With the drinks finished, she made quick work of raiding the large pantry, filling a bag full of cookies, chips, and treats of all kinds. Carefully balancing the tray with drinks in her hands, while willing the bag of snacks to stay on her shoulder she tiptoed back up the stairs. Once she made it to the small marble-top table in the hallway she stopped to readjust, leaving the bag of snacks to make sure the drinks actually made it to the salon. As she approached her room she caught a whiff of a sweet yet skunky smell mingling with the aroma of her top-of-the-line hair products. In the bathroom perched atop the counter, the lanky man stared at the papers in his hand with such concentration that he hardly noticed Daphne walking in with the tray. She watched fascinated at the speed at which his slender hands rolled a perfect joint, running a lighter over the finished product to ‘bake’ it. When she returned with the bag of snacks Shaggy was admiring his haircut in the mirror, he turned to face her quickly with a blush spreading across his cheeks. “Oh, nice snacks I like have major munchies. Thanks, Daph.” he said as he dug through the bag, “No problem Shag, from the way you put it I figured we might be here awhile.” Daphne smirked as she said this, taking a sip from her mimosa to conceal it. Nervously Shaggy grabbed his own drink and took a considerably large gulp. 

Daphne sat in the plush lilac chair in front of her vanity, setting down her drink to give Shaggy her full attention. “ So you and Freddy huh?” she said teasingly causing a flush to spread across Shaggy’s cheeks. “ Well like not exactly, I mean not that I don’t want it to be it’s just…”  he trailed off then, taking another hit before passing the joint to Daphne not quite meeting her eyes as he did. “ I know I’m probably not his type like I’m no jock or genius. He’s like my best pal I just don’t want to mess that up ya know? Before you… came home, I had decided I could live with just being his best friend and never risking it, but seeing you and Velm together makes me wonder.” He finally looked up then, nervously watching Daphne as she took a draw letting the smoke drift from her mouth lazily. She tapped the end lightly on the ashtray before passing it again, Shaggy could see her mind moving quickly taking in what he said and thinking of the best way to respond, it made him nervous. “ I know I’ve been gone awhile but Shaggy please trust me when I say I’m nearly positive Freddy feels the same way. None of us especially Freddy see you as any less than us you know that don't you Shag? We wouldn’t be US without you.” she grabbed his hand as she said this squeezing lightly to emphasize the ‘us’. 

It was quiet for a moment as Shaggy let the words sink in, willing himself to believe them. He’d always been kind of insecure, discovering his trans-ness at a young age and navigating transition in public school hadn’t helped. He was lucky to have found the gang when he did, their unlikely foursome had been inseparable since being teamed up for dodgeball in gym one fateful afternoon. It was a few months after that on one of their first out-of-school hangouts Shaggy had felt the first spark, saw Freddy as maybe more than a friend. It was easier to ignore then, Freddy wasn’t out though he had suspicions, so he brushed it off telling himself there was no use in pining after a ‘straight’ guy. When Freddy came out to Shaggy, the first one he told that had to mean something, he couldn't help but wrap his long arms around Freddy’s broad shoulders pulling him into a bear hug. When he’d pulled back he could almost swear he saw something in Freddy’s eyes, something more than friendship maybe, something that made his deep blue eyes linger on Shaggy for just a beat too long. He could never forget the way Fred blushed when he realized he’d been looking too long, arms still around his waist mindlessly keeping him close. Shaggy blushed at the memory and shook his head as if to clear it away. 

“ Shag? Are you being gay or was this joint laced??” Daphne's voice snapped him back to reality, laughing loudly at her question. “ Like sorry Daph just lost in thought don’t worry it’s 100% devils lettuce.” he said with a chuckle, “ I was just remembering when Fred came out to me. He was like so nervous I’d never seen him like that before, he does that cute thing with his ascot when he’s nervous” a goofy grin breaking through his serious expression, “ that was like the first time I let myself think maybe I had a chance. I know you said trust you, and I do, but what if you’re wrong? What if I tell him I love him and I lose my best friend?” He said the last bit mostly to himself, getting lost in thought once more as he mindlessly hit the joint that was now only a nub. A life without Fred as his best friend, his constant, even the thought seemed hollow and lonely. Pining wasn't so bad as long as he still had Fred, he’d made it all these years after all. Daphne reached over and plucked the remains of the joint from his fingers, dropping it in the ashtray before taking Shaggy’s long fingers in her hands. She could feel his hands shaking ever so slightly and it broke her heart just a little causing her to blink tears away quickly.

“ Oh Shaggy, you love him?” he nodded, dropping his head slightly to hide behind his bangs, “ I was afraid to lose Velma too you know, back before we got together. I didn’t think she’d want to date some spoiled ditzy rich girl with horrible parents and a shopping addiction! She’s so intelligent, clever, caring I couldn’t understand what she saw in me even after we did finally confess our feelings to each other.” she tucked her hair behind her ear nervously, carefully combing her fingers through the end before continuing quietly, “ I asked her once, in a letter, it had been six months away from you guys, away from her. I felt like I was drowning and taking her with me felt so unfair but she thought it was all her fault, I couldn’t push her away then. So I asked. When she wrote back I almost didn’t read it, so scared of what it might say. She told me she loved me, that she didn’t care about my family’s money, my parent's judgment, or their wrath for that matter. She only cared about me, how I made her feel alive, made her mind slow down and time stop moving. She said if I wasn’t ‘good’ enough no one ever could be because we were perfect for each other.” she paused to wipe the tears she hadn't noticed falling, and she saw Shaggy’s eyes were also misty. This was not a very peppy pep talk. She took a deep breath, “what I’m trying to say is that sometimes our minds can be the thing keeping us from what…who we really want. I’ve watched you and Freddy dance around your feelings for each other these last few months, throwing glances when you think no one’s watching, always sitting as close as possible to each other even when there’s more than enough room to spread. It’s time you both stop being idiots and get together before you give me gray hairs!” she said the last part with a smirk on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Shaggy turned redder than Daphne’s hair causing her to giggle furiously. He swatted her gently, cheeks bright pink and tear-stained, eyes still glassy with tears as he thought about what she said. It was almost unfathomable that Daphne had ever thought herself unworthy of love, it made him hate her parents even more but most of all it made his stomach twist into knots and thorns pierce his heart. If she could feel like he so often did, small and unlovable, maybe he could also be brave like her and take a chance on love.  

The touching moment was interrupted by the sound of Scooby’s dog tags and Velma’s tentative knock on the bathroom door followed by two curious faces peering in. “ Sorry to interrupt but I wanted to see your haircut and Daphne stopped…” Velma trailed off as she stepped into the bathroom fully taking in the scene, her girlfriend perched on the edge of her vanity chair the sleeve of her fuzzy lavender robe slightly streaked with what was presumably mascara given the spot on her cheek, she was holding Shaggy’s hands as he sat across from her with matching teary eyes and smudged eyeliner. Velma suddenly felt bashful seeing she had clearly walked in on a very emotional conversation, “ Oh! I- I didn’t mean to uh I just wanted to …” She started stumbling over her words which only made her ears burn more. 

Daphne and Shaggy looked up at her smiling which put her at ease, Scooby came and lay his head on Shaggy’s lap in an attempt to comfort his friend as Daphne stood to pull Velma into a kiss before sitting again pulling Velma along to sit on her lap. Scooby and Shaggy made an exaggerated “EeEwW” at the same time which sent them into a fit of giggles while Velma rolled her eyes in feigned annoyance. “ Shags in loOove Shags in looove”, Daphne sang delightedly which earned a rare school girlish squeal from Velma, “ Eeeee I knew it!!” she either didn’t notice or didn’t care about the mortified look that began to spread across Shaggy’s face as she pulled out her phone typing a quick message and hitting send before he even had a chance to protest. “Daph like what did she just do?! Velmaaa!” Shaggy screeched trying to reach for her phone, he nearly had it when Scooby jumped up blocking the way and sending Shaggy back into his seat. “Rehe rorry Rhaggy,” Scooby said giving him puppy dog eyes while his tail wagged excitedly. Shaggy groaned in defeat letting his head fall into his hands, it was over he thought, Daphne had told Fred how he felt and everything was going to come crashing down. Sensing his rising panic Daphne quickly said, “ Don’t worry Shag she just invited him to see your new haircut!” she turned Velma’s phone towards him as she spoke and Shaggy turned crimson as he read the message come see your beau’s new haircut ;), three little dots appeared on the screen before quickly disappearing. Crap. Shaggy sprang up scaring Scooby as he did, hurriedly smoothing his hands through his hair he threw a quick sorry to Scooby as he turned to face the mirror. His eyes were slightly redder than usual, eyeliner dangerously approaching raccoon status, his hair on the other hand had never looked better. The highlights brought out the green in his eyes which could finally be seen now that his usual curtain of bangs was nicely trimmed, blending easily into a few longer pieces to frame his face. Shaggy hadn’t let his hair get this long since his early days of transition though he preferred it; it didn't help him ‘pass’ , but he’d been on T for nearly 2 years and was finally starting to feel comfortable with the physical changes so he decided it was time to grow it out a bit. Daphne had somehow perfectly tamed his usually unruly mop keeping his length and yet, Shaggy thought it masculinized him. He really hoped Freddy liked it. While he was lost in thought Daphne took a cotton pad wet with makeup remover and cleaned up the eyeliner under his eyes, now he looked less like he’d been crying and more like they’d been getting stoned all morning. The girls assured him he looked good and doted over his hair in an effort to ease his growing anxiety. 

He didn’t have time to ask for eye drops before he heard Scooby move to look at the door as Freddy slowly walked into the room. Velma gestured him into the bathroom, Shaggy was sure the outline of his heart was showing through his tank top practically crawling up his throat. “ Like what do ya think Freddie?” It came out shyer than he hoped, it felt impossible to breathe all of a sudden watching Freddie study him for what seemed like hours. 

His eyes were wide, slowly scanning Shaggy’s thin physique, his arms hanging loosely meeting in the middle nervously picking the skin on his fingers, the minute movements making his arms flex ever so slightly. His hair fell gently onto his slim shoulders, tracing up along his jawline and framing his beautiful green eyes, so bright they almost looked like gems. He had never looked more handsome. 

Freddy felt his stomach jump as they held eye contact for a few seconds before Shaggy looked away blushing, “ Uh Freddie are you like okay? Are the highlights too much, I like told Daph it was too much.” He didn’t look up until Freddie spoke again, he knew his face was burning but he couldn’t help it when he heard Fred say he’d been admiring him, that he’d even taken notice of his eyes. He barely registered anything after he heard how nervous Fred’s voice was when he asked to show him an early birthday surprise. Shaggy was excited, elated even as he followed Fred down the stairs, grabbing his hand to lead him across the sprawling yard to the shed that used to house Freddies workshop. He wasn’t sure what he expected when he walked in but it was nothing compared to what he actually saw. The shed had been transformed, the walls plastered with funky prints and psychedelic patterns, and even some of his own art was featured. There was a wall full of all his concert memorabilia posters with rare prints, signed vinyl covers, meet and greet pictures with various bands, and blurry disposable camera images from some long-forgotten mosh pit. With every turn, he saw a new detail he hadn’t noticed before staring in wonder at the disco skull hanging above him, throwing colors around the room and drawing his eye to the plushy love seat surrounded by bean bags and oversized pillows. He smiled softly as he noticed the little smoking nook complete with goodies, had Freddie really done all of this for him? Shaggy turned to face the blonde with stars in his eyes, he began to gush at all the care and detail that went into this amazing place that he could call his own. His eyes were full of adoration, love, and awe as Freddy was quickly explaining something about A/C as if he cared about such a little thing when Fred had already given him so much. He launched at Freddie before he could stop himself pulling him into a tight embrace nearly knocking them both off their feet, he felt Freddy wrap his arms around his waist and pull him impossibly closer. They stayed there for a moment holding each other relishing the moment.

 “This is perfect, like absolutely perfect Freddie. I can’t believe you like did all this for me… thank you. This is probably the best gift like anyone ever got me.” Shaggy said, pulling back slightly to look into his watery blue eyes, tears forming as if they were overflowing from them and he wanted nothing more than to be here in this very moment. He held his breath as Freddy’s hand left his waist to sweep a lock of hair behind his ear, leaning into the gentle feeling of his hand holding his cheek Shaggy let his eyes flutter shut gasping slightly as Freddy's lips met his. Shaggy had imagined this moment for so long, Freddy’s lips soft against his, a gentle yet passionate longed-for kiss. It was better than he imagined, sweeter than any confection, lighter than air itself, if it wasn’t for the feeling of Fred’s heart beating against his chest he might’ve thought this was another cruel dream he had to wake from. As they pulled away from each other blushing and trying to catch their breath they stared into each other's eyes frozen in time. Freddie cleared his throat as if to speak, flashing him a nervous grin before he did, “ Shaggy I- uhem I like you, a lot quite a bit, actually, I love you and I’ve been in love with you for years but I was too scared to tell you because what if you didn’t love me back! Then Daphne and the mission and the garage an-"  Shaggy's head was still spinning from the kiss he could hardly believe this was happening, Freddy loved him back it wasn’t a dream anymore it was real and right in front of him. He felt his eyes filling with tears but made no move to wipe them away.

"I love you too.” He practically shouted, causing Freddy to fall quiet. “You…what?” The tears filling Shaggy’s eyes fell then, a loving smile pulling at his lips how he could be so smart and so dense at the same time. “I love you too,” kissing his forehead gently “I’m like in love with you, I just never thought…you could love someone like me. Do you really mean it?” Shaggy was practically whispering, avoiding his eyes suddenly afraid of what they might hold. Freddy gingerly ran his fingers along Shag's jaw, stopping at his scruffy chin to tilt his head up making their eyes meet again.

 “I mean it more than I’ve ever meant anything before. I’ve never felt like this about anyone and honestly, I don’t think I want to. You’re all I’ve ever wanted Shaggy. Someone like you, perfect for someone like me.” Shaggy couldn’t control the flow of tears that left his eyes, instead letting Freddy pull him into another tight embrace, melting into his strong arms that felt like home. He wanted to stay like this forever but eventually Fred brought them back down to Earth taking Shaggy's hand to lead him to the couch pulling the lanky man into his lap as they sat. They sat together in silence for a while absorbing the moment, feeling the electricity of their love flow between them eventually drifting to sleep still tangled together. 

A soft knock on the door caused a light stir but it wasn’t until Daphne yelled through the door to ask if they were okay that they fully awoke. A few moments later two sleepy-looking men appeared hand in hand eliciting a cheer from their friends, even Scooby was joining in. Daphne insisted on escorting them back to Shaggy’s room and Velma teased them the whole way even going so far as to coyly remind them to use protection before going back to Daphne's room with Scooby in tow. 

When they were finally alone again they shared another kiss, there was no hesitation this time. Freddie wrapped his arms around Shaggy’s waist as he deepened the kiss, humming softly as Shaggy ran his hands through his blonde locks. Shaggy, emboldened by this, ran his tongue across the other man’s lip, sucking gently and he felt a shiver run up Freddie's spine as he did. When they finally pulled apart Freddy’s hair was more tussled than usual, Shaggy ran his hands through it again pushing a few loose strands away from his face. “I love you Freddie,” he said with more confidence than before, it felt so natural and he would never get tired of seeing the flush spread across Freddy’s face when he did. “I love you too Shaggy” his voice cracked slightly but he didn’t care he was too lost in those big green eyes. They climbed into bed together, whispering sweet nothings, stealing kisses well into the night and giggling like kids. Eventually falling asleep legs tangled still hand in hand, as if to stop them drifting apart in the night.