Team8s and Counting Onwards

209. Something Sharp, Something Real, Something Stable

Flare's lip trembled. "But she hurt me. She didn't even say sorry. She didn't care."

"I know," Match whispered. "And you never, ever should've had to go through that. That's why I'm fighting this, okay? I don't want her anywhere near you. I told my lawyer I want full custody—no visitation."

Flare was silent for a long moment. Then, "Do I have to go to court?"

"Only if you want to talk," Match said gently. "Nobody's going to make you do anything you don't feel safe doing. You're a kid. You deserve to be a kid. Me and Book and Price Tag—we've got your back."

Flare sniffled and looked at Book, who was watching her with soft, steady eyes. Taggy gave a small nod of reassurance. For the first time since Match had started talking, Flare's shoulders relaxed just a little.

"...I don't want to see her," she whispered. "Not ever."

"Okay," Match said. "Then we'll make sure you don't have to."

There was a beat of quiet. Then Flare asked, "What if she wins?"

"We won't let her." Match said firmly. "We're all on your team Flare, and we'll do everything we can to make sure you never have to see her."

Taggy sat beside her. "You've grown so much, Flare. You're stronger than she'll ever be. And you're surrounded by people who love you. We're not going anywhere."

Book gently placed a hand on Flare's shoulder. "We'll get through this together."

Flare closed her eyes. "Okay," she murmured. "But I'm scared."

"I am too," Match admitted. "But I think being scared and doing it anyway—that's bravery, isn't it?"

Flare let out a shaky breath, but she nodded.

"Can I...can I stay here for now." Flare asked, looking up at Book and Price Tag.

Book gave her a hug from behind. "Of course you can, you're welcome here as long as you'd like."

Match smiled on the other end of the line, grateful for all Book and Price Tag had done for her daughter. "I'm not going to lie, Flare. I don't have everything figured out over here just yet, even after we win the case. I still have to figure out how I'm going to be able to adjust my work schedule so I can be home with you while not having to worry about not making enough. That's why I actually want to ask Book and Price Tag something.

Match took a deep breath. "You two have so much for her while I've been figuring out this mess. And...I'm going to need your help, even after this is all over. There's still a lot I have to figure out, but one thing I know for sure is that Flare needs consistency. She needs people around her who see her and make her feel safe. So... would you be willing to keep being part of her care, even after the case? Not legal custody—nothing that would complicate the case—but something real, something stable for Flare."

There was a long pause.

Book looked at Price Tag, who was already looking back at her with wide eyes. For a split second, there was nothing but silent agreement between them.

Book smiled, voice warm but a little choked. "Match...I know we haven't always gotten along, but...I'm so grateful that you've trusted us to take care of her."

Taggy nodded. "We're here for all of it. School pickups, some nice cooked dinners, whatever she needs."

Flare looked between them, stunned. "You mean that?"

Book reached over and gently held her hand. "We mean it. We love you, Flare. You're not alone in this. You're never going to be alone in this."

Match exhaled on the other end of the call—shaky, but full of relief. "Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you both so much. I don't know what I'd do without you." Match sighed. "And Flare...I promise to be there for you whenever I can. I feel like I've lost so much time with you —but I don't want to waste a second more. I'm going to keep showing up. I don't care how messy life gets."

Flare's bottom lip trembled, but she managed a small smile. "Okay," she said softly. "I believe you."

There was a long, quiet moment between them all—something heavy but peaceful settling in. The storm hadn't passed, not yet. But Flare could feel something inside her shifting. This time, she wasn't bracing for the worst all alone.

Match cleared her throat gently. "I should probably let you go soon—give you a breather. But can I call again tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Flare said, then louder, more certain: "Yeah. I'd like that."

"I love you, Flare. So, so much," Match said.

Flare could tell by the tone in Match's voice that she meant it. Match was fighting so hard to get her back, and Flare felt that. "I love you too, Mom." she replied, and the call ended.

The call ended. The silence that followed was thick, but it wasn't heavy. It was steady. Safe. Flare sat next to Book and Price Tag, letting the silence remain. It was eventually broken by footsteps making their way downstairs: it was Bookamrk.

"Mom...Mimi...Flare..." she whispered. "Is everything okay?"

Book looked up at her daughter and opened one arm in invitation. "Come here, sweetheart."

Bookmark padded over quietly and sat on the floor, leaning into Book's side. "Did something bad happen?"

Flare shook her head, her voice small but sure. "Not bad. Just... a lot."

Bookmark looked at her, searching her face. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

Flare hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Pencil's trying to get custody of me. But my Mom and everyone here... they're not gonna let that happen."

Bookmark blinked. "She what?"

Book gently rubbed Bookmark's shoulder. "It's okay. Flare's safe here. We just had a big talk, that's all."

Bookmark looked at her best friend again. She could see how tired Flare was, but also how different she looked somehow—like something had lifted, even if just a little. So instead of asking more questions, Bookmark just scooted closer and put an arm around her. "I'm glad you're here," she whispered.

Flare rested her head on Bookmark's shoulder. "Me too."

Book stood and stretched, glancing toward the kitchen. "I don't know about you all, but I think it's a Burger and Fries night."

Bookmark perked up just a little. "With the secret seasoning?"

"You know it," Book smiled.

Taggy quickly hugged both of the girls and stood as well. "I'll help. You two stay right there and breathe."

As Book and Taggy disappeared into the kitchen, Flare let out a long, shaky breath. "You know what's weird?" she murmured.

"What?"

"It feels like my Mom really wants to fight for me. Before, it felt like she prioritized Pencil, but now...it really feels like she's someone I'm proud to call my Mom."

Bookmark held her a little tighter. "I'm glad you feel that way."

The sound of sizzling burgers came from the kitchen, mingled with the faint clinking of dishes and quiet hums from Taggy. The house, for all its heaviness a moment ago, felt warm now. Lived in. Safe.

Flare closed her eyes.

There was still a long road ahead. Courts. Fears. Questions. But here—surrounded by people who saw her, who fought for her—it didn't feel impossible.

For the first time in a long while, Flare let herself believe that maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay.

........................................................

After TPOT 17, it's clear that Pencil isn't the type of person to just...let go of something that's been in her life for so long. First it was Freesmart, and now it's her own daughter. But Match is willing to ditch Pencil for good if that means getting her own daughter back. She knows that she needs space, and is greatful that Book and Price Tag took her in. Anyways, I don't have that much else to say. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next chapter.

- Sunny