fever dream

❝ I want something more than restless mornings, getting by's so boring. take your time enjoy it, every fleeting moment ❞

[norvillc]

It wasn't unusual for Shaggy to stare at her, just stare, while she rambled. There was something about it that was so endearing; he didn't care if she ever gave him the chance to speak another word, he would happily listen to everything she said, even things that were too smart for him to wrap his head around, a goofy smile on his lips. He missed it so much while she was gone, he missed her so much, and he'd been doing his best to not dwell on the what ifs, let his anxiety run off with the idea it could happen again. If anything it made him appreciate every little thing even more... if it was possible. It was still incredible to him that she would even give him the time of day, that she would love him, that she hadn't grown tired of him yet. That she accepted him, every part of him, every flaw, everything he lacked, as is.

"No, go on," he insisted, trying to bite his grin back, but it was impossible with the way she looked at him. He felt a warmth spread in his chest when her cheeks reddened, having to physically stop himself from pulling her into a kiss right there by linking his hands behind his back. "It was very educational. Like, I never looked at it like that." She was always opening his eyes to new perspectives. Making him a better person. Time and time again. "It is pretty bitter, isn't it?"

[vdinks]

"oh god no, please don't humor me." velma encouraged with a chuckle that rolled off her lips so effortlessly. the first genuine laugh she managed since being back--it practically caught her by suprise, eyes widening slightly in realization. Hoping Shaggy hadn't caught on. "Besides you're just saying that since you're now bound to me by law Mr. Rogers." She was teasing of course--hoping to distract him from how broken she felt. Besides she already knew that statement not to be true. Even into their young adolescence Shaggy had been the only person to sit by her side and listen to her talk endlessly for hours about anything and everything. Caring in a way that no one had shown her before, by just listening.

That grin he was trying to contain sent her body aflame. His smile, this happiness, it was worth everything even if it meant she had to bury a part of her old self to maintain it. He didn't deserve the doom and gloom, Norville Rogers deserved the god damn world on a silver platter and she'd be a fool if she couldn't at least offer him that. Mimicking his actions as her own arms linked behind her back, moving an inch closer until their chests were lightly pressed flushed against each other. "mm, not my favorite." she replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips at she pointed her chin up to look at him. "But you are."

[vdinks]

starter for: @niceascot

location: mystery inc. treehouse.

fred jones; had always been an enigma to velma dinkley. as teenagers they always butted heads. she hated how he always seemed to undermine her perfectly methodical plotted ploys to catch the bad guy and come up with some ridiculous proposition of a trap instead. in many ways she viewed him as brother--an annoyance, but he was family. they all brought something to the table that the other lacked. daphne's courage and quick witted thinking, fred and his resilient way to get back up again after failing, and lastly shaggy's optimism that held the gang together. in so many ways her fiancé had always been right about that. they all were a special ingredient that crafted a perfectly delicious banana split.

Now; whilst swinging her legs over the treehouse ledge she felt completely stripped bare. it was hard--readjusting back to normalcy. and while she was so happy to be back, to see shaggy, the gang again-- apart of her still felt wrong. like she really never left that godforsaken hell of roaming the earth and not being heard. she didn't even flinch as the wood pinched the skin underneath her thighs. They had been meeting like this in secret for some time now since they both made it back home. Fred understood, and while they didn't share the same experience she didn't feel the need to pretend that everything was alright when it wasn't. She couldn't express these emotions to shaggy, wouldn't dare make him share this burden that was hers alone to carry. He'd only worry more, and the thought of that alone made everything even more unbearable. His happiness was more important. The damage had already been done anyway. She stared out into the mossy green abyss that was evermore's forest. Feeling as if she was about to be swallowed whole. Tears already welling up into small pools under her lash line. "Do you remember any of it?" She barely spoke above a whisper. "When you were gone, I mean..."

[norvillc]

LOCATION: organic fuel FOR: open !

"Like, the Sabrina Carpenter song?" Sure, Shaggy was a little stoned, but it never occurred to him that standing in a coffee shop, the question may have been about something else entirely. In fact, he was just proud of himself for being hip with the kids these days. "Yeah, I'm not really a pop guy, but I totally like Espresso."

[vdinks]

It was nice that things were starting to fall back into place before all the disappearances, including hers. Even the most mundane things felt refreshing, precious even. While she already cherished her life with Shaggy she knew what it was like to live in a world without him. She never planned on letting go again. "It is catchy, I have to give her credit there." She smiled softly, remembering Daphne blasting a whole playlist full of Sabrina Carpenter the last time she spent the night. "Logically I get the euphemism behind it, but espresso just tastes so bitter to me. I'd be kind of offended if my love compared to a bitter shot of energy that only lasted a couple of hours at the most." She trailed off, looking up at her fiance--cheeks flushing like they were teenagers again. "Sorry, rambling again." Leave it Velma to always dissect everything.

[norvillc]

She didn't move, she only whispered something he couldn't understand, and Shaggy knew that it was real. In his dreams, she always reacted. She would smile at him, only to disappear before he could reach out to her. Suddenly, he was filled with dread. She didn't look injured, but he had no idea where she had been, who she had been with. The thought that someone had been cruel to her, the realization that while he was helplessly missing her she was going through the worst two months of her life... he fell to his knees beside of her, his fingers finding her sleeve, holding his breath, half expecting her to deteriorate before him. But he felt it, the fabric beneath the pads of his fingers, and she was still there. If he was terrified, he could only imagine how scared she was. "Velm," he said again, louder, making sure she could hear him over all of the voices that surrounded them, the trickling of the water. He pushed everything he felt down, keeping his voice steady, comforting. "Are you—... It's— it's okay, Velma, you're safe now."

[vdinks]

Velma remained silent with her eyes closed, counting down the seconds until the sound of his footsteps would eventually fade away. Much to her dismay the sound of crunching leaves beneath boots only grew louder. She squinted her eyes shut harder, to the point tears were escaping and cascading down her cheeks. His voice was different, there seemed to be a shift in the wind--or something blocking it. It wasn't until he spoke into the void that she dared to flutter her eyes open again. Staring down at the blades of grass through blurred vision. Suddenly as if she'd be electrocuted she whipped her head around to look at him. Eyes wild as they searched his face for a sign--a miracle even. Her heart was beating into her throat and she felt the world begin to spin making her slightly nauseous. "Can you see me?" She whispered, frightened that if she spoke any louder he'd evaporate into thin air. This couldn't be right, not after all this time. This couldn't be real.

[norvillc]

It was supposed to get easier with time, but Shaggy never bought it. If anything, each day that passed became more difficult to face, another day without her, another day not knowing if he would ever see her again. He tried his best to hold onto hope, if not for himself then for Daphne, but it was dwindling fast. He was worried sick. He was tired, and no amount of sleep was enough. He didn't want to face the world without Velma. He didn't think he'd gone two months without seeing, much less speaking to to her since the two of them had met, and he genuinely didn't think he could get though another two.

The news seemed to break everywhere at once. His phone was pinging, there was an alert on the TV, and Shaggy barely stayed to make out the details. If Velma was out there, he was going to get to her.

"V-Velm?" His hands were shaking, his heart was about to beat out of his ribcage, but now that he was before her all he could do was stare. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her, to pull her up from the ground and into an embrace, to kiss her again, but he was frozen in place. He was afraid to move, afraid to blink, afraid that if the air so much as shifted she would disappear again. He'd gone through this nightmare too many times... nearly every night since he'd woken up in their bed alone. He couldn't will himself to believe it. "Are you here? Are you really here?"

[vdinks]

Somehow she managed to hear his voice above the flood of noise. Maybe it's because she knew him blind, even in the dark she'd find him. Him finding her was another thing. She knew Shaggy would come looking for her, but trying to gain his attention was futile. She had already tried. She screamed, tried to shake him only to find her fingertips slipped right through him. Scooby seemed somewhat aware of her presence but never fully enough to alert Shaggy towards her. Magic was at play, or perhaps she was already dead. Velma might've been a genius but she wasn't equipped for a situation like this. "He can't see you. He'll walk right by." She whispered to herself, squeezing her eyes shut until white dots filled her vision. She was already heart broken enough, seeing him in a state of disarray would send her over the edge twice. Cradling her face with her hands, wanting to disappear for real. At least in solitude she could live in day dreams to a place where they were together again.

[vdinks]

LOCATION: the river, the woods.

FOR: @norvillc

Velma sat at the edge of the river bank, knees pulled tightly against her chest. Eyes focused on the stream of the water so intently and how the ripples echoed against other and floated on, down down down. The sound of reuniting loved ones around her began to drown out, to the point where a high pitched ringing chime replaced it. It was no use. She had been here the whole time, she never left. She gave up counting the days, the hours, the minutes. She was living in limbo like a ghostly apparition. Doomed to walk the earth unheard and unseen. Walking through loved ones as she wasn't real, screaming into the void only to go unnoticed. She had tried everything, traveled endlessly in search for an answer. Only to give up with no hope. She missed her home, her friends and the gang, but most of all Shaggy.

Had he moved on? She hadn't dared checked home in awhile. It was too painful to watch Shaggy deteriorate right in front of her eyes without being able to help. Knowing that she was the cause of all his pain and yet she was face to face with him. If it was limbo, it was her own personal hell. She couldn't go home as there was no home to go back too. So she sat by the river, wondering which would turn to dust first. The bank or her.

[norvillc]

LOCATION: ferris wheel FOR: @vdinks

There was a time they had just been kids, when he was failing miserably at ring toss and trying not to freak out about the sheer number of people surrounding them, convinced by his friends to go on rides that felt like straight up death traps. It was funny how life changed. Sure, he was still failing miserably at ring toss, freaked over the turnout and using every ounce of bravery to seat himself in any of the rides... but now the girl he had been pining after all those years ago, trying to impress by winning prizes for was beside of him. With no plushie but an engagement ring he'd given her. "Like, I want to kiss you at the top," he told Velma, looking over with a wince as the cart swayed slightly, thinking this had been a stupid, ridiculous idea, "but I'm actually afraid I'm about to plummet to my death."

[vdinks]

Velma's engagement ring had almost become a security blanket for her. Fiddling with the band and gemstone with her thumb, as if she were a little kid again that was overly attached to her teddy bear. mainly she was afraid of losing it, or it slipping off. she'd become accustomed to its weight, and without it she felt naked. above all it represented shaggy's love for her. til' death do they part.

she couldn't help but to giggle, shaking her head slightly as they were slowly leaving the ground and meeting the top of the sky and stars. "I'm not going to stop you." moving her hand to find his and interlacing their fingers she offered him a small smile. "If it makes you feel any better, you're more likely to get into an accident on a roller coaster than the ferris wheel. Don't worry though, I can always kiss you first."

[vdinks]

VELMA DINKLEY FOR EVERMORE'S WINTER MASQUERADE BALL 2023.

[vdinks]

location: velma & shaggys house.

starter for: @jeepersdcph

"i'm sorry he did what now?" Velma questioned, looking up from the wedding planner she had planned to show Daphne. The topic feeling now inappropriate in light of what her best friend was talking about. It should've been no surprise, Fred had always been a flirt but Velma had hoped for more considering their blooming relationship and all. Velma wanted double dates, to be neighbors, for them all to grow old together. It wasn't a dream she always had but being in love softened her like that. "Not to be like that, but we have a bat. I can chase him down with it if you want me to. Just say the word."

[norvillc]

"Cold feet?" Shaggy had to laugh, he couldn't help it, a chuckle slipping out in spite of all of the thoughts swarming in his head. Though he felt bad for worrying her, the idea was so absurd it was... funny. There was not, there had never been, a moment he was uncertain if he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She was his best friend. He had known it from the moment they met, the way he'd been drawn to her, that no amount of time spent with Velma would ever be enough. If the two of them spent every waking hour together and lived to be 100, he would still wish they could have made more memories. "Of course not. Like, my feet are practically on fire." Placing his hand on top of hers, he offered her his signature goofy grin. "I was sorry for waking you." Among other things he wasn't sure how to voice, and definitely didn't want to run her up in the middle of the night to talk about. "I was just feeling... anxious. Not about the wedding. I mean, maybe a little worried about messing up my vows and saying something stupid like my waffle-y leaded wife... or dropping a ring down a vent... or tripping on the steps..." Great. Now he was anxious about the wedding. "But not you," he added after a second. "Never you."

[vdinks]

"Don't laugh! It's not funny!" Sleepily jerking his shoulder back with her hand. Though she couldn't help but to laugh with him. Her voice still raspy from dreaming. She couldn't remember the dream though, only hoping it was a pleasant one. Rubbing her eyes before sitting up in bed, wanting to give him her full attention. It seemed important, and even if it wasn't he was worth a sleepless night. "You should probably call someone for that." She teased softly, letting her gaze settle on his facial features.

Velma turned her palm up so that she could encapsulate his hand in a tight squeeze. "You don't have to be sorry." She reassured again, tilting her head slightly as he explained his sudden restlessness. Chewing on her inner cheek as he spoke, though her jaw quickly loosened at the mention of him messing up his vows. A chuckle escaping her dry throat as she squeezed his hand again. "I think all those things are like worst case scenarios. You'll do great, and if you don't feel comfortable saying our vows in public we can say them in secret. Only for us." She smiled softly, leaning towards him and placing a loving kiss on his cheek. "What are you anxious about though?"

[norvillc]

A little more had been haunting Shaggy than he would let on lately. He should be in the best place he'd ever been, mentally, but his mind had been feeling heavy. Guilt over how long it had been since he'd seen his parents, how many holidays he'd celebrated without them, even if it was out of his hands; more guilt that he didn't really want to. The secret he was keeping from all of his friends, his fiancée, the realization that because of what he'd done, what had seemed like a good idea at the time, his dog would one day have to live without him. Nightmares, featuring some... really creepy dude he swore he'd seen around town. Anxiety led to self doubt, questioning his own character, and while he tried his best to brush it off, to hide behind the jokes he cracked, he found himself every night in the same place. Was he just selfish? Was he wrong, for wanting to be here, to not deal with another stuffy Christmas with his family, another disapproving glance? Did he always put himself first? If he loved Velma, truly loved her, should he have never made a move? What if the best thing he could do for her was to never get in-between her and her family? If she was his best friend, shouldn't he encourage her to not sell herself short by choosing him? Another nightmare had him slipping out of bed, taking a walk around town in the middle of the night while his little family slept peacefully. Something he would never consider back in Coolsville, but he felt safe here, ironically, with the mystery that shroud them all. He didn't get very far before the thoughts became crushing and he found himself turning back around, anxiety tightening his chest. He knew he should communicate all of this before it got out of control, but as he found himself placing a hand on Velma's shoulder to wake her, he lost all of the bravery he had mustered before seeing her lying there. "I'm sorry," he murmured, placing a kiss on the top of her head, "I just wanted to say... I love you."

@vdinks

[vdinks]

Before Evermore Velma had always been a light sleeper. It's like she could sense when something in the room shifted. She'd wake up constantly at least every hour or so. Not for any particular reason, it was just something she had assumed was normal her whole life. It wasn't until she moved in with Shaggy that she realized it must've been the stress and anxiety causing her insomniactic sleep. Because now she slept like a rock. Which is why she probably didn't notice Shaggy's absence. Had Scooby climbed into bed with her whilst he was gone, chances are she wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Only waking once she felt the warmth of his hand upon her shoulder. She blinked slowly, first offering a sleepy smile, but quickly turned to a concerned expression once she processed his tone of voice. Even his expression was off, not like his usual self. The expression was familiar, but not one he wore frequently since they had been teenagers. "I love you too..." She murmured, pushing her bangs behind her ear only for it to fall back in front of her chocolate eyes again. "But what are you sorry for?" She asked, leaning up so that her weight was shifted onto her elbow. "Y-You're not getting cold feet, are you?" Velma teased, but for a moment she wondered if he really was. It wasn't like him to look so impassive.

[vdinks]

norvillc​:

♡

Why was this the scariest thing he’d ever faced? Shaggy had been in the woods alone at night. He’d searched abandoned, creepy buildings with his friends. He’d been a gym coach at a school for monsters, literal monsters. He’d dealt with bullies and angry customers and disappointed parents and nightmares and many, many things that caused him to spiral into panic attacks. But this was a whole new fear. He trusted Velma, more than anyone in the world — but he was putting everything out there. He was putting it all on the line, knowing that if she wasn’t ready, it could cause tension in their otherwise perfect relationship. He didn’t want to do that, he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

He was caught up in his thoughts as he waited on a response, and even though it probably wasn’t taking that long for her to answer, even though he assumed her gasp was a sound of surprise and not disappointment, it felt like a year was passing after he’d asked. His mouth was dry. His throat too. He felt like he’d swallowed a bag of cotton balls, and he really couldn’t remember how to breathe. Then she said his name and he was brought back to the current moment, his own eyes getting misty when he saw the tears rolling down her cheeks. Even if she said no, he would love her until the time. They didn’t have to have a wedding. They didn’t need that to be happy. He would love her for the rest of his life and then some, in any sort of afterlife, in any sort of reincarnation, he would love her. 

He was frozen as he waited with baited breath, watching her lower herself to the ground in front of him in slow motion. Reaching out for him. All it took was her embrace and he felt okay again. Whatever word came out of her mouth, he could handle it. As long as he still had her. He felt himself start to relax, to let go of the nerves… but then she gave him a real answer. “Yes?” He repeated, finding his words again. “Th-that was a yes?”

Suddenly, without warning, Shaggy was laughing. He couldn’t help it. It seemed so silly, to be kneeling on the floor physically shaking, worried that she’d say no. Or that it would be a bad thing if she did. He didn’t want to pressure her, he didn’t want her to feel like she had to agree to marry him if that wasn’t what she wanted — more than anything, he wanted her to know how he felt. And it would sting to be rejected, but he knew she wouldn’t be rejecting him out of cruelty or because she didn’t want him. They’d get through it. But now here he was laughing as she showered him in kisses, feeling like he’d just stepped off of a rollercoaster with the adrenaline rush and the high he was feeling stone cold sober.

Pulling her into a deeper kiss amidst his laughing and her crying — happy tears, he hoped — he knew that nothing else mattered. Whether they were here or back in Coolsville, how his parents or her parents felt about them, about him, the only thing that meant anything was that she was ready to spend their life together. All those years ago he wondered if she could ever feel the same and here she was agreeing to marry him. To be his wife. He felt giddy. He didn’t know how people said their love fizzled out, that after a few years they lost that honeymoon feeling. He still got butterflies looking at her. If anything, he was only more in love with her now than he had ever been, and he wondered why he had waited so long to get the nerve to ask.

“I love you,” he breathed, breaking the kiss just to pull back and look at her. “Fuck, I love you.” His hands shaking a little less than before, he laughed again as he realized he was still clutching the box behind her back. “Like, sh-should I put this on your finger?” He asked, his eyes flickering to the piece of jewelry. “If you don’t like it, I’ll buy you another one. I don’t mind. Whatever you want.” It wasn’t the most expensive ring he had seen, but it was a lot for him at the time. He knew Velma wasn’t materialistic, she didn’t like things too flashy, and he didn’t think it would matter to her if the ring he bought wasn’t worth twenty grand or a traditional engagement ring. But he still wanted her to love it. There were a million thoughts racing through his mind, but one that was taking over everything else. “Holy shit, we’re gonna get married,” he chuckled, closing the gap between them again. 

Even though they had been together for a handful of years now, she had never expected this. It wasn’t that she never wanted too, everything just felt so perfect already. How could she ask for more? They had a home together, Scoob, and each other when they woke every morning. It may have not seen like much to some people but Velma was perfectly content, living every day in a state of bliss. Which was saying something for her considering how rough her childhood had been. Now with the ring presented in front of her and Shaggy down on one knee, she couldn’t have imagined a better proposal from the person she loved the most. Everything was perfect, he was perfect.

Feeling the tension release in shoulders as she embraced him caused a large grin to pull at her lips. Nodding in response as he asked if that was a yes. “Of course It’s a yes.” She giggled through tears. She couldn’t imagine any circumstance where she’d ever say no. Nuzzling her face into the nape of his neck, letting her eyes flutter close. Only removing herself from the embrace slightly when his body began trembling from a mixture of nerves and laughter. Now, she was stuck in a never ending jolt of laughter. Finding the sound of his own contagious. Moving to cup his cheek with her palm gently, amidst the smiling, tears, and laughter. “Did you really think I’d say no?” Velma asked, with tear stained cheeks, and her large smile still ever present. After everything they had been through together. School, the mystery gang, and growing up together. Velma was sure there wasn’t any parallel dimensions where she’d ever say no. In every lifetime, version of them, she’d always say yes.

Even now as they were stuck within the borders of their small town. She couldn’t have been happier. Coolsville felt suffocating, and their parents too. Being here they didn’t have to worry about what their family thought about their engagement. She knew her parents would throw a fit if they knew. They had Fred and Daphne here and most importantly they had each other. It was all they needed. Velma finally had the life she dreamt of as a little girl.

“I love you.” She replied softly, knowing saying I love you too would never amount to how deeply she felt about him. Smiling against his kiss, her arms now wrapped loosely around his shoulders. Not being able to contain her excitement, as she stole a few more kisses from his lips. Giggling again as he cursed aloud. “Y-Yeah, I think that’s how these things usually go.” She replied with a large smile, quickly trying to wipe her away her tears before offering him her hand. Leaning in again to kiss him once more before he could continue. Pulling away just barely to whisper. “Shaggy, it’s perfect. I mean it. You could’ve gotten me anything I would’ve loved it just the same. It’s beautiful.” She reassured softly. It was a symbol of their love and anything he picked would’ve gained her approval. She had never been picky and it was just the fact alone that he wanted to marry her and picked out something she thought she’d love made it priceless. She knew she’d treasure it forever. Velma didn’t want this moment to end, to live in complete bliss like this forever. Deepening their kiss as he closed the gap between them again. Knowing if they stayed like this much longer she wouldn’t be able to stop kissing him. Pulling away only slightly, just enough so that their eyes could meet. “How do you think Daph and Fred will react?” She asked with a small devious grin. “We're probably going to be busy for the next couple of months planning it. I want you to come with me through all of it. Dress fittings, cake testing, and venue scouting. I want it to be magical.”

[jeepersdcph]

phone call ---> velma

Daphne: VELMA ARE YOU THERE? Daphne: Hello? Can you hear me? Daphne: IT HAPPENED VEL!!!!

[vdinks]

Velma: Woah Daph, slow your roll- Velma: What happened?! Velma: Did those shoes you wanted at the mall the other day go on sale or something?

[vdinks]

jeepersdcph​:

-

“We got stuck in some changing room at the mall! It was so mortifying. I felt like I was bright red the entire time. And yet, Fred did not say a single thing about it. I feel like I am just yearning after a brick wall now….which is also just….ugh!” She frowned at her statement. “Umm yeah you could. Have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror? You’re really hot, Vel. And I am not just saying that because your my best friend. I mean it. In a skirt like this you’re gonna drive Shaggy crazy! And then I will know at least it works on someone...”

Velma pursued her lips together as she listened to her best friend, understanding her obvious frustration. “It’s not your fault Daph. Y’know Fred isn’t a man of too many words, well at least about his feelings that’s for sure.” Knowing how well that felt from Fred perspective, Velma used to be in shoes. It was a hard thing to talk about when you didn’t know where to start. “This may be an awful idea but the most logical one, maybe talk to him about it? He could open up more than you expect.” She encouraged with a small smile, than cocking her head to the side as her vision fled back to the skirt. “Not usually, but thanks anyway. Maybe you’re right, I'll take it for the shock factor. Plus it might be fun to see Shaggy’s reaction.” 

[vdinks]

norvillc​:

♡

“Well, hey, if the food turns out bad, we can always get takeout instead… or too.” Shaggy would never say no to having extra food. His stomach truly was a bottomless pit — sometimes he even looked at himself and wondered where it all went. Her laughter was music to his ears, and he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face if he wanted to. He always loved her. But when she giggled like that, he couldn’t look away. He’d just stand there for an hour staring at her with a goofy grin on his face if she’d let him, mesmerized. Everything about her was mesmerizing. Out of all of the people in the world, all of the paths that could’ve been crossed, he felt beyond lucky to have met her. To know her. To love her. All of the heartache in his early life, being adopted by the Rogers and feeling like the black sheep, he recognized it led him to her, and it was worth it. He’d go through every hard part of his life a million times over if that was what it took to know her.

“Like, you’ve never been bad at anything,” he stated with a soft laugh, but he meant it. Everything she put her mind to, she could do, and it inspired him to do better. Since they’d met, since they’d gotten together, she’d truly made him want to do something with his life. Not just for her, but for him too. She made him feel like he was worth it. And maybe he should’ve realized that on his own, but it was hard when no one else seemed to look at him that way. He was just the scruffy haired kid smoking under the bleachers, that complained about scratchy feeling suits when his parents dressed him up to go to parties. He spent most of his time in his bedroom, staring at a wall listening to music and wishing he he could be more. She showed him that he was more.

He pressed his lips together, fighting the urge to pull her into another kiss, because then he’d get distracted and then he might chicken out. It wouldn’t be the first time. “I can… but… I don’t know if I want to.” He tilted his head as he stared at her, thinking about his run-in with Sibella, how she had been separated from her father. How she couldn’t reach out to him. How that very well could’ve been him and Velma. He tried not to think about it, because the thought of not having her was enough to lead him to spiral. But what if? What if he’d awoken here without her? No way to explain to her why he’d disappeared. She’d be there wondering why he had left her behind, and he would never be able to tell her again how much he loved her. It was a scary thought. Life was unpredictable and nothing was promised to anyone. Tomorrow one of them could mysteriously find their way back to Coolsville the same way they’d gotten here. As much as he didn’t want to think about it, it was reality. And it made him realize he needed to make sure she knew that he’d never stop loving her. That as long as he lived, he’d never stop looking. He’d never leave by his own choice. If they were apart for eighty five years, a day wouldn’t pass that he wouldn’t be fighting to get back to her.

“I’ve spent so long being… still,” he spoke again after a moment. “Letting life pass me by, you know? Just going with the flow and hoping that things will work out how I want them to. Never doing anything myself and waiting for it all to fall into place. And so far, it has,” he found her hand to squeeze it, “because you’re here, and I’m here. I always thought it was too scary to take risks. And it is, don’t get me wrong, it’s… it’s terrifying. But it’s scarier to let moments slip away. I don’t want to do that anymore. Not with you.” She deserved the world. And maybe Shaggy couldn’t give her the world. But that wouldn't’ stop him from trying. “I love you. I’m… I’m kind of bad at this, but… I love you. You are my heart, my soul, m-my home.”

Oh, I can’t believe it’s true…

During his rambling, he realized the song had changed yet again, the lyrics a gentle nudge to go for it. Go for it, even though he was pretty sure his heart was about to crack a rib. He let go of her hand, his own starting to clam up, reaching in his pocket to pull out the little felt jewelry box he’d come to Evermore with. The box he just so happened to slip into his pants the night before, planning to finally get it fitted the next day. The box he’d nearly had a heart attack over potentially not having when they’d gotten over the initial shock of being in a new town they couldn’t leave.

I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do.

His legs were all shaky now, like they were made of jello, and so was his hand, and it felt so silly — to be so nervous about what Velma of all people would say. But it was a good kind of nervous, for once. Exciting. Even if it was also absolutely petrifying as well. Even though he thought he might pass out or throw up or forget how to breathe, or maybe all three. Opening the box to reveal the ring inside, one he had picked out two weeks into dating; maybe that seemed too fast to anyone else, but it had taken him much longer to save up for it. And he knew. He just knew. When he saw it, the same as when he’d seen her. He knew. Trying not to get cold feet and freeze in the moment, he clumsily dropped down to one knee.

I get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to you.

“Velma Dinkely, like,” he cleared his throat, inhaled deeply, “I’m already the happiest man in the world ‘cause I-… I have you. But will you marry me anyway?” 

♥

“No, no, no, this is perfect. Truly. Thank you for making our day this special.” She encouraged with a rather large grin. He put so much work into making their anniversary immaculate that she didn’t want to ruin the mood by ordering anything more. Everything was already amazing, she was in heaven. Biting the inside of her cheek when he commented on how she never was bad at anything. Velma never felt that way about herself but she knew better than to argue against the man who constantly made her feel worthy of praise. At the same time she wanted to convey to him that was exactly how she viewed him too. Shaggy had never been bad at anything. In her eyes he was her whole world. Even as kids when she was constantly anxious and in a whirlpool of stress because of her parents and school but Shaggy was their to calm her raging seas. Anchoring her to the ground when she really needed it most. Though her parents disapproved of him and the gang, Velma didn’t care. Getting small flashbacks of the nights when Shaggy would climb up the tree next to her bedroom window just so that they could talk until sunrise together on her parents roof. Those were precious memories Velma never wanted to forget. 

 Velma’s curiosity got the better of her when he mentioned not wanting to wait for the next surprise. Which was very unlike Shaggy, usually he was patient as patient comes when it came to gift giving. It left her speechless as she blazed through the incoming bigrade of thoughts that begun to ambush her mind. She couldn’t land on any specific thing that would cause his nervousness in that moment. They had been together for seven years now, and there was little that seemed to spook Shaggy anymore. At least inside of their relationship that is. “Then you don’t have to wait.” She responded softly, feeling the anticipation beginning to rise from the depths of her throat. A moment ago she was ready to wait but now seeing Shaggy’s serious expression she knew she had to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Keeping quiet as he began to speak again, wanting to let him subtly know that he had her full attention. Her body even remained gargoyle like , not wanting any momentary movement to distract her from him. Allowing a small smile to tug at her lips when he mentioned always going with the flow. That was a big part of him that she loved, a trait she wished to possess when they were younger. Wanting to close the distance between them as he spoke, but luckily he was already there again reaching for her hand. Like the anchor he was to her, she found herself letting out soft breathe that she wasn’t aware that she was holding. Brushing her thumb lightly against his skin to let him know that she was there. Her eyes widening at his words as he spoke of the thought of losing time with her. She shook her head gently not quite understanding. “Shaggy, letting moments slip away? What--?” She repeated, her brow arching in concern. She wasn’t sure what brought this on but she wanted to make sure that she was there for him. “I love you too.” She whispered, noticing the slight tremble in his hand. Lifting their laced fingers to her lips and pressing a gentle kiss atop of his hand to ease his sudden nerves.

Once Velma caught sight of the little velvet box that's when everything began to click. It all made sense now, his nervousness, the house decorated from top to bottom, the not wanting to miss another moment together. A gasp escaped Velma’s mouth before her free hand could catch it. Not sure where to keep her gaze as she kept looking back and forth between him and the ring, oh--the ring. It was stunning, everything she could’ve dreamed of and more. Watching him with mouth agape as he got down on one knee. Velma couldn’t believe this was happening, let alone to her. Before Shaggy she never saw herself as the marriage type, let alone an anybody type. She was fine with the thought of growing old alone until she had realized she had fallen in love with her best friend. From then, everything changed.

Tears were already rolling down her cheeks, but she was unaware of them at the moment. The only thing she could fully acknowledge of was how her body began to reverberate. Now she was the one with shaky hands. She was speechless, her throat was tight and her body was vibrating in complete adrenaline overload. “S-Shaggy I c-can’t believe this--..” She paused briefly before finally letting her body take over as she collapsed to her knees in front of him. Throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. “Is that e-even a question?” She chuckled through light sobs, placing a handful of tiny kisses into neck and up his cheek. “A million times yes.”

[vdinks]

norvillc​:

♡

He watched her expression for a sign of approval. He would understand if she didn’t like it, if it wasn’t her style – though surely after all this time he would know — but he’d still be disappointed. He wanted it to be perfect. The food, the decorations, all of it. Shaggy wasn’t one to normally strive for perfection. That was he was such a failure in his parents’ eyes. He was a go-with-the-flow kind of guy, unmotivated. But with Velma he would always put the effort in. It was different because she didn’t expect it. She wouldn’t love him any less if he didn’t come up with surprises and romantic gestures, even though he’d never met anyone who deserved them so much. She made him feel like he could be better, but never that he had to be.

When she smiled, his heart fluttered in his chest. It was cheesy, and he knew she’d probably laugh at him for saying so, and maybe it was kind of silly — but it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, her smile. No sunset could ever compare. “Are you surprised?” He asked, hopeful. He didn’t think she’d seen it coming, but Velma was too smart for her own good. “Like, you should’ve seen me, Velm, I was moving at the speed of light.” He laughed, his nerves dissipating for the moment. “I love you.”

Three words couldn’t even sum it up. Stepping forward to meet her among the petals, he placed a hand on her cheek, looking down at her with a lopsided smile. “I can’t believe…” There was so much he couldn’t believe. He couldn’t believe she would even like him back in the first place. He couldn’t believe she hadn’t grown tired of him over the years, too annoyed with him throwing his laundry on the floor and all of his other little habits to stick around. He couldn’t believe it had been five years. It felt like a lifetime, yet it felt like just yesterday he’d kissed her for the first time. Letting the sentence drop there, he shook his head. “These have been the best almost five years of my life,” Shaggy stated, and it was true, he didn’t even have to think about it.

Closing the small gap between them, he kissed her softly. “I hope you don’t mind getting your anniversary gift a little early,” he spoke against her lips before pulling away with a smile. “I couldn’t wait any longer. You know I’m terrible at surprises.” He would have spilled it, surely, before May 2nd ever came around. “Should I let you settle in, or do you want it now?”

🔎

Velma had never been high maintenance in love, perhaps because she never saw much of it growing up. She would’ve been happy with whatever Shaggy planned, even if it was some simple bouquet of roses from the gas station. It was the fact that time and time again Shaggy surprised her with some intricate date or event. She had never been loved like that before, and she was almost shell shocked every time he did something this extravagant for her. Velma didn’t feel worthy for any of it. All she knew was that Shaggy’s love was genuine. Her north star in the sky, always guiding her home.

“Are you kidding?” She replied in a small string of giggles. “I just thought I was picking up our groceries. I honestly thought when I got home we’d order take out or something. Though this...is much better.” Velma reassured with a large smile, finding herself laughing along with him. His laughter had always been contagious ever since they were little kids. “To be honest I would’ve paid to see that, I bet Scoob got a good show. And I love you.” It was never enough to just say I love you ‘too’, she always wanted him to know she loved him just as much.

Velma let out a content sigh when his hand met her cheek. Letting her eyes flutter close for a second as melted into his touch. “Mmm?” She mused through slightly parted lips when he paused mid sentence. Wondering what made him pause as she opened her eyes again to find his mind was wandering somewhere else. She waited though, offering a small smile as she watched him recalibrate his words. Something about the way he was gentle with her right now, not only physically but with his wording made her want to tear up. She refused to let the tears win yet, but the overwhelming emotion of love was starting to tighten her throat. “Mine too.” She whispered softly, wanting so much to kiss him in that moment, and yet again he beat her to it. Smiling against his lips as she pulled him just as close by the thread of his tee.

“I don’t mind at all. Please. at this rate your the master of surprises. I think I’m the bad one at it.” Folding her arms lightly around herself as he pulled away. His question left her speechless again. There was another surprise? Biting her lower lip in thought, she cocked her head to the side. “I can wait, as long as you can.”

[jeepersdcph]

closed starter @vdinks​ location: daphne’s apartment

“Velma, it was soooo embarrassing!” Daphne cried out as she rummaged through her closet. She was going through some of her stuff and was offering dibs to Velma if she liked anything she was getting rid of. She also just had to talk to someone about being stuck with Fred. She was losing her mind and Velma was the only one who understood. She was the only one who could ever understand! “Fred was so close and I just….I thought we were going to be stuck for like, ever! And I swore he had a….Velm, I don’t even know! Do you like this skirt? It’s so cute but so not me anymore.”

[vdinks]

Velma sat atop Daphne's bed cross-legged as she watched her best friend rummage through her clothes. "W-Wait, rewind for me, where did you guys get stuck?" Velma asked wanting a better understanding of what happened. Her eyes widened slightly at Daph's words. "Oh god, do I even want to know?" She questioned with a light laugh. "Sounds like a nightmare, maybe not for Fred, but a nightmare nevertheless." Velma cocked her head to the side whilst pursuing her lips. "I don't know Daph, I don't think I could ever pull off your outfits the way you do."