Shapeshifter? - Milo Manheim

Shapeshifter? - Milo Manheim

Chapter two

Summary: Milo and Auroras friendship is complicated. They act like they're together but both of them swear they're just friends. Well Aurora does. But things starts to change during the break before season 2

Playlist

Song rec - Friends by Ed Sheeran

The best mornings were the ones without alarms.

Aurora stretched lazily under the covers, savoring the warmth of her bed as sunlight filtered through the curtains. No early call times, no back-to-back interviews—just a full day off with her friends.

Her phone vibrated on the nightstand.

Kristian: Lobby in 20. We’re getting coffee first before Bug turns into a menace.

Aurora snorted, typing back a quick rude before throwing on a cozy sweater, leggings, and her favorite sneakers. When she stepped into the elevator, she could already hear their voices echoing from the lobby.

The second she stepped out, Peyton threw an arm around her shoulders.

“Look who finally decided to show up.”

“I am literally two minutes late.”

Nick grinned. “And yet, Spencer was already debating leaving without you.” Aurora shot Spencer a glare. He just shrugged, arms crossed.

“Look, Bug, if I don’t enforce some kind of schedule, these idiots will have us wandering aimlessly for hours.”

“I take offense to that,” Milo said, slinging an arm around Spencer’s shoulder. “I have great directional instincts.”

“You got lost inside a mall last week,” Sarah reminded him, adjusting the camera strap around her neck.

Milo opened his mouth, paused, then huffed. “...That mall was big.”

The group collectively laughed as they stepped outside into the crisp autumn air. The streets were already bustling—commuters rushing to work, the smell of fresh pastries wafting from nearby cafés, a street musician strumming a guitar on the sidewalk.

“Coffee first,” Kiara announced, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. “Bug gets cranky without caffeine.”

“I do not,” Aurora argued.

Kristian and Rainbow exchanged looks. “You definitely do.”

Aurora huffed. “You guys are the worst.”

Milo grinned, bumping her shoulder. “Aw, we tease ‘cause we love you, Bug.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get coffee before I start throwing hands.”

The café was warm and inviting, the scent of espresso filling the air. The group lined up at the counter, chatting casually. Aurora was already reaching for her phone to place her usual order— But before she could, Milo smoothly stepped forward.

“Medium iced vanilla latte, extra shot of espresso,” he said without hesitation, then gestured toward himself. “And a black coffee, two sugars.”

Aurora blinked.

The group immediately turned to look at her.

Kiara raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t even ask you.”

Milo just smirked. “Didn’t have to.”

Aurora stared at him, a mix of amusement and suspicion. “Have I become that predictable?”

Milo turned toward her, his smirk deepening. “Not predictable, Bug. I just pay attention.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Creepy.”

Milo chuckled, handing her the drink when it was ready. “You love me.”

Aurora took a slow, deliberate sip of her coffee. “Again Mi, the Jury’s still out.”

Spencer groaned. “You two flirt so much.”

“We’ve been saying this!” Sarah laughed

“We are not flirting,” Aurora and Milo said in unison.

The entire group rolled their eyes.

Fueled by caffeine, the group ventured into the city, stopping in every store that caught their interest.

The first stop was the thrift store Aurora and Kiara immediately made it their mission to find the ugliest sweaters possible.

“This one is atrocious,” Kiara announced, holding up a bright orange knit monstrosity with dancing reindeer.

Aurora cackled. “Milo. Try this on.”

Milo eyed the sweater warily. “That looks like something my grandma would force me to wear.”

“Exactly,” Aurora grinned, tossing it at him.

Meanwhile, Nick and Spencer were in a heated debate over a bedazzled jean jacket.

“You cannot pull this off,” Nick argued.

Spencer deadpanned. “I have kids to think about.”

“You don’t have kids.”

“You don’t know that.”

The Next stop a record store.

Sarah, ever the photographer, was snapping photos of everyone.

She caught Milo flipping through vinyl, Peyton balancing a ridiculous stack of albums, and Rainbow dramatically posing next to an old jukebox.

Aurora found a vintage Fleetwood Mac record, running her fingers over the worn cover.

Milo peered over her shoulder. “Classic Bug. Old soul.”

Aurora smirked. “I like good music, sue me.”

Sarah snapped a candid shot of them before Aurora could protest.

And then—

Sephora.

Milo groaned the second Aurora grabbed his wrist.

“No. Nope. Absolutely not.”

“Oh, yes,” Aurora said, already dragging him inside.

The others followed, highly entertained.

“You’re so dramatic,” Aurora teased, leading him toward the makeup displays.

Milo sighed. “I do not belong here.”

Aurora grinned. “Oh, you do now.”

Before he could protest, she grabbed his hand and flipped it palm-up, swiping a deep red lipstick across the back.

Milo just stared. “Did you just—”

“Yep.”

“Unbelievable.” Still, he didn’t pull away as she tested a few more shades

“You know they have paper swatches for this, right?”

She shrugged “where’s the fun in that?”

Milo smirked “so you just wanted an excuse to hold my hand?”

Aurora paused, Narrowing her eyes “do you ever stop?”

He grinned. “Not when it comes to you.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“It’s okay I know your game, Bug.” She rolled her eyes fighting the urge to shove him.

Rainbow, watching, started humming “Unwritten”.

Milo immediately joined in. “FEEL THE RAIN ON YOUR SKIN—”

Spencer groaned. “I swear to god, you two—”

It only got worse from there.

Milo and Rainbow started singing everything anyone said that reminded them of a song.

At one point, Peyton said, “We should grab a drink after this,” and Milo immediately launched into “bartender” by akon

By the time they left, Milo’s hand was covered in makeup swatches, and Spencer looked one second away from putting them all in time-out.

A small group of fans spotted them on the street.

“Milo! Aurora!”

Milo lit up immediately, turning toward them with a grin. “Hey, guys!”Aurora stepped back, watching as he immediately pulled them in for hugs.

“You guys having a good day?” he asked, voice warm and familiar, like he knew them.

A girl in a lavender sweater beamed. “This just made it way better.”

“D’awww,” Milo cooed, ruffling her hair. “You guys are too sweet.”

Aurora watched as he took selfies, signed things, and—of course—kissed one girl on the cheek, making her squeal.

Aurora shook her head. “You’re so ridiculous.”

Milo turned to her, still grinning. “Hey, don’t be jealous, Bug.”

One of the fans giggled. “You guys are such cute friends.”

Milo smirked. “Hear that? We’re cute.”

Aurora groaned. “Come on, Loverboy.”

After hours of wandering through thrift shops, record stores, and makeup aisles, the group found themselves standing at a crosswalk, the neon lights of the city casting a warm glow over them.

“I refuse to let this day end without a drink,” Nick declared, stretching his arms over his head. “We deserve a little celebration.”

Spencer checked his watch. “One drink. Then we all get some actual sleep.”

Milo smirked. “Look at you, Dad Mode activated.”

Spencer just rolled his eyes. “Someone has to be responsible.”

“Do they?” Peyton teased.

Sarah nudged Aurora. “What do you say, Bug? One drink?”

Aurora, still buzzing from the day, grinned. “Let’s do it.”

They ended up in a cozy little bar tucked between two towering buildings, the kind of place that wasn’t too loud but still had a steady hum of conversation and low music playing in the background. Edison bulbs hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the dark wooden bar top.

Milo leaned against the counter, flashing the bartender his usual easygoing smile. “Alright, what’s everyone having?”

Orders started flying in—Spencer with his standard whiskey neat, Rainbow with a fruity cocktail, Kiara and Kristian opting for classic gin and tonics.

When it got to Aurora, she barely had time to open her mouth before Milo spoke up.

“She’ll have a spiced rum and coke.”

Aurora blinked. “Okay, seriously, how do you just know these things?”

Milo gave her a lazy grin. “Like I said earlier—I pay attention.”

Kiara smirked. “That’s a little suspicious.”

Milo winked at Aurora. “Maybe I’m just invested in Bug’s well-being.”

Aurora groaned. “You’re insufferable.”

Milo lifted his glass. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Nick raised his drink. “Alright, to chaotic friendships, successful press tours, and not getting lost in a mall again.” Milo pointedly avoided eye contact. Glasses clinked, and for a moment, everything just felt easy. No cameras, no schedules—just them, laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying the simple comfort of being together.

At some point, Aurora and Peyton got distracted by a dog sitting outside the window.

“Oh my god,” Payton gasped. “That puppy is so cute.”

Aurora practically melted against the bar. “Look at his little face.”

Kristian sighed. “That’s it. We’re never leaving.”

Meanwhile, Milo and Rainbow were still turning every casual statement into a song.

Spencer, exhausted, pinched the bridge of his nose. “If you two sing one more time—”

Rainbow smirked. “Oh no, guys, Spencer’s mad.”

Milo, without missing a beat, started singing “Mad” by Ne-Yo.

“So both of us are Mad for nothing!” He sung

Spencer groaned.

By the time they finished their drinks, the group was just tipsy enough to be giggly but not enough to make getting back to the hotel a struggle.

Milo, ever the gentleman (or so he claimed), offered Aurora his arm as they stepped out into the chilly night air.

“Shall we, Bug?”

Aurora rolled her eyes but took it anyway. “You are so dramatic.”

Milo grinned. “And yet, we’re still best friends.”

She didn’t respond.

But she also didn’t let go.

Back at the hotel, the group split off to their respective rooms, exhausted but still buzzing from the day. Aurora sighed, kicking off her shoes as she stepped into her room, only to hear a knock at her door before she even had a chance to sit down.

She didn’t even have to ask who it was.

With a knowing smirk, she swung the door open. “Couldn’t survive five minutes without me?”

Milo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that familiar grin tugging at his lips. “Busted. What can I say? I need my daily dose of Bug time.”

Aurora rolled her eyes still took his hand to head to his room knowing he’d drag her there at some point eventually.

“Also,” he added, flopping down dramatically onto his bed, “I figured we should probably eat before we pass out. What’s the move? Room service or takeout?”

Aurora stretched, glancing at the bedside clock. “Room service takes forever. Takeout?”

Milo pulled out his phone, already scrolling. “Okay, what are we feeling? Pizza? Sushi? Burgers?”

Aurora flopped onto the bed beside him, peering at his screen. “Mmm… Chinese?”

Milo smirked. “You always go for Chinese.”

“Because it’s elite.”

Milo chuckled. “Fine, fine. What’s your order?”

Aurora didn’t even get a chance to answer before Milo tapped on the screen.

“Sesame chicken, extra sauce, fried rice, and an egg roll.”

She blinked. “Okay, you seriously need to stop memorizing my orders.”

Milo just wiggled his eyebrows. “Admit it. You’re impressed.”

Aurora grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it. “Creeped out is more like it.”

Milo laughed, shielding himself. “Hey! It’s not creepy! I just pay attention.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Aurora muttered, but she was smiling.

They finished ordering, and while they waited, Milo rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow.

“So. Highlight of the day?”

Aurora thought for a moment. “Probably taking you into Sephora and using your hand as a makeup palette. That was very satisfying.”

Milo held up his hand, which still had faint traces of swatches. “You ruined me.”

“Oh, please. You liked it.”

Milo smirked. “I liked you holding my hand, sure.”

Aurora groaned, shoving his face away. “You cannot be serious this late at night.”

Milo just grinned. “What about you? Favorite moment?

Milo exhaled, staring up at the ceiling for a second. Then he looked at her, softer this time. “Honestly? Probably when we met those fans. I love how excited they get. Makes all the crazy stuff worth it.”

Aurora smiled. “You are kind of a golden retriever when it comes to them.”

Milo scoffed. “Excuse me?”

“You just—” Aurora gestured vaguely at him. “You love people. Like, really love them. You go all in, full hugs, cheek kisses, the whole thing. It’s kinda cute.”

Milo wiggled his brows. “You think I’m cute?”

Aurora groaned. “I walked into that one.”

He chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “You make it too easy, Bug.”

“And yes Mi, you’re cute.”

Before he could retaliate, a knock sounded at the door.

Milo hopped up. “Food’s here!”

He grabbed the bags from the delivery guy and plopped back onto the bed, setting the containers between them.

They dug in immediately, Aurora stealing an egg roll from Milo’s container without hesitation.

Milo gasped, clutching his chest. “Betrayal.”

Aurora took a slow, exaggerated bite. “You love me anyway.”

Milo rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching some random late-night TV show on the hotel screen. At some point, Aurora pulled a blanket over her lap, leaning against the headboard.

Milo nudged her knee with his. “Tired?”

Aurora yawned, stretching. “A little. It’s been a long day.”

Milo reached over, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Wanna sleep?”

Aurora sighed. “Mmm. But I should probably get back to my room.”

Milo didn’t move, just watched her for a second before shaking his head. “Nah. Just crash here.”

Aurora hesitated, glancing at him. “You sure?”

Milo gave her a lazy grin. “Yeah, Rora. I don’t mind.”

Aurora rolled her eyes but settled deeper into the pillows.

Milo grabbed the remote, lowering the volume. “Sleep well, bug.”

And for once, she didn’t argue.

—

The soft light of morning filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Aurora’s eyes fluttered open, the warmth of the blanket surrounding her feeling comforting and familiar. She shifted slightly, but something didn’t feel quite right.

It took her a moment to realize why—there was an arm wrapped securely around her waist.

Her first instinct was to freeze. But as her mind caught up with the situation, she slowly turned her head, heart skipping a beat as she realized why she felt so secure. Milo’s face was inches from hers, his head resting on the pillow next to hers. His arm was draped over her, his body tangled up with hers in a way that should’ve felt awkward but instead felt completely natural.

Aurora's chest tightened for a moment.

But the warmth of Milo’s body next to hers was too comforting, too calming. She slowly breathed in, feeling his steady breaths against her cheek. He was sound asleep, his face relaxed, his lips barely parted in a peaceful expression that was a far cry from his usual playful, teasing grin. She felt the beat of his heart beneath her skin, their bodies still intertwined in a way that felt more intimate than anything they’d shared before.

Her breath caught, and for a long moment, Aurora just laid there, her body still, trying to process everything without waking him. She could hear the soft rhythm of his breathing, the way his arm tightened around her waist every time she shifted slightly.

She should move. She should get up and slide out of his embrace. But the way his body held onto hers so effortlessly made it hard to pull away.

There was something about waking up like this—so close, so tangled with him—that felt different. There were no cameras, no fans, no schedule looming over them. Just this quiet morning, the weight of the world momentarily gone.

Aurora tried to adjust, but as she did, Milo groaned softly in his sleep, his grip tightening around her waist instinctively. His lips brushed against her hair, a soft exhale slipping from him.

Aurora couldn’t help but smile at the softness of it all. She had never imagined waking up like this, not with Milo. They had their playful moments, their teasing banter, but this—this was different.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Milo shifted slightly, blinking sleepily as his eyes cracked open. For a brief moment, there was only silence.

Then his eyes met hers, still blurry with sleep, but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Morning, Bug,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Aurora’s breath hitched, her heart racing even though she tried to remain casual. She swallowed, a slight blush creeping up her neck. “Morning,” she replied softly.

There was a beat of silence, just the two of them in this tiny bubble of quiet. Neither one moved to pull away. Neither one seemed to want to.

Finally, Milo blinked again, his voice teasing despite the grogginess. “So… this is what it looks like when you actuallyfall asleep on me, huh?”

Aurora laughed softly, her fingers lightly grazing the back of his hand where it rested on her side. “Or maybe you just can’t stay away from me?.”

Milo smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure, Bug. Keep telling yourself that.”But his tone was soft, his thumb gently brushing across her skin.

Aurora stared at him for a moment, and she could see it—the way his eyes were a little more vulnerable than usual, the way he seemed more real, more present in a way that felt different from their usual back-and-forth.

For a moment, she felt the tension rise between them. A question hung in the air, unspoken but understood. Was this just a moment of vulnerability? A one-off slip-up, or was it something more?

But before she could say anything, Milo gently pulled her closer, as if he couldn’t help himself. He tucked his face into her hair, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Stay for a while, s’last day I’m gonna see you for at least a month,” he said, and for a fleeting moment, there was a quiet softness to him that Aurora wasn’t sure how to handle.

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she let herself fall into the comfort of his arms, allowing the stillness of the morning to wash over her.

“Don’t remind me.”