School Daze
Chapter 1
"Beep beep beeep beeep beeep beeep beeep beeep" Swift Heart's ears flicked towards the obnoxious noise coming from the nightstand. Attempting to ignore it she rolled over, burrowing her head deeper in the pillow. "BEEP BEEP BEEEP BEEEP BEEP BEEP" It called more insistently.
Groaning she grabbed on tight to the pillow and rolled onto her stomach, "Grumpy make it stop."
Grumpy groaned as well and slammed his hand down on the snooze button, "Ugg just five more minutes," he put his arms around Swift Heart and pulled her against his chest.
"Mmmmm maybe 10." She sighed contently as his arms held her close.
"Thanks for spending the night," Grumpy smiled and kissed her neck.
"Thanks for waking me up like this," she hadn't opened her eyes yet but then again it didn't take her long to get ready. Placing her arm on top of Grumpy's she gripped his hand, holding it in place around her middle. "Do we haaaaave to go to school?"
"I wish we didn't have to," Grumpy admitted, kissing her softly on the neck again, "but we can't skip on the first day. Maybe we can skip in a week or two."
"For a week or two?" She asked hopefully. Looking over her shoulder at him she kissed him on the lips.
"If we can find a way," Grumpy said. He carefully helped Swift Heart turn around and pulled her closer, "any getaway ideas."
"I've heard Hawaii is very nice, nice and warm and romantic." Facing him now she tucked her head under his chin. "I do like being warm."
"I can tell," he pulled her closer with his legs and arms.
"So, 20 more minutes then?" She teased, kissing him a few times.
"I think we can manage, we might have to share the shower though," Grumpy teased back.
She pulled back, "Hmmm well if that's the case then..." Her lips found their way to his chin and then down his neck while her hand trailed softly down his side. Grumpy shuddered under her touch and carefully reached to turn the alarm off so it wouldn't interrupt them.
"Very good call honey," she purred as she kissed him warmly, letting her tongue skim his lips.
"Mmm, I thought so," Grumpy opened his mouth and kissed her back.
"These sleepovers were the best idea we ever had," her hand came to rest over the tattoo on his chest.
"Better than the idea to have you break the rescue beam?" Grumpy asked, chuckling.
She nodded, "One of them involves kissing and one doesn't." Feeling a kink in her back she pulled back slightly and stretched her arms and legs as far as they would go squealing in relief. Grumpy took the chance to kiss Swift Heart's down over the tummy symbol. Gripping the sheets she arched her back with a pleased gasp. By the Great Wishing Star she had missed him.
"Oh you like that don't you," he teased, kissing her softly all around the winged heart.
"Don't play stupid, you know I do," her fingers flexed, pulling the sheets and her ears began to curl in pleasure.
"Ohh I know," Grumpy tickled her sides while continuing to kiss her symbol.
Laughing she squirmed under his ministrations. "Hahaha we are hahaha never getting up at hahahah this rate!"
"Yeah, too bad," Grumpy crawled up and kissed her on the lips, his hands going up to stroke her ears.
Wrapping her arms around his middle she held him on top of her, lips caressing his; pausing briefly to remind him once more, "I love you."
"I love you too," Grumpy kissed her deep again, "but we should get moving before anyone shows up to kick us out of bed."
Swift Hearts eyes clouded over briefly, "I don't think we'll have to worry about that anymore." Kissing him once in apology she tossed back the covers and headed for the bathroom.
Grumpy slid out after her and followed, "May I join you?" he asked.
She nodded, "Maybe I should be asking you that. Since it is your house."
"Maybe, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable," Grumpy said, coming up behind her as they stepped into the bathroom.
"I'm never uncomfortable around you." Grabbing the toothbrush Grumpy had gotten for her she rested one hand on the sink and started to get rid of her morning breath. Meeting Grumpy's eyes in the mirror she smiled at him. Grumpy smiled and followed suit with his own toothbrush, also reaching for some mouthwash. Finishing up she rinsed the toothpaste from her mouth before leaning over to Grumpy's side and stealing his mouthwash. Taking a swig straight from the bottle she swirled it around her mouth.
Grumpy spit his own mouthful, "tasty?" he asked grinning.
Swift Heart blew a puff of air in his face, "Minty fresh."
"Definitely," Grumpy leaned over and kissed her.
Smiling she asked, "Do we still have time for that shower?"
"We do. You're alright with me seeing you naked then?" Grumpy asked.
Butterflies in her stomach but keeping her smile cocky Swift Heart slowly shimmied off her pajama pants, "We gotta start somewhere right? Besides...I'm feeling more confident about that."
"I'm willing to wait, but thanks," Grumpy kissed her again and reached around her back to undo her bra.
Propping her hands on her hips she raised an eyebrow at him, "And how exactly is it Grumpy, that you know how to work a bra?"
"Well, I don't," Grumpy admitted, "A little help please?"
Turning so her back faced him, Swift Heart expertly reached her hands around and undid the hook. Slowly she slid the straps off her shoulders and dramatically dropped it to the floor.
"I need practise I guess," Grumpy couldn't help but blush.
"You and about 90% of all guys out there," she said over her shoulder to him. Grumpy didn't reply but turned to the bathtub and turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature.
Steeling up the last bit of her courage she removed her underwire while Grumpy's back was turned. Facing him now she waited for him to turn around, "Hope you're not disappointed."
Once the temperature was set Grumpy turned around and smiled, "How could I be?" Grumpy slipped his boxers off and moved in to kiss her, "Now let's get showered."
Most of the rest of the Kingdom of Caring was reluctantly rising as well, both students and teachers. The teachers were up first and had gathered in the Hall of Hearts before anyone else. Tenderheart got on the intercom and gave the announcement.
"Attention. Attention. All Care Bears and Cousins report to the Hall of Hearts. School is about to begin."
Finally the rest of the family began filing in, some enthusiastic but most reluctantly dragging their feet and the school bags they had purchased for the event. Even though they were reluctant, Grumpy and Swift walked in hand-in hand.
"Too bad they're splitting up the couples," Grumpy sighed as he took his seat at the heart table.
For now Swift Heart sat next to him. "That's what lunch and the few minutes in between class periods are for," She told him with a smirk. "Thanks for stopping by Fauna's memorial with me," She kissed his cheek.
"There's no way I wouldn't," Grumpy put his arm around her, "there won't be a day that I don't go there."
"A lot of us share that sentiment," Valiant Heart said, sitting near to them.
Swift Heart nodded to him, "Yeah I saw all the flowers and stuff. I appreciate it. But do you know who left the box of tissues?"
Playful and Funshine came by, "That was me. You had me really worried because you just wouldn't stop crying! I thought the Forest was going to flood."
Funshine nodded, "It's true, he was really worried. Glad to see you're doing better."
"I am. And I hate to say it but school will be a nice distraction. For a while anyway," Swift Heart told her.
Treat Heart came in with five large containers full of muffins. "Hi everyone! I made muffins for us all. Hope you guys are hungry!" She put the containers on the table. Ever since the Falls incident she had been on a cooking spree.
"Thanks Treat Heart," Defiant got up from the teacher's stand and grabbed a muffin before heading back up to the front.
"You've been turning out all sorts of stuff lately." Birthday commented even as he bit into a muffin. "Mmmm not that I'm complaining, these are awesome!"
She giggled, "Thanks Birthday." Etienne reached over her shoulder for one, making her jump.
"You not trying to butter us up, are you petite?" He teased making her giggle.
"Well she's probably going to be the star of your classes, Illy," Gloria said, taking a muffin for herself.
"Good it can make up for my supreme lack of cooking skills," Swift Heart joked.
"Alright everyone settle down," True Heart called, having taken a muffin herself as everyone sat down while eating. "As you all know, today is the first day of our Care Bear Family high school program. Now we have all made an extensive series of classes for most of you," She looked over at Terra Heart, "Terra Heart will be with me for tutoring sessions so I can teach her how to read braille, among other things."
"Now we've divided up the classes in a fair manner, and yes the rumors are true that no known couples will be in the same classes together," Noble Heart's announcement was followed by a few groans. "You're in class to learn, not to make out."
"Well then the same rule should apply to the teachers." Looking at Harmony and Brave Heart Cheer crossed her arms, "They shouldn't be allowed to be all smoochy smoochy during class time either."
"They aren't teaching together," Noble Heart countered, "Now as for the classroom divisions, the first class will consist of: Share Bear, Wish Bear, Playful Heart Monkey, Gentle Heart Lamb, Lotsa Heart Elephant and Cheer Bear."
Cheer groaned at being paired with the monkey and he poked her with his tail, "Don't worry Cheer. I promise to mostly behave."
"You'll promise to totally behave. Otherwise the teachers have permission to issue detention." True Heart warned him before reading off Noble Heart's list, "Alright guys the next class is Loyal Heart, Champ, Snowy, Bedtime, and Grumpy."
"A fair grouping," Loyal Heart agreed.
"Should be..." Bedtime yawned, "Just fine."
Grumpy seemed as indifferent as always, simply sitting there with his usual scowl. Champ high fived Snowy, "Nice! All bros!"
Snowy received his high five, "Should be fun, especially in gym."
"At least someone is happy with the classroom arrangements," Tenderheart sighed, "The third class is: Jolly Heart Platypus, Grateful Heart Platypus, Secret Bear, Treat Heart Pig, and Love-a-Lot Bear."
"Oy ta mates! Thats bonza!" Jolly called with a grin while smiling at his sister.
"Thanks for putting me with Julian," she replied.
"I just hope Secret Bear can handle things without Friend to interpret for her," Treat Heart said. Secret just waved a hand at her to reassure her that she could.
"Alright and finally we have Valiant, Friend, Funshine, Swift Heart, Cozy Heart, and Birthday." Brave Heart read out. Cozy and Swift Heart exchanged a big smile.
"Great, a prankster in my class," Valiant sighed.
"Aww she's the baby prankster. You'll be fine," Swift Heart reassured him while winking at Funshine.
"Sure," Valiant rolled his eyes.
"As for teachers," Bright Heart stood up, "I will be teaching science and shop classes, Illusion will be teaching cooking, Defiant is teaching language and grammar, Proud Heart is teaching health and wellness, Brave Heart will be in charge of gym and physical fitness, Harmony is teaching music, Tenderheart is teaching history, and Noble Heart will be teach all the math classes."
"Like we couldn't have figured that out for ourselves," Grumpy grumbled.
"How long are we going to be in school?" Lotsa Heart asked.
"At least a year, then however long it takes for you to reach the acceptable grades for each class," True Heart replied.
"So where are each of our classes going first?" Birthday asked.
Noble checked over his list, "Alright everyone in the group with Share, you will be going to Language and Grammar, Champ's group to History, Secret's to Music, and Valiant's to science."
"You will be getting the rest of your schedule in your first period," True Heart added.
"So where are the classes, exactly?" Friend asked.
"We've converted some of the unused houses for potential new arrivals into classrooms," Defiant said.
"The gym, track and obstacle course will be where my fitness classes are held," Brave Heart added.
"Cookin class gon be at mah house. Desole an no offense True an' Noble but de facilities anywhere else are...less den ideal." He informed them, not looking sorry at all.
"As long as you have enough space and stations for everyone to use, that will be fine," Noble Heart said, not taking offense.
He nodded, "De way Ah have it laid out we gonna be jus fine."
"Alright gang, let's get going then. Meet up with your class mates and head off to your first class." True Heart told them with an encouraging smile.
"See you later then Swift," Grumpy said as he joined with Loyal, Champ and Snowy, who were helping Bedtime to stand.
"You should consider changing your sleeping schedule," Snowy suggested to Bedtime. The blue bear merely yawned in response.
Swift Heart had instantly found Cozy and the two hooked up with the rest of their group. "At least we don't have math first thing in the morning." Swift Heart said happily.
Cozy scowled, "Lucky for you. I hate ssssscience."
"What kind of science is Bright Heart going to teach us anyways?" Valiant asked.
"Just a general overview today, and a few short subjects, I'll tell you more when we're in class," Bright Heart said as he jogged passed them.
Swift Heart looked on in disbelief, "We have to practically drag him out to work out with the cousins. But give him a classroom full of fun science toys and he's jogging there! I knew this school thing was trouble."
"Just wait until we're actually in class," Friend sighed.
Bright Heart was indeed enthusiastic. He had even donned a white lab coat and had sets of protective goggles lined up on his desk. His grin was halfway between smug and eager as he stood in front of the chalkboard.
"We can keep the introductions out of things since we all know each other," he said in greeting.
"Are we doing the 'how to make a stink bomb' lesson? Because I already know that one," Funshine told him teasingly as she took a seat.
"I'm aware of that," Bright Heart sighed, "As for what we're going to be doing, we're going to be doing a basic overview of a few fields for today. Eventually everyone is going to pick one field to focus on and do a project for the end of the semester."
Valiant Heart raised a hand, "What do you mean by semester, Bright Heart?"
"Well at the halfway point of this school year we're switching over to more practical studies: woodworking, mechanics, sewing, electrical or another field where you work with your hands with the same end goal, a choice of field and a chosen project that will count for most of your final grade."
"That sounds like a good idea. Well thought out Bright Heart." Birthday told him and meaning it. Swift Heart was ecstatic as well, she had a boyfriend who would make sure she got an A on the final.
"Thank you, Birthday. And yes, Funshine, if you want to do chemistry you can, but I'd like it if you chose a field you aren't familiar with," Bright Heart said.
"So why the practical part of this class?" Friend asked.
"You want me to be honest?" Bright Heart leaned forwards, "We need more able hands around the Kingdom of Caring. Every time something breaks, or malfunctions or goes haywire or something needs to be built, Grumpy and I have to do it. We're good but it gets very tiring, and Grams likes sewing but even she can't keep up with requests that are made from time to time. We want each member of the family to find one thing they love to do and hopefully take that skill to a point that they can help out when something comes up."
"You've clearly put a lot of thought in thissss Bright Heart. I think it ssssounds great." Cozy Heart approved.
"And it sounds like we'll have lots of time to figure out what our special skill will be. Right Bright Heart?" Funshine inquired.
"I have, and you will. We'll devote a week to go in depth with each potential discipline. Now due to the unique nature of this, if two or three of you in the same class decide that you're interested in pursuing the same area then you may team up for your projects. I'm talking with Noble Heart about potentially allowing for inter-class group team ups," Bright Heart said, "but it will be harder since you'll have to arrange to work on such things only on your time off, unless you can coordinate well enough to work individually for a time."
"Seems fair."
Twirling her pencil Swift Heart looked at the goggles on the counter, "And our first lesson is going to be?"
"We're starting with chemistry, that way we can get the most annoying introduction out of the way first," Bright Heart actually glared as Funshine, who put on her bet innocent face.
"Want me to passsss out the goggelssss Professsor Bright Heart?" Cozy asked trying not to giggle as she did so.
"Yes, thank you Cozy," Bright Heart nodded. "Now the first thing to learn is the periodic table of the elements," as Cozy took the goggles Bright Heart took out a poster, unrolled it and stuck it to the chalkboard. Valiant gulped visibly when he saw how large it was. "Don't worry, you don't have to memorise it today, this is just to give you an idea of how complex chemistry can be. You need to understand what properties each element has, how they're grouped, and what form they take or how they react when combined."
Seeing the horrified look cross her friend's face Swift Heart cackled. "And yet this still isn't as bad as math class." Cozy stuck her tongue out at her and passed Valiant his goggles.
"How is it you know all this stuff anyway Bright Heart? Just from reading and self-teaching?" Funshine asked him.
"Yes, actually." Bright Heart replied, "Now I don't want to overwhelm you so I'll give you the basics. Every element here is represented by a unique atom, one of the smallest building blocks of all matter. The number on each element is the number of protons and electrons in each element. Do any of you know what an atom looks like?" he asked.
"Oooo! Yes actually! It's in the opening credits of Big Bang Theory," Swift Heart said excitedly. Quickly she sketched it on a piece of note paper and held it up for approval.
Bright Heart couldn't resist a chuckle, "Yes, that's exactly it. The cluster in the center is the nucleus, composed of protons and usually neutrons," Bright Heart redrew the image on the chalkboard, "the orbiting bits are electrons. Protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge so all atoms have a neutral charge. You should be writing this down," he added. The scratching of pens on paper was heard soon thereafter.
"What about neutrons?" Valiant asked.
"Well neutrons have no charge, and unlike protons and electrons the number isn't always equal to the number of the element," Bright Heart explained. He drew a circle with one orbiting dot next to the large atom diagram, "This is an atom of hydrogen, number 1 on the periodic table. As you can see it only has one proton and one orbiting electron but no neutrons. Some larger elements have many more neutrons than they have protons or electrons. Just remember that all true elements have a neutral charge. Now you notice that the table is rather oddly shaped, that's because each element is in a group based on their related properties..."
The first period ended and the classes headed off to their next class. "You know after the first couple of minutes Defiant actually surprised me," Wish mused as her group left grammar.
"I know what you mean. I totally thought get was going to be obstinate," Cheer agreed.
"I hope that the other teachers are just as mellow," Share smiled.
"He was easy to learn from," Gentle agreed.
"And so fetching in that outfit," Lotsa commented.
Playful looked confused by His friend's word choice, "I didn't really notice."
"I agree with you Lotsa. He does cleanup nice," Cheer said.
"Well what's our next class?" Gentle asked.
Share checked the schedule that Defiant had given her, "Phys ed with Brave Heart."
Chuckling Playful Heart flipped onto his hands. "I'm looking forward to it."
"So is Brave Heart. We saw him setting up for you guys." Champ said as his group passed theirs.
"That, makes me nervous," Gentle Heart admitted.
Cheer gave Champ a kiss on his cheek, "Still awake after Tenderheart's class I see. That makes me have hope."
"There wasn't much, but he did give us the eras we'd be studying," Snowy moved to kiss Share as well, "He actually seemed enthusiastic about it."
"He has seemed happier lately," Share noted.
"And Love a Lot is convinced it's because he's seeing someone. But she doesn't know who and it's driving her crazy." Wish said with a smile.
Bedtime shrugged sleepily, "Whatever. Just as long as he stays this way."
"Well just keep an eye on who he treats specially in class," Lotsa said.
"We should get going, I don't want to be late for Brave Heart's class," Gentle said.
"See you later Cheer."
They exchanged a kiss and Cheer fixed his hair. "Honestly Champ, would it kill you to own a brush?"
He chuckled "maybe," he moved off with his group.
Brave Heart was already in his coach's uniform by the time the group arrived. "Welcome, everyone to, Brave Heart's physical education and fitness classes. Now I know you're a bit nervous but don't worry, today we're just learning to stretch and getting your gym uniforms."
"Gym uniforms?" Share asked.
"Yes. While I appreciate your unique fashion choices, most of them aren't appropriate for exercise. You'll need shorts and t-shirts for this class," Brave Heart gestured to the large cardboard boxes in front of him, "Each of your uniforms has your name on it. Grams and Take Care gave us all your relevant measurements so we could skip the fitting," He nodded at the group.
"All of them?" Gentle squeaked, trying to shrink her large bosom into her sweatshirt.
"Relax, it's all confidential. The undergarments should keep everything, umm, stable," Brave Heart coughed.
"Oh for petes sake Brave Heart you can say sports Bra. It's okay," Cheer chided him while coming up to get her clothes.
"Where are we changing?" Wish asked.
"We installed boy's and girl's shower and changing rooms in the back," Brave Heart pointed to two new doors at the back of the gym, "There are lockers for each of you back there to store your school books and clothes."
"Alright then," Lotsa found his gym clothing in the largest of the boxes before heading to the boy's change room.
Playful followed him and the girls headed for their locker room. Wish Bear looped her arm through Gentle Heart's, "You'll be fine. I mean after all you've known Brave Heart for years. He must know you're endowed right?"
"He knows, but I've never really exercised like this before, besides swimming," Gentle Heart held her sports bra up from the box. "You're sure this will work."
"Don't worry, Gentle, it will be fine. We've all seen you by now and I'm sure Grams knew what she was doing when she made these," Share said as she began to change into her own gym clothes.
Cheer nodded. "Yea. And Swifty swears by them. They are all she runs in."
"OK," Gentle smiled. She took a breath as she pulled off her sweater and undid her original bra before pulling on the sports bra. Her t-shirt slid on surprisingly easily. She paused and bounced a couple times, "Grams does know her stuff," she said, breathing a sigh of relief before replacing her jeans with the gym shorts.
"We told you there was no reason to worry," Share patted her on the back, "No logo but the tummy symbol is a nice addition," she touched the milkshake on the front of her shirt.
Slipping her shirt on and redoing her ponytail Cheer went to the door, "Ready girls?"
"I'm ready," Share said. Gentle nodded as they went out to gym floor.
Playful bounded out of the boy's room looking none the worse for wear and grinning like a buffoon and with Lotsa treading behind him. "So where do we begin 'coach' Brave Heart?" Playful snickered.
"With some stretches so when you guys wake up tomorrow your muscles won't hate you. Or me," Brave Heart added with a laugh.
"Alright, so what do we do?" Share asked.
"Well just follow along with me," Brave Heart said as he bent over, touching his toes, "We need to go through all the major muscle groups at the start of every session. Now don't just reach and go back in an instant, hold your stretch pose for at least 30 seconds."
Lotsa Heart couldn't get all the way over. He got about halfway then grunted.
"Don't force it Lotsa. The more you do it the easier it will get." Brave Heart told him.
Playful Heart easily held the pose and looked at the others upside down through his legs, "Haha you guys look ridiculous."
Share was just barely able to reach her feet but she didn't comment on Playful statement. Gentle was able to reach her feet but felt her breasts get a little squished from the motion, "It's awkward," she admitted.
"If you're having trouble then try holding the sides of your feet, and no bending your knees, Wish," Brave Heart looked up at the green bear.
Straightening her knees she winced, "Darn. This hurts now." Cheer who was an avid yoga doer inhaled and exhaled slowly while bending over.
"You should feel a burn in your legs, especially if you're not used to this," Brave Heart finally straightened up, "Now for the rest of your leg, pull your leg up behind you with your arm," Brave Heart kicked his leg backwards and grabbed his foot in his hand, "If balance is an issue then do it next to the wall."
Brave Hearts warning wasnt quick enough however and Wish fell over, taking Playful with her. Laughing he helped her up "Good aim Wish." After their legs they focused on arms and back muscles. "Alright gang, how we feeling?"
"Looser, but I still feel the burn," Share said.
"That's good. If you don't stretch every time you're about to exercise them you will be very very sore the next day," Brave Heart cautioned, "I'd like you all to do ten laps around the gym, I moved the equipment to make room. I just need a general sense of your fitness level. Once that's done I can go over the sports we'll be working on this year."
The group took off jogging around the gym floor. Lotsa heart lost steam after about 3 laps and was moving very slowly. His feet were dragging as he panted. Gentle was immensely grateful for Gram's sports bra as she jogged, though she ended up in step beside Wish, who was panting a bit from the effort. Cheer was out in front with Playful and Share not far behind.
"That's good, keep it up. Lotsa if you can't finish ten laps then you can stop when everyone else is finished," Brave Heart called to the elephant.
He grubbed at Brave Heart, "Don't worry about it Brave Heart. I'm just pacing myself. And that's the truth."
"Alright but this isn't a marathon. Eventually we'll be seeing how many laps you can run in a fixed time," Brave Heart said.
By the time everyone else had finished their laps, Lotsa was only on his seventh lap. Brave Heart watched him, "Are you sure you want to finish?" he called to Lotsa.
The elephant was all but crawling on the ground and sweating profusely. "Maybe ...just...this once. " in front of Brave Heart again he keeled over.
"I agree with that," Playful was lying on his back and raised a finger in the air.
"Well you're going to have to run that every day so get used to it. But I'll give you a break today since we need to go over the sports we'll be doing. Now obviously we can't do much in single classes so for each team game each class group will be a team unto itself, but we'll still practise on our own," Brave Heart picked up his course book, "Now I understand that some of you might be wary of playing contact sports so we're going to start with something simple, soccer."
Wish giggled, "It's a shame Good Luck isn't here. He was always the best at soccer."
"Yeah, it's too bad," Share sighed.
"So what are we going to do in soccer today?" Gentle Heart asked.
"Just the basics, and soccer is very basic," Brave Heart replied. "Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world because it doesn't require any special gear or even a special field or set ups, all you need are two goals and a ball, though a normal soccer ball," Brave Heart walked over to where the balls were stored and pulled out a white and black soccer ball, "Is what we will be using. The rules are also relatively simple, on the surface: the players on each team can use any part of their body, except their arms and hands," he dropped the ball and kicked it up into his knee, then up to his head, but he missed and it smacked him square in the face.
Playful snickered "Will we be required to use our face too or us that one optional?"
"Oh Playful Heart don't you think you've been hit in your head enough in your lifetime?" Cheer asked to which he pulled down his eyelid and stuck out his tongue.
"I can be goalie. Just for the record," Lotsa Heart voiced.
"That was my plan," Brave Heart had a hand over his face, "and yes the face is technically legal. And on that topic the goalie is the only player on either side who can use their hands in the game. Winning is simple too, kick the ball into the opponent's goal to score points, the most points at the end wins. In the case of a draw each player gets one shot on the opponents net and the most goals win. There is no contact in the game whatsoever and such fouls are met with free shots by the victim on their opponent's net."
"Sounds simple enough to me," Share agreed.
"There are a few more rules, such as the strategy and the position and roles of each player, but we will be learning the history of each sport as well, from how they were conceived to where each sport is most popular," Brave Heart picked up the soccer ball, "We will also be learning basketball, baseball, American football, wrestling and hockey when winter comes around. Now we will have to mix and merge some classes for actual games with some sports."
"What do you mean by 'American' football?" Share asked.
"Well soccer is called football in most countries outside North America, because you use your foot on the ball for most of the game and because the American version of football is much harder to set up and play," Brave Heart replied.
"Who knows, one of us may turn out to be an all-star athlete. Then we can stop being care bears and make millions of dollars."
Lotsa Heart actually seemed amused by Playful Heart's suggestion, "I could get my face on a cereal box...hmmm Lotsa O's." Brave Heart just rolled his eyes.
"Umm, will we all have to wrestle?" Gentle Heart asked.
"I'm with her on this one." Cheer agreed. "That one is a little too rough for me." Hands on hips she addressed Brave Heart, "And what about cheerleaders?"
"What about them?" Brave Heart asked making her scoff
"Hello! It's a sport!"
"Well if enough people want it then we can add Gymnastics to the classes as well, that's as far as I'm willing to compromise. In most sports you should keep your mouth shut because talking while your exercising wastes energy and can give you a stitch in your side," Brave Heart replied.
"Gymnastics sounds like fun," Playful managed to sit up.
Lotsa shook his head, "I think I'll stick with wrestling, and that's the truth."
Period 3 saw the boys in health class. "If she tells me to put a condom on a banana I am so out of here." Grumpy announced.
Champ nodded in agreement, "And Loyal why do you have to take this class?"
"Because we all have to and it would not be fair if I missed this class just because I am married to the teacher," Loyal Heart replied.
"That is correct, and Sex-ed is not the only thing we will be studying," Proud Heart entered the class, wearing the old-fashioned teacher's dress she had purchased, "though True Heart and Noble Heart have requested that it be our first item of discussion. I don't think I need to tell you why."
"I'd prefer you didn't. Tell us why I mean," Champ agreed.
Proud Heart sighed, "Well I won't go into it, but a big part of the reason is that I'm hoping it will be the shortest session so we can move on to the other, more important sessions of the class."
"What other sessions are those?" Snowy asked.
"Well health is not just a healthy and safe sex life. We will be learning about nutritional health, emotional health and career and occupational health," Proud Heart replied, becoming more relaxed now that the subject had moved on from sex.
Grumpy seemed to perk up at that. "I've heard sleep is *yawn* a healthy part of anyone's life." Bedtime voiced.
"It is, Bedtime, and we will be discussing that as part of this class," Proud Heart replied.
"Why are we going to be learning about careers, Proud Heart?" Snowy asked.
"Yea I thought we were all set in that department," Champ said.
"Because we have to help people, and Noble and True Heart are hoping that we can help older teens and young adults with more than just daily problems," Proud Heart said. "In order for us to help people find and choose their own career paths in life we should learn about what we will be advising them on. And even though our job is to help humans we might not necessarily want to do this forever, some of you might like to pursue careers of your own on earth someday."
"That does make sense," Snowy agreed.
"What else would we do? I mean they are fine with us down there doing our job. But I don't know how they would feel with us down there all the time," Grumpy said.
"Well we'll just have to find out," Proud Heart said, "now let's get this started so we can move on from Sex-ed." The cat sighed as she turned around and began to write on the chalk board.
"She's not going to talk about what you two do at home, right?" Champ asked.
"Please, Champ, our personal lives are not a part of this class," Loyal Heart blushed in irritation as he replied.
Bedtime had been tuning in and out during the discussion and now gazed at the blackboard. What he saw made him fall out of his chair and yelp. "Proud Heart those are girl parts!"
"Please, let's just get this unpleasant business over with," Proud Heart sighed, "You only have to see it once, I have to do this three more times."
"What else do we have to know? Once every 28 days you guys go crazy and we can't say anything right." Champ teased and getting the desired chuckle from the other guys.
"Well I was going to start on something more pleasant, but since the menstrual cycle seems to have your interest we'll start there," Proud Heart scowled, turning back to her class, eliciting groans from all of them, even Loyal Heart.
In Tenderheart's Math class Swift Heart was feeling like she had been lobotomized. It never failed: math came up and her brain flat lined.
"And further more when we get into pre-calculus uses of the sin cosine and tangent equations will. Be more relevant," Tenderheart concluded.
"I thought math just dealt with numbers, what's with all the words?" Valiant asked, slumped forwards on his desk, no more engaged that Swift Heart.
"Well letters in algebra are for variables, I have no idea what this sin and cosine stuff is," Friend replied.
"This class is a sin," Swift Heart grumbled.
Tenderheart contained his smart comment, "They are trigonomic functions used to determine unknown angles and side lengths in triangles. Architects use them a lot. And contractors."
"Umm, are we really going to start with this stuff? It seems pretty advanced," Birthday asked.
Tenderheart shook his head. "No no no. I'm just giving you all a general outline of our year. We'll be starting with algebra. Or in Swift Hearts case long division and just PEMDAS in general," she sneered at him making him chuckle.
"Alright then, so just lessons now?" Valiant asked.
Tenderheart wrote an equation on the board. "Alright start with this. If you need help just raise your hand."
Never before had anyone seen a class bolt so fast out of the room when the bell rang.
"It's safe to say that I think Share and I won't be moving to the bed anytime soon," Snowy said, shivering slightly.
"I'm going to have nightmares about tampons going to war with pads I just know it," Grumpy grumbled.
Champ nodded, "I think I get why Cheer is so...unpleasant now."
"Trust me, it does get more unpleasant if you live with them, but you get used to it," Loyal Heart sighed.
As Tenderheart's class left, Friend snickered, "I think Tenderheart has a boyfriend, he didn't flinch at any of your comments, Swift Heart."
"I know. It's so weird. I was using some of my best snarkyness on him and, nothing," she shook her head in disbelief.
"How do you know it'sssss a boyfriend and not a girlfriend?" Cozy Heart asked.
"Simple, I'm homosexual too so I can tell. Just trust me on this," Friend replied.
"How does that even work?" Birthday asked.
"I can't explain it, it's just a thing," Friend replied.
"Plus he's so anal there is no way he's straight," Swift Heart agreed.
Brithday snickered and then spotted Champ's group, calling to them, "Hi guys, how was health class."
"I don't want to talk about it," Snowy said, walking past the group.
"Ssssoundssss like you guyssss had asss much fun asss Sssswifty did," Cozy said jokingly.
"Easy there periodic table," Swift Heart shot back while inching close to Grumpy.
"So Tenderheart's math class was just as dull for you, sports fans?" Champ asked.
The rabbit shrugged, "I mean I'm not one to talk. I hate math. Like for real hate it. But for a math class...it wasn't unbearable."
"Health class was." Gripping her hand briefly Grumpy kissed her. "I will not be sad when we move on from sex ed."
Funshine giggled. "Wow. Proud Heart has you guys scared."
"Due to a remark by Champ, my wife decided to spend the class educating us on the female mentrual cycle," Loyal Heart replied.
"It's not my-" Champ was cut off by Snowy.
"Yes it was. Next time keep your mouth shut, for all our sakes."
Gripping her sides Swift Heart doubled over in laughter. "Hahahaha oh you poor things." Scowling Grumpy moved away from her slightly.
"Bet you guys will never make wise cracks about us being moody ever again," Funshine commented.
"Yes, and Share and I will be moving even more slowly than we were before," Snowy replied.
"I'm almost afraid to go to her class now," Valiant Heart gulped.
"At least we have gym next, that should be fun," Champ said.
"Lucky. We don't have it till the end of tomorrow," Swift Heart said having recovered from her laughing fit.
Cozy Heart didn't seem to mind, "At leassst we get to go home afterwardsss. Ssstraight to my own ssshower."
"We have history with Noble Heart next," Birthday added in."
"It should be interesting. Noble Heart has been around forever," Funshine stated.
"Well catch ya later," Champ called as they headed off for the gym.
-
"So Julian, are you excited to learn how to cook?" Grateful Heart asked her brother as their group headed for Illusion's house.
"OI suppose. Nevah really thought OI needed to before. How bout you sis? You excited ta make googly eyed at yer beau fer an entire class period?"
Gloria giggled, "Maybe, but I'm really excited to learn how to cook. It takes forever to get Illy let me do anything in the kitchen. And you need it more than anyone, big brother," Gloria shot back, smiling.
"Oy! Chef Boyardee 'as been foine fer me so far." Jolly countered. "Soides, even with tha class OI doubt Etienne 'll let ya do anythin."
"I know, I lived with mom long enough to find that out, and we'll see," Gloria replied.
"I can't wait either, I've wanted to learn how to cook something better," Love-a-Lot said. Secret just smiled and nodded her head enthusiastically as well.
"I just hope Illusion and I don't get into an argument. We tend to when we cook together." Treat Heart voiced.
Jolly slapped his head, "That's roit! Yer a regular bakin goddess. Why are you takin this class then?"
Treat Heart sighed, "I need the distraction."
"Still miss him don't you?" Love-a-Lot asked.
"I don't know what you mean!" Treat Heart tried to play it off but Love-a-Lot's knowing glance made her falter, "Yeah. I do."
"I miss him too," Gloria sighed, "For different reasons but still."
"Not surprising sis. You an he were cut from the same cloth ey? He's yer best mate. Everyone needs one."
Secret put a hand on Grateful's should and did her best to try and reassure her.
"Maybe I'll see him again someday, but let's not dwell. We're here," Gloria smiled as she darted around the water in front of Illusion's house for once and headed for the door.
He was awaiting them in the entrance hall with a rack of aprons next to him, "Bonjour ma chere. How'd I know you'd be de first one in?" He asked her with a grin.
"Because you know me so well," She gave Illusion a peck on the cheek as she grabbed an apron and did it up at the back. Secret got in next and wordlessly grabbed her own apron.
"G'day mate. How's it hangin?" Jolly called to his friend.
"Not so bad frer. You doin good?"
"Ta. OI'm roit aces."
Illusion's grin faltered, "We not makin yo' merde pasta in de can."
Jolly's ever present smile faltered, "Bugger."
"You can't coast through this, Jolly," Love-a-Lot said, giving him a smirk as she grabbed the last apron, "So what are we starting with today, Illusion?"
"Fettucini alfredo. Pasta jus 'bout de easiest an cheapest ting you can cook." Beckoning with his fingers he brought them back to the kitchen. There were a few stations set up on the counters. "I figure you can work in groups an take turns doin tings. At least fo' de easy recipes."
"There's five of us, so... is someone working alone?" Love-a-Lot asked.
He shook his head. "Non chere. Do one o' two an de other three. I be movin between you to help so no worries," Jolly chuckled at his friends use of his catch phrase.
"Well I'll work with my brother and Secret, if that's alright," Grateful said. Secret just nodded, agreeing with her.
Treat Heart smiled at Love-a-Lot, "You okay with that?"
The pink bear nodded. "It gives us more time to talk about Renegade." Treat Heart blushed.
"Alright frers, first up set de pot o' water to boil. If you like you can add some salt to it but dat preference. Once de water is at a boil we'll add de noodles." Holding up a box he made a face, "Fo' now we be usin ready made pasta but eventually I be teachin you to make yo' own."
Secret had already started filling her group's pot by the time Illusion held up the box. Gratful watched her, "So just one of us fills it then?" she asked for clarification.
"You tink she need help liftin a pot chere, den go ahead," He teased. "We will be makin' our own sauce today too do so you can start on dat while de water boils. Grate de parmesean an romano cheeses. Do as much as you want." Lookin over at Treat Heart he saw she was already through with that step and was helping Love-a-Lot to measure out cream and butter. Trying not to scowl he handed his girlfriend a cheese grater.
Grateful nodded as she began grating, "What kind of sauce is this? Tomato?"
"Alfredo. That means its white and creamy and cheesy and wonderful!" Treat Heart called over from her station.
Jolly licked his bill. "Croikey that sounds aces." He nudged his sister, "Put in lotsa chees in ours love."
"I plan on it," Grateful nodded.
Secret, meanwhile, was just staring at the pot on the stove and tapping her foot. Sliding up behind her Illusion placed a sauce pan in her hand. "Take dis an put de cream an butter in dere. Heat it an stir in de cheese till it gets nice an thick. Got it?"
Secret nodded, and set the pan on the stove. She glared over at Jolly, who hadn't moved to do anything helpful. He was in fact stabbing pieces of cheese with uncooked noodles and making dinosaur noises. Illusion seeing this chuckled, "Don sweat it mon petite. He can do de pasta watch when it goes in. An you can always have him clean up."
"Sounds perfect for him," Grateful giggled.
Love-a-Lot was watching the sauce that was now cooking as she spoke, "So how are you feeling, Treat?" she asked.
"Confused mostly. I mean I always enjoyed Renegade's company but as a friend mostly. Then when he wasn't around, I just felt different. Like something was missing," Treat replied.
"Sounds like you care about him as more than just a friend," Love-a-Lot replied, stirring the sauce to make sure it didn't burn.
"You would know," she responded, "But it sounds like I won't be seeing him again so it hardly matters." Seeing their water was boiling she dumped the pasta in.
For once, Love-a-Lot didn't have a real response. She did her best to say something, "Don't give up hope," was all she managed.
"I'll try," she smiled and stole some cheese to eat.
"There, that should be good," Grateful looked at the small mountain of cheese she had grated, "So now what? Just add it to the sauce?" she asked.
Coming over Illusion gripped her hands, helping her to cup them around the cheese. "Allow me to assist." Slowly he moved her hands till they hovered over the pan and released them so they dropped the cheese in the sauce.
Next thing he knew an oven mitt was hitting his head, "Oy! No flirting with yer sheila! It's no fair." Jolly informed him.
Sneering at him Illusion replied, "You see whatever it us you wanna see homme. I jus helpin her is all."
"That's right, Julian," Grateful added, "so how much should I stir this?" she asked.
"Jus till it thickens." Looking over his shoulder he called, "Treat Heart ma belle. Can you at leas' pretend dat you listenin to what I say?"
"When we graduate from college level meals yes I will," She called back. Her and Love-a-Lot's pasta was boiling contently on the stove and their sauce was cooling.
Secret had dumped the pasta in some time ago and she was stirring with a spaghetti scooper. She gestured to the pot and made wild gestures.
"Are you asking how to know when it's done?" Grateful asked. Secret nodded.
"Take a noodle out an test it. If it feel limp enough fo' you den you can strain it." He gestured to the collander in the sink. "Jolly I tink you can handle dat an addin de sauce to de noodles."
He nodded. "Jus loike-"
"You say boyardee an I fillet'n you wid mah knife," Illusion threatened.
"Hopefully you'll stop relying on canned goods after this," Grateful sighed. Secret lifted a small amount of noodles and shook her head, letting them drop back in to the pot.
"Hey. OI loike sushi well enough ya know. Got moi sheila ta thank fer that," Jolly informed them.
"Maybe we can learn how to make that, but still you should learn to cook. I remember what mom and I ended up eating most of the time," Gloria said.
He shrugged, "That's cause mum had her hands full with tha critters an' OI was with moi mates most of tha toime."
"No worries homme. I be teachin you tings dat don take long an can be re-heated de next day."
"See, you won't have to put that much more time into food," Gloria teased her brother.
"You can make it the day before and then use your microwave to heat it real fast." Love-a-Lot told him from the other station.
Treat Heart flinched, "Uhoh, wrong button there Love-a-Lot."
Illusion had already made his way over to them. "You do not use de microwave to warm up mah meals. Dey are not tv dinners."
"But we aren't you Illusion. You should make it easy for us." Gloria told him gently.
Sighing he nodded, "I suppose you right chere."
The groups spent another 20 minutes, or so, on their food before mixing the pasta and sauce together.
"Alright class. Bon appetite." He held out forks to them and they dug in.
"This is bonza! Well done sis an' secret!" Jolly hurriedly ate another mouthful making Secret laugh.
Illusion was trying both of the groups and grinned at Treat Heart. "I'm glad you chose to add black pepper to yours. Always liked mah food to have a little kick to it."
"Yes I know." She took her own forkful. "Thanks for teaching us this Illusion."
"Mah pleasure. Don forget to clean up yo stations an' i see you in 2 days." Sitting next to Gloria he took some more of their pasta.
"Thanks for the class, Illy," Grateful gave Illusion a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Kinda de point of school ma belle. But I don' mind doin it," Chucking her under the chin he took his plate over the sink and began washing it.
"Well it was nice anyway, can't wait for the next class, but I guess the day is over now. What are you going to do?" she asked, moving to rinse off her own plate.
He grinned down at her, "I fin' myself free for de afternoon. If you wanted to do somethin."
"Well, we could go for a nice swim," Gloria suggested, smiling.
"Soun good to me. Let me get dem outta here and den we can change," Moving from the sink he let his tail glide across her leg as he turned. Gloria shivered and sighed, then grinned before moving to grab the school bag she had brought with her. Jolly finished washing the dishes for his group and hurried off to wait outside Cozy Heart's last class for her. Illusion had let them out 10 minutes early, seeing no reason to hold them behind when they had finished their lesson. Secret and Love-a-Lot headed back to Care-a-Lot together leaving Treat Heart to make her way home alone.
Grateful had slipped into Illusion's bathroom while they others were leaving and dug through her bag, "I have to thank the teachers for giving me Illusion's class at the end of every other day," she giggled.
Illusion too retreated to his bedroom and changed into his bathing suit. Feeling cold in the house he called to Gloria, "I meet you outside chere. I need a little sun."
"Coming," Gloria emerged from the bathroom wearing a lavender bikini and smiling as she headed for the front door. "How do I look?"
"Belle." He assured her. Out in the sun he faced upward and sighed, "Glad de first day is over. Even do I only had deux classes."
"Well we'll all manage. With any luck this will help everyone and it won't last too long," she gave Illusion a kiss before dropping into the water in front of his house. Diving in after her he began to swim along the bottom. Gloria moved to swim just above him, following him through the electroreceptors in her bill.
Looking up at her he rolled over onto his back. Lifting his mouth to hers he kissed her gently. "Yo' firs day was good?" Gloria nodded and smiled, floating down a putting her arms around him. Following suit he let his arms fall around her back. His tail swung from side to side propelling them through the water.
Gloria managed to guide them up to the surface, gaining a much needed breath. "I love how you and Julian expanded the water here," she said, giving him a kiss.
"It was necessary. De rainbow river is nice an all, but we both used to havin de water right outside our doors. An dis way we can have water dats all de same color. It messes wid yo' eyes after awhile when de colors keep switchin on ya," Illusion admitted.
"And it's nice to have water that just sits still so you don't end up a kilometer downstream after a while," Gloria added.
"Dat too." Floating on his back easily he ran his fingers over her exposed back. Gloria shuddered and her hands snuck under the water, running along the shallow ridges on his back.
His chest rumbled with pleasure and he kissed her gently. "You been doin okay wid out Renegade?"
"I miss him, he was a good friend," Gloria rested her head on his toned chest, "But I'm not taking it as bad as Treat. I'm not as crushed about that as I am about Fauna..." Gloria sighed.
A deep sigh escaped his mouth. "Oui. None o us takin dat well. It jus hard to imagine she really gone. I opened mah fridge today an wondered why I had so many steaks." He closed his eyes briefly before continuing. "Forgot when I was buying dem dat no one was gonna steal dem so I din' need de extra."
"Maybe we can use those for a barbecue wake, or some sort of memory celebration for her some day after the first simester ends, around christmas," Gloria suggested. She kissed him again and once again her hands ran along his back ridges, "But let's not dwell on sad stuff for now."
"When you do dat cher, I feel everytin but triste," Etienne murmured while rubbing his nose against hers.
"Good, cause I'm not stoppin," Gloria pressed harder as she rubbed her bill back and kissed him softly. For the moment he was very content to hold Gloria on top of himself and kiss her slowly and sweetly. His hands rested on the small of her back and his tail worked to keep them morning.
"I love you Illy," Gloria murmured.
"Je t'aime aussi. Plus encore, puis j'ai jamais cru possible." He smirked at her before kissing her again. Illusion was sure she could feel his heart speeding up at what he had just admitted.
Gloria giggled and blushed, "Does that mean what I think it means?" she asked.
"It means I love you too." He paused to kiss her first on one cheek then the other, "More den I ever tought possible. You made me see a whole notha side of mah self."
"Oh my, thank you Illy," Gloria kissed him deeply, her hands pressing hard into his ridges as she stroked up and down. Feeling his tail hit sand Etienne slowly tilted his body, making sure Gloria didn't slide off. When his feet were firmly planted on the ground he began kissing her more forcibly. Grateful Heart responded in kind, her hands moving up to his face and running over his scales.
Snickering he asked, "You sure you can love a col' blooded reptile like me?"
"Can you love a weird chimera of a mammal like me?" Gloria quipped back.
"Easy as breathin chere," hands on her hips he resumed kissing her.
"Then there's your answer," she added. Her hands once again went to stroke his back ridges.