Hey Arnold - How things have Changed

by ReAp3R

Everyone had mostly gone their seperate ways. Most of the kids had gone off to school. But Arnold Shortman did something different. He joined the Marine Corps. Arnold has been away for 5 years, with 3 combat deployments on his belt. He decided home was where he needed to be. Especially with the 20 year 4th grade reunion happening within a week. How will it go? Find Out!

1. Chapter 1 - How things have changed

~so i wanted to write this story for a while now. if you can't tell, most of my stories are centered around military themed. Mainly for the fact I am prior Army, so its kinda there. but This might be the next long one I do, depending on how I feel about it. Will be working on getting some other ones out as well soon. Thanks for reading. Oh, and I do not own Hey Arnold, or any of its characters. All rights go to the creator and to Nickelodeon for the show. I am just writing to express my love for this show.~

Chapter 1 - How things have changed

Arnold Shortman sat in the diner drinking his cup of coffee. The plate which held 4 large pancakes sat to the side, now completely empty, except for a few bits and maple syrup. The waitress came by with a pot of coffee, making Arnold smile as he held out his cup.

"You know how to reach a soldier's heart" Arnold said with a smile, causing the waitress to giggle.

"Well I know you military guys love your coffee, so enjoy while you can" the waitress said as she gave him a wink, walking down the diner to fill another cup.

He finished his cup, setting it down on the table before grabbing his jacket and helmet, walking up to pay for his meal. His new tattoo was showing, causing a trucker to tap him on the shoulder.

"Where ya heading son?" the trucker asked before taking another sip of coffee.

"Back home, been away for too long, need to see some folks again" Arnold said as he scratched his arm near the tattoo.

"Marine right?" The trucker asked as a good amount of people looked over too. Arnold smirked and smiled, lifting the sleeve to show the tattoo of his unit.

"All Day everyday, damn right" Arnold said as several of the truckers smiled. 3 of the truckers took off their jackets to reveal the same tattoo, causing Arnold to look like the happiest man alive.

"Hoorah. Welcome home brother. You be safe out there, you hear?" The trucker said. Arnold nodded as hey formed a bond only a few people in this world could know. "Breakfast is on me, consider it a welcome home gift. Arnold thanked them all and waved to them as he headed out the door.

He threw his big bag onto his back, making sure it was in a comfortable position. He threw in his headphones and smiled as he slipped on his helmet. He sat on his Kawasaki Ninja, loving the sound of the engine as he hooked his phone into the middle of the handlebars, connecting his headphones in. He flipped down his visor as he began backing out. He found his Metal playlist, allowed the music to start as he flipped the bike in first gear and moved onto the road, picking up speed as he headed into town. Back to home.

~Hope you liked the first chapter, more to come. Have to revise the second chapter, didn't like the way it came out at first. Please leave a like and Review in case I missed something or something doesn't flow right. Catch you on the next one~