Pop Goes Panini
Quick Notes
-This fic takes place about 1½ weeks after the events of INYGF.
-Sub-note: This fic contains ONE spoiler from INYGF.
-Why did I give Nini a fear of balloons (Globophobia)? Read and you might find out.
Chapter 1
"Wow that was fun." Chowder said, still dizzy and struggling to stand up.
"Let me help you num nums." Panini offered, grabbing the young chef's shoulders and holding him in place until his head ceased spinning.
"Thanks for that Nini.*" he said to his best friend*. "No problem." she replied. Gorgonzola and Ceviche were both behind them, one of whom looked a bit greener in the face than usual. Gorgonzola ran from the group as he felt his lunch coming back up.
"So what should we go on next?" Ceviche asked in his monotone voice. The four apprentices were at the annual Marzipan City Carnival, which was only in town for 3 days out of the whole year. There were all sorts of rides, food, games, pretty much any good distraction a kid could ask for, it was here.
They had just gotten off of a ride called the Egg Scrambler, and as if the name wasn't enough of a clue, it was a ride that spun about eight free-spinning cars around on a motorized spinning track. The ride had left Chowder extremely dizzy, Panini and Ceviche slightly dizzy, and made Gorgonzola lose his lunch.
"Hey how about the Ferris Wheel?" Chowder suggested. Everybody seemed to like that idea. As they went over to where the ride was, they went past a stand selling balloon animal cookies. A little kid had just been given one by his mom and as Panini walked past him, the balloon pastry popped. Chowder had no time to react, as a terrified Panini clung to the back of his head.
"Panini, what's wrong?" Ceviche asked the object of his affections.
"Yeah Nini what's the matter? I haven't seen you freak out like this since a week ago." Chowder also asked, clearly remembering his attempt at using reverse psychology. Panini quickly let go of her friend and decided that now was as good a time as any to explain herself.
"Sorry guys, I've kinda been afraid of balloons since I was little." She started to explain. "Well that sounds like a pretty odd fear." Chowder commented. "It's not the balloons that I'm afraid of, it's when they pop. *shudders* They're just so loud." Panini clarified.
"I'm so sorry for you Panini." Ceviche said.
"Thanks Ceviche." Panini replied. "But I know this isn't going to go away anytime soon."
"What if we helped you get rid of your fear Nini?" Chowder offered. Panini got a little bit of a smile back on her face. It would be great if she could be rid of this stupid fear that she's had since she was two years old, and they were at a carnival, the perfect place to get rid of such a phobia. "Sure let's go for it." Panini accepted.
However, Gorgonzola had been watching them that whole tome, and couldn't stop snickering to himself. "Panini's afraid of balloons, that's so pathetic!" But then the candle holder began remembering all the times Panini had hurt him. He hadn't been able to find a non-Chowder-related chink in her personality until now, and if Chowder and Ceviche actually cured her, he'd be at her mercy again. "Better make the most of this while I can." Gorgonzola decided, running off to get some balloon animal cookies.
Author's Notes
1.) I'm going to have Chowder refer to Panini as Nini 95% of the time.
2.) This is the Spoiler.
So this was the first chapter of my second Chowder fic, Pop Goes Panini. You can only begin to imagine what Gorgy's going to do to Nini now that he knows what she's afraid of.
Most people who are afraid of balloons aren't afraid of the balloons, it's the loud POP that comes when somebody pops a balloon that scares them.
Expect Chapter Two in a few days. Please Review!