A/N : OK, so, in episode 16 or 17 or something, (Julie + Shun vs Billy + Komba) Julie says that Komba's her neighbor. But Komba lives in Africa, right? Confused. Decided to omit him from this story, in any case. I'm pretty sure he lives in Africa. Also, thank you so much to those who have read/reviewed! I can't tell you how grateful I am that people are checking out my (and impractibilty's) story. And reviews are really helpful to me. Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bakugan or any of its characters.
Come 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Julie found herself reclining in a cozy window seat, gazing down at the clouds. After hurriedly throwing together a suitcase (or five), frantically begging her mom for permission (convincing her with the help of the five aforementioned suitcases), and hugging Billy goodbye, she was finally on her way. Daisy carried the luggage to the car and they went to Marucho's mansion. They boarded his jet and got settled in. Marucho paced the aisles, making phone calls and occasionally checking up on them.
"Take a chill pill, will you?" Julie teased when the blonde asked her if they were comfortable enough. "Everything's great. I'm fine. Just tired. Seems like Daisy is comfortable." Julie looked over at her older sister, who was already asleep, snoring softly. Julie punctuated her statement with a yawn. "Okay " He sighed, backing off a bit. He began punching in some numbers on his cell phone. "So, how close are we to Russia?" Julie chirped. "Not very," he said, not looking up. "Aw well, where are Dan and Runo? They're, like, suspiciously quiet," Julie asked as she grinned cheekily.
Marucho blushed at her implication, "I-I just saw them. They're watching TV." "Bo-ring! Are you sure that's all?" Julie said, pouting. "Julie!" Marucho said, no longer focused on his cell phone.
"Maybe I should go check on them just kidding." Julie giggled. It was no secret that Dan and Runo were still casually dating, but upon meeting them again Julie just couldn't perceive the exact nature of their relationship. Something felt off, she couldn't put her thumb on it Regardless, their 'passion' hadn't died down at all. "Aah!" As if on cue, a piercing scream rang through the air. Daisy's eyes shot open and she adruptly sat up.
The trio stared at each other, wide-eyed, before the flustered blonde took off running down the aisle. "Runo! Dan! Is everything alright?" Marucho called out worriedly. Julie, never one to miss out on any action, jumped up and followed him quickly, rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes, with Daisy not far behind her.
They found Dan sprawled out on the floor, the heel of Runo's shoe grinding his face into the carpet.
"Dan!" Julie cried, her indigo eyes widening. Daisy covered her hand over her mouth in horror. "Runo!" Marucho cried, skittering over to the furious girl. "P-please, stop!" "NOT UNTIL HE APOLOGIZES!" Runo thundered, clenching her hands into fists. From his place on the floor Dan said something, but it was muffled by the carpet.
"I think he just did." Julie pointed out. The three sweatdropped.
Runo reluctantly released the poor boy. He scrambled to his feet, gasping for air. He then caught sight of Runo's angry glare and quickly hid behind Julie, who squeaked and tried to hide behind him in turn. "Dan, what did you do?" Marucho demanded. "Nothing!" The red-clad teenager cried defensively. "I just...um... stolesomeofherpopcorn."
Runo's eyes smoldered, "Yeah, MY popcorn! I'm a growing girl you know! Just because my family owns a restaurant doesn't mean I can't appreciate ordinary cuisine!" "Cuisine? C'mon! We're talking about popcorn here!" Dan shot back. "And what kind of girl eats popcorn at half-past seven in the morning, anyway?!"
"What was that, you sexist pig?!" Runo roared in anger. "You guys, please, calm down!" Daisy pleaded. "Look, why don't you take some time to cool off by yourselves awhile? Let's all just relax." Marucho begged, silently wishing that Alice, the peacemaker, was there.
"Fine." Runo stepped back, playing with a strand of her hair in agitation. She still tied her hair back into two pigtails, but they rested near the nape of her neck instead of high on her head, spilling over her shoulders in cascading blue waves. She whirled around on her heel and stomped off.
Dan sighed in relief. Daisy shook her head. Julie patted Dan on the shoulder. For the umpteenth time, Marucho could only sigh.
"Alice!" Runo greeted the pretty redhead gleefully the moment she stepped onto the plane. "You look great!"
It was true, the Russian girl was a sight to behold. Her voluminous, golden-red hair was down as usual, and she wore a simple, spring-green jumper under a familiar looking white coat. She was smiling softly, as usual.
After exchanging hugs with Alice, the group took a seat on the plush couches and armchairs in the TV room. "OK, now that everyone's here, we can start thinking about what to get Shun." Dan announced, looking thoughtful for once. "Anyone have any ideas?"
Julie brightened, "Let's get him clothes! Everyone loves getting clothes on their birthday!" "That's a terrible idea." Dan pulled a face. Julie frowned sadly, crossing her arms. "What Dan meant to say," Alice intervened, "Was that we don't know his size, not to mention he always had a limited taste in clothes. But it is a nice thought." She glanced at Dan meaningfully. "Isn't it?"
"Uh yeah. Anyway, anyone else have any ideas?" Dan said, shrugging. Daisy spoke up, "How about a video game?" Runo shook her head and said, "He probably doesn't play video games and besides, we wouldn't which game he would like even if he did."
"We could get him a laptop." Marucho suggested, "My dad has access to all the new models that are supposed to be released next year." "But Shun doesn't really like high-tech stuff, does he?" Runo nodded, "And you'd be paying for the bulk of it, Marucho."
"I don't mind but I guess you're right." He adjusted his glasses. "Sorry, guys." Julie turned to Dan. "Hey, Dannn..." She put on a sweet smile, "You're his best friend. I say that you decide." "Hm, can't argue with that." Runo said spitefully, still a bit sore over her popcorn. "I think so, too." Marucho said sheepishly. "It does seem logical." Alice agreed. Daisy smiled, "Best idea I've heard all day."
"YOU GUYS! C'mon! That's not fair! You guys? Hey! Where are you going! Come back! We're thousands of feet above the ground, where are you all running off to?! You guys? Aw, maaaann!" Julie was back in her cozy chair, and she was happy. It was the middle of the day, and she was enjoying a much-needed catnap. In the end Dan had decided just to give Shun a card with everyone's money enclosed. Such a simple gift was certainly befitting of Shun.
Across the aisle, a sulking Runo was reading something. The title of the book was partially obscured by her death grip, but Julie could make out '101 wa o torture someon ' She decided not to look into it too much. Daisy was writing in a pink journal, humming softly.
Alice was seated a few rows behind her, and Julie hadn't heard a peep from her for hours. Until, all of a sudden, the shrill melody of a cell phone ring sounded from Alice's seat. Julie opened her eyes, Daisy looked up and Runo met their gaze, all three of them glancing towards the back of the jet curiously.
"Hello?" They heard Alice's voice. "H-Hi We're almost there. Mm-hmm." "Who is she talking to?" Runo asked. Julie shrugged. Alice began to speak again, "I already miss you. I wish I could see you now." Julie's eyes grew big. Daisy whispered, "Sounds like someone important." Judging by Alice's tone and her words, she was speaking to her boyfriend? But who was it?
Stealthily, she rose from her seat and crawled down the aisle carefully. She quickly darted into the row in front of Alice's. Sitting down, she nearly jumped to see that Runo was right next to her. Daisy shook her head amusedly and went back to writing. Both girls shared a devious smile and stifled their giggles. Turning her head slowly, Julie peered through the tiny space between the seats. Alice was staring out the window dreamily, cradling her cell phone.
She blushed at something the other person on the phone said. "You're embarrassing me." She told them quietly. Julie grinned. Alice had a boyfriend! How cute. Suddenly Alice looked away from the window and straight ahead, startled to see Julie and Runo watching her intently.
"I, um, I have to go. I'll talk to you later." She said, eyeing Julie and Runo sternly. " I love you too." She finished quickly, hanging up. Tucking her phone into her pocket, she covered her face with her palm, hiding her blush. "Julie, Runo It's not very nice to eavesdrop."
Julie and Runo giggled, relocating themselves to sit next to her. "You'll forgive us!" Runo chimed. "So! Who was that?" Julie grinned, elbowing Alice knowingly. "Your boyfriend?" "N-No! I mean, yes I mean, it's not really any of your b-business " "Aw, you can tell us anything, Alice!" Runo insisted. "Is he someone we know?" Alice glanced at them for a moment. "Well yes." "Eeee!" Runo and Julie squealed simultaneously, "Tell us, tell us, who is it?" "I we don't want to make our relationship public, yet " "But it's obviously been going on for a while!" Julie protested, "You sounded pretty serious!" Alice scratched her neck nervously. "Well "
"Everyone!" Marucho interrupted, his voice carrying over the jet's speakers, "We're landing! Please secure yourself in a seat!" "Oops, looks like we're here." Julie pouted. "But we'll drag the name of your mystery man out of you soon! Mark my words!" Alice looked at her worriedly.
Julie was kind of envious of Alice, her being single and all. [I'm the only girl single! Julie thought in horror.] Julie knew that as a fashionista freak, she had to get a boyfriend...a cute one at that. I mean, she had to keep up her image.
Julie had never been one for tradition, but even she could admit that Shun's dojo was beautiful. Surrounded by various greenery, the impressive wooden structure looked like something out of an old picture book. It was befitting of a warrior princess a thought that conjured up several silly images in Julie's head, all of them involving her wearing oriental-style armor.
Despite the peaceful setting, Julie was a bit nervous. How would Shun greet her? She wasn't as clueless as she appeared, she knew that the dark-haired boy wasn't very fond of her back in the day. They were polar opposites she was loud and bubbly, he was quiet and stoic.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder, maybe she had changed? He was still probably the same old Shun, but she liked to think that maybe she had become a little more mature. Just a little
She followed her friends to the entrance of the dojo, lost in thought. She held her breath as Dan knocked on the door, holding the card that they had purchased before arriving. She straightened her spine as the large gateway swung open, then gasped in shock. None of them were prepared for what they saw next.
A/N : Oh, before I forget who do you guys think Alice's mystery boyfriend is? ;)