[*The next day*]

Nick was on his skateboard, cruising through the town, with the wind hitting his face. He needed to get his mind off of the boy he loves. It's over between Jimmy and Cindy, but Nick still doesn't feel happy. He feels he should, but he just can't. To his acknowledge, he knows Jimmy still can't be his. Whether single or taken, there's absolutely no proof of Jimmy being into guys, which is why he feels he still lost. Not one sign of the boy genius being pan or bi (Nick learned those labels from off the web).

Whenever Jimmy brings romance into a conversational subject, he'll only disclose the two lovers being a boy and a girl as reference. A real scientist, or what Jimmy adjudges himself as, would've just said two people, or partners, because attraction has nothing to do with gender. Nick has never seen the boy blush or give off a dreamily stare to another boy, nor has he ever swooned over them. When he is set into those reactions, it's to a girl he likes. Everytime Jimmy witnesses two guys showering each other with bromantic affection, he'll look either awkwarded or uncomfortable. He'd probably puke if he ever saw two men kissing each other on the lips. This boy, no doubt about it, is 100% heterosexual, and possibly homophobic, too. He wouldn't want to do anything regarding Nick's feelings. The poor cool kid is slowly breaking inside, and he wants to tell him that, but it's not like he would care anyways.

Nick is best at staying out of the way as usual, like a silent background character. Him and the boy weren't so close, after all. They've interacted countless of times, but neither of them has ever decided to strike up a conversation. Some of their interactions, not so friendly. One time, Jimmy asked Nick for a strand of his hair, to inquire into some overpriced mousse he has been alleged by. In response, he beat him up, gave him a black eye, then threw him into the dumpster along with his friends. Although it's his job to pretend he had no romantic interest for the boy, he realized he overdid it on that part. He never wanted to hurt Jimmy, but he did. Ever since that, he swore to self he wouldn't give any more physical beatings to the boy. If anyone is gonna hurt him, let Cindy do it. As for Jimmy, most of which he is just jealous of him, because Nick is the most popular kid standing up, while Jimmy is your typical underdog. How do you expect someone to love you back when they supposedly hate you?

Despite that, they get along good. Nick invites him to his parties, Jimmy keeps his phone number, and they smile at each other every now and then. Their relationship is quite complicated. Nick doesn't know if they're either friends, or just really close acquaintances. One thing for sure, we definitely can't call them friends. Nick hasn't even seen the inside of his lab yet, or rode in his hovercraft, or gone on one f*ckin' adventure with him. Bolbi has, but why can't he? Does Jimmy think Nick wouldn't be worthy enough for a mission? The gang could use some extra muscle power. His firm body would make a great shield for blocking attacks that come for Jimmy. His tall height would give the genius an advantage to reach areas he's too short for. Nick probably knows some things Jimmy doesn't. He'd be useful, but does Jimmy ever consider that? No. They have their differences, but the two aren't necessarily enemies. Before Jimmy and Cindy started dating, he allowed her on adventures. That made no sense to him whatsoever, because they hated each other back then! He'll invite a rival, but he won't invite Nick.

A rough bump from an uneven sidewalk pattern woke him up. He forgot; it's dangerous for his mind to just drift away while he's on wheels. It might lead him to another broken leg. He needs to stay focused. He'll get over Jimmy eventually. One day, he'll probably grow bored of him. He just wished it would happened right now. This crush has presented him with nothing but anxiety, depression, and lots and lots of broken legs. If it all just went away, he could think better for his future. With Jimmy on his mind, it's getting in the way of all his ambitions. The boy genius would be cringed for life if he ever found out Nick's secret, so why should he continue to waste his concern on a problem that isn't his? He knows Jimmy would never understand. Hell, the little bastard wouldn't be sympathetic about it, either.

Just then, he caught his eye on a couple of TV sets, sitting on a store window. All of them appeared to play the same movie. Another stupid romantic flick, with a heterocentric storyline. Nick should look away by now, but something about that one scene pulled him in: A groom and a bride were about to get married. One man, whom been a very close friend with the bride since childhood, stood up and spoke against the wedding taking place just now. He walked up to the bride, opening the feelings he's been holding back for years, and telling her how much he means to her. Then comes their happy ending. Straight people have all the privilege, Nick thought. If queer people weren't so demonized in this cruel society, Nick would have the balls to do the same thing.

Taking place in an altar, 10 years from now, we are brought to Jimmy and Cindy's (or any girl, for that matter) wedding. Everyone was there. Carl was the best man. Libby was one of the bridesmaids. They all looked happy. Then, just as the priest was about to seal their wedding vows, they admonished,

"Should anyone here present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

On cue, Nick burst through those church doors, screaming at the top of his lungs, I OBJECT! Everyone was shocked. He walked up to the groom, while everyone stared at him from every corner. He got down on one knee, then held Jimmy's hand in his.

"Jimmy... All these years of isolation and silence. I wanted to tell you sooner before this all happened, but... ...*Sigh* I guess I was just too scared. You really mean much to me. No matter what you did, you never failed to impress me. At first, I thought it'd be better for both of us if I just stayed out of your life, but what good does that do me if I have to watch you slip away like this? What I'm trying to say is, I don't think I could hide this anymore: I love you."

Silence took place. A guy just confessed his love to another guy. That's something to be quiet about. Maybe all of this has been a mistake, Nick thought as he got back up on his feet. He looked back at Jimmy, who was also shocked as well. To save himself any further embarrassments, he decided to leave. Just then, Jimmy stopped him by wrapping his arms around him.

"Don't go, Nick!"
"Huh?"

The two faced each other again.

"If you really felt that way about me, you could've said so!"
"Well, it's, not like you'd feel the same way-."
"But I did! I was waiting for you to make the pass first! Was gonna do it on my own, but, people visualize this as wrong. We're two male species, ya know."

Nick couldn't believe what he was hearing. Suddenly, deep lip locking took place. The two shared a passionate kiss together, not caring how the others are judging this. The bride got so angry, she slammed her bouquet on the ground, stomping on it repeatedly. Tears cascaded down Nick's eyes, as a sign showing he was happy. Living a whole life being miserable, he finally got his happy ending.

"Shall we get out of here, Nicky?"
"We shall."

Then, oddly for no reason, Nick turned into a superhero, flying out of the church from the roof, and holding Jimmy in his arms bridal style.

That could never happen in real life, but it's always good to dream.

...

[*Elsewhere*]

Carl was putting a magic show on his own front lawn, for no charge. Sheen was his exclusive assistant, disguised as one of the audience just to "help" Carl with his work. He has only gained three viewers, not counting his own friends. While Sheen was his assistant, Jimmy was more of a captive audience. He was forced to partake in this show under an amount of whining and crying, from the magician himself. He already had a full schedule: Homework, daily experiments, and trying to make amends with Cindy. He also needs to watch out for her, because who knows whenever she'll strike next. Ever since that accident she caused in the lab, he installed a new security system. Unfortunately, because of how highly sophisticated it is, other outsiders aren't allowed in his lab until he works out the kinks, and that goes for Carl and Sheen too.

"Is THIS your card?" Carl drew out a king of spades out of his deck.
"Yes. That's it!" Benny was quite amused.

Just as the audience was about to applaud, Maria got up from her seat.

"That's no magic! Sheen was peeping for him!"
"No I wasn't!" Sheen protested.
"I saw you!"
"Everyone in the audience was looking at the card, DUH! Doesn't mean I was trying to cheat for Carl!"
"Really now? Then why did you get up from your seat to whisper in his ear?"
"I wanted to tell him this new funny knock-knock joke I made up this morning! I'll prove it to you! Go ahead, say 'knock-knock.'"
"*Deep sigh* Knock knock."
"Come in! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Due to Sheen's shenanigans, it cost Carl a member of his audience, who got up to leave. Panicking, the Wheezer kid decided to move on to the next act, hoping he could get his viewers to stay in their seats.

"For my next trick, I shall make this bowl of cheesy puffers disappear!"

He placed a rag over the bowl, hiding it underneath the piece of cloth. He waved his wand in circular motions, and chanted his own made up magic words. For a tight five seconds, he opened the cloth a bit to take a peek at the cheesy puffers, then removed it to reveal the bowl empty. Not one puffer in that bowl. He made them disappear, like he said he would. However, nobody was convinced, for Carl had cheese dust all over his face. Sheen clapped, but the other two of the audience just booed. Jimmy slouched down in his chair, having one of those "Please, shoot me now" moments. After the booing stopped, Carl lost yet another member of his audience.

"W-Wait, wait! I could do-"

In a struggle, Carl began to pull various objects from out of his sleeves, such as paper mache snakes, a long rope of handkerchiefs tied together, and some living doves, as a desperate need to bring his viewer back, but they only chose to ignore him. Well, he's got one member of the audience left. Again, excluding Jimmy and Sheen.

"Hey, is that Nick coming by at us?" Asked Sheen.
"It does."

Nick, with his mind off focus as usual, launched right off of his skateboard once more. Not realizing it, his board accidentally hit a dent on the sidewalk. It shot him into the air, but luckily Sheen was there to break his fall.

"Hey! I didn't break my leg this time!" Nick praised.
"That's good... But you probably broke some ribs. ...My ribs." Ached Sheen.

After picking himself up, and dusting off his jacket, Carl immediately decided to persuade Nick into a seat, to watch his performance. He was that desperate.

"Hi Nick! Care to witness the incredible feats of a amazing, spectacularly, sensational phenomena?"
"If it's gonna be good, sure. You happen to know their name?"
"I was talking about me, actually."
"Well, in that case, no thanks. I've got arcade and nap reservations."
"Please, Nick? It's free!"
"I get all the 'free' I want, hacking the school's vending machines."
"I-I-"

Nick turned his back at Carl, ready to leave. Carl then grabbed the back of his collar, begging,

"PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! JUST ONE ACT! I'VE ALREADY LOST TWO OF MY AUDIENCE! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE A LOSER! PLEASE, NICK! IF YOU SIT THROUGH ONE SHOW, I'LL LEAVE YOU ALONE TILL MY LAST BREATH!"
"OKAY, buck up! And you're getting saliva on my leather!"
"Sorry."
"Just one show, and it's the last favor I'll ever do for you, dweeb."

Nick sat himself in the back row, where he could see less of the occurrence. He met with Jimmy after realizing he was sitting in the row behind him. Boy, he sure looked like he was having fun. As the boy genius found the older kid was staring at him, he abruptly let out a,

"What?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to ask; How are you and Vortex turning up?"
"None of your business. If you want her, go ahead. She's all yours."
"Mmmmmm, no thank you. I have taste."

Nick faced back at the stage, but letting his mind travel someplace else. Something about a angry Jimmy really turns him on. Probably because his fierce side reminds him a little bit of himself. Him and his Jimmy, in the same spot together, with some weird kid Nick doesn't know the name to. It's not every often these two are close to each other. If Nick had knew Jimmy was sitting in the back row, he would've accompanied his side. Plus, he'd get a better view of his creamy fair skin, bushy soft brown hair, and his twinkling sapphire blue eyes. To him, the small boy was beautiful. But, he can't just sit next to Jimmy, cuz then the boy would start raising questions. "Why, of all the seats, would you prefer to sit next to me?" Plus, if he's ever caught staring at him, he's sure to creep him out.

"For my next act, I'll need two volunteers from the audience!"

Sheen got up from his chair, and walked straight forward to the set. Feeling nobody else would answer to Carl's request, Jimmy decided to comply. Soon, the two were lined up, standing next to each other. The boy genius already felt humiliation wash all over him.

"I, the ultimate Wheezer, shall handcuff these two young men together, have both step into this empty box, then free them using the power of sorcery to undo the lock! Don't worry, guys. I memorized this from the book."
"Why do you need two of us for the job? Couldn't you work with just one?" Asked Jimmy.
"Yeah, but I'm trying to be original."

He slipped one half of the cuffs on Jimmy's wrist, then the other on Sheen's, but only to accidentally cuff Nick instead, who Sheen had put in his place.

"SHAWN!" Nick roared.
"Sorry, but with Cindy on a riot, I'd rather not be chained to him." Sheen exclaimed.
"Yo Carl, aren't you gonna do something about this?!"
"Uhhhhhh, just step into the box and I'll get you out of there in a jiffy." Said Carl.
"You better. Imagine being stuck with Neutron all day."

Both Jimmy and Nick walked into the cardboard box together, with Carl closing it behind them. He tapped on the box three times, then chanted the magic words. Al-a-cafee, birds and bees, tropical disease, two friends are now free! He opened the box. It worked, but not how Carl planned. Jimmy was free, but not Nick. Both of his hands were cuffed. Maybe he should try again. As Jimmy was about to step out, Carl shut the two doors in his face, chanting the words once more. Al-a-cafee, birds and bees, tropical disease, two friends are now free! When he opened the box, what only happened was disappointment. The cuffs were off Nick, but this time Jimmy's leg was cuffed to his hand. Nick covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. Carl shut the box close, and gave it one more shot. Bees, Portuguese, friends free! Unfortunately, Jimmy and Nick were back to being handcuffed to each other, just like earlier.

"Carl, just give us the key." Said Jimmy.
"Oh, uh, key? Yeah, about that-"
"AHHHH, nevermind! Stand back, Nick!"

Pointing his wristwatch in aim, he fired a laser at the chain between them. After that, him and Nick began to tug. No luck. The chain still held together nicely.

"Leapin' Leptons! These handcuffs are made out of heat resistant material!" Exclaimed Jimmy.
"Oh, that's wonderful news! Got any more bright ideas?" Nick whined.
"We're just gonna have to head to the lab for a solution. I could spill a dose of hydrochloric acid on it, maybe decode into the tumbler latches, or anything out of the ordinary."
"Don't you carry around any of those gizmos with you? How 'bout that mechanized mutt of yours?"
"All of them are left in my lab, and Goddard's charging right now! C'mon, the less you complain, the sooner we get out of this!"

Yanking on the cuffs, Jimmy dragged Nick along with him to his lab.

"WAIT, don't you wanna stay for the rest of the show?!" Cried Carl.
"Stick to the llamas, Wheezer!" Nick replied.

Carl was left with one spectator left. With all of his audience gone, he was beginning to smell failure. He's got one more trick, and he better make it count. He placed his hat down on a table, then teared off one of his sleeves.

"Uhhhh... Hey, kids! Watch me as I pull a rabbit out of my hat! (Please, come back, little bunny)."

Carl could feel something furry down his hat. It must be the bunny. As he pulled it up to surface, he was surprised to find a living, and angry, tiger instead. Scared, he shoved the tiger back inside the hat. Sheen's comment:

"Now here's something we hope you'll really like!"
"What's that?"
"The next scene!"

...

[*Neutron backyard*]

After much dragging, they finally made it to the clubhouse. Meanwhile, in Nick's mind: It happened, Nick said. He was handcuffed to his crush. From the outside, he looked mildly disgusted, but from the inside, his nerves were as soft as jelly. He meant to look like he was in a struggle just to mislead Jimmy, and everyone else around. You have no idea how much strength it took to keep himself from blushing. Acting is his best talent. He performs on stage for show, and offstage to survive his social life. Nick does whatever he can to hide his feelings under an alter ego, just for his own safety. Since Jimmy is the smartest kid in Retroville, Nick makes sure he's extra careful around him, and keep him from suspecting any hints. He always succeeds in fooling him, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Right now, this is the longest these two have ever been close to each other. Jimmy then plucked a hair from his head.

"No peeking!"

Nick covered his eyes with one hand, obeying the boy genius's order. Jimmy held the hair up to the DNA scanner, where he then gained access to the clubhouse. He yanked on the handcuffs again as he dragged Nick along with him. Later, the two were standing in the main laboratory.

"Just make yourself useful, and DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING."

Jimmy scolded as he began sorting through a workbench full of chemicals, reading each label. With his back turned away, Nick mimicked him, then started admiring the environment around him. So, this is Jimmy's lab. The first time he has ever seen it from the inside. He always pictured it to be much bigger, like something you'd find out of a syfy movie. Then again, Jimmy is merely still a child. He has dreamt of setting foot in Jimmy's lab, and now it has become a reality. Cindy gave him that opportunity yesterday, but Nick refuses to give himself into the opposite gender, because last time he did, he was left very unhappy. He wanted to see it all. All! All of Jimmy's work, all of his accomplishments; All done by himself. Nick is quite impressed with the young man's talent, which is one of the things he loves him for.

After Jimmy failed to find the right element, since he probably used it all up already, he yanked on the cuffs as he pulled Nick along, to the corner of the room. There stood a shelf, which laid a ton of used inventions and prototypes, listed in alphabetical order. Nick was then right next to the super computer, close to the keyboard. The skater boy was quite tempted. It would be nice to touch one of Jimmy's stuff right now, to feel as though he's to make physical contact with the genius. He wanted to touch his things so badly. Although Jimmy told him not to touch anything, he should know better not to trust Nick when it comes to rules. What he doesn't know, won't hurt him. Keeping a gaze on Jimmy, he stretched his free hand, expanding it towards the keyboard. As he reached further enough, he laid a single finger on it. Suddenly, an alarm went off, and a red light began blinking. A monotone female voice could be heard. WARNING: Unidentified Inhabitance Detected. Jimmy turned to face Nick.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH ANYTHING! Now you just triggered the security breach!"
"Did you think I'd know that by now, Neutron?! You should've told me about your new system in the first place!"
"Didn't need to! All I needed was a strict tone to warn you!"
"The security guards at the museum tell me the same thing, but that doesn't stop me! And nothing like this ever happened!"

System Engaged! Ray cannons popped out from every corner of the room, and robots blocked off their only exit. Both stood frozen as they got targeted by red light beams. Jimmy shifted his eyes to the left, where something useful caught his eye. A police box, or as Jimmy likes to call it, his time traveler. It probably won't be much of protection, but it's better than just standing here. As the first three shots fired, Jimmy quickly dodged them, then dragged Nick across the floor as he ran for the box. He opened it, stepped in, and pulled Nick forward inside. He shut the box tightly.

"Don't ever drag me like that ever again, nerd!"

The heavy firing from the cannons caused impact, and thus forcing the box to fall over. Their two bodies accidentally hit the control panel, activating the time traveling process. Ohhhhh, gas planet! Before Jimmy could undo the factor, it was already too late. Not very long, the box, still laying in the same position, transported them to a new, unfamiliar location.

"Hey Neutron, what happened?"
"I'm positive we just teleported to another time, but I'm not sure what century."
"Can you identify from the outside?"
"I'll try."

Jimmy stood up, also using Nick's chest for boost, and opened the roof so he could familiarize the surroundings.

"What do you see?"
"I see plenty of sky, trees, birds, and... ...and..."
"And what, Neutron?! IWannaGoHome!"
"...AND NO GROUND ABOVE US!"

The two were apparently levitating in the air, then fell 60 feet to the ground. The two passengers were okay, but the time machine got totaled in the fall.

"Please tell me it still works." Said Nick.
"OKAY! If that'll make you feel better, then it still works!" Jimmy sassed.
"Can't you fix it?!"
"I could, but without the aid of any pragmatic apparatus, and technology, it could take about a month."
"A month?! Mom is gonna kill me, bury me, and arrange for a funeral."
"Hey, I got personal lives in the 21st century as well! We're just gonna have to head into the woods and search for some things that could attain as necessary fixtures."
"English, bro. English."
"Find stuff that could at least save my machine, and then get our butts back home! And you're gonna help! Whether you like it, or not!"
"*Sigh* Well, I guess you have made a point. What other choice do I have while I'm stuck with you? I certainly can't run anywhere."

Together, still handcuffed to each other, they traveled deep into the forest. That's where our journey begins.