Disclaimer: I do not own SpongeBob SquarePants or any of its characters.
A Heart That Beats for You
It was 12 O' clock in the afternoon. A nice, warm summer day in the depths of Bikini Bottom. It was a time for freedom, a time to just kick back, relax and forget all your troubles. However, apparently, it was also a time for broken friendships, resentment and emotional turmoil for certain people.
Sandy sat in the passenger seat of Larry the Lobster's 'sub', a giant, expensive hunk of junk boat that the meatheads in town considered a 'hotrod'. If you didn't have one (or something like it), you weren't considered 'cool'. That was one of the many reasons why the hunky lobster was such a big deal to everyone in town.
The women wanted him, the men wanted to be him. He had the looks, the muscles, the charm and just enough brains to get by. And it was no secret that he had taken many young ladies on dates in that big 'chick magnet' boat of his. He was cool, he was smooth. Everything that kind, innocent and hardworking SpongeBob SquarePants was not. Heck, it was no wonder people thought he was lame; SpongeBob didn't even have a boat! How could he? He had been in Mrs. Puff's driving school for years and years, and he couldn't pass that test to save his life.
Anywhere the lobster wanted to go, he could just get into that monster boat and glide down the road with ease. But SpongeBob? Oh, heck to the no. Anywhere he wanted to go, he had to make it the old-fashioned way; on foot.
As Sandy sat there in the passenger seat next to the town superstar, she couldn't help but sense that strange sinking feeling that she had felt the night before, threatening to take over. What exactly was this? Was it guilt? Shame? Regret? To be honest, it was all those and then some. But she had no reason to feel this way… did she?
She sat with her arms crossed over her chest as Larry sped his way towards the town mall. She looked over at him, unsure if she should say anything, as an awkward silence filled the atmosphere.
She cleared her throat. "So, uh, how did…" she hesitated to speak his name. "SpongeBob feel about gettin' them gloves back? He didn't take too kindly to it, I suppose." She said.
"No, actually, he was totally cool about it." He replied, keeping his eyes on the road.
She was taken aback. "Really?" she asked.
He smiled. "Sure! He even told me to tell you "thanks" for giving them back to him. I guess you two are on the same page," he looked over at her.
She faked a smile. "Yeah… I… guess we are." She looked off at the passing scenery, feeling a hint of regret hit her in the gut.
Was SpongeBob now okay with not being her friend anymore? From the way the lobster spoke about it, that seemed to be the case. Huh… that was… easy. A little too easy.
Maybe… he hated her for ending their friendship? No, that couldn't be possible. SpongeBob was so easy-going and jovial, he didn't hate anybody. He didn't even hate that conniving little schemer Plankton. Not even after all the countless times he had tried to steal the Secret Formula, tried to run Krabs out of business or even worse, tried to take over the stinking world. If SpongeBob didn't hate someone who was that sinister, then there was no way he hated her… right?
"So, uh… what exactly is the plan for today?" she asked, rubbing her arm.
"Well, I was thinking just chilling at the mall would be cool enough. They actually just remodeled the place; wait till you see it, it's huge," he grinned.
"Sounds fun. I ain't been to the mall in a while… or, anywhere, really. I've been really caught up in my inventions," she said.
He chuckled. "Well, that's why you were so lucky to bump into me on the road. I can teach you everything I know about just letting loose and having fun."
"Well, I reckon I can't have too much fun. I still got lots of work to do. That always comes first." She stared out at the road.
"What should come first is yourself and your happiness. You don't need all that stress weighing you down. Look at SpongeBob, he works at that run-down fast-food joint that he calls an "eating establishment", and he works his tail off. And, yet, he manages to keep his cool. Even with that obnoxious, big nosed snob he has to work with." He didn't realize the bluntness of his tone as he continued to drive.
Sandy was surprised at his words. This was the first time she had seen this side of him. "Well… I suppose it's true. The Krusty Krab is kinda run-down… and… Squid does have a big nose."
She chuckled softly. "Yeah, you're right Larry." They smiled at each other.
"French Narrator~
"Meanwhile, at The Krusty Krab."
Pearl was standing in the back of the building near the dumpster, waiting for her friends to come and pick her up so that they could get a closer look at what that lobster and squirrel were up to.
Pearl wasn't particularly fond of SpongeBob; she found him to be annoying and not 'coral'. However, when push came to shove, she knew that he was a good friend. After all, he took her to her prom, helped her cover up those dreadful barnacles just in time for the big school dance, stuck by her and comforted her while they were trapped in the Tunnel of Glove ride, and much more. Overall, despite his 'nerdiness', he was a good, kindhearted and understanding person. Pearl knew in her young heart that he didn't deserve what was happening to him.
"Ugh, when are they gonna get here?! It really stinks back here. And that's after the trash man came," she said aloud.
Just then, Orchid and Judy finally arrived, pulling up in their boat. "Finally! Where have you guys been?" she asked, jumping into the backseat.
"Girl, I was busy getting my fins polished when Orchid called and mentioned something about a 'code red' situation! Whatever this is, it better be good." Said Judy, her brows furrowed.
"Oh, trust me, it is." Said Orchid.
Judy sighed. "Okay, where to?"
"The mall. Sandy and Larry are headed there, and we need to find out what they're up to," said Pearl.
Judy gasped. "Yes! More juicy drama. Hold on tight, ladies," she said excitedly, putting the boat into reverse.
"AHHHHH! JUDY! YOU KNOW I GET BOAT SICK WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS FASSSTTTTT!" Pearl shouted as they sped backward down the road.
A little while later…
Sandy and Larry finally arrived in the crowded parking lot of the town mall. He jumped down and walked to the passenger's side of the hotrod.
"Need a little help?" he asked, watching as she struggled to unbuckle her seatbelt.
"No, that's okay, I've got it." She managed to unbuckle it and jumped down, almost losing her balance.
"Whoa there! You okay?" he asked, holding her steady with his strong claws. She looked up at him, blushing. "Haha, uh, yeah. Just dandy." She smiled.
They then turned around and headed towards the entrance of the massive store. "Golly, this place is huge! Guess it has been quite a while since I've been here," she said, gawking at the massive structure.
Larry chuckled. "Well, like I told ya, they did some much-needed remodeling. This place didn't even have a single working toilet in the ladies' room before they decided to change things up."
She smiled nervously. "Haha… but they fixed it, right?" she asked shyly, knowing full well that she wasn't too good at 'holding it'.
"Oh, yeah. Haha, don't you worry about that, dude. But whatever you do, don't order the 'liter crusher' green kelp smoothie, if you don't wanna have to go," they both chuckled.
Just then, as they neared the entrance, Pearl, Judy, and Orchid pulled up into a parking spot.
"Alright, let's go catch us a squirrel stealer," said Judy, rubbing her fins together.
Pearl sat in the backseat, her ponytail disheveled and her eyes wide. "You just had to drive in reverse the whole way, didn't you?" she glared.
Judy rolled her eyes. "Oh, suck it up, girl. We've got serious business to take care of. You got the binoculars, Orchid?"
Orchid pulled them out of her beige beach bag, grinning. "Operation 'bust a hunk' is now underway." The three got out of the boat and made their way through a crowd of teenagers.
Suddenly, Pearl froze in the middle of the parking lot, causing her friends to bump into her large frame. "Ugh, what are we stopping for? We've got a meathead to catch!" said Judy.
"Look!" said Orchid, pointing towards the squirrel and lobster as they disappeared into the entrance.
"Well, I guess now we know we're hot on their trail. Come on!" said Pearl. The three rushed their way through the crowd.
"Move it! Big mammal coming through," said Pearl.
Sandy and Larry made their way through a main walkway of the mall. There were hundreds of people around shopping, having snacks and ice cream at the various little spots to eat. Children ran around in the large playground areas while their fathers watched them, and their mothers went off to the perfume and makeup shops. While the groups of teenagers all talked amongst themselves and browsed the different clothing and video game shops. People rode up and down the escalators and entered in and out of all the popular coffee and pastry shops. And tying everything together was a very large statue of a blue dolphin, water spewing out of its mouth and trickling down into a fountain where people threw their loose change.
"Woo-wee, what a sight," said Sandy, examining her spectacular surroundings. Larry smiled down at her.
"See, what'd I tell ya? Totally rad, isn't it?"
"Oh, it's positively breathtakin'. I need to get out more often," she smiled.
He chuckled. "Well, now you know what you've been missing out on,"
She looked up at his handsome face. "Yeah, I guess I've been missin' out on quite a bit…" she smiled.
While experiencing this 'light as air' feeling inside of her, they passed by a mini playground for toddlers.
"Now, don't go to too far, Brian! Mommy doesn't want you to get hurt," said a ladyfish to her young son. The little boy ran towards the miniature green slide and climbed up its stairs.
"Weee! Hahahaha!" he giggled as he slid down. The sound of the child's innocent laugh made Sandy stop in front of the playground.
She stared at the boy. "Golly… he laughs just like…"
"Cute little guy, isn't he?" Larry came up behind her. She shook her head rapidly. "Uh, yeah, real cute. He laughs just like… oh, never mind." She said. They then continued their stroll.
She heard the laugh again. She turned around to glance at the child. Her expression became solemn as thoughts of a certain innocent and naïve fry cook threatened to take over her mind.
She felt torn between that 'light as air' feeling, and feelings of regret, confusion and… something else she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Here she was, lucky enough to hang out with the coolest, strongest, and no doubt most charming guy in town. And, yet, she felt as though something was missing… something… deep and… meaningful. But what was it?
She tried to shake off these strange feelings as they entered a fragrance shop, which contained different scents for both men and women.
Meanwhile, Pearl, Judy, and Orchid had lost sight of their target. They stood in the middle of the walkway.
"Where'd they go?" asked Pearl, looking in all different directions.
"I don't know, why don't you ask miss 'pretzel brain' over here?" Judy said mockingly, glaring at Orchid.
"What? I skipped breakfast! Pretty girls have to eat too," said Orchid, chomping down on a big, warm, soft pretzel.
"Whatever. I'm sure we'll catch up with them soon. In the meantime, I need a fresh bottle of my favorite 'flower girl' perfume," said Pearl, making her way towards the fragrance store.
The three entered the dimly lit store that was filled with all types of fancy colognes and perfumes.
"See anything you like?" asked Larry.
"Hmmm… well, I don't know. I don't typically wear that fancy perfume stuff; I don't really see a need for it since I'm always wearin' my air suit," said Sandy, picking up different shaped bottles and examining them.
Pearl held out her flipper in front of her two friends, preventing them from walking any further.
"There they are!" she whispered.
"I didn't know squirrels wore perfume," said Orchid.
"Probably not this squirrel. But I have a feeling I know who's trying to convince her to smell good," said Judy, glaring over at the lobster.
"Well, you could always just spray the outside of your suit," said Larry. They both chuckled.
"Look at them laughing it up. He's smoother than we thought," said Pearl.
"And dreamier, too." Said Orchid.
Pearl and Judy looked at her. "Oh, come on. Don't pretend he isn't super hunky," she argued.
"That's true, Lare, I could. But that'd just be silly; I ain't got no one to appreciate it," said Sandy, smiling crookedly.
"Oh, come on. You never know. Someone could come and sweep you off your feet and tell you how good you smell. Of course, you don't exactly need some smelly water to catch someone's eye, not when you've got a face that's that gorgeous," he flashed his charming smile at her, making her blush.
"Haha, thanks. I don't reckon anyone's ever said somethin' like that to me before…" she looked down shyly and continued to examine the fragrances.
"Ooh, that sly dog! Did you see how close he got to her?" asked Judy.
Pearl shook her head. "Gosh, and I thought Henry from math class was a womanizer."
Just then, Sandy and Larry made their way towards the door.
Pearl gasped. "They're headed this way! Hide!" the three ran outside and hid behind a fake seaweed bush. They popped their heads above the bush, watching as the squirrel and lobster casually walked past different stores.
Orchid had her binoculars out. "I wonder where they're headed to next?" she said. Pearl looked over at her.
"Orchid! Put those away, people are gonna start thinking we're up to no good," she whispered.
"No way! How else am I supposed to keep track of them?" Pearl grabbed them from her and chucked it in the direction behind them.
"MY LEG!" Fred the fish shouted in the distance. "Hey, who threw that-ooh, it's a free pair of binoculars!" he said, bending to pick them up.
Orchid gasped. "Hey, give it back Fred! I need those!" she chased after him.
~French Narrator~
"A few wild escapades later."
Pearl and her friends were exhausted, as they had followed Sandy and Larry to practically every single store in the entire mall. The tech shop, where they sold radios, CD'S, vinyl records, cassettes, and VHS tapes. Then, they chased them down the escalator and into various clothing stores. After that, the three hid inside of a stall in the dressing room while Sandy attempted to try on a dress. Unfortunately, because of her breathing situation, she was unable to succeed in trying it on.
Then, after fifty-plus more trips up and down the escalators (and the stairs a few times), the squirrel and lobster met up with the two owners of 'The Green Shack', Dee and Todd. They found a little spot to eat where they served healthy protein shakes and 'kelp kabobs'.
All four sat in the little dining area at a booth. With Todd and Dee sitting on one end of the booth, while Sandy and Larry sat on the opposite side. All four laughed and told each other jokes as they shared in a large platter of the kelp kabobs.
Meanwhile, Pearl and her friends sat at a booth on the opposite side of the room. It was a bit difficult to lay low, with Pearl having such a large head and all.
All three looked over their menus, each one of them peeking over at the other table every once and a while.
"They serve nothing but fish food here," said Orchid in a pouty tone.
"Uh, Orchid, we are fish in case you've forgotten," said Judy, rolling her eyes.
Pearl was looking over her shoulder at the other table. "What's going on there now?" asked Orchid.
"It's the same; one of the two meatheads crack a lame joke and then they laugh at it. Ya know something? I always thought Larry was the dreamy, hunky guy that any girl would be lucky to have. But after listening to him brag about himself all day, I feel like he's pretty shallow," said Pearl, looking back at her two friends.
"I never thought I'd say this, but I think you're right girl. As dreamy as he is, he's just an empty shell." Said Judy.
"Yeah. And Sandy seems pretty smart and nice enough, she deserves someone better…" said Orchid.
"Yeah, someone who's real…like SpongeBob." Said Pearl. Her friends looked at her and nodded in agreement.
"He may be super lame and a fuddy-duddy like my dad, but I have to admit, he's a really sweet person," Pearl continued.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. If only he knew just what Larry was doing… being all smooth towards her. I think it would really hurt the little guy…" said Orchid.
"Yeah, Sponge guy doesn't deserve this…" said Judy. All three looked at each other sadly.
"Well, might as well see what else they're up to," said Orchid, popping her head above the booth and peeking at the other table through her binoculars.
"So, then I said, "hey! Go get your own meatball," "said Todd. All four laughed.
Dee sighed. "So, tell me squirrely, how long you two been datin'?" she asked, leaning forward and grinning at Sandy.
Sandy stuttered. "Uh… well, i-it ain't what ya think- "
"We're just friends…. For now. But we'll be going to that rad shindig at Glove World next Saturday, as a first date," said Larry, looking down at her and smiling.
Sandy turned red. "Haha, yeah, what he said… I think." The squirrel had never felt so confused in all her life. She was practically the smartest and most sensible creature in town, so, why did she feel so unsure and torn when the dreamy lobster had said 'date'?
"Sweet. We were thinkin' of goin' there too. Maybe we'll see you guys there, dancin' the night away?" asked Dee, grinning.
"Haha! This gal says she hasn't danced in a while. But I think I can manage to teach her a few moves." He smiled down at her, putting an arm around her and pulling her closer to his side.
Orchid gasped. "CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE!" she said.
"What's a code blue?!" asked Pearl.
"It means he's making a move! Have a look-see," she handed Pearl the binoculars.
"This is not good! Look at how close he's got her. Oh, poor SpongeBob. This is gonna crush him. And I thought he was upset when he destroyed my prom…"
A few hours later…
After the long day was over with, Larry drove Sandy home to her Treedome as the sky was beginning to grow dark.
They both jumped down from the hotrod and strode over towards the steel door.
"Well, today's certainly been a productive day for fun," said Sandy, chuckling.
"You're telling me. I haven't seen you laugh that much in a long time." He smiled.
She rubbed the back of her helmet. "Yeah. Well, that Todd guy was pretty dang funny," they both smiled at each other.
"Listen, I'm stoked that you really let loose today. If you want, we can do this again tomorrow," he offered, stepping closer to her.
"Oh… I would love to Larry, but I really need to be gettin' back to my experiments. They're much too important for anymore foolin' around," she said.
"Hey, it's cool. At least I got you to break out of that fur of yours for a while."
She smiled. "And I thank you for that, Larry. Maybe before we go to Glove World, we can do somethin' else fun together; I mean, I'm sure after I catch up on my work, I can make more time."
He came just inches away from her. "I was thinking the same thing. How does dinner and a movie on Thursday sound?" he asked, his baritone voice making her stomach tingle.
"Uh… sure, I suppose that'd be fun." She smiled, "I haven't been to the movies since I saw A Tale of Two Hearts with… "her voice trailed off.
He cocked a brow at her. "With who?"
She stared at the ground and shook her head. "N-no one, I saw it alone."
He placed his claws gently on her shoulders. "I'll see you Thursday then?" he smiled.
She smiled back. "You bet." And with that, he let go of her and hopped back into his hotrod, giving her a wink before speeding off.
Sandy sighed to herself and shook her head. "Larry's a… great guy…" she thought, looking up at the sky. "I guess…"
She then slowly made her way into the dome.
Little did she know, Pearl, Judy, and Orchid had their boat hidden behind a large boulder. They hid behind a seaweed bush and managed to overhear the entire conversation.
"This is terrible. They're gonna start going out more and more. What's next, a marriage proposal?" asked Pearl.
"Nah, I think that meathead's too full of himself to marry someone… actually, no. He'd marry himself if he could," said Judy.
"We can't just sit back and let this happen. We've gotta warn Sponge guy," said Orchid in a desperate tone.
Pearl looked at the time on her shell-phone. "Well, it's almost closing time at my dad's restaurant. But if we hurry, I think we can make it before SpongeBob leaves," said Pearl.
"Okay, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" said Judy.
The two jumped up from the bush and dashed for the boat. Orchid, however, had her leg caught in a thick strand of seaweed.
She fell. "Ouch! Guys, I'm stuck!" she said. They turned around and glanced at her before running back to the bush.
The two attempted to free her but to no avail. The strand was wrapped around her leg tightly. Pearl looked at her shell-phone once again. "Oh no! It's almost closing time. We're not gonna make it!"
"Wait… didn't you say Sponge guy lived in a giant fruit or something?" asked Judy.
"Um… yeah. But I forgot where it is. Ugh, I guess I'll just have to ask my dad where it is. Now let's try to get her out of this."
Meanwhile, at The Krusty Krab…
Mr. Krabs peeked inside the kitchen to find his fry cook scrubbing the grill. "Quittin' time, boy-o." He said.
SpongeBob looked up at him, wiping away drops of sweat. "Shouldn't I finish cleaning this first, sir?"
"Aye, you've done enough work today, lad. I think ye need some rest."
"Wrong. I need some rest after spending a day with an insignificant, moody little- "
"That'll do, Mister Squidward." Mr. Krabs sighed.
SpongeBob's nose drooped. "I'm… sorry for how I acted today sir. I wasn't feeling very jovial I guess… in fact, I don't think I'm feeling much of anything anymore." He looked down sadly.
"It's alright, son. You've done yer part, now go home and relax yer tired little feet." He patted the sponge on the shoulder.
SpongeBob smiled weakly at him. And with that, he took off his Krusty Crew hat and slowly made his way to the door and left.
Mr. Krabs scuttled out of the kitchen. "Heh, I should've guessed you'd stand by the behavior of that buffoon. After all, he makes you money," Squidward said mockingly.
Mr. Krabs sighed. "Mister Squidward, me mind is spinnin' from countin' all that loot today, and I've got a headache. So, if ye don't wanna be squashed like Plankton, I suggest ye go on home…" he glared at him, before taking out a megaphone.
"NOW!" he shouted into it. Squidward scrambled to get out of the boat and ran for the exit.
"Heh heh heh, works every time." Krabs chuckled to himself.
A/N: Woo-wee, what a load of typing, my arms hurt, lol. Anyways, here was a nice, long chapter for ya! Next chapter is coming soon. Until next time, peace out.
