DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR


A/N: Really short chapter. This was around the time my new schedule hit, and I kinda rushed through it. So this is where the chapters start to get oneshoty. Sorry, it's my own fault for not assuming that life would get busier as soon as I set myself a "get done by" date. Shoulda seen that one coming.

To my reviewers:

Double Deuce – Yeah, I feel like it definitely could work, but I've no idea if I'll be able to pull it off. But, screw it, I'll try. lol Thanks, man, glad you liked the chapter.

numbuh 1x1 – I'm thrilled you enjoyed the chapter so much! And I don't hate Lizzie either, but I think Nigel stayed attached to her for waaay too long on the show. Also, I'm a 1/362 kinda guy, so there's that. lol Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Xx Senshi of Ankoku xX – Welcome back to the fandom. I hope I can continue not to disappoint. Thanks for reading!

FrittzyCrazy – I'm guessing that means you like the songfic idea? :P Thank you, you're too kind. And the ornament was just a reference to Kuki's "secret" liking of Wally. I wasn't sure if it was too subtle or not, but I figured I'd include it. Thanks for reading!

appleduck – Heyy, 1/362 is my favorite, too! It's always nice to meet another fan; most people 'round here seem to be 3/4 fanatics. Don't get me wrong, I like 3/4 and 2/5 and whatnot, but 1/362 remains my favorite.

Aaand away we go! Please enjoy!


CHAPTER 7: ACTORS


19 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS


The stage was crowded with busy students as the set began to take shape. Now, I won't spoil it just yet, but trust me, everything was coming along great.

"Okay, children," Miss Thompson said so they all could hear. "I need to run back to my room to take of a few things! You all just stay here and practice your lines till I get back." And with that, she departed the auditorium.

Kuki, Hoagie, and Abby stood near a large, half-painted tree set piece.

"I think I've figure out what I'm gonna get my Secret Santa person," Hoagie said excitedly.

"Yah think you've figured it out?"

"Yeah. Can't say for certain yet, but, I've got my eye on somethin'."

"Ha, well, that's more than Numbuh 5's got. But she ain't too worried about it just yet."

"I can't wait for that part!" Kuki exclaimed, pointing to a spot in her script, oblivious to their conversation. Her two compatriots looked to see what part she was referring to, and sniggered.

"Yeah, that's gunna be interesting," Hoagie said.

"Those Delightful Dweebs are gonna hafta work hard if they gonna pull that off," Abby said, still snickering.

"Oh, come now," said the unmistakable mix of voices as the Delightful Children From Down The Lane approached them from across the stage. "We think we're quite capable of such a pleasant role, given the merry time of year."

Abby twisted around to face them, placing her hands on her hips. Her grin was still intact, but it was more of a challenging smirk now.

"Oh yeah? Since when do y'all know anything about that?"

"Since we've been a family," they replied. "We're nothing but pleasant. Delightful, if you will."

"You're nothing but weird, more like," Hoagie said, crossing his arms.

"So you brats are really goin' through with this play, ain't yah?"

"Why, of course we are, Abigail. We already told you, we just want to do our part to spread the Yuletide joy."

Abby scoffed. "An' I already told you: that's Numbuh 5 to you! You'd bettuh be watchin' yo'selves."

They only smiled at her. "Oh, Abigail, you'll see. There are no tricks here." And with that, they continued on, leaving Abby glaring at their backs.

"Maybe they're really telling the truth," Kuki said.

Abby looked back at her. "Maybe."


"Are you ready for some MONSTER TRUCKS CRUSHING OTHER MONSTER TRUCKS?!"

Wally slouched back on the couch in the treehouse, grinning contentedly as the TV blared the audio of loud announcers, crushing metal and hard rock music. One of his favorite shows was on, and there was no one to disturb him or try to change the channel. Nigel was off somewhere else, and the others were still at rehearsal, so he had the treehouse all to himself.

Or so he thought.

He sensed a presence behind him. Cautiously, he got to his feet and looked over the back of the sofa.

Nothing there.

He looked around the room, then shrugged, and turned back to his televised vehicular violence.

A shadow stepped away from behind the couch. Whether it was genius foresight or dumb luck that Wally didn't look down, we'll never know. But that moment had passed, and the silhouette was already out of the room.

It slinked down the hallway, moving quickly and noiselessly until it reached the door with a large red "5" painted on it. The shadow ensured the coast was clear, and entered.

It stopped a few steps in, and looked around. What it was looking for was uncertain, but it was definitely where it wanted to be. It slowly, methodically, made its way around the room, examining, but not touching, every object it passed. After a few minutes of this, it scratched its head.

The sound of footsteps grew louder from outside the door. The silhouette began to panic, looking around for a place to hide.

A moment later, the door slid open, and Abby stepped through. She exhaled a heavy sigh of relief, throwing her backpack to the side and doffing her coat.

"Man, it's really gettin' cold out there. Numbuh 5 thinks she'll get a fire goin', and then relax to some tunes."

She strode over a large speaker near the bar in the back corner of her room. She reached for the ON button, but something on the bar shelf caught her eye. She slowly walked over, behind the counter, and grabbed a bottle of grape soda.

"Hm..."

She eyed it for a moment, then chuckled and set it back in its place.

"Guess Numbuh 5 does still have a bottle left. Huh?"

She twisted around, looking around the room.

"Hm... thought Numbuh 5 heard somethin'…"

She walked back over to the amplifier, and pressed the button to turn it on. Some sparks flew out from the front, causing her to reflexively jump back.

"Aw, dangit. Gonna need a new amp now... well, at least that fireplace ain't gonna break."

She walked over to the fireplace. There was already some wood ready to be burned, so all she needed to do was light it. She reached for the box of matches she kept on the mantel, when a green leaf softly drifted down and landed on the back of her hand.

"What the...?"

She looked up at the tree branch over her head, which protruded from the tree trunk around which the treehouse was based. It was shaking slightly, as if something had moved it, or maybe jumped off of it...

The door hissed open, and she spun around in time to see it close again.

"HEY!"

She darted over to her door. Whoever that was in her room was about to regret it. She slammed her fist down on the button to open the door, and almost ran into Hoagie, who was about to knock.

"Whoa, Numbuh 5!" He said, noting her haste. "What's the matter?"

She looked up and down the hallway, then at him. "Did you see that?"

"See what?"

"It... Numbuh 5 doesn't know..."

Hoagie gave her a quizzical look. "You alright?"

"Hmph, yeah... Just thought Numbuh 5 saw somethin'... what're you doin'?"

"I was just coming to see if you want some hot cocoa," He said with a friendly smile. "I know how you like it."

Abby just stared at him for a moment. Then she smiled back.

"Abby would love some hot cocoa right now."


A/N: Yeah, again, really short, I know. Hopefully y'all will forgive me. We're almost to December, so the daily updates aren't too far off. ;) And I swear, the later chapters are better, so stick with me.

Have a good one,

- Marty