Rosy Posy here!
First off I would like to say, a big HUGE THANK YOU! You guys this story has made it to 100 reviews! And I couldn't have done it without you guys love and support! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I wasn't expecting so much love, but you guys gave it! Also to those of you who message me with wonderful encouragement, and ah-mazing ideas thank you so much for those!
Secondly, I know it has been so long since I've updated. I know…I feel horrible about it, but a lot of things have been going on in my life that have been good, bad, and crazy. Right now, I'm in college, and I hardly have time to write anymore. Also I have a lot of family stuff going on that is just…well…not happy family stuff. I know you are tired of hearing my excuses, but I just want you guys to understand that nowadays it is going to be much harder for me to update. By no means have I quit this story, because I love writing them, and sharing them for you to enjoy them. Thanks for hearing me out!
Now onto the story! Enjoy! It's one of the longest chapters that I have written before! So enjoy!
Chapter Ten: First Girlfriend of Skipper's
It wasn't often Skipper dated with being the leader of his own team, and taking care of each member of the team. He hardly ever went out searching for the one. Dating was ridiculous anyway, having to get dressed up for someone you didn't even know yet. What was the point in that? And it was hardly ever he found a girl with the same common interest as him, yet he had found her.
His men, and himself were invited to one of their neighbor's parties. To their surprise it wasn't his royal highness, King Julien. Instead, it was another neighbor by the name of Marlene. She had just moved in, and right next door to Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private. She was wanting to be the friendly neighbor, and wanting to meet everyone in the building that lived with her. She had came over knocking on the door of Skipper's team, and of course the one to answer it was Young Private, who couldn't just say no to decline the party.
They all had gotten into their formal attire, and all looking pretty dapper for the party. Each of his men had spread themselves out when they reached Marlene's party interacting with others at the party. Skipper, though hung back out watching his team from a far just in case anything was to go wrong. Mostly though he had his eyes on his youngest member of his team, Private.
He was just a tiny thing, and Skipper was so paranoid that someone might step on him. Skipper knew that was impossible to happen, but he worried for the little guy. Anything were to happen to Private he just wouldn't forgive himself, so he kept his eyes train on his little solider making sure he was having a good time, and enjoying himself.
That's when she came up to him, "Is that your son?"
Skipper off his guard, turned to see who it was. A beautiful bobbed cut brunette with lushes lips painted a perfect blood red. Her dress was semi-formal hiding away her curves that would blow you away. Skipper wanted to know how he could have gone his whole life without meeting her. He smiled, trying to keep from drooling on her.
He then turned back to carefully watch Private, who was now dancing adorably with Marlene herself. He nodded to answer the blonde's question, "He's my little brother, but he is close enough to be my son."
The blonde drunk up his comment, "That's very sweet, I could tell he had to be yours. The way you just looked at him." She held out her hand, "Lola."
"Skipper," He took her hand, and brought it up to his lips to kiss, "pleasure to meet you."
Lola's face blushed a little, and advert her eyes back to the dancing Private, "How old is he?"
Skipper dropped her hand gently, and went back to watching his tiny sibling, "His name is Private, and he just turned five last month." Lola nods, and there is silence before them, except for the music blaring.
Skipper saw Private glance his way, he gives a toothy smile. He waves for Skipper to come over to the dance floor, and the idea pops in his head. He turns to Lola, "Would you care to dance?" He offers his hand to the young lady, and she smirks taking it.
She leads him on the dance floor, and Skipper grins widely. He liked a woman that took charge. They danced for a long time talking about their lives, interests, and among other things. They really got to know each other during the party, and really connected with each other.
Their night though ended too quickly when a small five year old came yawning with Marlene beside him practically holding him up on his feet. Marlene chuckled, when Private's head bobbled back, and forth fighting sleep. Marlene tussles his jet black hair, "I found him sleeping next to the door. I was afraid he was going to get hit if someone opened the door."
Skipper crouches in front of Private, "Hey, little solider, why were you hanging around the door? Don't you know you could've gotten hurt? You were lucky Marlene here found you when she did." Skipper mouth a 'thank you' to Marlene, who shrugs looking as though she didn't mind.
Private rubs his eyes, and shrugs, "Thoughts it looked like a bed."
Behind him, Lola snorts, and even Skipper laughs, "Do you want to go to bed, Private?"
Private shakes his head, "No, party! Party at Marlene's!" His eyes droop a bit, but he opens them refusing to let sleep take him. He was having so much fun at Marlene's party, and he knew his brothers were too. He didn't want them to leave just because he couldn't stay awake any longer.
Skipper's heart melted his boy was exhausted, and he refused to admit it. He seen Kowalski, and Rico from a far. They looked as though they were looking for Private, that is until they spotted Skipper. Kowalski, and Rico both found there way over to where Skipper, Lola, Marlene, and Private had position themselves at. Kowalski takes the scene in quickly, and calculates what was going on instantly. Skipper could see the smirk that produced when he saw Lola for the first time, he automatically knew that Skipper had a thing for her.
Kowalski bends down swooping Private up into his arms, where he can cradle him to his chest. Private whines, "'Walski, I wanna stay." A huge yawn escapes the boy, as he tries to fight off Kowalski in attempting to get down.
Kowalski shushes him, "I can take care of this, sir. You enjoy the rest of party."
Skipper wants to object to him taking Private, Rico, and himself, but a hand is guiding back to where everyone is dancing. Lola laughs at his stubbornness, and Skipper melts on the inside hearing her laugh. Before he knows it he forgets about having a team to take care of. He can only see Lola, can only hear Lola, and he can only be with Lola.
Before he knows it, he has fallen in love with a dame.
It had been two weeks, and that had been enough for Private to get jealous of the new girl Skipper was dating. Lola, the name made Private want to gag, and the way Skipper said her name made him want to upchuck. Lola the ballerina. Lola the dame that stole his heart. Lola the girl who was taking Skipper from Private. Lola, what was so special about her name? What was so special about her?
Kowalski, and Rico could always since Private's hatred for the woman. Skipper was blind when he was in love, and tended to forget about the whole team too. For example this morning was exactly how he was acting nowadays.
"K'walski," A small voice whispered, at the sleeping Kowalski, "K'walski, something's burning, and this time I don't think it's Rico's fault."
Kowalski jumped up as the words spilled out of Private. Not taking another minute, he shoots for the kitchen, and leaves Private in his bedroom. When he reaches the kitchen he sees smoke pouring out from the oven, and crisp burnt bacon in the skillet. Skipper had forgot to turn everything off before he left to get eat breakfast with Lola. He quickly sped to his lab to grab his own personal fire extinguisher that Skipper had brought him for Christmas, and used that to put out the fire in the oven. It didn't take too long, but it was going to take a while to get everything cleaned. At least, Skipper didn't forget anything else…
"'Walski?"
Private takes one step into the kitchen, and he groans at Skipper's new forgetfulness. Private was showing off his skills of dressing himself without the help of his brothers. Both of his shoes were on his opposite feet, and untie. His button up shirt was uneven were he had button his shirt the wrong way it showed his belly button. Private's tie was hung around his neck like one would wear a scarf. It was an adorable sight for another time, but Kowalski's aggravation for Skipper was growing now. It was his turn today to help get Private ready this morning, and make breakfast this morning.
"I tried my very best, so you wouldn't be too mad at Skippah." The young Penguin sighs, as he notices how bad his attire is, "I'm sorry, 'Walski."
Kowalski puts the fire extinguisher away to start working on fixing Private up, "Aw, Private you did your very best there's nothing to apologize for. As for me being mad at Skipper, I am a little, but he's in love…"
Private mutters darkly, "With someone who needs to leave him alone."
Kowalski's shoulders lower in defeat, Private was the worst one on the team right now who was taking Skipper's new girlfriend situation as a bad thing. Private didn't like that Skipper was now hardly with the team, and was always with Lola; the bobble head, as Private like to nickname her when Skipper wasn't around to hear. The five year old didn't like that his quality time was being taking away by a girl Skipper had just met. Private was jealous of his Skipper being taking away from him.
"Now, Private, it's been a long time since Skipper dated anyone, and he really likes her this time. We should all be supportive, even if Skipper is starting to become a bit of a bobble head himself." Kowalski told Private, as he was finishing buttoning his shirt for him, "But that's love."
"Love is really stupid then." Private huffs, as Kowalski tucks in his shirt, and starts on his tie.
"Indeed it can be, but you'll see when your older." Kowalski says, as he flattens Private's collar after tying his blue tie, "Private, I want you to try, and be happy for Skipper. Also, being nicer to Lola would help too."
Private frowns down at Kowalski who was switching his shoes onto the right feet, "I am nice to her!"
"Really? I didn't know sending glares was being nice?" The scientist says sarcastically.
Private rolls his eyes, of course it was true he was never friendly around Miss Prissy. He always gives her the cold shoulder, never talking to the woman. Private though around her becomes excessively clingy to Skipper making sure Lola keeps away from his big brother while he was around. He was never good with sharing, especially when it was his family. Maybe, though, for Skipper's happiness he should try and get along with Lola.
"Okay, 'Walski, I'll try to be nicer." He huffs, as Kowalski finishes tying his shoelaces.
Kowalski stands, and smiles down at Private proudly, "That's all I ask, Private." He ruffles the small boy's hair, as he see Rico has awoken finally, "Good morning, Rico! Seems like you, and I are going to be the actual ones to make breakfast since Skipper burnt the first one."
Rico blinks seeing the oven covered in the foam the fire extinguisher had put on it. He shakes his head, it was too early for this, and without another word he heads back to bed, with Kowalski chasing after him to help him clean up. Private giggles at Kowalski, and Rico there was going to be a fight there, and Kowalski was definitely going to be the loser. Rico was a difficult person to deal with in the morning.
Private was about to go see if he could help Kowalski when the front door clicked open sprouting out Skipper, and Lola. Private grins at Skipper who sees him, and has his arms wide open for him to jump into. The five year old kindly obliges him, throwing himself into his brother's embrace. Skipper takes him underneath his arms, and flings him up to the ceiling. He catches him quickly, and spins him around while giving him a hug.
"Hello, Young Private!" Greets Skipper.
Private giggles, still in his leader's arms, "Aye, Skippah!" Then he tries, and does what Kowalski says to show a little bit better attitude to Lola, "Hullo, Lola." He says measly, and before she could answer him back he turns to Skipper, "Are you going to take me to the park today?"
Private had been waiting forever now to go to the park with Skipper, he had been waiting to show his older brother his new tricks he could do on the monkey bar. He was pretty proud of them, because it had taken a long time to get it just right. Both Kowalski, and Rico thought they were excellent for his age. Kowalski had even said that he was showing more skills in flexibility and limberness then out of anyone on the team did at his age. The only one who hadn't seen him doing his tricks was Skipper, and he knew that if his other brothers thought it was good then Skipper would too.
Skipper was beginning to say that he would love to when Lola spoke up first, "Oh, Skipper, what about my show?"
Private sagged in disappointment, if Lola was doing her performance today there was no way that Skipper would come to the park to see his tricks. Lola's tricks were much better than his own. She was a professional ballerina her moves on the floor would never compare to his skills on the playground. Private was ready to hear Skipper say that he would see him do it on another day, but when would that ever be? Skipper was forgetting everything soon enough the team would be invisible to him. Private would be a nobody in his eyes, and Private wasn't even sure if he could handle that.
"Oh, dollface, I completely forgot…But isn't that later?" Skipper asked, hoping that he wouldn't have to say no to the little guy in his arms.
Lola bites her bottom lip she was caught in a dilemma, "Oh, well yes, but I thought I would show you around backstage, and maybe we could catch dinner too?" She offers him in a cunning way.
The ballerina didn't want to be seen at a park. Her dignity was far too important for childish things. Sure, Miss Lola, loved children, but from a distance. She never really thought Skipper was that close to Private to begin with. At the party she was making small talk with him, to even grab his attention. Because she had noticed at the party before she had finally made her way over to him his eyes were only on the child. Private. He was proud of his boy, Lola soon found out. That was all Skipper ever cared to talk about was the small boy, and how amazing he was. Lola realized that she had competition with a child. It was hard for her to believe with the men that she had dated before there was no other girl it was just her. All eyes on her, and no one else. Maybe that's way she loved Skipper so much, because he was a challenge to get him to see her fully.
Either way though, Lola, wasn't too keen on Private. The five year old could get Skipper's attention just by doing nothing. Lola couldn't even do that. She wanted that, she should have that from Skipper. She was his girlfriend, and Private was just a silly little brother that Skipper had to keep around. Lola, though was slowly starting to win him over. She had figured out that keeping him from the team, especially from Private she was gaining his company more and more. Soon enough he would follow her around like a lost pound, and wouldn't even know a boy by the name of Private.
Skipper smiles at his dame, and how sweet she was for planning dates for them both, "Aw, dollface, we can do dinner any other day, and can't you show me around backstage another day? Private, has been begging me for weeks to see him do his new tricks." He gives her a pleading smile, and then he nudges Private, "Hey, little solider, let's see that pout of yours!"
Private giggles, and tucks out his lip, and bats his eyes to Lola, "Please, Lola?"
Lola chomps down very hard on her gums to keep from screaming at the child, "Sure, let's go see your big performance!"
Private gives a huge grin at her, "Yay!" Skipper was going to see how well he had been practicing, "I need to tell K'walski, and Rico bye!"
Skipper puts down Private, "I'll go tell them for you, you just keep Miss Lola here company, okay?"
Private looks over at Lola who bitterly smiles at him he starts to say no, but Kowalski's words come back to haunt him so instead he nods. Skipper ruffles his head, and runs off to find his other older brothers. Private then tries to start up a conversation with Lola, "So what are you dancing to, Miss Lola?" He asked politely.
Lola seethes, she couldn't take it anymore, "Private, do you care about Skipper?"
"Of course I do! He's my brother!" Private stated.
"Then why are you getting in the way of his happiness?" Lola asked, sinking down to his level.
Private blinked, "What do you mean?"
Lola sighs dramatically, "Oh, poor little Private," She takes his chubby cheek pinching it, "you don't realize your the one making him unhappy. Do you really think he wants to watch you perform when he could be watching me?"
"But Skippah said that he wanted to watch me!" Private argued, as he chewed on his thumb becoming worried.
"But Private you were the one who was making him want to come." Lola reversed onto him making him slowly believe her lies, "I mean it was your idea, I know it wasn't Skipper's, because he's been patiently waiting to see my show."
"He said though it was okay though." Private fires back, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
It couldn't be true. Skipper wanted to be around Private. Skipper loved him, and Private loved Skipper. Skipper also loved Lola a lot too. A lot. Maybe even more than Private. Private winced at his new headache that was forming in his head it didn't make sense. Somehow deep in his mind he knew Lola was wrong, but fear was driving his thoughts about this whole situation. He wasn't thinking rationally like Kowalski was teaching him how to be. Kowalski would do better making this equation equal out better in Private's head.
"He's trying to make you happy, Private, so that way he can have more time with me. Private, I hate to say it, but I'm doing a better job at keeping happy than you ever were." She cups Private's devastated face, she was breaking into that tiny fragile mind, "I know you want him to be happy, Private. So why don't you start working on that, instead of being useless, okay?"
Private nods, blinking from keeping from crying in front of Lola, "W-Will you tell him I don't want to go to the playground anymore? He can watch me do my tricks when he's happier with me."
"Oh, don't worry, sweetheart, I'll tell him for you." She pinches his cheeks, shaking them harshly, "Private I'm so proud of you for being so selfless. You really do care about Skipper proving this to him." Lola smiled sweetly, as she straighten herself up away from Private. She had done it, the brat was going to back down off taking her time with Skipper.
Private sniffs heartbroken by the truth Lola told him about. He can feel his eyes getting hot by the tears he is holding back, and the dam decides to burst. Without another word to Lola he skitters to his room before Skipper could see him like this. In his room, he locks the door behind him, and falls behind it in a sobbing mess. Skipper hated him. Skipper didn't want to be around him. It didn't seem possible, but then there was Lola telling him all of what Skipper was keeping from him. The misery soaks Private as he wallows knowing Skipper didn't love him.
While Private weeps, Lola stands at his door pressing her own ear to hear the sweet sound of her victory coming from a child whose world had been crushed.
Rico was actually the first to notice Private's behavior. It was fairly obvious in his views. Private wasn't being the happy light Rico always saw him as. It took him by surprise that his brothers couldn't see the change first, because it was there. Right there. 'In their faces' there. Private wasn't himself, and Rico could see right through his mask. He admits that at first he didn't see it, but then he took a closer look at Private.
They were small things, enough for anyone to barely notice. Private started speaking less, of course he did talk, but it wasn't the usual gabble that he had. In addition, he he had lost his appetite he was barely eating anything on his plate nowadays. Then there was his isolation he was starting to grow near Skipper. He had started to develop a skittish behavior around Skipper whenever he was near him. It was almost a flinch every time Skipper was around this is when Skipper, and Kowalski started to take a small notice. And on top of all this, Private asked something that made them all understand that something was wrong.
"I want to go back home." Private says, pushing his green beans around on his plate.
"What do you mean, Private, you are home." Kowalski said, cutting his salmon up to eat.
"I mean home with Uncle Nigel. I don't want to stay here anymore I want to move back with Uncle Nigel." Private asks politely, as he hears everyone at the table drop there utensils onto their plates with a loud crash, "May I?"
"Little solider, what's wrong?" Skipper asks immediately.
"Nothing," Private says, as he continues to moving his beans, "I just want Uncle Nigel."
"Well, I'm sure Private we could have Uncle Nigel to visit." Kowalski reasons to his small little brother.
Rico nods along to Kowalski's newfound plan, "No go. Nigel 'ome."
Private shakes his head vigorously, "No, I want to go back to England."
"Private, you know your Uncle is a very busy man nowadays. It would be impossible for him to take care of you, and watch over you." Skipper informs him.
"I don't care! I want Nigel!" Private exclaims to his oldest brother.
"It's out of the question, solider!"
"Why not?" Private whines, rapping his arms around his waist, "I miss home. I miss Uncle Nigel."
"Private," Skipper sighs, resting a hand on his head trying to wrap his mind around this new problem, "you haven't been homesick in ages, so what's going on?"
"Nothing!" Private defiantly says, "I'm just homesick, Skippah."
Skipper grinds his teeth at his frustration with Private. Something was wrong, and his little solider wasn't saying why. He narrows his eyes at Private trying to deduce what might be wrong, and then Skipper sees how pitiful he really looks. There were small bags starting to form under Private's eyes making him look weary, and he even took notice of Private's clothes being baggier on him. Skipper's eyes widen a bit, how could he not have notice that much difference in Private.
Skipper sighs once more, "Okay, Private, you can go to your Uncle Nigel's," Private blinks at him, and Kowalski along with Rico gasps, "but I'm coming along with you."
"NO!" Private shouts out terrified. Silence breaks throughout the room, while Private trembles in his seat across from his brothers, "I mean, no, I want to go by myself."
Skipper was speechless, why was Private distancing himself away from Skipper? What had happen? Did he do something to upset Private, because obviously Skipper was the reason Private was wanting to leave. From the terror that he had in his voice it made it all clear to Skipper that Private didn't want him to go, and didn't want him period.
Kowalski clears his throat, and the awkwardness in the room, "Private, is there something you're not telling us? Is something bothering you?"
Private bites his bottom lip, he wasn't going to lie, but he wasn't going to say anything either. Kowalski was good on reading when people were telling the truth, or not. He skipped the question altogether, "May I be excused?"
In unison all three brothers replied, "No."
Private fidgets in his seat, eager to get away from the topic at hand, "Why not?"
"Because you aren't answering any of our questions, Private." Skipper answers.
"I don't like the questions." Private mumbles, twiddling with his thumbs.
Skipper was about to order him to tell him what was wrong, but Rico stands up, "Pri', what's wrong? Somethin' up." Rico rasps out, "You aren't you, Pri'. Not eatin', not talkin', no heart. No good." Rico rubs his throat, that was more of a strain on his vocal chords then he was used to. Kowalski hands him his water to soothe his aching throat. He gulps it down greedily. He nods thanks to Kowalski, who looks so shocked that Rico talked as much as he did.
Private's lip trembles at Rico, he hated talking, because it was so hard for him. And this was such a display to Private's heart. Rico had shown him how much he cared for him through talking, which Rico hardly ever did often ever since he lost his voice. It was a difficult topic for Rico to discuss, which he never had to do. He had lost his ability to want to talk, but he did for Private, and that was enough of the wall that he had put up for Lola's sake to come crashing down.
Sobs racked his body, and he found his throat constricting on him as the weeping grew harder. He curls up on his stool hugging his knees, and he digs his spine back into the chair. He couldn't do it anymore, and act like nothing was bothering him. He couldn't let his misery set any longer.
Skipper jumped out of his seat, as soon as the first sob racked his tiny body. He goes for his brother, and Private through his tears sees Skipper coming for him. Private eyes widen in fear of Skipper, and he jumps for Rico who had beat Skipper getting to Private first. Private protects his face, as if he thought Skipper was going to hit him, "S-Skippah, I'm sorry. I'm s-sorry, I tried doing what L-Lola asked…I know y-you're angry, but p-p-please don't h-h-hurt me! Just let me g-g-go to Uncle N-N-Nigel's, and I'll be gone from t-t-taking your time with L-Lola!"
Skipper blinked rapidly, taking all in what Private was explaining to him, "Lola told you what?"
Private squeaks, at Skipper's wrath, and hugs Rico's waist tighter, "S-She said I-I-I wasn't making you h-h-happy, but she was. That I was u-u-u-useless!"
Kowalski takes off his glasses, and throws them on the table with anger, "Miss Lola, said that to you, Private? That you were useless?"
"A-Aye." Private sniffles, and Rico takes out his napkin to wipe Private's stuffy nose, " And I k-know that I-I am now t-thanks to Lola."
And just as he says the words, Lola comes bursting through the doors with a bright smile on her face, "Hello boys!" As she shuts the door, she sees the grim status of the room, "What's going on?"
All the team, except Private sent her huge angry glares. Lola suddenly feels two inches tall. Skipper cracks his neck the first to have a go at her, "Oh, it's nothing, doll face, Private was telling us what advice you gave him."
"Oh?" Lola acts dumb.
"Yes, and the funniest thing he said was that you told him that he was useless?" He is inches away from her face now, "Isn't that the darnest thing, doll?"
"In fact, Private feels so useless he's thinking about leaving his real brothers to go back to live in England with his Uncle Nigel." Kowalski adds, cracking his knuckles as his face darkens at her.
"Wha' do you 'ave say 'bout that?" Rico growls at her, while Private trembles in his arms.
"I-I-I," Lola stutters, and glares down at Private as she clears her throat for a vicious lie, "Obviously, Private, is lying, and is just wanting more attention from you all. I would never say those kinds of things to a child."
Private lips bobbles on the bottom, "B-But Miss Lola, y-you did tell me t-that! You did, and I've been good! Very good, making s-sure Skippah is h-happy!" Private hops off of Rico to run up to her grabbing the bottom end of her beautiful chiffon yellow dress, "A-Aren't you, and Skippah happy? I-I'm leaving for you."
Lola starts to tug him off the fabric of her dress, "You're a little liar, and let go!" She tugs harshly enough to make Private tumble back along with a tear of her dress in his chubby hands, "You ripped my dress! You ripped it, and now it's ruined!"
Private immediately apologizes to Lola, "I'm sorry! Sorry!"
Lola comes at Private howling, "You useless urchin! How dare you ruin everything! How dare you lie to my face, and to your family's! And tearing my dress to get you even more attention! I tried to be nice to you, Private, but it's no use because you can't do anything right!" And as sharp as her voice is, her hand comes flying into Private's left cheek.
Skipper grabs Lola's hand before it strikes Private, "Lola, may I have a talk with you?" He grips her wrist enough to bruise it, but he comes very close to breaking it.
Lola whines, "Ow, Skipper let go." He does slowly, and she rubs her hand tenderly getting the soreness out that was forming, "Whatever you have to say, I'm sure you can say to everyone."
"We're over." Skipper states.
"What?" Lola screeches, "Why?"
"Because you've been saying some rotten things to Private, not to mention you almost smack him." He looked at Private who hid behind Kowalski, and Rico trembling in fear of Lola, "Look at him, Lola! He's not only terrified of you, but he is terrified of me!"
"I only told him the truth, Skipper!" Lola pleaded with her boyfriend, or soon to be ex-boyfriend.
"A truth that was your own, and not even mine!" He bared his teeth at her, "I can't believe I fell in love you, especially a person who knows how much I care about my brothers, but doesn't feel the same."
"Skipper, we can work things out." Lola's lip trembles, "I can do better. I can be better to your brothers."
Skipper walks towards her authoritatively, "Do you really think you could do that? Do you really think you could see how much my family means to me? No, I don't think you could, Miss Lola. You want to know why I think that? Because you don't know what it's like to have a family."
"That's not-" Lola starts, as tears starts to come down her face.
"It is." Skipper interrupts her, "You don't understand that family is a team, and I refuse to ever let my team down. But you happen to let my rule slip, and I will never forgive myself for it. Because of you my brother, my teammate is hurt by you, and I am too."
Lola eyes widen, "S-Skipper, I-"
"I don't want to hear it." Skipper hisses at her, "Now leave before I think about letting Rico loose on you." Rico sneers at the ballerina, while petting Private's head. If looks could kill Lola would be ten feet under already. With that image on her mind, Lola scurries on her way out the door without another word.
Skipper sighs, rubbing his face. He thought he had met the one, and it turns out she was a total scam. Even more, she dared herself on trying to hurt Private, or she did hurt Private mentally. With that in his head he turns to Kowalski, and Rico who have Private behind their legs. Kowalski is rubbing his back, as Rico takes his hand through Private's curls. While this occurs, Private nozzles his face into both his brother's legs for comfort. Skipper winces, seeing how fragile Private was.
"Hey boys, think you would let me, and Private have a talk?" Skipper asks, wanting to get one on one with the small boy.
Kowalski, and Rico nod giving Private a few last comforting pats, but when they try to leave Private has both their legs in his hold. "NO!" Private cries, "No, don't leave me! Don't!"
Rico tries shaking him off, as Kowalski looks to their leader, "Skipper, why don't we all sit down, and talk. I think that will set Private's mind at ease." Kowalski bends down to pick up Private off his, and Rico's leg. Private raises his head when he feels Kowalski grab him underneath his arms, and Kowalski see how much of a mess Private is, "Great Galileo, I want those tears to stop, Private." Private sniffles, and buries his face into Kowalski's neck.
They all four move over to the sofa they have in their living room that fits all four of them, but Skipper decides to stand. As the others take their seats, Private, remains in Kowalski's hold with Kowalski placing him on his own lap. Private still nuzzles his face into Kowalski's neck, as Kowalski tries to pull Private's face out of his neck. Kowalski sighs, "Come on now, Private, everything is fine now-"
Suddenly Private's head flies out of Kowalski's neck, "No it's not! No it's not! Skippah, hates me now I know it! I got rid of his happiness!" His nails dig deep into his palms hard enough to cause blood flowing underneath his nails, "It's all my fault. I'm useless-"
"Percival Ciel Waters." Skipper growls out Private's real name, which makes Private stare wide eyed at Skipper. He never ever used that name unless Private was in serious, dead serious, trouble. Private knew he was going to get it, "Don't you dare ever call yourself useless."
Private blinks, "But Skipper, I am-"
Skipper breathes fire through his nose, he would get back at Lola if it was the last thing he done, "Percival, don't you dare finish that sentence, and let me tell you how wrong you are."
Skipper hooks his index finger at Private to motion him right in front of him. Private gulps, turning his head to his other brothers for advice on how to handle Skipper. Kowalski is the first to speak, "Go on, Percival, he's waiting on you." Rico nods at this agreeing with Kowalski, so much for advice from his brothers.
Private nods, and hops off Kowalski lap trembling as he nears Skipper's rage. The air in the room seemed hot to him making every step he took harder to put his feet in front of the others. He couldn't even look at Skipper for the fear of his eyes would melt him, so he kept them glued to the floor until he met Skipper's shiny shoes that he always wore for date nights.
"Eyes up solider, when I tell you this." Private's cerulean eyes timidly find their way to his leader's, "Lola had no right telling you that, do you hear me? She was very wrong. You are a valid, and meaningful member of this team. I will always tell you that no matter what."
Private's bottom lip wiggles out, catching some of his tears from falling of his face, "But what about you? I w-want y-you to be happy." He push his hand across his nose to keep from running, "Lola m-made you h-happy, and I to-ok that away from y-y-you."
"Lola has made me very unhappy now." Skipper said, crouching down to the small boy, "She's made you unhappy, and afraid of me. Afraid of me your older brother the one you should trust the most. Private, as a leader, and a brother I never want you to be unhappy. I never want any of my brothers, my family, being unhappy. It's because I love, and care for you, Kowalski, and Rico."
Private rubs his eyes, they were becoming an irritated red color now, "Y-You love me?"
Skipper makes a noise that sounded something to Private like, "I can't believe you just asked that." Skipper takes Private by the waist, and Private doesn't flinch at all this time, "Private, I love you so much, and I know Kowalski, and Rico feel the exact same! Of course I love you! I love my little solider."
Private has new fresh tears now, but he's smiling, "I was so worried that you hated me. Lola had said-"
"Lola is a-" Skipper growled, he would get back at her for Private.
"It doesn't matter." Private says, wrapping his arms around Skipper's neck, "You love me. You love me!"
Skipper pulls his head back to look down at Private, gently he tilts his head down to put a small kiss on his forehead like a father would to his son, "You are my happiness." He whispers to Private, as he hugs him once more.
"We all love you Pri'." Rico said quietly, from behind Skipper.
Private grabs his hand, and tugs him down to where Skipper, and himself are hugging so Rico could get in on their hugging session as well.
Kowalski stood up awkwardly, and coughed for the group hug's attention, "Um, well, sir I'll just being going to the la-"
Skipper rolled his eyes, "Get over here, Kowalski."
"I'd thought you'd never ask, Skipper!" Joyfully said, Kowalski quickly enters the group hug with open arms.
Private sighed, melting into the arms of his brothers. Everything was returning to normal, the healthy normal. He wouldn't have to return to England with Uncle Nigel in misery. He could continue to live with his brothers in happiness, without anymore girlfriend troubles. So he melted even more into the trust of his brother's arms.
Skipper sighed tiredly, as Private finally relaxed into his hold. Everything would go back to normal now that Private knew how valuable he was. Skipper bit his lip thinking how close he had came to losing Private to his Uncle Nigel. Ever since Private had been on this team, and in this family it's made everything have heart to it. And losing that would be like losing his own heart. So he hugs Private tighter for the fear of him leaving is still in his heart.