Chapter 21
Most people would never use the word sappy when describing Grumpy Bear. He wasn't one of those guys who did overly "squishy" things for anyone. Sure he gave Swift Heart his jacket and helped out his family members on projects but those weren't things love songs were written over and he preferred it that way. He didn't want to be known for doing grand gestures that made girls swoon or for doing a guy a favor that made them owe him their life or anything like that. It was just too ridiculous to him. He wasn't sappy, he wasn't sentimental really, and he certainly didn't have a soft spot.
But then again that's why he had this secret. A secret that was all his own and he would be damned if anyone ever found out about it, for then he would truly be named a sappy bear.
Today, just like so many days recently, Grumpy opened his eyes with the sun as it broke the horizon. Soft light filtered in through the bedroom window allowing him to just make out Swift Heart's face resting inches from his own. Her one hand was folded up under her cheek, supporting her head while the other lay upturned by her nose. It took all his strength to not reach out and stroke her cheek. This was his favorite moment of the day, when everything was new and nothing had been determined yet. Any negativity from yesterday was washed away leaving every opportunity for new dreams and goals to be fulfilled. Nothing was claimed, nothing was owned, no one had anything set in stone. And this was his biggest secret, the secret that if ever leaked would soften whatever hard edged self-respect he had.
This time of the day was his favorite because it was the only moment when Swift Heart belonged to him and only him.
In the sanctuary of this bedroom it was just them. It was serene and quiet and she was lying so peacefully next to him. Not running away on some mission, or wandering the halls of school without him. Brave Heart wasn't yanking her away for an impromptu Cousins training nor was Fauna yelling for her over some crisis or another. She was his, all his. Even with whatever those things were that were resting in her belly, now in this moment she was here only for Grumpy.
Something in her dreams made her sigh and scoot closer to Grumpy. Their noses gently rested together making Grumpy smile softly. Ever so gently he kissed her lips. "I love you. My Swift Heart." Attempting to get a few more hours of sleep he closed his eyes, still smiling.
Now more than ever, Champ was thankful that he was an early riser. He checked to make sure Cheer was still sleeping peacefully before getting up and moving to take a shower before she got up. Normally he would have woken Cheer up for something like this but with that fake pregnancy affecting her he wanted a few moments of peace to get ready for the day. He shampooed his fur and dried as fast as he could before pulling out some clothes to dress in.
Cheer heard Champ pulling open drawers and looking for his clothes like he did every morning. Only this morning, he seemed to be doing it extra loudly. Groaning she buried her head in the pillow, "Jeesh Champ could you make any more noise?"
"Sorry, Cheer, didn't mean to wake you," Champ finally found a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for the day and dressed himself as quickly as he could.
"Wait? Where are you going?" She opened one eye and saw him ready to bolt for the door.
"To cook breakfast," Champ replied.
She smiled at him, "Aww really? You are just about the sweetest guy ever!"
"Thanks Cheer, just call if you need anything," Champs added before vanishing into the kitchen.
"Time to see if Illusion's classes have paid off," he said, rubbing his hands together and grabbing and tying an apron on before he fished out the cookbook and turned to the page for pancakes. "Better make at least a triple recipe," he said before grabbing the flour out of the cupboard.
Finding it impossible to fall back asleep Cheer began trying to sit up. Unable to bend nearly as much as she needed to Cheer grunted as she slid herself up slowly using her arms. "I was hoping you'd be just a bad dream." She told her stomach. Swinging her legs over the edge she got to her feet, wobbling slightly. Once stable she headed for the bathroom to shower. On the way, one of the "cubs" moved making Cheer shudder, "That is going to take some getting used to."
Thankfully it seemed that Illusion's lessons had indeed paid off. Champ had already finished mixing the pancake batter and was pouring it into the frying pan as he heard the shower come on. He had to resist the urge to do something stupid, like turn up the heat, and he waited carefully before flipping the first batch of pancakes over and, after a couple minutes, turning them out on to a plate before starting on the next batch.
Any hope Cheer had of her shower being relaxing was soon dashed. It was hard for her to bend and grab things and the space made turning difficult. Several times her belly bumped against the cold wall making her jump. Finally finishing she returned to the bedroom and began looking through the clothes Champ had gotten for her from her house. Ten more minutes passed before Cheer waddled into the kitchen in a sweater she wasn't at all fond of and a pair of yoga pants.
Her mood brightened slightly as she smelt food. "Something smells great boo."
"Pancakes!" Champ declared. He'd put about a dozen on a large plate on the table with syrup readily at hand. He'd set three aside for himself, which he was munching on as he continued with the last of the batter he had left, reasoning that leftovers would be a good idea.
"Are you serious? You think I'm going to eat all that?" Cheer pointed at the tower of pancakes, scowling.
Champ gulped, thankfully covered by the mouthful he had swallowed, "Well the book said that most pregnant woman don't really know their own hunger at first, and since this is a special case I figured it was better to have too much than not enough." He smiled nervously, hoping to avoid an incident.
"If you think I am going to be downing 12 pancakes and then some just because of Guidance Heart's spell you-" She was cut off as her stomach gurgled, clearly disagreeing. Cheer blushed, "Well maybe a few extra wouldn't hurt. After all you've worked so hard on them." Picking up her fork she took a bite.
"And if there's any left we can always have leftovers. Illusion says they're good cold," Champ said. He sighed in relief that Cheer was at least taking this better than he thought she would.
"That was a really good idea," she told him while chewing. It didn't seem to occur to her she had gone through so many mood swings already.
"So how'd I do? Illusion says I'm passable but it feels like he's got impossible standards so I'd like your opinion, Cheery," Champ said, as he flipped his current batch.
"I think they are awesome Champ, you did just fine. Don't listen to that overgrown gecko he thinks he is the end all word in cooking. Well I got news for him, not everyone likes so many spices in their food," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I know exactly what you mean, Cheer," Champ said as he turned out his current batch on to another plate and poured the last of the batter into the pan. "Snowy ran out of class once and I think he doused his head in the rainbow river after tasting something he cooked with Jalapenos."
"I know exactly what you mean, Cheer," Champ said as he turned out his current batch on to another plate and poured the last of the batter into the pan. "Snowy ran out of class once and I think he doused his head in the rainbow river after tasting something he cooked with Jalapenos."
Cheer rolled his eyes, "My point exactly. Although, I do looooooove his crepes. Mmmmm." Her mouth was watering as she thought about them.
"Sorry, I'm not quite good enough to make those yet," Champ apologized.
Chewing she shook her head, "It's okay Champ. I don't need them every day, these are just fine." Taking some butter she spread them on her pancakes.
Champ finally finished with the last of the pancake batter and he dumped the mixing bowl in the sink to wash later. "There, so how are ya doing, Cheery?" he asked as he turned to join her with the last two on his own side plate.
She had eaten about five pancakes so far. "I think I owe you an apology. I was hungrier than I thought."
"Don't be afraid to go nuts, I doubt any of the other girls will be holding back," Champ reassured her as he poured some syrup on his own and began to eat, watching Cheer as she started to really dig in.
He was right and they had been told there would be no lasting effects from the spell. Plus it was an assignment grading them on how good of parents they'd be and a good mom fed her babies.
Champ wolfed down his own pancakes then got up and grabbed the journal off the counter. He began to write in it as Cheer finished up her plate and grabbed for the last of the batch. He wrote down that they had pancakes for breakfast and that Cheer had eaten... he watched her finish off the pancakes before writing 20 down.
"Oh wow, did I really eat all 20 of those?" Cheer asked feeling a bit embarrassed.
"You did, no leftovers I guess," Champ said, closing the book. "So are you still hungry?" he asked.
"Hmm," Cheer patter her tummy, "I'm not full but I'm not craving anything else just yet. But we can solve that later, we have to get ready."
"Ready for what?" Champ asked as he cleared the table.
"Shopping of course!" Cheer spoke as if it should be the most obvious thing in the world, "I need something a lot better than this to wear for the next two weeks and I know I won't be the only one wanting to get a new outfit or three for this assignment."
"Oh right," Champ smacked himself in the forehead, of course she'd need maternity clothes for this. "Well I'll just clean up from breakfast and we can meet up with some of the other couples for a trip to earth."
Harmony was just finishing up her phone call with Cheer. "Sounds like a solid plan cheer we'll be at the hall in ten minutes. Huh? Yea yeah I'll call them. Later." Hanging up the phone she called into the house, "Brave Heart we are leaving in ten minutes to go shopping." While she waited for a response she began dialing Wish Bear's number.
"OK. Shopping for clothes?" Brave Heart called back.
"You got it." Wish answered and Harmony focused on her. "Hey girl. I'm calling you to tell you we are going down to earth to buy clothes that fit for the next few days... yeah he better come... no idea...probably... right again... yup hall, ten minutes. Later girl." She hung up and went to dial her other two numbers.
"How's Wish handling Independent Bear?" Brave Heart asked, having approached while she was dialing.
Harmony shrugged, phone still against her ear. "She seems a little hesitant but you know home girl never complains."
"Yeah. Think they'll get together for real?" Brave Heart asked.
Again Harmony shrugged, "No idea boo." Friend failed to answer the phone so she hung up and began dialing Funshine's number. "But we aren't getting involved. No pressure on them or they'll freak, guaranteed."
"Wish will, can't say about Indy. I don't think anyone can read that guy," Brave Heart said.
"Agreed. I barely understand him." Shifting the phone to her other hand she dropped her right one down to briefly rub her tummy.
A cheerful, "Good Mooooooorrrrrnnnniiiiinnnnngggg" sounded through the phone, making Harmony hold it away from her ear.
"Too early Funshine! Tone it down to marching band level."
The yellow bear laughed, "Sorry Harmony. I thought you'd appreciate the song."
"Hahaha... so funny. Anyway, I was told to call and tell you we are all going maternity clothes shopping, if you are inclined to go."
"Oh good idea! I need a few more options. I'll get Playful. Want me to call anyone else?"
"Yes please. Cover the cousin girls if you would."
"You got it. See you soon!" Funshine hung up the phone on her end and Harmony did too.
Turning to Brave Heart she asked, "You ready?"
"As long as you are." Brave Heart moved closer and rubbed Harmony's tummy, "You ready too?" he directed his question at Harmony's swollen tummy.
Harmony smirked, "I don't think it has much of a choice. When I move, it moves just like that!" She snapped her fingers in emphasis.
As if in response the "child" kicked her from within. "I can see that," Brave Heart smirked. "I'll get a car ready."
"Thanks. I'll get granola bars just in case." Kissing his cheek she moved past him into the kitchen.
"Alright," Brave Heart headed outside and conjured a cloud car as he waited for Harmony.
Phone calls were made and soon enough everyone had gathered in front of the Hall of Hearts. Most of them were discussing how the first night had gone. A few of the girls were saying they'd had trouble finding a comfortable position but overall it sounded positive.
"I can't believe how hungry I was this morning, Love Heart didn't get anything before we were called," Confidence said to Swift Heart, "How about you?"
She nodded, "I couldn't even get the eggs on my plate fast enough. Eventually I just started to eat them right out the pan."
"I hope they were fully cooked at least." Confidence grimaced at the thought of eating raw eggs.
"Oh please Confidence. I can't even eat sushi because it's raw. My hamburgers have to be almost charbroiled. I just added more to the frying pan at a time then I usually do and I managed to make Grumpy some too," Swift Heart reassured her.
"I've gotta work on my cooking skills," Confidence admitted.
"I hope there's a hardware store wherever we go," Anger Heart commented.
"And why do you want that?" Guidance questioned.
"Well, I was thinking I could get some wood to try and put together a crib or two," Anger Heart said.
Grumpy had overheard and asked, "Really? You are making cribs? For only two weeks of having these egg things?"
"Well I thought I could give it to Proud Heart when we're done," Anger Heart said.
"Aww, that's sweet of you," Guidance said.
"Yeah I guess that makes sense," he acknowledged. Swift Heart had caught his eye and mouthed
"Be nice." He scowled at her and tried again, "If you need help I could give you a hand."
"Thanks. We'll start looking when we get down to earth," Anger Heart said.
"Looks like everyone's here," Brave Heart said, "Let's get goin'!" The group divided into their cloudmobiles and took off.
Once down at the store, a few guys opted to go elsewhere, but a surprising number wanted to hang with their partners. Inside the store the girls took their time finding the right sections for their individual style. For Swift Heart, that meant leggings and simple shirts. Cozy and Funshine opted to go with her as well.
"I'm actually surprised. Some of this stuff isn't totally hideous." Swift Heart commented as she looked through the racks.
Cozy nodded, "Yeah. I think desssignersss finally realized pregnant momsss want to look good too."
Funshine shuddered, "Phew, did that sentence freak anyone else out? I mean we are totally expectant moms for the next two weeks. Weird."
Swift Heart nodded, "Yeah that's starting to sink in for me too. How about this?"
Cozy and Funshine looked over at the top she held up. "Yeah it's cute! If it will fit, I think you should get it." Funshine told her.
Swift Heart sighed, "Yeah we'll see how that goes." She continued to look through the racks. Cozy had located maternity swimsuits and was looking them over.
"You can still keep these after this project's over, for when you want to have kids for real," Playful suggested. He had come with his girlfriend, knowing he'd end up as a pack mule but not wanting to force them to carry what they ended up with.
"If itsss sssstill in ssstyle. I probably won't be doing thisss for real for a while."
Jolly popped up from a rack of dresses making Cozy jump in surprise. "No worries love, OI think you'll be aces. You should get this lil' numbah."
He held up a short silver dress. Cozy shook her head, "No way. But good try."
"So what are you thinking of, Sunshine?" Playful asked.
"Just some larger t-shirts and a few pairs of jeans. I don't need anything fancy, I barely have any fancy clothes as it is now," she told him.
"You don't need to be fancy, Sunshine," Playful reassured her, giving Funshine a kiss on the cheek.
"Super true! What would you do with a fancy girlfriend anyway?" She asked with a giggle.
"Wish I could tell you," Funshine bent over and gave Funshine's huge tummy a kiss.
"Geeze, hungry Love Heart?" Anger Heart asked as the green bear practically shoved a sub sandwich into his mouth while he was seated in the outdoor food court.
Love Heart swallowed before answering, "I didn't get anything to eat this morning."
"Why not? Did you sleep too late?" Grumpy asked him.
"Yeah, I was just tired for some reason and I couldn't get to any food before Confidence went nuts in the kitchen. I'm not crazy enough to get in the way of a hungry pregnant lady who knows karate," Love Heart replied.
"Well, good luck with that, Love Heart," Anger Heart said, "But I'm not surprised, Confidence got twins too like our girlfriends." Anger Heart turned to Grumpy, "Should we try to find that hardware store now?" he asked.
"If you want to get stuff to make that crib then yeah. I think I saw one on the way in this way." He pointed up an adjacent street. "Swift Heart was pretty normal this morning. I didn't notice anything odd anyway."
"Guidance has got it pretty under control, but it helps that I'm doing all the cooking," Anger Heart said as they headed towards the hardware store.
Grumpy snorted. "She rarely trusts me to cook for her. Here it is." He pointed out the store across the street.
"Looks good," Anger Heart made it to the crosswalk first and hit the button. "So are you going to get anything here?"
"Maybe some things I need for my own side projects. I won't be building a crib or anything." Grumpy told Anger.
"So what are you working on?" Anger Heart asked as they crossed the street and headed into the hardware store.
"Redoing my kitchen. Building a Jacuzzi for Champ, helping make an amphitheatre for Harmony, and fixing the playground for the cubs."
Anger Heart smiled as he grabbed one of the trolleys set aside for the customers to transport wood, "Sounds like fun. Want some help?" he offered.
Grumpy was taken aback. "Seriously? You want to help? No one ever wants to help me."
"Of course. My grandpa encouraged me to get back into woodworking and carpentry when I went to see him. Maybe even learn a couple more trades while I'm at it," Anger Heart said.
Grumpy shook his head, "Go figure. Yea sure you can help." They reached the aisle of wood. "Do you know what you want?"
"Yup, can you give me a hand with the lifting?" he asked as he pushed the cart down the aisle.
"Yup." He followed the fox down the aisle. "You think anyone else will be building stuff?"
"Maybe Bright Heart? Or is he more about the design than the construction?" Anger Heart asked.
"Heh. Definitely more design. He'd like to think He can build anything but it doesn't always end well." Grumpy said with a gwauf.
Anger laughed as he picked out a piece of wood he liked, checking it for knots and cracks before choosing it, "Here give me a hand with this one, Grumpy, please." Nodding he grabbed the other end and lifted it with Anger to the trolley.
"You know what I'm sick of?" Anger Heart asked as they set the board on the trolley.
"Besides splinters?" Grumpy asked as he pulled one out of his hand before it could stick in.
"Those too, but I'm sick of everyone acting like the two of us being in the same room together will be like mixing vinegar, baking soda and nitro-glycerine." Anger Heart groaned, "I mean do they have no faith in us at all?"
Grumpy couldn't help but laugh at his analogy. "No I don't think they do. I think it's because we are so alike and that makes us different from them."
"Yeah well, we're showing them now aren't we?" Anger Heart's managed to laugh as well before he grabbed another good piece of wood and they loaded it onto their trolley.
Back in the store Cheer's moods seemed to be stabilizing. A good shopping trip always made her feel better. Opening the dressing room door she showed off her current top, a nice floral print 3/4 sleeve with an empire waist "What do you guys think?" Smoothing her hands down her belly she held them under the bottom.
Share smiled, "Very you Cheer!"
"Love it, defiantly get it," Love-a-Lot said as she finally picked out a long loose blouse with a tropical pattern on it, "What do you think?" she asked the others.
"That would go great with some dark jeans!" Share grabbed hear a pair with the elastic waistband.
"Perfect! Just give me a minute to squeeze into these." Love-a-Lot took the jeans and headed into the changing rooms.
Over in the more monochromatic section Harmony was chewing on a granola bar and looking for a good pair of black jeans. "Harmony why not these turquoise ones?" Perfect asked holding them up.
Harmony gagged, "I know I can't get morning sickness but those are getting me pretty close."
Brave Heart chuckled. "I think these'll fit." Brave Heart managed to find a pair of black jeans with little silver music notes over the pockets, "what do you think Harmony?"
"Perfection." Taking them she looked to Perfect, "I appreciate your view but it's in a different key then mine. Brave Heart hears it so follow his lead." She kissed Brave Heart's cheek and moved onto another rack.
"You could offer me some advice," Calm Heart spoke up. "Truth be told I'm not much for fashion."
Perfect smiled and moved off, "You are so lucky to be the color you are. Brown goes with anything." He grabbed a white skirt and a mint green sleeveless blouse that had pink flowers on it and was sheer. He then chose a pale yellow tank to go under it. "Thoughts?" He held up the outfit for her inspection.
"Looks good, I'll give it a try." Calm Heart accepted the clothes and headed for an unoccupied fitting room.
"Tender you find anything?"
"I think so." He held up an outfit for Perfect to see.
The panda blanched, it looked like it was made for a woman much older and stuffier then Calm Heart. "I don't think that's her honey." Tenderheart frowned and put it back.
It was a couple minutes before Calm Heart emerged, wearing the ensemble Perfect had picked out for her. "What do you think?" she asked everyone present.
"Oh it's lovely! It brings out your eyes!" Cheer gushed.
Treat Heart giggled, "And the shirt makes you look smaller."
"Thank you, especially you Perfect," Calm Heart gave the panda a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"It's no big deal, but you're welcome," Perfect said. "Now Treat Heart, what do you think you're looking for?"
"Ummm probably a dress of some sort. I'm curvy as it is and pants are always hard to find," she told him.
"I think I saw just the think a couple stand this way," Perfect said, leading Treat Heart towards what he had found.
Calm Heart took a seat next to Cheer, on one of the benches. "This was a great idea, Cheer. So how do you feel about all of this?" Calm Heart asked.
"I still think it's crazy! I would have liked a little more prep time then ten minutes, you know it's a big transition. Literally." She patted her tummy. "But it's only for a while, so I'm going to just deal with it. You?"
"I'm managing," Calm patted her own smaller mock-pregnant tummy.
"So how was spending the night with Tenderheart and Perfect? Like… where did you sleep?" Cheer asked.
"Oh I slept with them, in their bed," Calm Heart replied.
That raised Cheer's brows and got Share and Love a Lots attention. "Seriously? You did?" Cheer asked her.
"They insisted and I slept between them," Calm Heart confirmed.
"And it wasn't odd? Like at all!" Love-a-Lot asked.
"Well, all things considered..." Calm Heart rubbed her tummy, which 'kicked' in response, "it wasn't the oddest thing to happen yesterday. Those two are very devoted to my well-being."
"I suppose having two people to cater to you would be nice," Share mused.
Friend was nearby and stepped in, having overheard, "Plus they never know if this will happen again, ya know? Because they are both guys."
"Yeah they want to make sure they do it right. I get it," Cheer agreed.
"Speaking of which, how are things with Defiant, Friend?" Calm Heart asked.
"We slept in separate beds but I'm trying to keep things as positive as I can," she told Calm Heart.
"That's good. How's Secret handling time at Lotsa's house?" Cheer asked.
Friend smiled at her girlfriend briefly, "She's doing good. She's trying real hard to communicate with him." Secret nodded in agreement. "And Lotsa is such a sweet heart. He's trying his best to make her happy."
"You mean Lotsa and Secret are still living with you?" Calm Heart guessed.
Secret nodded and Friend spoke, "Yup! It was Lotsa's idea, said he didn't want to separate us if we didn't want to be, plus he doesn't want to be apart from Defiant for too long."
"Lotsa is going to be very good for Defiant. He's the energy he needs right now: Positive, low key, and humorous," Harmony voiced. She had her chosen outfits draped over her arm and was ready to check out.
Swift Heart, Cozy, and Funshine were at the register currently. The cashier was smiling at them, clearly amused by this situation. "So you ladies all look like you're due at the same time. Quite a coincidence."
"Think of it as a group experiment. We are supposed to be using this as a crash course in child rearing," Swift Heart told her as she took the bag.
"Ahhhh now I get it. I did something similar in high school. We just had to keep a bag of flour alive though for a week. No need for new clothes."
"Lucky. I would love a bag of flour right about now," Swift Heart responded while rubbing her lower back making the cashier laugh. Swift Heart moved to the store entrance found a bench to rest on while she waited for the others.
"I was really tempted to tell the cashier exactly what was going on, but she'd probably have freaked," Confidence Heart said as she joined Swift Heart. She looked up and waved to Love Heart, who had just finished shoving the last of his brunch into his mouth and swallowing.
"Did you girls have any luck in there?" Love Heart asked as he approached.
Swift Heart nodded, resting a hand on her belly, "As much as can be expected." To Confidence she said, "And yeah I think she only needed the bare bones of information. No need to overload her."
"Definitely." Confidence nodded.
"So where's Grumpy?" Swift Heart asked Love Heart.
"He and Anger Heart went to the hardware store." Love Heart pointed to the large building some distance away, "Don't know when they'll be back."
Swift Heart got to her feet. "Well I don't do good with waiting so I think I'll go check on him."
"Is Anger Heart with him?" Guidance Heart asked as she approached.
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Love Heart asked.
"He was mentioning going to get hardware supplies all last night," Guidance said.
"You want to come too then? Or are you good here?" Swift Heart asked her.
"If you don't mind me tagging along," Guidance Heart said.
"Like you are going to slow me down." Swift teased as they began to walk off toward the hardware store.
"I have to go find some books then," Confidence said, "Gotta take a look at some tai'chi for pregnancy."
"Mind if I come along then?" Love Heart asked.
"Not at all," Confidence said. Love Heart helped her and they headed for the mall's book store.
"So how are you adjusting?" Guidance Heart asked Swift Heart as they headed for the crosswalk.
"Fine. I've stopped jumping every time I feel them move. That was really freaky," Swift Heart pressed the crosswalk button. "You?"
"Alright, mostly have to get used to the death glares I keep getting." Guidance sighed.
"Ha! From the other girls? Just ignore them. They are just sore because we didn't have any mental prep time or the option to not do this. And I'm not going to death glare you, but I wouldn't have minded a little heads up. It's a lot for anyone to go from 0 to 9 months in 5 seconds."
"Well True Heart said that real pregnancy can be a surprise as well so it would be best for this project for it to be a surprise too. And thanks, that's big of you considering how I've been treating you lately," Guidance Heart admitted.
Swift Heart glanced at her, "Yeah well since you realize you've been sort of a bitch to me maybe you could not be. That seems fair to me."
"Thanks. I guess the other magi have gotten over it, At least Take Care told me they're all feeling better. So bygones?" Guidance asked, offering a hand to her.
Swift Heart gripped her hand, "And then some. We both acted the way we did because our loved ones needed protecting."
"Speaking of loved ones," Guidance said as they entered the hardware store, immediately drawing stares from everyone at the entrance, "Any idea where Grumpy and Anger will be?"
Looking over the aisles signs she tried to find the one Grumpy would most likely spend time in. "If they are building stuff, probably wood. It's that way." Seeing one group of people staring she planted her hands on her hips, "What? Never seen a pregnant rabbit before? Come on Guidance." She moved away from the entrance.
Guidance just laughed as she followed Swift Heart, "Take a picture, it'll last longer," she added to the staring onlookers. A couple clicks from mobile phones directed at her and Swift Heart made her regret saying that.
Swift Hearts ears had flicked back in frustration upon hearing the cameras, "Maybe don't suggest things like that again." She was looking down the aisles now for her boyfriend.
"Sorry. Guess I forgot how many cell phones have cameras," Guidance apologized.
"I'm sure they will see someone wipe out in an embarrassing manner, or some cat doing something ridiculous and we will be yesterday's news," She told her. "I think I see them over there."
"Yep, that's them," Guidance Heart spotted the red fur of her boyfriend, both he and Grumpy examining some tools on display.
Walking up quietly behind Grumpy, Swift Heart stuck a finger in his back, "Hey you! What do you think you are doing with those?" She had dropped her voice a few octaves to disguise it. Grumpy went rigid and spun to confront his assailant.
Seeing Swift Heart he scowled, "What the hell Swift? You scared me. I thought you were clothes shopping."
She held up her bag, "We finished, and I got restless."
"You too, Guidance?" Anger Heart asked.
"Yup," Guidance held up her own bags. "So how'd you two make out here, got plenty of wood I see," she looked at the trolley behind them.
"Yeah seriously. What are you two up to with all that?"
"Stuff. Anger has a project and I'm giving him a hand." He looked at her stomach and pointed, "How's it going?"
"Fine. Same as this morning."
"Please don't say you're surprised we haven't taken the store down yet," Anger Heart pleaded with the girls.
"Wouldn't dream of it Anger. I'm more surprised Grumpy doesn't have the latest power tool in the check-out line yet. Normally he can't come to a hardware store without getting 'The latest tool' that can do several things the other 12 he has can't." Swift Heart said.
Seeing Grumpy scowl at her but not dispute the matter she laughed, "That was your next stop wasn't it? I am so good."
"Yeah well I bet I can guess exactly what you bought. Yoga pants, tank tops, and maybe one nice shirt." Now it was her turn to scowl and Grumpy's to laugh.
"He's got you there," Guidance Heart agreed, laughing too.
"So what did you get, Guidance?" Anger Heart asked.
"Just some long shirts and shorts, nothing fancy," Guidance replied.
"Do you boys need anything else?" Swift Heart asked.
"I think we're good," Anger Heart said. "What about you, Grumpy?"
"I'm ready." Moving to Swift Heart's side he took the clothing bag from her. "I got it."
"Such a gentleman," she teased him.
"Well I'm pushing the cart full of wood, I think that's heavy enough," Anger Heart said.
"Then I'll just put this here." Guidance set her bag on one of the trolley's empty spots.
At the checkout line Swift Heart added a few Butterfinger bars to Grumpy's items. "Thats okay right?"
He winked at her and added a few more. "You got it."
For her part, Guidance added some Kit-Kats to Anger's order, neither of them needed to exchange words.
The four of them rejoined the others in front of the clothing store. It seemed like everyone was ready to go except for Cheer. Champ was slumped down in a chair, mentally exhausted from reasoning with her. "Cheer they are both fine, just get both."
She was holding up two shirts, "But I still don't think I will need this one. And then it's a waste of money."
"They don't get that one."
She looked flummoxed, "But I look better in this one."
Champ gritted his teeth, "Then get it but not the other one."
She shook her head, now looking exhausted as well, "No I can't do that! It is perfect for everyday wear." Groaning Champ sunk down deeper.
"Should we help them?" Independent Bear asked, turning to Wish, who was eating a mint sundae from a nearby shop.
His question had caught her with the spoon in her mouth. Removing it and swallowing it quickly Wish blushed, "I think I could help them." Looking over at Cheer she said, "I Wish Cheer could find a way to choose a shirt."
A few seconds passed and then Cheer shouted in excitement, "Oh! This one is on sale! Now I can get both for the price of one." She left the mirror to go pay. Wish smiled and took another spoonful of ice cream.
Indy just stared from Cheer to Wish, "What was that?" he asked.
Playing innocent Wish asked, "What was what Indy?" She continued to eat her sundae.
Indy took a breath and spoke again, "I could feel something when you made that wish and what just happened, even Champ looks confused." Champ indeed was just staring, open mouthed, at Cheer.
"Oh that. Well, all I did was wish for Cheer to be able to make a decision. It sort of...ummmm...a gift I have?" She was trying to find words to describe it.
Indy instantly relaxed, "I understand. It's something unique that you can do. Does it always work?"
"If my wishes do not harm anyone or if I do not make them for selfish means then yes. Oh and if they aren't completely ridiculous. For example, if I said I wish for a million dollars, that wouldn't happen," she told him. "Why did you panic?"
"I'm just a bit wary of things I don't quite understand. Sorry Wish." Indy patted her tummy, "Want me to get you anything else before we go home?"
"I'm sorry I surprised you like that. I forget you didn't grow up with us." Smiling at him she added, "No I'm all ready to go."
"Alright," Indy turned and managed to conjure a cloudmobile for them.
Nearby Grumpy and Anger Heart had worked together to conjure a closed-bed cloud pickup truck so they could haul the wood they had bought back up without risking it falling out.
"Wow, I kind of like this design guys. It looks like Grumpy's truck from the alternate reality. Just a little…" Swift Heart told them as she looked over the truck.
"A little what?" Anger Heart asked as he and Grumpy began loading the wood into the back.
"Looks just a little like his truck. Except that one wasn't made out of clouds," Swift told him.
"Umm thanks?" Anger Heart shook his head rapidly to clear the confusion, "what did that Truck look like?"
"Black Chevy 454 SS. 1990 year." Grumpy told him as he loaded the last of the wood.
Anger Heart stared at Grumpy for a moment before he managed, "Umm, so it was black."
"He's not much of a car guy," Guidance said, matter-of-factly. "Are there only two seats in this thing?" she asked.
"Even if there aren't there's no way I can get up into it. I can make us a cloud mobile and drive us home." Swift Heart told her.
Guidance nodded, "Sure, thanks Swift. I don't think I trust myself to drive right now."
Grumpy scowled, "I don't think I trust her to drive right now either. Are you going to be able to even reach the pedals?"
Turning her nose up at him Swift Heart proceeded to make a cloud mobile. She altered the console slightly so it tilted higher and the pedals came up closer to the seat. "You were saying?" She asked her boyfriend.
"I'm allowed to show concern you know Swift Heart. Not everything is a challenge you have to beat." Slamming the door he moved around to the other side of the truck. Anger Heart didn't bother commenting as he got into the passenger's side of the truck. Guidance did the same with Swift Heart's altered cloud car.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Swift Heart took her time getting settled, making sure the baby belly wouldn't get in the way. "And here I thought we were the ones with the mood swings." She muttered once she was comfy.
Guidance Heart giggled, "Well I'm sure ours will kick in later."
"It's going to be like the civil war all over again then in our houses, what with our boy's being volatile on their own," she responded as she took off.