Chapter 37
Layla ended up sleeping in rather late that day, at least for her. It was 10 am by the time she finally dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. Once she dressed she opened the window and stared at the now mostly white world.
"It really snowed last night," she commented. "I should get some winter clothes."
Glacial too had slept in. He had missed the comforting feeling of being wrapped up in a snow bank with a thin wall of material insulating him. Stretching with a small roar he got up to do his morning toiletry routine before heading back to town to check up on Layla.
Layla grabbed a map of the town on her way out of the hotel and opened it as she sat outside, "So where's a good place to get winter clothes?" she asked aloud.
"Most likely anywhere around here." Glacial once more appeared behind her silently, making her jump.
Layla carefully folded the map before turning to greet him. "How do you do that?" she asked.
"Do what comrade?" he asked innocently. "The snow muffles many noises Layla."
"I'm not used to being surprised so much," Layla admitted. She shivered then said, "Unless I grow fur like yours I should find some winter clothes before I do anything else."
Rubbing the back of his neck he scanned the street around them. "I believe there are places this way you may have some luck." He motioned with her to follow him and she obliged.
"Is it always this cold here?" Layla asked.
"For most of ze year da. For a few weeks in summer et warms up a bit. But not much by your american standards." Glacial responded.
"I was actually born and raised in Canada, for a few years anyway," Layla replied.
Glacial gave a short laugh. "Ha! Ze puny cousin to Russia. But you should at least be used to some cold."
"Well Russia is the only country it can be thought of as puny compared to," Layla agreed with a small giggle. "But I've done a lot of travelling in my life so I haven't gotten used to long-term cold much."
"Fair enough. I have recently started traveling outside my homeland and find myself longing for the cold." They had arrived at a large department store. "I believe you shall be lucky in here in finding suitable clothing."
Layla nodded, "Seems like it." She turned to Glacial, "Are you going to come in or wait outside?"
He shifted from foot to foot as he gazed at the building, "Do you need me to be there?"
"I won't force you," Layla replied as she pushed into the revolving door of the store. As she disappeared inside Glacial looked for somewhere nearby to procure breakfast.
It didn't take Layla long to find a good set of winter clothes, boots included. "A different style than I'm used to, but it's warm," she was already dressed as she walked up to the cashier. She was forced to turn around a few times as the cashier scanned in all her items and cut off the tags. Layla whistled at the price but paid in full and headed out to see if Glacial was around.
"Where'd he wander off to?" she asked aloud.
"Not far." He stood in the shadow of the building, finishing off what looked like a piece of toast with ham on it. "You look much happier now," he complimented her.
"Warmer at least, and thanks," Layla replied.
Holding out his other hand, Glacial gave her a wax paper wrapped sandwich like the one he had been eating. "I wasn't sure if you had eaten. Food helps to keep you warm here too."
"I haven't eaten yet." Layla accepted the sandwich. She unwrapped it and took a bite, "Not bad. Where did you buy this?" she asked.
"Et doesn't matter." He said, evading the question. "Vat would you like to do now that you are properly clothed?"
"Honestly I'm not sure," Layla admitted. She finished off her sandwich, "Do you have any suggestions?"
Before answering he looked to the sky, "Ze weather looks like it will be cooperative for the time being. Would you care to just walk? Maybe talk?"
Layla smiled, "Why not. I could use something more relaxing than what I've been through lately."
Glacial gave a short laugh, "Da. You and me both." Motioning with his head he began to lead Layla into another part of town.
Now that she wasn't shivering Layla took in the layout of the town, "I don't see many small towns for very long, usually just a nightly stopover. I wish I'd stopped in them more often."
"I prefer large cities. You don't feel as exposed when blending into a large crowd," he replied.
"Why did you come here?" Layla turned to ask the polar bear.
He looked away from her again, "Closest place I could get to in ze time I was given to myself."
"Alright." Layla nodded, not wanting to pry.
"And you just wanted to escape from a bad ski trip? Have you escaped far enough?" Glacial asked.
"More-or-less. I mostly wanted to be far from home for a while," Layla admitted.
That got his interest, "Things not well at home?"
"Well my former... partner will be getting home before too long and I really don't want to be there when he gets back." Layla sighed, "As for things at home, they're alright, not great but not really bad either
"And vere is home exactly, if you don't mind me asking."
"I do, for the moment," Layla replied. "I don't want to delve into my recent history for a while." She stopped walking for a moment, "I'd rather talk about my more distant history."
Glacial nodded in understanding, "Fair is fair. Whatever you want to discuss. I don't believe in pushing."
He pointed over some buildings, "North of here. Half a day's walk. But believe me, you vouldn't like it."
"Just frozen wilderness?" Layla guessed.
"More frozen, less wilderness," he attempted to joke.
Layla smirked, "The opposite for me, though the winters were still cold."
He shrugged, "Unless you are used to the endless expanse of white and ze colors of the night sky being your only illumination it can be pretty dull."
"For me it was endless trees with little night sky," Layla replied.
"Seems like it would be very hard to find your way anywhere. Et's no wonder you left," Glacial said.
"I didn't really have a choice to leave." Layla looked away from Glacial.
"Not to be blunt. But you don't seem to have much luck with homes." He told her matter-of-factly.
"Not with houses at least," Layla replied. "My home is with my family, my brothers and sister and they've been good to me. My brother was the one who suggested I take this trip to clear my head."
Glacial looked at her, eyes softening for a moment, "Da. Brothers are good to have. I understand that."
"Do you have a brother?" Layla asked, turning back to look at Glacial.
The softness was gone as soon as it had come, "I did. He vas killed a long time ago." Getting his bearings he said, "I believe there is a park of sorts around here."
Layla could sense the reluctance to speak of the event in Glacial's tone so she didn't ask. "Let's see if we can find it then," she suggested.
The walk to the park proved to be short in deed. However it wasn't much to look at. A few benches and some old play equipment was all it was all it offered. And the trees were bare in the cold. Glacial frowned, "Et has changed since I was last here."
"How so?" Layla asked.
Glaical thought briefly back to when he and his mother and brother had snuck through here in the dead of the night. They had raided the trashcans, all full of discarded food from some festival or another. His brother had climbed the slide and ridden down it on his belly, flying into Glacial and knocking them both down. While they had wrestled his mother had watched, before gently urging them it was time to move on. Shaking his head he told Layla "Et just seemed different. I can't place exactly why."
"I guess some things just aren't how we remember them," Layla commented forlornly.
Playful was staring in complete horror at the map Noble Heart had pulled down in the front of the room. "That looks nothing like Europe!"
"Of course not. It's the ancient world. I told you to memorize the empires and label them correctly. Remember?" Noble said gently. Playful paled further and slid down very far in his seat.
"It wasn't that hard," Gentle tried to reassure the monkey, but he didn't seem to be listening to her.
"What's Macedonia? I thought that was Greece," Cheer commented.
"Macedon was the state of Alexander the Great that overtook Greece and became his empire," Wish Bear replied.
"Pheonician and Carthage?" Share had to rub her eyes as she looked at the strange words on the map.
"I just filled in whatever. My brain was totally spinning in circles in my head." Playful said as he rubbed his eyes gently. He could really use some pranking time right about now.
Noble Heart sighed, "Well you can all head out for the day."
"Thank you," Gentle Heart said as she stood up and headed out of the exam room. Playful practically ran over the others as he ran for the door. Lotsa had paused briefly to gather his things. He felt the test had gone pretty well.
Funshine was lounging outside and as Playful came barreling out she stepped in his path and caught him in a big hug, "Hi Monkey, how was the test?" she asked, smiling at him.
"I don't want to talk about it! There were maps, so many maps! And they were all old." He shuddered and hugged her back.
"Then don't get me started on the stuff on Proud Heat's health test," Funshine replied as she gave Playful a kiss.
"Wouldn't dream of it. Wan't to come over for some banana cream pie and to unwind?" He asked, flicking her gently in the back of her head with his tail.
"That depends. Eating or throwing?" Funshine grinned.
"Eating first...then maybe throwing." Playful teased back.
"Sounds good, let's go funny monkey." Funshine smiled as they headed for his treehouse.
Lotsa Heart smiled as he saw the two head off, whistling happy to himself. "Now where is Defiant at?" He looked around for any sign of the badger.
"Oh I almost forgot," Wish darted back to Lotsa. "Defiant caught me on the way out and he said he'd be at your place when you finished."
"Thanks Wish. Glad you told me or I would have been wandering forever." Turning he headed for his home, still whistling.
Wish giggled, "Ah love." She turned and headed home.
"Defiant I'm done with my test." Lotsa called as he let himself into his home.
"I'm in the kitchen, I made dinner," Defiant called back.
"You did?" Moving into the kitchen he saw what Defiant was working on. "Well look at that! I'm impressed, and that's the truth!"
"It's just lasagna and Caesar salad but thanks Lotsa," Defiant said as he slid the lasagna dish into the pre-heated oven.
"Well it still smells amazing and that's the truth." Leaning over Lotsa kissed Defiant's cheek.
Defiant blushed, "Thanks Lotsa. It should be done in half-an-hour."
Nodding he went to the fridge and cracked open a can of soda. "My exam went well. I think I may have actually passed with a good grade and not just a passing one."
"That's great. All my exams are done so I don't have anything to do until the prom," Defiant said as he took a seat at the kitchen table.
Lotsa's eyes widened as he thought of something. "Oh shoot. I still need to place the flower order with the florist." He went to look for the list the planning committee had made of all the flowers they'd need.
Defiant laughed, "Wouldn't want to forget those. I can't wait to see your flower arrangements, Lotsa."
He returned with several sheets of paper in his hands and one in the end of his trunk. "They are going to be colorful, and that's the truth." He dialed the phone and moved farther from the kitchen so he could talk in quiet. Defiant just nodded and turned to watch the timer on the oven.
In the gym, Swift Heart was stretching her arms over her head, hands clasped together. Moving her arms from side to side she loosened up her upper body as she waited for Confidence.
It didn't take long for Confidence to arrive. "Happy that you don't have to study math for a while?" she asked Swift Heart.
"Very very happy. I don't plan to ever study math ever again." Swift Heart replied. "Infact, I will be burning my text book as soon as the grades are posted."
"What if you don't pass?" Confidence asked.
She scoffed, "That is a big what if. I studied my butt off for that thing." Releasing her arms she bent down to her toes.
"Well the sort of good news is that if you don't do too bad you can just take a few weeks of summer school and skip the next year of classes," Confidence replied as she began to stretch. "How's Grumpy doing?"
"With the tests or was there something else?" she asked looking up at her.
"Tests and in general," Confidence replied as she moved into her lunge stretches.
"He's good. I'm sure he will pass all his tests with flying colors. He's a lot smarter than people realize, he was just out of it the last time he tested." Swift Heart said.
"Out of it?" Confidence gave Swift Heart a funny look.
"You know. Not thinking clearly. He was preoccupied with stuff."
Confidence nodded, "Right, I think I get it. I won't pry." She stood up, "so how are your flash steps coming?"
She smirked and barely twitched before appearing very close to Confidence. "Oh they are coming along. And to answer your curiosity, we had broken up like the day before."
"That would explain it and good." Confidence smiled and moved over to the locker she'd had built for herself a couple weeks ago, "Keep working on that on your own time, for now we need to move on to the next part of your training." She opened the locker and pulled out a wooden sword, "Protecting yourself against weapons."
Looking at the sword she frowned at Confidence, "A sword? Seriously girl who uses a sword anymore."
"From what I've heard those two evil care bears who kidnapped you," Confidence replied. "If you have to deal with firearms I'd say just run like hell."
Swift Hearts brow furrowed further as Confidence mentioned those two. "Fine whatever, let's do this then."
"Good. Don't worry this won't take long then we can move on to the fun stuff," Confidence replied as she held the sword towards Swift Heart, "When you have to face a sword, try to dodge, don't even try to catch the sword that's just a trick they use on a lot of anime." Confidence darted forwards and swung at Swift Heart.
"Yeah catching it wouldn't have even crossed my mind." Rolling her shoulder and moving backwards she avoided the swing, eyes focused on the wooden blade.
"You'd be surprised how many idiots think that catching it actually works. Also never try to block, unless you're like Defiant and can make your skin as hard as steel." Confidence swung at Swift Heart's legs, faster this time.
"Wait he can what?" She yelped, as she barely avoided the swing.
"It's strength elementalism." Confidence paused for a minute, "It's different than what the rest of us do. Instead of shooting fire, lightning, wind or whatever he just reinforces parts of his body with the energy he's stored up. Strength, speed, skin and so on."
"I see." Taking the pause Swift Heart flash stepped behind Confidence and tried to kick the sword out of her hand.
Confidence jumped forwards and spun around, slashing at Swift Heart's leg, catching her on the side of her foot, not hard enough to hurt. "Remember, someone with a weapon has a longer reach."
She brought her foot up briefly to check it. Seeing no blood she scowled at Confidence. "So then what? I just run around and tire them out?"
"Not at all, try doing what you just did after they attack. The problem with weapons is their weight and length means that anyone using them takes longer to get back to a ready position." She pointed the sword at Swift Heart, "when I was at a ready position I was able to react asw soon as I heard you behind me. Try again, right now!" Confidence gripped the sword in both hands and swung at Swift Heart.
As the sword came down, Swift Heart dashed around behind Confidence and kicked her lightly in the butt. "Whapp! Like that?"
Confidence staggered forwards and turned, giving her student a smile, "Exactly." Confidence tossed the wooden sword to the side. "Now then let's move on." Confidence cracked her knuckles, "Let's try a tournament sparring match."
"Sparring huh?" Swift Heart smiled and pointed from herself to Confidence, "As in one on one?"
"Yes, but with rules," Confidence replied. "No hitting sensitive spots, no critical strikes to the ankles, no mixed techniques and no flash steps."
"I think I can manage that. Just a good old fashioned tumble between girls." Swift Heart said in understanding.
"Right," Confidence shuffled sideways into a circle on the mats. "Any combination of three take downs: knockdowns or ring outs."
"So you mean when I knock you on your butt three times I win?" She asked Confidence for clarification.
Confidence smirked, "If you think you can."
"Confidence may be your name, but I have it in spades." Swift Heart reminded her before bracing herself and bringing up her fists. "Let's dance."
"Good," Confidence struck first, aiming for Swift Heart's face with a series of swift punches.
A little while later Funshine was jogging back to the spot where Playful was hiding. They had finished eating pies and were now going to be chucking them at unprepared passerby. "Someone is coming up the path." She whispered to Playful as she crouched beside him.
Playful couldn't suppress a giggle, "Who is it? Brave Heart?"
Funshine nodded, "However did you guess? He and Harmony are jogging and making goo-goo eyes at each other."
Playful hefted a pie in each hand and grinned, "Distracted and content, the perfect targets."
"And the ones who are the least likely to retaliate on us." Funshine agreed as she took a pie from Playful.
Playful watched the couple coming closer and closer, and finally he jumped up, letting both of his pies fly, striking both Harmony and Brave Heart on the sides of their heads.
"Uuuugggghhhhh!" Harmony squealed as she stopped running to wipe the cream from her eyes. "I am so done with coming here Brave. Everytime, I get got by those pranksters and it is working my last mellow vibe."
"Why can't you two find something else to be distracted by!? Brave Heart shouted at the pranksters.
Funshine popped up, "Because this is just too much fun." She chucked her pie at Harmony. She ducked however and it went sailing over her head. "Funshine I'm going to turn your sunshine smile into a storm cloud frown!"
"Oooh Oooh what about me?" Playful jumped up and down.
Playful eeped and jumped up into a nearby tree leaving his tail dangling. "Funshine up here!" he called.
Brave Heart had finished wiping the pie from his head and he rushed over to join his wife.
Grabbing his tail Funshine stuck her tongue out as she was pulled into the tree. Harmony almost had her foot but Playful pulled her up just in time. "You guys are so dead!" She began trying to scramble up the tree.
"Follow me," Playful said ready to jump to the nearest tree to their current one.
Brave Heart was able to try and follow the pranksters when he saw them leap to the next tree. He put a hand on Harmony's shoulder, "Don't waste your energy Harmony, we can't catch them in the trees."
"Brave Heart I am covered in banana cream pie! I hate banana cream pie!" She yelled as if this validated her wanting to chase them down.
"I can help you with that," Brave Heart wiped most of the cream from her face then looked up and saw Funshine and Playful making faces at them and scowled. "You'd better stay up there because as soon as you come down we're going to catch you!"
"Oh are you? Well that doesn't really make me want to come down. How about you Playful?" Funshine asked her boyfriend with a smirk.
"Nope, not at all," Playful gave Funshine a kiss on the cheek.
"You have to come down sometime. You need food, and water." Harmony called up as she stared a towel to wipe the rest of the pie from her face.
"But how long are you willing to wait?" Playful asked back.
"Not long I bet knowing just how patient you are." Funshine taunted.
"So how long do you want to wait for them to come down," Brave Heart asked Harmony.
Inhaling to respond she got a whiff of the pie, already turning sour. "Ugghh not a minute longer. I refuse to stink like the latest tweeney bopper single. Let's go home." Looking up she said, "I will be watching you two. One paw out of line and you are going down."
"Wow scary," Playful chuckled as Harmony and Brave Heart retreated.
"Seriously, who is Harmony kidding. I've never seen her be vindictive." Funshine said, running her fingers through his hair.
"Yeah I know. Want to head back to a house or search out more targets?" Playful asked.
"Well we still have some pies left. So unless you want to eat them let's throw them." She replied.
"Good idea." Playful dropped down to where the rest of their arsenal was hidden.
Funshine came down a little more slowly. "I think I heard some of our friends would be swimming in the river. Head there?"
"Hmm?" Playful thought for a moment, "Nah, they always dive under and wash it off or just avoid it. Seems like a waste to me."
"Good point. Well we could always drive to Care-a-Lot and see who is out and about," Funshine suggested.
"Great idea Sunshine," Playful gave her a big kiss before conjuring a Cloud Car, "Let's go see."
Opening the door to the back seat she put the pies in, holding one briefly she set it on the other side. "Maybe I'll save on, for later," she said to Playful.
"Sounds good," Playful gave her another kiss on the cheek and jumped into the driver's seat.
Getting in beside him she snuggled up to his side, "Let's get out of here before Harmony changes her mind."
The timer on the oven finally went off and Defiant called out, "Supper's Ready!" as he pulled the now hot lasagna out of the oven.
"Good I'm starving. Ordering a bunch of flowers takes a lot out of a guy." Putting the phone down he came to join Defiant.
"How?" Defiant asked as he pulled out two plates, forks and knives and set the lasagna and Caesar salad on the table.
"Cheer said get gardenias. Did you know there are 14 shades to choose from? And the color I choose makes a big difference?" He told him while stealing a piece of lettuce.
"I didn't," Defiant admitted as he served the both of them. "I don't know that much about decorating."
"Nor do I. So I had to use my best judgement. Hopefully the others will like them." Picking up a fork he took a bite of the very cheesy lasagna.
"How is it?" Defiant asked as he prepared to take a bite himself.
"Really good," Lotsa complemented him.
Defiant took a bite himself and swallowed before he sighed in relief, "That's good. I thought I messed up somehow."
"Well unless you don't cook it long enough, I don't see how you could." Lotsa told him with a smile. "Unless you do like Good Luck did one time and put mayo in instead of ricotta cheese."
Defiant grimaced, "That doesn't sound pleasant. But I doubt he's making anything this complicated where he lives now."
"That's what I hear. Not much cooking done down there," he said around a mouthful of food. Defiant just nodded and dug in.
A short time later the boys had finished their dinner. "I'll wash since you cooked Defiant."
"Thanks. I'll dry." Defiant said as he cleared the table and Lotsa filled the sink. Putting on some gloves he began to scrub their plates after filling the lasagna dish with water to soak for a bit.
Defiant took the first plate as it was rinsed and dried it. "Hey Lotsa. Want to be my date for the prom?" he asked.
Grinning, Lotsa looked at him, "I thought you'd never ask me. Of course I will Defiant."
Defiant smiled back, "Thanks Lotsa." He resumed drying dishes for a minute then asked, "So should I just wear a tuxedo then or is there a dress code I don't know about?"
"Nope tuxedo is fine. But bring your swimsuit for later. And I am telling you now my tux will not be an old fashioned penguin suit. It will be much more, fabulous."
"Fabulous?" Defiant was confused but he shook it off and waited for the lasagna dish to be washed.
Taking the dish Lotsa scrubbed it. "You know, colorful, sparkly, and fits like a glove."
"Can't wait," Defiant said, somewhat apprehensive.
~~~
"Not back Swift, you almost had me in that last round." Confidence went over to her duffle bag, "Do you drink Gatorade?" she asked.
Wiping her brow she panted, hands on her knees, "At this moment I would drink anything. Hand me one."
"What flavor?"
"Yellow if you have it." She walked towards Confidence having regained her breath.
"Yup." Confidence tossed a bottle of the yellow sports drink to the rabbit before she fished out a blue one for herself and took a seat on the bench.
"For the record, my ankle twisted funny which is why I lost that last round." Swift Heart informed her before taking a drink.
"Want to go see Take Care?" Confidence asked then took a drink from her bottle.
She shook her head, "No I'll be fine. It's not even a serious sprain, promise."
"That's good," Confidence took another drink before she spoke again. "We should put a cooler or fridge in this gym," she suggested.
"That's a great idea. Then we can keep all sorts of stuff in there. Like energy bars." Swift Heart took another guzzle of drink.
"Yep." Confidence guzzled the last of her drink then said, "You do know that if that was a real fight I would have kicked your ass."
Swift Heart nodded, "So you say. But if it were a race you'd be the one eating my dust."
"I'd believe it, especially now." Confidence tossed her now empty bottle into the recycling bin.
"And I suppose I can admit that has a little something to do with you and these training sessions," Swift Heart acknowledged.
"A little," Confidence agreed. "I haven't been training you to run but any exercise helps."
"And those flash steps don't hurt." She took another swig of her Gatorade. "If there is ever anything you need help with, let me know."
"Well how about heading down to earth to buy and carry that fridge up here?" Confidence suggested.
Swift Heart thought in it for a moment, "Yeah I guess I could do that. Let me just go splash some water on my face so I don't feel so sweaty." Getting up she headed for the locker room.
Laughing Funshine ducked behind the Hall with Playful. Champ and Birthday went running by yelling for them. "Phew that was close, they almost got us."
Playful giggled too, "Yeah, too bad Birthday had to stop to catch his breath." Playful tossed the last pie up in his hands, "Last one, Sunshine. Want to head to your place?"
She nodded, "Yes lets. All that pranking made me hungry." Snatching the pie from him she ran for her house.
"Hey wait for me!" Playful shot after her, laughing as he ran.
"No way! I think I might eat all this pie by myself." Funshine teased as she ran. She had no intention to really but it was fun taunting him.
"No don't! I love banana cream pie!" Playful did his best to sound hurt, he knew she was kidding.
"Do you love it more than me? Because then I will definitely have to destroy this pie." Seeing her house she paused briefly to stick a finger in the pie and lick it clean. "Mmmm tasty."
"Of course not!" Playful made a lunge for Funshine.
Funshine ran into her house, leaving Playful to face plant in the clouds. "Almost Playful Heart."
Playful pulled his face out of the cloud bank and shook the clouds off of it. "Aww." He fake pouted before he got up and followed Funshine inside her house.
Putting the pie on her counter she went to retrieve forks for them. "I'll get us some milk too." She called to Playful.
Playful grinned, "Sounds tasty. I'll wait Sunshine."
She tossed her fork to him, "No go ahead and start munching." Going to the fridge it took her a matter of seconds to pour out the milk for them. Joining Playful at the counter she forked out a big mouthful of pie. "Here's to a successful day of pie throwing."
"Here here!" Playful dug his fork in too and washed it down with a mouthful of milk. As he pulled his glass away, Funshine saw a milk moustache left behind and started to giggle.
"What?" Playful asked before the moisture on his lip clued him in. He giggled back, "Here, something better for you." He scooped some of the pie on his finger and swiped it across Funshine's upper lip.
"Hmm?" Playful stroked his pie-beard. "Maybe we would. I wonder if Take Care can help with that?" he asked, keeping an air of mock sophistication.
"Yes, yes, I think you're quite right." Funshine replied while running a light finger over her moustache, trying not to giggle.
Both pranksters held their looks for a good two minutes before they both burst out laughing. "You with a moutstache! That would be a sight Hahaha!" Playful fell backwards on to the floor.
"I wouldn't even know what to do with it!" She agreed while wiping the whipping from her upper lip. "I think I'll stick to what I got. Don't need a 5 o'clock shadow on my sunny face."
Playful shook his head as he stood up and wiped the beard off his face, "Definitely not Sunshine."
Leaning forward she licked a chunk of pie off his cheek before he could get to it. "I like you better without the beard too."
"Good, cause I don't want one." Playful gave Funshine a quick kiss.
"So what are we going to do with our summer? Other than caring missions of course. We need to think up some new pranks."
"Yeah, we need some new material." Playful swiped some of the remaining pie and licked it off his finger. "And we need to go to the beach."
Funshine's whole face lit up "Oh yes yes yes! I like the beach! It would be so much fun to go!"
"Me too." Playful slipped behind her, "I can't wait to see you on the beach in your swimsuit." He teased and gave her a kiss on the neck.
Rolling her head to the side she gave him better access. "I'll bet you can't. I'll make sure to wear your favorite one." She smiled up at him.
Playful grinned, "Great. There's still some pie left, want to eat it or do something else?" he asked.
Spinning in her chair to face him she wrapped her arms around his middle, "Leave the pie. Your romantic side is making an appearance. I want to enjoy him before your silly self takes over again."
"You know me too well." Playful smiled and lifted her up, "Where to Sunshine?"
She gave a little squeal as she was lifted into his arms. Pointing over his head she said, "To the boudoir oh captain my captain!"
"As you wish." Playful carried her off to her bedroom. "Ooh, you're fancier than I thought." Playful whistled as they entered Funshine's bedroom.
"It's just a canopy bed Playful." She replied looking at the lacy draped fabric around her bed. "I just like how it blows in the cross breeze when I open my windows."
"I like it Sunshine." Playful laid Funshine down on her bed and got in next to her, "fancy's fun when we're alone." He gave her a kiss on the nose.
She beamed at him, "I like that it is just for us. That's why my room looks like this and not my whole house. It's just for me and now you too." Looking up she saw the light catch in her chandelier, bouncing rainbows across her ceiling.
"Ooh pretty." Playful snuggled up next to Funshine. Rather than respond she kissed him slowly, letting her hand drift down to rest on his chest. As soon as he felt her hand there, Playful's breath became slower and he turned to her, letting his arms drift around her and rubbed her back softly. She too sighed and relaxed, enjoying the moment. This happened so infrequently for them.
"I love you Sunshine," Playful whispered.
"I love you too. I am so glad you gave me a wet willie when we were five." She whispered back, rubbing her nose on his.
"And I'm happy that you gave me that first pie you helped Grams bake, right in the face." Playful pulled Funshine into a deep kiss. A soft glow came from Funshine's tummy symbol. She smirked as she kissed Playful back. Whenever she was really happy her sun liked to let the world know.
"Ooh you're glowing," Playful teased once he pulled back.
"Yeah. Sometimes my sunshine spills over. Ooopsie." She didn't sound sorry at all. "It can't be helped, hehehe."
"Well let's see how much it glows after this," Playful pulled her closer, his tail stroked her legs and he gave her a deeper kiss as he pressed up against her. She gasped at his boldness but it began a happy sigh as his tail wound around her leg. Funshine's arms wrapped around Playful's shoulders as she kissed him back fast and hard. Playful was getting excited as she responded. He had to shut his eyes from the glow coming from Funshine's tummy symbol.
She kissed both of his eyelids, "You know me well enough, you don't need a silly thing like seeing." Her kisses trailed down his nose and back to his mouth.
(let me know when you think we should skip ahead)
Playful kissed her back as his hands moved up around to Funshine's front, "I do. I'm so happy we didn't bother dressing today."
"Mmmhmmm memmmm oooo." She tried to form words but feeling Playful's hands run over her made that a little difficult. Her tummy symbol began to pulse waves of light. Playful's hands made it to her chest and he pushed into another kiss as he pulled back slightly.
Lotsa smirked as the last of the dishes made it safely onto his shelves. "I think that's the first time I made it through cleanup without breaking anything," he said proudly.
"Well practise makes perfect," Defiant agreed. "I should probably do my elemental work out now," he added.
"Outside please, Defiant. I'll come watch you," Lotsa said with a smile.
"Thanks Lotsa, but I don't shoot fire or anything," Defiant replied as he heade dout the front door of Lotsa's house.
"But you can never be too careful, and that's the truth. Ask any of the others, there is a reason they all train outside. Aside from their girlfriend's nagging them," he joked.
"So not any different here then?" Defiant joked back.
"Yup. I can see their reasoning behind it after all." Lotsa replied.
"Well this won't take long. I need to see how far I can push myself with this." Defiant searched the area and located a rock somewhat larger than himself. "Perfect." He headed towards the boulder then placed his hands on the rock. He concentrated and felt the energy flowing into his arms and lifted it up over his head. He struggled for a bit before setting it down. "Need to focus a little better for that," he admitted.
"I dunno Defiant. I think lifting a boulder is pretty impressive to me." Lotsa called to him.
Defiant blushed, "Thanks Lotsa, but I need to be able to hold it up longer."
"Well what do you need to do to make that happen?" He held his arms up. "Do you need to do push-ups? Push-ups are Champs answer to everything."
Defiant laughed, "Not quite, I need to keep doing stuff like this, keep focusing more and putting more energy into my muscles. It's a bit hard to explain," Defiant replied.
Lotsa patted his shoulder, "I'll leave you to it then. Find me when you are done." He headed back into the house humming to himself.
"OK I'll see you shortly!" Defiant called as he moved to try and lift the boulder again.
"Refrigerators...Refrigerators...They should be somewhere around here." Swift Heart said as she looked up at the aisle signs in the hardware store.
"Does it say kitchen anywhere up there?" Confidence asked.
Swift Heart pointed behind them, "Yeah we've been in the kitchen section. I just can't find the right aisle now. The map said it was towards the back."
"Well I'm going to look around all the aisles until I see something," Confidence said, turning her gaze down and heading for the nearest aisle.
Continuting the way she was going Swift Heart was convinced they had to be close. Sure enough a few aisles later she found a row of fridges spread before her. "Found them. Now where are the mini ones?"
Confidence managed to catch up to Swift Heart, following her ears to the rabbit's voice. "Probably at the very end," Confidence commented.
Nodding she resumed scanning the row for mini fridges. "Holler if you see one you like."
"Gotcha." Confidence headed farther down the aisle, scanning for something she liked.
"Hey this one has a glass door. We can see what's in it." Swift Heart crouched down to look the model over.
Confidence headed over, "Looks nice," she said as she examined the mini-fridge.
"Well then let's get this one unless you see a better one you want." Swift Heart rocked back onto her heels. "I mean it's a gym fridge, who really cares right?"
"You're right. Let's get it." Confidence crouched down and began to pull the fridge's box out.
"You got it? Or should I get a gurney?" Swift Heart asked as Confidence lifted the box.
"I might need some help." Confidence stopped pulling the box when it was halfway off the shelf. "Yeah, please find a gurney."
Nodding she zipped off, returning just as quickly pushing a small flatbed cart. "Wala."
"Thanks. Now can you help me lift this onto that?" Confidence asked.
Again she nodded and placed her hands under the box. "On 3, 1...2...3." Together the girls lifted the box onto the gurney.
"There we go. Thanks Swift," Confidence thanked the rabbit.
"Mmmhmm," Grabbing the handle she headed for the checkout line.
"So how's Grumpy doing these days," Confidence asked as they got in line.
"Grumpy as always." She replied with a little smile, "But I gotta love him anyway."
"He should be happy when he passes the exams at least. Love Heart was muttering to himself all last night about having to take summer school," Confidence said.
Swift Heart laughed, "Yeah that's gotta suck. I would hate to be stuck in summer school. But yes Grumpy will be very much less Grumpy once school is done. Other than the muttering is Love Heart good?"
"Same old same old. I promised to help him study this summer so that cheered him up," Confidence replied as they got up to the cashier. "This one's on me," she said as she dug out her wallet.
"If you're sure." Swift Heart didn't argue the matter. She knew it was a lost cause.
Funshine's tummy was still lit up as she cuddled up with playful, exhausted from the day's activities. Playful opened his eyes and giggled, "Quite an afterglow you've got there, Sunshine."
She shoved him lightly, pulling the blanket further up on her chest, "Yeah well I'm still pretty pleased with you."
"Always nice to hear that." Playful gave her a kiss.
Snuggling into her pillow Funshine took a deep breath, trying to get her sun to calm down. "Wake me in an hour." She told him teasingly and seemingly fell asleep.
"Alright." Playful gave her another kiss before lying back. "I wonder what our kids will be like."
Funshine's eyes popped open and she turned over to face Playful, "Our what?"
"Kids. You know, some day when we want to have a family," Playful said.
"Ha! oh boy wouldn't that be exciting! I don't think the family can handle anymore pranksters up here," she replied with a giggle.
"I can imagine teaching them the tricks of the trade and I think they can just have their fun with the other kids up here," Playful said.
"Oh sure, I can see it now." Funshine moved over to lay her head on Playful's chest, "You'll be showing them how to slingshot water balloons while I go over the finesses of making jello bombs."
"Sounds perfect, Sunshine." Playful kissed the top of her head. "Hope it's not too soon though."
"Playful honestly do you think I don't know you at all? I know we are not ready for kids for a while. We are having too much fun just us."
"Yeah." Playful yawned, "But maybe we should get some sleep now, especially if Harmony really decides to come looking for revenge."
"Ummm maybe I'll lock the door, just in case." Kissing his nose Funshine got up quickly to go do so.