Hello everyone! I'm finally back to writing! Thank you for reading and I hope ya'll enjoy! :)
Cupcake's eyes fluttered opened as she yawned softly and stretched out her cramped legs, popping her sore muscles against the rough, metal bed. She peered through the darkness, her circadian rhythm alerting her that it was morning, despite the absence of the sun. Rubbing her eyes in exhaustion, she glanced over at Mark, whose arms she was tightly wrapped in. Regardless of her agitated sleep and ceaseless worry, she smiled, looking over Mark's peaceful face as he rested. She wriggled herself around to be facing him, soon realizing that her lower body was awkwardly pinioned underneath one of his legs, leaving her completely locked in his embrace. She reached out a hand and rubbed his firm arm, watching as he twitched and scrunched up his nose, soon opening his eyes and meeting hers. He stared at her for some time, as if unable to register who he was next to. At just that moment, an unearthly screeching filled the room. Cupcake glanced over to the nightstand, where a black, digital alarm clock sat, shattering the morning stillness with its obnoxious ringing. Instantly, Mark tore himself away from Cupcake and sat up straight in bed, panic written over his face. Hunching over and clasping his hands, he exclaimed, "Oh, I missed the alarm! I'm going to be late for work! Miss Jessica will be so displeased!"
Watching in confusion as he scurried about the room, apparently looking for something, Cupcake sat up in the bed and tilted her head to the side. "Marky?" she called to him, trying to regain his attention on her.
He paid no heed to her exhortations, yanking open his dresser and fumbling through what appeared to be dozens of identical neckties, each following the stringent burgundy color scheme. It was in this moment that Cupcake finally saw a glimpse of who he had been before they met. Yes, he had always been nervous and irreparably timid, but she was now seeing just how anxious he had been during his life without her. How he seemed to be fearful for more than just his professional state.
With her worry increasing, Cupcake took no time in hesitation. After verbally attempting to communicate with him once more, she sighed and climbed to her feet. Swallowing hard, she moved back slightly and then ran with determined force off the bed, leaping onto his back and sending them both careening to one side. Mark let out a startled yelp and tumbled to the floor, narrowly missing a landing on top of Cupcake. Pulling herself around, the pink feline quickly straddled over his chest and stared fixedly down at him.
"Mark, look at me," she commanded, sternly. "Mark, it's me."
"I'm sorry," he replied, covering his face with trembling hands. "I'm sorry, I promise I'll do better. I promise. I…"
"Marky, listen!" Cupcake reached out and tore his hands away from his face, pushing them off to the side and holding them down with her knees. Grasping onto his head, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips, feeling as his panicked breathing began to slow in response to her demonstration of love.
Upon breaking off with her, his gaze immediately softened and locked onto hers. A peaceful smile came once again over his countenance, and he let his body release its tensed position. "Cupcake," he whispered, in a joyful, relieved tone.
"Sweetie, are you okay?" she responded, attentively. "Do… do you know what just happened?"
His eyes widened as he realized that they were on the ground. Pulling Cupcake to his lap and rising into a sitting position, he shook his head in confusion. "No, Cupcake, I'm sorry. Oh! I didn't hurt you, did I? Please tell me I didn't!"
Rubbing the side of his face, she smiled back. "No, you didn't hurt me, I promise. You just woke up in a panic, and I was worried about you. I'm guessing that it had something to do with your old morning routine?" As if on cue, the alarm clock began its second cycle of ringing. Cupcake huffed and rose to her feet, followed by Mark. "Dang this blasted thing," she muttered, groping around for the plug and pulling it out from the socket in the wall.
"I suppose this room doesn't have the best memories attached," Mark commented, glancing down shyly.
Cupcake turned back to him and watched his expression with concern. "Honey, I'm not so sure that I'm doing the right thing by bringing you along with me. Do you think that maybe you should go back home before things get any worse? I can't bear to see you like this. I know that Lord Lowden is in charge back home, but we also have friends there, and maybe…" Cupcake gasped in surprise as he quietly bent down and delicately picked her up in his firm grasp, holding her tight to him as she wrapped her legs around his torso in response.
"No, Cupcake," he answered, shaking his head in the negative. "Leaving you would be worse than whatever I face here. It's my fault alone that I react in such a way, but you know exactly how to make me feel safe again. As long as I'm with you, nothing else matters."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and purred. All in an instant, the pair heard an abrupt, resounding banging against the door to the villa. Exchanging nervous glances, they instantly scurried out of the bedroom, Cupcake plopping back down onto her feet and rushing to the front door. Swinging it open, they were met with the frazzled face of one of their group members, a light orange mouse by the name of Squeakers.
"Cogs… here… coming inside!" she managed to gasp out, breathing heavily from her quick arrival.
"Cogs?" Cupcake repeated, baffled. "HERE? Why though! This building is out of order!"
"I'm not sure, but we saw them coming up! A whole group of them, led by some Number Cruncher!"
While Cupcake stood there in deep thought, Mark's proverbial heart skipped a beat in fear. "A Number Cruncher? Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, of course I'm sure! In fact, I believe… AH!"
Cupcake jumped back in shock as a hand reached out and grabbed onto the mouse's neck, violently snatching her onto her back. The shocked cat slapped her hands over her mouth and peered around the corner to where Squeakers had been dragged. She was horrified to see her writhing upon the ground, with a medical syringe plunged deep into her veins. Looking up, she watched as several Cogs loomed over her, parting slightly to allow for the entrance of a Number Cruncher. Locking eyes, the female Cog grimaced in disgust at the young Toon in front of her.
"Ah, Miss Doggenbottom, what a pleasure to meet you," she cooed, parting her lips just enough for Cupcake to catch sight of what looked to be numbers, protruding like fangs in her mouth.
Mark was terrified, frozen to the spot. He could recognize that voice a mile away, and every bad memory associated with it came flooding back. But he couldn't let Cupcake down, not now. Softly grasping onto his fiancée's shoulders, he pulled her back into the villa and held her close to him. He tensed once more as the approaching Cog walked into the room with two of her associates, motioning for them to close the door behind them.
The Number Cruncher's face contorted through a thousand emotions as she faced the Telemarketer. A softer tone, bearing slight compassion, overwhelmed her next words. "Hello, Mark."
Mark bowed his head and sighed. "Hello, Helena."
Mr. and Mrs. Snouts quickened their steps as they approached the magnificent Toon Hall. Upon entering, they made their way to the back of the building, headed straight for the Mayor's office. Without even the slightest knock, the flustered pair pushed open the door, startling the misplaced Ranger considerably.
"Ah, hello Mr. Snouts!" he exclaimed, nodding to the crossed-armed pig. "Oh, and hello to you Mrs. Snouts." He smiled charmingly and leaned back in his chair, as if he had been doing nothing at all for some time. "What can I do for you today?"
"Ahem, Mr. Clear," the male snorted. "Our daughter, Eloise, accompanied Flippy and his expedition into Cog Nation for the meeting several days ago, and promised to return this past weekend. Has anything gone wrong? Is there an update on the mission's status?"
The red canine shifted nervously. "I… well, unfortunately, there has been an unexpected turn of events that has stalled the mission, yes. The Cogs had led them into a trap, but we are currently working on finding and retrieving the group."
While Mrs. Snouts only stumbled backwards in shock, the now-fuming pig was irked by Lowden's nonchalant manner by which he spoke of such tragic news. "I don't understand how this is possible. Where exactly are they? How can we get to them? Is my daughter alright?!"
"Please calm down, Mr. Snouts. There is a group out in Cog Nation that will find them soon enough, and your daughter will be able to return home. There is no need to worry."
Baffled, Mr. Snouts grabbed his panicking wife's hand and pulled her towards the door to the office. "Mark my words, Lowden," he oinked in anger. "If Eloise is not found, then there will be hell to pay. YOU should be out there searching for our Rangers and our Mayor, but no! You're here, relishing in a position that you are not even worthy to fill in for. Well enjoy it while it lasts, Lowden. Because when Flippy DOES come back, you'll be put right back in your place." And with that, the pair exited the room.
Sighing, the Resistance Leader laced his fingers together and stared at the photo of himself on his desk. "Yes, I will be enjoying it," he murmured. "For a very, very long time."
Cupcake leaned her back up against the hard sofa, glaring daggers at the three Cogs who had so suddenly imposed on them. She would occasionally send a bewildered glance to Mark, wondering how him and Helena were acquainted. He sat next to her, staring submissively down at the ground, as if expecting some sort of punishment for an unnamable mistake. They had been instructed to stay seated and make no attempts at escape, and any gags that had been in Cupcake's possession were now thoroughly confiscated.
Helena had never seen such a beautiful and well-endowed Toon such as Cupcake. The feline was gorgeous, and a jealousy such as she had never experienced was slowly burning inside of her. She had only really cared for Mark due to his success, yes; but for some odd reason, seeing him with someone else, especially a Toon, enflamed her bitter feelings tenfold. Mark looked considerably different now, but she could tell that his personality had not shifted one bit. She studied him carefully, remembering exactly how their last meeting had gone. In fact, had it not been for the news that spread about the destruction of the TR34, Helena would have still believed that he was dead.
Just then, one of the Loan Sharks standing next to her whispered something in her ear. She nodded as he made his way out, leaving only her and a level nine Baron in the room. Cupcake clenched her fist. If her gags had been with her, she'd be making short work of those tin cans.
"If your presence here was under normal circumstances, I'd be giving you a proper welcome," Helena spoke up, taking a few steps closer to the motionless pair. "But as we see that this is indeed an invasion, that is highly inappropriate." She moved towards Mark, watching as he slowly lifted his head to meet her gaze. "I see that we have our traitor here, who deserves death; and a Toon, who should not even be on the premises of Cog Nation. Isn't that right, sweetie?" Reaching her hand out, she placed it under Cupcake's chin, an action she instantly regretted. The pink feline grasped onto her finger and twisted it with a burst of strength, listening as it abruptly popped out of joint. "Ah!" she gasped, yanking her hand away. She swallowed hard as she looked at her limp finger, breathing heavily for composure. Glancing back at Mark, she pointed with her uninjured hand to a small, metal case in the corner of the room. "That box, go open it," she barked.
Obeying wordlessly, Mark scurried over and kneeled next to it, attempting to lift the lid with trembling hands. "I… it's…" he stuttered out.
"You don't remember how to open it, do you?" she asked, her tone riddled with what sounded like stifled remorse.
Cupcake was entirely confused, rising to her feet as she watched carefully. She stared on as the Number Cruncher clicked over on her high heels, grumbling as she leaned down to assist Mark. Helena, as much as Cupcake already despised her, had to be one of the most charming and beautiful Cogs that she had ever seen, could a robot even be labeled as 'beautiful'. She wore a tight pencil skirt and a ruffled blouse, and she walked with such an air of dignity that it was undeniable how prominent she was. Her hair was perfect, her posture attractive and firm… Cupcake almost felt threatened by such a figure. And while she couldn't tell why, she was beginning to HATE the fact that her and Mark knew each other.
"Ah, here they are, as I recalled," Helena smiled in approval.
Mark's expression fell in sheer horror at what the box contained. It was filled to the brim with neat and organized attack weapons. Clip-on ties, rolodexes, and the like sat in perfect array, just waiting to be used. But Mark had never once attacked a Toon! How could this be possible? He sent a bewildered glance to Helena, wondering just why they were in his possession.
A devious smirk spread over her lips. "Take one, and hit her," she commanded, turning her head towards Cupcake. "Get rid of that Toon, and maybe your punishment won't be as severe. But I certainly don't want her here any longer."
Mark looked to his precious Cupcake and shook his head. "I… I'm sorry," he stumbled over his words. "I can't hurt her."
She lowered herself next to him and leaned close to his ear. "Do it for me," she breathed, placing a hand on his chest. "Remember all that we used to be? She's a Toon, Mark. You don't want her."
He pulled himself away from her and continued to shake his head. "No, I can't," he replied, fervently. "I won't!"
Helena scowled and straightened back up. "Fine," she hissed, picking up a clip-on tie. "Then I will."
With one swift movement, she slung the tie across the room with startling accuracy and hit Cupcake dead-on, pushing her back off her feet before she had time to react. Mark recoiled in alarm and began to rush over, but he was stopped by Helena's firm grasp on his shoulder. Wheezing slightly from the force that had just knocked the air out of her lungs, she rummaged into her pocket and read her Laff Meter, which clearly showed that she had dropped fifteen points. This Cog had good aim and an unceasing vengeance, and Cupcake knew that now was the time to take action. Shoving her hand into her motorcycle boots, she pulled out a singular squirtgun, thankful that she had taken her father's long-standing advice and kept one on her at all times.
"Hey Crunchy!" she called out, her finger placed casually on the trigger. "I hate to break it to you, but you've messed with the wrong Toon."
Darting forward, Cupcake leapt across the opposite sofa and squirt the spray in Helena's face, narrowly missing being snatched from the air by the Loan Shark. Nearly tumbling to her knees, Cupcake bent down and grabbed Mark's hand, taking the opportunity while both Cogs were distracted. The two rushed out of the villa, taking the nearest exit. Once they had reached the bottom, Cupcake retrieved her Whisperer and began to type several messages, wondering where everyone else had gone. Squeakers was dead, and she could only pray that the others hadn't suffered a similar fate.
As they huffed down the corridor behind the Cogvilla, Cupcake finally began to receive responses to her messages. Reading them over as she slowed her pace, she let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that her entire group had been scattered. No one knew quite where they were, but she soon had a rendezvous location in place, and instructed that they meet there in two hours. She leaned up against the wall, rubbing her head and wondering just why Lowden had put together such an incompetent band of Toons to rescue her father.
Mark paced back and forth, wringing his hands together in agitation. He stared hard at the marble ground, replaying everything that had just happened. He finally turned to his fiancée, and asked, "Cupcake, are you alright?"
Nodding slowly, she rocked back and forth on her heels. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just cannot believe how stupid I am. I should've known that there were cameras inside the villas. You even told me! We weren't safe to stay there, yet it was my idea." She stamped her foot. "Idiot."
"There… there are cameras?" Mark repeated, staring at her with his innocent eyes.
"Oh gosh, don't tell me you forgot again!" she exclaimed, her worry increasing.
"I'm so sorry," he replied, dejectedly.
Cupcake was about to cry. She felt like everything was falling apart. All she wanted was to be back at home, wrapped in Mark's arms, knowing that not only he but her father was okay. This was her fault. She wasn't sure exactly how yet, but it was. It had to be. Slipping onto her knees, she buried her face in her hands and sniffled slightly, fighting back tears. She relaxed slightly as her shaking frame was wrapped in Mark's warm embrace.
"Marky," she murmured, nervously, "who was that Cog? Who is Helena?"
He let go of her and studied her expression. "I… well, you see…" He fumbled over his words, unable to find the right thing to say.
"Were you two coworkers? Or was she possibly one of them that tried to kill you?" She grit her teeth at the very notion.
"I knew Helena for quite some time when I worked in Sellbot HQ, despite her employment in Cashbot Headquarters. She seemed to believe that… she, she thought I had feelings for her."
Cupcake leapt back onto her feet and gasped in shock. "She WHAT!? Then that's why she was acting so strange around you! Why, she… GAH!"
Mark wasn't entirely sure how Cupcake was taking the news. He didn't want to upset her, but he knew that his 'secret' was now out. "Helena wanted me for the success I was achieving from work. I don't believe that she actually cared about me, and I didn't give her any reason to. We met at a promotional banquet if I remember correctly."
After a few moments of silence, Cupcake spoke up again. "So, what, were you two a couple or something?" She crossed her arms in disgust at the very thought.
"No, not at all!" he replied, rising to his feet. "She may have considered us to be at one point, but we weren't, and…"
"So that means you two went on dates and everything, right? How could she even think that without some sort of evidence? Oh gosh, did you kiss or something?"
"I…" Mark hesitated. He knew that he had lied to her about his first kiss, yet also knew that the kiss from Helena had not been solicited nor reciprocated by him.
Cupcake began to feel sick. "You did, didn't you? Why HER? She seems obnoxious. I don't get it."
"Helena's affection was constantly sought after by the Cogs close to her level. As I said, she only wanted me for what I could offer. I tried to appease her so I wouldn't be targeted by her associates, who were quite protective of her. Most said that I was fortunate to have her favor. She's an attractive individual, and she was far out of my league."
Cupcake bristled. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
Mark wrung his hands anxiously. "Cupcake, I didn't mean it like that. Cupcake, please, I…"
"And why didn't you tell me about her, Mark? You know that we're getting married, and you know that we have to have good communication and NO secrets."
"But you never told me about Vanquish, OR about your first lover!" he pleaded, afraid of where the conversation was going.
"Because they meant nothing to me! Because the first cheated on me and the second had absolutely no clue how to treat their partner with respect! We're over each other; but Helena's CLEARLY not over you, and I'm not so sure you're over her, either. Because apparently, she's attractive. And I've asked you Mark, time and time again, begging for you to tell me more about what happened in this glorified hell. I asked you, but I don't ever recall getting your questions about my first love affairs. And you know what, at this point, I probably should have kissed one of them, because I'm now finding out that I didn't get to be your first kiss, and I can only PRAY that I'll be the last!"
The air instantly fell silent. Cupcake cringed slightly, caught off guard by her sudden change in temper. She had gone too far, and she knew it. Mark was violently trembling, and she hated to see the pained expression on his face. Mark could have every single person hate him, but to have his beloved Cupcake angry with him was worse than a knife to his heart. She downcast her eyes to the ground, afraid to meet his.
"Cupcake," Mark suddenly whispered, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"Yeah?"
"Does… does this mean that we've had our first fight?"
Cupcake looked back up at him in sadness. "Yes, Mark, I guess we have."
GOSH how I hated writing that final scene. ;-;