Chapter 3

By:Veteliunde

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Trigger Warnings for this chapter: Sexual Harrassment/Assault of Technical Minor

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They were on phase two of Brain's plan. So far, they had gotten the town they lived in on their side as they traveled up the streets and hitched rides on cars. The mayor had even given them the key to the city. Naturally, the president was their next person of interest.

They were currently on a plane to D.C, taking refuge in first class. The lady selling tickets felt sad that "little babies" were traveling alone and upgraded their seats. It was the only way to fly, honestly. Brain snuggled into his seat as a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio played. Quickly, he turned to check on his cage-mate.

Pinky was snuggled into his own seat, watching Madagascar. Brain was making it a habit to check on Pinky every half hour or so. The scenes back at the lab were taunting him every time he started to feel even a little relaxed. Something was wrong with Pinky. He wasn't sure what, but whatever it was, it was unignorable.

He always knew Pinky had something going on upstairs that wasn't quite right, but it never posed a real issue. Sure, Brain would get irritated here and there, but it never lasted. He knew Pinky couldn't help who he was, and he was just fine with that. From his verbal tics, to his short attention span. Pinky was simply,... Pinky.

He bopped him on the head knowing full well that it didn't actually hurt his companion. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he also wholeheartedly trusted Pinky with his life. Simple instructions, maybe not, but his actual life, yes. The fool was loyal to him nearly to a fault. He knew Pinky would risk anything to help him. And that thought made him blush.

Brain bopped himself on the head, realizing he needed to focus. Once the plane landed, they'd need to quickly head for the White House. He had everything timed out and set. Everything being set included just himself and Pinky, and the sad speech he had planned to warm and win over the public's heart.

He was pulled from his glorious thoughts when he felt a tap on his arm. He looked over to see Pinky awkwardly twisting in his seat. "What is it, Pinky? Are you alright?"

Pinky smiled at his friend's concern. Brain was so nice. "Yes. Well, no. Brain, I really gotta go potty." He was trying to keep his voice quiet, not wanting to interrupt anyone else who may have been watching a movie around them.

Brain deadpanned and pointed down the aisle. "Well, go ahead and go. The bathroom's right down there." He sincerely hoped Pinky didn't think he had to ask permission to go to the bathroom.

"Alrighty, Brain. Zort!" His tic was loud, given that he really had no control over it. It earned him a few rude looks from people, but he didn't seem to notice. "I'll be right back. Tell me if anything important happens in the movie. It's on a really good part."

Brain DID take notice of the rude stares and scowled back at them. "Will do, Pinky." Pinky scooted past him and shimmied down to the floor and ran for the bathroom. Brain glanced at the screen in front of Pinky's seat and rolled his eyes. Nothing particularly fascinating was happening.

In the bathroom, Pinky was quick and only nearly fell in once. As he washed his tiny paws in the sink, he looked hard at his reflection. "Hmmm. Now, I do look cute as a pea, but something's off?" He stared harder until he realized what it was. "Oh!" His bow was lopsided! He fixed it up and smiled proudly at the reflection. "There we are!" He frowned and furled his brow. Oh, wait. That wasn't it.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Pinky turned off the sink and went to grab a towel. "Just a minute! I'll be out in a jiffy!" He could figure out what wasn't right later.

Before he was finished, a large, hairy man burst in and shut the door. He must not have heard him.

"Excuse me, sir. I still need to dry my hands." He lifted the paper towel and one of his wet paws to show him. He lowered them and backed up. "Sir?" He was getting awfully close.

"Hey! Shh! Don't be scared! Sorry! I didn't realize you were in here. My name's Tad. What's yours?" The man stopped moving and smiled.

Pinky still felt weird, but he didn't want to be rude. Plus, he did say he was sorry. "My name's Pinky, Troz! I'd offer to shake your hand, but mine's wet, poit." The man laughed, but it didn't feel right. The laugh sent a shiver down Pinky's spine. "Right. Well, I should be going."

Before Pinky could move, the man brought his hand down to halt him. "It would be rude to let you go alone! It's a scary world out there, little guy. Your mommy actually wanted me to come in here and see if you were safe."

Pinky's eyes went wide for a moment. His mum was on the plane? "Where'd you see my mum? I didn't realize she was on the same flight. What luck!" Then he shook his head. Wait… "I thought you said you didn't know I was in here?"

The man seemed stumped, but waved a hand as if to brush off the detail. "Did I? Weird. So, hey! Just let me use the bathroom here and I'll escort you back, huh? How does that sound?"

Pinky looked the man up and down and then eyed the door. He felt a feeling that told him to run. "Well, actually, I think I'm good. Um… bye!" He hopped off the sink, only to be caught by one of the mans' hands. Pinky panicked and bit down on the hand, but it didn't let him go. He stopped biting and looked to see that there were barely any marks. His teeth weren't big enough to properly bite the man. "Uh-oh." The statement was said quietly to himself.

"Hey! Just calm down. I'll go to the bathroom and we'll be on our way." The man unzipped his pants with his other hand and started to use the bathroom. "Aaaah. There we go."

Pinky froze. He wanted out now! This was weird! Why couldn't the man use the bathroom alone?!

The toilet flushed and the man put him back on the sink. "Wait here, just one second." Then he left the bathroom.

Tears built up in Pinky's eyes. The man was gone, but he still felt weird. Then he wiped his eyes quickly. Wait! The man was gone! He could leave! He peeked out of the bathroom and didn't see any sign of the man. He creeped out all the way, double checked the area around him, and ran as fast as he could back to Brain.

Brain was nearly about to go check to make sure Pinky didn't fall in when he saw him in the corner of his eye. "There you are, Pinky! What took you so long?!" His voice was low, but harsh. "I've had time to drink a whole ounce of water! Now I need to go!"

Pinky's eyes went wide with fear. He couldn't let Brain go in there! What if the man came back?! He rushed up Brain's seat and put his hands up in protest. "No! Don't go in there!"

Brain blinked a few times. What could his friend have possibly done in there? "Why?"

Pinky bit his lip nervously. He suddenly felt very self-conscious.

Brain put his hands on his hips. "Piiiinky."

Pinky got a little closer to Brain. Just thinking about the man was scary and weird. The closer he got to Brain, the safer he felt. He made his voice so low, it was almost impossible to hear. "There was a man in there, Brain."

Brain's own eyes shot open wide. "What are you talking about?!"

Pinky's eyes, once again, felt wet. "A man. He-he, he made me feel weird, Brain!" He couldn't keep his voice low anymore and just cried out, holding onto Brain like a lifeline. "I was fixing m-my bow a-and he came in before I dried m-my haaaaaands! Then he wouldn't let me goooo! He grabbed me and made me stay while he went to the b-bathroom!" He was full-on sobbing now. Just saying all that made him feel icky and bad, bad, bad.

Brain didn't say anything and let his friend cry it out. He ignored the occasional stare. Some were annoyed, others seemed concerned. All of them were nosey. He'd let him cry it out, and then he'd find out who the man was. His fur bristled just thinking about what he might do to him. The absolute monster! How DARE he?! Pinky was the kindest, most pure being he knew. And right now, as far as anyone was concerned, he was just a toddler! The man was going to face undeniable consequences.

Pinky eventually stopped crying, but still held on tight to Brain. "Sorry, Brain." He sniffled. "I made your fur all wet."

Brain pet the top of his head, momentarily admiring how soft it was. "No need to apologize, dear friend. Now, Pinky. I need to know. This man. Can you point him out?"

Pinky shrunk into himself. "D-do I have to?"

Brain frowned. "If you point him out, Pinky, I'll make sure he can never bother you again. I promise."

Pinky nodded. Brain never broke a promise. 'Okay." Pinky climbed to the top of the chair and scanned the area. After a few minutes, he climbed back down, confused. "He's not here, Brain. Narf!"

Brain pondered for a moment. "Hmm… he's riding coach then."

Just then, a voice on the intercom spoke up. A flight attendant was speaking in the background, as well. They were going to land.

"Pinky, you'll have to point him out at the airport. We need to strap in. We're landing."

Pinky did as was told and strapped in. He could do this. He just had to point to him once they were in the airport.

The plane landed and let everyone off. An overly cheerful flight attendant told everyone to, "have a wonderful day," as they exited. Brain rolled his eyes. How annoying.

Once inside the airport, Brain stood as a guard for Pinky. He knew he wasn't very intimidating at the moment, but he didn't care. "Okay, Pinky. Do you see him?"

Pinky scanned the endless amount of people walking along and sighed. "No. I- wait!" Pinky pointed to a man standing by a plant in the distance. "It was him!"

Brain looked over to where Pinky pointed and growled. Actually growled. He was an absolutely hideous man! He squinted his eyes at his suitcase. "Aha!" The man's name was on the suitcase. That's all he needed.

Pinky felt his cheeks warm at hearing Brain growl. It made Pinky feel protected and safe.

Brain looked back to Pinky. "I got the information I need. Remember what I promised. Now! We need to head to the White House! Quickly!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was easy enough to sneak past security, being as small as they were. (It was actually much harder to find a bathroom for Brain to use.) They were very nearly at the Oval Office! Just one stop needed to be made before that. Brain poked his head into a room with many monitors and computers. He smiled. "Pinky, stay out here and stand guard. There's something I need to do really quickly."

Pinky saluted. "Sir, yes sir, Zort!"

Brain slipped in and began searching on one of the computers. He typed in a few key words and then… "There we are! Mr. Tad Lanskly!" Brain skimmed over the information that was available. One thing stuck out to him. "A sex offender out on bail. How nice." His sarcasm was thick. He typed away, doing some computer magic aannd… "Hm. Let's see how he likes a S.W.A.T raid and being on America's Most Wanted list." He typed a few more things in. "A very dangerous man, tsk, tsk, tsk. One bad move and they'll have to shoot you on site. Mm mm mmm." He hit a few more buttons before hopping down. "There." He clapped some dust out of his hands. He poked his head outside the room to see Pinky standing at attention as if he were a Buckingham Palace guard.

He slipped out and tapped Pinky on the side.

"Waaaahhh!-.. Mph! Mmmph!"

Brain stuck a hand over his mouth. "Pinky! Relax, it's just me! I'm finished in there, now follow me! To the Oval Office!"

His mouth was released and Pinky hopped from foot to foot. "To the Oval Office!"

Brain smiled. It seemed as if Pinky had already forgotten what had happened in the restroom on the plane.

They made their way further in, stopping behind a wall every so often to check for guards. At one of the stops, Pinky tugged lightly on Brain's ear. "Say, Brain. Why do they call it the Oval Office? Is it made out of pretty gems?"

Brain brought a hand to his forehead. "You're thinking of Opal, Pinky. It's the OVAL Office because it's the shape of an oval. Now, look! That door right there leads to inside it. According to the schedule I found, the president should be there now!"

Pinky followed as Brain crept over to the door. He was rather unimpressed at the bland name of the office. Opal would have been far better. "Hmm, well that's not very creative, now is it?"

Brain held up a finger to his mouth to shush his friend. He pointed to under the door and Pinky understood. They both squished themselves through the door, and once inside, were right at the center of the president's gaze.

The old man cleared his throat. "Can I help you, gentlemen?"

Brain cleared his own throat. "Actually, sir, you can. For you see, my partner and I are not, in fact, gentlemen. Far from it."

The president shrugged. "You're… ladies?"

Brain signed. This was not going as planned. "No! We're-"

The man cut him off. "Now hold on a second. Let me put my glasses on." He shuffled through a drawer at his desk and pulled out a pair of poorly-framed glasses. "There we go." He put them on and the squeal that followed nearly busted both mice's eardrums. "Holy mother of cuteness! One sec, fellas!" He clicked a buzzer on the desk. "Martha! Come quick! It's the cutest thing I've ever seen!"

A brunette woman in a pink suit busted through the door. "Cute?! Where?!" She looked down at Pinky and Brain. "Oh my word! I'll set up a press conference right away!"

The president pointed up vaguely. "Great idea! Fellas, how would you like to tell everyone in America of your cuteness!"

Brain smiled widely. This was more like it! "We'd be honored, of course."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They were outside, behind a curtain, about to address the world! Well, America, but basically the world. Brain looked at Pinky with pride. "Pinky! Everything's going according to plan! This is it!"

Pinky jumped up high. This was great! Brain's finally gonna rule the world! Pinky fondly remembered that this was how he felt many times before, oh but THIS time for SURE it's gonna happen! "Egad, Brain! How exciting! And I'll get to fill Lake Michigan with pudding?!" His friend had said he could in the past, but he wanted to double check that his dream would be permitted to come true.

Brain shrugged. Of course he was gonna be supreme ruler, but Pinky was going to be right with him. He mused to himself. Like a… queen or a princess… except it's Pinky. If his cage-mate wanted one lake to be filled with pudding, so be it. "Yes, Pinky. You can fill Lake Michigan with…," he shivered at the silly idea, "...pudding."

"Hoorah! Thank you, Brain!"

Brain heard an announcement introducing him and Pinky and waved for Pinky to come with him. "Come, Pinky. I must make my speech!"

They walked out from behind the curtain to a round of applause and many people shouting out about their cuteness. The two mice were lifted onto the podium and Brain unnecessarily cleared his throat. "Good evening, everyone! My name is The Brain, and this here," he gestured to Pinky, "is Pinky."

Pinky waved at the audience. "Hello! Troz!" Everyone awed. These people were nice!

Brain proceeded. "People of America, I ask that you make me ruler! With my adorable-ness, I can make us great again!"

The crowd cheered. Brain nodded. Now to reel them in with a sob story. He forgot to tell Pinky about this part and prayed he'd go along with it. "My associate and I lived a tough life! No parents, no shelter, and only moldy cheese to eat!"

Everyone began to cry. Pinky looked up at Brain confused. "Brain but-"

"Pinky, just go with it." Brain muttered under his breath, hoping there'd be no more questions from him.

Pinky smiled. Oh! Now he understood. "Right, Brain!" As his bestest friend turned again to address the people and tell his sad-pants speech, Pinky fell onto his rump. It had gotten a lot heavier out of nowhere. Pinky looked down at his bottom and gasped. It grew! That can't be good! He whispered to Brain. He had to know! "Braaaaiin. Psst!"

Brain didn't bother to look down at Pinky. He needed to focus. "Not now, Pinky." He continued his speech.

Then Pinky nearly fell onto his face as it, too, had gotten heavier. As he tried to balance himself out, he felt the rest of his body pop out to it's normal size. Pinky started chewing on his nails nervously. Oh no. He did a twirl around to be sure, and he was. He wasn't a cute baby anymore. He tugged on Brain's fur with a bit of desperation. "Buuut Braaaaain…"

Brain snapped and looked down. "Pinky I…" Pinky was back to normal… which meant… "Oof!" Brain fell onto his face as his head grew. The audience gasped and then the rest of his body grew. "Uh-oh."

The audience glared at him, as did the president and his staff. Someone yelled from the back. "Hey! They aren't cute! The tall one may be a little bit, but this isn't what was promised!" The audience murmured their agreement. "We want cute! We want cute!" The audience soon became an angry crowd of people.

Brain gulped and looked at Pinky. "Run, Pinky!"

They were able to escape the crowd after running halfway across town and back to the airport. They quickly purchased tickets and headed home.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back at home, Brain sighed and sat down. Of course. Another failure. Why not? He looked at Pinky briefly and sighed again. "Sorry, Pinky. I failed again." Memories of Pinky on the hot plates began running through his head. If only they didn't need a hiding place and the equipment this lab provided!

Pinky approached Brain. He'd thought he'd heard him say something to him. "What was that, Brain?"

Brain huffed. "Nothing."

Pinky frowned. His friend was sad. Probably because the plan-thingy failed. Oh, Brain. It must hurt to fail so much. Just then, Pinky had an idea to cheer up Brain. He took off his pink ribbon and tucked it in his toy box, forgetting that he wanted Brain to hold onto it. He reached in his toy chest for the toy, rubber popper. This always cheered him up! Maybe it could cheer up Brain?

Pinky ran over to Brain and held out his toy. "Here, Brain. I want you to have it. Zort!"

Brain looked up and grimaced. The toy Pinky liked to chew on? "Pinky, get that-" The toy that made him feel better. He stopped himself from finishing the rude remark. His friend was trying to make him feel better. Maybe it wasn't a normal way to make someone feel better, but it was Pinky's way. He grabbed the toy. "Thank you, Pinky."

Pinky felt prideful at making his friend smile. "You're welcome, Brain! Narf!"

Just then, a set of four voices breached the touching moment.

…

"Are you sure this was the place?"

"Yes!"

"Oh! I should've brought my swim trunks!"

"Don't worry, dear! I packed them!"

…

Brain watched in horror as four mice climbed over onto the counter and made their way to the cage. "Mother?! Father!?"

Pinky felt a surge of happiness flow through him. Oh joy! His family! "Mummy! Daddy!" He ran over to his parents and scooped them into a big hug, which they reciprocated.

"Oh, Pinky! We're so sorry you had to eat moldy cheese!" They began to cry. Pinky, filled with too much emotion at seeing his parents, began to cry as well.

Pinky wailed theatrically with them, very happy, but confused. "Oh mummy! Oh daddy! I can't believe I had to eat moldy cheese!" He almost literally couldn't believe it! When did that happen?

Brain's anxiety flared as his parents approached him. "Mother. Father. To what do I owe the pleasure?" They seemed mad.

His mother spoke up first. "So, you had no shelter, huh? You had no parents?" She tuned in momentarily to the crying mice before she continued. "Moldy cheese?"

His father spoke up next. "We want an apology this instant!" He tapped his foot impatiently.

Brain scoured his mind for answers. Then it hit him. His speech! They must have tuned in. "Oh. That. Hehe." He rubbed the back of his head to attempt to comfort himself. "Mother. Father. I'm truly sorry! I didn't mean any of it!" Then he thought a little. "I mean, I was taken from you at a young age, but-" he shook his head, "well anyways. I'm sorry."

His father huffed. "Good. Now, where can me and your mother sleep?"

Brain panicked. Sleep? They were staying? "Sleep?" He asked as innocently as he could.

His mother chirped. "Well, duh! We're staying 'till evening, tomorrow. We're tired from our flight! You don't mind your parents staying for one night, do you?"

Brain responded in defeat. "No. Uh, I don't mind. Of course you can stay the night." Then he heard Pinky yell at him, far more happy than he was.

"Oh, Brain! Guess what?! Mummy and daddy are staying the night!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Author's Note:

I hope you guys like chapter three :) I'm tying up chapter four right now! With Pinky's parents here, there is more about Pinky's origins that have a chance to be brought up.