SpongeBob: Lovesick for a squirrel (Best Day Ever AU)
Three years have passed since I started to write SpongeBob stories again after Steve Hillenberg's passing in 2018, oddly dark to think up new stories after the creator's death but I write these to honour his memory not to make fun of it, cough Kamp Koral cough, and continuing the story after the first movie to give ideas of what happened next.
My Best Day Ever Au explores the idea of a broken SpongeBob whose faith has been shattered by a toxic mermaid queen, I don't see Mindy in this light but she was based a bit off the egg downer who left me marriage, and my mom when I was a baby and never visited plus my own grandfather which I won't go a lot into, which has left him emotionally sick so when he gets the suds SpongeBob learns that he doesn't need to hide his injuries anymore.
Dedicated to Fairy-tale Fan on YouTube and your videos have helped me get inspiration for this story with your amazing videos. This was inspired by my own childhood; I was a very sickly kid growing up because of a weak immune system and underdeveloped lungs leaving me susceptible to colds and bronchitis so SpongeBob's condition is based off my own memories.
Things started out peacefully in Bikini Bottom that morning until a loud sneeze disturbed it as purple bubbles rose up through the air scaring away chittering scallops from nearby coral trees sending them cawing away in fear, as they do one of them stops to notice it's coming from the mis-placed pineapple so it flies up to the top window and sits on its edge while looking. The glass is fogged up by the bubbles which clear in a few seconds to reveal the sick one to be a greyish brown sea-sponge whose right eyeball rolled down his face to his chin before the sponge sniffed deeply making it roll back up like string. "MOMMA!" the scallop chirps which awakens the sponge whose hazy look frightens the scallop more, enough so to fly away, before another sneeze explodes.
"HA, HA, HATCHOOO!" SpongeBob sneezed as the bubbles left his body again spreading around his room as he wiped the snot off his nose with the back of his right hand's palm and let out a raspy sigh. "B-barnacles! W-why did I have to catch the suds? ACHOO! Poseidon help me." As he said that a loud knocking vibrated through the walls which caused his head to bang in response leaving him curled up on his bed in a fetial position, the ringing in his ears continued until they cleared enough to hear a familiar aching voice call out "SPONGEBOB! ARE YA HOME? IT'S ME SANDY!", SpongeBob felt his heart miss a few beats as he called back weakly "No one's home!" instead it sounded like he was saying "snow one's home!" which earned him the reply of "I'm comin' up there whether ya like it or not, SquarePants!"
Sandy had found trail of bubbles slithering from her dome to the pineapple which she rationalized that it had come from SpongeBob as he now lived on his own alongside the loud sneezing plus no sign of the eager sponge outside, she rushed upstairs to find SpongeBob still laying in his bed shivering in place as he slowly lifted his head up to look at her where he gave a weak smile. "Suds again?" Sandy asked patiently while she slowly walked up to the bed so she didn't scare her friend before sitting down to which SpongeBob nodded slowly back as he pressed his body against hers for warmth, despite the fact he was leaning against her air-suit thinking that they were in her Tree-dome, as he rasped "You shouldn't be here now Sandy, it's ca-ca-catching! I don't want you to get sick with my cold. HATCHOO! Why is it so cold in here? Did I leave the fridge open again?"
Sandy was shocked by the sponge's question as it was a pretty mild day outside even in the pineapple it felt cosy, she placed her hand on SpongeBob's top pours gently to stroke them which surprisingly made the sponge purr like a snail and rub his head against her side but she flinched away quickly as she felt the sudden heat rise through the sponge's body. "You've got a fever, SpongeBob and a bad one at that! I can't take ya to the doctor for ya sponge treatment until that's gone." Sandy felt her protective side overcome her as the sponge looked up at her with those sickly blue eyes that looked like a blue sky on a foggy day reminding her of the old days where his irises were small as they reverted back to now before closing his eyes and leaning against her body until she moved to go to his bathroom where he slapped his head against the mattress hard which snapped his eyes open.
SpongeBob watched the hallucination slowly walk across the room away from him but he heard the taps turned on with the soothing sound of running water pulsing through his head, it felt like hours seemed to pass until Sandy walked back in with a wet round cleaning sponge, similar to SpongeBob's own shape, soaked to twice it's normal size. Sandy twisted the sponge to let the water squirt out slowly first into SpongeBob's pours which thrilled him as, in his subconscious, it felt like he was near a fireplace or beneath the sun on the sands of Goo Lagoon which turned to feeling like he was eating ice cream when water touched his parched lips as Sandy squirted the rest of the tap water down his throat which he soaked up easily like his inanimate friend. "Any idea how ya got this, Spongy? Left the fridge open again like last time?" Sandy asked above a whisper so she didn't scare him, SpongeBob wasn't the kinda guy who'd get sick without a deeper reason behind it as he was usually the most energetic oblivious guy, she knew that since his unrequited love was returned Sandy had noticed how he changed over time to a loner and slowly was coming out of his shell that had entrapped him.
SpongeBob shook his head than placed his hand against his chest than stiffly pointed his pinkie to her silently when he noticed Sandy didn't understand he rasped, "I feel icky in here, can you help me, Sandy? P-please?" he even sounded younger than his actual age which reminded Sandy of the first time he had the suds which made her heart melt as he looked her deeply in the eyes pleading with a sniffle. "Tell Mr Krabs I'm sick with the suds and c-can't come in today, I'll make it up to him when I'm, cough, better a f… few days off would help." SpongeBob felt fear surge through his body on the thought he'd mess up his perfect record but he knew he needed to take it easy and that wasn't gonna be fun but knowing Sandy was there felt oddly comforting. SpongeBob felt cold metal press against his body as Sandy hugged him which magnified the comfort as he realised that her gloves were wet also possibly from handling the smaller sponge, not SpongeBob but the deflated one now laying on the sandy floor, he tried to push her off him but he only weakly set her sitting back up as he rasped "These suds must be a virus which caused this fever so you shouldn't be so close to me, Sandy. I, cough, don't know if that suit of yours is strong enough to protect you from it, I don't even know if a squirrel can catch this though."
"Ya'll had the suds back in 1999 and none of the others caught it so I'll be fine, trust me Spongy." Even as she said that Sandy felt like she was telling a toddler that the shot won't hurt or the medicine won't taste terrible which surprised her, she knew that she was treating her patient like a kid despite the fact he was a middle-aged sponge Sandy knew deep down that he was reverting back to his old immature self in his fever-induced haze. "Are you sure?" SpongeBob rasped, his eyelids slowly closing trying his best to stay awake enough to hear her response but he felt his whole body beg for sleep, he felt Sandy stroke his head again which soothed him into a nap as she whispered "Sure as a jack-rabbit on a hot driveway in the middle of the desert! Sleep tight, pardner." A snooty snore emitted from the yellow sponge just as she said that as SpongeBob slipped into the dream world before laying him down on the mattress gently than placed his blanket over his legs to keep half of him warm or comfortable.
When she had finally some time to relax Sandy picked up the house phone and rang the Krusty Krab 2 phone, after a few minutes she got the voicemail so she had to improvise, "I can't come in today Squidward, I'm sick with the suds." Sandy said in her best SpongeBob impression, which wasn't the easiest to do as she had to disguise her accent, before hanging up slightly hoping that Squidward would understand. While she was down there Sandy soaked up the round sponge again along with some dish cloths than poured a glass of water to hydrate SpongeBob when he woke up which she balanced on top of the sponge and hung the cloths over the glass a bit like a towel rack skilfully. The last time SpongeBob had the suds it had been cured with no aftershocks and it was rare for him to get sick but the fever worried Sandy, fever meant that it was a virus not the common cold and SpongeBob hadn't mentioned any normal cause so it could be his emotions. Sandy knew that joyful emotions were an entirely new field for SpongeBob in recent times so maybe he was hiding something from her, as she thought this Sandy heard a hack-like scream of "SANDY!" coming from upstairs followed by a coughing fit. Without another thought, Sandy bolted upstairs back to SpongeBob where she saw him rolling like a patty on his bed twisting in horrible ways that if he wasn't boneless, he would break his bones while making a weird gurgling noise in his throat, Sandy placed her objects don on his bedside barrel before placing herself on his squirming body to keep him still holding him in a hug which seemed to relieve him. Sandy held her boyfriend in one arm while the other reached to grab the cloths in her fist before retracting her arm and pressed them against any of his holes that she could reach smoothly wetting them to let air into them as SpongeBob sighed in relief.
Pain from his fever made SpongeBob uncomfortable as he found himself locked in a black space which turned to a dark trench and him falling, every side that the sponge saw was smooth with no edges so he could reach out and grab to save himself nor could he see the edges where he jumped or fell off. SpongeBob tucked his legs against his body to halt the pain that was to come which he stayed in that pose until his eyes caught a flash of white mixed with brown in a blur it took him a couple of seconds until realisation hit him hard that he wasn't alone in this fall. "SANDY!" He screamed as he stretched his boneless body out to grab her quickly using his arms to wrap around the land squirrel as he held her tightly, SpongeBob saw fear shine in his girlfriend's hazel eyes as they locked gazes which scared him even more as the real Sandy wouldn't show her fear that easily but he tried to smile so he could reassure her. "It's okay, my little fuzzball, I won't leave you. Not now, not ever! SpongeBob SquarePants never breaks a promise."
"I know that, Spongy and ditto on that my little porous buddy." SpongeBob opened his eyes to find himself back in the pineapple with his head laying on Sandy, a loving smile on her face with a gloved hand stroking his red cheek as she looked down at him with wet cloths scattered around them. Confusion entered his eyes when he sat up wearily as he realised that he wasn't hot anymore which left him dehydrated feeling like the first time he walked into the Tree-dome. "Water." SpongeBob rasped barely audibly which Sandy seemed prepared for as she held a glass up to his mouth, as he was still weak from the fever, which he gulped down gratefully as the water slid down his throat leaving his face turn to a smile, an expression that wasn't common but felt inevitable with Sandy around, followed by a laugh that made his heart feel lighter.
Sandy: Well, that's a good sign. Ya scared me a little with that fever, are ya prone to dying?
SpongeBob: N-n-n-n, heh, no just unlucky, it's put me through bad scrapes before. Thank you for the water, Sandy and looking after me while I wasn't myself.
Sandy: No problem, can ya walk yet?
SpongeBob: As long as I have you by my side, I can smile and bear it.
Sandy sat impatiently in the waiting room while SpongeBob was having his treatment, a nurse had checked her for the cold while looking over SpongeBob but she was lucky to find that she was right. It took only a few minutes until she heard the swinging doors bang open before she was tackled by a yellow blur, a purple fish followed SpongeBob who grinned at the warm embrace a clipboard in one fin with a pencil clipped on the top, but his smile faded as he sat down near Sandy. "Good thing you were there during that fever otherwise we'd been looking at a dead corpse Poseidon bless you Mrs Cheeks. I've seen many sick sponges with suds but never saw it this bad as SpongeBob's." He looked down at his notes so he didn't have to look at the shocked faces of the couple as he resumed the conversation, "I never believed the rape accusations by Our Majesty, let me be clear on that, but has SpongeBob been through any kinda sudden revelations recently? When Hans took him back in and I mentioned you were waiting outside for him Sandy, he asked me to say that again before looking through the windows I saw grief there for a split second before he smiled." "Well… he almost committed suicide a couple of days ago but I saved him just in time," the doctor held his free fin up to halt the conversation before saying sternly "Combine that with those past accusations must have left our friend extremely vulnerable emotionally, I suggest you look after the little guy for the rest of today and see if you can keep him away from anything triggering his trauma." Sandy looked down at SpongeBob who returned her gaze as if they were sharing the same thought, Sandy was a part of the trauma did she have to keep away from him?
SpongeBob still hadn't said anything as he packed a small suitcase alone as he reminisced on what the doc had said, he knew that it hadn't been long since his confession than the reconnection but he knew deep down that the emotional trauma from Sandy leaving had fully left him after their first kiss. As he placed his striped PJs on top of his normal clothes his hands brushed against the shorts that had made him famous which made nostalgia hit SpongeBob as he remembered all the wonderful memories he had, the best days ever outweighed the worst ones in his mind something that he never thought would resurface from his heart ever again. The sun was close to setting when SpongeBob walked up to the Tree-dome, the reflective glass almost blinding him for a few seconds until it cleared and he saw Sandy outside her home with a smile which made SpongeBob's heart canter which made his legs feel weak, almost too weak to walk over, but SpongeBob forced his legs to move stiffly in a slow walk than fell forward into Sandy's arms when he got close enough and looked up at Sandy shamefaced with a small smile. "I hope you don't mind me staying at your place for a while Sandy, my legs feel like my arms usually do when it comes to weights which feels weird." Sandy chuckled fondly as she tussled his top pours gently with her right palm while bringing him closer to her for a hug in a swift movement reminding SpongeBob of how she'd lasso an object the same way.
Sandy: I'm a little shocked that ya chose me over a hotel in Downtown or stayed at Patrick's or Junior's.
SpongeBob: We're a couple now, Sandy you've stayed at my pineapple a lot in the past month while I've only stayed at your dome for one night. Sure, I might die in only few seconds or an hour if I'm not careful but it'll be worth it!
Sandy: Well, I can't argue with that! How's your throat feelin'? You've been through a pretty hard time with that cold of yours, I can tell by your shakin' legs that your body isn't up to scratch but how's that laugh?
SpongeBob: My throat's feeling okay, I don't know about the laugh though nothing feels funny to prompt it, sorry Sandy. This is a big step for us, you know? It's only been a week but this time has been the best!
Sandy: I can't wait to snuggle with a certain sponge, if you know what I mean?
SpongeBob: Oooh, (shivers in temptation), I know what you mean. (Puts on his helmet with a snarky grin), I'M READY!
The first thing that hit his senses was the light singing of birds splashing in the birdbath to relieve themselves from the heat quickly followed by the feeling of hands picking him than placing him on Sandy's shoulders, when he tried to wrap his arms around the helmet, he was surprised at how much different Sandy's head felt without the suit. Actually, everything was different without the suit, little things he hadn't noticed before from her soft ears to her broad shoulders to her gentle but firm grip made SpongeBob's non-existent heart fill up with love which overflowed when he spotted a glass jar on Sandy's picnic table. When they got closer recognition hit SpongeBob hard as he saw an old promo art of himself with the small blue irises and a cutesy smile plastered on the jar, "Sandy, is that…" SpongeBob asked in a shocked tone as he was placed down on one of the seats carefully as he looked closer to see his hand-writing faded a little by age saying "Hope you have the Best Day Ever wherever you go! SpongeBob SquarePants." The soft smile aimed at him from across the table confirmed it as Sandy sat down and placed a paw around the jar protectively her eyes gleaming with memories in a tender movement "The same jar of jelly that you gave me after my home trip? Yeah, I couldn't throw it away as it held so many good memories, even when I left the urge to smash into pieces never crossed mah mind." Sandy felt grief overwhelm her as she remembered that one baseless rumour had not only led her into leaving Bikini Bottom but caused SpongeBob to turn into this sad depressed loner from the happy sponge that was on the jar, she was happy that they reconciled, something she thought would never happen, or anything from a dolphin laughing to the smell of vegetarian patties cooking on a grill would bring him back to her mind made this sleepover feel inadequate.
"Steve even drew this picture for me, back when the show only was just startin' to help me remember that I had three jobs now and friends beneath the waves." Sandy handed the jar over to SpongeBob who she noticed traced his signature fondly before looking up at her with a deep warmth that she hadn't seen much in the short time they were a couple, the same look that she had only seen on her parent's face when they were together. She also knew that she had to take time with this relationship as SpongeBob asked not to have sex until he was ready which had been an understandable reason even now, she understood, so she was shocked when SpongeBob took off his water helmet and placed it down before kissing her on the cheek which was followed by a blush from Sandy while feeling the prickly sensation of a hidden beard. She had seen a goatee grow on SpongeBob's face when he'd gone down into a deep physiologically depression, it hadn't appeared when she saw him jellyfishing, but he had stayed clean face in his old age which hid the signs of aging, Sandy was distracted again when she felt hands undo her bra slowly which slipped down her slim body while SpongeBob's hands curved around her body as if exploring a new cave or a new ingredient until his thumb cheekily pressed her button nose with a happy smile.
"I know that I shouldn't have done that, Sandy" SpongeBob said shakily as he rubbed the back of his head while looking away as he felt his heart thundering in his chest as he waiting tensely for her response, whether it was requited or a karate match, but he wanted to explore what she felt like without the suit. "You're the softest thing I've felt even softer than sea bunny slippers. When I slept, I dreamt that I had you in my arms while we were falling down the Trench and I've been waiting to feel the real thing. To me physical touch is everything and it's number one sign of affection." SpongeBob placed the helmet back on before picking up the bra and placed it on Sandy expertly, the straps over the shoulders first then slipping down the oval things over her breast and finally re-tying the string all in an experienced manner which made Sandy wonder if he had worn feminine clothes in the past as he was naturally a hermaphrodite so he must have a secret female sense to.
Sandy: Did ya ever dress up as a girl when you were a kid, SpongeBob? (SpongeBob blinked in shock while his cheeks turned red), Nothin' wrong with that of course! I… I've just noticed how much ya know about stuff that we girls usually and I'm okay with it, it makes ya look like ya were secure in that stretchy skin, but I want to know.
SpongeBob: My mom would dress me in outfits to see whether I'd look good as a girl or a boy before she found out I'm a guy inside out, but I do get the extremely rare old hankerings to wear something pretty just in private.
Sandy: Is that why ya sound like ya on helium all the time?
SpongeBob laughing: Dylalalala! Is that what I sound like, like I'm breathing helium? No, luckily, it's just something that was passed down through the ages. Sometimes it goes deeper as we age in my family sometimes it stays high, (suddenly it went low and deep in an instant), other times it goes deep (skilfully switches back to his normal high voice) but I like having a high voice as it's pretty rare for the males in my family to keep it.
Sandy: Were you ever misgendered as a girl? I know that some of my family thought a voice actor did your voice and was matching the lip-flap, others thought you were high all the time.
SpongeBob: Loads of times! Even Steve thought I was a trans sponge at first, which is how he taught me about me being a hermaphrodite as I didn't pay much attention in biology, but things got cleared up soon enough.
Sandy: Speaking of Mr. Frillenburg, have ya informed him of comin' out from retirement?
SpongeBob: I do want to return but Junior has told me of how the false accusation has made the writers torture my persona or Squidward, so I'm terrified of going back that and I'm scared to find I might not return to my old self.
After this conversation Sandy returned her boyfriend's wonderment earlier by falling into a cuddle session which helped Sandy to learn all of SpongeBob's tickle spots, but when she tried to get reverse cuddling, with her on top and SpongeBob beneath, she felt shivers the size of a tremor before SpongeBob wiggled in place with panicky tears rolling down his face and rapid panting. A faraway look in those blue eyes was the final straw for Sandy to understand that she needed to get off SpongeBob who was obviously suffering from a severe panic attack, she slid off him slowly and sat down on the grass while she waited for SpongeBob to settle down the words about triggers from the doctor earlier resurfaced as the pants became one word "Mindy." The feeling of another body pressing down on his chest reminded SpongeBob of a tail holding him down while a voice hissed in his top pours of no one loving him, then he felt the sensation of someone petting his head while whispering his name. "SpongeBob." It took the yellow sponge time to snap out of his trance to find himself back in the Tree-dome with Sandy wrapped around him in a tight hug, her tail lying on the ground which made him realise that he was safe as he leaned forward against Sandy resulting in his glass helmet pressed against her chest as he reminded himself that he did have someone who did loved him and wasn't going to hurt him in any way. Her familiar accent made the panic subdue inside SpongeBob until he heard his heart song flowing from his pours which relaxed him more, "I'm so sorry, Sandy. I… I… I just can't, gulp, do that kinda thing yet not even with a hug, that's how she, she you know." Before he could say more Sandy supplied the word "She raped you that way, right? Rape is the word for what ya went through, Spongy and I'm so sorry that no one believed it at first, why would I believe the sweetest sponge I know would do that. I was pretty darn stupid, huh." SpongeBob snorted in response, "Everyone makes mistakes, Sandy and I have already forgiven you remember?" SpongeBob gently stroked her cheek with his right hand which paired with his gentle smile brought Sandy back to the old days for a few seconds as he continued warmly "I'm trying mah best, ya know? This isn't easy for me at all, I try so much to be the best person for you to be the SpongeBob that you once knew but I feel like I'm reading a script not me and that's terrifying!" The last words ended as a sob which escalated to crying as he noticed tears streaming from his eyes as he continued "Why can't I just be normal again, I thought after our love was connected that mah old self would come back from the dead but I feel so numb. The only thing keeping me warm is you and I'm so scared that I'll drive a wedge between us unintentionally, what's wrong with me?!"
The scream broke Sandy's heart, she knew what she would go through with this choice, but it still scared her a lot to hear SpongeBob's cry of despair at his predicament of missing identity, the pain behind those glowing blue orbs reminded Sandy of the same look he had before the near suicide. She also knew that SpongeBob had built a toxic defensive meninism to cope with the past to not show true happiness as things would only get worse if he allowed his old personality to reopen, unprompted Sandy hugged SpongeBob again but this time she had her tail stroke his back pours gently which made SpongeBob stifle a giggle as it kinda tickled which turned to a grunt as Sandy's tail got to the impact zone. "It's that spot, right?" Sandy felt the small sponge nod silently as he sobbed, "I don't have a scar or mark there but I just can't handle being touched there as I feel all of Mindy's toxins roll through me and they won't let go. That plus the thought that her prophecy will come true…" SpongeBob's monologue was halted when a loud ringing interrupted them, Sandy lifted her friend off the ground while holding him as she climbed to her bed to find the source of the sound was her phone. "That must be Junior." SpongeBob said flatly which was confirmed when Sandy picked it up to hear a screechy "MRS CHEEKS, HAVE You seen Dad?"
Sandy: Junior, calm down. SpongeBob's right here with me and fine.
Junior: He is? Oh, thank Neptune. (Starts to sob), when he didn't come to work, I thought something terrible had happened, what happened?
Sandy: He's just recovering from a bad suds' infection, the doctor said to keep him away from any traumatic trigger for a couple of days.
SpongeBob: Tell him I'm so sorry for scaring him and I love him which I'm sorry for as I haven't told him a lot, I don't blame him for the pain at all. Oh, and ask him to bring a dozen Krabby Patties to the Tree-dome.
Junior crying: I, I heard that Dad and I love you too. (Clears throat) Ahem, alright! 12 Krabby Patties coming right up! I don't know how you handled all of this for 45 years and didn't break at all dad.
SpongeBob: When you put all of your love into something it's hard to let go, I'll work extra hard when I get back trust me.
It took only a few minutes of waiting when the darker sponge rushed to the front door before he was tackled into a bear hug by SpongeBob, Sandy watched from afar as SpongeBob hugged his son to comfort him as they exchanged dollars for the meal before Junior gave a silent goodbye before heading back to Conch Street and SpongeBob to the dome. There was so much warmth there in his blue eyes that it was odd when it didn't fade as he looked at her, her last boyfriend hated acting vulnerable and any happy emotion was seen as toxic in his eyes while SpongeBob showed love in everything he did.
The rest of the evening went unnoticeable, until late when SpongeBob's sleep was disturbed by the creaking of Sandy's bedroom door, they still were sleeping in separate bed, to see a bulky tall shadow slowly creep into the bedroom. At first SpongeBob thought Patrick had come into the dome to check on him, but when the shadow walked into a shaft of moonlight to reveal a curly bushy tail, he could tell it was a stranger, not just any stranger but another squirrel. SpongeBob knew on some level that he wouldn't be Sandy's first boyfriend but when the other guy ripped off her blanket before covering her mouth to stop any sounds escaping as his body slammed her body and the fear in his lover's eyes sealed the smaller sponge's next action.
Awoken from a dream Sandy was shocked to find someone heavier than her trying to suffocate her into unconscious, she knew it wasn't SpongeBob as he was the lightest while the shadow slapped her butt hard than clawed her back before ripping off both her nightdress first than her bra and underwear. The act left her naked and bloody made Sandy come to realise that he was in the act of rape, the same thing her boyfriend had gone through, the last sign of defence was punching wildly trying to knock the stranger out but it was no use as he kept his grip on her until something slammed into the shadow and sent them both flying off her in a ball of fury. Weakly Sandy got a sitting position her panting breath slowly returning to normal to watch in horror at who had saved her, SpongeBob SquarePants! The smaller sponge used his stretchy body to dodge out of the way from his opponent's clumsy punches while countering the blows with swift kicks to his legs until the sponge had the bigger dude pressed against the wall, fear mixed with hatred and love shone in his blue eyes.
"Don't ever come near my Sandy ever again! Got that?" a growl rumbled in the smaller sponge's voice when he saw the intruder nod willingly, SpongeBob slid off the guy and walked back to Sandy who, without a single word said, he lifted her off the bed and walked out of there like a hero with his princess while the intruder blacked out from shock. SpongeBob stayed silent as he brought Sandy down to her front door, cleansing her body first of blood using some of his own water which he soaked up with his skin and carefully let it flow down her slim body which made the older squirrel feel overcome with appreciation, then helped her get into her suit where he finally broke it by kissing her with removing his water helmet, the tenderness that had disappeared returned as he whispered, "It's okay dearest Sandy, you're safe with me. I'm taking us to the hospital, no broken bones, I hope?" His voice shook as the aftershock of what he'd just done finally hit which settled down as he saw Sandy nod her head slowly.
Sandy: I'm fine, a little breathless but fine.
SpongeBob: I'll just have the doctors doubly check though, just to be safe. I can't let my lover die from an internal injury, not my Texan sweetheart.
Sandy felt shivers rake through SpongeBob's small body under her gloved hands as it was held entwinned with SpongeBob's fingers.
SpongeBob: If that guy has raped you, that fishpaste won't live to see another sunset! No one, and I mean nobody, will ever hurt someone I love so dearly like she did to me, not Junior, not Mindy JR, and especially you, Sandy. When I'm ready, I promise to never do what I saw him try to do to you (he gulps as his voice gets squeaker), if I'm ready when that time comes but I need to feel whole or close to that.
Sandie: SpongeBob, what's gotten into ya? The old SpongeBob is the most pure-hearted person I know here and wouldn't attack someone like that, although I'm impressed at how someone so short could overbalance someone twice his size, those pours are even shakin' like a leaf so it must have been hard.
SpongeBob: If you had to fight Patrick for practice you would definitely learn some new tricks, I don't know what happened to old me but, answer me this Sandie, would I leave a friend in need of help behind?
Sandie: I guess not! We should get Pat in here to keep an eye on our intruder, though.
SpongeBob: Ok, but first… (He hugs Sandie before picking her up again), I need to get those scratches looked at!
As he trudged along the road in the bleakness guided only by moonlight the pain in his legs felt insignificant to the old pain in his heart that healed recently as SpongeBob kept his eyes ahead, no man ever left a woman in dire need of help behind. "Sandy isn't just any women though," SpongeBob panted as he tried to smile reassuringly up at Sandy but it came off feeling false, "She's my friend, my lover and my last hope at love." The last mile SpongeBob felt his legs buckle from beneath him causing him to topple to the ground silently damning his non-existent driver's license but his hands still held tightly to Sandy with every fibre. He desperately wanted to wait for a passing bus or boat but something deep inside him knew that every second wasted could lead to losing Sandy but this time forever and that pushed him far beyond his strength. When he saw the hospital right in front of his eyes SpongeBob felt his legs buckle again which made the last mile painful, SpongeBob felt relief once again as he realised the doors were automatic luckily and when the nurse behind the desk saw them, she rushed over.
"What happened here?" The nurse asked, her eyes wide with shock to see the famous rapist with his new fling on his shoulders before she schooled her features into submission as the old sponge panted "Burglar… scratches, suffocation… help Sandy." The nurse took SpongeBob in one hand to the waiting room before gently putting him down with Sandy laying on his lap while she walked back to her station to call the doctor.
The dim lightning of the room coupled with the bright moonlight would've left SpongeBob in another panic attack if the knowledge that he had Sandy there, that thought made his heart calm while he gulped down tears springing as he had to be strong. "SpongeBob?" A slurred wheezy voice interrupted SpongeBob's thoughts as a gentle gloved paw touched his face reassuringly which made him look down to see Sandy looking up at him, her hazel eyes usually so full of life were filled with fog but a gleam of love shone there. "You're gonna be okay Sandy, we're at the hospital so a doctor will come soon." SpongeBob tried to smile masking his anxiety as he whispered "I got us here on my last legs despite the fact that I'm boneless and can regrow them, Dyyiyiyi." But I can't regrow another Sandy, he thought that silently as fear shook his body which he could see that Sandy knew on some level as she whispered, "SpongeBob, please do something for me?" SpongeBob was distracted by the sight of the nurse and his own doctor from before walking to him, the nurse pushing a bed ahead of her, which made him only nod in response. "Sing for me, you have a good voice." Sandy went silent again as the two professionals lifted her up onto the bed than wheeled it down the hall rapidly to the emergency, neither looking back at SpongeBob who finally broke.
Hours passed, or that's what it felt like but it was only minutes, until SpongeBob felt he couldn't cry anymore than walked over to the desk so he could make a few calls, it took ten minutes until SpongeBob saw Patrick run towards him a Krusty Krab 2 takeaway bag griped in his fin tightly followed by Junior. "Special delivery for Mr SquarePants, two Triple Krabby Patty deluxe one with no pickles and no mayo?" Junior said jokingly as the young sponge watched his starved father grabbed the bag out of Pat's hand ripped it open and bit into the burger three times with a contended smile before burping than sighed. "Delicious! Absolutely delicious!" SpongeBob murmured which felt the cue to sit down next to him on both sides and talk for Junior and Pat. It took SpongeBob ten minutes to explain to them what had happened inbtween eating his late-night snack and sobbing, yearning deep inside him surprised SpongeBob as he felt the urge to flee down the hall, find Sandy and wait for her to wake up but he felt comfort in knowing his best friend and son were both there.
Patrick: So, is Sandy gonna be, okay? She wasn't badly scratched or anything?
SpongeBob: N… No, she only had minor ones on her back but not deep enough to cause a scar or leave a mark.
Junior: It wasn't Mum, was it?
SpongeBob: No, if it had been Mindy this would feel different but it was an unknown male squirrel. I saw the tail; I don't know what I feel all I can put to words is that I love her so much! Why can't Neptune just give me good fortune?
Patrick: SpongeBob, Sandy owes her life to you for what happened back there.
Junior: if you hadn't woken up at that moment Sandy might've died from her injuries or worse, I hope she knows that when she wakes. Did Sandy have anyone who hated you like Mum did for you?
SpongeBob: I know the townsfolk bullied her after the squirrel joke incident but nothing recent that I can recall, could you two stays until she wakes up? I'll need backup in those claims, the nurse gave me the stink eye when I walked in obviously believing those false accusations.
Patrick: Sure.
Junior: Aye, aye, Captain!
SpongeBob: Thanks guys. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find Sandy and keep my promise.
Multiple song choices ran through SpongeBob's brain as he walked the halls pausing in each doorway to find Sandy, as he looked SpongeBob kept noticing how bleak everything felt to him as he saw silent beds with the occupants snoring or crying out for their loved ones knowing that it was hopeless. Depression hit the small sponge once more as he finally found the room where Sandy slept to find that she'd been placed near the entryway which he walked over to before sitting on one side, her air suit had been unzipped to let the medics take a look at the damage but had left her chest bare. SpongeBob finally knew what song to sing which had been the first song he learnt to play on both his guitar and ukulele:
Wise man say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help
Falling in in love with you
He remembered how this love for Sandy had manifested a week after the Alaskan Bull Worm incident, how he kept making mistakes at The Krusty Krab and whenever Sandy walked, he'd ask Squidward her order over as SpongeBob was too shy to do it himself. That crush had slowly turned to love that now was reciprocated but many things had tried to keep them apart.
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
For I
Can't help falling in love
With you
Almost the whole cast shipped them together or saw them as friends even Steve had wanted his crush to be kept silent as he didn't want any kinda romance for his star, SpongeBob knew that it might come off as childish to hold onto love like this for that long but he knew it was coming from an honest place.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Somethings are meant to be
Tears of grief welled up in his eyes as the memories of waiting with no response for five years came up, he'd hoped so much for a letter or a newspaper article in a bottle to float down anything to tell him that she hadn't forgotten him.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Somethings are meant to be
The promise to sing was getting harder for SpongeBob as it felt like his vocal cords were choking him, quickly turning to a warm bath of love, SpongeBob wrapped his arms around his wife in a hug, with their bodies close enough to feel their chests moving slowly, which was the closest he would get to the other type of contact between lovers he would allow for now.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you
"For I can't help, falling in love. With you, Sandy and I'll never stop." SpongeBob whimpered as he finished his serenade by placing a kiss on her open chest, fatigue finally hit him and lack of sleep finally fell fast asleep laying down on Sandy as he dreamt of days long past.
Sandy awoke the next morning to find herself curled up in an unknown bed deprived of colour or any style with grunts and snores from beds not far, it took a few seconds for the past to come rushing back to her first as she realised that her unlikely hero had suffered a Herculean effort and was interrupted when she heard a familiar snore followed by a, what it felt like, pillow laying on her chest. When she raised her head to find help her eyes caught sight of a familiar cube with pours wearing shorts with a bit of grey stubble and a rasp to his snore reminding the older squirrel he had just recovered from a horrible case of the suds, her short cute pale boyfriend who had acted on impulse to save her and fate had helped him.
Suddenly a light dolphin chirp disrupted Sandy from her thoughts as two blue eyes sprang open indicating SpongeBob was awake, shock shone there followed by relief as happy tears flowed down his face. "Sandy, you're awake! Thank Poseidon, I feared that I, I, I…." he was interrupted by a kiss before Sandy said "That's a gift for savin' me last night," just as she was about to say more the doctor who healed her marched into the room followed along by Junior and, surprisingly, Patrick with a microwaved Krabby Patty on a tray. Sandy took turns between eating the meal and telling her side of the story which was followed up by Patrick who had told the doctor that he saw the repercussions of the fight explaining that some of Sandy's furniture was broken. "Luckily for Mr SquarePants here" the doctor droned as he pointed to SpongeBob with one fin, "He got that criminal off before he could break her virginity so she won't get pregnant." The minute those words hit his pours SpongeBob crumbled into a ball and sobbed in relief again which he stayed like that as the doctor left for other appointment, "Thank Poseidon!" Those words left his mouth repeatedly but it was interrupted by the doctor calling over his shoulders, "Oh by the way Mr SquarePants, you have a really beautiful voice our cold-hearted Agnus was sobbing into so many tissues she left the box completely. She said SpongeBob has the voice of an angel, silly girl." His words left everyone shocked except SpongeBob who looked a little embarrassed while Sandy gulped down water opening her helmet for a second and sticking her tongue through the gap.
Junior: D, Dad did you really sing?
SpongeBob: I did, Sandy asked for it as she told me I have a great voice, if she was gonna die than I wanted to sing her to the other side.
Patrick: What was it?
SpongeBob: "Can't help falling in love" by Elvis Presly, I decided to sing that as it felt right because it rang true from this old thing (he points to chest). I've been in love with her since I was a teen, so just the thought she would suffer from the same false action as I did and it soothes me to know that wasn't the case.
Sandy: That nurse definitely was moved to tears, shows how powerful that voice has the power to do. I've known SpongeBob here for almost fifty years and heard him sing but never in mah entire life have I ever heard such passion and love.
SpongeBob blushing: Dylalalala, t, thanks you Sandy.
Patrick: Heh, there's the old SpongeBob showing through! She isn't lying though, most of the others from the cast secretly record that voice to help with stressful situations as we all think that singing's a gift.
Junior: Next time though choose something a bit… happier, please? I'd personally like to hear Best Day Ever.
Patrick: Me too!
Sandy: And me!
SpongeBob: I only would sing that if it expressed what I'm feeling and right now I don't feel like it's my Best Day Ever.
SpongeBob stayed quiet as he walked back to the pineapple with Sandy, who decided it would be better for her mental health to stay at SpongeBob's until tomorrow, as he went over his words though a part of the sponge's heart knew he wasn't being truthful. Mindy had stifled all of the old urges to show joy through yells and shouts, even singing used to cause a beating or a screaming match but Sandy had requested a song and everyone had said that he had a talent since he worked with Steven but he didn't know whether his voice could handle singing a joyful song. "Mr. Sun came up and he smiled at me." Even as he whispered the first line it still didn't engage his pours to sing, as he opened his door than wait for Sandy to go first before he followed SpongeBob couldn't try to bring it up until he walked to his couch and flopped down," Best Day Ever" had only come back unintentionally because of his friends but that had different lyrics to how he remembered it. "Don't let Mindy win, Sandy loves me she loves my voice just focus on the good things that happened recently." SpongeBob said this out loud which had been the words that caused him to sing before but he still felt hollow as he looked down at the ground until he was snapped out of his trance when Sandy coughed to get his attention.
"Yeah Sandy, what is it? The air tank on that suit low?" SpongeBob stuttered as he had forgotten completely about his guest for a second, relief flowed through his body as Sandy shook her head before replying "Nah, it 's at half but I can wait for an hour to head home, until then would ya mind helpin' fixing these scars up, please?" Sandy blushed with embarrassment as SpongeBob readily responded with "You're the most beautiful squirrel I know!" That honest answer made Sandy blush deeper in embarrassment as she murmured "I'm the only squirrel ya know, SpongeBob!" which made the love that had slowly started the minute she realised he still loved her after so many years resurfaced as SpongeBob hugged her tightly than completed it with a kiss on her glass helmet as he whispered "Doesn't matter, you have my heart remember? But," he paused as he looked up and down at Sandy's figure slowly judging what he could do, "I think I know what will look good on you, just give me the heads up if I chose wrong."
Luckily SpongeBob's taste wasn't too bad, actually as Sandy found out at the store it felt like she had a girlfriend near her in shorts as they looked through racks of dresses. "Too flashy, too many sequins, eww," SpongeBob muttered as he looked at a puke green one next to a plaid blue and white dress with accompanying red shoes, "Too otherworldly and old timey for Sandy. I want one that screams self-reliant and yells no one can beat me! Ahaha!" He dived into a rack as his eyes spotted one hidden in the dark than jumped back out with a silk-esqe dress in a nice shade of cream with a mixture of all the colours of the ocean reminding Sandy of a beach near the water. "Are ya sure, SpongeBob? This isn't really mah style of clothing." To which SpongeBob chuckled as he replied "You don't have to wear it all the time, just special occasions." He coughed to clear his throat in embarrassment "Why don't you try it on?"
Although she didn't really like pussy stuff like this Sandy was surprised that SpongeBob had a really good eye for fashion, most clothing got tangled in her tail or tripped her when out but it hugged her body well and curved over her tail feeling like a warm shower. "You done in there, Sandy?" SpongeBob's voice interrupted her so Sandy decided to walk out, the first thing she saw was not only SpongeBob but every guy in the store looking at her in shock for a few seconds until SpongeBob let out a wolf whistle followed by a howl of satisfaction before laughing at his unusual reaction which made Sandy laugh in response as she said "I take it that ya like it?" SpongeBob's eyes grew big in admiration as he replied in a dreamy child-like innocent tone "Pretty woman." Which Sandy picked him up to hug him as she replied "Cute handsome sponge," as she stroked his top pours affectionately which sent thrills through SpongeBob's body leaving his body feeling warm inside.
Even after changing from her suit into the dress back at the Tree-dome SpongeBob was surprised to notice that the warm feeling didn't fade except it filled him up like a bath of water if he soaked it up but it wasn't liquid just pure love. "I haven't exposed my old self to someone and not have to worry about discrimination, Sandy was the only friend who never did that and she's really pretty." SpongeBob whispered to himself as he lay down on the grass with his hands behind his head closing his eyes in contempt. When they were leaving SpongeBob had found a cute outfit which he bought along with the dress, despite Sandy's protest, he loved his old shorts but the minute he saw the green pants and long-sleeved sky-blue shirt he fell deep in love with them. He felt comfortable in them as he watched Sandy lift weights to regain strength that she might have lost due to the blood loss, or to see if the new dress would rip, but she dropped them slowly when she saw SpongeBob watching her with a warm smile which made her laugh that left both of them laughing for just the fun of it.
Two years later
Even though their wedding hadn't been a play SpongeBob still was terrified that people would walk out or refuse the pairing, but Poseidon smiled down at him as nothing held up the ceremony or did anyone object except his in-laws who saw the false accusations more than his true self. When he had returned to the show SpongeBob slowly rewired his brain from depressed to happy through love from Sandy and his friends, it had been a painful experience relearning so many emotions, the familiar one of love rose through him as he watched Sandie talking with Patrick while wearing the same dress, he'd bought her. Halfway through the night, SpongeBob walked over to Sandie before offering his hand with a bow as he said "Would you like to dance?" to which Sandie placed her hand in his without a word, the guests scattered to let the couple dance for the first time. The minute SpongeBob lead his wife into a waltz the familiar notes of "Best Day Ever" played on the speakers without his singing, "Soon Mr Moon will be shining bright, so the best day ever can last all night." SpongeBob sang quietly as he felt that this was the start of many days like this to come.
The End