"The Average Conclusion" by BumbleBeeTheta
Author's note: Yeppers, Faithful readers, this is the end. The end of my trilogy, that is. It'll be a while until you can really get rid of me. Anyway, when you read the beginning of TAC, try listening to "The Best Thing" by Savage Garden. It descibes the scenario very well. Okay, I'm sure you're bored now, so read the conclusion. I know it's improbable, but the chances of finding the lost city of Atlanta are a jillion to one, so don't flame me. Now, my author's note is officially done. Read it, read it, read it, read it, read it!!!!!!!!
After retiring to her room, Leela paced furiously. Her mind was buzzing with unanswered questions. She thought she didn't have any feelings for him. But that had quickly been proved wrong on the two occasions when she kissed him. Why did she have feelings for him anyway? Was it because of his love for Nova? She could tell he cared about her the same way she did. There was no way she could have guessed he would feel that way. He just didn't come off like that. The only way she'd ever seen him previously was when he loafed around on the couch watching TV. The lone exception had been when he had the parasites. He was sweet, intelligent, and thoughtful. Was that the way he was now? Well, yes, save for the intelligience part.
You like him, don't you? her mind repeatedly asked her.
Sure, she was willing to admit that she liked him, but that was it.
No, it isn't.
Okay, she liked him a lot.
Really? That's it?
No, but I'm not saying anymore. she concluded. There were deeper feelings for him; she knew it. But she also knew she'd deny them if any one ever questioned her. It wouldn't work out, she tried to tell herself. Just like every other office romance. Yes, that was it. She saw no purpose in being in a relationship that would certainly end in simply being friends. Besides, what kind of person would people see her as if she dated a klutz like him?
Despite her self-affirmation, she felt a longing in the back of her mind everytime she thought of anything happening between the two of them.
*****
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Fry threw his head on the pillow as he thought of his actions a few moments prior. His emotions had gotten the better of him. He'd kissed her again. It didn't make any sense. Why did he keep thinking that someday she'd accept him? He'd just ruined his chances of anything with her. He had come on too strong. Maybe if he hadn't been so overcome in his true feelings he wouldn't have kissed her. Maybe then she might have considered dating him. Sighing, he lay down on the futon and stared at the ceiling. God, he thought. What makes me do these stupid things? His sub-conscience gave the response.
'Cos love makes idiots.
No, it doesn't. I was an idiot before I met her.
Not so much as now.
Yeah, I guess so.
Do you think maybe all the things you're doing are in vain?
Pretty much. I mean, even if she kissed back, that doesn't mean she feels the same way about me that I do about her. She probably just pitys me.
Do you really think you're going to win her over with that attitude?
Nothing else worked.
Are you kidding? She's the best thing to ever happen to you. You're just going to let her slip away like that?
Uh, yeah. Unless you have any ideas.
Try talking to her maybe? She has feelings for you, too.
Sure. Uh huh. The most wonderful girl in the entire world likes me. Oh yeah. I can see that.
She's only the most wonderful in the world?
No. The most in the entire galaxy. No, the universe.
I thought so.
What's that got to do with anything?
Nothing. But you obviously think highly of her. You can't just stand by and let her stay lonely.
She won't be lonely. She'll find someone.
She already has.
Who?
You. Face it. You love her more than anything. You would die for her. Why just give up on her?
'Cos she'd never love a guy like me.
But she did.
I had parasites making me the perfect person. Of course, she'd love me.
That you was always there. It only took parasites to bring him out.
You think?
I'm your brain. I think 24/7.
Oh, yeah.
Now, are you going to just let the woman of your dreams go, or are you going to do something?
I'm gonna do something.
That's the me I know.
*****
Over the next two months, Fry did do something. Whenever he had the chance, he shifted the responsibility of taking care of Nova from Leela's shoulders to his own. He got up in the middle of the night to soothe her and stayed home at the slightest hint of a cold or fever. It may have come down to some sleepless nights and non-stop squalling, but he'd noticed that she was more open with him now. Plus, he was much closer to Nova now. She smiled each morning when she saw him and when it seemed she wouldn't stop crying, only he could calm her. Despite being constantly pre-occupied with his daughter, he still felt the same feelings for Leela. It was the same way he'd felt since the first year of being in the future. Except this time, he thought she may just have had feelings for him too. They enjoyed the occasional talk once Nova was asleep. She would grin at the stories he told her about his childhood, family, and his old "best friend", Champ. Whenever she talked, he would listen intently and look into her eye. He could see the emotions inside her face and smile when she did. He'd never gotten around to asking her out, but he figured he would ask Amy for pointers. He got the chance sooner than he expected.
"So, have you asked her yet?" Amy questioned, a sly grin on her face. Leela had gone to check on Nova, so the coast was clear.
"No,"he answered. "Well, not since eight months ago."
"Why not?"
"I don't know how to ask."
"Just...I dunno, ask if she wants to see a movie or go out to dinner."
"K. Then I'll ask her later."
"Really?" Amy was surprised at his new-found courage.
"Yeah. Now I know she thinks more of me than a friend."
"I could've told you that."
"But, uh..."
"What?"
"Can you babysit Nova?"
*****
Amy caught Leela right before lunch and pulled her aside.
"Hey. Where you going for lunch?"
"Nowhere. Nova," she remarked.
"Let me take care of her. Then you can go see Fry."
"Why? Does he need to tell me something?"
"He's gonna ask you out. And you need to say 'yes'."
"I must not have made myself clear on dating. I have better things to do."
"But he loves you!"
"But I don't love him."
"Uh huh. That's why you kissed him twice. Oh wait. I stand corrected, that's why you kissed him five times."
"The first time, I was in love with the other him. The second time was trying to help him realize his humanity. And the third time, he kissed me. If you recall, I was under the impression that he tricked me."
"Okay, so you don't love him. At least, not yet. But you will, and you won't find out unless you agree to go out with him."
"Fine. I'll say yes, but I'm not guaranteeing that anything will happen between us."
"Alright. Now, go enjoy yourself. Nova'll be fine."
"Okay," Leela responded, not sure if she was doing the right thing. She was headed toward the door when Amy called after her.
"Uh...Nova's formula's in the fridge, right?"
*****
"Hi."
Fry looked up as Leela slid into the empty chair next to him.
"Where's Nova?" he asked.
"She's with Amy," came the reply. Both non-chalantly pushed the food around on their plates, not wanting to make eye-contact.
"Umm...Can I ask, er, axe you something?"
"Uh, okay."
"Are you, you know, busy tonight?"
"No," she replied, trying to smile.
"'Cos I was wondering if maybe we could...go out to dinner and see a movie. Unless, of course you're doing something else." He winced thinking of her response.
Time to show him the way you really feel, Toronga. "I'd love to," she told him.
"Really!?" He could hardly control his glee. "This is so cool! I'm gonna make a reservation at Elzar's!"
Leela felt a grin spread across her face. It was funny how the smallest thing could make him so happy. There was a feeling of jittery butterflies in the pit of her stomach, but she brushed it aside. He loved her. It may have been too soon to tell, but she felt that maybe, just maybe, she had found her best friend, her soulmate, the One.
*****
She gracefully decended down the golden spiralling staircase. A smile appeared on her face when she saw him. He hadn't danced or held her close in so long, but he was here to stay now. It was like a dream. She was the beautiful daughter of the lord of that province. He'd been a simple peasant until a year ago when he'd boldly taken up the obligation of a knight for the kingdom. He had won her heart before that when he showed her all she was missing behind the castle walls. He had taught her how to fly. Not physically, of course, but taught her to live. There had been chemistry from the day they met. But, here he was, after eight months of fighting. Time had no influence over their love.
She extended her hand to him. He felt the silk glove in his palm and placed his hand on her waist. The music began and they danced. Her gown flounced like a lake around her and she cried tears of joy as he held her close. They could feel the other breathe as the waltz continued on, knowing that they would never be apart for as long as they lived. He could hardly contain his joy. He was loved by the crowned heir to the kingdom. It was the most impossibe event ever, and yet, it had happened to him. He drew her closer as the music neared a close. Their lips were so close...
"Fry!"
"Wha?" He sat up in his seat.
"Fry," Leela hissed. "You just fell asleep."
"Everbody falls asleep at the movies, Leela," he defended.
"In case you hadn't noticed, we're in a restaurant," she retorted.
"Oh...oh! God, I'm an idiot! Sorry. I bet I made you feel stupid."
"You bet I-" she stopped herself. If she ever wanted anything to happen between them, she needed to be more accepting. It was just that...well, he embarrassed her sometimes. Like the time they were on Trisol and he drank the emperor. Of course, she'd saw just how much he cared for her then. The thought of harm to her had caused him to cry. He really was sweet.
She saw his questioning look. He wanted a response. "It's okay," she said, smiling. "You must've been up late with Nova."
"Yeah, actually," he replied. "She kept squalling all last night."
"I'm sorry. You know, you dont' have to do everything for her."
"No, it's fine. Really. I'd feel a lot better about raising her with you if I knew I had helped out."
"It's really sweet of you, though."
"Yeah, I guess so-I mean, someone has to do it."
He reached for the bill and looked over it briefly before laying down a credit card. The waiter took and briskly returned it. Fry got up and took Leela's hand as she rose from her seat.
"Thank you," she told him.
"No prob," he replied. "Wanna go for a walk? We've still got half an hour before we need to be home."
"Alright."
Still holding hands, they walked out of the restaurant and onto the New New York City street.
*****
They stopped at an old bridge hanging over a small waterway. They gazed in silence for a minute before Fry once again broke the ice.
"I was wondering something."
"Mmm? What?"
"Well, you know two months ago?"
"Yeah," she replied nervously, remembering the events which had transpired.
"I was kinda wondering if you, well..."
"If I what?"
"God, I dunno...felt anything for me when we...kissed."
Leela brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She hadn't expected him to ask her that kind of thing up front. She bit her lip. "Well..."
Fry turned away. "Forget it. Forget I asked." He sighed. "I guess you meant it when you said we were just friends."
"No, I didn't mean it like that. 'Cos, well, I like you, okay? I like you a lot."
"As a friend."
"That's what I kept telling myself. But now, with Nova and everything, you just seemed to mean more to me."
He looked up, the glum expression gone from his face. "Really?"
She smiled. "Yeah. It's kind of silly."
"Why?"
"'Cos less than nine months after I tell you we'll just be friends, I realise that I really have feelings for you."
"Eh, it only took me a few weeks."
"To do what?" she asked, placing her hand on his.
"To find out how I felt about you."
"You mean, to-"
"Fall for you." He took her hand and entwined it with his own. She closed her eye as he pushed her bangs aside and leaned in. In response, she moved farher forward. He could hear her every breath as their lips-
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
His pager vibrated and beeped, interrupting their possible lip-wrestling. Leela smirked at him.
"Isn't that just the luck?"
Fry looked down at the small device and groaned. "It's Amy. Apparently, we're an hour late."
"Whoops."
"Guess we should go home now."
"Yeah."
"But, at least the evening wasn't a total loss," she suggested.
"How so?" he asked.
With a smile on her face, she replied, "Because now we know that we feel the same about each other."
*****
It was a late Friday night, nearly past midnight. Two people were awake in apartment 1I(Apparently the new landlords possessed the same sense of humor as the first.), cuddled together on the couch. A fifties movie was in the DVD slot-a 2950's movie, that is- but their attention wasn't focused on the screen. It was their six months "anniversary"of going out and everything had gone smoothly. They'd originally planned on an intimate, romantic dinner at home, but Amy had caught a bad cold, so they were forced to endure a platonic meal instead. Although they had to admit it wasn't quite as bad as they had perceived.
But now their daughter was sleeping peacefully in her bed. They must've checked on her ten times, as obsessive parents often do. And now, as the credits on the movie rolled, they had nothing to do.
Leela yawned and stretched her arms before standing up. "Hmm...it's pretty late. Looks like it's time to go to bed, " she said, a teasing smirk on her face. She smiled seductively at him.
"In a minute," Fry replied. He hadn't paid any thought to what she had said. He slipped off the couch and kneeled before her. She gazed at him, a look of shock over-coming her face. She pulled a hand to her open mouth.
"Are you doing what I think you're doing?" she managed to ask him.
"Turanga," he began. The tears began to form in her eye as she watched his mouth form the words. "The past year has been the absolute best in my entire life. I've been in a lot of relationships and none of them ever worked out. And I've finally realized why: I never had any real feelings for them. But with you, it's the most amazing thing I've ever felt. We connect on every level and I know now that more than anything in the world, I want to feel that every morning, day, and night. I want to really be a father to Nova and be completely devoted to you." He pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket and looked her serenely in the face. "Turanga Leela, will you marry me?"
Tears began to trickle down her face as she sobbed. "I can't believe it, I can't believe it..." she whispered.
"Don't cry," he said taking her hand. "Please, let's give this another try. I would be the happiest man in the universe, if you would marry me."
She wiped away her tears and smiled at him. "I will."
Fry stared at her in disbelief before covering his face with his hands. Leela pulled them away and grinned at him.
"Look who's crying now," she told him. He looked up at her, a huge grin on his face. He'd never been happier in his entire life. He opened the box and pulled out a gold ring with a ruby in the center surrounded by two diamonds. She gasped as he slipped it on her finger. They embraced and held each other in the sheer joy and bliss of the moment. They never let go until finally sleep claimed them on their first night together.
*****
"Omigod! Are you kidding?" Amy gasped into the phone. "I can't believe he asked you! Whaddya say? You had better of said yes."
"Of course I said yes! What do you take me for?" Leela replied.
"Well, I don't know." She paused. "Um...has he, well, mentioned anything to you or said that he needs to tell you something?"
"No. Why would he?"
"Oh, uh...no reason."
A pause.
"You still there?"Amy asked.
"Yeah. Look, I have to go. I'll see you in an hour."
"Mm, kay. Bye, and congratulations."
"Bye."
Leela set down the receiver and walked into the kitchen. She approached Fry, who was fiddling with the coffee machine.
"Aw, c'mon. I just want coffee without that sandy stuff in it." He quit meddling with it, and turned around, sensing her presence. "Hey."
She didn't return his smile. "I was just talking with Amy."
"Oh. Didja tell her the big news?" he said with a grin.
"Yeah. But she mentioned that you might want to talk to me about something."
"Um, yeah. I did." He swallowed hard. This was the moment he'd been dreading. He took her hand and led her over to the couch where he sat her down. "It's about Nova."
"Nova? Is she okay? Is something wrong with her?"
"No, she's fine. But there's something I've been keeping from you for a while and if we're gonna make everything between us work, I need to get it out. And believe me, it isn't easy. I'm just hoping you can accept me afterward."
She placed her hand reassuringly on his arm. "Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be able to accept you."
"Yeah, well, don't bet on it," he said solemnly. "You remember that night you were over at our my apartment eighteen months ago?"
The entire story spilled out then. He just kept talking and talking, afraid that if he stopped she would yell and scream at him. But when he finally finished, she didn't. She just stared blankly at him. For the second time in two days, she began to tear up. "How could you keep this from me?" she managed to whisper.
He tried to say something but she cut him off. "Get out," she told him through gritted teeth.
"Please don't-"
"I said get out!" she cried to him. She pulled the ring off her finger and threw it, hitting him squarely on the forehead. He looked sadly at her before walking quietly out the door. When he was gone, she sank down on the couch and began to cry.
*****
Down on the street outside the apartment building, Fry stormed down the street. He was frusterated and upset with how terribly he'd handled the situation so many months prior. Not thinking, he bumped into an average looking guy walking the opposite direction.
"Geez, sorry. I wasn't paying attentio-Adlai Adkins? What're you doing here?" he asked, noticing the bouquet of roses he held.
"Just picking up where I left off. And apparently, I picked the perfect day. The two of you are no longer an item, I presume."
"Aw, shut up."
"Come now. I'll tell you a secret," he said, motioning for Fry to come closer. "Nova's not your fault," he whispered. He paused for effect. "She's mine."
"But you and- I mean, you two never- did you? You can't have! It's not possible! I mean, she looks just like me!"
"I didn't mean it that way. Let's just say doctors have access to a wide array of different...resources." He turned back to his route and whistled as he went through the glass doors at the apartment building. Fry stared wistfully at a window on the tenth floor before sighing and heading toward Robot Arms.
*****
Leela had just finished washing her face to hide the puffyness in her eye when the door bell rang. "Just a minute," she called. She walked into the living room and opened the front door. She was surprised at who she saw. "Adlai?"
"Hello, Leela. These are for you," he said thrusting the bouquet at her.
"Um...how nice." She gingerly took them. "Do you...want to come in?"
"That would be adequately satisfactory." He stepped in, his familiar brown loafers leaving not a trace of dirt on the carpet. He seated himself on the couch and looked at her. She looked down at her feet, praying he wouldn't know about her current predicament. Her prayer was in vain.
"I know about Nova," he told her bluntly.
"Uh, well, I figured you would, seeing how it was in the paper."
"Yes, but I knew before that."
"Excuse me?" she asked him.
"You don't really think that story your boyfriend told you was how she was-"
"Why?" she snapped. She stared searchingly into his face. "Do you know something I don't?"
"I'm glad you asked. Yes, in fact, I do."
Filled with the same fire that had possessed her more than eighteen months ago, she reached forth and grabbed him, pinning him against the wall. "What do you know?" she barked quietly at him.
"And why should I tell you?" he calmly asked.
"I don't make empty threats. That 'one-eye' thing is still valid."
"Very well. I suppose I could tell you. That is, if you'll kindly let me sit down."
Leela glared at him, but let him go. He sat quickly back down on the couch. She sat in a chair in the opposite direction, watching him. He didn't say a word.
"Well?" she said.
He smirked a little at her. "Perhaps I'd be more willing to speak with some motivation."
"What do you want?" she sighed.
"Some coffee would be nice."
She sighed again and went into the kitchen. The coffee machine was still on its side from earlier that morning. "Coffee machine's broken," she said, eager to burst his bubble.
He remained aloof. "Tea then."
She pulled a box out of the cupboard. Orange, she noted.
"Chamomile, if you don't mind."
She gave another exasperated sigh and began digging furiously through the cupboard. A small bag a flour fell down, spilling it's contents. Oh well, she thought. Not much left anyway.
"I suppose since it may take a while for you to get it ready, so I may as well talk now," Adlai said. "Let me start with the basics. I am the responsible party for Nova's...shall we say, humble beginnings."
"What's that supposed to mean?" A few spices fell down from the cupboard as Leela faced him. "In case you didn't notice, you and I never-"
"I didn't mean it that way. I awknowledge that you and Phillip are Nova's biological parents, but I was involved. It all started a few weeks before your surgery. Philip had come in for a mere check-up, and as a doctor, I'm required to make sure the patient is in good health. Naturally, in our day and age, we take certain...samples to check for an irregular activity in the body. Everything went as it should. Now, fast forward a month later. The two of us have quite obviously been seeing each other a few weeks and nothing happened between us, correct?"
"Yes," she said. "Get to the point."
"We, the two of us, reach a stumbling block in the relationship, it's over, and you go under the needle again. Do you...get it?"
"No."
Adlai sighed. "Just go back to finding the chamomile and I'll explain." She headed back into the adjoining kitchen and continued rummaging through the cupboard.
"Found it," she announced. She poured some water in a pot and placed it on the stove.
"Good," he replied. "Now, getting back to my explanation. As a doctor, I have unlimited access to every resource from a patient. You also took a lot of the sleeping drug when the surgery was conducted, didn't you?"
"Of course. But I don't see what this has to do with Nova."
"If you were asleep under the knife and I was a bit unsatisfied with the outcome of our relationship and have access to...well, bodily samples, couldn't I figure out a very prominent way of revenge?"
Leela thought for a moment. When she caught his drift, she grimaced. "Ew! You mean to tell me that you took-"
"Yes."
"Oh, god." She poured some wine into a glass and gulped it down quickly. "But I don't get why you would do something like that. I mean, it's not average at all."
"Oh, it's quite common at the hospital as a means of revenge. Most male doctors do it at one point in their career."
"Well, now I feel stupid," she said. "I guess I stand corrected."
"It's a simple mistake."
"But there is the matter of payback. I mean, you caused me to go through a tramatic event in my life. I must owe you something." She poured the hot water into a mug with a tea bag. Adlai came into the kitchen and picked it up.
"That'll do." He took a few sips and walked out of the apartment.
Leela rolled her eye and plopped herself down on the couch, sighing. She bit her lip as she gazed at the video phone on the wall.
*****
"Hey, Bender. Do you have anything besides Lo Brau in the fridge?" Fry closed the fridge and sighed. Leela always made sure there was something for snacking on in the fridge. It'd only been a day, but he already missed her. God, he was pathetic. He pushed some garbage of the couch and sat down. He turned the TV on and idly flipped channels. There came a knock on the door. Fry didn't budge from the couch.
"Hey, Meatbag! You're not stayin' her for free, ya know. Get the door!" Bender went back to the phone. "What's that?...Fine, black mail me all ya like! I didn't do nothin', an' even if I did, s'not like I'd tell you anything..."
Fry grumbled and got up to get the door. He was astounded at who he saw. "Leela?"
"Hi," she smiled. "I couldn't get through on the phone, so I thought I'd come over."
"Before you yell at me some more, just let me say something. I'm really sorry I lied to you for all that time. I was just afraid that if I told you, you'd never give a second thought to me. Amy tried to get me to tell you, but I was too scared. I know it's all my fault for everything, but I really do love Nova and you and I'm so sorry. So, please, I know we can't be anything more, but can you at least try to forgive me and be friends?"
"It was the wrong thing to do when you lied to me, but I do forgive you. I know you love Nova, and it's taken this experience to realize just how much you love me. But your story wasn't exactly the way Nova was...you know."
"It wasn't? You mean I'm not responsible? Yes! And to think all that guilt was for nothing."
"Oh, you deserved it all right," she smirked. "But it was actually all Adlai's fault. Maybe I'll tell you all about it sometime."
"Does this mean that we're still..." he trailed off.
"I wouldn't know," she smiled. "You're the one with the ring."
He returned her smile and pulled the ring out of his pocket. She held out her hand. They gazed into each other's eyes as he placed it on her finger. The two happily embraced, knowing they never wanted to be apart again.
*****
Hmm...now that it's over, I feel kind of empty. Ah well. Just means I can get to work on the next fic. Instead of giving too much away, I'll give a lot away. It'll be based on the eps of "Friends" in which Ross meets and marries Emily. Of course, I'll spice it up with my unsuccessful jabs at humor. So you can look forward to that. I'm also in development of my next next fic, which is something of a "Three's Company" parody. But there's another fic still. I may post my special "Director's Cut" of AHH. It's not really a Director's Cut, more like an entirely different version. It's much more humorous than the original and better in my opinion. So if you wanna see it, e-mail me! I can't stress it enough, please give me your opinion!!!!!!!! I won't know what to do otherwise. If you've been reading my fics and haven't given me your two cents, you're a dirty, rotten theif! JK, but seriously, send me an e-mail please! If you can't think of a topic, here's one: What's your op of my new favorite movie, Zoolander?
As always, thanx for reading and peaces!!!!!!!
Author's note: Yeppers, Faithful readers, this is the end. The end of my trilogy, that is. It'll be a while until you can really get rid of me. Anyway, when you read the beginning of TAC, try listening to "The Best Thing" by Savage Garden. It descibes the scenario very well. Okay, I'm sure you're bored now, so read the conclusion. I know it's improbable, but the chances of finding the lost city of Atlanta are a jillion to one, so don't flame me. Now, my author's note is officially done. Read it, read it, read it, read it, read it!!!!!!!!
After retiring to her room, Leela paced furiously. Her mind was buzzing with unanswered questions. She thought she didn't have any feelings for him. But that had quickly been proved wrong on the two occasions when she kissed him. Why did she have feelings for him anyway? Was it because of his love for Nova? She could tell he cared about her the same way she did. There was no way she could have guessed he would feel that way. He just didn't come off like that. The only way she'd ever seen him previously was when he loafed around on the couch watching TV. The lone exception had been when he had the parasites. He was sweet, intelligent, and thoughtful. Was that the way he was now? Well, yes, save for the intelligience part.
You like him, don't you? her mind repeatedly asked her.
Sure, she was willing to admit that she liked him, but that was it.
No, it isn't.
Okay, she liked him a lot.
Really? That's it?
No, but I'm not saying anymore. she concluded. There were deeper feelings for him; she knew it. But she also knew she'd deny them if any one ever questioned her. It wouldn't work out, she tried to tell herself. Just like every other office romance. Yes, that was it. She saw no purpose in being in a relationship that would certainly end in simply being friends. Besides, what kind of person would people see her as if she dated a klutz like him?
Despite her self-affirmation, she felt a longing in the back of her mind everytime she thought of anything happening between the two of them.
*****
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Fry threw his head on the pillow as he thought of his actions a few moments prior. His emotions had gotten the better of him. He'd kissed her again. It didn't make any sense. Why did he keep thinking that someday she'd accept him? He'd just ruined his chances of anything with her. He had come on too strong. Maybe if he hadn't been so overcome in his true feelings he wouldn't have kissed her. Maybe then she might have considered dating him. Sighing, he lay down on the futon and stared at the ceiling. God, he thought. What makes me do these stupid things? His sub-conscience gave the response.
'Cos love makes idiots.
No, it doesn't. I was an idiot before I met her.
Not so much as now.
Yeah, I guess so.
Do you think maybe all the things you're doing are in vain?
Pretty much. I mean, even if she kissed back, that doesn't mean she feels the same way about me that I do about her. She probably just pitys me.
Do you really think you're going to win her over with that attitude?
Nothing else worked.
Are you kidding? She's the best thing to ever happen to you. You're just going to let her slip away like that?
Uh, yeah. Unless you have any ideas.
Try talking to her maybe? She has feelings for you, too.
Sure. Uh huh. The most wonderful girl in the entire world likes me. Oh yeah. I can see that.
She's only the most wonderful in the world?
No. The most in the entire galaxy. No, the universe.
I thought so.
What's that got to do with anything?
Nothing. But you obviously think highly of her. You can't just stand by and let her stay lonely.
She won't be lonely. She'll find someone.
She already has.
Who?
You. Face it. You love her more than anything. You would die for her. Why just give up on her?
'Cos she'd never love a guy like me.
But she did.
I had parasites making me the perfect person. Of course, she'd love me.
That you was always there. It only took parasites to bring him out.
You think?
I'm your brain. I think 24/7.
Oh, yeah.
Now, are you going to just let the woman of your dreams go, or are you going to do something?
I'm gonna do something.
That's the me I know.
*****
Over the next two months, Fry did do something. Whenever he had the chance, he shifted the responsibility of taking care of Nova from Leela's shoulders to his own. He got up in the middle of the night to soothe her and stayed home at the slightest hint of a cold or fever. It may have come down to some sleepless nights and non-stop squalling, but he'd noticed that she was more open with him now. Plus, he was much closer to Nova now. She smiled each morning when she saw him and when it seemed she wouldn't stop crying, only he could calm her. Despite being constantly pre-occupied with his daughter, he still felt the same feelings for Leela. It was the same way he'd felt since the first year of being in the future. Except this time, he thought she may just have had feelings for him too. They enjoyed the occasional talk once Nova was asleep. She would grin at the stories he told her about his childhood, family, and his old "best friend", Champ. Whenever she talked, he would listen intently and look into her eye. He could see the emotions inside her face and smile when she did. He'd never gotten around to asking her out, but he figured he would ask Amy for pointers. He got the chance sooner than he expected.
"So, have you asked her yet?" Amy questioned, a sly grin on her face. Leela had gone to check on Nova, so the coast was clear.
"No,"he answered. "Well, not since eight months ago."
"Why not?"
"I don't know how to ask."
"Just...I dunno, ask if she wants to see a movie or go out to dinner."
"K. Then I'll ask her later."
"Really?" Amy was surprised at his new-found courage.
"Yeah. Now I know she thinks more of me than a friend."
"I could've told you that."
"But, uh..."
"What?"
"Can you babysit Nova?"
*****
Amy caught Leela right before lunch and pulled her aside.
"Hey. Where you going for lunch?"
"Nowhere. Nova," she remarked.
"Let me take care of her. Then you can go see Fry."
"Why? Does he need to tell me something?"
"He's gonna ask you out. And you need to say 'yes'."
"I must not have made myself clear on dating. I have better things to do."
"But he loves you!"
"But I don't love him."
"Uh huh. That's why you kissed him twice. Oh wait. I stand corrected, that's why you kissed him five times."
"The first time, I was in love with the other him. The second time was trying to help him realize his humanity. And the third time, he kissed me. If you recall, I was under the impression that he tricked me."
"Okay, so you don't love him. At least, not yet. But you will, and you won't find out unless you agree to go out with him."
"Fine. I'll say yes, but I'm not guaranteeing that anything will happen between us."
"Alright. Now, go enjoy yourself. Nova'll be fine."
"Okay," Leela responded, not sure if she was doing the right thing. She was headed toward the door when Amy called after her.
"Uh...Nova's formula's in the fridge, right?"
*****
"Hi."
Fry looked up as Leela slid into the empty chair next to him.
"Where's Nova?" he asked.
"She's with Amy," came the reply. Both non-chalantly pushed the food around on their plates, not wanting to make eye-contact.
"Umm...Can I ask, er, axe you something?"
"Uh, okay."
"Are you, you know, busy tonight?"
"No," she replied, trying to smile.
"'Cos I was wondering if maybe we could...go out to dinner and see a movie. Unless, of course you're doing something else." He winced thinking of her response.
Time to show him the way you really feel, Toronga. "I'd love to," she told him.
"Really!?" He could hardly control his glee. "This is so cool! I'm gonna make a reservation at Elzar's!"
Leela felt a grin spread across her face. It was funny how the smallest thing could make him so happy. There was a feeling of jittery butterflies in the pit of her stomach, but she brushed it aside. He loved her. It may have been too soon to tell, but she felt that maybe, just maybe, she had found her best friend, her soulmate, the One.
*****
She gracefully decended down the golden spiralling staircase. A smile appeared on her face when she saw him. He hadn't danced or held her close in so long, but he was here to stay now. It was like a dream. She was the beautiful daughter of the lord of that province. He'd been a simple peasant until a year ago when he'd boldly taken up the obligation of a knight for the kingdom. He had won her heart before that when he showed her all she was missing behind the castle walls. He had taught her how to fly. Not physically, of course, but taught her to live. There had been chemistry from the day they met. But, here he was, after eight months of fighting. Time had no influence over their love.
She extended her hand to him. He felt the silk glove in his palm and placed his hand on her waist. The music began and they danced. Her gown flounced like a lake around her and she cried tears of joy as he held her close. They could feel the other breathe as the waltz continued on, knowing that they would never be apart for as long as they lived. He could hardly contain his joy. He was loved by the crowned heir to the kingdom. It was the most impossibe event ever, and yet, it had happened to him. He drew her closer as the music neared a close. Their lips were so close...
"Fry!"
"Wha?" He sat up in his seat.
"Fry," Leela hissed. "You just fell asleep."
"Everbody falls asleep at the movies, Leela," he defended.
"In case you hadn't noticed, we're in a restaurant," she retorted.
"Oh...oh! God, I'm an idiot! Sorry. I bet I made you feel stupid."
"You bet I-" she stopped herself. If she ever wanted anything to happen between them, she needed to be more accepting. It was just that...well, he embarrassed her sometimes. Like the time they were on Trisol and he drank the emperor. Of course, she'd saw just how much he cared for her then. The thought of harm to her had caused him to cry. He really was sweet.
She saw his questioning look. He wanted a response. "It's okay," she said, smiling. "You must've been up late with Nova."
"Yeah, actually," he replied. "She kept squalling all last night."
"I'm sorry. You know, you dont' have to do everything for her."
"No, it's fine. Really. I'd feel a lot better about raising her with you if I knew I had helped out."
"It's really sweet of you, though."
"Yeah, I guess so-I mean, someone has to do it."
He reached for the bill and looked over it briefly before laying down a credit card. The waiter took and briskly returned it. Fry got up and took Leela's hand as she rose from her seat.
"Thank you," she told him.
"No prob," he replied. "Wanna go for a walk? We've still got half an hour before we need to be home."
"Alright."
Still holding hands, they walked out of the restaurant and onto the New New York City street.
*****
They stopped at an old bridge hanging over a small waterway. They gazed in silence for a minute before Fry once again broke the ice.
"I was wondering something."
"Mmm? What?"
"Well, you know two months ago?"
"Yeah," she replied nervously, remembering the events which had transpired.
"I was kinda wondering if you, well..."
"If I what?"
"God, I dunno...felt anything for me when we...kissed."
Leela brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She hadn't expected him to ask her that kind of thing up front. She bit her lip. "Well..."
Fry turned away. "Forget it. Forget I asked." He sighed. "I guess you meant it when you said we were just friends."
"No, I didn't mean it like that. 'Cos, well, I like you, okay? I like you a lot."
"As a friend."
"That's what I kept telling myself. But now, with Nova and everything, you just seemed to mean more to me."
He looked up, the glum expression gone from his face. "Really?"
She smiled. "Yeah. It's kind of silly."
"Why?"
"'Cos less than nine months after I tell you we'll just be friends, I realise that I really have feelings for you."
"Eh, it only took me a few weeks."
"To do what?" she asked, placing her hand on his.
"To find out how I felt about you."
"You mean, to-"
"Fall for you." He took her hand and entwined it with his own. She closed her eye as he pushed her bangs aside and leaned in. In response, she moved farher forward. He could hear her every breath as their lips-
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
His pager vibrated and beeped, interrupting their possible lip-wrestling. Leela smirked at him.
"Isn't that just the luck?"
Fry looked down at the small device and groaned. "It's Amy. Apparently, we're an hour late."
"Whoops."
"Guess we should go home now."
"Yeah."
"But, at least the evening wasn't a total loss," she suggested.
"How so?" he asked.
With a smile on her face, she replied, "Because now we know that we feel the same about each other."
*****
It was a late Friday night, nearly past midnight. Two people were awake in apartment 1I(Apparently the new landlords possessed the same sense of humor as the first.), cuddled together on the couch. A fifties movie was in the DVD slot-a 2950's movie, that is- but their attention wasn't focused on the screen. It was their six months "anniversary"of going out and everything had gone smoothly. They'd originally planned on an intimate, romantic dinner at home, but Amy had caught a bad cold, so they were forced to endure a platonic meal instead. Although they had to admit it wasn't quite as bad as they had perceived.
But now their daughter was sleeping peacefully in her bed. They must've checked on her ten times, as obsessive parents often do. And now, as the credits on the movie rolled, they had nothing to do.
Leela yawned and stretched her arms before standing up. "Hmm...it's pretty late. Looks like it's time to go to bed, " she said, a teasing smirk on her face. She smiled seductively at him.
"In a minute," Fry replied. He hadn't paid any thought to what she had said. He slipped off the couch and kneeled before her. She gazed at him, a look of shock over-coming her face. She pulled a hand to her open mouth.
"Are you doing what I think you're doing?" she managed to ask him.
"Turanga," he began. The tears began to form in her eye as she watched his mouth form the words. "The past year has been the absolute best in my entire life. I've been in a lot of relationships and none of them ever worked out. And I've finally realized why: I never had any real feelings for them. But with you, it's the most amazing thing I've ever felt. We connect on every level and I know now that more than anything in the world, I want to feel that every morning, day, and night. I want to really be a father to Nova and be completely devoted to you." He pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket and looked her serenely in the face. "Turanga Leela, will you marry me?"
Tears began to trickle down her face as she sobbed. "I can't believe it, I can't believe it..." she whispered.
"Don't cry," he said taking her hand. "Please, let's give this another try. I would be the happiest man in the universe, if you would marry me."
She wiped away her tears and smiled at him. "I will."
Fry stared at her in disbelief before covering his face with his hands. Leela pulled them away and grinned at him.
"Look who's crying now," she told him. He looked up at her, a huge grin on his face. He'd never been happier in his entire life. He opened the box and pulled out a gold ring with a ruby in the center surrounded by two diamonds. She gasped as he slipped it on her finger. They embraced and held each other in the sheer joy and bliss of the moment. They never let go until finally sleep claimed them on their first night together.
*****
"Omigod! Are you kidding?" Amy gasped into the phone. "I can't believe he asked you! Whaddya say? You had better of said yes."
"Of course I said yes! What do you take me for?" Leela replied.
"Well, I don't know." She paused. "Um...has he, well, mentioned anything to you or said that he needs to tell you something?"
"No. Why would he?"
"Oh, uh...no reason."
A pause.
"You still there?"Amy asked.
"Yeah. Look, I have to go. I'll see you in an hour."
"Mm, kay. Bye, and congratulations."
"Bye."
Leela set down the receiver and walked into the kitchen. She approached Fry, who was fiddling with the coffee machine.
"Aw, c'mon. I just want coffee without that sandy stuff in it." He quit meddling with it, and turned around, sensing her presence. "Hey."
She didn't return his smile. "I was just talking with Amy."
"Oh. Didja tell her the big news?" he said with a grin.
"Yeah. But she mentioned that you might want to talk to me about something."
"Um, yeah. I did." He swallowed hard. This was the moment he'd been dreading. He took her hand and led her over to the couch where he sat her down. "It's about Nova."
"Nova? Is she okay? Is something wrong with her?"
"No, she's fine. But there's something I've been keeping from you for a while and if we're gonna make everything between us work, I need to get it out. And believe me, it isn't easy. I'm just hoping you can accept me afterward."
She placed her hand reassuringly on his arm. "Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be able to accept you."
"Yeah, well, don't bet on it," he said solemnly. "You remember that night you were over at our my apartment eighteen months ago?"
The entire story spilled out then. He just kept talking and talking, afraid that if he stopped she would yell and scream at him. But when he finally finished, she didn't. She just stared blankly at him. For the second time in two days, she began to tear up. "How could you keep this from me?" she managed to whisper.
He tried to say something but she cut him off. "Get out," she told him through gritted teeth.
"Please don't-"
"I said get out!" she cried to him. She pulled the ring off her finger and threw it, hitting him squarely on the forehead. He looked sadly at her before walking quietly out the door. When he was gone, she sank down on the couch and began to cry.
*****
Down on the street outside the apartment building, Fry stormed down the street. He was frusterated and upset with how terribly he'd handled the situation so many months prior. Not thinking, he bumped into an average looking guy walking the opposite direction.
"Geez, sorry. I wasn't paying attentio-Adlai Adkins? What're you doing here?" he asked, noticing the bouquet of roses he held.
"Just picking up where I left off. And apparently, I picked the perfect day. The two of you are no longer an item, I presume."
"Aw, shut up."
"Come now. I'll tell you a secret," he said, motioning for Fry to come closer. "Nova's not your fault," he whispered. He paused for effect. "She's mine."
"But you and- I mean, you two never- did you? You can't have! It's not possible! I mean, she looks just like me!"
"I didn't mean it that way. Let's just say doctors have access to a wide array of different...resources." He turned back to his route and whistled as he went through the glass doors at the apartment building. Fry stared wistfully at a window on the tenth floor before sighing and heading toward Robot Arms.
*****
Leela had just finished washing her face to hide the puffyness in her eye when the door bell rang. "Just a minute," she called. She walked into the living room and opened the front door. She was surprised at who she saw. "Adlai?"
"Hello, Leela. These are for you," he said thrusting the bouquet at her.
"Um...how nice." She gingerly took them. "Do you...want to come in?"
"That would be adequately satisfactory." He stepped in, his familiar brown loafers leaving not a trace of dirt on the carpet. He seated himself on the couch and looked at her. She looked down at her feet, praying he wouldn't know about her current predicament. Her prayer was in vain.
"I know about Nova," he told her bluntly.
"Uh, well, I figured you would, seeing how it was in the paper."
"Yes, but I knew before that."
"Excuse me?" she asked him.
"You don't really think that story your boyfriend told you was how she was-"
"Why?" she snapped. She stared searchingly into his face. "Do you know something I don't?"
"I'm glad you asked. Yes, in fact, I do."
Filled with the same fire that had possessed her more than eighteen months ago, she reached forth and grabbed him, pinning him against the wall. "What do you know?" she barked quietly at him.
"And why should I tell you?" he calmly asked.
"I don't make empty threats. That 'one-eye' thing is still valid."
"Very well. I suppose I could tell you. That is, if you'll kindly let me sit down."
Leela glared at him, but let him go. He sat quickly back down on the couch. She sat in a chair in the opposite direction, watching him. He didn't say a word.
"Well?" she said.
He smirked a little at her. "Perhaps I'd be more willing to speak with some motivation."
"What do you want?" she sighed.
"Some coffee would be nice."
She sighed again and went into the kitchen. The coffee machine was still on its side from earlier that morning. "Coffee machine's broken," she said, eager to burst his bubble.
He remained aloof. "Tea then."
She pulled a box out of the cupboard. Orange, she noted.
"Chamomile, if you don't mind."
She gave another exasperated sigh and began digging furiously through the cupboard. A small bag a flour fell down, spilling it's contents. Oh well, she thought. Not much left anyway.
"I suppose since it may take a while for you to get it ready, so I may as well talk now," Adlai said. "Let me start with the basics. I am the responsible party for Nova's...shall we say, humble beginnings."
"What's that supposed to mean?" A few spices fell down from the cupboard as Leela faced him. "In case you didn't notice, you and I never-"
"I didn't mean it that way. I awknowledge that you and Phillip are Nova's biological parents, but I was involved. It all started a few weeks before your surgery. Philip had come in for a mere check-up, and as a doctor, I'm required to make sure the patient is in good health. Naturally, in our day and age, we take certain...samples to check for an irregular activity in the body. Everything went as it should. Now, fast forward a month later. The two of us have quite obviously been seeing each other a few weeks and nothing happened between us, correct?"
"Yes," she said. "Get to the point."
"We, the two of us, reach a stumbling block in the relationship, it's over, and you go under the needle again. Do you...get it?"
"No."
Adlai sighed. "Just go back to finding the chamomile and I'll explain." She headed back into the adjoining kitchen and continued rummaging through the cupboard.
"Found it," she announced. She poured some water in a pot and placed it on the stove.
"Good," he replied. "Now, getting back to my explanation. As a doctor, I have unlimited access to every resource from a patient. You also took a lot of the sleeping drug when the surgery was conducted, didn't you?"
"Of course. But I don't see what this has to do with Nova."
"If you were asleep under the knife and I was a bit unsatisfied with the outcome of our relationship and have access to...well, bodily samples, couldn't I figure out a very prominent way of revenge?"
Leela thought for a moment. When she caught his drift, she grimaced. "Ew! You mean to tell me that you took-"
"Yes."
"Oh, god." She poured some wine into a glass and gulped it down quickly. "But I don't get why you would do something like that. I mean, it's not average at all."
"Oh, it's quite common at the hospital as a means of revenge. Most male doctors do it at one point in their career."
"Well, now I feel stupid," she said. "I guess I stand corrected."
"It's a simple mistake."
"But there is the matter of payback. I mean, you caused me to go through a tramatic event in my life. I must owe you something." She poured the hot water into a mug with a tea bag. Adlai came into the kitchen and picked it up.
"That'll do." He took a few sips and walked out of the apartment.
Leela rolled her eye and plopped herself down on the couch, sighing. She bit her lip as she gazed at the video phone on the wall.
*****
"Hey, Bender. Do you have anything besides Lo Brau in the fridge?" Fry closed the fridge and sighed. Leela always made sure there was something for snacking on in the fridge. It'd only been a day, but he already missed her. God, he was pathetic. He pushed some garbage of the couch and sat down. He turned the TV on and idly flipped channels. There came a knock on the door. Fry didn't budge from the couch.
"Hey, Meatbag! You're not stayin' her for free, ya know. Get the door!" Bender went back to the phone. "What's that?...Fine, black mail me all ya like! I didn't do nothin', an' even if I did, s'not like I'd tell you anything..."
Fry grumbled and got up to get the door. He was astounded at who he saw. "Leela?"
"Hi," she smiled. "I couldn't get through on the phone, so I thought I'd come over."
"Before you yell at me some more, just let me say something. I'm really sorry I lied to you for all that time. I was just afraid that if I told you, you'd never give a second thought to me. Amy tried to get me to tell you, but I was too scared. I know it's all my fault for everything, but I really do love Nova and you and I'm so sorry. So, please, I know we can't be anything more, but can you at least try to forgive me and be friends?"
"It was the wrong thing to do when you lied to me, but I do forgive you. I know you love Nova, and it's taken this experience to realize just how much you love me. But your story wasn't exactly the way Nova was...you know."
"It wasn't? You mean I'm not responsible? Yes! And to think all that guilt was for nothing."
"Oh, you deserved it all right," she smirked. "But it was actually all Adlai's fault. Maybe I'll tell you all about it sometime."
"Does this mean that we're still..." he trailed off.
"I wouldn't know," she smiled. "You're the one with the ring."
He returned her smile and pulled the ring out of his pocket. She held out her hand. They gazed into each other's eyes as he placed it on her finger. The two happily embraced, knowing they never wanted to be apart again.
*****
Hmm...now that it's over, I feel kind of empty. Ah well. Just means I can get to work on the next fic. Instead of giving too much away, I'll give a lot away. It'll be based on the eps of "Friends" in which Ross meets and marries Emily. Of course, I'll spice it up with my unsuccessful jabs at humor. So you can look forward to that. I'm also in development of my next next fic, which is something of a "Three's Company" parody. But there's another fic still. I may post my special "Director's Cut" of AHH. It's not really a Director's Cut, more like an entirely different version. It's much more humorous than the original and better in my opinion. So if you wanna see it, e-mail me! I can't stress it enough, please give me your opinion!!!!!!!! I won't know what to do otherwise. If you've been reading my fics and haven't given me your two cents, you're a dirty, rotten theif! JK, but seriously, send me an e-mail please! If you can't think of a topic, here's one: What's your op of my new favorite movie, Zoolander?
As always, thanx for reading and peaces!!!!!!!