-Author's Note: this chapter starts the ballpark of deep territory. Mild lime scene is in this chapter, though no real action is described.
Anyway, I'd like to update that I've got a fairly decent amount of chapters written so far and the reason updates are so random is because I'm usually focused on writing future chapters or editing ones that are about to go public. Sometimes writers just need to tone down a scene or add more details elsewhere!
Also a fun fact: I was originally going to make Brandy a pilot to go along with Chilli's future job as an airport security dog. I went against this idea because it wouldn't leave room for a plot- she'd be too busy flying planes to really be pushed out to socialize with Chilli and Trixie. I made her an author instead, which was perfect for her introverted and relatively anti-social demeanor (my take on her anyway. We don't know much about her canonically yet!).
This chapter only touches the pool of deep territory; next chapter will be on the deep side of the pool. I may have to up the rating from T to M, but I'll leave that up to when I'm done editing that one.
Anyway, with all that out of the way, I hope you guys can enjoy this chapter as much as the others!-
-
"No way! You're really Mitzi?" Lester awed at Brandy in Bandit's room. He had come over with a bottle of champagne and they drank as they discussed. "Doggone it, would've been perfect if I could've gotten your autograph for Sadie's copy of Comets.."
Funny how I've got fans who'd never really like me if they knew who Mitzi Cattle was.
"Yeah, honestly a lot of the people I talk to already know about it," she shrugged. "In fact, I'm working on a new novel, I might just reveal the title if you guys don't tell anyone..."
"Oh no, not at all," Bandit reassured her, Lester nodding in agreement.
"Well I call it Secrets Beyond Words," she whispered quietly, as if someone else could listen. "This one's gonna get heavy real fast."
"Great," Lester smiled. "That's why my girlfriend- err wife now- has Comets as her favorite."
"Comets is a popular one," Brandy looked down. "Just wish that it wasn't so overrated."
"What do you mean?" Bandit asked, taking a sip of his champagne.
"I've been getting a lot of people interested in it...like to make it into a movie or buy the rights to it," she tightly held the fur on her thighs, placing her glass on the ground. "Sometimes the crowd wants what they want and my agent urges me to give the movies a go, but after I've seen what they did to Freeload..."
"Okay, I completely get you now," Bandit cringed. "I remember being excited for the movie when I was 14, actually. Begged my mum to lend me money and let me go, ended up wasting dollars that could've been used to buy a newer copy instead."
"I actually liked the movie," Lester piped in. Both heelers stared at him in disbelief.
"He didn't read the novel, did he?" Brandy whispered.
"Obviously," Bandit whispered back. "Mate...did you ever read the novel?"
"Well...I kinda hated reading...?" Lester admitted. "Still haven't gotten to reading Freeload.."
"It's a tearjerker," Bandit fake sniffled, rubbing imaginary tears from his eyes. "First novel that made me cry as the big bad 14 year old I thought I was."
"It's deep too," Brandy said. "That storm scene had me contemplating my life. I really didn't understand what the storm meant until I reread it for an essay I had to write a few years later."
"Oh stop," Bandit sulked, grabbing the air. "That part killed me-"
"What storm?" Lester scratched his head. "There was no storm scene!"
"Right. The movie skipped what's arguably the most important scene in the whole novel!" Brandy growled. "Which is why I won't grant entertainment rights to just anyone!"
"Now I really need to read Comets," Bandit said. "I really had no idea you wrote."
"They sell it just about anywhere with bookstores," Brandy said. "I'll even go with you! ...I also need to catch up on some of my favorite series!"
I barely saved myself that time.
"Oh yeah, of course!" Bandit's tail started wagging. "Tomorrow?"
"Nah, I've got plans with the girls," Brandy clarified. "The day after?"
"Yeah, during the late afternoon. Got some errands to run before then."
"So...I guess I'll add Comets and Freeload to my reading list," Lester said, awkwardly.
"Oh! I just remembered," Brandy said. "I never submitted the chapter!"
She went back on her docs, sending them to the editor. "I still can't believe how much work I got done here. Thanks for letting me work here..."
She beamed at him, something she had never done to anyone besides her father.
"You're very welcome," he smiled back at her
"She likes you," Lester teased, getting elbowed slightly by Bandit.
"Not now, mate," he caught Brandy's attention.
"Yes now! Perfect timing to put Kate in the past!" Lester blurted out, feeling immediate regret afterwards when he saw Bandit's ears fall. "S-sorry mate. It kinda slipped out."
Brandy stared, unsure of what to do. "Hey...um are you okay?"
"Yeah...," he shot Lester a dirty look. He awkwardly smiled.
"Who's Kate? If you don't mind me asking of course," Brandy gave him a sympathetic look.
"Look man, you don't gotta," Lester half hugged him. "I know it was messy and I'm sorry about yesterday!"
"It's fine.." Bandit muttered. "I really don't care about it anymore."
His phone started ringing in his pocket, Bandit flipping it to find the call was incoming from one of his band mates. He walked to the bathroom, closing the door on the way. "Gotta take this one."
"Look, I'm gonna go," Lester said. "I messed up real bad and Sadie's probably already home from her girls' night.."
"Uh huh," Brandy said in a tone more annoyed than she intended.
"What?"
"Nothing," she said. "I'll tell him bye for you."
Lester nodded and quickly left the hotel room, leaving Brandy alone with her thoughts...and Bandit on the phone.
"Of course she did, I'm not surprised," he groaned. "She didn't break anything else right?"
"Just the window and a few plates," the voice spoke. "Luckily I made it home in time before anything else happened. I honestly think you should get a restraining order, mate.."
Brandy made a concerned face. Woah, who's having a temper tantrum at his place?!
"No shit," he rolled his eyes. "Anyway I gotta go, I've got company man."
"Who?"
"Like I said, I gotta go," he sternly spoke. "See ya soon, Bruce."
"Alright...see ya Bandit."
He put his phone away, before he took a mild sigh. He opened the door, finding Brandy alone in deep thought.
"Lester left?" He sat down across from her.
"Yeah. I'm sorry by the way. For being nosy. You don't need to tell me anything."
"It's fine, I actually haven't told anyone really besides my band mates and Stripe," he admitted. "Lester only knows because she made a huge scandal at a party back home. Rumor spread, everyone knows what she did, but only a few people know the full story."
Brandy nodded, inching her paw closer to his. The usual spark in his eye was gone, his ears drooped, and he couldn't make much eye contact.
"Kate was really a terrible person now that I look back on it though," he seemed to perk back up slightly. I'll tell her the less terrifying version. I can't tell her all of what she did within one day of properly knowing me. I don't think I'd be able to as well...without crying.
"She was manipulative and awful to me throughout our whole 'relationship'. She'd start fights...physical ones. Then today, just now, she decided to come and trash the apartment. Probably thought I was still at home, but my buddy Bruce was there."
"Holy hell, I am really sorry about that," Brandy stared in horror. "You're such a sweet guy too."
He blushed slightly. "I honestly don't feel sweet. I'll admit...at that party, I said a few things in the heat of the moment that I wish I could take back now."
"What did you say?"
"Well she came in, broke a band mate's guitar, started calling me a bunch of names. This happened four days ago; she wasn't taking our breakup too well. She grabbed Omar's guitar, smashed it onto the ground, called me a bitch, pussy, spawn of hell, you get the gist," he explained. "After I told her to leave, she slapped me on the face, and hell broke loose. I picked her up and threw her out the door, called her a psychotic bitch...said her parents were right to treat her horribly. Horrible stuff, I know."
"Yeah, I don't think anyone would be proud of themselves for saying any of that," she placed her paw on his. "But what matters is that you stepped your ground and showed Kate her place. You feel bad- which means you've got empathy for even the worst people in your life. That makes you a sweet person, even if you can't see it."
"Th-thank you," he stuttered. "I'm just tired of acting like I'm over it. Not when she keeps coming back trying to stir the pot and everyone laughing at the fact I let myself get slapped by her."
"And who cares about them? You're allowed to have feelings. Anyone who says otherwise can go fuck themselves," she neared him, getting closer. "Your feelings matter. I want you to know that."
I don't want you to become like me.
He hugged her, a very unexpected reaction by him, but Brandy quickly reciprocated. Her tail began to wag quickly.
"Woah, Bandit!" she giggled, the biggest blush of all time across her face.
"Sorry," he quickly apologized, letting go. "I just haven't talked to anyone about it like this.."
"No, don't worry," she smiled. "I liked it."
The two stared at each other, an eerie tension in the air.
"Oh, you did?"
"Of course I did, isn't it obvious?" Brandy's eyes sparkled as she flirted more with him.
"I guess it was," his tail wagged. Brandy hugged him this time, Bandit feeling this hole in his heart being filled...for a limited amount of time. "You're so cute right now..."
"Am I?" she said within his fur. "Funny, I thought that about you.."
She let go, looking deep into his eyes, a strange feeling overcoming her. Their lips met before he quickly pulled away, afraid he had gone too far. She held his muzzle with her paw, licking her lips.
"Hey, I liked that...Don't stop now.."
"...I just had to make sure," he smiled soothingly, feeling a rush of sensitivity in a familiar area.
Their lips met once again, the blue heeler ending up on top of the red one.
A slight dry hump was all it took. She squirmed slightly, breathing heavier. She moaned slightly, silenced by another kiss. She broke the kiss, looking deep in his soul.
"...Bandit..."
-
"Are you serious?" Trixie laughed, almost dropping her drink in the pool. She and Chilli had gone swimming in the hotel's pool to refresh, soaking up the last bits of rays that were hitting London. "She finally got with him?"
"Yeah, I'm also proud of her," Chilli nodded. "She's had a crush on him for a while now.."
"And think about it for a second..." Trixie smirked. "If stuff doesn't work out with Tony, Bosco's always there!"
"Oh hush, Trix!" Chilli started laughing harder. "I should feel bad for Bosco, but you're over here making me laugh more than I have to.."
"Man, I'm still a bit bummed that she couldn't come along," Trixie sighed.
"Well yeah, so am I," Chilli agreed. "But she had that whole thing going on with her mum, so I guess it was for the best. As soon as we come back, we're having a girls' night with her for sure."
"Great timing too, I've got a few drinks at my place," Trixie mentioned. "Even the stuff Frisky likes."
"Just for her?"
"Nah, my cousin brought it over last month. He likes that stuff too, but I couldn't get myself to drink it," she clarified. "We'd get to spend time with her and I'll also get rid of those cans taking space in my fridge! It's a win-win situation!"
"Is it Alex again?" Chilli asked sarcastically. "His tastes are pretty nasty to say the least.."
"He's the same dude who likes eating cereal with water," Trixie rolled her eyes. "Even as a kid I thought he was weird with food and drinks.."
"That checks out," she shook her head lightly. "BrainTaste really does taste like watered down cereal.."
"Funny enough, once you get through the first three sips, it becomes less unbearable," Trixie admitted. "I kinda drank three cans when he came over. Shit's nasty, but it's addicting. Long story short, I refuse to drink another can now.."
-
Brandy stood up from using the toilet, her legs shaking slightly.
I'm scared I went too far, we just properly met yesterday..
She had a good time, she wouldn't deny that, he was attentive and affectionate, but something within her felt like it was...wrong. Especially when she came, she couldn't help but feel like she didn't do the done thing.
She came out of the bathroom watching him fast asleep on the bed. She did take ages in there, so she guessed it made sense.
But I liked it...
She knew she had to go back to her own room or the girls would start questioning things, so she quickly grabbed the stack of sticky notes near the phone, wrote her number in with her name on the side, and properly placed the blanket on him. She scurried there, praying mentally that the door was open and they were gone..
She had barely closed the door behind her before they noticed her.
"Brandy? What are you doing still in Bandit's room?" Chilli questioned, Trixie not far behind. They had towels wrapped around their waists, indicative that they had went swimming.
"We got carried away with drinks," she lied. In reality, she was perfectly fine even if she did have a few glasses of Lester's champagne. "Lester came over with it."
"You are a bit sweaty..." Trixie noticed.
"We went out to walk," Brandy said with a tone a bit more aggressive than she intended.
"Alright, alright," Trixie held her paws up in defense. "I was just noting stuff."
The trio went into their room, Trixie and Chilli giving each other a strange look.
Brandy was about to place her laptop to charge when she remembered she left it in his room, possibly the worst place for it to be at now. Bandit was asleep; he wouldn't answer the door, and the girls were getting too curious about stuff that shouldn't concern them.
Brandy cursed under her breath, instead curling up into a ball on her bed. Beneath the guilt saw a deep satisfaction. She knew she'd do it again if she had the choice to go back in time. Her tail began to betray her, wagging furiously underneath the covers.
"Woah, you really are happy today," Chilli noted as she headed into bed with her. She neared closer to her ear, making a quiet whisper. "Do you like him again?"
"Of course not, that was so long ago," Brandy groaned. "I was a kid anyway.."
"I dunno," Chilli looked at her. "You think Trix and I didn't notice your blush in the car or the restaurants?"
"There's a thing called makeup," Brandy lightly pushed her.
"You didn't bring any, genius," Chilli smirked. She had caught her sister red handed. "...anyway, what really happened in there?"
"What do you mean 'what really happened' in there? I was being serious!"
"It's just that you seem different now," Chilli noted. "Like, your fur is messy, your face is as red as a tomato, and you smell like him."
"Like I said, we walked. It was hot. That would make us sweat, and you know what sweat does to our fur."
"And that would make you smell like him?"
"I don't," she growled. "Can we just drop it and go to bed?"
"Okay," Chilli said, laying back on her side of the bed.
The two best friends wished each other a good night.
Here goes nothing... Brandy thought. I hope I won't have another dream like yesterday's.
-
Bandit awoke in the middle of the night, inhaling a deep yawn. He stretched, rubbing the sleep away from his eyes. He was hungry at 1 in the morning, hearing his stomach grumble.
I forgot I skipped dinner with Brandy and Lester...
He remembered as far back as when Lester left after bringing her up, but did Brandy ever leave..?
He remembered venting to her, hugging her, kissing her...
I slept with her...
Bandit felt this unimaginable amount of shock overwhelm his hunger. But what happened after they did the deed?
He remembered her going to the bathroom, but nothing else after that.
"Hey Brandy?" Bandit called out, receiving no reply.
I guess she went back to her room.
He heard a knock on his door, startling him. He slowly walked to the door, not knowing who in hell would knock on his door at 1 in the goddamn morning, but he tried to keep his cool.
It's probably someone knocking the wrong door.
He opened the door, expecting anyone else but Brandy.
"Brandy?"
"I know it's late," she muttered. "I just came to pick up my laptop."
She couldn't leave it lying wherever. All her important documents were on there, all her drafts were on there, even her bank information was on there.
"Oh, you left it here?"
"I did," she walked inside, noticing the scrambled covers on his bed. "You had a rough night?"
"I awoke from hunger," he said. "Forgot I skipped an actual dinner with chips and champagne.."
"I'm hungry too, actually. I might've eaten Chilli's fruit snacks..," Brandy made small talk. She wondered if he remembered anything about what occurred after Lester left. She sighed, pushing those thoughts away.
The truth was, she did have a nightmare. At first. She had dreamt about her mother's passing, her dad's advice, and the mysterious figure in London once more. All in the same dream.
She had awoken in a fit of harsh breaths, hoping she wouldn't awaken the girls who were deep in slumber. They looked so...peaceful. Yet here she was, having a near panic attack nearly every night whether she was in Australia or in England.
She had gotten her breaths under control and managed to fall back asleep...except this time, she had dreamt of Bandit.
She scowled in the dark, trying to forget the dream.
"Hey," Bandit said out of the blue. "I'm sorry about everything. I poured out my feelings to someone I hadn't seen in ten years and then..."
"Don't apologize. I was the one that wanted it anyway," she shook her head. "I'm also the one that made your innocent hug into whatever this was. And..."
Bandit handed her the laptop. "Shh, you don't have to blame yourself."
Brandy took what was hers, but placed it back on the table. "And we don't have to go hungry or wait for you to read my novel."
"What bookstores or restaurants are open at this hour?" Bandit asked.
"You're right," Brandy said.
"Well, maybe the hotel's got food. I'm not sure about books though."
"Okay, well I've got Comets on my laptop anyway," Brandy finally admitted. "I just wanted to go out."
"We still can," he opened the curtains, lights covering the city. The sky was still dark in color, illuminated by zero visible stars and infinite city lights.
"It's okay," she picked up her laptop. "Come here, I'll open the PDF."
Bandit joined her on the bed, pulling up the covers close.
Comets by Mitzi Cattle. The cover had a picture of the comet Hale-Bopp, which was quite an extraordinary object of its kind, but was very bright, overshadowing the stars in the background.
Whatever, I never got to pick the cover anyway.
She watched him read, sometimes joining him in reading her own work. Nothing was really said besides a few laughs at humorous moments in the novel or a general question about the comet's symbolism, which clearly had multiple meanings.
The duo read together through the hardships, mushy scenes, funny scenes, and even through the argument scene, which was where Brandy projected herself the most. If you tweaked the names, the argument was very similar to that one Chilli and Brandy had when they were 2 years younger.
"You told Dad about my diary?" Brandy screeched at her sister. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"I was worried about you!" Chilli held her paws up in defence. "I didn't know it was a diary at first!"
"That doesn't make it any better!" she facepalmed. "So what was it?! What did you tell him?! What did you read?!"
"I only read and told him about your suicidal thoughts. I think seeing someone for it could really help-"
Brandy grabbed Chilli real close. "I don't need your help. Stay out of my way, Chilli. Dad had no reason to know; now he's gonna watch me like a hawk, urge me to pay someone to care about me!"
Chilli squirmed from her grip, eventually tumbling down to the ground, groaning in pain. "If it's for the better, you should just do it! Why do you always insist on being such a bitch all the time? Why do you hate me so much?"
Brandy had come back from a long and awful talk with Dad about the contents of her diary. She had compressed the urge to go feral and maul someone to death, specifically the rat she had as a sister.
"I wouldn't always be so angry if you could just mind your own business," Brandy's eyes started to water. "Now I won't be able to go home without Dad calling me every day about therapy and whatever. Now I'll have to go to get him off my tail."
In the novel, "Jenny" (offbrand Brandy) goes to therapy eventually after many conversations with her family and slowly finds the joy of life to be coming back to her. She sees the famous comet in the sky and apologizes to both her father and sister, who forgive her with time. It was said that time heals all wounds and the comet burning up was a representation of the wounds closing and healing. Brandy still enjoyed seeing fan theories about other meanings the comet could've had.
However, novels are just a branch of a fantasy universe in someone's head. Just going to therapy and eating right and exercising and making amends was much easier said than done. The real life Jenny eventually apologized to her sister, but never gave her the same branch of trust again. She wouldn't even leave her laptop around "Candice" for fear that she might crack down the passcode and tell Dad for another round of awful, awkward talks.
Brandy contemplated on whether opening up to Bandit about this. He'd noticed her sensitivity around this area of the novel, and if she was going to say anything, she's better make it quick. A few birds were already starting to chirp outside in a purple-hued sky. She soon realized 3 hours had passed and the sleep deprivation hit her full force.
He told me about Kate...I mean this wouldn't make him think of me as a monster, right? Yeah, I yelled at Chilli and still don't fully trust her to this day, but 2 years does wonders to people..
"Wow, Jenny's really being an ass," Bandit commented, noticing her face deep in thought. "Poor Candice just wanted to help her out."
Brandy internally sighed. Of course. Now I know I can't tell him.
"Yeah she did," the red heeler agreed. "She's been through a lot though. Betrayal, bullying, suicidal thoughts, you name it. While Candice wanted to look out for her sister, I wrote it so Jenny would triumph under independence. You see, sometimes you think you're helping someone, but you're just digging a wound deeper into their heart."
"I agree with you, actually," Bandit smiled at her. "I just wanted a bit of clarification here- and you've given me plenty."
"Really?" Brandy asked. "You don't think Jenny's a putrid monster? So many people miss the point of that scene, so..."
"No, she's battling her own demons," Bandit said. "Of course Candice has a right to be offended, afraid. Jenny screamed at her, even bared her fangs. And while it doesn't excuse what she did to Candice...I understand why she did it."
Brandy's eyes grew a little misty. This is way different from those forums that say the novel should've ended with Jenny's suicide or Candice getting revenge. This is someone who sees my novel for what it is and appreciates it...
"Well don't stop reading now," Brandy's voice shook a little. "Gets better..."
Bandit nodded, continuing to scroll. Even with their fur all messy, raccoon eyes, hunger satisfied with chip remains...she was so happy to see him enjoy her work.
Deep down, he guessed the scene was pulled from an aspect of Brandy's life. It was slightly more detailed than the other arguments in the novel and it would take a pair of very observant eyes to catch the subtle reference. It was made clearer when Brandy started explaining Jenny's point of view.
"So...," Bandit started. "Not to pry or anything of course, but was this based off your life? Like the scene. It's a bit more detailed than the other arguments so far."
"Well now that you mention it," Brandy hugged herself tightly. "It was. I had a terrible fight with someone 2 years ago, during the time I was writing this novel. I wasn't doing so well at that point of my life. I had recently moved out from Dad's house out into the city, but I'd come around and visit a lot. So I'd spend a lot of time writing in a diary I had and accidentally left it at Dad's house and Chilli still lived with him...so.."
"She found it and accidentally flipped through it," Bandit finished it for her once she gripped herself tightly.
"It's a tough thing to talk about," she muttered. "Not even Dad knows how protective I've become of my privacy since that happened.."
"Right," he said. "Still though, that sounds like a hard way to live. Stripe and Rad have done their fair share to me, but I couldn't imagine a life secluded from them like this.."
"It is a hard way to live," she stretched. "But it's the only thing that works for me." You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.
"Why?"
"Because I like my independence. I don't have to worry about people hurting me or feeling cramped in a three person household back at home. I get to choose where and when I want to show up and why," Brandy defended herself. "If I were still living with Dad, he would've made me go for at least a year."
"Well maybe you should," he told her. "There's a lovely person hidden beneath the tough person you try to pass off as. A lot of people would love to see it. But I won't try to make you go; it's really not my business. I just like this side of you more than whatever act you put on in public."
"Now I really won't consider it out of spite," she huffed. "Dad tells me the same thing anyway."
"Well great minds think alike," he smirked at her, pulling a small giggle out of her.
Brandy blushed once more. Now that dream makes more sense. "Hey, it's almost dawn now.."
"It is? Oh shit, it is," he looked at the navy-purple hues of dawn through the creak in the curtains. "Still, I want to finish the novel, it's really good."
Brandy smiled. "Of course, take your time. I'll just catch up on some lost sleep."
She laid on his shoulder and went to sleep, not caring about anything else in that time period. Bandit continued to read, admiring her peaceful state.
She's really cute.
When he finished the novel about an hour later, he joined her, keeping her close. He closed the laptop and placed it where she had left it, writing a mental note to himself to return it once she was awake again.
-
"I can't believe her," Chilli groaned. "Today was supposed to be a day for just us, and she's already over there, drooling over him.."
"I'm sure she will come back," Trixie reasoned. "Brandy wouldn't leave us hanging like that."
"Yeah, but she had some nerve coming in here acting like nothing happened! She quickly cleaned herself and was back in there," Chilli answered. "You don't think they're really dating already, do you?"
"Probably," she answered. "He's a cute and charming guy. I'm just surprised he managed to break through Brandy's shell, and so quickly too. She's never so eager to see someone, ever."
"He is neither of those things," she negated.
"You're just lying to yourself at this point," Trixie rolled her eyes. "It's just weird to see her be social, so here ya go nitpicking the poor guy."
"...I still stand by my point," she crossed her arms. "If I were in Brandy's shoes, I'd have nothing to crush on."
Trixie didn't reply, instead looking at the hotel menu, deciding if she wanted an omelette or if she wanted to go out for breakfast.
She heard the quiet knock and opened the door to Brandy. She held her laptop in her arm and smiled, having a messy tail wagging.
"See? Told ya she'd show up," Trixie said.
"Yeah of course I would," Brandy held her head, looking very tired. "I promised I'd spend today with you guys."
"I almost thought you'd bail on us," Chilli sat down on the bed. "You've...been close with Bandit, yeah?"
"Yeah, so?" Brandy gave her a look. "Let's not bring up what I think you're going to bring up. Not when we're gonna go and spend the day together."
"It's just weird to me," Chilli said. "You're just not that social or friendly with people."
"Well he's different," Brandy vaguely said. "He's not an overbearing jerk or a nosy gossiper. He's funny, he's kind, and there's more to him than meets the eye."
"So you're implying I'm an overbearing jerk or a nosy gossiper?" Chilli scoffed, offended.
Trixie sighed, reading the local newspaper. She trued to tune them out, but when the sisters got angry at each other, they really got angry.
"You're not a jerk and you don't gossip," Brandy looked at her sympathetically. "But it's different being with your friend than being with your sister and her friend. I'm sure you tell Trixie things that you'd never tell me, and well, it's the same with him and me."
"Well at least tell me what I'm doing wrong," Chilli turned away.
Brandy gulped, but she followed her instinct. I can't. "Nothing. He's just my friend."
"Are you sure he is just a friend?"
Brandy looked away, remembering last night, then the dream.
"I knew it, you just have a crush on him," Chilli facepalmed.
"And so what if I do?" Brandy shot back. "You and Dad made me go to "socialize" or some crap and then get mad when I do what you wanted?!"
Chilli stood there, dumbfounded. Brandy was right, she was the one trying to bribe her with the idea of making new friends. She had made a friendship with Bandit, but deep down, all she wanted was a friendship with her sister. She'd thought that Brandy would isolate herself as usual and she'd play hero and grow ultimately close to her as did her new friends...but Brandy had solved the problem on her own.
"I don't need your help." Chilli quoted her in her thoughts.
"Look, if you don't like him, you can just say that," Brandy cooled down. She didn't mean to hurt Chilli this time, she was just trying to point out an inconsistency. "Did he do something?"
"No he didn't," Chilli sighed. "I just...think you're spending too much time with him."
"Why's that? I'm here, aren't I?"
"Yeah, but spending the night with him? It's too much. What happens once we go back? Will you go back to your old ways?"
"He doesn't live far from me, actually," Brandy mentioned. "And I will admit, that was completely unplanned on both of our parts. He just happened to be there when I was getting a snack and...we just hung out."
"Okay," she nodded. "I just wish you showed some of that energy to us."
Brandy mentally sighed, holding back the urge to roll her eyes. It's so hard to open up to you when your whole life's been nearly picture perfect. What would you understand?
"I'll try that," she told her. "But try to actually give me room to talk and not do that thing where you and Trixie start speaking with your inside jokes."
Chilli looked at Trixie who shrugged, not caring. "Okay. And don't do that thing where you ignore us by pretending to get an "important" phone call."
"Sure," Brandy nodded. "Alright, let's get out of here."
-End-
