Foreward:
First, thanks for the reviews. This is supposed to be a Nigel/Kuki story, but when you write a story that pairs Kuki with anyone but Wally, you also have to deal with the fact that Wally has a crush on her. The first chapter was mostly establishing the Nigel/Kuki romance to begin with, thus Wallabee got effectively nixed out for plot convenience. In this chapter I tried to balance things out. In fact, after my initial submitting of this chapter to fanfiction net, I actually revised some parts and updated it so that the Wally scenes seemed more natural and less like they were just thrown in there to get Wally back into the story. I hope they helped make it a better story for the rest of you as well.
Oh, and since I'm updating this to make minor corrections of the grammatical and consistency type, one of the reviews asked if this was a 1/3 fic. The answer is YES. I believe I made that quite clear in these forewards.
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Episode II: The Australian Strikes Back
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When Kuki woke up, it was in time to see her Nubian friend leaning over her with a coffee cup containing hot chocolate.
"You feelin' any better, child?" Abby asked as she offered her the coffee cup, which Kuki accepted and drank from. And then afterwards, she nodded. Then she mouthed out something, and realized that still no words came out of her mouth.
"Still in shock?"
Kuki, with a confused look, shook her head. Abby, too, was confused, but figured it was just another thing that would correct itself in time as she watched Kuki point towards the door. Abby took a moment to figure out what Kuki was trying to ask, and then said "Uhhh... Well, Wally's gone. He and Nigel got into a pillow fight last night, ya see, and... it's a long story, but in the end they decided the two had to be seperated so Numbuh Four's parents came and took him home."
Kuki nodded understanding, and finished the hot cocoa. When she was done, since she couldn't say "Thank you" she instead hugged Abby. This time the message was loud and clear.
"You're welcome." Abby hugged her back. "Numbuh One's been wantin' to visit ya all night now, but I told him to keep out."
Kuki then let go an got up, walking over to her closet which was beyond a dune of toys (just like everything else in Kuki Sanban's room). She dug through the closet, and found some clothing to wear, most predominantly a blue peasant dress similar to the one Belle wore in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Selecting this outfit, she carried it to another door beyond another dune of toys, which led to a bathroom. Abby had sat on her bed and watched her the whole time, and didn't really need to be told what was going on as she saw Kuki close the door and, moments later, heard water start running. Abby chose this moment to grab the coffee cup, get up, and leave.
"How is she?" Numbuh One asked as Abby stepped out of the room.
"Hard to say. She seems fine except she still has trouble talkin'."
"So she's still in shock?"
"I don't think so. She seemed pretty normal otherwise."
Numbuh One scatched his head. "I never knew that a confession could have such an effect on someone."
"Numbuh Three's a special case, man." Abby answered as her and Numbuh One went to the sofa. "As I said before, she didn't see it comin'. And almost no one gets two confessions at a time. Now add that in to the fact that she's a total innocent, with no jaded perspectives whatsoever, nd she took the full force of it. But on the upside though... I don't think she's upset."
"You don't?"
"Nah... I actually think she's the happiest girl in the world right now."
Moments later Kuki emerged from her room, her hair still wet from bathing, and wearing the peasant dress she had picked up. With a merry expression she flaunted the dress in front of Numbuh One, spinning so he could see from all sides.
"It looks very good on you." He told her with an honest smile before holding out his arms, an open invitation to sit on his lap which the young Asian took without hesitation. And he held her lovingly.
"I... checked the computer, and there are still no missions, so... I was wondering if you wanted to go out?" Numbuh One stated, and was delighted to recieve an accepting smile from his intended partner. She hugged him tightly, and kissed him on the cheeks--several times. And then finally she made one more kiss on his lips. He held her tighter as she did so, both soaking up all the emotion and excitement they could from this exchange of love.
And then, much to the joy of everyone, she exclaimed "Yay!"
Later, they were at the Carnival. Why? Because Kuki loved carnivals and Nigel was well aware of it. He admittedly had nothing against them himself, particularly on a slow day when absolutely nothing was happening... and especially not now that he was once again happy.
"So, what ride do you wanna go on first?" He asked her.
"Oooo.... The Ferris Wheel! Let's go on the Ferris Wheel!"
That was fine with him. Start slow... work up to the more interesting and exciting rides. So they rode on the wheel, Nigel holding Kuki the whole way as she, at the top, enjoyed the sight of the whole world around her. This was so much better than a swing set. He didn't like the way the seat rocked, but as long as he kept Numbuh Three safe and held on to the bar, everything was fine...
She was unworried as she looked around at all the things her and her new boyfriend could and should do together... everything from games to bumper cars to other rides. They even had a video arcade! Nigel noticed all this too, and wondered if his allowance would be enough to cover all this... but then again, if he ran low, Kuki would understand.
"That was fun!" She exclaimed as they got off the wheel. "Let's go on the teacups next!"
The teacups? The teacups always made Nigel sick... Then again, perhaps he could stomach them this time around. Somehow. And then an idea came to him. "All right," he said, "But first, let's go get a snack. There's a snowcone stand right over there." He pointed out as the two began walking.
"Okay!"
And as they approached, Nigel surveyed the menu. "What do you want?" he asked her.
"Lime."
"One Lime and One Strawberry, please." He ordered, putting money on the counter.
"Certainly!" Came a familiar voice of the man they were currently only seeing from behind. And when he turned around, they were shocked.
"Professor Triple-Extra-Large?" They both asked at once.
Professor XXXL looked at them, but soon recognition snapped in. "Oh, the Kids Next Door! So happy to see you! What brings you out here today?" He asked as he readied their snowcones.
"We're on a date," Kuki answered innocently and with a bit of a nervous giggle.
"Ahhh, a date huh?"
"Yes," Nigel was getting nervous. As much as he liked her, he was still a ten year old boy after all. "Did you ever make the perfect snowcone?"
"Well... I came close." He handed them their cones. "I've got the texture and the not-sinking to the bottom of the cone part right, but I can't seem to find the perfect flavor." He shrugged, "Still, I guess this will have to do until I can fund my research."
"I see." Nigel licked his cone. "Wow, this is good."
"Mine too," Kuki agreed.
"Fancy seein' you 'ere." Came a familiar Australian voice. "I'll 'ave an orange," he ordered, slapping money down on the counter. Wallabee turned his attention back to his friends.
"Numbuh Four, what brings you out here?"
"Well, my parents were worried that I was gettin' depressed so they brought me out 'ere to cheer me up. Oh, Numbuh Three, I got a present for ya." From behind his back, he pulled a bag of cotton candy.
Kuki gasped, and grabbed the bag, hugging it and saying "Thank you thank you!" Swiftly she opened it, and took a few bites.
"You look good in that dress," he complemented, and hid his embarrasssment as she answered by scruffling his hair.
"I see you haven't given up on her." Nigel pointed out. "But you're going to have to wait. We're already on a date, you see. In fact we were about to ride the teacups."
"The teacups? Don't make me laugh Numbuh One, you can't handle the teacups!"
"Of course I can! This snowcone will assure that!" He grabbed Numbuh Three's arm. "In fact, I'll prove it."
"I'm not done with my snowcone yet!" She complained.
"Oh, right." Nigel stopped. "All right, we'll finish these, and then we'll go on the teacups."
"You sure you wanna go on the teacups with him, Numbuh Three?" He asked. "After all, he throws up on the teacups."
Kuki then passed Nigel a skeptical look. "Really?"
"Today I won't, I promise! This snowcone is my insurance!" With that, he finished the snowcone.
"Maybe we should--" Kuki began to suggest as they walked to the teacups.
"No, we're riding the teacups," this decison Numbuh One made final as he and Numbuh Three (with Wallabee close behind) walked to the entrance and handed over a ticket. Wallabee handed over a ticket himself, and for a moment thought of sitting in the same cup as them, but instead took a cup all to himself--he didn't need to impose.
"Okay," Kuki started as her and Nigel sat down and readied themselves, "But if you throw up on me, you're dead meat."
And then the ride started, and the world zoomed past faster and faster and up and down and all around. Nigel could hear Kuki's screams of "Wheee!" as it picked up. Nigel watched, and was for a moment able to enjoy the world, for the snowcone had the intended effects of freezing him up just enough so his nerves wouldn't be...
By the end of the ride, he felt almost sure he was gonna be sick. But at least he wasn't gonna be sick on Numbuh Three!
"Wow, I'm surprised ya made it Numbuh One," Wallabee said as he came down. "I nevah felt sick once." Then Wallabee looked at Numbuh One again, and saw that the great bald leader was struggling to keep everything in, and he smirked. "It's okay Numbuh One, let it all out, make everyone else sick."
Numbuh One struggled with his insides, trying not to get sick... at least, not in public. But he was so dizzy... his nerves felt so wobbly... Suddenly, he had an idea! He made a mad dash back to the snowcone vendor, and quickly asked "Another strawberry, please?" paying cash.
"Certainly, Mister Uno!" the Professor replied, soon serving up the snowcone, which Nigel ate, fast!
And the cool helped his nerves steady. Suddenly he no longer felt sick. He heard Numbuhs Three and Four running up to him, Three asking "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... now that you're here," he added romantically as he grabbed her hand. She blushed and giggled in response.
"Eck," went Numbuh Four. "Romantic crud, how--" he stopped right there, realizing how he was reacting, and then turned it around, grabbing her other hand and said "How can you deliver such sorry lines to my Numbuh Three?"
"I thought it was romantic!" Kuki giggled.
And then Wallabee thought, and mustered up his resolve... and for him, this took a lot of resolve. "My dear sweet Numbuh Three..." He stopped and watched her reaction. She was blushing. "You're purer than the fallen snow," he added, feeling disgusted with himself as he wondered how people in the movies seemed able to deliver this crud so easily. "And... ummm.... uhhhhh.... the smell of your perfume is like the flowers in spring!"
He had thought that was a good one as he heard her laugh, and was surprised when Numbuh One started laughing too. Finally, however, Kuki explained "I'm not wearing perfume, silly!"
And now Numbuh Four did feel silly... and then he felt gooey as she held him in her arms. "Still though," she added, "That was really really sweet of you."
"Uhh, yes, I suppose so," Numbuh One cut in. Then he checked his watch. "Well, umm, if we're going to go on all these rides before sundown, we better get moving." With that, he tapped Numbuh Three's shoulder, and she let go of Wallabee. Then she and Nigel walked towards the game booths, holding hands.
"Oooo... Oh! Stuffed animals!" She ran over to a shooting gallery booth.
"Wanna take a shot, little lady?" the man behind the counter offered. "Hit three of these duckies and you win one of these stuffed cuties."
"Figures," came an Australian accent.
"Are you still stalking us?" Nigel asked.
"I ain't stalkin'."
"Well whatever. The fact is I could win one of these easily!" With that he offered up a requisite dollar and grabbed the offered crossbow. "I'll win you something good, Numbuh Three!" He stated with pride as he took his first shot. He hit.
"Banzai! Two more wins the fluff!"
He hit again. Finally, last shot...
"Congratulations! Here's your prize!" He offered, handing Nigel a stuffed panda.
"Here you go, Numbuh Three. It's for you."
She giggled and accepted the present with a loving hug.
"That's nothin'. I could win somethin' bettuh!" Wallabee sneered, paying his own dollar and taking his own three shots. Being in the Kids Next Door and thus being well-trained with toy guns, he had no problem hitting the required three duckies and winning his own prize, which was almost a stuffed panda bear as well, until he noticed something.
"Ummm, how 'bout that Rainbow Monkey over there?"
The man behind the counter seemed to consider it, but ultimately decided one stuffed toy was as good as another, and thus made the trade.
"Rainbow Monkey?!" Kuki exclaimed, dropping the stuffed panda (not noticing Nigel's hurt expression afterwards) as she grabbed the toy. "Oh yippee, Rainbow Monkey! Isn't it cute, Nigel?"
"Yes," he admitted defeatedly. just as he was about to pick up the panda, Numbuh Three scooped it up.
"These are both so cute! I love you guys!"
They both got smiles off of that one.
"Hmmmm, we seem to be pretty evenly skilled," commented Numbuh One as they continued on.
"Yep. You got a problem with that?" Wallabee challenged.
"Well... we have to decide a victor somehow. Wallabee, it looks like there's only one thing to do."
"Yea. We've gotta do It."
"It?"
"Yes, It... Bumper Cars!"
"You're on!"
"Yippee! I wanna ride in the Bumper Cars too!" Numbuh Three cheered.
"Negative Numbuh Three, we've got to do this and decide a winner, you've got to watch."
Numbuh Three blinked at him, and then with a defeated sigh agreed "Okay."
And so they got to the Bumper Cars and gave the man a ticket, except Numbuh Three who watched from the sidelines, not quite sure who to cheer for as Nigel and Wallabee chose their cars and got ready to bumper.
Within minutes, they were off and heading at each other like rams on wheels, and Numbuh One soon found himself feeling like a pinball as Wally's aggressive attacks came again and again, too much for him to keep track of. Soon, however, he got his bearings and began an effective counter-attack, knocking Wally into a wall, and almost attacked again, but some nameless carnival-goers blocked his shot. When they cleared away, Wallabee was already gone.
Then suddenly Nigel felt a jolt from behind, and turned. Wallabee was now ramming him into the wall! But fortunately Numbuh One managed to doge his next assault, but before he could take the upper hand, Wally was out of there.
"I'm not about to let you get away again!" Nigel exclaimed as he turned and gave chased through crowds of people, who upset his course. But suddenly, Wallabee turned and began barraging him with ram assaults, right into a crowd! Nigel saw his limited mobility, and felt for sure the game was lost.
But suddenly, a loud and chipper cry of "Wheeee!" was heard, and a green car carrying a young, peasant-dressed Asian and her two stuffed compadres came right at everyone, knocking everything into confusion.
"Sorry guys," Kuki apologized, "I know you said to stay out, but... it just looked like so much fun!"
And both the boys gave defeated, yet somehow pleased sighs.
Finally, it was time to go. As they left the gate, Kuki was carrying a ton of toys the boys had won for her throughout the trip. "Thank you guys! That was so much fun!" She exclaimed. "Let's do that again sometime!"
"Maybe next month," Nigel offered, "When I get a new allowance."
"I might have to pass on that one," Wally stated. "Anyway, I've gotta get home, take care of Defty."
"Defty?" Kuki and Nigel questioned at the same time.
"Yea. She's a kitten we discovered yesterday aftah we got home. She was 'urt so we took 'er in and I've been taken care of 'er."
"You have a kitten?!" Kuki exclaimed, throwing all the toys up in the air in a moment of glee. "I wanna see it I wanna see it!"
Wallabee looked as if he was about to refuse, but suddenly a smile formed on his face. "Sure, come on." With that, he grabbed her arm and led her down the sidewalk in the direction of his arms. "See ya, Nigel!"
"Bye guys," he waved until they were out of sight. Truth be told, all had happened so fast he hadn't been able to object when Kuki wanted to see the kitten. He didn't notice when stuffed animals began raining down around him either. It didn't bother him that soon, he was buried in them.
But... he had been looking foreward to walking home with Numbuh Three, with looking up at his friends and saying it had been a good first date, on letting everyone know how happy they were together. But what would they think if he told them she had left him to go see some kitten with Wallabee?
Numbuh One mustered up his courage, and finally began collecting all the stuffed animals.
"Oooooh, it's so cute!" Numbuh Three petted the kitty, a cute little black and white thing with a spot on it's nose. "Hi Defty, I'm Numbuh Three!" She said in a cutesy tone of voice, only to get a high-pitched meow in return.
"Yea, it's a cute li'l runt, but don't touch it's leg." Wally obviously meant the one with the bandage. "The poor thing limps when it walks, so we keep it inside this little pen we rigged up for it."
"Awww, it's so cute!" Numbuh Three repeated.
"So... how was your date with Numbuh One? Before I came along, that is?"
She looked at him, and said "Oh, we just went on the Ferris Wheel. He held my hand the whole way up." She giggled at the memory. Then, she became more serious, "You know... as much as I always talk about wanting a boyfriend...." She hesitated as she thought about her next words. "I... I never thought of you guys that way."
Wallabee didn't know what to say about that, except to ask "Well.. what about now?"
Kuki looked down, and walked over to a sofa to think. "Well... it's still kinda weird, thinking about you guys as my boyfriends." She sat down, and supported her head on her arms. "You know, I feel bad about walking out on Nigel like that."
"So do I, really, for buttin' in." He sat down next to her. "Truth is... I was kinda jealous when I got sent 'ome yesterday, and realized that it means you and Numbuh One would be together without me to interfere." He looked at her, "Ummm... did you guys do anything? Besides goin' out, I mean?"
"We kissed."
"Kissed?!" And he hung his head in defeat. "So... you love 'im, then."
And then Kuki saw the disappointed look on Wally's face, and thought about what to say. Well, yes, she did love Nigel. She even loved him romantically, weird as she thought it was, having known him for two years without once thinking of him as a boyfriend. But she had kissed him, lip-to-lip. There was no backing down now... but... Wallabee looked so miserable, so disappointed. Kuki finally decided that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't hurt to give Wally a chance.
Wally was surprised when one of her arms came around him and pulled him closer. And, just before he could ask, she kissed him right on the lips. At first he resisted... but then the thought that this was the woman of his dreams kissing him made him relax, and he enjoyed it, savoring every moment.
As she pulled away, Numbuh Three had another thought. "I... need to call my mom real quick."
"Sure, go right ahead."
And with that, Numbuh Three went over to the phone, picked up the reciever and began to dial a number. She stood in silence for a moment, and then said "Hi Mom, hey, I'm gonna be staying at Wallabee's house tonight, is that okay? Okay! Thank you!" And with that, she hung up.
Wallabee had been surprised at hearing that, and as he watched her sit back down, he said to her "You coulda gone back to the treehouse!"
"Yea... but I wanted to be fair. Nigel's had me to himself, you haven't. Besides... I wanna get to know you both better as boyfriends."
"Oh, wait!" Wallabee exclaimed, "I just realized somethin'. I'm gonna go in there and talk to Numbuh One. I'll be right back." And with that, he got up and left to a nearby hallway, far enough down so that Numbuh Three couldn't hear, and he tapped a device in his ear.
"Numbuh One speaking," replied a British accent.
"Yo, Numbuh One. Just callin' in to tell ya that Kuki's spendin' the night with me tonight."
"She's what?!"
"Yea. She said she wanted to be fair with me since you had her all to yourself last night."
"But--"
"Looks like I may win this competition after all, Numbuh One. I think she's got some feelin's for me. She's even kissed me!" He waited for a response. "Numbuh One? You okay man?" Still no response. "Well, okay. See ya." And with that, he deactivated his communicator. Then he jumped for joy, giddy with excitement at the thought of having Numbuh Three to himself, if only for one night. She may love Nigel now, but come tomorrow...
"So, whaddya wanna do tonight?" Asked Wally as he came out of the hallway.
"Well... we just got in, so..."
"We could still go out for a bite to eat. You like Dairy Queen?"
Kuki smiled at the offer. "Dairy Queen! Yay!"
And so, moments later they were eating burgers and fries. But this was Dairy Queen, and Dairy Queen is known for their creamy soft-serve, not their burgers and fries (though those are good too). And thus, the two youngsters had their share of flurries and sundaes.
"I hope Numbuh One's having as much fun as we're having!" Numbuh Three stated.
"Eh, knowing Numbuh One, he's probably off finding new ways to defend the treehouse from The Toilenator. He's havin' a great time." He looked up... and caught a sad and uncertain look in Kuki's face. "What's wrong? I'm sure 'e loves ya, but probably not as much as I do."
"It's not that," Kuki informed. "Numbuh One's probably bored right now, working on all those machines and stuff."
"You kiddin'? Numbuh One enjoys it!"
"No he doesn't. He told me so himself."
And then Wallabee looked at her with interest. "You serious?"
"Yea. He told me he thought being in the Kids Next Door means he couldn't have any fun." She took a bite of her sundae. "Actually," she said after swallowing, "I don't think he's ever been happier than he was yesterday at the park. He smiled the whole way home."
"Yea, but I bet it's because he was holdin' you in his arms."
Kuki's eyes widened, but then she closed them and giggled. "No, silly!" She answered with a wave of her hand, "That was just because I hurt my leg jumping out of a swing."
Wallabee himself was wide-eyed. But then he regained composure. "So, after this," he asked, "Ya wanna watch a movie? I'll even let ya watch a Rainbow Monkey movie if you want."
"No thanks. What've ya got?"
"I don't know. We can look when we get home."
"Okay!"
He found himself wondering what it was he loved about her as he watched her blissfully make this exclamation. He had always hated girls, yet here was one he was almost positive he loved. Was it her joy, her honesty? Maybe even her outright girlishness? It didn't make sense, Wallabee thought, but then again it didn't need to.
He didn't know wether this was just more of her being "Fair" or not, but she had let Wally carry her to his home the same way Nigel had carried her to his yesterday, holding him lovingly. When they got inside, Wally admitted "Man... it took two years, but it was worth the wait."
"Two years?" Kuki questioned as Wally continued carrying her towards the sofa.
"Yea. That's how long I've had a crush on you."
And then she was wide-eyed. "You... for that long?!"
"Well, not quite, but almost." As he placed her down, she continued to stare at him, and then embraced him in one of the tightest hugs he's ever felt.
"Wally, that's so sweet!"
"Thank you." He hugged her back. "But I wish you loved me as much as I love you."
"Wally, you know I love you."
"More than Nigel?"
And then Kuki softened her grip, and let him go, looking away.
"So... you like Nigel more, huh? It's okay, I understand--"
"It's not that. I love you both. I... loving one more than the other is just as weird to me as thinking of you as a boyfriend. It's... also kinda scary in a way." She felt the sofa move as he sat down and put an arm around her. "I mean... if I say I love him more, how will you feel?"
"Well..." he had to be honest with himself: He had no idea. "I see what ya mean." He thought for a minute, and a thought came unbidden to his mind: If she says she loves me more, then how will Numbuh One feel? He did seem to really care about her... then he shook his head. "Anyway, we said we were gonna watch a movie. This romance stuff can wait 'til tomorrow anyway."
"Okay!" She affirmed with a happy nod as she watched Wallabee dig through the DVDs on the shelf... until finally, he found one. "Hey, you like musicals?"
"Sure. What's it called?"
"Grease. It's pretty cool. And it's a love story so I thought you might be into it."
"Affirmative!" She nodded as he put the disc in, and started the movie. Within minutes, the famous Grease theme song began, and Wallabee smiled as she got up and energetically danced to it. He, too, stood.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, offering his hand. She accepted it, and the two danced well into the night. When Kuki eventually fell asleep in his arms, Wally felt like the happiest ten year old boy alive.
Nigel, on the other hand, was miserable.
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Afterward
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For those wondering, the scenes added which were not there originally include the bumper cars scene (originally it cut to them leaving after Kuki's "I love you both!" comment) and also, the ending was different... instead of watching Grease, they watched Batman Returns and didn't dance. I added and modified these scenes so it would seem more like there was actual competition, and to help Kuki be more in-character.
Also, I added one (minor) change... I took away the "Tune in for Episode III" line, because I just can not decide what I want to name the last chapter. Originally it was "Return of the Numbuh" which referred to the Return of Wallabee to the treehouse, but that was just stupid.
Once more, please read and review, and thanks in advance.
First, thanks for the reviews. This is supposed to be a Nigel/Kuki story, but when you write a story that pairs Kuki with anyone but Wally, you also have to deal with the fact that Wally has a crush on her. The first chapter was mostly establishing the Nigel/Kuki romance to begin with, thus Wallabee got effectively nixed out for plot convenience. In this chapter I tried to balance things out. In fact, after my initial submitting of this chapter to fanfiction net, I actually revised some parts and updated it so that the Wally scenes seemed more natural and less like they were just thrown in there to get Wally back into the story. I hope they helped make it a better story for the rest of you as well.
Oh, and since I'm updating this to make minor corrections of the grammatical and consistency type, one of the reviews asked if this was a 1/3 fic. The answer is YES. I believe I made that quite clear in these forewards.
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Episode II: The Australian Strikes Back
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When Kuki woke up, it was in time to see her Nubian friend leaning over her with a coffee cup containing hot chocolate.
"You feelin' any better, child?" Abby asked as she offered her the coffee cup, which Kuki accepted and drank from. And then afterwards, she nodded. Then she mouthed out something, and realized that still no words came out of her mouth.
"Still in shock?"
Kuki, with a confused look, shook her head. Abby, too, was confused, but figured it was just another thing that would correct itself in time as she watched Kuki point towards the door. Abby took a moment to figure out what Kuki was trying to ask, and then said "Uhhh... Well, Wally's gone. He and Nigel got into a pillow fight last night, ya see, and... it's a long story, but in the end they decided the two had to be seperated so Numbuh Four's parents came and took him home."
Kuki nodded understanding, and finished the hot cocoa. When she was done, since she couldn't say "Thank you" she instead hugged Abby. This time the message was loud and clear.
"You're welcome." Abby hugged her back. "Numbuh One's been wantin' to visit ya all night now, but I told him to keep out."
Kuki then let go an got up, walking over to her closet which was beyond a dune of toys (just like everything else in Kuki Sanban's room). She dug through the closet, and found some clothing to wear, most predominantly a blue peasant dress similar to the one Belle wore in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Selecting this outfit, she carried it to another door beyond another dune of toys, which led to a bathroom. Abby had sat on her bed and watched her the whole time, and didn't really need to be told what was going on as she saw Kuki close the door and, moments later, heard water start running. Abby chose this moment to grab the coffee cup, get up, and leave.
"How is she?" Numbuh One asked as Abby stepped out of the room.
"Hard to say. She seems fine except she still has trouble talkin'."
"So she's still in shock?"
"I don't think so. She seemed pretty normal otherwise."
Numbuh One scatched his head. "I never knew that a confession could have such an effect on someone."
"Numbuh Three's a special case, man." Abby answered as her and Numbuh One went to the sofa. "As I said before, she didn't see it comin'. And almost no one gets two confessions at a time. Now add that in to the fact that she's a total innocent, with no jaded perspectives whatsoever, nd she took the full force of it. But on the upside though... I don't think she's upset."
"You don't?"
"Nah... I actually think she's the happiest girl in the world right now."
Moments later Kuki emerged from her room, her hair still wet from bathing, and wearing the peasant dress she had picked up. With a merry expression she flaunted the dress in front of Numbuh One, spinning so he could see from all sides.
"It looks very good on you." He told her with an honest smile before holding out his arms, an open invitation to sit on his lap which the young Asian took without hesitation. And he held her lovingly.
"I... checked the computer, and there are still no missions, so... I was wondering if you wanted to go out?" Numbuh One stated, and was delighted to recieve an accepting smile from his intended partner. She hugged him tightly, and kissed him on the cheeks--several times. And then finally she made one more kiss on his lips. He held her tighter as she did so, both soaking up all the emotion and excitement they could from this exchange of love.
And then, much to the joy of everyone, she exclaimed "Yay!"
Later, they were at the Carnival. Why? Because Kuki loved carnivals and Nigel was well aware of it. He admittedly had nothing against them himself, particularly on a slow day when absolutely nothing was happening... and especially not now that he was once again happy.
"So, what ride do you wanna go on first?" He asked her.
"Oooo.... The Ferris Wheel! Let's go on the Ferris Wheel!"
That was fine with him. Start slow... work up to the more interesting and exciting rides. So they rode on the wheel, Nigel holding Kuki the whole way as she, at the top, enjoyed the sight of the whole world around her. This was so much better than a swing set. He didn't like the way the seat rocked, but as long as he kept Numbuh Three safe and held on to the bar, everything was fine...
She was unworried as she looked around at all the things her and her new boyfriend could and should do together... everything from games to bumper cars to other rides. They even had a video arcade! Nigel noticed all this too, and wondered if his allowance would be enough to cover all this... but then again, if he ran low, Kuki would understand.
"That was fun!" She exclaimed as they got off the wheel. "Let's go on the teacups next!"
The teacups? The teacups always made Nigel sick... Then again, perhaps he could stomach them this time around. Somehow. And then an idea came to him. "All right," he said, "But first, let's go get a snack. There's a snowcone stand right over there." He pointed out as the two began walking.
"Okay!"
And as they approached, Nigel surveyed the menu. "What do you want?" he asked her.
"Lime."
"One Lime and One Strawberry, please." He ordered, putting money on the counter.
"Certainly!" Came a familiar voice of the man they were currently only seeing from behind. And when he turned around, they were shocked.
"Professor Triple-Extra-Large?" They both asked at once.
Professor XXXL looked at them, but soon recognition snapped in. "Oh, the Kids Next Door! So happy to see you! What brings you out here today?" He asked as he readied their snowcones.
"We're on a date," Kuki answered innocently and with a bit of a nervous giggle.
"Ahhh, a date huh?"
"Yes," Nigel was getting nervous. As much as he liked her, he was still a ten year old boy after all. "Did you ever make the perfect snowcone?"
"Well... I came close." He handed them their cones. "I've got the texture and the not-sinking to the bottom of the cone part right, but I can't seem to find the perfect flavor." He shrugged, "Still, I guess this will have to do until I can fund my research."
"I see." Nigel licked his cone. "Wow, this is good."
"Mine too," Kuki agreed.
"Fancy seein' you 'ere." Came a familiar Australian voice. "I'll 'ave an orange," he ordered, slapping money down on the counter. Wallabee turned his attention back to his friends.
"Numbuh Four, what brings you out here?"
"Well, my parents were worried that I was gettin' depressed so they brought me out 'ere to cheer me up. Oh, Numbuh Three, I got a present for ya." From behind his back, he pulled a bag of cotton candy.
Kuki gasped, and grabbed the bag, hugging it and saying "Thank you thank you!" Swiftly she opened it, and took a few bites.
"You look good in that dress," he complemented, and hid his embarrasssment as she answered by scruffling his hair.
"I see you haven't given up on her." Nigel pointed out. "But you're going to have to wait. We're already on a date, you see. In fact we were about to ride the teacups."
"The teacups? Don't make me laugh Numbuh One, you can't handle the teacups!"
"Of course I can! This snowcone will assure that!" He grabbed Numbuh Three's arm. "In fact, I'll prove it."
"I'm not done with my snowcone yet!" She complained.
"Oh, right." Nigel stopped. "All right, we'll finish these, and then we'll go on the teacups."
"You sure you wanna go on the teacups with him, Numbuh Three?" He asked. "After all, he throws up on the teacups."
Kuki then passed Nigel a skeptical look. "Really?"
"Today I won't, I promise! This snowcone is my insurance!" With that, he finished the snowcone.
"Maybe we should--" Kuki began to suggest as they walked to the teacups.
"No, we're riding the teacups," this decison Numbuh One made final as he and Numbuh Three (with Wallabee close behind) walked to the entrance and handed over a ticket. Wallabee handed over a ticket himself, and for a moment thought of sitting in the same cup as them, but instead took a cup all to himself--he didn't need to impose.
"Okay," Kuki started as her and Nigel sat down and readied themselves, "But if you throw up on me, you're dead meat."
And then the ride started, and the world zoomed past faster and faster and up and down and all around. Nigel could hear Kuki's screams of "Wheee!" as it picked up. Nigel watched, and was for a moment able to enjoy the world, for the snowcone had the intended effects of freezing him up just enough so his nerves wouldn't be...
By the end of the ride, he felt almost sure he was gonna be sick. But at least he wasn't gonna be sick on Numbuh Three!
"Wow, I'm surprised ya made it Numbuh One," Wallabee said as he came down. "I nevah felt sick once." Then Wallabee looked at Numbuh One again, and saw that the great bald leader was struggling to keep everything in, and he smirked. "It's okay Numbuh One, let it all out, make everyone else sick."
Numbuh One struggled with his insides, trying not to get sick... at least, not in public. But he was so dizzy... his nerves felt so wobbly... Suddenly, he had an idea! He made a mad dash back to the snowcone vendor, and quickly asked "Another strawberry, please?" paying cash.
"Certainly, Mister Uno!" the Professor replied, soon serving up the snowcone, which Nigel ate, fast!
And the cool helped his nerves steady. Suddenly he no longer felt sick. He heard Numbuhs Three and Four running up to him, Three asking "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... now that you're here," he added romantically as he grabbed her hand. She blushed and giggled in response.
"Eck," went Numbuh Four. "Romantic crud, how--" he stopped right there, realizing how he was reacting, and then turned it around, grabbing her other hand and said "How can you deliver such sorry lines to my Numbuh Three?"
"I thought it was romantic!" Kuki giggled.
And then Wallabee thought, and mustered up his resolve... and for him, this took a lot of resolve. "My dear sweet Numbuh Three..." He stopped and watched her reaction. She was blushing. "You're purer than the fallen snow," he added, feeling disgusted with himself as he wondered how people in the movies seemed able to deliver this crud so easily. "And... ummm.... uhhhhh.... the smell of your perfume is like the flowers in spring!"
He had thought that was a good one as he heard her laugh, and was surprised when Numbuh One started laughing too. Finally, however, Kuki explained "I'm not wearing perfume, silly!"
And now Numbuh Four did feel silly... and then he felt gooey as she held him in her arms. "Still though," she added, "That was really really sweet of you."
"Uhh, yes, I suppose so," Numbuh One cut in. Then he checked his watch. "Well, umm, if we're going to go on all these rides before sundown, we better get moving." With that, he tapped Numbuh Three's shoulder, and she let go of Wallabee. Then she and Nigel walked towards the game booths, holding hands.
"Oooo... Oh! Stuffed animals!" She ran over to a shooting gallery booth.
"Wanna take a shot, little lady?" the man behind the counter offered. "Hit three of these duckies and you win one of these stuffed cuties."
"Figures," came an Australian accent.
"Are you still stalking us?" Nigel asked.
"I ain't stalkin'."
"Well whatever. The fact is I could win one of these easily!" With that he offered up a requisite dollar and grabbed the offered crossbow. "I'll win you something good, Numbuh Three!" He stated with pride as he took his first shot. He hit.
"Banzai! Two more wins the fluff!"
He hit again. Finally, last shot...
"Congratulations! Here's your prize!" He offered, handing Nigel a stuffed panda.
"Here you go, Numbuh Three. It's for you."
She giggled and accepted the present with a loving hug.
"That's nothin'. I could win somethin' bettuh!" Wallabee sneered, paying his own dollar and taking his own three shots. Being in the Kids Next Door and thus being well-trained with toy guns, he had no problem hitting the required three duckies and winning his own prize, which was almost a stuffed panda bear as well, until he noticed something.
"Ummm, how 'bout that Rainbow Monkey over there?"
The man behind the counter seemed to consider it, but ultimately decided one stuffed toy was as good as another, and thus made the trade.
"Rainbow Monkey?!" Kuki exclaimed, dropping the stuffed panda (not noticing Nigel's hurt expression afterwards) as she grabbed the toy. "Oh yippee, Rainbow Monkey! Isn't it cute, Nigel?"
"Yes," he admitted defeatedly. just as he was about to pick up the panda, Numbuh Three scooped it up.
"These are both so cute! I love you guys!"
They both got smiles off of that one.
"Hmmmm, we seem to be pretty evenly skilled," commented Numbuh One as they continued on.
"Yep. You got a problem with that?" Wallabee challenged.
"Well... we have to decide a victor somehow. Wallabee, it looks like there's only one thing to do."
"Yea. We've gotta do It."
"It?"
"Yes, It... Bumper Cars!"
"You're on!"
"Yippee! I wanna ride in the Bumper Cars too!" Numbuh Three cheered.
"Negative Numbuh Three, we've got to do this and decide a winner, you've got to watch."
Numbuh Three blinked at him, and then with a defeated sigh agreed "Okay."
And so they got to the Bumper Cars and gave the man a ticket, except Numbuh Three who watched from the sidelines, not quite sure who to cheer for as Nigel and Wallabee chose their cars and got ready to bumper.
Within minutes, they were off and heading at each other like rams on wheels, and Numbuh One soon found himself feeling like a pinball as Wally's aggressive attacks came again and again, too much for him to keep track of. Soon, however, he got his bearings and began an effective counter-attack, knocking Wally into a wall, and almost attacked again, but some nameless carnival-goers blocked his shot. When they cleared away, Wallabee was already gone.
Then suddenly Nigel felt a jolt from behind, and turned. Wallabee was now ramming him into the wall! But fortunately Numbuh One managed to doge his next assault, but before he could take the upper hand, Wally was out of there.
"I'm not about to let you get away again!" Nigel exclaimed as he turned and gave chased through crowds of people, who upset his course. But suddenly, Wallabee turned and began barraging him with ram assaults, right into a crowd! Nigel saw his limited mobility, and felt for sure the game was lost.
But suddenly, a loud and chipper cry of "Wheeee!" was heard, and a green car carrying a young, peasant-dressed Asian and her two stuffed compadres came right at everyone, knocking everything into confusion.
"Sorry guys," Kuki apologized, "I know you said to stay out, but... it just looked like so much fun!"
And both the boys gave defeated, yet somehow pleased sighs.
Finally, it was time to go. As they left the gate, Kuki was carrying a ton of toys the boys had won for her throughout the trip. "Thank you guys! That was so much fun!" She exclaimed. "Let's do that again sometime!"
"Maybe next month," Nigel offered, "When I get a new allowance."
"I might have to pass on that one," Wally stated. "Anyway, I've gotta get home, take care of Defty."
"Defty?" Kuki and Nigel questioned at the same time.
"Yea. She's a kitten we discovered yesterday aftah we got home. She was 'urt so we took 'er in and I've been taken care of 'er."
"You have a kitten?!" Kuki exclaimed, throwing all the toys up in the air in a moment of glee. "I wanna see it I wanna see it!"
Wallabee looked as if he was about to refuse, but suddenly a smile formed on his face. "Sure, come on." With that, he grabbed her arm and led her down the sidewalk in the direction of his arms. "See ya, Nigel!"
"Bye guys," he waved until they were out of sight. Truth be told, all had happened so fast he hadn't been able to object when Kuki wanted to see the kitten. He didn't notice when stuffed animals began raining down around him either. It didn't bother him that soon, he was buried in them.
But... he had been looking foreward to walking home with Numbuh Three, with looking up at his friends and saying it had been a good first date, on letting everyone know how happy they were together. But what would they think if he told them she had left him to go see some kitten with Wallabee?
Numbuh One mustered up his courage, and finally began collecting all the stuffed animals.
"Oooooh, it's so cute!" Numbuh Three petted the kitty, a cute little black and white thing with a spot on it's nose. "Hi Defty, I'm Numbuh Three!" She said in a cutesy tone of voice, only to get a high-pitched meow in return.
"Yea, it's a cute li'l runt, but don't touch it's leg." Wally obviously meant the one with the bandage. "The poor thing limps when it walks, so we keep it inside this little pen we rigged up for it."
"Awww, it's so cute!" Numbuh Three repeated.
"So... how was your date with Numbuh One? Before I came along, that is?"
She looked at him, and said "Oh, we just went on the Ferris Wheel. He held my hand the whole way up." She giggled at the memory. Then, she became more serious, "You know... as much as I always talk about wanting a boyfriend...." She hesitated as she thought about her next words. "I... I never thought of you guys that way."
Wallabee didn't know what to say about that, except to ask "Well.. what about now?"
Kuki looked down, and walked over to a sofa to think. "Well... it's still kinda weird, thinking about you guys as my boyfriends." She sat down, and supported her head on her arms. "You know, I feel bad about walking out on Nigel like that."
"So do I, really, for buttin' in." He sat down next to her. "Truth is... I was kinda jealous when I got sent 'ome yesterday, and realized that it means you and Numbuh One would be together without me to interfere." He looked at her, "Ummm... did you guys do anything? Besides goin' out, I mean?"
"We kissed."
"Kissed?!" And he hung his head in defeat. "So... you love 'im, then."
And then Kuki saw the disappointed look on Wally's face, and thought about what to say. Well, yes, she did love Nigel. She even loved him romantically, weird as she thought it was, having known him for two years without once thinking of him as a boyfriend. But she had kissed him, lip-to-lip. There was no backing down now... but... Wallabee looked so miserable, so disappointed. Kuki finally decided that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't hurt to give Wally a chance.
Wally was surprised when one of her arms came around him and pulled him closer. And, just before he could ask, she kissed him right on the lips. At first he resisted... but then the thought that this was the woman of his dreams kissing him made him relax, and he enjoyed it, savoring every moment.
As she pulled away, Numbuh Three had another thought. "I... need to call my mom real quick."
"Sure, go right ahead."
And with that, Numbuh Three went over to the phone, picked up the reciever and began to dial a number. She stood in silence for a moment, and then said "Hi Mom, hey, I'm gonna be staying at Wallabee's house tonight, is that okay? Okay! Thank you!" And with that, she hung up.
Wallabee had been surprised at hearing that, and as he watched her sit back down, he said to her "You coulda gone back to the treehouse!"
"Yea... but I wanted to be fair. Nigel's had me to himself, you haven't. Besides... I wanna get to know you both better as boyfriends."
"Oh, wait!" Wallabee exclaimed, "I just realized somethin'. I'm gonna go in there and talk to Numbuh One. I'll be right back." And with that, he got up and left to a nearby hallway, far enough down so that Numbuh Three couldn't hear, and he tapped a device in his ear.
"Numbuh One speaking," replied a British accent.
"Yo, Numbuh One. Just callin' in to tell ya that Kuki's spendin' the night with me tonight."
"She's what?!"
"Yea. She said she wanted to be fair with me since you had her all to yourself last night."
"But--"
"Looks like I may win this competition after all, Numbuh One. I think she's got some feelin's for me. She's even kissed me!" He waited for a response. "Numbuh One? You okay man?" Still no response. "Well, okay. See ya." And with that, he deactivated his communicator. Then he jumped for joy, giddy with excitement at the thought of having Numbuh Three to himself, if only for one night. She may love Nigel now, but come tomorrow...
"So, whaddya wanna do tonight?" Asked Wally as he came out of the hallway.
"Well... we just got in, so..."
"We could still go out for a bite to eat. You like Dairy Queen?"
Kuki smiled at the offer. "Dairy Queen! Yay!"
And so, moments later they were eating burgers and fries. But this was Dairy Queen, and Dairy Queen is known for their creamy soft-serve, not their burgers and fries (though those are good too). And thus, the two youngsters had their share of flurries and sundaes.
"I hope Numbuh One's having as much fun as we're having!" Numbuh Three stated.
"Eh, knowing Numbuh One, he's probably off finding new ways to defend the treehouse from The Toilenator. He's havin' a great time." He looked up... and caught a sad and uncertain look in Kuki's face. "What's wrong? I'm sure 'e loves ya, but probably not as much as I do."
"It's not that," Kuki informed. "Numbuh One's probably bored right now, working on all those machines and stuff."
"You kiddin'? Numbuh One enjoys it!"
"No he doesn't. He told me so himself."
And then Wallabee looked at her with interest. "You serious?"
"Yea. He told me he thought being in the Kids Next Door means he couldn't have any fun." She took a bite of her sundae. "Actually," she said after swallowing, "I don't think he's ever been happier than he was yesterday at the park. He smiled the whole way home."
"Yea, but I bet it's because he was holdin' you in his arms."
Kuki's eyes widened, but then she closed them and giggled. "No, silly!" She answered with a wave of her hand, "That was just because I hurt my leg jumping out of a swing."
Wallabee himself was wide-eyed. But then he regained composure. "So, after this," he asked, "Ya wanna watch a movie? I'll even let ya watch a Rainbow Monkey movie if you want."
"No thanks. What've ya got?"
"I don't know. We can look when we get home."
"Okay!"
He found himself wondering what it was he loved about her as he watched her blissfully make this exclamation. He had always hated girls, yet here was one he was almost positive he loved. Was it her joy, her honesty? Maybe even her outright girlishness? It didn't make sense, Wallabee thought, but then again it didn't need to.
He didn't know wether this was just more of her being "Fair" or not, but she had let Wally carry her to his home the same way Nigel had carried her to his yesterday, holding him lovingly. When they got inside, Wally admitted "Man... it took two years, but it was worth the wait."
"Two years?" Kuki questioned as Wally continued carrying her towards the sofa.
"Yea. That's how long I've had a crush on you."
And then she was wide-eyed. "You... for that long?!"
"Well, not quite, but almost." As he placed her down, she continued to stare at him, and then embraced him in one of the tightest hugs he's ever felt.
"Wally, that's so sweet!"
"Thank you." He hugged her back. "But I wish you loved me as much as I love you."
"Wally, you know I love you."
"More than Nigel?"
And then Kuki softened her grip, and let him go, looking away.
"So... you like Nigel more, huh? It's okay, I understand--"
"It's not that. I love you both. I... loving one more than the other is just as weird to me as thinking of you as a boyfriend. It's... also kinda scary in a way." She felt the sofa move as he sat down and put an arm around her. "I mean... if I say I love him more, how will you feel?"
"Well..." he had to be honest with himself: He had no idea. "I see what ya mean." He thought for a minute, and a thought came unbidden to his mind: If she says she loves me more, then how will Numbuh One feel? He did seem to really care about her... then he shook his head. "Anyway, we said we were gonna watch a movie. This romance stuff can wait 'til tomorrow anyway."
"Okay!" She affirmed with a happy nod as she watched Wallabee dig through the DVDs on the shelf... until finally, he found one. "Hey, you like musicals?"
"Sure. What's it called?"
"Grease. It's pretty cool. And it's a love story so I thought you might be into it."
"Affirmative!" She nodded as he put the disc in, and started the movie. Within minutes, the famous Grease theme song began, and Wallabee smiled as she got up and energetically danced to it. He, too, stood.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, offering his hand. She accepted it, and the two danced well into the night. When Kuki eventually fell asleep in his arms, Wally felt like the happiest ten year old boy alive.
Nigel, on the other hand, was miserable.
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Afterward
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For those wondering, the scenes added which were not there originally include the bumper cars scene (originally it cut to them leaving after Kuki's "I love you both!" comment) and also, the ending was different... instead of watching Grease, they watched Batman Returns and didn't dance. I added and modified these scenes so it would seem more like there was actual competition, and to help Kuki be more in-character.
Also, I added one (minor) change... I took away the "Tune in for Episode III" line, because I just can not decide what I want to name the last chapter. Originally it was "Return of the Numbuh" which referred to the Return of Wallabee to the treehouse, but that was just stupid.
Once more, please read and review, and thanks in advance.