Foreward
Here it is, the third and final chapter. Sorry it took a few days to get up, guys, but you see I wanted to make sure it was a GOOD story before posting it. This entire chapter was hard to write, because at times it threatened to become an angsty story, and I DID NOT want to write an angsty story. I also had to make many corrections just to keep everyone in-character (no offense to anyone, but I wish others here would do that instead of just putting notes saying "Warning, the characters are OOC in this story" as if that somehow excused careless writing).
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Episode III: Return of the Asian
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The next day Kuki Sanban woke up, happy and care-free as ever, until she saw she had, in fact, fallen asleep in Wally's arms, at which point she blushed. She looked at the clock, seven thirty. She usually woke up and drank some milk (chocolate or otherwise) first thing. She wondered if Wallabee had any. A look through his refridgerator showed that he did not, but he had some sports drinks and soda. She decided to take one of the sodas as she watched some of her morning cartoons.
Soon Numbuh Four woke up, and saw what she was watching. At first he attributed what he was seeing to a waking dream, but then he looked again. "You watch Transformers: Armada?"
"Of course! I love Transformers!"
Man, this girl is amazin', Wally thought to himself, here I thought the only thing she watched was that baby show network. And with that, he watched the episode as he proceeded to put his arm around her... and her giggle told him he had been caught. But that didn't mean he had to take back his arm, he knew. "Yo, Kuki," he asked, "How long were you plannin' on stayin'?"
"I dunno. Why?"
"Because I was hopin' I could talk you into spendin' another night." At that he watched her blush and giggle.
"You men are so romantic!" She exclaimed.
"That's what I'm good at."
"I wonder if you're allowed back at the treehouse now?" Kuki questioned. "Think I should call them?"
"When the show is over." Wallabee answered.
And when she show was over, she made the call. Nigel's parents had since relented--the pillows were not that expensive and were easily replaced (they had even bought a few extras meant just for pillow-fighting) so, all in all, Wallabee was allowed to return.
"Great!" Kuki said as soon as she hung up the phone. Turning to Wallabee, she delivered the good news. "Anyway... they probably need me to clean the house or take care of the hamsters or something."
"I understand."
"So... wanna go with me?" She asked, extending her hand.
Numbuh One was cleaning. This morning, he hadn't assigned tasks or duties to anyone. In fact, quite the opposite... he had said he would take care of all the essentials while everyone else took the day off. "What was the point?" He had argued, "Two of our operatives are gone anyway and the rest of you deserve a break."
Abby and Hoagie personally were becoming concerned about Numbuh One, especially since the first thing he had done was feed the hamsters--which Numbuh Three had forgotten to do yesterday (which, he felt, was actually his fault). Nigel was beginning to wonder if a hamster-powered generator was even such a good idea. After all, Nigel had been surprised the furry little things had even made it out alive with the Delightful Children destroyed the treehouse... or if any of them had died, Numbuh Three had not seen them. That was another thing, forcing Numbuh Three to take care of all these hamsters was working her too hard...
What am I thinking?! Numbuh One suddenly realized. Was he still worried about Numbuh Three, after the way she had betrayed him in public yesterday, walking off with Wallabee just because he had a stupid cat? Bah! He should be glad she's having to work so hard. She deserves it for taking out and stomping on his heart like...
That wasn't what happened, Nigel suddenly realized. But he wondered why he was even thinking about it. With double the resolve, he finished this duty, then began cleaning.
It was as he was sweeping the kitchen that there was a knock at the door. He heard someone answer it, and then came an all-too-familiar sound.
"Hiiiiiii!"
Hearing that, Numbuh One almost, almost dropped the broom and ran to meet her, but he changed his mind when he heard another voice, an all-too-familiar Australian, saying "Hey guys, what's up?"
Numbuh One proceeded to pretend he didn't hear any more. They weren't there. Even if they were, it was not important... he was too busy sweeping. Yes, sweeping. Got to get back to work. Ignore those blasted emotions, they only lead to more misery.
This lasted until he felt a hand on his shoulder, and heard the joyful voice saying "Hi Numbuh One!"
He turned, and looked at her. There she was, standing there, arms behind her back, eyes closed, and mouth in a smile as if nothing had ever happened. He proceeded to promptly ignore her and resume sweeping, which she noticed.
"Is something wrong?" she asked with concern, but still he did not answer. "Numbuh One?"
"Go away! Can't you see I'm trying to work here?!"
"Puh. Geeze!" Went Wally's voice. "Come on Numbuh Three, we can spend time at my place until 'e cools down."
"No."
When Nigel heard her refuse the invitation, he turned his head towards her. She, however, was turned towards Wallabee, who seemed surprised at her answer, as he made clear by asking "W... why not?"
"Because Numbuh One is upset!" Numbuh Three answered.
"Yea... so?!"
"Numbuh One needs a friend when he's upset, and no one understands him better than I do!" With that, she grabbed Nigel's arm. "He needs me right now."
And then something in Nigel's mind clicked. What had just happened? He had been upset, yes, but... he had been upset at her, the girl who now wanted to stay by his side. But what about yesterday? Yes, that had been annoying, especially having to carry all her toys... But... then again, maybe Wallabee's story about the kitten wasn't made up like he had made himself believe.
"Actually, Numbuh Three," Nigel informed her, "Don't take this the wrong way, but... you're the reason I'm upset."
And then Numbuh Three turned, and stared at him with the most confused and innocent eyes he had ever seen on her. "Me? What did I do?"
How was he going to answer this? What did she do, in fact? Being lured off by tale of a kitten wasn't exactly her fault. "It... it was nothing. I'm fine now."
"Come on, tell me!" She pleaded.
He sighed, seeing this was going to be difficult. "Well... it was yesterday. You walked off with Wally without even telling me goodbye."
"Oh!" At that, she apologetically hugged him. "I'm sorry."
And with that, he put an arm around her, and patted her back.. and something else came to his mind. "Actually Numbuh Three, there's something else." he watched her look up at him. "When Wallabee contacted me yesterday, he told me you kissed him."
And this time, she just blinked, confused. "Yea... but what's so bad about that?"
And this answer totally took both the boys by surprise, as they both asked "What?!"
"Well. I kissed you, so I thought if I kissed him too, it would be fair."
And Numbuh One stood silent then and there, and just looked at her with the same confusion which she had been directing at him this whole time, until finally it all made sense, and he laughed, holding her tightly as he did so.
"What? What's so funny?"
"Nothing. I just feel really silly about it now."
"Gee, that's a first." He heard Abby smirkingly comment from somewhere beside him. Obviously she had slithered up in the mist of the excitement.
"What? Why do you feel silly?" Kuki continued to ask with pure, innocent confusion.
"Because I thought... you wanted him as your boyfriend instead of me." He continued to laugh as he picked her up (she enjoyed it) and carried her to the main room, Wallabee right beside, looking displeased with this turn of events.
Up until Kuki said "Silly... you're both my boyfriends!"
And Nigel stopped in his tracks. Kuki once more began to wonder what was wrong as he put her feet back on the ground and said to her "Ummm, Numbuh Three... that's not the way it works." He watched her blink, and seeing that she had not understood explained "You can't have two boyfriends."
And then she began to pout. "Why not?"
"That's just the rules of a relationship, child." Answered Numbuh Five. "Ya can't be romantically involved with more than one boy. You can be friends with more than one, but it isn't the same thing."
And then Kuki looked at, then walked towards, Abigail. "So... I have to choose?"
"Yep."
And then Kuki hesitated before asking "Why can't I have two?"
"Kuki, you read the same magazines I do. Don't you ever read about what happens when a girl tries to have two guys at once?"
"Yea... but Nigel and Wally are friends! They won't mind!"
"Not at first, anyway."
And then, somehow, Kuki understood. Not in a logical sense, because she still didn't see why she couldn't at least try to make it work that way. But something inside her head just said it can not be done. And this thing inside her head had been right before.
Kuki sighed defeatedly as her eyes began to water. "But... choosing is so hard! Numbuh One needs me... but Numbuh Four has loved me longer... Abby, who do you think I should pick?"
"Uh-uh girl," was Abby's answer. "I ain't pickin' your boyfriend for you. You gotta do this yo'self!"
And then, Kuki looked down, turning to the two boys. She looked up at them, looking into their eyes, changing her glance. The indecision was plain as if someone had written a sign on her face. She came to the two boys, and hugged them both.
"Guys, I can't do it! You both need me so much... Nigel'll get upset and work himself to death if... and Wally will get upset and... well he'll get upset..."
Wally looked at her, felt her touch, yet at the same time he saw the anguish on her face as he heard Numbuh One say "That's okay, Numbuh Three... there's no pressure. You can choose tomorrow."
Wallabee sympathized with her as she looked onward with indecision and said "It'll be just as hard tomorrow." She rubbed a lone tear from her eye. "Maybe I just shouldn't choose anyone."
"Kuki," Nigel hugged her. "Kuki... I wasn't really ever happy until just two days ago, when you opened my eyes to what all I was missing. But... look, don't cry. Take your time. It won't be just as hard tomorrow... maybe it'll be easier. And you're right... you don't have to choose anyone... we can still just be friends." Even though he said this, both Wally and Kuki could hear the disappointment in his voice. Wallabee began to think...
Then, slowly, Wallabee gave Kuki a hug which he thought would be his last. Then, he grabbed one of Nigel's hands and one of Kuki's, and put them both together, saying "Good luck, you two."
And they stared at him as he walked away towards his room, Kuki having absolutely no idea what was going on. Nigel, however, asked "Wallabee... You're giving up?"
"Yea. Take good care of her, Numbuh One." No one saw the tear fall from his eye as he walked away, into the lonesome confines of his room.
And Kuki stood totally confused in Nigel's arms. Slowly she turned her head towards Nigel, looking up at him for an answer. But Nigel, his eyes elsewhere, didn't see her look until she tugged on his sleeves. He held her tightly, explaining "Numbuh Three... Wallabee just gave you up to me."
"He... didn't want me anymore?"
"Essentially."
He noticed the silence following his response, and softened his grip to look at her, and her expression seemed to be emotionally pained.
"So... he doesn't like me anymore?"
"Numbuh Three, that's not it at all..." With that, he walked Kuki over to the sofa, where they sat side by side.
"But... if he likes me then why...?"
And here Numbuh Five interjected. "Remember when Numbuh Five said no one could make that decision for you?... Well, Numbuh Five was wrong, 'cuz Numbuh Four just did."
And upon realizing that, Numbuh Three smiled. "Awww, that was so sweet of him!" She jumped up, and went to his room.
"Wait!" Nigel called, "Where are you going?"
"To say thanks!"
And at that, Numbuh One had no further questions as he watched her go into Wallabee's room, a half-smile across his face.
Wallabee was right in front of her, on his bed, with his back to the door and, thus, to her. And he was surprised when she hugged him from behind.
"Get offa me!" He commanded. "Go ta Numbuh One!"
"Thank you, Wally." She said softly as she felt him become less tense. She hugged him for a few more seconds, and then let him go and began to leave.
"'Ey Numbuh Three." Wally asked, "Who... who would you 'ave chosen if I 'adn't done that?"
And then Numbuh Three stopped, and thought. It was much easier to think about it, now that the choice had already been made. She had an answer, but she wasn't sure she wanted to say it to Wallabee. But, she soon found out that her hesitation itself had been a dead givaway.
"You woulda chosen Numbuh One anyway, right?"
And then she sighed. She had been found out. "Yep." she admitted.
"Okay. That's all I wanted to know."
The two exchanged no further words as she went back out into the main room. She saw Nigel standing there with concern, but she smiled at him, letting him know that nothing was wrong. And then she approached his open arms... only to smack one and declare "Tag, you're it!"
"Why you little...!" Numbuh One declared as he began chasing after the playful, happy girl, albeit with his own newfound zest for living. Wether he caught her or not (and what they decided to do afterwards) is a mystery that lingers to this day.
Later, at around midnight, Wallabee went to the kitchen for a midnight snack. He walked quietly as not to disturb those who may be sleeping... including Numbuh One and Numbuh Three, who were on the sofa, leaning on each other as they snored.
Good riddance, Wally thought, having gotten over his heartbreak. Maybe she'll stop pesterin' me now.
He continued silently to the kitchen, where he was surprised to see the light was already on. He poked his head in to see who was there. It was Numbuh Five, eating an apple and reading a magazine. Knowing this, he saw no further reason to be stealthy, so he just walked over to the fridge and opened it.
"Yo, Numbuh Four," greeted Abby, "What's up?"
"Just gettin' a snack is all." He grabbed some food, put it in a microwave, and proceeded to sit in a chair right next to Numbuh Five, pouring himself a drink.
"Feelin' any better?"
"I wasn't sick."
"Somethin' musta been wrong. You stayed in your room practically all day!"
"Yea... to tell ya the truth, I thought it would be easier if I gave up Kuki, but..."
"I understand, man."
"Thanks. But I'm ovuh it now. When it all came down to it, I began to realize that she wasn't really any different then all those othuh little girls I hate. Man... there's not a girl I know who isn't a Rainbow Monkey-obsessed little ditz."
"Hey!" Numbuh Five glared at him. He looked back, surprised at the outburst, and then smiled.
"Well... you're kinda cute."
She blinked. And then put a finger to his lips, saying "Don't even start that. Numbuh Five doesn't do romance!"
"Ya sure?" He asked with a smirk.
"Positive!"
"Heh." This was new... him getting Numbuh Five worked up about something for a change! He considered this payback for every time she had ever teased him as he put an arm around her.
"That's it, I'm goin'," she stood, but soon saw it wasn't gonna be that easy as he gave chase.
And so the antics continued well into the night, waking the others up and causing them to have to go back to their own rooms. The next day was yet another no missions day, but today, no one was complaining.
The End.
A special dedication to all the folks who believed I could do it, and a few who thought it would never work.
Love Wars was begun on Friday, March 12, 2004 and was completed on Friday, March 19, 2004.
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Afterward
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Well, this story was a break for me, and for nearly everyone. When I started it, I had no idea where I was going to go with it, save that I wanted it to be my definitive Nigel/Kuki story. For awhile, I considered doing it as an outright comedy, but I decided against that because it would give less credence to the romance elements.
However, I did the next best thing... one thing I've always wanted to do ever since I got into KND Fanfiction was write a story where they're just kids, being kids. This is something I'm almost positive has never been done, because the KND Fandom is crowded with angst authors (including myself, who'se written at least two stories where Kuki becomes suicidally depressed and in one of them it was a major issue). For once I just wanted a lighthearted, happy story which wasn't crowded with angst or personal problems (at least, not any that are more serious than what a ten-year-old would normally be afflicted with). Love Wars gave me a chance to do that as well as advance my favorite couple, which is Nigel/Kuki. The ending, with Wallabee giving up on her, was one I thought of mostly because I didn't want Wally to end up as a villain. I also thought that Wallabee fans might like this--him mustering his courage up and deciding to let her go instead of simply being voted out of the competition.
Whatever the case, I hope this story turns most of you to the Nigel/Kuki side.
Peace.
Here it is, the third and final chapter. Sorry it took a few days to get up, guys, but you see I wanted to make sure it was a GOOD story before posting it. This entire chapter was hard to write, because at times it threatened to become an angsty story, and I DID NOT want to write an angsty story. I also had to make many corrections just to keep everyone in-character (no offense to anyone, but I wish others here would do that instead of just putting notes saying "Warning, the characters are OOC in this story" as if that somehow excused careless writing).
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Episode III: Return of the Asian
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The next day Kuki Sanban woke up, happy and care-free as ever, until she saw she had, in fact, fallen asleep in Wally's arms, at which point she blushed. She looked at the clock, seven thirty. She usually woke up and drank some milk (chocolate or otherwise) first thing. She wondered if Wallabee had any. A look through his refridgerator showed that he did not, but he had some sports drinks and soda. She decided to take one of the sodas as she watched some of her morning cartoons.
Soon Numbuh Four woke up, and saw what she was watching. At first he attributed what he was seeing to a waking dream, but then he looked again. "You watch Transformers: Armada?"
"Of course! I love Transformers!"
Man, this girl is amazin', Wally thought to himself, here I thought the only thing she watched was that baby show network. And with that, he watched the episode as he proceeded to put his arm around her... and her giggle told him he had been caught. But that didn't mean he had to take back his arm, he knew. "Yo, Kuki," he asked, "How long were you plannin' on stayin'?"
"I dunno. Why?"
"Because I was hopin' I could talk you into spendin' another night." At that he watched her blush and giggle.
"You men are so romantic!" She exclaimed.
"That's what I'm good at."
"I wonder if you're allowed back at the treehouse now?" Kuki questioned. "Think I should call them?"
"When the show is over." Wallabee answered.
And when she show was over, she made the call. Nigel's parents had since relented--the pillows were not that expensive and were easily replaced (they had even bought a few extras meant just for pillow-fighting) so, all in all, Wallabee was allowed to return.
"Great!" Kuki said as soon as she hung up the phone. Turning to Wallabee, she delivered the good news. "Anyway... they probably need me to clean the house or take care of the hamsters or something."
"I understand."
"So... wanna go with me?" She asked, extending her hand.
Numbuh One was cleaning. This morning, he hadn't assigned tasks or duties to anyone. In fact, quite the opposite... he had said he would take care of all the essentials while everyone else took the day off. "What was the point?" He had argued, "Two of our operatives are gone anyway and the rest of you deserve a break."
Abby and Hoagie personally were becoming concerned about Numbuh One, especially since the first thing he had done was feed the hamsters--which Numbuh Three had forgotten to do yesterday (which, he felt, was actually his fault). Nigel was beginning to wonder if a hamster-powered generator was even such a good idea. After all, Nigel had been surprised the furry little things had even made it out alive with the Delightful Children destroyed the treehouse... or if any of them had died, Numbuh Three had not seen them. That was another thing, forcing Numbuh Three to take care of all these hamsters was working her too hard...
What am I thinking?! Numbuh One suddenly realized. Was he still worried about Numbuh Three, after the way she had betrayed him in public yesterday, walking off with Wallabee just because he had a stupid cat? Bah! He should be glad she's having to work so hard. She deserves it for taking out and stomping on his heart like...
That wasn't what happened, Nigel suddenly realized. But he wondered why he was even thinking about it. With double the resolve, he finished this duty, then began cleaning.
It was as he was sweeping the kitchen that there was a knock at the door. He heard someone answer it, and then came an all-too-familiar sound.
"Hiiiiiii!"
Hearing that, Numbuh One almost, almost dropped the broom and ran to meet her, but he changed his mind when he heard another voice, an all-too-familiar Australian, saying "Hey guys, what's up?"
Numbuh One proceeded to pretend he didn't hear any more. They weren't there. Even if they were, it was not important... he was too busy sweeping. Yes, sweeping. Got to get back to work. Ignore those blasted emotions, they only lead to more misery.
This lasted until he felt a hand on his shoulder, and heard the joyful voice saying "Hi Numbuh One!"
He turned, and looked at her. There she was, standing there, arms behind her back, eyes closed, and mouth in a smile as if nothing had ever happened. He proceeded to promptly ignore her and resume sweeping, which she noticed.
"Is something wrong?" she asked with concern, but still he did not answer. "Numbuh One?"
"Go away! Can't you see I'm trying to work here?!"
"Puh. Geeze!" Went Wally's voice. "Come on Numbuh Three, we can spend time at my place until 'e cools down."
"No."
When Nigel heard her refuse the invitation, he turned his head towards her. She, however, was turned towards Wallabee, who seemed surprised at her answer, as he made clear by asking "W... why not?"
"Because Numbuh One is upset!" Numbuh Three answered.
"Yea... so?!"
"Numbuh One needs a friend when he's upset, and no one understands him better than I do!" With that, she grabbed Nigel's arm. "He needs me right now."
And then something in Nigel's mind clicked. What had just happened? He had been upset, yes, but... he had been upset at her, the girl who now wanted to stay by his side. But what about yesterday? Yes, that had been annoying, especially having to carry all her toys... But... then again, maybe Wallabee's story about the kitten wasn't made up like he had made himself believe.
"Actually, Numbuh Three," Nigel informed her, "Don't take this the wrong way, but... you're the reason I'm upset."
And then Numbuh Three turned, and stared at him with the most confused and innocent eyes he had ever seen on her. "Me? What did I do?"
How was he going to answer this? What did she do, in fact? Being lured off by tale of a kitten wasn't exactly her fault. "It... it was nothing. I'm fine now."
"Come on, tell me!" She pleaded.
He sighed, seeing this was going to be difficult. "Well... it was yesterday. You walked off with Wally without even telling me goodbye."
"Oh!" At that, she apologetically hugged him. "I'm sorry."
And with that, he put an arm around her, and patted her back.. and something else came to his mind. "Actually Numbuh Three, there's something else." he watched her look up at him. "When Wallabee contacted me yesterday, he told me you kissed him."
And this time, she just blinked, confused. "Yea... but what's so bad about that?"
And this answer totally took both the boys by surprise, as they both asked "What?!"
"Well. I kissed you, so I thought if I kissed him too, it would be fair."
And Numbuh One stood silent then and there, and just looked at her with the same confusion which she had been directing at him this whole time, until finally it all made sense, and he laughed, holding her tightly as he did so.
"What? What's so funny?"
"Nothing. I just feel really silly about it now."
"Gee, that's a first." He heard Abby smirkingly comment from somewhere beside him. Obviously she had slithered up in the mist of the excitement.
"What? Why do you feel silly?" Kuki continued to ask with pure, innocent confusion.
"Because I thought... you wanted him as your boyfriend instead of me." He continued to laugh as he picked her up (she enjoyed it) and carried her to the main room, Wallabee right beside, looking displeased with this turn of events.
Up until Kuki said "Silly... you're both my boyfriends!"
And Nigel stopped in his tracks. Kuki once more began to wonder what was wrong as he put her feet back on the ground and said to her "Ummm, Numbuh Three... that's not the way it works." He watched her blink, and seeing that she had not understood explained "You can't have two boyfriends."
And then she began to pout. "Why not?"
"That's just the rules of a relationship, child." Answered Numbuh Five. "Ya can't be romantically involved with more than one boy. You can be friends with more than one, but it isn't the same thing."
And then Kuki looked at, then walked towards, Abigail. "So... I have to choose?"
"Yep."
And then Kuki hesitated before asking "Why can't I have two?"
"Kuki, you read the same magazines I do. Don't you ever read about what happens when a girl tries to have two guys at once?"
"Yea... but Nigel and Wally are friends! They won't mind!"
"Not at first, anyway."
And then, somehow, Kuki understood. Not in a logical sense, because she still didn't see why she couldn't at least try to make it work that way. But something inside her head just said it can not be done. And this thing inside her head had been right before.
Kuki sighed defeatedly as her eyes began to water. "But... choosing is so hard! Numbuh One needs me... but Numbuh Four has loved me longer... Abby, who do you think I should pick?"
"Uh-uh girl," was Abby's answer. "I ain't pickin' your boyfriend for you. You gotta do this yo'self!"
And then, Kuki looked down, turning to the two boys. She looked up at them, looking into their eyes, changing her glance. The indecision was plain as if someone had written a sign on her face. She came to the two boys, and hugged them both.
"Guys, I can't do it! You both need me so much... Nigel'll get upset and work himself to death if... and Wally will get upset and... well he'll get upset..."
Wally looked at her, felt her touch, yet at the same time he saw the anguish on her face as he heard Numbuh One say "That's okay, Numbuh Three... there's no pressure. You can choose tomorrow."
Wallabee sympathized with her as she looked onward with indecision and said "It'll be just as hard tomorrow." She rubbed a lone tear from her eye. "Maybe I just shouldn't choose anyone."
"Kuki," Nigel hugged her. "Kuki... I wasn't really ever happy until just two days ago, when you opened my eyes to what all I was missing. But... look, don't cry. Take your time. It won't be just as hard tomorrow... maybe it'll be easier. And you're right... you don't have to choose anyone... we can still just be friends." Even though he said this, both Wally and Kuki could hear the disappointment in his voice. Wallabee began to think...
Then, slowly, Wallabee gave Kuki a hug which he thought would be his last. Then, he grabbed one of Nigel's hands and one of Kuki's, and put them both together, saying "Good luck, you two."
And they stared at him as he walked away towards his room, Kuki having absolutely no idea what was going on. Nigel, however, asked "Wallabee... You're giving up?"
"Yea. Take good care of her, Numbuh One." No one saw the tear fall from his eye as he walked away, into the lonesome confines of his room.
And Kuki stood totally confused in Nigel's arms. Slowly she turned her head towards Nigel, looking up at him for an answer. But Nigel, his eyes elsewhere, didn't see her look until she tugged on his sleeves. He held her tightly, explaining "Numbuh Three... Wallabee just gave you up to me."
"He... didn't want me anymore?"
"Essentially."
He noticed the silence following his response, and softened his grip to look at her, and her expression seemed to be emotionally pained.
"So... he doesn't like me anymore?"
"Numbuh Three, that's not it at all..." With that, he walked Kuki over to the sofa, where they sat side by side.
"But... if he likes me then why...?"
And here Numbuh Five interjected. "Remember when Numbuh Five said no one could make that decision for you?... Well, Numbuh Five was wrong, 'cuz Numbuh Four just did."
And upon realizing that, Numbuh Three smiled. "Awww, that was so sweet of him!" She jumped up, and went to his room.
"Wait!" Nigel called, "Where are you going?"
"To say thanks!"
And at that, Numbuh One had no further questions as he watched her go into Wallabee's room, a half-smile across his face.
Wallabee was right in front of her, on his bed, with his back to the door and, thus, to her. And he was surprised when she hugged him from behind.
"Get offa me!" He commanded. "Go ta Numbuh One!"
"Thank you, Wally." She said softly as she felt him become less tense. She hugged him for a few more seconds, and then let him go and began to leave.
"'Ey Numbuh Three." Wally asked, "Who... who would you 'ave chosen if I 'adn't done that?"
And then Numbuh Three stopped, and thought. It was much easier to think about it, now that the choice had already been made. She had an answer, but she wasn't sure she wanted to say it to Wallabee. But, she soon found out that her hesitation itself had been a dead givaway.
"You woulda chosen Numbuh One anyway, right?"
And then she sighed. She had been found out. "Yep." she admitted.
"Okay. That's all I wanted to know."
The two exchanged no further words as she went back out into the main room. She saw Nigel standing there with concern, but she smiled at him, letting him know that nothing was wrong. And then she approached his open arms... only to smack one and declare "Tag, you're it!"
"Why you little...!" Numbuh One declared as he began chasing after the playful, happy girl, albeit with his own newfound zest for living. Wether he caught her or not (and what they decided to do afterwards) is a mystery that lingers to this day.
Later, at around midnight, Wallabee went to the kitchen for a midnight snack. He walked quietly as not to disturb those who may be sleeping... including Numbuh One and Numbuh Three, who were on the sofa, leaning on each other as they snored.
Good riddance, Wally thought, having gotten over his heartbreak. Maybe she'll stop pesterin' me now.
He continued silently to the kitchen, where he was surprised to see the light was already on. He poked his head in to see who was there. It was Numbuh Five, eating an apple and reading a magazine. Knowing this, he saw no further reason to be stealthy, so he just walked over to the fridge and opened it.
"Yo, Numbuh Four," greeted Abby, "What's up?"
"Just gettin' a snack is all." He grabbed some food, put it in a microwave, and proceeded to sit in a chair right next to Numbuh Five, pouring himself a drink.
"Feelin' any better?"
"I wasn't sick."
"Somethin' musta been wrong. You stayed in your room practically all day!"
"Yea... to tell ya the truth, I thought it would be easier if I gave up Kuki, but..."
"I understand, man."
"Thanks. But I'm ovuh it now. When it all came down to it, I began to realize that she wasn't really any different then all those othuh little girls I hate. Man... there's not a girl I know who isn't a Rainbow Monkey-obsessed little ditz."
"Hey!" Numbuh Five glared at him. He looked back, surprised at the outburst, and then smiled.
"Well... you're kinda cute."
She blinked. And then put a finger to his lips, saying "Don't even start that. Numbuh Five doesn't do romance!"
"Ya sure?" He asked with a smirk.
"Positive!"
"Heh." This was new... him getting Numbuh Five worked up about something for a change! He considered this payback for every time she had ever teased him as he put an arm around her.
"That's it, I'm goin'," she stood, but soon saw it wasn't gonna be that easy as he gave chase.
And so the antics continued well into the night, waking the others up and causing them to have to go back to their own rooms. The next day was yet another no missions day, but today, no one was complaining.
The End.
A special dedication to all the folks who believed I could do it, and a few who thought it would never work.
Love Wars was begun on Friday, March 12, 2004 and was completed on Friday, March 19, 2004.
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Afterward
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Well, this story was a break for me, and for nearly everyone. When I started it, I had no idea where I was going to go with it, save that I wanted it to be my definitive Nigel/Kuki story. For awhile, I considered doing it as an outright comedy, but I decided against that because it would give less credence to the romance elements.
However, I did the next best thing... one thing I've always wanted to do ever since I got into KND Fanfiction was write a story where they're just kids, being kids. This is something I'm almost positive has never been done, because the KND Fandom is crowded with angst authors (including myself, who'se written at least two stories where Kuki becomes suicidally depressed and in one of them it was a major issue). For once I just wanted a lighthearted, happy story which wasn't crowded with angst or personal problems (at least, not any that are more serious than what a ten-year-old would normally be afflicted with). Love Wars gave me a chance to do that as well as advance my favorite couple, which is Nigel/Kuki. The ending, with Wallabee giving up on her, was one I thought of mostly because I didn't want Wally to end up as a villain. I also thought that Wallabee fans might like this--him mustering his courage up and deciding to let her go instead of simply being voted out of the competition.
Whatever the case, I hope this story turns most of you to the Nigel/Kuki side.
Peace.