Disclaimer: I don't own FOP. But I do have a question for you. In "Bitter Reunions" (Danny Phantom), didn't Vlad remind you of Lorenzo? Hmm...
Chapter Two: Quarrels and Disagreements
Timmy woke groggily. Birds chirped and he wished they would just shut up and go back to sleep for this was what he wanted to do very much. Who on earth decided on starting school at seven thirty in the morning?
"Good morning," Tootie called from the doorframe. She, of course, was fully dressed and holding her bag. "I let you sleep for a little but you really need to get up."
How little is a little?
You have two and a half minutes to get dressed and scarf down breakfast before you miss the bus.
Gee, thanks, Timmy replied sarcastically.
But I could just wish to be dressed and have breakfast! "Cosmo and Wanda!" Timmy called.
Tootie sighed and leaned against the frame. "You're wasting your time. They aren't coming."
"What do you mean? Of course they are! Cosmo and Wanda!" Timmy called again, a mite less enthusiastic.
"They think you're going to ambush them. Timmy, they don't trust you!" Tootie said, gathering his books and setting out his clothes. "Just do it yourself."
"Why would I do that? I'd never hurt them-"
"You tried to kill them," Tootie said in a monotone. "Get up or we'll both miss the bus."
"It wasn't my fault!" Timmy cried and jumped to his feet. "I didn't mean to-"
"Oh, so training for murder is an ordinary thing for a preteen boy. I'm sorry, I didn't know it was a rite of passage. Do you get a little extra if you kill your targets?" Tootie spat and flung his clothes and bag on his bed.
"I don't need you on my case too!" Timmy retorted and angrily dressed. Tootie didn't even bother to avert her gaze.
"Well, guess what? I'm sick of being the heroine! Save yourself next time! Maybe it won't affect me so much!" Tootie snapped and slammed the door behind her.
"Where'd you learn that from, huh? Icky Vicky?" He snapped at the shut door. "Everyone's ganging up on me!"
Moaning, he watched the bus pull away with Tootie on it. "Darn it! Now how am I supposed to get to school?"
Meanwhile, feeling miserable for blowing up at him and staging the argument, Tootie peered out the window of a seat near the middle (the cool kids still sat in the back). She had to force Cosmo and Wanda to spend at least a half hour with their godchild and try to mend their relationship. This would never work if she was always there playing referee and they needed a chance to do it alone.
"Guys?" Timmy called, desperate. Please don't ignore me...
Better late than never, Cosmo and Wanda appeared looking miffed. Cosmo glared at Timmy while Wanda maintained a cold, impassive face. He'd have no sympathy from these two.
"Hey," Timmy said shakily. "Um, I wish I was dressed and had breakfast!"
"Oh, now you're making requests?" Cosmo snapped. "Look at me, not three months ago I tried to kill them, but that's all right. I'll just pretend nothing ever happened and I'll order them around again."
Cosmo, please. Don't start this again.
"Fine," Timmy spat and grabbed his bag off the bed. "Forget it. I'm sorry I wasted your time. I'll just go jump off a bridge-"
"Wait!" Wanda cried and flew in front of him. Her eyes shone with tears. "Timmy, please just stay a few minutes."
"No, he's already missed the bus," Cosmo said coldly. "Get running, Timmy. We're not poofing you anywhere."
"Cosmo, shush," Wanda snapped. "Timmy doesn't need this-"
"Are you an expert on him?" Cosmo retorted.
"More than you!" Wanda replied.
"Like sneaking off when he's sleeping to watch him? Even I know that's not a good idea. You're just lucky he hasn't killed you yet!"
"You want to leave him alone and let him deal with these nightmares himself? Be my guest. Don't be surprised if he tries something stupid like trying to slit his wrists like Tootie did!"
"What?!" Timmy choked. "Why would she do something like that?"
Wanda sighed and glanced at her godson. We've dragged him into this. We shouldn't be arguing in front of him. It's bad enough we don't listen when he calls us, he doesn't need to know we're fighting because of him.
"Because of you!" Cosmo snapped. "She was so depressed because of the way you were acting she tried to kill herself."
She slapped him and gasped, surprised. In all their years of marriage, she'd rarely raised her hand in anger against him. "Cosmo, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to hit you..."
"Stop!" Timmy screamed, tears sparkling in his eyes. "Stop fighting! I'm sorry I ruined your lives. It won't happen again. If I ever get that miserable again, I'll just kill myself. That would make you happy, wouldn't it? I bet Cosmo would love it!"
"No, sport," Wanda whispered. "No, that isn't true."
Cosmo, holding his wounded cheek, bit his lip to hold back the tears and whimpered instead. Swooping down beside his wife, he stammered an apology to Timmy, "I didn't mean that. Timmy..."
"Bullshit!" Timmy exploded and plowed through them. "It'd make you both happy if I just disappeared. Then you'd get along again and go back to Fairy World. I wouldn't be able to bother you and-"
He froze halfway through the door, unable to move. Wanda trembled, holding her wand up. She'd paralyzed him from the neck down.
"I think we need to clear some things up," she whispered and floated in front of him again. I'm sorry, pumpkin. I didn't mean to hit you but I'm afraid Timmy's getting dangerously depressed again. This time, I fear it's our fault.
You hit me! Cosmo thought wailed and she pulled him towards her.
I know. I'm sorry, lamp chop. I'll make it up to you later.
Really? With cheese?
That wasn't what I was thinking of...
Oh, that. Okay!
"We still love you, sweetie. We'd never want you dead. Cosmo doesn't mean all those things he said, he's just angry at you, that's all," Wanda said and still shaking like a leaf, released Cosmo and tentatively hugged Timmy.
"I don't even remember everything I did! It seems no matter how many times I say I'm sorry, you guys just vanish on me!" Timmy whispered and blinked back tears.
"Honey, this takes a little more than an apology," Wanda said and, sensing no hostility, removed the spell. He turned and, surprising to both of them, he buried his head in her chest and sobbed.
"Stop!" Cosmo cried, alarmed. "He'll-"
"He won't." She replied and smoothed his hair. He needs us and we keep running away from him.
Still, she couldn't help but be frightened. He could harm her and she'd let her guard down. Even after three months, he'd proven he could fight if given the opportunity.
"Are you okay, sport?" Wanda whispered as soon as he calmed and he stood apart from her.
He smiled slightly and glanced at Cosmo. Cosmo would not look at him at all. In fact, there appeared to be a barrier between him and his godfather.
"I'm really sorry, you guys. I didn't mean to-"
"We know. We'd better send you to school before you miss first," Wanda said and the corners of her lips twisted up, trying to smile for him.
What you talking about, 'we'? I'm not sending him anywhere!
Cosmo, we can't keep fighting!
"Fine!" Cosmo raised his wand and sent him away. Wanda sighed and made sure he'd sent Timmy to Dimmsdale Junior High, not to some place on the moon without an air suit.
Once this was done, she folded her arms across her chest and regarded him. "He's apologized at least a thousand times since he's come home. When will you trust him again?"
"Never! Why should you? He came closer to killing you than he did to me! I don't understand why you're trying so hard."
"I love him (and, I know, under your anger, you still do too) . Look, he's made a lot of mistakes, no doubt about it, but he needs someone. Tootie can't be there forever and we are his fairy godparents."
"Who he tried to kill," Cosmo said stoutly. "He doesn't deserve a second chance."
"Don't you remember what I said when the roof caved in on my head in the Fairy Academy and it was your fault? Even idiots deserve a second chance. If you can get one (or a billion just to get you out of there, they really couldn't graduate you quickly enough), so can Timmy."
"Hmph," was all Cosmo would say in response.
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In the mysterious, out of place mansion, Lorenzo was out 'sick'. Actually, he was sick of dealing with kids and their 'needs'. He had needs too, especially the need to be in a room without screaming children and his fans.
Yes, fans. Since Pauline had convinced her friends of his greatness, his popularity had reached record numbers, including a group of fan boys. Actually, he didn't mind the fan boys, but the girls had a tendency to shriek when he passed and burst his eardrums. He had to remind himself why he was there, to keep an eye out for Timmy.
Unfortunately, seeing Timmy had recently become agony. He couldn't behold him without wanting to make love to him and he really couldn't do that in school, so there he was, stuck with some stupid blonde boy who never got the moves right and had to be punished.
"Do you want anything?" Remy said, pouting ever so slightly. Lorenzo wanted to cram a fist down his throat. The cocky attitude irritated him to no end
"Yes, you the fuck out of here," The Other spat. "Get out!"
"I thought-" Remy mused.
"Don't do that. It'll hurt your tousled little head," The Other retorted and slammed Remy against the master bedroom wall. "Like this."
Remy cried out in pain and Lorenzo slapped him with his free hand (the left pinned him to the wall). "Shut up!"
"What did I do to you?" Remy moaned. "I never-"
"You're right, you didn't do anything. That must be what's pissing me off!" The Other snapped and kneed him in the groin. "Get out of here and go do something useful."
Blue eyes watery, Remy looked up at him. "But…"
Lorenzo punched him hard in the stomach and he choked. "You make an adequate punching bag."
"I have money," he protested as if trying to off put Lorenzo's beatings by bribery.
"You and the rest of the Republican party. As a non voter, I really don't give a shit," Lorenzo retorted and punched him in the nose so hard he could feel it shatter beneath his fist.
"Spoiled brat." He left him there, Remy's hands held over his nose. "Have the common sense not to bleed over my carpet, I don't want to have it cleaned because you were too stupid to use the bathroom."
Remy slammed his first down and glared at The Other's back. I'll get you for this. You son of a bitch! No one messes with Remy Buxaplenty. "Juandissimo?"
The Spanish fairy appeared but offered no help. He was far too busy gloating over a test tube with pink and purple co-mingled perfectly. "Tonight, Wanda, you will finally be mine."
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Mark Chang slammed his head against the dashboard. Before he'd gone two light years away from his planet, he'd been the target of nearly twenty enemy space crafts. Fortunately, a phantom ship with a screaming robot and his angry master with green skin and no nose frightened them off. Unfortunately, his navigation system was down and he was lost. He wouldn't make it to earth before nightfall."I am coming, my love," he informed a photo of her. "Soon…"
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Gary slumped in his seat. Stupid truant officer. Okay, so he was a child and he was technically supposed to be in school, but school wasn't cool (no matter how many times those cartoons told you otherwise).
At least he could be in the same class as Tootie. After lying about his age, they'd shoved him in a sixth grade Honors English class. Truthfully, this endless debate over The Giver bored him to tears, but he was at a good vantage point to watch Tootie who was doodling Timmy's name on her purple notebook.
Inattentive, she sat at the front to the far right, directly in front of the teacher's desk. Her elbow slipped off but she failed to notice, a glassy look in her eyes. Lover's spat? It was time to play Inspector Gary.
Tootie sighed and put her head down on the desk. Two students, arguing animatedly, waved their arms about and, brandishing their novels, whacked her in the head. She moaned but didn't do anything.
Gary slid out of his seat and slinked up to the next closest empty seat, the one to Tootie's left. As he did, a diary slipped out from under her text and dropped to the floor. He just barely caught it.
Readin' another person's diary is not cool. But, yo, Tootie ain't speakin'. Timmy did this to her- he has to ruin everyone's lives.
He picked the lock easily and read the first entry. It told of Timmy and the many disagreements involving him and his fairy godparents. It incensed him. Timmy was up to his old tricks or so it seemed.
Tootie swiveled her head around and fixed Gary with a glare. She'd been resting her eyes, not sleeping (in reality, she'd been conferring with Timmy, but many made the mistake). This wasn't all- she'd seen Gary leaf through her private thoughts and she was far from pleased.
"What do you think you're doing?" She hissed, careful to keep her voice low lest the class and in turn the students discover the scene.
"Timmy still givin' Cos and Wan hell?" Gary murmured back.
"I don't think this is any of your damn business," Tootie shot back. "Stay out of it."
"He givin' you hell too? You got bags under your eyes."
"I told you, this isn't your problem. I'm warning you, this is not a good time."
"Look, I care about you. Let me help."
"First of all, if you want to help so much, why don't you just go away? Second, why should you care? You didn't two years ago."
"That's because I didn't know how dedicated you were to Timmy."
"You just want to hurt him, take away everything he loves and cherishes."
"He doesn't deserve any of it. He abuses Cos and Wan, he treats you like garbage- all he cares about is his own damn self!"
"He loves me and-"
"Funny way to express love, taking advantage of you. You do all the hard work and he isn't even thankful. Girl, you can do better."
" I suppose you think you would be better," Tootie snapped huffily and craned her neck to read the clock. Two more minutes until French and that's real torture.
"Well, duh. He still throwin' Cos and Wan around?"
"No!" Ugh, why am I still talking to him? I could have had a few more minutes of sleep if he hadn't decided to go on a hero kick. God, Gary, shut up!
"But they don't trust him." Gary shot a glance at the clock and carelessly tossed his notebooks into a plain gray knapsack. What the hell is her problem? I'm just tryin' to make conversation!
"No, they don't." That was the whole reason I staged my argument. I was hoping to give Timmy a chance to repair some of the broken bridges. Wanda seems close to nearly making up but Cosmo won't budge an inch. He's pretty sure he hates him now, my poor Timmy.
The bell rang and the students shuffled out, all but Tootie and Gary. His patience as she packed her belongings bordered on sainthood because she deliberately took her sweet time. Why don't you go away before I 'accidentally' chuck my Chem book at you?
The teacher had already left the room and Tootie and Gary stood in the darkness. Finally, she'd wasted enough time and she had no choice but do dash to her next class or she'd be very late. Gary, however, cut his next one and didn't come back to school until eighth period.
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Gym class- the last period of the day. The only redeeming factor was its two V.I.P.s in attendance, Timmy and Tootie. Gary would have gone 'home' early if it weren't for this.
Mr. Gifoalski, a heavyset balding man with a green Casper High sweatshirt and black shorts, was, simply put, a nasty piece of work. Despite his less than excellent figure, he still demanded top athletic participation and scorned any effeminate boys, the bane of his existence. Since gym uniforms were not required and he preferred sweat visible, regular clothing was worn, making Timmy the target of his cruel jokes with the silly pink hat and pink shirt.
Today was no different. Working on a completely correct hypothesis of pink clad boys cannot run very quickly (Timmy being the only one in the class daring to wear such attire), Gifoalski ordered him to a three mile run on the track (a half mile away from the school and sound did not travel well from such a distance). If Timmy failed to do it in less than ten minutes, he'd be the proud recipient of a hundred pushups in front of the entire class.
Unfortunately, Timmy had slept poorly the night before and could scarcely keep his eyes open, much less run three miles in exactly nine minutes and fifty-five seconds (the time continuously dropped). Tootie tried to called Mr. Gifoalski's attention to this but he brushed her off and the run was on.
There the entire class stood- Sanjay, Elmer, Chester, A.J., herself, Trixie, Veronica, Tad and Chad, and countless others, behind the chain link fence. (Gary preferred to perch on a rock beside the track). An ominous feeling hung in the air and it weighed down on them. No way in hell could Timmy run this quickly.
"Ready, Turner?" Gifoalski smirked, his hand on a pistol in his belt. "Or will I have to shoot you?"
Cosmo and Wanda, now would be a really good time to show up and be my sneakers. Don't leave me to this maniac! You can't hear gunshots this far from the school!
Oh, God, he'll kill him! I have to do something! Tootie thought anxiously.
"Better start praying, Turner, for mercy," Gifoalski snapped.
"I'll run with him," Tootie blurted and all eyes turned to her. She felt her face redden but she held her ground. "That way it's fair."
"I don't think so," Gifoalski retorted coolly. "He'll run it alone."
"Cosmo and Wanda…" Anyone! Tootie! Then, guiltily, Lorenzo!
"Ready?"
No, I won't ever be. What's taking them so long? They hate me. I'm sorry!
"On your mark…"
He won't make it past a quarter mile without choking, Gary thought with a satisfied smirk.
Timmy? Lorenzo sent shyly. You want me? But you blocked me. You finally see things my way!
Oh, never mind. I'm sorry I did this.
Wait! Don't go! What was it you wanted? Timmy caught a hint of desperation. I'll do anything for you!
I'd rather be mauled by a tiger than take your help, Timmy retorted and began to close the link when Lorenzo thrust himself in the gap.
Please. He could hear the pain in his voice. The magic required to accomplish such a task was enormous. The Other wasn't quite up to it. Therefore, it depleted his physical energy as well. I love you, don't shut me out.
I said we were through! Timmy snapped and closed the link a little further.
(scream) Timmy, Timmy, please, please. The Other sent and he felt his anguish. Remorseful, he let up on the barrier and The Other stopped howling in sheer agony.
Look, I'm going to go run and collapse. I don't need you in my head while Gifoalski fires at me as he's trying to force me to run three miles in (now) eight minutes.
How dare he! Lorenzo had recovered a bit and his demeanor had returned. I'll be right there!
"Go!" Gifoalski snarled and Timmy scrambled to his feet. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally picked up his legs and spurted like a madman. As he did, pink and green sneakers replaced his white ones and a loud crack sounded directly behind the class.
"Guys!" Timmy gasped. "I thought you weren't going to come!"
"Wasn't my idea," Cosmo muttered. He glared at his counterpart. (They were still arguing).
"Is that The Other?" Wanda asked, ignoring Cosmo. "There, behind the teacher. He has blood on his knuckles."
We shouldn't have come. Let him deal with things by himself.
He thinks we want him dead! Why can't you just be a little lenient and give him a break?
He wanted us dead!
He's back to normal now.
We don't know that. He called for The Other. That's the only reason he's here. He's still working for him and I won't let him hurt you.
Wanda let out a low moan. Oh, so now you're concerned about me? I thought you cared more about yourself!
Above them, Timmy wheezed and Wanda, using a lace, hit Cosmo. Pick it up or he'll get it.
Why should I? Just let him suffer.
You're going to trip him!
Yeah, so?
From the sidelines, Tootie peered anxiously. I don't understand. With Cosmo and Wanda as his shoes, he should easily be able to run this but he looks like he's about to faint. What's going on?
Abusin' Cos and Wan again. What a surprise, Gary thought.
You do want him dead! Wanda snapped, on the verge of tears.
I never said that! Don't twist my words!
Timmy huffed and finally collapsed on the track, his chest heaving. Gifoalski approached him, ready to prod him with the butt of the gun when The Other seized it and shoved him away from Timmy.
Oh, my poor Timmy. What did that monster do to you? I'll kill him for hurting you like this! Only I am allowed to do anything to you and that's because I love you. I'll tear his throat out.
Now look what you did! Cosmo and Wanda snapped in unison.
"What do you think you're doing?" Lorenzo said in a low voice and he could feel the class scrutinize him and his black sweatshirt and pants. "Firearms are illegal and how dare you threaten Timmy with one. I ought to have you arrested." Or murdered. You son of a bitch!
He's one to talk! He killed my parents, Timmy's parents, Cal, and raped Vicky and Timmy. If anything, he should be arrested.
"Where did you come from?" Gifoalski said, spinning around in bewilderment. The only thing he saw was Tootie dart to her boyfriend's side and cradle him against her chest. So he wasn't gay-whatever.
"I believe there is a class they offer answering all your questions on this topic. Plus, they have a clever little box where you can even ask anonymously. If you hurry, you can catch a report on sexually transmitted diseases."
"That wasn't what I meant!" Gifoalski retorted, flustered.
"You'll find I care little for your intentions. If you ever threaten Timmy or any other student for that matter (a bald-faced lie) with so much as a hair clip, I'll have you fired. Do you understand?" Lorenzo growled and glanced at Timmy's ashen face. You'll pay. You hurt my Timmy and I'll get you when you least expect it.
I can't believe you tripped him up! Cosmo snapped.
Me? You were the one who…Oh, dear. Does his ankle look sprained to you?
No…yes. It's sprained and the same one I'm on.
You did trip him up. Never mind, I don't think he can walk on it, the poor thing.
Good, Cosmo sent spitefully. I'm glad he's finally getting some of his own medicine.
Cosmo! Knock it off! Don't you feel the least bit sorry for him?
Fine, I'm not happy he's hurt or that we can't trust him. And I do feel a little sorry for him…
"You can't fire me!" Gifoalski cried in dismay. "I have tenure!"
"Au contraire. For this little stunt, I do believe tenure fails to factor in. You do not realize the magnitude of your actions. I could easily have you fired for this event but I feel generous." No, I want to pummel the shit out of you but there are too many damn bystanders. Besides, I hardly need gossip of your firing from these cretins.
You still love him, don't you? Wanda sent, subdued.
I never meant to make him think I wanted him dead! Cosmo wailed.
You don't have it in you to be heartless, do you? Wanda replied with a small smile.
Brainless, yes; heartless, no. But I don't trust him!
Distantly, the bell rang and many of the students dispersed. A.J., Sanjay, Elmer, Chester, Tootie, Gary (retreating behind a tree for the meantime), and Gifoalski remained. Lorenzo mentally cursed his bad luck and calculated the best way to be rid of Timmy's friends.
"Detention for any who stray after the bell," The Other said smoothly and produced a small notepad. "And insubordination on your permanent record. This, as you may know, will follow you to college."
A.J. groaned and convinced the bulk of his friends to accompany him back. However, as expected, Tootie hadn't budged an inch and the increasingly pesky gym teacher appeared glued to the pavement. Tootie would require more effort but Gifoalski required little more than a threat.
"Boo!" The Other hissed. "Get out of my sight in ready, on your mark, go, or be out of a job."
He did and Lorenzo glared at Tootie. "Get your filthy hands off of him, cunt."
"I don't think so," she replied coolly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did you prefer whore? Or does slut work better for you?"
"Leave her alone!" Wanda hissed and turned into her normal form.
"Oh, look. Here's the frach," The Other crooned and Wanda trembled with anger.
"Hey, leave her alone!" Cosmo snapped in his fairy form. "You shouldn't call a lady that!"
Lorenzo paused, pretending to take his comment into consideration. "Frach," he said, pointing at Wanda, whose hair had turned into flames, "whore," he pointed at Tootie, "and moron. Gotta collect 'em all."
"Then what's Timmy?" Tootie snapped. "And I'm not a slut or a whore!"
"Females who throw themselves at males constitute as whores. Timmy is mine and you don't deserve to look at him."
"You don't deserve to live!" Tootie growled. She was suddenly aware of Gary behind The Other. Where had he come from? She could have sworn he'd left with the rest.
"Stay away from him!" Wanda snapped and held her wand in front of her as a weapon.
"Why, so you can hurt him again? I'm on to you," The Other retorted and began massaging Timmy's swelling ankle. You fucking hurt him, frach.
Tootie grabbed his hand and pulled it off Timmy. "Don't touch him!"
He snatched her wrist and spun it hard, breaking it instantly. She swallowed back sobs. A bone protruded unpleasantly and she knew The Other had done more damage to it than Timmy had before. Stars shone in her eyes and she passed out.
Angrily, Cosmo waved his wand and cast a spell at him, but it missed abysmally and returned upon him, knocking him out. Wanda just barely caught him and her breath caught in her throat wondering just what sort of a spell he'd cast. Could he be badly hurt? She was so sorry!
Lorenzo smirked at Wanda. "What's the matter, frach? Your husband's dead?"
Shaking with anger from head to toe, Wanda whipped out her wand and, without thinking, jinxed him. Unfortunately, he merely put up a barrier and it rebounded, hitting her. They both hit the ground beside Tootie.
The Other continued to massage his ankle as his lips captured Timmy's in a soft kiss. Oh, how I've wanted this! Those idiots, those buffoons, they hurt him. But I'll make it better. I'll get them.
"What the hell do you think you're doin'?" Gary snapped and Lorenzo, his hand beneath Timmy's pants, jumped.
"I could ask the same of you."
"No, you couldn't because I'm not gonna molest Timmy whereas you are tryin' to."
"Why don't you mind your own damn business?" Lorenzo shot back and began working his hand around Timmy's manhood. "I'm busy."
Gary kicked him and his hand slipped out from beneath Timmy's boxers. "You want a fight, imaginary boy? You'll get one!"
What the hell am I doin'? I can't fight him. But I still don't like what he's doin' to Timmy, even if I want Tim-Tim dead. Ugh.
Lorenzo's beeper went off and he checked it with a scowl. "Stupid Crocker!" He spat and vanished with a crack.
Gary kicked Timmy but rushed to Tootie, magically healing her. He ensured Cosmo and Wanda's health and then, sighing, carried them and Tootie in his arms (Timmy he dragged behind him) up the path and to their house.
Why do I have to clean up The Other's messes?
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Vicky gazed out her window and saw nothing but dirt. Sometimes she forgot she lived in the basement. Living underground will tend to do that to you.What was odd was she had a prickly feeling on the base of her neck as though something was going to happen. But what? Aside from The Other, nothing interesting happened to her (and The Other hardly could be called interesting).
She flicked on the TV and settled down to watch "Danny Phantom". Hmm. Butch Hartman. Why do I feel like he's the creator of my universe or something? Weird.
If he is, why am I so out of proportion? The people on Danny Phantom are better drawn. Oh, well, Danny's pretty hot. Wish I had a boyfriend.
And, unbeknownst to her, she was about to get one.
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A little while later, at precisely ten p.m. PST, Juandissimo checked his supplies and poofed into a bird to perch right beside Cosmo and Wanda's tree house. Now was the time to wait until they were both asleep. He couldn't possibly hope to accomplish anything if he didn't catch his opponent unaware.
Finally, after making some comments on Timmy's mood and the events of the day, they fell silent (although Juandissimo didn't know who this 'Gary' was or why his returning them to their tree house bore any significance). If he was grateful for one thing, it was they abstained from having sex. He would have dashed in there and ruined his plans if he even thought he heard Cosmo pleasing Wanda. It would have driven him mad.
She was so peaceful, her hair splayed out in various directions on the pillow (the odd lighting in the background didn't hinder the effect). Cosmo lay on the opposite side of the bed, he noted with grim satisfaction. Good, he wanted none of this foul fairy to besmirch his woman.
Unfortunately, her hand was tightly wound about her wand which could prove quite cumbersome if he didn't extract it soon. He didn't need her struggling armed if it could be helped. No more complications than necessary were needed.
Gently, he pried open her hand and removed her wand. She moaned slightly but remained asleep, thankfully. Okay, one thing left to do.
Covering her mouth with his hand, he tenderly lifted her free from the bed and, for a second, everything was right with the world. Tis a shame this lasted merely one second. Contrary to popular belief, Cosmo did not always sleep soundly and he had a hunch something was up (lo and behold, he was right!)
"What are you doing here?" Cosmo snapped and lunged.
"Sleep, buffoon," Juan said calmly and hit him with his wand. Cosmo was out before he could produce his own.
He poofed off to Marseilles with Wanda in his arms. Things were going well, right up until she woke up. Then, all hell broke loose.
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Well, after nearly landing on Venus, I think I have finally found Dimmsdale, Earth. Vicky, my love, I await you.
He landed on Timmy's back lawn and stepped out. Yes, he was quite certain Vicky was here. It was time to receive his hated welcome.
Forgetting it was well after eleven (on a school night, no less), Mark rang the doorbell and was surprised to see Tootie open the door. She blinked and squinted (her glasses were on her nightstand and she'd forgotten to pick them up). Who was he?
Mark felt the same. Since when were two siblings required to babysit one child? (And, yet, there the child was, in his pink p.j.s, standing next to her). Curious.
"Who the hell are you?" Tootie snapped and Timmy blinked in surprise, trying to place him. Those eyes were familiar.
"I am here to see my lovely and cruel Vicky!" Mark announced and Tootie was about to slam the door shut in his face when Timmy grabbed it.
What are you doing? Who is this psycho?
I think I know. Aloud, Timmy asked, "Um, you're Mark Chang, the Yugopotomian?"
The Yugopo-what-ian? And Vicky always said he was from Europe.
That's because she couldn't pronounce 'Yugopotomia'. He was an alien, the last time I saw him.
Odd looking alien. He seems almost human, Tootie teased.
"I am a former prince but, alas, when I abdicated the throne and-"
"You renounced your claim to the throne? Why would you do that?" Tootie inquired.
"Duh, for my dear and darling Vicky! Where is my wickedness?"
He, uh, really had a thing for her.
Wish gone array?
Yeah.
Thought so.
"Uh, look, Vicky isn't exactly the way you remember her. She's changed a lot," Timmy said.
"She is more evil and malevolent?" Mark cried. "'Cuz that would be totally awesome!"
"No," Timmy said stoutly. "But you can come in, I guess."
Tootie rolled her eyes at Mark's affection and oddly phrased sentences. He wouldn't easily fit in here. Who on earth (she didn't buy the alien theory yet) would have fallen madly for Icky Vicky, anyway?
"I will wait here for my cruelest of cruel, my goddess," Mark informed them and plopped down on the couch. He then seized the remote and began flicking through channels. "I have fingers now. Wicked!"
He sort of, uh, I'll just show you. Timmy found a suitable memory and Tootie cringed.
I see…
So, which one of us is going to get her? I mean, if I said it, she'd know what I was talking about but am I allowed down there? It's like her inner sanctum.
Go ahead. I'm sure seeing you down there will be no more horrifying than seeing this Yugo, yugo-
Yugopotomian and I guess. Wish me luck 'cuz I'm going to need it.
"Good luck," Tootie whispered, slightly upset at his nonchalance with the word 'wish', thinking of Cal and his brutal murder. Fine, leave me here with the weirdo.
The door was unlocked and Timmy slowly crept down the steps. All the lights were off and the only illumination was from the TV where two small talking mice plotted world domination. Okay...
"Uh, Vicky?"
"Twerp?" She spun around and muted the set. "What are you doing here?"
Timmy hung back, wondering if she would start screaming at him like she had in the past. While he knew she and Tootie had patched things up, he and Vicky hadn't and they'd never formally met any sort of accord. For all he knew, she could be waiting to spring something on him.
"Well?" Vicky snapped and turned on a lamp. She then smirked at his reaction. "You're still scared of me, aren't you, twerp?"
"You made my life a living hell, Vicky! Of course, I'm still scared of you."
"If it helps any, I'm a little scared of you myself." With everything Wanda told me.
"Gee, thanks," Timmy spat. "I'm sick of being labeled as the cold blooded killer."
"Fine, twerp. Whatever. Are you just going to annoy me because I have better things to do than listen to you," Vicky hissed.
"Cartoons are more important? I thought those were only for kids but I guess you've ruined enough of their lives to want-"
"Shut up and get the hell out," Vicky retorted, fists clenched.
"Wait. Mark, the Yugopotomian, is here. He's still in love with you and he'd like to see you. (Go figure," Timmy said and dodged a shoe. "I'm going, I'm going…"
"Oh, and twerp? If you ever touch Tootie like that again, I'll make sure you never graduate middle school. I didn't forget about what you did to her and I won't ever. I don't know who you think you are, treating her like you do and expecting her to still stand by you."
"I guess that would make me you, wouldn't it?" Timmy snapped and scampered up the stairs, nearly tripping on the last.
"Fine, twerp. Take your pot shots at me. I did a lot of things I'm not proud of but at least I can sleep at night!" Vicky retorted, lying. She couldn't sleep at all any more but she thought she should try to make him feel somewhat worse. Of course, at this point, she didn't know how badly he felt about everything, but what did it matter to her?
Propelling herself off the couch, up the stairs, and out the door, she stood on the threshold of the living room. I bet he isn't here. I bet the twerp is lying again.
You know, you should really stop trying to help before you get someone more seriously hurt than a sprain.
I know, I'm sorry…
"So, where is he?" Vicky craned her neck and glared at the redhead on the couch. "Not only are you lying again, twerp, but you've taken some random guy (with a nice build but sloppy clothing) and stuck him in our house."
"That is Mark," Tootie said and slapped a hand on Timmy's mouth. Don't start up again. I heard you before.
This isn't 'our' house. It's mine!
Thanks a bunch, Tootie sent coldly.
You know what I mean.
No, I really don't. Why don't you tell me? Her irritation and lack of sleep was seeping through. Mr. Brilliant!
I'm just saying I don't-
Want her here? You've made that abundantly clear.
We have some bad history-
So do we (Vicky and me). But I didn't turn tail and run.
What are you saying?
I guess The Other taught you how to do that, Tootie spat. In addition to how to kill Cosmo and Wanda, abuse women, and-
"Leave Lorenzo out of this!" Timmy cried and fled to the sanctity of his room.
"What was that all about?" Vicky said with a frown. She had chosen a chair directly opposite Mark and sat, her legs crossed. It was best to maintain distance because she no longer trusted men as a whole and her body language unconsciously proved this.
"Who is this 'Lorenzo'?" Mark asked innocently and Vicky's face went ashen. Her hands gripped the cushion very tightly and her knuckles went white.
"What dost cause such a reaction in my love?" Mark inquired and reached out to caress her cheek. She jumped and hugged her knees to her chest, protecting herself.
"Don't touch me!"
Abandoning all pretense, he dropped the formal English of his planet and switched to plain language. "What did he do to you?"
No, it couldn't be. But the way she'd acted, it said it clearly. This Lorenzo, he'd hurt her badly. And, watching her face and her eyes dart back and forth, he knew it was. He'd raped her.
"Tootie, go to sleep," Vicky said and, catching the look in her sister's eyes, Tootie did as she was bidden.
When she was gone, Mark offered a small smile. "I will remain here, with you, forever, my love and get vengeance for your lost purity. Don't speak, it is in your movements, your very actions. Where I come from, such a crime is punishable by death. I won't rest until I have his head on a pike.
"No matter how long it takes," Mark swore and clasped her hand. She pulled back and he sighed sadly. This would take a lot of work.
No matter how long it takes, I'll still be here, holding you.