"I'm so sorry about that Berry. I didn't expect to see you in here this early in the morning." Rudy helped up the purple bear from among a pile of bowls and pans that had spilled everywhere when Rudy hit Berry with the pin and into the closet. Rubbing his head, Berry turned around and looked at the brown cat angrily. Cleaning up the mess, he didn't say anything. Rudy looked down apologetically. "Listen, I'm sorry, you don't need to be such a grump about it."
Berry grabbed a small sauce pan, placing it down on a counter he turned around. "Grump? How am I being a grump? You hit me in the head with a rolling pin. Oh and also, if that wasn't good enough, you told me you were running a restaurant and offered me a lead position without telling me the full truth. I'm definitely a grump though." Turning around he began grabbing various items and prepping for the day's work.
Rudy walked over and grabbed his hand as he reached for a ladle. "Can you please stop acting like a child? It's a wonder I broke up with you. Everything is a personal attack on you. Everybody is plotting against you. Everybody hates you. It couldn't be that you're just an unhappy, grumpy, curmudgeon? I never lied to you. I told you that I was the head of a new restaurant, and I am. I told you that you would be second in command in the kitchen, which you are. If this is about Romeo, fine. But you could walk out that door anytime and we'll find someone else. No issues at all. I'll understand. But while you work here, you will treat me and everybody else with respect."
Grunting, Berry grabbed the ladle from her hand and continued prepping. Purposely avoiding her, he walked into the freezer room to grab some pie crusts and came back out to see Rudy with her arms crossed in front of his station. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he placed the pies down on the counter and glared at her. "If I'm such a grump, why did you want me here? There are plenty of great chefs who would love to work with such a renowned Toon such as yourself. I'm not here to make friends with anyone, I'm here to bake. If this was meant as a joke, tell me now so I can leave.
"It's not a joke, Berry. Let's sit down." motioning to a pile of flour sacks, the two walked over and took a seat. "I guess we can't ignore the elephant in the room, can we?" kicking her legs back and forth, she placed her hands between her legs. "Whatever happened between us before, that has nothing to do with anything now. I wanted you here because I know you are a great chef. I know we work well together. If Cog forbid something was to happen to me, I know the bakery would be in great hands. I love Romeo, but he's not as experienced. He needs time. I wanted someone I could trust."
Keeping his eyes on the ground, Berry spoke softly. "So.. you love him?" grabbing his arm, he squeezed softly. "I mean, of course you do. Why wouldn't you. He's great and I'm just a grump."
"Berry, please don't be this way. You know just as well as I do why things ended. We weren't a good fit, it happens. Romeo and I, we're better together. He listens to me. He respects what I want. He is there when I need him." her words tailed off as the bear jumped off his make-shift chair.
"He respects what you want? Are you sure about that?" Berry growled out.
Rudy was taken aback, narrowing her eyes she snapped back. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"So he has a dream of running his own restaurant. He doesn't know what he's doing so he calls upon his caring, loving girlfriend to desert new job that she's worked her butt off for to come help him realize his dream. I'm sure he was thinking of you."
"I make my own decisions, Berry. I wanted to be here!" Rudy's voice rose as she walked towards the bear. "I wanted this just as much as he did."
Berry shrugged and made a sarcastic face. "Yeah I guess you're right." walking back to his station he continued working. "Anyways, you said he told you about this a week ago? Seems like he's been setting this up for a while. Seems like he didn't give you much of a choice did he? What was he going to do if you said no?" whisking away at a creamy mixture, he looked up at Rudy, with the same sarcastic face.
Sitting back down, Rudy sighed. Neither one said anything for several minutes. Looking at each other in silence. Rudy finally spoke. "You're probably right. But I can't do anything about it now. I'm here. I'm not going to just throw Romeo to the sharks. I'm going to support him, because that's what couples do."
"Yeah, they do. Kind of reminds me when I told you I wanted to move to Animationville and start my own bakery, you know? I seem to remember a certain brown cat who refused to go with because she didn't want to give up an aspiring career at Donald's Delicacies. Then when it was found out I wanted to set out on my own I was fired."
Rudy stood up and started to yell. "Yeah because you didn't know what you were doing. You were going to just head to Animationville, and figure it out from there? You didn't have any jellybeans, no plan, or anything. You just expected me to go with, not thinking of me at all. At least Romeo had a plan!"
The two let everything soak in for a few seconds before Berry responded. "Yeah. That was stupid of me. I don't care about that though. What I care about is that you threw me under the bus. You broke up with me and pretended that we never had anything together to keep your job. Sorry if I'm not happy about that. Maybe this is meant to be some kind of apology, or way of making up for it, but the fact is that you sold me out and didn't look back. You're damn right, I'm grumpy."
"I'm sorry, Berry. I was nineteen. I was scared. I couldn't afford to lose my job. How was I supposed to face my parents for them to remind me that I would be a failure? That they were right all along? I couldn't do that. What I did was awful, but I did what I had to do. But me hiring you had nothing to do with that. Like I said, I needed a goof chef, and I know you're one of the best."
Berry sighed and grabbed Rudy's hand. "I'm sorry, too. I never should have put you into that position in the first place. I guess we both made some mistakes." Sitting down on the sacks of flour again, he looked at her, his eyes filled with regret. "I mean, we were a pretty good team. Do you remember that time everybody else got the swine fly from Bacon Bits and had to call out sick? We got that order for six-hundred cupcakes and did the whole thing with just us?"
Rudy laughed as the two reminisced. "Yeah, I remember afterwards you looked like a ghost you were covered in so much flour and sugar. When that kid came in with her dad to get the cupcakes, she screamed and threw one of the cupcakes at you!" the two laughed and Rudy felt Berry inch closer to her. "Berry I hope you can forgive me.." Turning to face Berry, who was now inches away.
"I forgive you, Rudy." placing his hand on her cheek, the two tilted their heads and leaned in. Rudy felt her lips meeting Berry's. Closing her eyes she forgot about the anger and frustration she was feeling, all of the stress, and the entire world disappeared with one passionate kiss. Berry's hand slid down her back, rubbing it slowly. After what seemed like an eternity, Rudy pushed herself away and wiped her mouth. "Oh my Cog. Berry. I didn't mean.."
Berry stood up and walked briskly back to the ovens. "No. No. You're right. That was a mistake. I'm sorry."
Rudy ran over to him and dropped down. "Please don't tell Romeo. He would be devastated. It was just a simple mistake. It meant nothing. Let's forget that happened, okay?" Going to her station she began working diligently, trying to forget what just happened. Outside of the kitchen, the sound of a door opening and several chatting Toons entering the building created a new panic within Rudy. She looked at Berry, pleadingly. Nodding, he placed his hat on and walked away.
"Hey babe You're here early." Romeo's voice rang out. Walking over to Rudy he wrapped his arm around her back and leaned in for a kiss.
Raindrop looked across him and saw Cookie joking around with one of their unit mates. The rumbling and bumping as the vehicle they were on crossed rocky terrain caused him to clench a small handlebar behind him. The group had graduated from training camp, and much to Raindrop's dismay they were going to be one of the first groups sent to Cog Nation. While eventually the plan was for thousands to join them, logistics issues had caused the first wave to only be four hundred Toons. Raindrop had been placed with a specialty unit of long-distance throwers. While he didn't know exactly how he would be used, he did know that he should be worried. Just days ago he had been so excited, so optimistic, and all of that was now gone. Now all he could feel was the cold, steel, bench he was sitting on and his blood being driven from his heart hundreds of times per minute. Around him, some Toons cried. He wanted to cry, but he could not cry, because Cookie was here, and Cookie would never cry. In the middle of the vehicle, on the opposite bench, Clerk Clara sat, discussing with a lower officer. The two laughed, seemingly unflinching by everything going on. "Cookie. Cookie!" Raindrop yelled out to his friend.
Cookie patted his unit mate on the back and looked over. "Hey, Rain. How you doing over there?"
Inside, Raindop wanted to scream. He wanted to let everybody know that he was scared, and that he just wanted to go home. Go walk the doodles with his mom, and study for Professor Rainbow's class. But all he could let out was a quiet "I'm doing great."
"Awesome, man. I can't believe we're going to be on the forefront of this. These cogs wont know what hit them when the dangerous duo of Cookie and Raindrop come rolling in!" the two's conversation was paused as the vehicle stopped, and a pounding could be heard from the outside. Everybody prepared themselves, as the back door opened. Streams of light flowed in. Toons rubbed their eyes, slowly adjusting after hours in almost pure darkness. Outside, two Toons waited with large pump squirt guns. Raindrop had never seen anything like these before. Everybody got to their feet and slowly made their way to the front, jumping out with the help of the two Rangers. Gathering in a circle, everybody looked around in awe. Most of these Toons had never seen a smaller Cog HQ, yet none had ever seen the inside of Cog Nation. A few Rangers many years ago had infiltrated and provided reports, but nobody could be ready for this.
A drab brown sky, filled with smog from various large buildings which appeared to be factories provided very little light. The ground below them was mostly asphalt, decayed after years of neglect. The buildings, were all made of flimsy metal, rusty from years of time passing. Visibility was low from the extensive pollution. Toons coughed and choked as they kept their heads down. This was certainly nothing like what Raindrop had seen or imagined in his life. There were so signs of life around, side from the small group of about twenty Toons. No cogs in sight. Clara stepped to the front of the group and kneeled to the ground, motioning for the rest of the group to follow suit. "So team, it sounds like everybody else hit a bit of a snag and so right now it's just going to be us. We're going to be doing some intelligence briefing. Scouting ahead, looking for any ambushes or anything that might pose a threat. We're going to split into two groups. Captain Porkrinds here will take half, and I will take the other. It is very important that we are quiet and that we stay together. Keep yourself on high alert. We're in a new world, here. We don't know what the cogs have planned." Clara then called out the two groups. Raindrop could hear nothing but the sound of his own beating heart. Seeing this world was like walking into a nightmare. This surely had to be a dream, because nobody could create such an oppressive, depressing world. Let alone live in one. He was slapped back into reality as his name was called out. "Raindrop, you will be with me!"
Walking over to one group, he watched as the remainder of the names were sorted. Raindrop breathed a sigh of relief as Cookie's name was called out, and his friend walked over to join him. Cookie elbowed his now smiling comrade and whispered to him. "Told you, cogs would run scared when we rolled in. Not a cog in sight." The two chuckled softly, watching as the other group tip-toed quietly the other direction.
"Okay everybody. We are going to be checking out that over there." Clara pointed a cane towards an incredibly noticeable factory in the middle of the area. It dwarfed the smaller factories and buildings around it. Several large metal pipes connected to the top blew out black smoke. Sounds of heavy machinery and banging metal made everybody gulp. "I want everyone to partner up, and follow behind me. I want you to pay close attention to everything going on. if something looks out of place, let me know before you act. We don't want to draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves. I want our long distance throwers to be in the back. Cookie, Raindrop, that's you guys. Watch our backs, and have a cream pie ready to go.
Whirling his arm, Raindrop reached into his pocket and grabbed a cream pie. Gulping, he slowly tip-toed along. Watching everybody around him clenching their gag of choice. The group slowly made their way to the entrance and into a service elevator. Looking to each other, everybody took a deep breath and pushed the button to go down.
Bloople ran around the house hectically, cleaning up toys and clothes, tossing them aside and readying things. In a moment of bravado he had invited Clover over for dinner and she had actually said yes. He had spent most of the day reading cookbooks and readying Clover's favorite dish - Piano Tuna. Fishing one out of Minnie's Melodyland this time of year was a chore on it's own. But he had no idea how to cook, and after two failed attempts, he had given up and just bought one from the local pet shop. It had taken up so much time that he hardly remembered to get things cleaned up. Running around, he almost tripped on a stuffed doodle, catching himself on the couch. The ringing of a doorbell sent him into even more of a panic. Adjusting his shirt, and wiping his forehead, Bloople walked over to the door and took a deep breath. Slowly opening the door he was met by a young white dog. "Hey Mr. Bloop. I'm here to pick up the girls?" Bloople sighed. He forgot he had hired a babysitter to take the girls out to the movies for the night.
"Yeah, come in Sandy. They're upstairs getting ready." Watching as the dog rain upstairs, he walked back into the dining room and looked at the table. He had set up a candle in the middle of the table. But was it too much? I mean this was a first date. Wait, was it a date? He never used the word date. What if it wasn't a date? Would it be awkward? Grabbing the candle he walked over to the sink and placed it near the faucet. Walking back to the table, he looked at the well-plated dinner. He cringed, he was now completely unsure. What if this was all a big misunderstanding? What if it was a date and he ruined it? Struggling to catch his breath his thoughts were interrupted by two young Toons running over and hugging him.
"Okay, we're heading out Mr. Bloop. We should be home by 10. Although if you need more time, just let me know!" Sandy winked and laughed. Bloople hugged Miko and Hula and waved as they excitedly ran out the door, with Sandy running to catch up with them through the front door. As Sandy exited, the sight of a green cat came into view.
"Um, hello. The doors open, and I can see you. Does that mean I can come in. Do I need to knock?" The cat meowed out, laughing.
Bloople's jaw dropped. Clover was wearing a beautiful white blouse, and matching skirt. Working at the garage, he was so used to seeing Clover in her work clothes that the sight of her dressed up was difficult to process. Walking over to the door, he grabbed the cats hand and led her inside. The two started joking around. "I guess so. But I'm ready with a cream pie in case you turn out to be an intruder!"
Clover looked at him shocked. "Wow, pretty confident in yourself. I thought this was just the first date." She winked and burst into laughter as Bloople turned beet red. Walking into the dining room, the aroma of freshly baked Piano Tuna filled the room. "My gosh, that smells delicious. Is that Piano Tuna? How did you know I love Piano Tuna?" Taking a seat across from Bloople, she eyed the set up and smiled.
"Well it was hard not to figure it out. I mean, when someone says their favorite meal is Piano Tuna four times in the same conversation, eventually you take the hint." The two sat awkwardly and ate, each waiting for the other to start the conversation. Eventually, Bloople gathered up some courage and started with some small talk. "So, how was work today?"
Slowly cutting through a sauteed F key, Clover made a mocking face, imitating their co-worker Griese. "Hey guys. Did you know that Cog Nation. Cog Nation. Cog Nation." that was my entire day. Why weren't you there to distract him? When you're gone he talks to me. All he wants to talk about is Cog Nation." the two laughed and continued with their conversation, becoming more energized and comfortable as the night went on. "So did you make this yourself? I didn't know you knew how to cook. I thought Pickle did all of that?" Clover commented, chewing saliently on the delicious meal that she had been given.
"Yup. All by myself. Actually, I caught that Piano Tuna by myself. Hold the applause." Bloople patted himself on the back, as the two chuckled again. "Yeah, usually Pickle would be cooking. I guess with her gone though, it's time for me to figure it out, right?" placing his fork down, he sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood down."
"No, it's okay." Clover smiled back at him. "I understand. I just found out Petals was one of the first groups being sent to Cog Nation earlier today. She managed to whisper to me before she went, but she said I won't be hearing from her for a few days. Honestly, hearing Griese talking about is stressing me out and I just want to shove a banana peel in his mouth." Clover bit her lip, and took a deep breath. "I didn't realize how lonely it would be without her here. So thank you for having me over tonight" Standing up, she dragged her chair over next to Bloople. "But enough sad stuff, like you said. Dates aren't supposed to be depressing right?" Placing her hand on Bloople's, she smiled at him. "So, Miko and Hula. Why are they just the most precious Toons in the world?"
The two continued talking for a while. Finishing dinner, the two made their way to the couch in the living room. "Well, it isn't quite Toontown Theaters, but it should be good enough for a movie, right?" Bloople sat down, with Clover joining him. After a few minutes of scrolling through options, the two settled on a generic looking rom-com, and time slowly passed. The two sat in silence, a short distance apart. At one point Bloople had placed his hand on Clover's thigh and she didn't object. Shortly after she placed her hand on his hand. On the TV, a horse was hanging from a cliff on one side, and on the other a cat. The heroine had to make a decision on who to save, but instead she realized that she didn't need love to be happy and walked off to play professional Toon Escape, and the movie ended.
"Well that was definitely interesting." Clover laughed.
"Yeah, no kidding. I personally would have saved Horseradish. Although I guess I am just a sucker for those sappy types." Bloople joked back.
Clover feigned shock. "So I guess you're not into cats then? That hurts Bloople. That hurts." she giggled, nervously.
"I, Bloople, do here declare that cats are the most beautiful species in all of Toontown." Standing up, he made a knightly salute.
"So, if I'm ever hanging from a cliff with Horseradish, you'd save me?" Clover stood up and grabbed the back of the couch, pretending to hold onto a cliff.
"Hmm. I don't know about that. Seriously, did you hear that accent? I think I'm in love. Sorry Clover, it was nice knowing you!" Pretending to fall, Clover let out an quiet scream. Bloople faked running over and grabbing her hand, pulling her over the couch, where she handed on top of him. Both laughing, their faces were now inches away. Bloople's heart felt like it had an infinite speed boost. He had never noticed how beautiful Clover's eyes were. They were a gorgeous light blue, and they glowed with the light from the dining room. "Clover, your eyes.. they're gorgeous." he was unable to continue, as he felt Clover's lips meet his. Closing his eyes, he let his instincts take over. He had never kissed anyone, and it showed. However he became more comfortable with it, and soon the two separated. Letting it all sink in, the two sat and giggled, unable to say anything. Just happily accepting that even if for one night, they would not be alone.