Just full of surprises today :)
Guess who decided to show ...
Disclaimer: I dont own KND
Chapter 3: Unexpected
"Hmm… I wonder what the guys are up to." Kuki wondered,"So, Abby what are you and Hoagie doing for your birthday?"
"Abby don't know Abby wants a peaceful day of chillaxing. Abby wishes you were going to be there Kuks."
"Who knows it's around the same time as graduation, I could always come back early."
"Have any idea what Hoagie is getting you?" Asked Rachel
"Girl, I have no clue, but he's been all secretive and planning this and that. I told him to surprise me, but Abby didn't think the boy would go this far." Kuki and Rachel exchanged a look and smiled.
"Say Abby, can I ask you a question?"
"Sho girl, go ahead."
"How long have you two been together?"
"Hmm Abby has to say since we were fifteen, so about seven to eight years."
"Huh, that long? Wow…"
"Well Wally and I got together two years before them." She giggled, "He just took so long to get his emotions together."
"Well I know you get what I'm thinking then, right Kuki?"
"Mhmm" She smiled dreamily
"Well what I'm saying is, don't you think Hoagie has something 'special' in mind for you?"
Abby looked confused and eyed the two women "Whatcha getting at girl? Abby's not followin."
"You know… da duh duh daa, tying the knot, taking the leap, the ol' ball and chain silly."
"I'm with her on this Abby…"
"No,no,no… you really think so?"
"I'm going with more than think…the real question is when?"
"Abby never thought about it… though Abby doesn't see herself with anyone else...Hmm…"
The girls squealed "Aw our little Abby's getting married!"
"Oh hush now, it's only speculation, he could be trying to make another plane for all we know. 'Sides if anything Abby would say Kuki would be the first."
Kuki sighs "Naa, you know how Wally is; it'd be years before he would get the nerve to ask!" She exasperated
"True dat honey." She laughed 'Abby don't know... does he really want to be with me that much?' Pondering the thought
Shushing him, "Calm down Wally…"
"Are you for real mate? You're not joshing me are ya?"
"No, I'm serious...I've been thinking about it for a while now. Each day I want to do it more and more. I can't think of a life without her, the only problem is how!" He groans
"Well congrats in advance mate; if you need any help let me know what I can do. I may not have any experience but I'd be glad to help."
"Man… I wish Nigel was here, he would know what to do."
"Yeah yer' right about that, that lil wombat was a smart one. You got any ideas?"
"Na, not a clue and that's where I'm stuck. I have money saved up, I just have to get a ring, but how to propose is escaping me."
"So, is that what you're giving her for her birthday?"
"Yeah, she said surprise her"
The men finished paying and continued talking at the car, waiting for the girls to arrive.
"Hmm, well what about a candlelight dinner? Na too cheesy, how 'bout write it in the sky? Na too over played. Oh oh, how about a scavenger hunt? Na… that would never work, crud why is this so hard!"
Hoagies face lights up "Or maybe I could do all three! Wally you're a genius."
"I am? Right, I am I don't go to Harvard for nothing you know."
"Wally lets discuss this with the girls later, maybe they will be able to help out as well. Remember don't say anything to Abby about it. Got it?"
"Gotcha mate."
Just as the men had made their revelation, the girls showed up.
"Well…took you sheilas long enough, what took ya?"
"You know the usual, girl talk." Kuki said as she grabbed his arm.
"Come on it's almost noon, can't let the rest of the day pass us by. What do you guys want to do?" Stated Hoagie
"Well we are already at the beach, why not just chill on the beach?" Suggested Rachel
A chorus of agreements was heard from the group.
"Well remind me to check up on my bro when we get there."
Everyone piled into 'The Duchess' and off they went back to the complex they rented from Lizzie. Each member started strolling back to their respective quarters as Hoagie went to look for Tommy.
Knock knock he knocked on his door
"Hey Tommy, you doing okay?"
"Agh, not so loud Hoagie, my head hurts." He whined
"Ha, ha I told you to be careful, where is Lee?"
"Arg, um he's probably up in Sonya's room…no surprise there."
"Huh, well if you're up to it the gang and I are heading to the beach. When you feel better come and join us. Make sure you eat and drink plenty of water or OJ."
"Arrrrgh ooookaaay, now leave and let me sleep." He groaned
Hoagie left and went over to his room to change into his swim trunks. Upon his departure from his room, he found the girls and Wally already dressed in the foyer. Wally in orange and black trunks, Kuki in a green two piece with black frills. Rachel was in and orange two-piece suit with blue triangle designs. Abby was in a blue and red two-piece with her signature red cap. Hoagie himself and on blue and brown trunks and a white tank top, he even brought out his old aviator goggles.
"Looks like we're all set, let's head out!"
The walk was short, not too far from where Hoagie and Abby spent the previous night. Abby Lazed around in the sun with a magazine, Hoagie and Wally splashed each other in the water, while Kuki and Rachel messed around in the sand.
'Hmm this reminds Abby of the times when we went to the beach as kids. All the times we had with Nigel, only difference is that Wally can swim now and Nigel aint here. Ha, ha man some things never change, they look like the kids we have always known to be. Never grow up am I right Numbuh One? That we neva done, makin new memories, but still were havin fun and will always be together, just liked we promised. Neva get old…'
Abby was so lost in thought; she didn't notice the shadow beside her.
"Hey penny for your thoughts?"
"Oh, uh, just reminiscin… you know about the old days. No matter what Nigel is a part of everything we do, we will neva forget him."
"You're right he was a great friend and even better operative."
"That he was, his motto 'Never grow up' is always stuck in Abby's mind. Which we haven't, but look at us, finishing college, getting jobs and possibly married… How do we stay true to those words? Abby don't know about you but that feels like growin up to me."
"You know full well as I do what he meant by those words. Never let your heart forget, remember what it means to be a kid. Remember all the good and bad that childhood means to you and the freedoms of an innocent life. Don't let being an adult ruin your spirit, that's the adult tyranny we were fighting. Not the adults themselves just the way they lived their lives as if they had never been a child themselves. Also for us to never forget the Kids Next Door."
"Girl you always did understand Nigel better than the rest of us. Abby thought she did, but he was always so calculating and precise. All Abby wanted to do was chill and have some candy every once in a while."
"I guess we were a lot alike in those aspects. You guys really do miss him don't you?"
"More than you know… After he disappeared it was hard to go on, but we knew we had to keep moving forward for his sake and out own. Though Abby never wanted to lead Sector V, Abby knew it's what Numbuh One would have wanted. After Abby left to be supreme leader, the team couldn't function with another loss, so Abby permanently disbanded Sector V and placed them in various locations at the Moon base. Abby knew how much our time with Nigel meant to us, so Abby was bent on getting rid of decommissionin. What is a kid without their childhood? Just a bitter old adult, something we were trying to get rid of but contributed to the problem. Now we can live remembering our lives and not feel that something or someone is missing. Abby is glad she was able to help her team and kids everywhere. If Numbuh One eva returns, Abby knows he would be proud."
"Well said Abigail, I'm sure Nigel would be proud as well." Rachel said as she stood to walk back to Kuki.
Abby stretched out and decided to take a nap, happy to get things off her mind.As Rachel made her way back, Hoagie and Wally began to approach the women.
"Hey ladies, do you have some time to chat?"
"Sure Hoagie, wasup?" asked Kuki
"Well… the thing is I need your help."
"Help with what?" Questioned Rachel
"See… I kinda… I kinda have a surprise for Abby. I need your help preparing it."
"OMG! So, you are planning… Oh I knew it!" Squeaked Kuki
"Wha...Wh… What? How did you guess?"
"Hoagie, seeing the way you look at Abby, it's not hard to tell that you're love stuck. You love her so much it radiates off of you." Stated Rachel
"Ha, ha, she got you there mate. You should see the way you lose yourself."
"Oh don't get me started on you Wally…" laughed Rachel
"Wh… What you talking about? Cruddy woman thinks she knows everything." Mumbled Wally
"But sure Hoagie we will, help you in any way possible. Just give the word and we'll be on it."
'Thank God Rachel is here, I need somebody as level headed as Nigel. Well better get this plan in motion.'
"Man what a great day of relaxing. Abby haven't felt that way in a hot minute."
"Remember that time 'King' Sandy tried to marry me Wally?"
"Ugh how could I forget?"
"Oh yeah, did you ever get that 'quarter' Wally? Ha, ha" asked Hoagie
"Shut it you…"
"How is Sandy anyway Kuki?" Abby asked
"Oh him and Mushi are on and off again, currently in the off position."
"Well I never like the cruddy guy in the first place."
"Right… uh huh, you sure it wasn't jealousy, sport?" Abby smirked
"Oh come off it would ya, that was a long time ago."
"Let's go see what's going on down at the beach house. I haven't seen Tommy all day and I'm kind of worried about him."
"Ha, the chump can't hold his booze eh?" Berated Wally
"Tell me about it, he's probably being a big baby right now." The men laughed
"Ah come one, leave the lil honey bun alone. Abby members when you went to your first party and you two didn't fair to well either."
Coming into the beach house, the gang saw Lizzie sitting with Lee and Sonya.
"Hey guys, where's Tommy?"
"Still in his room sleepin'." Says Lee.
"Still, did he at least eat?"
"Yeah and I gave him a bottle of water." stated Sonya.
Lee was still short for his age, he came to about 5'4. Instead of his hat coving his eyes, his hair now did the trick now being mid length. Lee was a lanky guy not very big like the others. Sonya was 5'6 with short blonde hair, she wasn't as petite as the other girls but she still had a lean frame. Both were former operative 84 and 83 respectively of Sector W of the KND. Lizzie Devine Nigel's ex-girlfriend, lost some weight from childhood but was still a considered a stout girl. Her long red hair was usually in some type of up-do and every so often, she switched out her glasses for contacts. Today it happened to be glasses.
"Good as long as he is doing alright, I don't want to have to take care of him all day. What have you guys been up to?"
"Well somebody had to clean the other complex. So I hired some help and I've been over here waiting for them to finish." Huffed Lizzie
"Anything planned for tonight Lizzie?" asked Rachel
"Why yes, I'm so glad you asked. Tonight we will be having a BBQ and there will be games and other forms of entertainment. I think I have a band coming I'm not too sure…" Not caring if anyone was still listening kept listing off events.
As Lizzie continued on her monologue, the group talked among themselves.
"Hey where did Lee and Sonya go?" Asked Hoagie
"Who knows, those two wombats can't keep their hands off each other." Stated Wally
"Well guess we have some time to chill before Lizzie's big shindig tonight. Want to chill or catch some Z's?" asked Abby
"I guess we could get some rest, we did have an early morning and the sun has exhausted me." Yawned Rachel
The others agreed and the group went their separate ways, though not all went to their respective rooms. Hoagie closed the door to his room locking the door so nobody would bother him. Abby was already lying on his bed, kicking off her sandals. Hoagie crawled up into bed with her, snuggling up behind her. Abby turned to him rubbing his slightly wet hair. She gave him a gentle kiss on the nose and begins to snuggle up into his chest.
'She is so cute at times, different from her aloof exterior. I'm glad she is only this way with me. I hope my plan goes well and that she says yes.' Hoagie panics 'Oh crap, what if she says no… I didn't think about that. She might think we are rushing. Oh man I don't know what to do… guess I'll just have to wait and see.'He sighs slowly falling asleep.
'Look at Abby's cutie pie, he just doesn't know how cute he is when he sleeping. Abby wonders if his 'surprise' is what the girls think. Even if it's not, Abby still loves the fool, she would say yes even if he doesn't ask. Abby don't even know how she got a sweet fool like him.'She smiled and kissed his nose again.
"Abby loves you Hoagie…"
Wally and Kuki talk in his room. Wally lays in bed next to Kuki with his towel around his neck, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought…
"Wally… Wally… Wals… Walllabbbeee…"
"Hmm…? What is it my lil monster?"
"Is everything okay Wally-Bear? Something seems to be bothering you."
Turning to the side of the bed, he sits up.
"Yeah… I was just thinking ya know… Is it too early for those cruddy idiots to tie the knot?" He sighed, "I mean we are barely out of school and everything just seems to be moving too fast. Crikey, seems just like yesterday we were kicking adult butt and now we are becoming just that. I… I just… I don't know… I just don't know alright…"
"It's okay Wally calm down, okay? We all knew this would happen eventually, you can't be a kid forever you know. Beside what kind of world would it be if it were run by kids crazy? He Hee, candy and soda everywhere and nothing would ever get done. Sometimes it's okay to grow up, who knows what's out there, the world is a big place and we have a lot of things to look forward too. If Hoagie thinks it's time, then its time, heck we've known each other since pre-school. Not all changes are bad and who knows maybe it will be our turn next." Kuki looks away with a smile
Surprised Wally looks up, "Kuks, I…"
"I'm kidding silly, the time will come when we are ready, and we have time trust me. As long as you are by my side, I can wait forever. I've done it before, I can do it again."
He smiles, 'That's my lil Kuki monster, always knows how to make me feel better.' "Thanks Kuks, you're amazing you know that."
He brings her into a hug with a kiss on the cheek
'What would I do without this raven haired angel, dag-nabit have I gone freakin soft?'
He shakes his head with a smile as they lay down for their midday nap
'Only for her… only for her.'
In her room, Rachel was sitting at the desk in the corner trying to read but not having much luck. Along the same mindset as the others, she too thought of her friends and their pending nuptials among other things.
"Aggh, I don't think I even got past the second page!" She gave a frustrated sigh
'There's nothing but love around this place… Hoagie and Abby are planning on getting married, who's to say that Kuki and Wally are not too far off, and don't even get me started on Lee and Sonya. Seems like Tommy, Lizzie and I are the only ones alone… wait scratch that Lizzie is currently seeing someone. It just feels like I'm a third wheel or something. I wonder if Nigel ever felt that way. Hmm Nigel, I wonder what he would say about all this? Would he think they are rushing into things? Ha, ha knowing Nigel, they wouldn't get married until they were 50! I support Abby and Hoagie 100% and I'm all for romance, though I have to be logical. How would they live, where would they stay, do either have a steady income or for how long? There are so many things to consider not just love. Oh My God! What if they have kids!? That's a whole other ball game… Okay, Okay… Calm down Rachel ol' girl, you're not supreme leader anymore. You don't have to worry about every little detail; they are no longer your subordinates. God, am I talking to myself?'
"Oh God I'm going crazy!" Rachel exclaimed "I need some fresh air; maybe a walk will calm my nerves."
She grabbed her cardigan proceeding to go down the stairs to the nearest exit. Rachel strolled down the beach trying to collect her thoughts. As she walked, she ended up on the road heading into town. The area was small, with few stores, a make shift gazebo and park.
'Hmm seems that I've wondered a bit far, I can see the city limits. Well might as well enjoy myself in town. Hey, what luck a soda machine hopefully I have enough cash.'
Rushing to the machine, she grabs a cool ginger ale and pops it open.
"Ahhh, well that was refreshing, guess I'll just relax by that tree near the park. Geez, It's such a nice day out, can't believe everyone is asleep. Ha, I thought I was the Debbie downer of the group, but this shade sure does feel nice" she yawns "Wow; guess I'm more tired than I thought. I'll close my eyes for a bit, take a little cat nap." Yawing again
Some time has passed as Rachel fell asleep.
"Excuse me miss… miss… are you okay?"
"Oh... huh… what?"
"I asked if you were okay miss, you seemed to be here all alone. I was just bloody hoping nothing happened to you."
"Oh uh, yeah I'm fine just resting my eyes, he he…"
"Ha ha, well I don't want you to catch a cold, please take my jacket it's a bit chilly tonight." He bellows with a deep accent.
"Well thanks for your concern Mister…?"
"Nile, that's what my friends call me. Don't think I've gone by my actual name in years. But I hope you can consider me a friend." He smiles
She blushes 'Oh crap, why is he so darn gorgeous, and his accent ugh I think I just might die!' "He he, my… mine is Rachel… or Rach that's what my guys call me. I mean my friends not guys like boyfriends… uh… yeah" Her blush deepens
"That's quite alright miss, I understood you perfectly. How about we take a stroll around the park, I doubt you got to see no more than this tree." He holds out his hand
"Uh, sure but not too long I have to get back to my friends." Grabbing his hand, he pulls her up
"Right-o my lady, I shan't keep you out past mid-day."
Nile stood about 5'9, he had a lanky build with a mild muscular physique. He currently is wearing a duckbill golfer hat and shaded thin rimmed glasses; with a slight stubble on his face, with the makings of a goatee. They began their stroll through the park.
"So, what brings you out to Virginia Beach?" He asks
"It is spring break for one and my friends were invited to party it up. So here I am, being dragged into the orgy known as spring break."
Nile laughs, "Sounds like it would be a hoot. Doubt I've been to one of those shenanigans. Where I'm from we rarely had many holidays or sometimes I just couldn't understand them."
"So, you seem like you haven't experienced much, where are you from?"
"Virginia is where I grew up, but I was born in Britain. Although I've been in a foreign place for some time now, I actually just got back today, so much has changed, but at least the women are still beautiful." He smirks
She smiles 'Oh God is he flirting with me? Well that also explains the accent.'
"So tell me, what has changed since I've been away from the states?"
"Hmm, well not much, people have just gotten older, old stores have vanished and new ones to replace them. The internet is even bigger and people can't keep their faces out of a phone or computer long enough to hold a conversation." She laughs "Other than that just growing up and living life, what else can you do but follow the flow of time and all of its changes."
"Well for one, you can keep being a kid or at least a kid at heart. Never grow up and follow your own path, not the path that is expected of a young adult. No one controls that but you, not time, school or relationships. All you need is what is in your heart to have the passion and desire to be young and in charge. Always put your beliefs in front of everything and go full speed ahead. Never grow up or give up, is what I always say."
'Wow he sounds a lot like someone…' "You know you remind me of a guy I once knew. He had the same spirit and fire in his eyes."
"I hope I could live up to his praise, he sounds like a tip-top fellow." He smirks "I have always thought that when we become adults we lose a part of ourselves. We forget what is truly important and we forget to live. I wish others could see that, but it seems to be slowly fading from our generation. Though, I will always believe once a kid always a kid… with benefits." He raises an eyebrow
They continued talking until they came nearby small field with music playing, and a small group dancing.
(Take Your Time – Sam Hunt)
"Would you care to dance with me Miss? This tune is rather catchy."
"Sure, why not. It would be my pleasure."
"I assure you the pleasure is all mine."
~I don't know if you were looking at me or not
You probably smile like that all the time
And I don't mean to bother you but
I couldn't just walk by
And not say hi~
"Well, I just couldn't…"
"Couldn't what?"
"Not say hi… You just look so peaceful sleeping there."
~And I know your name
Cuz everybody in here knows your name
And you're not looking for anything right now
So I don't wanna come on strong
But don't get me wrong
Your eyes are so intimidating
My heart is pounding but
It's just a conversation
No girl I'm not gunna waste it
You don't know me
I don't know you but I want to~
"This is truly the first time I've ever felt this way. I don't mean to be too forward, but I feel as I've known you for a long time. Feels like my heart is going to come out my bloody chest!"
~I don't wanna steal your freedom
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't have to make you love me
I just want to take your time~
~I don't wanna wreck your Friday
I ain't gunna waste my lies
I don't have to take your heart
I just wanna take your time~
~And I know it starts with hello
And the next thing you know you're trying to be nice
And some guys getting too close
Tryin to pick you up
Trying to get you drunk
And I'm sure one of your friends is about to come over here
Cuz she's supposed to save you from random guys that talks too much
and wanna stay too long
It's the same old song and dance but I think you know it well
You coulda rolled your eyes
Told me to go to hell
Coulda walked away
But your still here
And I'm still here
Come on let's see where it goes~
"All I would like to do is get to know you better; you know take your time." He winks "Seeing as you haven't run off from my advances I hope we could continue having a good night. Let's see where the music takes us."
~I don't wanna steal your freedom
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't have to make you love me
I just wanna take your time~
~I don't have to meet your mother
We don't have to cross that line
I don't wanna steal your covers
I just wanna take your time~
~I don't wanna go home with you
I just wanna be alone with you
I don't wanna steal your freedom
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't have to make you love me
I just wanna take your time~
~I don't wanna blow your phone up
I just wanna blow your mind
I don't have to take your heart
I just wanna take your time~
~No, I ain't gotta call you baby
And I ain't gotta call you mine
I don't have to take your heart
I just wanna take your time~
Dipping Rachel, "So what do you say to me taking your time... and a ...kiss?" He kisses her
"…"
"I'll take that as a yes. Hmmm your lips taste like Sangria, did you have a little to drink my dear? Can we see each other again, tomorrow perhaps?"
'Whoa I'm in heaven!' "Mmm… yes... Tomorrow is fine, if you're not too busy that is. I'll just have to let my friends know I'll be busy." She smiles
"Brilliant! Rachel my darling, you have made me a very happy man. Mind if I take you to your abode? It has gotten fairly late, and a lady such as you shouldn't be walking alone." States Nile
"You're right it is kinda late, I should have been back hours ago. Thanks for such a wonderful evening, I really appreciate it." Replies Rachel
They continue to walk through the park, heading back to the condo on the beach.
'Wow, this guy is completely out of my league. I can't believe what an awesome night it's been. I hope he is just as charming as he was tonight. Who is this mystery man?'
~Author's Notes: Any guesses on the mystery man?