Replacements 2- part 5
It took some nagging and convincing to get Keyop's bandages removed, but he was thrilled when they were taken off, and he discovered that he could see. His face had healed remarkably, and he grinned with delight as I handed him a mirror.
"See? Your implants are working very well. You should be completely back to normal in a day or two." I explained.
"Drrrrt…Handsome…" He played around, making faces at himself in the mirror.
I giggled at his antics. "You are quite a character, Keyop."
The next day, he was released from the hospital, and everyone chipped in to help him move his things into his new room at Jill's.
I leaned against the doorway, watching him look around the room and plop down on his new bed.
"What do you think?" I asked.
"Brrt…broop…love it…" Keyop smiled, and then leapt up, sprinted over to me, and threw his arms around my waist. "Thank you."
I could feel tears of joy welling in my eyes. It was time to change the subject.
"There is a catch…" I continued, looking down at the unruly mop of brown hair below me.
Keyop looked up at me questioningly.
"You'll have to give me a hand when I'm working at Jill's. Ever washed dishes?" I gave him a sly grin.
"Broop…breep…have a feeling…I'm…brrt…gonna learn…"
Mark appeared in the hall behind us. "Princess, we're ready to show him the you-know-what…"
I turned quickly to face him. For a split second, I had forgotten about the surprise Tiny had picked up for him. Mark, Jason and Tiny had been setting it up in the living area.
"Ohhhhh, yes. I almost forgot. Keyop, we have one more surprise for you. Tiny brought you a housewarming gift." I took his small hand in mine and followed Mark back to the living quarters.
"Close your eyes." Mark ordered.
"Again? Brrrt…just got bandages off…" Keyop complained, but he did as he was told.
"Ok, kiddo…you can open them now…" Tiny bellowed. His face lit up with anticipation.
He opened his eyes to see Tiny sitting on the couch with a silly grin on his face, handing Keyop a controller to a brand new video game system.
"I got you your favorite game, Halo. Wanna play me?" Tiny offered.
"Brrttt…brrooop… big surprise! Thanks, Tiny!" Keyop leapt into the air and zipped over to the couch to take his spot.
Jason appeared from downstairs holding pizza boxes in his hand. "Anybody hungry…besides Tiny?" He laughed.
Keyop's grin widened as he looked at the Condor. "Best day…drrrt…ever!"
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Over time, Keyop settled into the routine around Jill's, and spent much of his time off with Tiny. Those two had become inseparable. When they weren't playing video games, they were fishing.
He grumbled occasionally about washing dishes, and teased me mercilessly about Mark, playing his role as little brother almost too well.
Mark could tell I needed a break sometimes. One evening in particular, he noticed that Keyop had driven me over the edge.
"I swear, if he brings in one more bug, I'm going to tie him up with my yoyo, and send him packing to Center Neptune." I growled.
"The Chief said it wouldn't be easy, but I can understand how you feel. Everyone needs time for themselves every now and then." Mark took his place at the bar and leaned on the counter. Jason was sitting next to him. "So…why don't you and I go down to the lake tomorrow?"
I froze. Was he asking me on a date in front of the team? My mouth gaped. I didn't know what to say.
Jason sputtered as he tried to drink his water.
"Uh, it's not like it's a date or anything. …" I saw Mark gulp. He must've realized the way he sounded in front of everyone. "I mean, the whole team. We could all use a break."
" That sounds great." A blush rose from the tip of my toes to the top of my head.
"Ok, Princess, I'll be here tomorrow afternoon. Do you think Jill will give you the day off?" Mark smiled.
"I'm sure she will." I grinned.
"Gee, Commander, I didn't know you cared." Jason teased in a high-pitched, female voice.
"Ooooo, I'm going on a date with the Commander of G-Force. How swoony!" Tiny mocked, clasping his hands together and fluttering his eyelashes.
"Shut up, you two." Mark ordered.
Then, he winked at me and slipped off of his seat to leave. "See you tomorrow."
I waved and grinned at him.
Just after Mark left, the little demon decided to pipe in. "Lovey dovey, Marky warky…" he teased. That seemed to be one of Keyop's favorite expressions. He used it when he really wanted to get under my skin.
I muttered something derogatory under my breath and retreated hastily to my room.
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Mark appeared at Jill's door with Tiny and Jason the next morning. Tiny was holding a basket full of sandwiches. "In case I get hungry." He explained. I guess the rest of us would have to starve.
We all piled in to Jason's car, and made our way to the lake.
Once we arrived, Tiny immediately sat down on a blanket and opened up his basket. "All of that traveling made me hungry. Want one, Keyop?"
He and Keyop munched happily, and Jason turned to Mark and me. "Race you to the lake!" He challenged.
He and Mark were already stripping off their tee shirts, and sprinting down the bank.
It took me a little longer to undress. "No fair!" I shouted.
Once I got down to the water's edge, I could see that Jason was in a playful mood. He and Mark were dunking each other underwater and splashing violently. Then, they began to aim at me. I fought hard, but I was no match for both Mark and Jason. I suddenly got an idea.
I stayed underwater, holding my breath, pretending to have drowned. That would get their attention.
I felt a strong current around me as one of them came to my rescue. Strong arms pulled me up, and onto the bank.
I kept up my charade, trying desperately not to giggle.
"Is she ok?" I heard Jason ask. "Here let me help you, Mark."
"Get back, Jason. I'm in charge here... I'll do this!" Mark growled. He had suddenly gone into Commander mode.
I could hear footsteps pounding the sand around me. Tiny and Keyop had come over to see what was happening. I could hear the panic in their voices.
"What's going on over here? What happened to Princess?" Tiny shouted.
"Princess!" Keyop whimpered.
I suddenly felt extremely guilty.
I felt wet, sandy lips press against mine, and air filling my lungs. I sputtered, finally giving in, and started giggling.
"I don't believe it, she was faking!" Jason grumbled.
Mark pulled back in surprise, and glared at me for a moment. Then he gave in, and started laughing. "I guess we deserved that."
"I had to get your attention in some way." I replied.
"Throw her back in the lake, Mark!" Jason teased, as he joined Mark in grabbing me and tossing me back into the water.
Tiny and Keyop eventually joined us in the water for a while, and then Tiny had a suggestion.
"I could rent a boat down at the pier, why don't we do some skiing?"
Keyop jumped out of the water. "Yeah! Want to ski!" He grinned.
"How about it, Jase?" Tiny offered.
"Sure, Tiny. I'll show the little guy here how it's done." He promptly dunked Keyop's head underwater.
"Princess? Mark?" Tiny asked.
"Um, I'm getting hungry. Any sandwiches left?" I asked.
"Yeah, I saved a few. They weren't all for me, you know." Tiny chuckled.
"Are you sure about that?" Jason teased.
"Sandwiches sound pretty good to me, too. I think I'll join you, Princess." Mark added.
I could see the other three cutting their eyes at each other.
"Ok, then, Jason, Keyop. Let's go." Tiny motioned, and they all dried off and walked down to the pier.
Mark grinned. "Guess that just leaves you and me."
He slipped his arm around my waist and guided me over to the blanket.
After we ate, we decided to get back into the water. I slid my arms around his broad shoulders, and his arms fit comfortably around my waist. We held each other as we drifted with the current.
Once more, our lips meshed together, and time stood still as our kisses deepened. Once, we even found ourselves under the water, mouths still pressed together, tongues searching, as we gave ourselves wholly to each other.
We finally came up for air and made our way onto the bank. The rest of the afternoon was complete bliss. Ken and I stretched out on the blanket, and kissed and talked. It was so nice to spend time alone with him.
In the following days, Mark and I tried to be more discreet. Although it was no secret that we had feelings for each other, we tried not to let it affect the team. We communicated privately on our wristbands, and made a habit of slipping out together quietly at night.
As days turned into weeks, we trained on our various mechas. I enjoyed the rush of wind flowing through my hair as I sped around on my motorcycle. Jason shared that love for speed with me, and we would race each other, just for the fun of it. I realized quickly that I had an advantage with the versatility of my motorcycle, when I left him in the dust once, because he was held back by traffic. I would never let him forget that moment.
Once, the team gathered at the race track to cheer Jason on in one of his races. After he won, we gathered around with the crowd to congratulate him, but somehow I was the only one to get within reach of the podium. Jason wore a sly grin as he reached down and pulled me up beside him, planting a big wet kiss on my lips. I was shocked by his behavior, but I had to admit, I kinda liked it.
Jason laughed heartily as his eyes met Mark's. But by the look on the Commander's face, I could tell that Jason was playing a very dangerous game.