Chapter 11
Samus hugged Ryu, as she waited for her ride to pick her up. Eventually, they came as 2-D was at the helm. Noodle sat beside him. "Hey, Samus…space ace, hop in". 2-D said, kindly. 2-D smiled a friendly smile as he smoked his cigarette. Doing as she was suggested, Samus got in. "hello". She said, with some nonchalance. "Hey, Noodle". Samus said, casually, as she and Noodle hugged. "Hey". Noodle said, calmly. "Glad you could come…I kind of needed some answers to the homework for Mrs. Dean's class". "I perhaps was hoping…maybe…we could compare answers".
"I brought my homework with me that I did…I just got the answers from the book". Samus said, taking out a worksheet with some answers on it. "I think these are right, but it's always good to get a second opinion".
"Let's see what you have…maybe I have the same thing". Noodle said, as she turned on her book light, illuminating both of their worksheets. "This says that mass is accelerated through the velocity of free-falling objects". "True or false…". "I have false". Noodle said.
"Yes, that's definitely false". Samus said. They went through the worksheet, double-checking, calculating, and looking over answers to Astrophysics homework. 2-D waited until after the worksheet was completed, to interrupt them. "It's so nice that you could stay with us, Samus". "We're really glad you're here". 2-D said, kindly. "Thank you". Samus said. "My cousins are taking the baby to get his baptismal certificate in the morning…I had school, so I couldn't go with them, but, it is nice to stay with you, too".
"I'm happy you're with us". "You'll love my pad, I have some pull-out beds you can sleep in, I have almond milk smoothies, and I have a Pokemon movie we could watch, that will help put us right to bed". 2-D said, kindly with gentleness. "Thank you'. Samus said. "Did you buy the chocolate almond milk, or the strawberry?". Noodle asked, as she looked up at 2-D. "I have some of the chocolate we can make a smoothie out of". "Or a milkshake with strawberry drizzle". "Yum…". 2-D said, kindly as he and the girls giggled. "Alright, sweetie bees, let's get ready for bedtime". "Nummy nummy time". 2-D said, kindly as the girls laughed.
2-D pulled into the hotel parking lot, as he and the girls got out. Noodle was in her pajamas as well. They walked inside as Noodle yawned. "Now, let's see, what was our room number again?". 2-D asked, as he examined the room doors, squinting a bit. "16". Noodle confirmed as she and Samus waited behind 2-D. "Alrightie o, 16…oo, 16, that might be my lucky number next time…that'll be for the next scratch off". 2-D said, as he giggled, fruitfully. 2-D unlocked the door, swiping his magnetic room key. "Alright, kiddos". "Here we are…here's the cool room". "We can watch a movie past 7:30". "And we can have some smoothies". 2-D said, giggling. "Enjoy, mi casa es su casa".
Noodle and Samus came in, as 2-D passed out the almond milk chocolate smoothies, with raspberry drizzle, in glasses, with a crazy straw. "Here are some smoothies, and, if you feel wacky packy, here's a crazy straw with your name on it". "I also made some popcorn, so we can watch Pokemon, eat some popcorn, and drink some smoothies". "Sounds like fun, huh?". 2-D said, gently. "That sounds extraordinary". Samus said, as she and Noodle shared a laugh. "Noodley doodley, did we take your medicine yet?". "Let's do sleep medicine that way we have it out of the way, just to be sure". 2-D said, kindly in a gentle, softened, singsong voice. "Samus, you also have some medicine, sweetie pea". "Let's take medicine first, ladies". 2-D's voice was soft, and kind as he kissed both of Noodle's cheeks. Noodle nodded, as she waited for her medicine. 2-D distributed it to her, as he helped her swallow her cannabis oil. When she finished swallowing, she drank her smoothie.
"Mm, Samus, it seems you take the same oil that Noodle does". 2-D said, kindly. "You have cannabis for sleep and PTSD, nightmares".
"I do". Samus replied. "That's what she takes before she goes to sleep at night". "That, and Russ or I will read her a bedtime story so she can fall asleep". 2-D said, gently. "That's nice". Samus said. "Ryu cuddles with me before I go to bed".
"We cuddle too, huh Noodley?". 2-D said, kindly with gentleness. "Yep". Noodle nodded. "Cuddly wuddly". 2-D said, gently with a gushy giggle as he and Noodle nuzzled. "Num num nummy pie!". 2-D said, kindly as he and Noodle laughed.
"Why don't you get settled in, and I'll give Samus her medicine, pupu bear". 2-D said, kindly, kissing both of Noodle's cheeks. "Ok". Noodle said, as she took her smoothie to the couch. Samus looked over, as 2-D grinned a goofy grin seeing Samus. "Ready for medicine, coochie coo?". "Mmm, you are so num nummy, I could just eat you right up!". 2-D said, in a giggly, childlike manner as he made a silly face. Samus laughed. "That's the first time anyone's ever said that to me". Samus remarked, as she laughed, smiling a half-smile. "Well, you are so cutie patootie, I love seeing you cuddle wuddle". "You're my boppy buddy". 2-D said, gently as he giggled, grinning a cartoony, silly grin, as he made another silly face. Samus laughed.
"Well now…let's take some medicine, nummy buddy". 2-D said, kindly with gentleness. "Alright, then". Samus said, chuckling. 2-D took some of her cannabis oil, pouring it into a cup, as he helped her swallow. "There you go, there it is…almost there, you've got it". "You're right there, nummy". 2-D said, kindly as he chuckled. "Good job taking medicine". "You're such a champ at it, nummy". "Now, let's drink our smoothie, and we'll lay down for movie time". 2-D made another silly face.
Samus laughed as she went into the living room to lay down. Noodle laid down, with the popcorn, as she was in the pull-out bed that the couch had. 2-D slept on the other pull-out bed. "Mm, Pokemon…ooo, I love Pikachu, and Misty…oo, look, a Snorlax!". "Snore, snore!". 2-D said, gleefully, as he giggled at the sight of the television. "Noodley, look!". "There's a Pikachu and a Jigglypuff!". "Jigglypuffs are so majestic, and cute!". "I, all of a sudden, want a Jigglypuff". 2-D said, gleefully as he giggled. Noodle and Samus exchanged looks as they smiled. "I'm sorry, I swear it's possibly the ADHD pills he's addicted to, these days". "That, coupled with Mountain Dew". Noodle said, calmly as she and Samus shared a laugh. "No, that's ok…he's actually quite a nice addition to my day". Samus said. "Besides, I had guys back in the Federation who were the exact same way". "Generation X, very childlike, very casual about things even though they had an IQ of 201". "They were nice men, but they were…entertaining to say the least". "They did have a childlike, energetic side to them, even though they were pessimistic".
"2-D's not pessimistic that much….that's usually Murdoc who's more cynical, and least likely to have a nice conversation with…but there are times when someone might say something mean to dampen the spirit, but I usually look past it, and find the childlike side that likes to do silly accents, and make weird faces…not to mention, bring up random ideas that have nothing to do with the subject of a conversation we're having". Noodle said. "I guess you get a plethora of attitudes, and personalities when you're with guys all of the time".
"That is for sure, but, remember that guys in general, are immature, and have a creative streak". Samus said. "The creative streak implies immaturity". Noodle added.
"I've hung around guys my entire childhood….I'm used to the underwear, and the farting, the burping, the smell of beer, and the immaturity….but I'm also used to their sympathy, and easygoing nature as well". "That's one thing you'll find about guys that's rare, is a type A personality". Samus said. "Usually, us girls are type A". "we're really aggressive, but..after being reared by guys, I've kind of learned to be easygoing". "I never let anything bother me".
"That's how I am, too". "I guess…I never let anything get to me because…it's just not worth it". Noodle said. "I'm used to being raised by guys as well". "Immaturity, a lack of common sense, and a nonchalant attitude about things that are important is a normality for me, too". "That, and I remember the smell of giant boxers, the smell of beer, farting, and what a scrotum looks like, as well". "It's nothing different for me, either".
"I don't know…guys are nicer though". "They understand better, and they're lenient". "Luckily, I haven't had too much trouble with these guys, but it was weird". Noodle said.
"I agree". Samus said, as she drank her smoothie, watching the rest of Pokemon. "Awww, Ash loves his Pikachu!". "I want a Pikachu now!". "If I ever get reincarnated, I want to come back as a Pikachu". 2-D giggled, as he drank his smoothie. Noodle gave Samus a knowing look, raising her eyebrows, as she directed her attention to 2-D. "Ok, it is definitely time to settle down, now". Noodle reminded, kindly. "You want to have the energy to take me to school, don't you?".
2-D nodded. "Why yes, of course". 2-D said, gently with a hint of small squeaking to his voice. "I want my Noodley to be ready on time so I can babysit her again".
"Perhaps in the spirit of doing drop off, you should probably settle down, now". Noodle reminded, kindly. "Right, yes". "Let's settle down….so we can go to bed…but not before the huggy monster comes to get you!". 2-D said, gleefully, as he snuck up behind Noodle, hugging her tightly with the energy he had. He kissed Noodle's cheeks, kindly as he hugged her from behind. Noodle laughed, shaking her head. "That's not what I had in mind!". She giggled. After 2-D hugged Noodle, he snuck up behind Samus, giving her a hug. "Coochie coo, I love you!". "Love you, boobley boo!". 2-D said, gleefully, as he kissed both of Samus's cheeks while she and Noodle giggled. "Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo!". 2-D said, gleefully, as he played a game with the girls, talking to them in baby talk. "That's nice but…we do have to go to bed at some point, 2-D". Noodle reminded, as she smiled. She laughed as well. "Let's lay down, let's watch the movie, see, we're missing half of it, and settle down for the night". "Ok?". Noodle said, with wisdom behind her innocent voice. "Ok, Noodley, I'll settle down, now". 2-D said, as he nodded. "But first, can I have a kiss goodnight?". 2-D asked, gently with affectionate, cuddly softness to his voice. "You can". Noodle said, as she felt a warm hug from 2-D, as well as a kiss on both of her cheeks. "Thank you, Noodley doodley". "Pupu bear". 2-D said, gently with kindness.
"Love you". 2-D said, kindly with soft, cuddly gentleness as he nuzzled Noodle. "I love you, too". Noodle said, as she felt warmth from 2-D. A warmth that emulated love, and kindness, attachment and affection, that she was reunited with after the trauma she experienced. "Goodnight". Noodle said. "Goodnight, baby". 2-D said, softly with gentleness as he kissed Noodle's cheeks. Noodle laid down to sleep.
"Goodnight, baby…is it ok if I give you a kiss goodnight?". 2-D asked Samus, gently with soft friendliness. "Ok". Samus said, as 2-D kissed both of Samus's cheeks, kindly, while she laid down. He cuddled, nuzzling her as well. "Love you, Samus". "Nummy buddy". 2-D said, kindly with friendly gentleness. "I love you, too". Samus said, as she felt the warmth, and cuddly gentleness of 2-D. She was in a good place…as was everyone else as they went to sleep, happy to share in the delight. They watched Pokemon, drinking their smoothies, (which had melatonin in them, 2-D mixed them in the smoothies to get the girls to sleep) and laying down. They all went to sleep, dreaming of the next day. Dreaming of what was to come. Even so, it was a good night, met with fun, met with love, kindness, and most importantly…sleep. Sleep befell them for a long time…even when regular T.V. came back on, and the T.V. went off, due to a timer. Old T.V.'s, man do I miss them, reader. Come to think of it, I miss the early 2000's. I wish, one day, that they would come back. But for now, just sit back, and enjoy the story that's playing out. Goodness in its finest form.
The next morning, a creamy white, cloudy mist hung over the outside of the hotel..and…predictably enough, there was a powerline that was by it. It was one of those ones with the skirt triangle down at the bottom, and a rectangular top by the wires, it was a fat powerline, however.
Samus woke up early in the morning, seeing that 2-D had left his pull-out bed. Samus didn't have a nightmare….yet she was seeking comfort from an adult. Samus went outside on the balcony, smelling the fresh smell, and putrid nauseating aroma of cigarette smoke. Samus saw this gray cloud of ashen smoke outside, as 2-D had the white cigarette to his lips. 2-D smiled a friendly smile as he saw Samus. "Hey, baby girl". He said, kindly as he blew out some cigarette smoke. The tip of his cigarette was coated in ash. "I'm so happy to see you this morning, nummy". "Did you sleep ok?". 2-D asked, kindly with gentleness. "I slept alright, I just kind of got up early, I guess". Samus said, drinking her almond milk. "That's nice, baby". 2-D said, gently. "You slept for a good amount of time". "I'm so glad you were able to come over last night…Noodle enjoyed it, too". "She has been wanting to do a sleepover for so long".
"It was really nice…even if we just watched a movie". Samus said. "But I liked being here, and seeing everyone….it was good".
"Yeah, we are a fun crew, most of the time…". 2-D said, kindly as he chuckled. "But we haven't had a chance to talk yet". "How have you been, Samus?". 2-D tapped ash from his cigarette. "I've been ok, kind of". Samus said. "Ryu let me stay with him, and….it's going really well". "We talk, and cuddle, it is nice". "It's been a long while, actually a piece of a lifetime since I've found a blood relative".
"That's so cool you're doing well, my Samus". "You're in a better place, you're with your family…I'm so proud of you, baby girl". 2-D said, gently. "Y'know, Noodle actually received a call from someone who had grown up in the same orphanage as she did". "He was a boy, they got together, and they met for a while". "Noodle was so happy, she decided to allow him to stay overnight, they had a wonderful time".
"Sometimes, when we find someone we know had the same experiences, and stories as us, we tend to become close with them". 2-D said, gently. "But I'm so happy my nummy is doing well". 2-D smiled a kind smile as Noodle came outside as well.
"Hello, Noodly doodley". "Lovebug, how are you?". 2-D said, kindly. "Good". Noodle said, hugging 2-D. "It's so good to see you, baby girl". "Let me hug you, and squeeze you, and give you all of my lovin". 2-D said, gently as he wrapped Noodle in a hug. Noodle felt the warmth, and the comfort of having 2-D by her side. It truly was, a loving miracle in many ways. Both of the girls went to school that day….and felt comforted by the notion that they were in a loving place….with people that truly cared, in so many ways.
After a long school day, and a busy day with the Gorillaz, Samus returned home to homework, and some assignments. Ryu came to her room, knocking on her door, kindly. "Yes…?". Samus asked, as she looked up at him. "Hey, I was just making sure you were ok, sweet pea". Ryu said, gently. Ryu smiled a kind smile. "Doin some homework?". He asked, kindly.
"I am". Samus said, as she looked up at Ryu. Samus couldn't help but smile a smile as well. "Yeah, I know you're busy, an' all, but, I was thinking of heading to the spring to warm up, and relax". "I've had a busy day, myself". "Want to come with me?". Ryu asked, gently with kindness behind his voice. "Perhaps, I do". Samus said. Ryu smiled a kind smile as he leaned against Samus's door. He looked around her room at the different awards, and accolades she had received from her time in the Federation. "Nice stuff….you truly are the best, huh?". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "I am, in many ways". Samus said, as she looked up and down her awards on the nearby dresser. "That's really cool, my Samus". "I'm in love with that…just as I'm in love with you". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness as he smiled at Samus, lovingly. "Thank you". Samus said, as she quickly wrote the answer for the last question in her assignment packet. Samus followed Ryu outside as they went to the car. The spring wasn't too far away….it was just a short distance away, plenty enough for Samus to travel there and back in 10 minutes. Literally, it was a 10 minute drive.
Ryu glanced around at the gray clouds as a bit of sunset was seen peeking out from under the clouds. "So….out of curiosity….what did Aunt Diane, and Uncle Lyle die of again?". Samus asked, as she looked up at Ryu. "mm, they died of a virus that was going around the planet for some time". Ryu said, kindly. "It was released on XJ-5, there were a bunch of colonies that were dying from this thing". "But that was way before Ridley, or space pirates came into the picture".
"It was an old thing….eh, I don't even remember….it was way before you were born….I was 12 at the time". "After my mom and dad passed, I was raised by Grandpa for a long while….an' hey, we were the best of pals". Ryu said, kindly. "But he died later on….that's when we were reunited, at his funeral, you remember".
"I remember…that's before Robin got pregnant". Samus said, as she looked up at Ryu. "It was…and she was pregnant with the best of em". "But she had Sasuke, and our lives couldn't be much better". Ryu said, kindly as he smiled. "He has been a blessing to us in so many aspects". Ryu glanced out of the window as his mouth curved into a smile. "How was school today?". Ryu asked, gently. "It was fine….I guess". "I was actually chastised for something…I don't know what it was….but that was the one single teacher there who is kind of tough". Samus said. "Everyone else is really nice".
"I don't know…It was ok". Samus said. "You sound like you've had a bad day". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "What happened?".
"Nothing, really". "It was just a typical day…the one teacher only criticized though….that's it". Samus said. "I guess some people can be really passive aggressive".
"Hey, y'know, you get those people sometimes". Ryu said, gently. "I used to get people like that, myself". "The best thing to do, when someone criticizes, or yells, is to just walk away, and remove yourself from the situation". "There's no conflict, there's no yelling, and nothing escalates". "Just keep quiet, walk away, and don't say anything". "That's what I've always done, and it's the best thing to do". "Family might be different because we're comfortable with them, and we know them well, but with strangers, or teachers, friends, or even bosses, we don't know so well, so we just have to walk away, and say nothing". "It's the polite, wise thing to do".
"There were times when Grandpa and I would argue, too". "We'd get into it, and fight…we'd criticize one another, and we weren't ashamed". "The next day, we were pals again". "I know right now is hard, but you don't want to get into trouble at school". "Please do the wise thing, and walk away if it gets to be too much". Ryu said, kindly. "There doesn't need to be trouble, or conflict". "Everything will be ok".
"Ok". Samus said. "You've always been really good". "We've never had a problem, you and I". Ryu assured, kindly. "Know that you're loved, you're respected, there's a lot of people looking out for you".
"Thank you". Samus said, as they arrived at the spring. Ryu and Samus got out, as Ryu, with his shirt off, sat in the spring. He was naked…save for the cross and chain around his neck. A big metal cross on a silver chain around his neck. That, and the tattoos that lined his body. Ryu smiled a kind smile, as he showered underneath the waterfall that the spring had. Ryu's….well…you know what special organ I'm referring to…hung down beneath as well as some other big boy parts. Ryu smiled a half smile, as he glanced at Samus. 'Y'like it?". Ryu said, chuckling. "I'm chubbo, because I've got quite a belly, recently". "I've been eatin all that sorbet and cake…heh…that's pretty cool, my cake".
Samus nodded, as she glanced upwards. "...alright then". Samus said, as she opted to look away. Samus glanced at Ryu, as he came closer, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Love you". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "I love you, too". Samus said, as she and Ryu giggled, feeling the immense comfort, wisdom, and tenacity of the spring. The spring was a nice place. In many ways, it was a place of dignity, respect, and wonder. Samus and Ryu found a placating love, and kindness with it. It was like a black bear…or perchance, a Gorilla, with a baby girl…a little girl, and as she innocently played, the Gorilla protected her, while maintaining a playful attitude. The gorilla played peek-a-boo, tickled, and cuddled. For as tough looking as this Gorilla was, as beat up, and aggressive as the Gorilla seemed, he was easygoing, loving, and kind to the girl…and protected her until the end of time. That, perchance, was Ryu and Samus.