Topsy Turvy

Summary: Sequel to How to Save a Life. Jade and Linksano have been together for six months, and Linksano is working on a solution that will allow Jade to survive in the Awesome 'Verse. But something happens that turns their lives upside down.

Warnings: None

Rating: PG

Pairing: Linksano/OC

Disclaimer: All characters copyright AT4W, except Jade, who is mine.

Chapter Five: Bullies Belittled

Jade leaned against Linksano, her back pressed against the booth's cushion, smiling as she watched her friends devour the pizzas in front of them, conversation flowing freely. Even Snob was laughing and smiling, a feat that many thought him incapable of. Jade nibbled on pizza and listened to the conversations, content to just be an observer for now.

"You okay, love?" Linksano looked over at her. "You're being awfully quiet."

Jade nodded. "I'm fine. Just watching everyone, that's all. I think the last time I was among people so happy was...my sister's birthday right before...well, before." Linksano gave her a one armed hug before digging into his pepperoni and mushroom pizza. Jade chuckled and turned to watch Critic and Snob, who were in a heated debate over the merits, or in Critic's opinion, the lack thereof, of exploitation movies. Spoony and 90s Kid were talking about something called a Sega Genesis, Linkara and Insano were having an argument over something called Neutro, and Harvey and Jaeris were deep in a conversation about music, the singer having discovered that the former Gunslinger had been a music reviewer in his home universe. Dan and The Other Guy- "Call me Rob," he had told Jade- were discussing the latest movies.

SOI floated over to her. "Riki, riki tee?"

Jade looked over at the arcade. "Well, I don't know if I'd be any good, but sure." She eased out of the booth and SOI bounced over to Insano, bopping him lightly on the head.

"What?"

"Riki Tee!"

Insano laughed and dug in his pockets, pulling out a few crumpled dollar bills. "Of course. Have fun. Hey, 90s Kid?"

"Yo?"

Insano grinned. "Feel like having my son beat you at Whack A Mole?"

The teen gaped in mock effrontery. "Dude, no one can beat me at Whack A Mole!" He leapt up from his seat, nearly knocking his Coke into Critic's lap, and ran towards the arcade area, Jade and SOI following after.

Critic craned his neck to watch as Jade bent over the air hockey table, whistling in appreciation. Rob rolled his eyes and smacked the back of his head, glancing pointedly at Linksano, who looked as if he would dearly love to take Critic's head off. "Sorry."

Linksano huffed his acceptance.

Rob was about to say something when a loud shout broke the awkward silence. "IT IS HIM!"

Critic, Linkara, Spoony and Snob all winced at the shout. "Oh God, not now," Snob whispered viciously. "Damn it, not now!"

Critic sighed. "Just be nice, and tell whoever it is that we're busy. I'm sure they'll understand." He plastered on a fake smile as two men in their early twenties came up to their table, grinning. One, who had on a dirty green shirt, turned to him.

"Hey, are you the Nostalgia Critic?" There was something about the mocking way he asked that set Critic's teeth on edge.

"Yeah. Look, this really isn't a good time. We're having a private party."

The man who had spoken turned to his companion, a mocking smile on his face. "You hear that, George? They're having a private party. Isn't that sweet?"

George grinned. "Yeah, Dale. It's sweet. What's the matter, Critic? Too good for your fans? Well, seeing as how everyone here is a bunch of pompous assholes, can't say I'm surprised."

Snob glared at him. "Hey, I'm the only pompous asshole around here, thank you! Now, kindly fuck off."

George laughed, then grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the table. Dan and Spoony glared daggers at him, and he leaned back, smirking. "Hey, you can't make me leave. My Daddy owns this place, and if you cause a stink I'll make sure you never get allowed back. So hows about you give me a slice of pizza?"

"How about I shove my goggles up your ass?" Insano growled. George leaned forward and snatched a slice of pizza off his plate. "HEY!"

George ate the pizza in two large bites, wiped his mouth on his arm, then belched loudly. Dale, who was sitting next to a less than pleased Linksano, clapped, laughing.

"Hey dudes, Jade just totally kicked my ass at Pac Man! She's like, totally...who are you guys?" 90s Kid had come running over, and now he stared in confusion at the newcomers. He also noticed the rather furious looks they were getting. "Dudes, umm, you're kinda crashing a private party."

Dale looked him up and down and burst out laughing. "What the hell are you wearing? You look like you're stuck in the 90s! What a fucking dweeb!"

George noticed something else. "The fuck is that thing?!" He pointed to SOI, who had come over to get more money for tokens. "What sort of sick fucking thing is that?"

Insano was shaking in rage, and Spoony grabbed his arm under the table , silently willing him to not do anything stupid. "I think you guys had better get while the getting's good."

"I concur, my video game playing friend," said Dan, glaring at the interlopers. "We are in no mood to deal with two annoying children."

George snickered. "Not much you can do about it, shithead."

"Hey, what's going on?" Jade entered the room, looking just as confused as 90s Kid had. Dale and George gaped at her, and Linksano had to exert a great deal of willpower to keep from strangling both of them. "I'm sorry, but I don't remember inviting you two gentlemen."

Dale licked his lips as his gaze roved up and down her body. "Tell you what, sugar tits, you ditch these losers and come with me and George. We'll have ourselves a nice little party for three."

Jade smiled sweetly at him. "I would sooner fuck a dead dog. Besides, didn't your momma teach you not to hit on a pregnant woman?"

George snorted. "Nice try, bitch. But Dale and I always get our way, and right now, I gotta say, you're our way."

Jade's eyes flashed, and Linksano clapped his hands to his ears. He turned to the others and mouthed "Cover your ears!" Puzzled, they complied, SOI hiding under his Daddy's coat.

Jade faced Dale and George, her eyes blazing in rage. "I am not your way. Your way is out that door and down the road. You will leave now, and once you leave, you will forget about everyone in this room. Now, GO!"

The two men stood at the same time and walked out, their eyes blank and unfocused.

Linksano grinned at Jade. "You know, that gift of yours comes in handy sometimes."

Jade blushed in reply.