The Unexpected

Chapter 4

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Yay, expect some Theonor fluff in this one!

I didn't want to overload this story with romance, but it's hard not to do some cute scenes with him and Eleanor. They are the most innocent and open about their love. Darn their cuteness~!

Also, I think the last few chapters will be uploaded sooner rather than later. I have some older stories to wrap up.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are always valued.

XOXOXOXOXO

Aw man... why did I ever agree to this? I don't know the first thing about dating!

Theodore sighed and tossed another rejected article of clothing over his shoulder. He wasn't one to get into fashion but his clothes were decent enough for most occasions. However, he didn't just want to wear just anything on his date with Eleanor, let along his first date period! She deserved better than that.

What on earth should he wear? It wouldn't work to wear something too formal. After all, they were only going to the park nearby. But it wouldn't work to wear something too casual either...

"Alvin?" Theodore called, ruffling through their shared closet. "Can you give me a hand?"

"Sure, what's up?" Alvin said, hopping over a pile of discarded clothes. "But I'm not cleaning up your mess, dude."

"No, I need help picking something out for my, er... outing," Theodore said, biting his lip. It still felt a tad embarrassing calling it a date.

"Ah, for your date, huh?" Alvin said bluntly, wriggling his eyebrows and nudging Theodore playfully. "Go on, stud!"

"St-stop it!" Theodore said, cheeks turning a light pink. "It's our first date. I want to do things right, you know?"

"Don't sweat it, bro!" Alvin said, looking browsing through the selection of outfits. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he looked each one over. His eyes lit up when he finally came across one. "Ah! How about this one?"

He presented the outfit Theodore had wore when they participated in the Battle of the Bands at West Eastman High. It wasn't too simple nor was it over-the-top. Theodore had completely forgotten about it.

"That's not bad..." Theodore said. "Do you really think this will do alright?"

"Of course! Trust me," Alvin smiled, placing the shirt and jacket in his hands. "It'll go great if you wear that."

"Thanks," Theodore said, taking off his usual green shirt to exchange for the dark green shirt and black leather jacket. "I wonder if Eleanor's having as much trouble as I am?"

"Oh, please. Are you kidding me? Girls are infamous for taking forever just to get ready," Alvin snickered, sitting down to play a game on his Xbox. "Britt always takes ages to get ready, even if it's just for a walk!"

Simon chuckled from his perch on the window sill. He liked to study there in the afternoons.

"He's got a point," Simon said. "I've never heard of a girl that got ready quickly."

Theodore chuckled at their silly behavior, adjusting his jacket. "Well, I hope she won't be too long. I don't want us to be caught at night - "

"Dude!" Alvin said dramatically. "Being caught at night is the best time!"

"Huh?" Theodore said, raising an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"Come on, think about it!" Alvin said, looking as if he was explaining something extremely simple to an idiot. "When it's dark and spooky, what do girls do? They cling to you and want you to hold them tight! Perfect opportunity."

"Oh brother," Simon said, rolling his eyes and snickering. "I don't think that'd work in this day and age, Alvin."

"Um, Eleanor doesn't seem like the type to do that," Theodore laughed, shaking his head. "I think I'm more likely to cling to her, honestly."

"Argh, you guys are killing me!" Alvin groaned. He waved them off and returned to his game. "Well, whatever, do what you want. Tell us how it goes when you get back, okay?"

"Are you sure you don't want us to back you up?" Simon asked, flipping a page in his book. "Just in case?"

"No, thank you," Theodore declined. "I'll be fine."

Casting a quick glance to the clock, Theodore then made his way downstairs to wait in the living room. It was only 4 o'clock in the evening, so there was little danger of them being out too late. He whistled softly as he sat on the couch. Even though he appeared calm, it felt like a thousand butterflies were fluttering about in his tummy. He had never been so nervous before, and he couldn't quite pin down the reason.

He heard light scurrying coming from the staircase. He jumped slightly before hopping off the couch to greet who he hoped was Eleanor.

"Hi, Eleanor -"

His voice caught in his throat at the lovely sight in front of him. Eleanor was always gorgeous in his eyes, but tonight she was exceptionally so. Her usual bouncy ponytails were styled in a curlier fashion and lied resting on her shoulders. She never struck him as the type to be too interested in jewelry, but the gleaming, small turquoise earrings in each ear was a lovely touch. She wore a soft, light-green dress to top it all off.

Eleanor smiled as she joined him at the bottom of the staircase. He must have had an awe-struck expression because she giggled at him.

"Hello, Theodore. Your expression must mean I cleaned up well, huh?" she said, winking playfully.

Theodore gulped and struggled to compose himself. "S-Sorry! It's just... well..."

"Hm?"

"You... you look beautiful, Ellie," Theodore said, timidly writhing his hands. "T-That's what I'm trying to say."

Eleanor blushed and giggled nervously. "You're sweet, Theodore! Thank you. You look great too! Are you ready to go?"

"Oh, yeah!" Theodore led the way to the front door, where they notified Dave that they would be at the park for a while. Dave told them to be back before six and the two chipmunks left home and walked towards the park. Theodore was relieved to find that it wasn't crowded at all: only a few joggers and families could be seen.

Eleanor pointed out an empty park bench and the two made their way over. As Theodore sat down, he wondered how he should start the conversation.

After all, wasn't a date all about getting to know that someone special?

"So, er..." Theodore started, cursing his shyness. He was tempted to complement her on her appearance, but he knew he would only look cheesy if he did. "How are things, in general?"

"Oh, I can't complain," Eleanor said, smoothing out the front of her dress. "Things are going pretty well with school! The only one I'm kind of having trouble in is Home Economics."

"Really?" Theodore said, surprised. "But you're a great chef! Are you sure your teacher's grading you fairly?"

Eleanor giggled that ever-contagious giggle of hers. "Thanks! But really, it's because I've been a bit tired and haven't been focusing on the recipes like I should. I want to try out for soccer, you see."

Theodore wasn't surprised. Eleanor amazed him at how athletic and energetic she could be. In some ways, he kind of envied that about her.

"You should be careful not to overwork yourself," Theodore said softly. "I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt. Maybe you should make a schedule."

"You're right," Eleanor said, twitching her nose excitedly. He's worried about me! "Maybe you can be my tutor! You're like my rival when it comes to cooking anyway! We can compete!"

Theodore laughed heartily. "That sounds good! So long as we don't go crazy like Al and Brittany."

"Oh, never that," Eleanor grinned. "So, how have you been? Life's been treating you well, I hope?"

"Well..." Theodore sighed. "Eleanor... can you keep a secret?"

Eleanor's face grew serious in response. "Of course. You can tell me anything and I won't tell a soul."

Theodore steeled himself for what he was about to confess. He knew he was risking sounding like a gigantic, immature, jealous crybaby. She might even lose any respect she had for him. But something about the blonde Chipette made him feel at ease, as if everything would be okay in the end.

"I feel like I'm the odd one out in our family. Despite what everyone else says, I feel like I'm the one that's the least interesting. Dull, boring. Everyone else is unique or exciting in some way. Like, you: you're athletic, sweet, smart..." Eleanor smiled and blushed. "But what can I do? I'm just the fat one, or the baby. It sucks big time."

He paused, taking a deep breath. He had said it all so fast, before he lost his nerve and decided to keep his feelings bottled up. He was afraid to look Eleanor in the face. Surely she'd have a look of utter disgust in reaction to his childish confession.

Eleanor took his hands in her own, giving them a firm but gentle squeeze to get his attention. He reluctantly looked into her emerald-green eyes, gulping slightly.

"Theodore, I don't think that about you at all," she said, looking away timidly. "You're so much more than that in my eyes. When I look at you, even if I've had a really bad day, I feel like I can take on the world. You're kind, wise, and bright. You have a way of finding the good in many different people and situations that others can't do. You're creative and resourceful," Eleanor gave him a shy smile. "To me, you're all that and more."

Stunned, Theodore simply stared back at her. He had never thought of himself as anything special, always believing that having a humble look on life was the best. But here... the girl in front of him made him sound like he was damn near a saint! And it wasn't simply that she had said all of these kind things about him: it was that she honestly believed in him.

"I... I don't know what to say, Eleanor," Theodore stuttered. "I – you make me sound so much better than I really am."

"No," Eleanor said adamantly. "It's that you think too lowly of yourself. Don't let what those idiots say about you. I mean, you're not the only one that gets some rude comments about your weight. Sometimes I get called fat too. We're in the same boat, really. So... instead of listening to what some random people say, maybe listen to me. I'd never say anything like that about you, Theodore."

Theodore, in a small burst of courage, leaned over and placed a small kiss on her fluffy cheek. Eleanor squeaked and blushed, but made no move to stop him whatsoever.

"You're a sweetheart, Ellie," Theodore said sincerely, giving her a bright smile. He finally felt comfortable enough to call her by her favorite nickname. "Thank you for hearing me out. You really didn't have to."

"O-Oh! No, really, it was my pleasure! There's nothing you can say that could make me think badly of you," Eleanor said, a blissful smile on her face. She gently touched the spot he had kissed before giggling.

"As a thank-you, how about I get us some popcorn?" Theodore offered. "I'm getting a little hungry," he paused, remembering his vow to stay on his diet. "I mean, er... maybe something healthier?"

Eleanor giggled again. "Those kinds of snacks are just fine! You just have to eat them in moderation."

"Okay, gotcha!" Theodore said cheerfully before hopping off the bench to buy a bag of popcorn from a nearby vendor. He soon returned with a small bag of popcorn (any size larger than that would have been difficult to carry). Eleanor thanked him and they both dug into the buttery treat.

When Theodore leaned back to wipe his mouth with a napkin, Eleanor laughed, holding her stomach. Theodore smiled inquisitively, tilting his head.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"That's a funny hat you've got there, Theo!" Eleanor said, pointing to the top of his head.

Theodore felt the top of his head and was surprised to find a small piece of popcorn stuck to the side of his head. He took it off, looked at it, and laughed alongside Eleanor.

"Oh wow, that's embarrassing!" Theodore snickered, tossing it into the empty bag. "Hey, maybe I can make a new fashion trend?"

"Fabulous!" Eleanor said, posing dramatically.

"You nut," Theodore snickered, playfully rolling his eyes.

A large gust of wind blew by. Theodore and Eleanor braced themselves against the wind, the chilly air running through their fur and making them shiver. Eleanor, Theodore noticed, seemed to suffer the worst from the cold evening air, hugging herself and trembling slightly. Without a second thought, he slipped out of his black leather jacket and placed it around her shoulders.

Eleanor looked up at him, concerned. "Oh, no! Theo, you don't have to give me this. I'm fine, really."

"It's no problem at all," Theodore grinned. "I can take a little cold, you know."

"T-Thank you," Eleanor said softly, snuggling into the jacket and inhaling his scent. "I hope it gets a little warmer..."

Another gust of wind blew by, this time much harder than the last. It nearly blew the two rodents right off the bench! Theodore was able to keep a firm hold, but Eleanor began to tumble forward. An arm quickly shot out to catch her and she fell into his arms. Just as quickly as the wind had come, it was gone.

"Are you okay?" Theodore asked, keeping a firm hold on her just in case they were hit with another blast of wind.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Eleanor said, smiling up at him gratefully. Theodore gulped nervously, feeling her soft, petite body pressed against his own.

He loosened his grip on her arms, embarrassed. "S-Sorry."

"It's okay," Eleanor said, sighing gently as she relaxed in his arms. "You don't mind if we stay like this, do you? You're nice and warm..."

"I don't mind at all," Theodore said coolly. He made sure to keep respectful as he held her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against his own. He stroked her back soothingly as he held her, the two of them enjoying the sight of the setting sun.

"Theo?"

"Yes, Ellie?"

"I'm having a great time," she said, snuggling into his chest. "Do you think we could do this against sometime?"

"Of course we can. I'd love that," he smiled.

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Go, Theo, you sly dog, you! :D * smacked *

No, but he's such a gentleman! Theonor definitely needs more love, just like the other two couples. I really hope we see a lot more romance in the upcoming third movie, Chip-Wrecked!

Thanks for reading! Two more chapters to go. I might extend this, we'll see.