Playing Rough
Theodore and Eleanor sat together with their legs perched over the edge of the tree house. The group had decided to stay up in the tree house rather than inside in case Dave heard Brittany, and he wasn't as heavy a sleeper as Miss Miller. Theodore had been given the first watch, but he was still really scared of Brittany so Eleanor had decided to stay up with him through the shift. Brittany was playfully crawling along the walls of the tree.
"So Theodore, this must be a bit of a shock to you" Eleanor said. He looked at her and nodded before glancing timidly at Brittany. Eleanor let out a sigh.
"She is a lot to handle, but now that she obeys a lot better she won't hurt you" Eleanor said. Theodore nodded, but he still looked frightened of her.
"Look, I'll show you" she said and got up. She walked over to Brittany. The werechipmunk dropped to the floor and started to growl at her. Eleanor placed her hands on her hips.
"No Brittany. Sit" she said firmly. Brittany growled at her for a moment, then obediently sat down. Eleanor smiled at her.
"Good Brittany" she said and patted Brittany's head. The werechipmunk growled at her for a moment but didn't move again.
"Come here Theodore" Eleanor said. She waved her hand to signal for the chipmunk to approach. Theodore started to shiver, but he slowly got to his feet and approached Brittany. The werechipmunk looked at him curiously for a moment, then her dull blue eyes fixed upon the black eye on his face. She let out a whimper and lay on the ground. Theodore stopped shivering and watched her. Eleanor noticed Brittany's reaction.
"I think she is upset about hurting you" she said quietly. Brittany let out another whimper and covered her eyes with her paws. Theodore kneeled down next to her.
"It's ok Brittany. I forgive you. You didn't know what you were doing" he said kindly and gently stroked her hair. The werechipmunk uncovered her eyes and looked up at Theodore. She let out a happy bark and started to snuggle against him affectionately. Eleanor smiled.
"Well, I think she likes you now" she said happily. Theodore smiled at her then realized something. He bent down next to Brittan again.
"Brittany. You hurt Eleanor today as well. I think you should apologize to her" he said. The werechipmunk looked at him, then nodded her head in understanding. She slowly stepped toward her sister. She let out a whimper and snuggled up against Eleanor. The blond Chipette smiled.
"Thank you Brittany. At least in this form you are still nice" she said and patted Brittany's head again. Brittany panted happily then started to run around the tree house again, climbing on the walls and the ceiling.
"Are you still scared of her Theodore?" Eleanor asked. The chipmunk shook his head.
"No. She isn't scary at all. It must be so strange to be a werewolf. I don't think I could imagine being one" he said.
"I don't think I could ever see you being a werewolf either" Eleanor said happily. The two watched Brittany for a few more hours.
"Ok Theodore, I think you should go to sleep now. I'll watch for a little longer then I'll wake up Simon" Eleanor said. Theodore didn't move.
"No Ellie. You stayed up for me on my watch, so I'm going to stay up for yours" he said. She smiled at him.
"Ok then Theodore" she said happily and gave him a hug. The green chipmunk blushed.
"Hey Eleanor, I wanted to ask you something" Theodore said. She looked up at him.
"Sure Theodore, what is it?" she asked. She placed her hands in her lap and watched him attentively.
"Well, I know that Brittany can't help being so mean in the day time, but… are you alright?" he asked in a serious tone. Eleanor looked surprised.
"What do you mean Theodore?' she asked.
"What I mean is… she hasn't hurt you or anything has she? I know she said those awful things to you, but she hasn't… hit you or anything has she?" he asked, concern very evident in his voice. Eleanor looked at him for a moment.
"No. Well, she threw that paintbrush at me, but she hasn't hit me or anything. Why?" she asked him still surprised by the question.
"I was just worried about you. She hurt me today, and I… I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I care about you Ellie, and I don't know what I'd do if someone hurt you" Theodore said. Eleanor smiled at him and pulled him into a hug.
"Oh Theodore, that is so sweet. Thank you for being so caring. You are a great friend" she said as she squeezed him. Theodore's entire face grew red. Suddenly, Theodore felt a gentle bump from behind him. He turned around to see Brittany. She tilted her head in Eleanor's direction then gave him another nudge, pushing him slightly closer to the blond Chipette. Theodore blushed again.
"No Brittany shoo" he whispered quietly, but the werechipmunk ignored him and pushed him closer to Eleanor. He lightly bumped into her and she turned to face him.
"What is it Theodore?" she asked watching him. His face became red again and he put his hands behind his back.
"Well, E-E-Eleanor I was wondering i-i-if you would l-l-l-like to…" he started nervously, but a loud yawn from behind them caused both chipmunks to jump. They wheeled around to see Simon yawning and stretching. Brittany gave a growl of annoyance that Theodore had been interrupted.
"Hey guys… I think it's my turn to take a shift" he said and hopped out from his bedding. Eleanor stood up.
"Ok then. Come on Theodore, let's go to sleep. You can ask me whatever it was in the morning" she said, giving a yawn herself.
"Oh… ok then" Theodore said, trying to hide his disappointment.
"I was so close to asking her. Oh well, I guess I'll have to try and ask her again another time. But every time I always chicken out. I was so close tonight" he thought to himself sadly. He patted Brittany on the head.
"Good night Brittany" he sighed as he hopped up. Brittany let out a whimper then growled at Simon. The confused chipmunk just watched her.
"What did I do?" he asked her. She just growled at him and walked over to the other side of the tree house and started to climb up the wall. Theodore and Eleanor lay down in their respective sleeping bags.
"Good night Theodore" Eleanor said. She closed her eyes and rolled over.
"Good night Ellie" Theodore said, before he mimicked her move.
"I wonder what he was going to ask me. He seemed really nervous" Eleanor thought to herself before she fell off into a land of dreams.
Simon took up position dangling his legs over the edge of the tree house.
"Well, now that I'm alone with Brittany, I guess I have some time to think" Simon muttered to himself. Normally, Simon would have devoted all his thoughts to science and physics. He may even have just gone and read a book. But not tonight. Tonight Simon's thoughts were on a single individual. A brunette haired Chipette.
"Why am I so cowardly? She managed to come and ask me out. Why can't I do the same?" Simon thought to himself sadly. He rested his head in his hands as he stared up at the moonlit sky. Simon heard a growl from behind him. He turned to see that Brittany had crawled over to him. She was baring her teeth and had her claws out. Simon gulped.
"Uh… heh heh, nice weather tonight eh Brittany?" Simon said nervously pulling at his collar. Brittany growled and moved closer towards him.
Alvin woke up to a scream. He looked around the tree house, but everyone else was still asleep. Then he heard the screaming again. Cautiously he peeked his head out from the entrance to the tree house. Simon was running in circles around the tree screaming while Brittany growled angrily chasing him.
"Simon, keep it down, you'll wake Dave!" Alvin whispered loudly. The blue-clad chipmunk looked up at him in panic.
"Help me! She won't stop chasing me!" he cried out. Brittany growled at him again and he continued to run in circles. Alvin let out a sigh.
"Ok I'm coming down, just keep quiet you loudmouth" Alvin whispered angrily before climbing down the ladder. As his feet touched the ground, Simon ran behind him and hid. Brittany ran around the corner, but as soon as she saw Alvin she started to pant happily. Unfortunately for Alvin, she didn't slow down her pace. She tackled him running full speed and he was knocked of his feet. He fell on top of Simon and both chipmunks let out a loud oof. Brittany let out a happy bark then started to lick Alvin's face.
"I thought you said you trained her" Simon coughed from beneath Alvin. He was still too dazed to shove his older brother off him.
"I didn't say trained well" Alvin grumbled as he shoved Brittany away and got to his feet. Brittany continued to pant happily, however as soon as Simon got to his feet she started to bark and growl at him. The frightened chipmunk ducked behind Alvin again.
"Calm down Brittany, be a good girl" Alvin said. Brittany stopped barking, but she glared angrily at Simon.
"I don't know what I did. I just said it is nice weather tonight, and then the next thing I know she is chasing me around the yard!" Simon shivered behind Alvin, trying to avoid the angry stare of Brittany.
"Well, whatever it is, you certainly made her angry. Look, you go back to bed now. I'll take over from here ok" Alvin said calmly before turning his attention back to Brittany.
"Brittany, no more chasing Simon. Be a good girl otherwise you will have to stay in the closet back at the Chipette's house" Alvin scolded. Brittany gave one final growl and a glare at Simon before turning and climbing back up the tree. Alvin shook his head.
"She growls at people a lot, but I have never seen her so mad at someone. You must have done something major to tick her off" Alvin said as he watched her re enter the tree house.
"Well, I am going to need to find out what and make up for it or she is going to kill me" Simon gulped nervously before climbing up the ladder. Alvin followed him, still quite confused as to why Brittany hated Simon so much. As he entered, he watched Simon slowly make his way towards the sleeping bags and sheets, Brittany's death stare fixed on him the entire way.
"Come over here Brittany" Alvin cooed. The werechipmunk trotted over to him, but she continued to watch Simon. He slowly lay down, but he didn't close his eyes. He just watched Brittany, shivering.
"Leave him alone Brittany" Alvin scolded. She gave one last growl then turned back to Alvin.
"I don't know why you don't like him so much" he said shaking his head. Brittany just cocked her head before curling up on Alvin's lap. The red-clad chipmunk just stroked her and looked up at the starry sky.
"I hope we find a cure for you soon Brittany, I want to see you again, but as the Chipette you truly are. The one I care for" Alvin thought to himself. He let out a sigh, then returned to his star gazing with Brittany lying in his lap, content.
"Come on guy's time to wake up" Dave said from the doorway. As he walked downstairs to make some breakfast, the chipmunks all let out a groan. Sleeping in a tree house had not been comfortable. Brittany had put up quite a fight. She had desperately not wanted to go home. It took all five of the chipmunks just to drag her up the street. The last thing that any of them wanted to do was get out of bed, but school was school. They all begrudgingly exited their sleeping areas and headed downstairs. Eleanor and Theodore assisted Dave in cooking some waffles and toast for the other's. Once they had all eaten and dressed themselves, Dave offered to drive them to school. The day started off as it had the previous day. The kids spotted Brittany down the street. She just smirked meanly at them. Theodore shivered at the site of her and she started to laugh. Simon glared at her then coaxed the rest of the group into movement. Alvin watched Brittany for a moment before letting out a sigh and joining his brothers and the girls.
The rest of day followed through rather slowly for the five chipmunks. The classes were long and boring, and even Simon let out a yawn at one point. Nathan glared at the group all day, but he never approached them. However Brittany was different. All day Brittany continued to smirk and laugh at the group. Every class she had with them, she did everything in her power to disturb them. Alvin lost count of the amount of paper airplanes and spitballs fired at him. As the five glum chipmunks took their seats in the cafeteria at lunch, Brittany ensured that she shunted Alvin's tray off the table on her way to the lunch line. The red-clad chipmunk sighed and picked up what remained of his salad. Now that they all knew what was wrong with Brittany, they stopped bothering to watch her behaviour. Most of the other children were still perplexed and even frightened of her new persona; however they had grown used to it.
"Well, let's just eat and get out of here. I just want to be away from her" Alvin sighed as he tried to eat his food. Suddenly he felt something slimy splat onto the back of his head. He reached up and pulled off a squashed burger. Alvin let out another long sigh. He didn't need to know who had thrown it. He could hear Brittany laughing from across the cafeteria.
"I hope we can cure her soon. This is really starting to get on my nerves" Simon said angrily. He had never seen Alvin take something like that without enacting vengeance. Now however Alvin just wiped his head and continued to eat his salad, his sad expression never leaving his face.
After recess, the group had sports. Eleanor, Jeanette, Theodore and Simon all had study periods now, so usually they would come down to the field and do some homework while watching the boys and girls in sport play. This particular sports period was usually devoted to playing a game of football, and today was no exception. Alvin suited up into his football gear like the rest of the team and marched onto the field. However when he reached field, he could see that there was a problem. The coach was telling the boys and girls he had assigned to the other team something, and he wasn't happy about the answer. As he moved closer he found out that while suiting up, one of the opposing team players had been gearing up, the elastic on one of the suits had snapped and hit someone in the eye. Now with the student being sent to sick bay, the teams were uneven.
"Well guys, I'm afraid this game, someone is just going to have to sit out and watch" the coach announced. Everyone enjoyed playing football, so a unanimous groan emitted from the group of kids. The coach was just about to try and settle them down when someone off to the side shouted.
"I'll play the position!"
The coach looked around, as did the rest of the team. Alvin's eyes widened and his jaw dropped when he noticed who it was. Brittany had approached the field. She was smiling and looking happy, however Alvin could see in her dull blue eyes that she was here for one reason only, to mess with him.
"Well, alright then Brittany. Head into the change rooms and get into an outfit. When you get back we'll start" the coach said as he indicated the way to the changing rooms. All of the students just watched completely perplexed. Normally, Brittany hated sport periods, and not once had she ever elected to do something like this. Alvin turned his head to the sidelines. He could see Theodore, Eleanor, Jeanette and Simon all in the bleachers with the same expression of worry that he had.
"This is not going to be good" Simon said, concern heavy in his voice. Eleanor, Jeanette and Theodore all nodded. They put their homework down. They had to watch this. Not for entertainment, but concern for Alvin's safety. They all watched as Brittany skipped happily out in a football uniform toward the other students. The coach looked confused himself. Football could be rough, and he didn't want to see a girl like Brittany get hurt. His concern was about to shift to everyone else.
"Alright let's get started" the coach said. The kids all got into their respective positions. Brittany stood in front of Alvin.
"I am going to take you down red boy" she sneered. Alvin didn't respond, he simply sighed then returned his focus back to the game. The ball was thrown and everyone started to run. Alvin's team got possession of the ball.
"Alvin catch!" the boy with the ball shouted as he was surrounded. The ball sailed through the air and the red chipmunk grabbed it. He started to run towards the enemy goal. Suddenly Brittany dived at him from the side and he slammed into the ground. As he hit, the ball broke free from his grip and Brittany grabbed a hold of it.
"See ya, chump" she laughed then sprinted up to the other end of the field. A boy on Alvin's team tried to tackle her but she ripped him down like he was cardboard. Alvin got back to his feet. A few of his team members looked angry that their best player had been so easily taken down. Alvin brushed himself off.
"Ok Brittany, you want to play rough, well two can play that way" Alvin growled to himself. It went against every fiber in his body, but he knew that the only way he wouldn't let down his team is if he got into the game. He had tackled girls before. He cared for Brittany dearly, but now she had to be stopped. Brittany scored a goal before marching back to the center of the field.
"Alvin, you've already lost, just give up" she laughed. Alvin ignored her. He was going to hate himself after this, but he had to do it. If Brittany got that ball, he had to tackle her. The whistle blew and the ball was tossed. It sailed through the air and a girl on Brittany's team caught it. A group of Alvin's team advanced towards her and she tossed the ball. Brittany made a mid air dive and grabbed a hold of it. She started running and she spotted Alvin in front of her. She smirked to herself.
"I'll knock him down as I run, that should be fun" she thought to herself as she drew closer. She started to move her shoulder into a ramming position. The chipmunks on the sidelines all watched.
"Oh no, look out Alvin!" Theodore shouted. Brittany started to run, but what occurred, she did not expect. Alvin side stepped her shoulder charge and shoved her back. She fell to the ground and dropped the ball. He bent down and picked it up.
"I hated doing that Brittany, but I am not going to let you push me around" Alvin said. He felt terrible that he had just knocked Brittany down, but this was a game. He had to remember that. As long as he didn't hurt her. He started to run, when suddenly he heard a roar of anger behind him. He turned to see Brittany leap into the air and tackle him to the ground. He hit the ground hard. She sat on top of him, fire flaring in her eyes.
"You little rat!" she shouted. She threw a punch at his face. Alvin yelped as her fist connected with his jaw. His head slammed against the ground. The coach was blowing his whistle, but Brittany ignored him. She raised her fist to strike again, but this time Alvin was ready. He rolled and she toppled off him. As they got to their feet, Brittany balled both her hands into fists.
"You are dead Alvin!" she screamed. Alvin stood still. Brittany threw a punch, but Alvin grabbed her arm and stopped her. However this was a big mistake. Alvin had completely forgotten her now far superior strength from the curse. Brittany bent down then head butted Alvin in the chin. The red capped chipmunk yelped and staggered backward. The coach was blowing his whistle like crazy and was racing toward the two chipmunks. Theodore, Simon, Eleanor and Jeanette just watched in terror as Brittany jumped up and kicked Alvin to the ground. The red capped chipmunk let out an oof as he collided with the ground.
"Brittany… I'm sorry" he said quietly as he looked up at the enraged Chipette. If anyone else had been attacking him in such a way, Alvin wouldn't have held anything back, but against Brittany, he just didn't have any power to harm her. Brittany roared at his words before leaping up and landing on Alvin, elbow first. Alvin coughed out a speck of blood as pain surged through him. Brittany got to her feet to prepare to attack again, but before she had the chance, the coach grabbed a hold of her.
"You are going to the principle right now!" he shouted as he dragged her away. Even with the coach being four times larger than the Chipette, he could barely hold her. Brittany was still screaming and struggling to get to Alvin.
"You are dead Seville!" she screamed. Alvin turned his head so he was facing her.
"I'm so sorry Brittany" he whispered. Brittany screamed in anger before she was dragged away from the field. The rest of the football teams just stood completely paralyzed. They had never seen such a brutal attack before, and especially not from someone like Brittany against Alvin. The remaining four chipmunks raced from the bleachers onto the field towards Alvin. The red-clad chipmunk continued to lie on the ground facing off toward where Brittany had been dragged off.
"Alvin, are you alright?" Simon asked as they gathered around Alvin. He looked up at them.
"I'll be alright" he coughed, struggling to sit up. His chest felt bruised and sore, and he knew a trickle of blood was escaping his mouth, but the biggest pain came from knowing that he had just upset Brittany. He had been doing so well trying to ignore her. Now he had just caused her to attack him. She would get in a lot of trouble and all because he had shoved her in a football game.
"You aren't alright Alvin, you can barely sit up. Come on. Let's get you to the nurse" Jeanette said sympathetically. The four chipmunks lifted Alvin up and began carrying him towards the nurse. Alvin felt horrible. He knew he hadn't done anything but play a game of football, but he still felt responsible for setting Brittany off. A tear dripped from his eye as her words started to rattle through his head.
"Alvin Seville, I hate you and I will never love you"
A few hours passed and now Alvin was sitting in his room alone. He had watched from the nurse's office window as Brittany was driven home by a distraught Miss Miller. Moments later, Dave arrived to take Alvin and the others home.
He was so worried. This was the second one of his children that Brittany had attacked. He was angry, but knew that Miss Miller was probably in a worse state than ever, so calling her would just make her even more upset. Dave felt so sorry for the old woman. Her daughter had become a violent, angry person, and no one knew why. The worst part was how the kids were being affected. Every afternoon he would watch them play and have fun. But behind the fun, he could sense the concern in them all for Brittany, Alvin especially. Ever since Alvin had come to him concerned about his growing feelings for the Chipette, Dave had noticed Alvin change. It wasn't a large change, he was still the same egotistical chipmunk he knew and loved, but there was something else. Whenever he was with Brittany, there was always a lingering thought or a hidden smile. No one else ever saw it, but Dave knew that Alvin had finally come to terms with his feelings. But now, he just seemed so depressed all the time. He did his best to hide it, but everyone could see right through the act. He tried to be brave and strong. He tried to show leadership and support. But in reality, his walls had not been rebuilt. His defenses still lay in ruins. He was heartbroken.
"Hey Alvin, we're serving dinner now" Theodore said as he poked his head through the doorway.
"I'll be down in a minute" he said quietly. He didn't even make eye contact with Theodore. The green chipmunk let out a sad sigh. He walked towards his brother and sat next to him.
"Alvin, you need to move past it. My eye still hurts, but I forgave her. Eleanor and Jeanette are still upset about what she said to them, but they have moved on. Alvin, we are all worried and upset. We know you care for her, we do to, but you have to stop this. You pretend you are fine and you comfort us when we are sad, but you are the one who needs help" Theodore said. He put his arm around his older brother. Alvin shifted his head towards him.
"I know Theodore, I know. It is just so hard. Think if Eleanor were that way. How would you feel?" Alvin asked him. Theodore was startled. He didn't know what he would do if Eleanor was like that. He cared for her deeply. She was strong and sweet at the same time. She was everything that Theodore inspired to be. She was like his other half. If she was like that it would break his heart. The younger chipmunk turned to Alvin.
"Alvin, I won't lie to you. I would probably be in a worse state then you, but there is something I know. If I were in that position, you would do everything you could to help me, and I am going to do the same for you. We are all here for you Alvin. You need to stop pretending or you are never going to be able to heal" he said. His words were strong. Alvin took them all to heart. He smiled and hugged his younger brother.
"Ok Theodore. I will try. Thank you" he said slowly and Theodore smiled himself.
"That is all we can ask. Now come on, everyone is waiting for dinner" Theodore said and he led Alvin out of the room and down to the kitchen. As they entered the kitchen everyone turned to look at Alvin.
"How are you feeling?" Simon asked as he made room for Alvin at the table. The red capped chipmunk smiled.
"I am not going to pretend anymore. I am hurt, but I will be strong. If not for myself, then for Brittany" he said. Everyone smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that Alvin" Dave said before he bent down and gave his son a hug. After the terrible day, just hearing those words from the chipmunk really felt good. It meant that Alvin had finally begun rebuilding. While this was occurring, Eleanor led Theodore over to the other side of the kitchen.
"Theodore. Did you talk to Alvin?" she asked him.
"Yes. Looking at him, I just couldn't bear to see him in such pain. I know what he is going through" he said calmly.
"How do you know what he is going through?" she asked him. He looked down as he responded.
"He asked me how I would feel if something like this ever happened to you. I don't think I would be able to control myself. I would be heartbroken. But the one thing I know is that no matter what happened, everyone would be there for me. So now, I will always be there for Alvin. He can get through this, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that Brittany is cured. Not just for her sake, but for his as well" he said. He glanced up to see that Eleanor had tears in her eyes. She leaned toward him and pulled him into a great hug.
"Theodore, that is… You are just such a good person. That you would do all that for your brother" she said. She was so happy for what Theodore had done for Alvin, but it was more than that. That he cared so much for 'her'. She was beyond words at how happy she was. As she pulled away from him, she quickly pecked him on the cheek. His entire face went red and he cupped the cheek with his hand.
"D-d-d-do you w-w-w-want a hand w-w-with that" he stuttered pointing towards the oven where the lasagna was. Eleanor giggled.
"That would be great Theodore" she said happily before turning back to the oven. Theodore's heart was racing. Was now the time. Should he ask her now? He cleared his throat and she turned back to him. His face remained burning red.
"E-E-E-Eleanor, w-w-w-would you l-l-l-l-like t-t-t-to g-g-go out w-w-with me?" he asked nervously. Eleanor beamed. He had never seen such a happy smile on her face before.
"Oh Theodore, I would love to!" she cried before she raced to him and kissed him. Theodore's heart raced faster than it had ever in its life. He wrapped his arm around Eleanor and she drew close to him. They had always dreamed this moment would come, but it was beyond their expectations. It was sheer delight. Neither could explain how happy they were. As they broke apart, they both blushed, but neither let go of the other. Suddenly the heard a noise and they both turned to see everyone watching them smiling. Their faces went from red to deep scarlet.
"It's about time" Alvin laughed happily. He may have still been hurt inside, but seeing his brother finally ask Eleanor out brought joy to his heart. He had never been happier for the two of them. Finally Jeanette couldn't hold it in and she let out a tiny shriek.
"Oh that is so sweet! I can't believe it finally happened!" she giggled. Eleanor and Theodore's faces were now completely scarlet, but they didn't care. They were a couple at last. Neither had been this happy before. Dave walked over to the two of them and picked both of them up in a hug.
"I'm so happy for you both" he said. The rest of the night was filled happiness and talk about the new couple. Theodore and Eleanor had never felt so embarrassed, but they didn't care. All they cared about was each other.
Well, I'm sorry this chapter was updated a little later than usual. Now that Theodore has finally asked Eleanor out, will the two chipmunks be happy or is something going to turn this relationship horribly wrong? And what of Alvin and Brittany? Can Alvin find a way to save the girl he cares for, or is Brittany doomed to become a werewolf forever? Keep reading to find out!