A/N: Sorry for not publishing in like months! This year was hectic since it was my last year of high school but I have finished and survived my final exams and have finally graduated! This means I have plenty of time to post and whatnot :D This is unedited so please keep in mind before reading!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own KND!
A couple of days later, and the team was summoned for a meeting about yet another mission. Things were okay, but Abby hadn't seen much of Wally lately, despite living in the same place as him. It confused her immensely, and she couldn't help but think that he was ignoring her.
She shook her head as Nigel addressed everyone, standing behind the podium.
"Okay, team, I have received information that there is another one of those prom's happening."
"Ugh, again?" Wally exclaimed, letting out a frustrated groan through his lips as he threw his head back. "Why do these cruddy teenagers keep havin' these prommies!?"
"You mean prom," Hoagie corrected him as he always had millions of times before.
"Yeah, that, whatevah." Wally scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back. "Aren't they sick of it or somethin'!?"
Abby crossed her arms and turned to address her annoyed and frustrated team member. When Wally's eyes met hers, they widened as he froze.
A second later, he snapped his head away, as if she had the plague. Trying to be subtle as possible, he shifted away from her causing Abby to frown.
She couldn't help but feel hurt at him trying to move away from her, failing to be discreet. Abby wanted to know whether or not she did something wrong. They were fine before, so it didn't make sense that all of a sudden he was being edgy around her.
Does Numbuh 5...smell? She thought, panicked.
Now she had the sudden urge to sniff herself just to make sure that that wasn't the case. Clearing her throat, she tried not to let it get to her and continued with what she was going to say.
"Well, uh," she cleared her throat, "Numbuh 5's sure they wouldn't be 'cos every year it's put on for different teens, boy. The same people don't experience it," she said, her voice tinged with a little sadness.
No one picked up on it, luckily. They all murmured in agreement - except for Wally who just grunted in acceptance, his eyes glued to his feet, hair falling in front of his face.
"Prom is still prom," Nigel announced, stroking his chin. "The prom plan last year didn't work in our favour but I have gotten word that this prom is a way for all the teens to meet up and discuss plans to destroy us kids and the Moonbase. We need to find a way inside that gymnasium and fast."
Hoagie raised a reluctant hand, his smile twitching. "Uh, what if it's just a fluke?"
"We can't take that risk - I'm 100% sure that this is a plan and we will succeed. We will suck it out of those teenagers if we have to!"
Kuki gasped, her eyebrows raised. "Numbuh 1, why would you say something like that?!"
"Because we have to take precautions, Numbuh 3. As members of the KND, it is our duty to make sure we stop whatever it is teenagers or adults are planning against us!"
The corner's of Kuki's lips arched down as she mumbled. "Well, you don't have to suck on people!"
"What?!" Nigel exclaimed, stumped. "W-w-what are you saying? I'm not sucking people, Numbuh 3, I said to suck out! And I was talking about information!"
"Oh." Kuki blinked for a few seconds before sniggering, pointing at Nigel's now irritated and embarrassed face. "You're funny, Numbuh 1."
"ARGH-just…" he pinched the bridge of his nose, taking deep breaths. "Numbuh 5, Numbuh 2, you'll go undercoveer as a teenage couple -"
"What?!" Wally screeched, cutting him off. Abby, Kuki and Hoagie all turned their heads to look at the furious blond in confusion. "Couple?! Why in the crud do they have to do that?!"
Nigel raised an eyebrow. "Why do you have a problem with that, Wally?"
At the silence, Wally snapped his head to look at the others who were all staring at him. His eyebrows furrowed as his eyes caught sight of Abby's confused one and he instantly looked away. He didn't know why he was so furious himself.
He sighed and shook his head, feeling his whole face go red. "I don't," he spat.
Why in the crud would they have to go in as a cruddy couple!? He mumbled to himself, angrily.
Nigel then continued, turning to the others. "Numbuh 2 and 5 will go in as a couple," he emphasised, glancing at a sudden grumpy Wally, "and infiltrate the plan from the inside. Numbuh 3, you can stand as the cleaner, making sure none of us get caught out, and Numbuh 4, you and I will be at the main entrance watching for any suspicious behaviour. We question anyone who looks suspicious and if anything happens, we attack, got it?"
"Aye, aye, sir," Wally responded, sarcastically, his tone completely monotone.
Nigel shot him a look before turning to address the rest of the team. "Well, guys, you all know what you have to do! So get going, team."
They all saluted him and cheered as they moved into action. Everyone except Wally.
I don't care! Stupid Numbuh 1 and his stupid decisions! I don't cruddy care if they're actin' like a couple! I got Kooks. He grumbled to himself as he got up and out of the couch.
Wally shoved his hands behind his pocket as he trailed behind; the others had already scurried into the S.C.A.M.P.E.R with all the costumes for the night, ready.
"Are ya coming or not, twinkle-butt?!" Abby yelled as she poked her head out of the vehicle.
Wally looked up from the ground and frowned at the girl smiling widely at him. For some reason, seeing the million dollar smile on her face melted his anger, and instantly, his heart began to shake and his hands began to tremble in his pockets.
What the...what's happenin'?! He shuddered, shaking his head.
"You alright there, baby?"
Abby's voice tore into his thoughts and he looked up to see her staring at him, head tilted and brows bunched together in a tight, worried furrow. Without a word, he raced into the S.C.A.M.P.E.R, not wanting to talk to her in fear of having those weird feelings erupt again.
"Are you ok-"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine! Let's just go, already!" he blurted out. Hoagie stared at him, both his eyebrows raised in surprise at his sudden outburst.
The others all stared at him as if he had said something completely stupid but Wally was self-conscious.
Do they know I'm actin' weird or somethin'!? No..no they can't. I ain't actin' weird. I'm just… he trailed off when he glanced up from where he usually sat, and at Abby who was getting ready. His jaw dropped as his emerald eyes fixated on Abby.
Her wavy, midnight black hair was out of their usual plait and flowed down her shoulders, framing her delicate face. Abby's lips were berry red and her cheeks an innocent pink with the slight blush Kuki had applied.
Woah….s-s-she's beautiful, he thought, his brain short-circuiting.
"Uh…" He was tongue-tied as he continued to ogle her.
Abby let out an irritated sigh as she frowned, looking down at her black sparkly dress. "I look like Cree!"
"Y-y-you-" Wally was still trying to get over the shock of how beautiful she looked.
"Wow, Numbuh 5, you clean up good!" Hoagie exclaimed, smiling at her in his tux. He was wearing a simple black and white outfit, and his usual hat that he barely ever took off.
Abby laughed, amused. "Ya really think so? I feel ridiculous," she said, uncomfortable. "But dang, you look real good, too, baby."
"I do try," Hoagie said, his smile widening. "All the ladies are go-"
"Numbuh 2," Nigel warned, narrowing his eyes at him. "You are not going to this prom for the 'ladies'! This is a mission, don't forget!"
"Okay, okay!" Hoagie exclaimed, his arms raised up in surrender. "I was just joking, geez, Numbuh 1. The mission will be a success, you'll see."
"Uh..um, Numbu-I mean, Abby?" Wally spluttered and Abby turned to him with a gentle smile, looking into his eyes with her dark orbs.
"Yeah, Wally?"
He opened his mouth to reply but then froze, gaping like a fish. Kuki nudged him in the ribs with a giggle.
"Doesn't she look soooooo pretty, Wally?!"
Yeah...incredibly pretty.
"H-huh, what?"
"Are you even listening, Wally?!"
"Y-yeah! Course I am," he said, finally finding his voice.
"I said, don't you think Numbuh 5 looks preeeeeetttttty?!" She leaned in, peering into his face with a large grin.
Wally turned away, face burning, yet fingers icy cold. His eyes once again gravitated towards the girl who was animatedly chatting to Hoagie now. His heart drummed as Abby turned to look at him over her shoulder, flashing a small smile at him.
Crud! I still haven't told her how amazin' she looks! C'mon Wally, tell 'er, you moron!
Just as he approached her, Hoagie landed the vehicle and the door opened, causing everyone to rush out. Nigel got up and crossed his arms as he looked at Wally.
He froze, shoulders sagging at the missed opportunity.
"Numbuh 4, what are you gawking at?! We have a plan to destroy, so come on!" Nigel ran out and Wally blinked a couple of times before coming back to reality. He looked around the vehicle to see that he was the only one in it.
Groaning aloud, he grabbed a weapon and ran after Nigel.
"Why did Kuki have ta go?" he mumbled to himself as he knelt beside Nigel.
The latter had set up a mini spy hideout behind a large bush, weapons and gadgets all ready around them. With binoculars fit into their hideout, Nigel peered through them, his mouth set in a thin line.
Wally was getting impatient, sitting beside Nigel and doing nothing. He tapped the S.Q.O.O.S.H.E.R against his knee rapidly as he bopped his leg up and down, his expression rigid.
Can this day not go any cruddy quicker?! He thought, irritated.
"ARRRRGH," Wally let out a scream as he threw his head back, "Numbuh 1, can't we just go in there and beat the crud outta those prissy teenage creeps?!"
"Quieten down, Numbuh 4! We can't expose our covers or they'll find out we're here. We have to make sure they're planning something sinister - which I'm sure they are - but we can never be too careful."
Wally exhaled noisily through pursed lips before scowling at the ground.
"You've gotta be kiddin' me," he mumbled to himself.
What was irritating him the most, was knowing Hoagie and Abby was in the prom, doing...whatever it was they were doing.
He shook his head, furiously.
I care about Kuki! I wonder how she's doin' in there...must be borin'. He thought absentmindedly, trying not to think about a certain dark-skinned girl.
He chewed on his bottom lip, his fists clenched tightly unbeknownst to him. Kuki must b-wait, are Hoagie and Abby dancin' togetha? Why is no one sayin' anythin' on the com!? Crud! Have they been caught or somethin'!?
He wanted to get in there. He wanted to be the one who was actively taking part in the mission. Not doing anything was irritating him like a pesky mosquito bite.
"Numbuh 1, come in. No one's suspected a thang," Abby said, through their ear piece. Nigel nodded, letting out a relieved sigh.
"That's good, Numbuh 5, is there any suspicious activity going on? Everything's clear outside but I'm sure there's something here...we're just not looking closely."
Abby sighed through the earpiece. "Ya know, Numbuh 1, it looks like a pretty normal prom to me. Maybe-"
"Maybe nothing! Keep a lookout on everyone, Numbuh 5!"
"Come on, Abby, look at the food table! There are so many piiiiies!" Hoagie's voice from behind screeched. Nigel facepalmed.
"Tell Numbuh 2 to stop eating and to help you with the investigation!"
"Numbuh 5's gonna try, but there's no guarantee that geek boy here will listen," Abby said, monotone.
Wally suddenly stood up, causing Nigel to jerk back. "I'm goin' in there, Numbuh 1!"
"What? Why? Numbuh 3's in there watching as the cleaner, and so are Numbuh's 2 and 5! They've got everything under control on the ins-"
"I wanna go in there, Numbuh 1." Wally ground his teeth silently, willing Nigel to let him. "Numbuh 2's not even helpin' 'er! Someone's gotta do it, and I think I can help! Please."
Nigel ran a hand down his exhausted face. "But there's not even a costume for you!"
"Doesn't Numbuh 2 have some spare costumes or somethin'?! Look, Numbuh 1, I know I can help." Wally's heart was pounding in his ears as he eagerly waited for Nigel to say something.
"Ugh, alright fine!" Nigel put a hand to his ear. "Numbuh 2, come in."
"Numbuh 1, what's up?"
"Do you have any spare costumes? Numbuh 4 can help you guys if anything goes wrong."
"Oh yeah! I have tons of co-oh wait...uh," Hoagie chuckled nervously. "On second thoughts...the only other costume I have in the S.C.A.M.P.E.R is um...a dress and a blonde wig."
"WHAT?!" Wally exclaimed, his eyes almost bulging out of his sockets.
"I didn't think we'd ever need costumes! The dress and the wig belong to a friend of Tommy's and we forgot to give it back!" Hoagie whined, trying to reason. Nigel facepalmed and glanced at Wally.
"You have no other choice, Numbuh 4. Either you stay here, or you go in there as a girl."
Wally's upper lip curled in disgust.
Cruddy mission.
-.-.-.-
Abby was slow dancing with Hoagie as their heads moved this way and that, trying to find anyone suspicious looking. No one was really doing much, except dancing. Girls had their heads resting on the shoulders of their partners.
This is nothing but a waste of time! Abby thought, letting out a bored sigh. Since nothing too hectic was going on, Hoagie was too busy eyeing the food table to notice anything suspicious activity.
Just when Abby was about to call in Nigel again, a scream - familiar to Kuki's - rung out in the gym.
No one really noticed because of the slow, but loud, music blaring all around.
Abby and Hoagie both snapped their heads to the side to see Kuki, well her in a cleaner's outfit, holding a broom, her jaw wide open.
There was a girl, a very short girl, talking to Kuki in a whisper. Whenever she tried to talk though, Kuki would giggle.
The girl's lips were pressed together in irritation as she stared at Kuki, arms crossed. The stance alone gave Abby doubts on who it was.
Could it be? But...no, that's impossible! Abby snorted to herself. Wally would never go to those lengths just to be in a mission.
Upon closer inspection, her long blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, a black headband keeping it in place. When she turned, her long, front bangs and face looked awfully familiar to Abby. She squinted her eyes to get a better look.
The girl's emerald eyes and furious expression reminded her an awful lot of…
Abby gasped. She couldn't deny that the girl looked exactly like Wally. And for as long as she knew him, she was pretty sure he had a brother, not a sister.
"Uh, Numbuh 2, doesn't that girl look like-"
"Numbuh 4?" Hoagie answered for her, his voice trembling as if he was trying not to laugh.
Abby nodded, her mouth dry in anticipation as she waited. "That's because it is Numbuh 4, Numbuh 5."
Abby didn't know whether to laugh or feel pity for the boy. She turned to look at Wally again, only for their eyes to meet, green orbs colliding with black.
He was scowling, his jaw clenched and his face red as he stared at them.
Yup. Definitely Numbuh 4, she concluded, trying not to laugh and cry.
Soon, that feeling left as wariness etched into her eyebrows as his frown deepened into a scowl. He then tore his eyes away, his arms coming up to cross them against his chest.
Wally was already in a foul mood to be dressed up as a girl and seeing Abby and Hoagie together smiling, made things worse. Kuki had instantly recognised Wally despite being dressed up in a girly outfit and screamed at first in fear, but then began giggling.
She tried to be discreet by occasionally sweeping her broom back and forth.
It was a surprise no other teenagers had noticed but they were too busy dancing and looking at their partners with hearts in their eyes to care.
Wally snarled at Kuki who ruffled his hair. It was when he looked at them again - holding hands and dancing so close together - that his foul mood was worsened.
His lips tightened, a sour expression on his face as he scrutinised Hoagie, his eyes narrowed in on his grip on Abby's waist.
Whatever it was he was feeling, Wally really didn't like it. It left a disgusting, vile taste in his mouth. His mouth was downturned and his nostrils flared as Hoagie spun Abby around, trying to appear natural as they moved around.
Ugh, this is killin' me! And he wasn't just talking about the wedgie the dress was giving him. It was the sight of both Abby and Hoagie. He let out a sigh but froze, suddenly realising something. Hold on a cruddy second.
His tense shoulders suddenly relaxed as his eyes trailed from Abby to Kuki and vice versa a couple of times. The latter had been chatting to him animatedly, but he wasn't listening. He hummed here and there, and he so badly wanted to pay attention but...he didn't care enough.
Wally's attention was solely focused on Abby, the girl who was currently flashing her rare smiles at Hoagie, and not him. He froze in his spot.
Do...I like Numbuh 5? Abby!? NO! I can't! I like Kuki...roight? No...I don't even pay attention to Kuki anymore. I do like Abby! UGH... It's all this stupid, crummy prom's fault! He thought, his heart hammering within his chest in a panic.
"Oh, crud," he groaned loudly, running both hands down his face.
Kuki jumped before staring at him with wide eyes. Wally didn't even pay attention to her surprise, leaving a frown on her face.
"Wally, are you okay? You have to be quiet! We're on a mission, after all."
He ignored her, his eyes fixated on no one but Abby. Kuki noticed this; her eyes trailed his line of sight and immediately, her stomach dropped and her eyebrows furrowed. She glanced back at him and opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it.
She turned and subtly shuffled away, pretending to clean something on the floor, her face downturned.
Wally wasn't aware that Kuki was doubtful of his sudden attention towards Abby, as he crossed his arms, his lips curling up in a scowl. He was both mad at himself for agreeing to dress up as a girl and at the fact that he discovered he had feelings for Abby.
Abby! He thought, scornfully. The girl he'd never even thought of someone other than just a friend.
H-How do I get myself into these cruddy messes?!
He looked down at himself, the frown deepening as he looked over his outfit. Wally was wearing a pink dress with puffy sleeves, accompanied with pink flats. Hoagie snorted from beside Abby and she bit her lip to stop from smiling.
He's not that bad looking as a girl, either! Abby thought, a grin blooming on her face as his eyes narrowed at her, almost as if he knew what she was thinking.
She let go of Hoagie and walked over to Wally who was seething from the sidelines. "Numbuh 5 thinks you look pretty," she teased. His rage-filled eyes instantly snapped up to look at her, and almost instantly, his face softened.
Crud, I can't even get mad at 'er! What's happenin' to me?!
With a frustrated sigh, he looked away. "Laugh all ya want. I'm only here to help ya cos food boy 'ere only wants ta eat and not do anythin' else!"
Hoagie was bent over snorting and laughing at Wally but straightened up at his statement. "Hey! I was helping! It's not my fault that there's nothing going on here!"
Wally rolled his eyes and grabbed Abby's hand. "Well, ya can help from the sidelines, Numbuh 1 wants me to investigate with Ab-Numbuh 5, I mean," Wally fibbed, confidently.
Before any of the other two could say something, he dragged Abby onto the dance floor, who tried to keep up with his angry march with her heels.
"Uh, Wally?"
"What?" he spat, as he pulled her in. Considering he was slightly shorter, their position was awkward but Abby nor Wally looked like they minded.
But there was something else that she had to address.
"Isn't this kinda weird to ya?"
Wally's jaw clenched. So she didn't mind dancin' with Numbuh 2, but she has a problem with m—
"We're both girls slow dancin' with each other...and quite close too," Abby said with a snort, a teasing grin appearing as Wally froze, the tips of his ears and his cheeks flushing.
"Uh," he quickly pulled away. "I-I didn't think 'bout that."
Abby went to giggle. She loved it when Wally blushed and was caught off guard. It took away from any trace of violence or roughness he held and was replaced by a cute, childish innocence that suited him.
She was going to say something else when she spotted Cree standing near the punch bowl table with Maurice. The smile vanished and without a word, she walked over to the punch table casually, grabbing herself a cup and pouring some raspberry punch in it.
As she strained to hear over the music, someone - obviously none other than Wally - sauntered up beside her, copying her movements.
"Oi, ya hear anythin'?"
Abby ignored him.
"Look, we g-" Cree's voice lowered and Abby leaned in closer to hear when Wally cut in.
"Hey, Abs, ya hear anythin' or n—"
"I'm tryin' to listen to them, boy! Shut your trap for one second," Abby scolded him, without looking at him. Wally's shoulders jerked back, startled but he rolled his eyes and nodded, saying nothing else.
He sipped his drink, his heart racing as he watched her from the corner of his eyes. His cheeks turned pink as a smile adorned his face - just thinking about standing next to her was enough for him to feel giddy like a girl.
Ugh. A stupid girl more like, he said to himself.
"Uh, hey?"
A male voice from behind them caught Wally's attention. He glanced at Abby who was still busy trying to listen to Cree and Maurice, so he turned to the person himself.
Wally raised his eyebrows and crossed his arm, a frown replacing the smile on his face. "Whaddya want?"
The brunette teenager tugged at his collar, gulping audibly. "I, uh, think you're kinda cute, s-"
"WHAT?!" Wally screamed, his voice echoing off the walls.
The teenager looked at him with wide, frantic eyes as his face turned redder by the minute. Wally, on the other hand, was turning red - but not in embarrassment. Oh, no, he was furious.
"I ain't cute," he spat through gritted teeth.
The teenager shot Wally a half-smile, shrugging hesitantly. "Well, I think you are?"
Wally's lips curled upwards in disgust as he looked the guy up and down. This loser has bad taste, then. Wait...did I just cruddy insult myself? He groaned out loud and rolled his eyes.
"I ain't gonna dance with ya, so ya can leave," Wally deadpanned. The teenager looked visibly disappointed, his shoulders sagging and the corners of his mouth dropping into a deep frown.
"Not even one dance? You're actually one of the prettiest girls I've seen tonight," he said, shooting Wally a crooked smile. Wally, on the other hand, wanted nothing but to punch the guy's face in.
He growled angrily and took a menacing step forward causing the teen to step back in fear.
"Look 'ere, ya st-"
Abby shot him a pointed look and slowly, he took a deep breath in.
"-strong, cutie pie, you!" He forced a giggle. "I'd actually love ta dance." All Wally wanted to do was punch the teen at the look he was giving him.
If Wally said anything about him not being a girl, then their cover would be blown. He forced a smile - albeit, a very crooked and wobbly one - and carelessly stuck his hand out.
The teen's face erupted into a huge smile and he dragged Wally away by the hand. Wally's face looked like he wanted to barf and cry at the same time as the teen pulled him to the dance floor.
Abby snorted as Wally looked at her, his eyes pleading for her to help him. She shook her head no and he scowled at her, which only caused her to giggle.
She could see how much the dance was torturing him - the dressing up wasn't enough, but he had been asked to dance by a teenage boy too.
"So, we'll leave now, Maurice?" Abby's sister, Cree, purred. Abby jolted to reality and turned her head, eyes wide. She had completely forgotten about the mission - considering she didn't see Kuki, Hoagie or hadn't heard from Nigel, anywhere.
"Sure, Cree. Let's go."
"Tonight was soooo much fun but I am so done. I can't wait till we get home. Wanna watch a movie or somethin' when we get home?" she said, her voice dropping an octave, trying to be seductive. Abby's eyebrows furrowed.
So they ain't plannin' nothin?! She thought, annoyed. Abby pressed a hand to her ear and whispered into it.
"Hello? Come in Numbuh 1."
There was silence from the other end and what also sounded like soft snores. Abby's eyebrows furrowed.
"Oi! Numbuh 1, come in!" she whisper-yelled, causing Nigel, from the other end to yelp.
"U-uh, right, what is it Numbuh 5?! Are the teens plotting something dangerous like I had thought?!"
"No, you were wrong cos there is no plan, you dope! Cree just left with Maurice to watch movies at home and everyone else just looks like they're having a fun time!"
"Well, we can never be too sure. You can drop by your house to see if that's exactly what they're doing. And what if this is a decoy an-
Abby's voice was firm. "Numbuh 1."
"What?" He let out a sigh after a pause. "Alright, fine. I'm beat, anyway. Guys," he said, addressing the others in the earpiece, "mission's over. Let's go back to the treehouse."
Nigel always gave in after hearing Abby's don't-mess-around-with-me tone - she was wiser than him in most cases so even though he was the leader, he always took her advice and followed her plans.
"Oh thank goodness!" Hoagie exclaimed, his voice suddenly screeching through the earpiece. "My stomach's about to explooode!"
"And I'm done cleaning up after everybody! Who do these teenagers think I am, a cleaner or something?!" Kuki said, clicking her tongue in disappointment. Abby resisted the urge to snort and instead shook her head.
She turned her head to find Wally when she spotted him on the dance floor, his face a sickly green as the teenager spun him around.
Wally gagged as the teenager then pulled him in closer by the waist. He stuck his tongue out in disgust, as the guy's hands roamed all over his back.
He had had enough - Wally wanted to knock the socks out of the guy, quickly reaching up to do so with a fist when the teenager suddenly grabbed his arms and placed it around his neck, not noticing Wally's violent intentions.
Wally growled. "Will ya sto-"
"Woah, Brad, since when are you interested in ugly little girls?" The teenager 'Brad' turned as his friend came from behind.
He stared at Wally, his eyes narrowing and an icy grin on his face. At this, Wally's rage had risen to its limits and he exploded, steam practically coming out his ears and nose.
"Who're ya callin' a cruddy girl, ya stupid, prissy teenager!?" he snapped, grabbing the wig and chucking it violently on the floor. "I'm guessin' you lot are blind but guess what?! I'm a cruddy boy, ya hear?!"
Brad jumped away from Wally almost instantly, nose crinkled in disgust. "What the-"
Wally snarled, the veins in his neck practically throbbing. "And I've had enough of ya gropin' me, you disgustin' pig! C'mere!" he went to leap onto him when he was yanked back, the back of his dress tightly grasped by Abby. She shot a fake smile at the teenagers.
"Don't mind 'im, he a bit crazy. We'll be leavin' now," she said, coolly.
"Ugh, no! Let go of me, Abs! Let me at these stupid, kissy-faced teenagers, will ya!?"
"Shut up, Wally!"
He growled and began struggling in Abby's grip as she dragged him out. He couldn't stop swearing and cursing at the teenagers who were looking at them in shock as they left.
Kuki ran out with them, but then ran back in, chucking the broom at Brad, who groaned in pain.
"That's what you get for touching Wally and calling him ugly, you weirdo!"
Snickering, she ran towards the S.C.A.M.P.E.R as Nigel ushered them all in. As Hoagie sat down and flew the vehicle up in the air, Nigel turned to address Wally, hands on his hips.
"What were you thinking?! If Cree and her minions were there, they would have found out we were there and then things would have gone insanely wrong! Do you know what you could have done?!"
Wally sulked, mumbling at the ground, tugging angrily at the fabric of his dress. "Well, nothin' actually happened."
"It could have, Numbuh 4."
"Yeah, yeah," Wally let out a defeated sigh and plopped down. Abby was watching him from her spot; she was itching to take off her dress and her makeup, so she couldn't imagine how he was feeling. Plus, he had been called an ugly girl and been forced to dance with a teenage boy.
Despite feeling bad for him, she couldn't help but snigger to herself a little. In her eyes, he looked cute either way.
Oh, boy, Numbuh 5's gonna lose it soon, she thought with a half-smile.
-.-.-.-.-
"Wally?"
That night, when everyone had turned in and retreated to doing their own thing, Wally and Abby avoided each other.
Not intentionally, it had been that way because the latter hadn't seen him around after that at all. She had been getting some soda and was about to go sleep early when she spotted the blond boy sitting on the couch in silence.
At her voice, the Australian boy turned to look at her from his spot on the couch. He glanced at her and then turned away again. Abby frowned, carefully watching him as he sat, stock-still. She plopped down beside him and bumped her shoulder against his, softly in order to get his attention.
"What do ya want?"
His tone startled Abby, but she sighed. "Numbuh 5's worried about ya. You alright?"
Their eyes met, and Wally stared at her intensely, causing Abby to furrow her eyebrows. "Wally?"
He immediately let out a heavy, forced breath and turned away again. "It's nothin', I'm alroight."
"Is it cos Numbuh 1 yelled at ya?"
Wally shook his head, leaning back as the frown deepened. "No."
Abby wanted to ask him 'Then why are ya sad?' but couldn't bring herself to force him to tell her anything. She was probably the last person he'd want to talk to anyway.
She took in his features as they sat in silence: the way his blond hair flopped into his eyes messily; his button nose; his emerald eyes that seemed to be dull and sucked of its brightness.
She couldn't deny that he was handsome to her - she had never noticed him before her feelings that had come out of nowhere. But, what concerned Abby the most were Wally's eyes. There was no emotion in them and that scared her.
"Wally," her voice had dropped to a low whisper, concern dripping from them. "Numbuh 5 wants to know what's wrong."
There was a pause before he sighed. "There's nothin' wrong, Abs. I'm fine."
Abby raised a thin, delicate eyebrow, sceptical. "And you suck at lyin'. Numbuh 5 knows you're not fine. Do ya want to talk to Kuki about it if you're more comfortable with her?"
"NO!"
His yell bounced off the walls of the living room and she jumped a little, looking at him with wide eyes.
"Wally?" she whispered her eyebrows now into a deep furrow.
He glanced at her, his eyes swirling with mixed, conflicted emotions before he tore his gaze away. "It's nothin', Abby. I don't wanna talk to anyone, not even Kuki. She's...I'd rather talk to you, but I can't."
Abby tilted her head, her eyes scrutinising his figure. "What do ya mean, boy? Course you can talk to me. Numbuh 5's always here for ya."
Wally shook his head frantically, his cheeks reddening. "Not 'bout this. Look, I…" he glanced up at Abby, her dark irises gazing into his in worry. Instantly, he tore his gaze away, gulping and nervously chuckling to himself, the sound coming out as a high-pitched shriek instead.
"Wally, Numbuh 5's serious. What's goin' on in yo mind?"
His brows furrowed as his hands began to sweat and he rubbed them together. "Just cruddy angry 'bout that stupid teenager tryna touch me and all that," he said, trying to look at everything else but her.
What he didn't notice, was that Abby sat beside him, dubious of his earlier statement. It was clear to her that he was lying - she could tell something was off and that it wasn't just something to do with the teenager.
Considering his very aggressive and violent behaviour, she wouldn't be too surprised if that was the only reason for his sour mood, though.
Seeing his expression visibly turn darker, she knew he was mulling about something important and so she decided to change the subject, instead.
"Ya know, Wally, Numbuh 5 thinks you shouldn't be so angry all the time. You'll turn into a bully."
Wally snorted at this. "A bully? I ain't a bully! I only get angry at those who deserve it!"
She rolled her eyes at his smug expression. "You're a bully, Wally. Ya give wedgies to poor kids at school!"
"Well, that's…" he trailed off, his eyes trailing up to look into Abby's dark, disapproving eyes and he instantly wanted to beat himself up. "...I dunno. They just annoy me. It's not ma fault they're wedgiable!"
Abby facepalmed and let out a tiny groan. "UGH. Numbuh 5 liked ya better when Heiny took away your ferocity with that caramel. Ya were a cute crybaby," she said, unintentionally reaching out and pinching Wally's right cheek.
The resistance he was going to express died on his lips, a squeak escaping his lips instead as her fingers made contact with his skin.
It was as if time had stopped right then.
Abby looked at Wally with wide eyes, her muscles frozen and still at the same time Wally glanced up. He was seemingly in the same boat as her as his mouth was open in an 'o' shape. Slowly, his lips pressed together and his jaw clenched tightly his spine straightening.
She could hear the sharp intake of breath that he took and the way his eyes darkened but she couldn't for the life of her understand why. The gears in her mind were clearly broken as she stared back at Wally, lost in her own thoughts.
W-what is this? Numbuh 5 knows this is wrong! She yelled furiously. Though she knew in her mind that this would only make things worse for her and her friendship with Wally, she didn't move an inch.
She couldn't.
All Abby could do was get lost in his shimmering green eyes that had somehow regained its brightness. Her fingers were still touching Wally's cheek, the warmth and the softness of it causing her skin to tingle.
They held steady eye contact as the atmosphere in the room became tense. Abby opened her mouth to laugh and pretend like nothing had happened but she couldn't even bring herself to do that.
"Guys! Numbuh 4? Numbuh 5? Where are you?"
The familiar voice of Kuki nearby caused them both to jerk back, the moment gone. Wally stood up in a frenzy, running a hand through his hair before shoving his hands deep into his pockets. His whole face had gone red as he turned away, his back to Abby who stared at him with wide eyes.
Abby sat on the couch her heart hammering and echoing in her ears. Wally, on the other hand, could feel himself trembling slightly and he let out a shuddering breath just as Kuki had bounded in. He wasn't able to properly decipher the moment.
What in the crud was that just now? Oh, crud, why do I get myself into these messes!? She looked so beautiful, too...
He clenched his fists tightly and his eyebrows were pulled down, low.
"Numbuh 4? Why're you making such a scary face?" asked Kuki, with a pout.
"I ain't makin' a scary face. You're just blind!" said Wally, defensively.
"I am not!"
"Yeah, you are!"
"See! You're making that scary face right now!"
"S-Shut up," he mumbled, embarrassed, feeling Abby's gaze on the side of his head. He cleared his throat, awkwardly. "Anyway, whaddya want, Kuki?"
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed as Kuki's bright smile faded and she glanced at Abby.
Wally turned to the dark-skinned girl who hopped off the couch casually, fixing her red cap and shooting a smile towards him and the Japanese girl.
His eyebrows furrowed as she coolly walked away as if nothing had happened. He considered himself to be one of the least smartest members of the team, so it confused him to why he could recognise that that clearly a moment had passed between them.
Did Abby not notice?...or did she feel nothin'? She had walked off as casually as she had walked in.
Am I imaginin' things now? He asked himself, scratching his head.
He then slowly reached up to place a hand over his heart that was hammering rapidly. Wally quickly removed his hand as if he had been burned and frowned at his chest.
She doesn't like me, does she? She likes that other boy she talked ta me about, too much. Wally growled under his breath. That cruddy boy, who does he think he is?!
"WAAALLLLY!" a whine caught his attention and he snapped his eyes to a frowning Kuki. He scrunched his brows and hunched his shoulders a little.
"What?" he snapped, irritated.
"Do you…" she bit her lip, hesitating, causing Wally to furrow his eyebrows.
"Do I, what?"
"Do you like...Numbuh 5?"