Nari-nee-chan: Wow really? Honestly, I feel like I'm just throwing random ideas together but reading what you've said seriously makes me so happy, you have no idea. I didn't know anyone who liked the 4x5 pair so to know that there are others that also like these two is just amazing lol! I wish there were more 4/5 fics tbh D: but I guess mine would have to do for now!
Enjoy! (this is a much longer chapter as well, sorry! BTW the appearance of a certain someone might be important in later chapters so don't worry, it's not random!)
Disclaimer: I don't own KND even though I wish I did sometimes :(
UNEDITED!
Chapter 14: Operation U.N.E.X.P.E.C.T.E.D
Abby woke up the next morning, her eyes red and puffy from the mountain of tears that erupted down her face the other night. She had had enough of pretending to be the calm, cool person everyone expected her to be.
She was human, after all, and there was only so much a person could take. The walls she had held up to protect and guard her heart had collapsed in an instant. After seeing Kuki and Wally together on the floor like that…it had broken every piece of her heart.
When she had discovered that she had fallen for Wally, the short, brash blond, she hadn't expected there to be any drama. It was only supposed to be a short and quiet crush that could have faded away with time.
But with time, it was only getting stronger and even more painful than ever. Seeing them made even the dream of ever being together with him nothing but a speck in the distance.
It was just an impossible and silly thought and Abby couldn't believe that she had actually gotten her hopes up from time to time.
Her heart was just as foolish as she was.
Why am I so stupid? she thought, a scowl now on her lips. Wally's nevah seen me as nothin' but a friend. Or even a...sister.
The thought made her want to shiver in disgust and pity for herself. Life wasn't fair in the sense that the people that she liked, never felt the same for her.
It was a repetitive pattern that seemed to never end. She let out a choked warble, her chin trembling like a small child's. The hot, angry tears slid down her cheeks like a dam, uncontrollable and rapid.
Abby couldn't help but hate herself for being so weak. There was no way to control her feelings and that's what angered her the most. The fact that she couldn't stop it. The fact that she would have to keep feeling the stabbing pain over and over until it would numb her.
She shook her head. That wasn't going to stop her from talking to Wally like always – she wasn't one to hold a grudge or hate people.
There was no way she could avoid him anyway. He was a part of the team and to make sure Sector V didn't fall apart, they would have to put any personal business aside and focus.
That was a flaw of hers because she wanted to hate him. She wanted to punch him and tell him how much he was hurting her even though he wasn't doing it intentionally.
He didn't even know she liked him like that, after all, so it wasn't like she could actually accuse him of anything.
Abby pulled the sheets up over her head so that no one could see the tears that represented how much Wally meant to her and how hurt she was. Though no one could see her, she was still paranoid. She was sure they could hear her heartbroken sniffles, too. After all, her room was right next to Wally's and there was no way she was going to let him hear her sobbing.
That was the last thing she wanted to happen – everyone to know that the wise, chill Abigail Lincoln was actually shedding tears over a boy.
Over Wally.
It had to be kept a secret from everyone.
Numbuh 5's over him. I ain't gonna think about it. No boy is more important than the Kid's Next Door, she thought.
That was the way things ultimately had to be, after all. No matter how many times she wished it wasn't true, Wally was always going to be Kuki's and vice versa.
Maybe in anotha life, Numbuh 5'll be lucky, she thought, a shaky smile making its way onto her face.
Abby was more than determined to focus all her energy into something other than Wally. The best way to forget about him was to focus on the missions rather than the drama happening behind the scenes and inside her chest.
Even though the whispers of denial were said with a firmness that even Abby didn't believe, she knew that in her heart that it was the complete opposite.
She knew that even with witnessing the scene of Wally and Kuki spread onto the floor with limbs all over each other that her heart still ached over him.
She still liked him, despite everything and that infuriated her.
Her heart clenched painfully and it wasn't about to let go, even though she really wanted to. The pain was hard to hold in and that night, everything was being let out.
The room was her own sanctuary – no one knew what she did or what she had gone through before joining the KND.
Even though she didn't want anyone to hear, she couldn't help it. She couldn't help the sobs that wracked her chest in that instant. It didn't sound like it was coming from her mouth - the sounds sounded foreign and had the strength of someone vomiting. Abby was surprised how no one in the treehouse was awake at how loud it seemed to sound in her own ears.
She was glad no one paid attention though. She liked to deal with things on her own.
That night, though peaceful to others, in that dark, empty room, as everyone slept, she was wide awake, heart aching from all the betrayals in her short life.
She was only twelve years old and had been through so much. They all had. But she was already hurting over how unloveable she was, a boy and a relationship that could never be.
Ugh, stop bein' so dramatic fool, Abby scolded herself. As she wiped her cheeks that only seemed to get wetter each time, she forced herself to shut her eyes tightly and to go to sleep.
Even if sleep was the last thing she wanted to do.
After a few minutes of twisting and turning, she groaned and chucked the covers off of her body, depriving it of the warmth that she needed. Instantly, her body began shivering at the cold and so she grabbed her night robe and her slippers.
Tip-toeing over to her door, she slowly opened it. The cold breeze from the hallway slipped into the room, again sending chills down her spine despite her outerwear. Goosebumps formed on her skin and she could feel the tiny bumps even through the sleeves. Crossing her arms together to keep the warmth close, she walked down the dark hallway and to the kitchen.
It was hard to work in the pitch black darkness but she had no other choice unless she wanted to wake the others up. And that wasn't even going to be an option.
She reached for a mug as she sniffled and took her time in making a hot chocolate. Hot chocolate seemed like the only thing that was able to calm her down and warm up her insides. Plus it was chocolate, and that, besides candy, was her lifesaver in many situations.
Making it was a pretty good distraction, too.
Though, even as she was making it, she could feel her tears gathering at the back of her lids and blurring up her vision of the mug in front of her. It irritated her that she was still crying about something so small.
"Ugh, Numbuh 5's got to get it together."
"Gotta get what togetha?"
Abby jumped, dropping her mug. Hissing at the pain of the hot liquid spilling on her mocha skin, she turned on her heels, only to be staring back at a surprised Wally, his green eyes wide. He instantly put up his hands, palms facing her in a 'don't shoot' gesture.
As she regained her composure, she stuttered out, "Fool, look at what you made Numbuh 5 do!"
"It ain't ma fault! Yer the one that dropped it!"
"Well, Numbuh 5 wouldn't have dropped it in the first place if it wasn't for you, sneaking around like that!"
"I wasn't sneakin' around! I just asked ya a question!"
With a flustered and annoyed sigh, she grabbed a tissue and wiped at the liquid on her legs. It didn't sting as much as it first did but she ignored the slight burn and bent down to pick up the broken mug, instead. Not only was she devastated about the now destroyed hot chocolate and her favourite cup, but also embarrassed. How long had Wally been standing there? When had he even come anyway?
She hoped to God that he didn't see her puffy face and sniffles. That would only make things worse and she wasn't looking forward to answering any questions.
"I'm sorry."
Abby's fingers froze and, caught off-guard, she looked up. Wally stood there, staring down at her with a gaze that she couldn't describe. His hands were balled into fists beside him, his eyebrows drawn together and a little frown curving his lips.
"For what?"
"For startling ya. I didn't think anyone would be up at this time."
She immediately looked away, guilty. The way he was looking at her made it feel like he knew everything. As if he could see through to her.
Occupying herself with picking up the pieces, she was suddenly stopped by a tanned hand that had reached out and grasped her wrist. For a split second, she internally chuckled at how different their skin tones were and the contrast of brown against white.
Shaking her head slightly, her eyes travelled down the length of the arm and to the face of the person who was holding it.
Wally peered into her eyes, face stern. It was an expression she had only seen during missions; it was his game face.
"You'll hurt yerself. I'll help ya."
"Numbuh 5 don't need your help."
He looked at her. Really looked at her with a gentle, understanding gaze. "I know," he said, softly.
Abby was taken aback by the tone of his voice; it had a softness she had never heard from Wally before. It had a touch of warmth, something that was usually only reserved for Kuki. The gentle way in which he was dealing with her, the way he was speaking to her – it was all new to her.
It made her feel strange; her stomach clenched tightly and made her sick.
She looked up at him, her dark eyes meeting his deep pools of green that seemed to hypnotise her, pulling her in. He took advantage of her speechlessness as he let go of her wrist and got up.
At the loss of the warmth that he had provided, she blinked before a small frown of disappointment appeared on her mouth. His touch had made her feel safe and secure which was something she had never experienced with anyone before.
And usually, she was the one making people feel safe, not the other way around.
Shaking her head furiously at the immature thoughts, she watched as he brought out a dustpan and brush and-
Hold on a sec, she froze.
Wally didn't like cleaning.
So, she was more than surprised to see him with a serious expression and holding cleaning equipment.
"Uh, who are ya and what did ya do with the real Numbuh 4?" she tried to joke. He glanced up at her, his eyebrows furrowed.
"What?" he replied in a defensive tone as his body stiffened. "I don't mind cleanin' from time ta time."
She scoffed, ignoring the fact that he was acting strangely. "Who do you think you're foolin'?! You don't clean at all!"
"Shuddup," he mumbled, before focusing his now dark, stormy emerald eyes on the mess made on the floor.
They didn't speak a word to one another after that and a sick feeling once again settled in Abby's stomach. She didn't know what was up with Wally and the curiosity and anxiety only grew in the pit of her stomach, making things worse.
Did Abby do somethin'? she thought, stealing a glance at him as she worked on mopping up the hot chocolate with paper tissues.
Wally silently dusted the broken pieces of glass into the dustpan and they were silent as they worked, both wanting to question the other about why they were up so late.
As they worked independently, it allowed Abby to dwell on what had brought her to this dilemma in the first place. That meant she, unintentionally, of course, had been letting slip a couple of sniffles as well as some tears. It dropped on her hand like rain and split apart into a million liquid fragments as she worked and she cursed herself for being so mindless.
Being as subtle as she could, she wiped her hand on her blue dress, unaware that a certain blond boy's gaze was fixed on her.
"You alroight, Abby?"
He had gone back to calling her by her given name. She was confused but she wasn't as annoyed as she was before.
A conclusion she had come up with was that it wasn't because they had become distant - though that may have been a reason - but because he didn't want to bring unwanted attention to the both of them by calling each other by their given names.
It was what made sense to her, at least. Calling each other by their given names was Wally and Kuki's thing because they had known to like each other from the very start.
To have Abby and Wally do the same would only raise suspicions, whether they were close or not. Even if that wasn't the entire reason, Abby didn't mind if he switched between the two from time to time.
Being called 'Abby' in private made it that much sweeter.
"So, are ya gonna tell me?"
She looked up.
"Tell you what, boy?"
He gave her a look just as he got up and chucked out the pieces of glass. After putting everything back in its place, he crossed his arms.
He gazed at her from underneath the blond hair that fell a little bit in front of his piercing eyes. The pointed stare and just the fact that his eyes were focused on her made her uneasy, not because it was creepy or uncomfortable, but because it made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
It felt right.
She tore her eyes away and stared down at her slightly trembling hands instead.
"Numbuh 5 don't need to tell you nothin'."
"Ya don't. But I'm yer friend and I'm here for ya, ya know," he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly before turning serious, facing her with stern eyes. "And I may not be the brightest kid, Abby, but I ain't stupid. I can see that ya were cryin'."
Abby nearly snorted at that. She never thought he was stupid - she always believed in him. The fact that he could pick up her moods and everyone else's in a matter of seconds was proof of that.
But she didn't want him knowing the real reason why she was acting so weird.
"Numbuh 5 did nothin' of the sort," she replied crisply and got up. Without looking in his direction, she chucked the wet paper towels in the bin and turned to speed-walk away to her room.
However, before she could even take a step, a flash of tangerine orange flooded her vision. She blinked and found Wally standing in front of her, blocking her way out.
Crossing her arms, she said, "Wally, move."
"Why should I?" he challenged.
"So Numbuh 5 can go back to her room and sleep, fool."
"Tell me the truth, first and then I'll move for ya."
Abby threw her arms in the air in exasperation. She just wanted to be curled up in her blankets and forget this had ever happened but Wally was making it more difficult than it had to be.
"What are ya talking about?!"
"Ya know what I'm talkin' about, Abby," he said, bright green eyes darkening, contrasting with his sunny hair. He stepped forward. "And I ain't lettin' ya go ta ya room 'till ya tell me!"
"Numbuh 5 ain't tellin' you a thing, sport," she said, chuckling at the deadly glare he shot her at the nickname, "and you ain't gonna make me."
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah."
Their faces were inches away from each other, noses practically touching. As if realising at the same time, their eyes widened, the blond sucking in a sharp breath that went by unnoticed by the girl. Wordlessly, they gazed into each other's eyes, waiting for the other to take the first step back. And it was when she witnessed the pupils in Wally's bright eyes suddenly dilate and darken, that she stepped up to the task and moved back.
Shock filled her as she stared at the boy in front of her that was able to make her feel thousands of flickering emotions that even she didn't know she had. All she could feel was her damp palms and her dry throat.
What-what was that? she thought, her heart thudding painfully loud in her ears as she tried to make sense of what had happened.
They had shared a mini moment. As a strange, awkward silence fell over them, she took that as her chance to escape from his questioning and turned to leave.
"Wait!"
She froze, cursing herself for not being quick enough.
"So, you ain't gonna tell me?"
Abby shut her eyes tightly. She was glad he wasn't talking about what had just happened, but she wasn't quite happy with where this conversation was going, either. Slowly, she shook her head.
"Foine. Don't tell me." She turned her head to look at him, just in time to see him slyly walk over to the bin. He glanced at a confused Abby with a devious grin. "Wait 'till Numbuh 1 gets a load of the mess ya made in the kitchen, then!"
She nearly snorted at this poor accusation. The boy needed to work on his threats better.
"What mess?" She gestured towards the kitchen that was practically sparkling with how spotless it was. "It's all clean, you goof."
Wally's eyes flashed mischievously.
"Oh?"
He stuck his foot out, ready to kick the bin and instantly Abby's heart rate picked up.
"Put. The. Foot. Down," she said, softly, body frozen stiff. A part of her was trying to remain calm, but the other was trying to not yell at Wally for being such an idiotic fool and testing her patience.
He shrugged, shoving his hands in the kangaroo pouch of his hoodie.
"Nah, don't feel like it."
"What do you mean, you don't feel like it?! You bettah feel like it or Numbuh 5's comin' over there and-"
"You can come over 'ere but you'll be stuck in a pile of rubbish. Good luck cleanin' all that up," he said, snickering.
"Wally-"
"-Abby."
They stared at each other silently, one shooting the other a warning glare and the other practically oozing with nothing but mischief.
"Wait 'till I tell Numbuh 1 who did this."
"He won't believe ya!"
"Oh, he will. Innocent ol' me just got up ta get a glass of water but there ya were, sleep walkin' and trashin' the place. It'll be fool-proof, I tell ya!"
Abby sighed. The 'plan' was ridiculous – Nigel wouldn't believe anything like that, but she played along, anyway. She just wanted to go to sleep and the sooner he was done ranting about his oh so genius plan, the better.
"Alright, fine. What do ya want, shortie?"
He scowled. "Don't call me that!"
"Well, you definitely ain't tall."
"Whatevah," he spat before straightening up, putting his foot down. "Look, I just want ya ta tell me if everythin's alroight with ya."
Suddenly he dropped his voice as a blush stained his cheeks; it clashed against his rough, brash personality. The frown on her face slowly disappeared and instead, her mouth parted in surprise as he continued, unaware of her gaze.
"I'm...I guess ya could say I'm worried about ya?"
"Why?"
He looked up at her, then, green eyes piercing into dark, lost ones. "Because."
She gulped instinctively. His gaze was so deep and powerful that it was like she was being sucked into them.
At that moment, everything just seemed so confusing. With the way he was looking at her, one would think that the girl he liked was her.
No! her mind screamed, trying to fight against the light, airy feeling in her chest as her heart swelled up with hope. H-He can't like Numbuh 5. No, that's impossible, she thought as her heart rate began to speed up like a motorcycle.
It just didn't sound right, though.
It was always supposed to be Wally and Kuki. Anything –anyone else didn't make sense.
"I don't want ya to be upset," he continued speaking, in a soft way – as much as a boy could soothe a girl. "Ya can't lie to me and say you weren't cryin' cuz I saw ya."
Abby shut her mouth, heat travelling to her cheeks and down her neck. It warmed up her entire body but she tore her eyes away from him. To avoid any embarrassment, she stared down at her once-white Mary-Janes, wondering what to tell him. It was late and she didn't want to be up, spilling her feelings out to Wally.
She could avoid the part of her feelings for him and talk about how she felt as if she wasn't good enough sometimes. It wasn't like he wouldn't understand but he wouldn't appreciate it. He barely tolerated Kuki's hugs, but he did because it was her.
Why would he even waste a single second for Abby?
She just couldn't.
She could deal with things herself.
Abigail Lincoln was her name, after all.
Straightening up and painting a smile on her face, she chuckled.
"That's really nice of ya, Wally." His face lit up. "But don't worry, Numbuh 5 can handle things on her own."
With that, she turned away and walked past him and to her room, unaware of the dejected look that had settled on Wally's face as he watched her walk away.
She was so confused.
There were so many questions running through her mind. Like, why was Wally up that night? Why was he so eager to listen to her open up about whatever it was she was crying about? Would he...ever like her back?
Questions like that always fluttered around her mind, even though they were the last things she wanted to be thinking about. It was embarrassing to even say to herself, but like any person with a crush, she was curious and she wanted to know whether Wally felt the same. It would be a dream come true for anyone if the person they liked, liked them back, too.
She nearly laughed out loud at that ridiculous thought, and even though the answer was blatantly obvious, she just wanted to know. A part of her was even wishing and hoping she was wrong.
It was strange how strongly she felt for the boy she had known for years but had never seen in that way before. Even Abby wasn't aware of just how much she liked him, not until that moment they shared where her thoughts and the way her body and mind reacted, scared her. It was frustrating for her to think that the 'moment' they had shared, was probably only seen as one by her.
She was overreacting and the more days passed, the stronger and stranger the feelings felt.
Maybe it's cos Numbuh 5's turnin' 13, she thought, trying to make sense of things. A whole bunch of those hormones goin' on in my brain?
Being thirteen and a teenager meant teenager problems and crushes that kids didn't have to worry about. Even this morning, as soon as she woke up, the events flickered through her mind like a flashback. To avoid facing the others and Wally, and to just get out of the environment of the treehouse, she had gotten up early and left the tree house, sneaking out to a nearby lake for some morning nature relaxation.
She wanted to be as far away from them as possible and have a little 'Abby' time.
She shook her head as she sat cross-legged on the edge of a pier and gazed out at the ripples in the lake. It was supposed to be her relaxing day off, but she was feeling anything but; turmoil and confusion fluttered in her stomach.
The more she stared at the practically sparkling water and the gentle burble of the lake, the sooner the troubling thoughts seemed to disappear, a certain calmness taking over her as she closed her eyes.
Trying to take in nature at its finest was the best thing she could do for herself and her racing heart. In order to make sense of the situation, she needed to be calm. Just when her body began to relax, a spiteful voice made her jolt.
"What're you doing here?"
Abby whipped her head around, frowning when her eyes met with two pairs of blue orbs that belonged to a conniving, unfaithful blond teenager.
"Whaddya want, Chad?" she asked, turning back around in disinterest. "Numbuh 5 ain't in the mood for a fight."
He chuckled. "That's new."
Instead of leaving her alone as she had expected, she heard his footsteps coming nearer. The wooden pier creaked from under the pressure of his feet and once he reached her, he seated himself right next to her.
She tried to resist the urge to shove him into the water and clenched her fists instead.
This boy bettah leave or -
Her thoughts were cut off when he, instead of attacking her or making fun of her as she had expected, stared out into the lake like her. She peeked through one eye and stole a quick glance at him before shutting her eyes again.
"And what do ya think you're doin'?"
He spared her a side-glance, eyes sparkling with amusement. "What do you think I'm doing, dork?"
Abby's eyes popped open and she gritted her teeth, preparing for a fight if need be. But he turned his eyes lazily back to the lake before she could say anything. It was clear to her then that there was something else on his mind.
Soon, her tense exterior came down and her muscles began to loosen. She couldn't help but study the side of his face; his eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, but it didn't fit the grim expression on his face. His pink lips were pulled into a thin line as if he was troubled about something.
A dark shadow rolled over his face for a split second, and then it was gone.
"Is there somethin' wrong?" she found herself asking, despite herself. He gave her a side glance before looking back out at the water again.
"Do you care?"
"Well, you are the enemy."
"So, you don't." Chad scoffed bitterly. "Why'd you even ask?"
"Cos...Numbuh 5 ain't the type to leave someone who's upset about somethin' alone, even if they are an enemy of the Kids Next Door."
He turned and their eyes locked onto each other. They were engulfed by a silence that was all too strange for Abby to come to terms with. It wasn't awkward or dangerous. It was peaceful.
Strange.
It didn't seem like he was going to tell her anything or speak anytime soon, so she turned away from him.
Just pretend he ain't there, girl, she told herself, shutting her eyes to calm herself down.
So, she did.
And it was pretty good for a little while – until he started to speak. The irritation was mounting up within her. She just wanted a peaceful day off and here Chad of all people, was, talking to her as if everything was fine.
She was the one who had asked, though, so she supposed it was technically her fault but she hadn't actually expected anything from him.
"You're weird, you know that?" he asked, eyes narrowed as if trying to figure her out.
She found herself snorting in amusement.
"Ain't that the truth, boy."
After a few seconds of silence, he joked, "Mind if I pour out my life story, then? Fellow weirdo to weirdo?"
"Go ahead. Numbuh 5's all ears," she said a small smile on her face.
What am I doin'!? Get outta there girl! she yelled to herself. However, she found that her tiny butt was still planted onto the wooden pier, right next to Chad's.
It was when she turned her head, that she realised he had been staring at her, eyebrows furrowed in concentration.
"What? Does Numbuh 5 have somethin' on her face?" She reached up and rubbed her face instinctively but stopped when he shook his head.
"No, just thinking about something."
She gave him a look. "What?"
"Well, if I tell you what's bothering me, will you tell me what's bothering you?"
Numbuh 5 knew it! she thought, scoffing internally.
Abby crossed her arms and stared at the blond teenager next to her with a solemn expression.
"Numbuh 5 ain't bothered about nothin'."
"That's not what your face is saying. You look upset."
She threw her arms up in the air, groaning. "Numbuh 5 ain't upset! Why does everyone keep saying that!?" She knew not everyone said that, but it felt like it, especially in recent times. Now, she was read like an open book whereas before, she used to be able to keep her emotions off of her face and behave in a manner that fit well depending on a situation.
Ever since she had discovered her feelings for Wally, it was as if she was a different person. As if she was more of a girl than she had ever been before, as strange as it was. She was typically the collected Abigal Lincoln, but now she was just the conflicted Abigail Lincoln who was always confused.
Of course, she was able to keep personal matters and business seperate - she was always able to do that because the KND was a cause she was dedicated to, just like Nigel.
But even still, she felt her facade waver from time to time when she would just glance at the blonde boy.
"So, I'm not the only one that sees it then," he said, breaking into her thoughts with a smirk. The only thing Abby wanted to do at that very moment, was to slap him but she let out a frustrated sigh through her mouth.
"Fine. Suppose Numbuh 5's a little bothered about somethin'. Still, do ya take Numbuh 5 for a fool?" she said, tartly. "This might be another one of your stupid plans!"
He shrugged and matched her even gaze with one of his own. "I'm gonna be telling you what's bothering me first, and it's pretty much a secret I haven't told anyone."
"And why are you tellin' Numbuh 5 this?" she challenged.
"I don't really care what a kid like you thinks of me. Plus, you're here and it's convenient?"
"Right. So, this isn't gonna be a dumb, fabricated story to get Numbuh 5 to spill any info, is it?"
"Even if it was, would it work?"
She scowled. "No."
Chad snorted, his eyes lighting up. "Exactly."
The excuses and the red flags going off in her head before slowly vanished. She was starting to relax around the teenager, which was an absurd thing to do and not under any normal circumstance would she have done this.
Maybe it was because she was so emotionally and mentally vulnerable that she just needed someone.
Someone that wasn't part of the KND and could easily judge her. It made sense to why Chad was here, too.
"Alright," she gave in, "fine. Spill."
Chad placed his hands slightly behind him and put his weight on his arms, leaning back onto them for support. He heaved a huge sigh, still looking out over the crystal clear water that rippled and flowed gently.
The breeze was lovely and the sounds of birds communicating with each other through gentle chirps disappeared for seconds and then would return in an instant. It was an easy distraction and one that she found herself listening to as she waited for Chad to speak.
"I guess you could say this is a typical teen problem. Working with the teens is awesome and all, but we...just have different views."
Abby's dark eyebrows pulled together from underneath her red cap.
"Who's we?"
He hesitated. "Me and this girl I like."
Those very eyebrows shot up instantly.
"Numbuh 5 thought you were with Stacey!"
"How do you know about that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. A flush crept up to her cheeks but she kept her cool and smirked.
"Well, who doesn't?"
Chad nodded and she sighed internally in relief at her coolly made-up lie.
"Well, she and I broke up. I like this other girl now but...she makes things so difficult. The only thing she wants to do is destroy the Kids Next Door and -"
"Wait, wait, hold up!"
He shot her an annoyed look at the second interruption, his eyes narrowed. Abby ignored it, pushing through with her queries.
"So you're tellin' Numbuh 5 that you're not interested in destroying the Kids Next Door? But that's all you do!"
"I know." He sighed, running a large hand through carefully styled blond hair. "But I'm a teenager for crying out loud! That's not all I want to do. I want to experience other things, too. With her. She doesn't even want to hang out normally."
Well, that is quite a dilemma, she thought, biting her bottom lip in confusion.
"Numbuh 5 wish she could help ya, but..."
"I don't think you can, either."
She furrowed her eyebrows. "Why do you think that?"
Chad ran a hand through his hair, wincing a little as he opened his mouth. "Because I don't think you're gonna like it."
In an instant, she was alert. Every muscle in her body tensed as she leaned forward a little to stare at Chad with wide, critical eyes.
"What do ya mean by you don't think Numbuh 5's gonna like it?"
He let out an exasperated sigh. "I like Cree, alright? I like your sister."
Without even wasting a second, she shoved him into the river and watched as he toppled in with a loud scream.
"What's wrong with ya!? You like Cree?! As in ma sister, Cree?!" she screeched, face turning red-hot. "How—how—why-WHAT?"
Confusion, anger and disgust flickered in her eyes as she watched Chad spray water out of his mouth, blinking rapidly.
"What the heck is wrong with you, kid!? You could have at least warned me, you know!"
"Warned you about shoving you into the river? Where's the fun in that, fool?" she spat, bitterly, staring down at him with disgust.
He rolled his eyes and grabbed the edge of the pier, pushing himself up before falling flat on his back in exhaustion. He placed his elbow over his eyes to shield them from the blinding light of the sun.
"Well, I did say you wouldn't like it," he muttered.
Abby growled, the sound rolling up her throat like that of a loud beast. She opened her mouth, ready to berate him and to warn him against coming on to her sister...but she stopped.
Cree and I ain't close no more. What she does in her spare time isn't my business, she thought with a small frown. Her shoulders relaxed and she swallowed thickly.
"Whatevah. Do what you want, fool."
Chad removed his arm and turned to stare at her as if she had grown two heads.
"What?"
"I'm shocked. You're seriously okay with this?"
She shrugged.
"Does it matter? Why do you care what Numbuh 5 thinks anyway? You're a teenager that doesn't care about kids." After pausing, she added, "or anyone for that matter."
Chad rolled his eyes. "We're not all that bad, you know. I learnt my lesson after you drenched me with my strawberry milkshake."
"Whatevah. I ain't gonna help you with this crush of yours, though," she drawled, uninterested in the conversation. She got up with a sigh. "Numbuh 5's leavin'."
"Wait!"
"What?" she turned around to glare at him, hands on her hips.
"I told you what I was bothered about. Now, it's your turn."
"Oh heck naw! Numbuh 5 ain't sayin' nothin'," she said, suddenly panicking. There was no way anyone could know about her crush about Wally.
Ever.
If she said it out loud, then it would become real and as if she was accepting of it. And she didn't really know if she was accepting of something that was impossible.
Chad chuckled, eyes studying her carefully. He noticed the despondent look on her face, the various emotions flickering through her eyes and her stiff muscles.
She looked lost.
"You know, maybe talking about it can help. Holding it in will only cause more problems for you, you know?"
"You don't need to lecture Numbuh 5. She knows what she's doin'."
He raised his hands, palms facing her. "Just saying."
Before she could say anything further, he pushed himself up, whipping his still damp hair to the side. "If you want to talk about it though, you know where to find me."
He went to walk past her when he stopped, shooting her a smirk.
"Just make sure the others don't find out."
Abby scowled. There was no way she was going to take him up on that offer. Her eyes trained on his damp football jersey and jeans as he slowly walked away.
"Numbuh 5 likes Wally."
Her eyes widened in horror and she slapped both hands over her mouth as those words accidentally left her mouth. It was as if it had a life of its own, and she watched in utter embarrassment and anger as Chad froze.
Slowly, he turned on his heels, own eyes wide with shock.
"You like that violent Australian brat?"
"Maybe. So?" she asked, suddenly feeling very defensive. "There ain't nothin' wrong with that." She faltered before continuing, "right?"
An amused smirk made its way onto his lips. He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. "Do you feel like there's something wrong with that?"
When she remained silent, he snickered.
"What's so funny?!"
"Just the fact that the calm and collected Numbuh 5 so lost over a boy."
"I regret sayin' anythin' to you," she spat and went to walk past him angrily when he grabbed her upper arm, gently.
He peered into her eyes, earnestly.
"I'm not making fun of you," he said, surprisingly softly. "I'm laughing because you're such a kid. The answer's so simple."
"What're you sa-"
"I'm saying, you shouldn't care what others think. If you like him, then there's nothing wrong with that, I'm not judging. I honestly thought he liked Kuki, though." Then as an afterthought, added, "That and he seems to be quite popular with the ladies."
Abby rolled her eyes but couldn't help agreeing with him. Wally was liked by Fanny, Kuki and now herself. He was surely going to grow up into a heartbreaker.
"Numbuh 5 ain't gonna deny that."
"What, his popularity or the fact that he likes Kuki?"
The realisation that Abby's crush would go nowhere, struck her heart and she offered Chad a pained smile.
"Both." Abby sighed. "This is the reason why Numbuh 5 didn't wanna tell a soul 'bout this."
Chad shrugged. "Life is unpredictable." He gave her a side-glance. "Anything can happen, you know. Maybe try making the first move."
She jolted in her spot as she stared at the tall teen, mouth agape.
"Yer kiddin' me, right?"
"What? It's the 21st century."
"So? Numbuh 5 ain't makin' no move on someone who has never seen me as more than a sister."
"How do you know that?"
That made her freeze.
"What?"
"How do you know that he only sees you as a sister? Have you asked him?" he questioned, raising a challenging eyebrow.
Abby looked away from his pointed stare. "Numbuh 5 just knows," she snapped. "And can we please stop talkin' about this? There ain't no point."
Chad nodded, rolling his eyes. "Alright. I'm just saying, you should tell him and find out. If he rejects you, at least you'll know."
"I should say the same thing to you, then," she bit back. He chuckled darkly.
"I've already told Cree how I feel and she feels the same. But we just can't be together, that's all."
"Oh," Abby replied lamely. She wanted to ask why, but the answer was given to her before he had revealed who the girl was. All of a sudden, an awkward silence took over before she spoke again, wanting nothing more than to leave.
"Well, Numbuh 5 should best get goin'." She pointed a finger at him in warning. "And you better keep your mouth shut, Chad, you understand? Or Numbuh 5'll hunt ya down and make sure you regret openin' that mouth of yours."
He shot her a two-fingered salute, that smug smirk still painted on his lips. "Aye, aye, Ma'am. Trust me, I won't tell a soul."
She rolled her eyes. Funny how she didn't trust him at all.
Turning, she walked away from him. "Whatevah," she mumbled under her breath.
Even though she had warned him, there was still a sinking feeling as she walked further away. Of course, she didn't trust him, but her stupid mouth had a mouth of its own and told him something not even her own friends knew about.
The last thing she wanted was Chad telling Wally about her feelings for him; the nervous flutters appeared in her stomach and began to crawl up through her throat. She gulped it down and let out a long breath of air.
Wally won't believe a thing Chad would say anyway. He's nothin' but a lousy traitor in Wally's eyes, she thought, giving herself a pep talk.
It didn't erase what had been said, but it served to make her feel a little better than what she had originally been feeling.
Nigel watched with narrowed eyes as two of his team members continued to act strangely. Both Abby and Wally were avoiding each other. It was plain to see to anyone with eyes, but Kuki and Hoagie both seemed to be in their own worlds to notice.
He had expected the behaviour to be normal with Wally, but for Abby to be avoiding someone, especially Wally, was strange. She wasn't usually so reserved and the type to hold grudges - he would know, considering he knew her the longest compared to any of the other members in the team.
What was even stranger, was the fact that they didn't seem angry either, just careful. The only time they would talk to each other, would be when they had to ask to pass stuff over at the dinner table or during movie nights when the other would ask about what they wanted to watch on TV.
Even then, it was awkward because the person at the receiving end would only nod or respond with a one worded-reply. It was very...odd, to say the least.
This was another one of those awkward dinner days, and the tension this time could be felt by everyone in the room, even Hoagie. Kuki on the other hand...she was bright, but sometimes, she was just too much in her own world to care.
Abby and Wally both stared down at their plates, eyes burning holes into their food. Kuki tried to ignore the weird atmosphere and happily cuddled her Rainbow Monkey as she ate delicately and Hoagie was just as suspicious as Nigel at that point.
They both looked up at the same time, glancing at the other with suspicious frowns. Just then, Hoagie kicked Nigel under the table.
"OW!" the leader yelped and jolted in his seat, causing all four heads to turn his way. He bit down on his lip and let out a forced chuckle. "Sorry guys. I just...bumped my leg against the table."
As everyone nodded and returned quietly to their food, Hoagie shot an apologetic smile at Nigel who only flashed him a venomous glare.
"What?" he hissed, rubbing his now sore shin that was sure to form a bruise.
Hoagie glanced around the table making sure no one was listening before leaning closer to Nigel.
"Don't you think Numbuh 4 and 5 are acting kinda, you know-"
"-strange?"
His eyes widened into round lemons. "So, you agree?"
"They haven't been talking to each other much and they barely communicate during missions. They're acting as if they don't even know each other. It's unusual."
Hoagie let his shoulders loosen as he whispered, "So, you've felt it too! Oh thank goats, I thought I was finally going crazy or something."
"No, you're most certainly not crazy," Nigel said absentmindedly, stroking his chin as he leaned back into his chair and studied Wally. "Perhaps we should question them."
"Question them?" Hoagie asked in a low mumble, eyes wide from under the aviator hat. "About why they're acting so weird? Do you think they'll tell us, Numbuh 1?"
"There's only one way to find out."
After dinner was over, both Hoagie and Nigel snuck over to Wally's room. To their surprise, the blond wasn't punching his sandbag or doing anything that was anything remotely Wally-like.
He was just lying down on the floor of his wrestling ring, staring up at the ceiling blankly as if thinking about something.
"Uh, you alright, Numbuh 4?" Hoagie asked, worry seeping into his tone. Wally turned his head slowly as if it took extra effort. He then glanced between the two boys that stood before him.
"Huh? Whaddya guys want?"
Nigel placed his arms behind his back and cleared his throat.
"We just want to know if everything's okay, you know?"
Wally frowned and let out a little scoff. "Course everythin's alroight, Numbuh 1, why would ya-"
"Between you and Numbuh 5."
"Oh," Wally faltered at the mention of Abby, eyes turning a dull shade of green. He sighed and turned his head, looking back up at the ceiling that seemed to be so far out of reach from him.
Just like a certain African-American girl.
Nigel shared a concerned glance with Hoagie before they walked closer to him and sat down.
"If there's something bothering you, Numbuh 4, then you can tell us. We're your friends and we won't judge."
Almost a second later as if he couldn't stop it, Wally suddenly confessed in a quick breath:
"I like 'er."
Hoagie's eyes widened and he let out a chuckle. "Well, that was easy!" But then his eyes furrowed. "Wait, who do you like?"
Nigel shot him a look.
"Are you saying you like Numbuh 3-"
Wally quickly shook his head. "Nah. Not anymore. I'm talkin' about-about Numbuh 5," he mumbled.
"Oh cool," Hoagie said, dismissively. "You like..." He trailed off and gasped as if he had just processed what Wally had said. He jumped up from his seat. "You like-like Numbuh 5?!" he yelled like a little kid. "I was right this entire time! I knew it! I knew it! Who called it? I did!"
He began to dance around, trying to do moves as much as his body would allow him.
"Not so loud, ya moron!" Wally hissed, chucking one of his shoes at him. The boy winced and chuckled apologetically as he rubbed the side of his head.
"Oops, sorry."
Nigel rolled his eyes. "I don't see why this is such a problem. f you like her, then I think that's great. Just...why are you both acting so weird?"
Wally groaned as he sat up and put his head in his hands.
"I dunno!" he grunted in frustration and confusion. "I was plannin' ta tell 'er how I felt today but she's been actin' weird ever since this mornin in the kitchen."
"What happened in the kitchen?" the bald boy asked with a raise of an eyebrow. Wally's cheeks turned red as he chuckled nervously.
"Uh, nothin'. I couldn't sleep 'cuz I was thinkin' about stuff and how ta tell 'er how I felt, and she couldn't sleep either I'm guessin? I dunno."
"Riiiiiight."
Hoagie cut in, completely unaware of the atmosphere. "So, aren't you going to tell her, Numbuh 4?"
Wally, grateful for the save, dived in to chat with his other best friend. "I was but she doesn't even wanna talk to me."
"Why don't you talk to her first?"
Wally glanced between Hoagie and Nigel as if they had grown two heads.
"Are ya kiddin' me? What if she yells at me and says she doesn't wanna talk to me?"
Nigel face-palmed. "And why would she do that?" he asked sarcastically.
The green-eyed member shrugged, genuinely lost. "I dunno. Cuz she hates me, now?"
"She doesn't-"
"WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. Hold up one second, guys."
Both Nigel and Wally turned their attention towards the chubby member of their team who stared at Wally with a confused frown, hands on his hips.
"Why're ya lookin' at me like that?"
"Well, didn't you like Numbuh 3? You were practically in love with her for a loooooong time so what's up with this new crush?"
Nigel nodded and turned to Wally for an answer, witnessing the blond turning beet red at this information. He scoffed, spluttering in the process of coming up with an answer.
"H-hey! I—I was not in love with Kuki! I just...liked her a lot at one point." He sighed at the look he was getting from both boys and ran both his hands down his face in exhaustion. "I know, alroight? It was ma cruddy fault that caused all this."
Hoagie glanced at Nigel who was staring at the Australian with stern eyes.
"What do you mean, Numbuh 4?" When he didn't say anything, Nigel pushed, tone one of warning. "Numbuh 4."
"Ugh, what?"
"Tell us."
He let out a deep breath through his mouth. "I thought Kuki liked you and so I got mad and ignored 'er for weeks. Abby was the only one that helped me through that and that's how we got closer. If it wasn't for my stupid brain misunderstandin' everythin' then maybe I would have still liked Kuki. Not that I regret how I feel for Abby, it's just so...different and too painful for me to handle."
"Wait, where was I during this?" Hoagie questioned, his eyebrows furrowed. "I don't remember this at all."
"I nevah told any of ya what was happenin' and Kuki didn't really realise that I was avoidin' 'er, I guess." Wally shrugged and Nigel nodded, taking in the information.
"Well, I hope you've learnt your lesson, Numbuh 4." He watched as Wally hung his head down in dismay, blond bangs flopping forward. "But everything happens for a reason. So, perhaps, your newfound feelings for Numbuh 5 was, you know, fate? It was bound to happen somehow."
He lifted his head up, green eyes glistening with what looked like tears. Nigel pretended he didn't notice.
"Ya really think so, Numbuh 1?"
"Of course."
"So," he sniffled, wiping his nose with the sleeve of his orange hoodie. "Ya guys don't think I'm rude or nothin'?"
"Rude?" Hoagie repeated, eyes wide. "Why would we think you're rude?"
"For liking Kuki for so long and then...all of a sudden, liking Abby?" he asked, voice small.
Nigel shrugged. "Well, it's not like it's your fault. You can't help who you develop feelings for, Numbuh 4. We end up liking the people that we never ever expected to like. That's just how things work sometimes."
"Like Numbuh 1 and Lizzie," Hoagie mumbled to Wally with a mean snicker who joined in a second later.
Nigel bit down a defensive retort fort Wally's sake and nodded, going along with it instead.
"Yeah, exactly like me and Lizzie," he said, monotone. "But, that's not the point! The point is, it's okay to like Numbuh 5. Stop avoiding each other and talk to her so you can find out if she feels the same."
Wally nodded in determination as he got up on his feet. "Yeah...yeah you're roight, Numbuh 1! I gotta talk to 'er and tell 'er how I feel!"
"That's the spirit, Numbuh 4!" Hoagie cheered but then froze. "But, um, maybe you should talk to Numbuh 3 first."
"Kuki? Why?" The blond turned his confused gaze to the 2x4 technology expert who shuffled awkwardly on his feet.
"Well, uh, because...she likes you." At the blank look on his short friend's face, he raised an eyebrow as he continued hesitantly, "you do know that right?"
"Obvio-" Wally's eyes suddenly popped open. "Wait, what!?"
Hoagie jumped and took a step away from him. "Geez, calm down! I'm saying Kuki likes you but you were both too oblivious to notice or do anything about it," he said with a roll of his eyes.
"Oh."
Wally surprisingly found that he wasn't disappointed. Just sad on behalf of Kuki and not being able to return her feelings. If he hadn't been such an idiot then maybe she wouldn't be hurting and maybe he wouldn't be, either.
In a softer tone, however, he continued, "But you should really tell her before going to Numbuh 5. She deserves to know, too."
He nodded. "Yeah, I know. I'll talk to 'er."
"And try to clear things up with the both of them before our next mission, please, Numbuh 4," Nigel advised as he patted him on the shoulder before leaving his room. "We need to be at our best when fighting adult tyranny!"
Hoagie rolled his eyes. "He needs to chill out."
"Yeah, no kiddin'," Wally replied, a slight smile of pride and affection on his face as he watched his friends leave his room.
Even though he was hurting real bad, he knew he could always count on his best friends. They made sure that even through the worst days they would be right there for him. Without even saying anything, they had understood that he was in trouble and in need of some support.
And that - their friendship - gave him the energy he needed to push through every single day.