This is a fic based on a request by JBlaser. I normally don't write requests, but if you have one, I'll try to write based on what the prompt it (I refuse to do anything that's not family friendly or something I don't know). Just expect to wait a few months because I got too many other projects and personal things.
Also, this isn't my best quality of work given Wildernessa isn't a character I'm not super into, but I love her romance with Craig. Still, I hope you readers enjoy.
For context, this story takes place after "Breaking the Ice," but before the Capture the Flag arc.
This is nonCannon and I don't own Craig of the Creek.
Wildernessa didn't consider to be was a romantic. Having thoughts of finding a someone to cuddle with were a waste of time to her, which was why she wasn't particularly happy about today:
It was Valentine's Day, a day when kids bring gifts to the ones they love.
Wildernessa didn't mind it when it was about family and platonic friends. She would get enough of that mush stuff from school, but at the Creek it seemed ten times worse. Every where she went, she would see kids talking to their crushes, giving out gifts of flowers and chocolate, and holding hands among other mushy things.
It wasn't Wildernessa's thing at all. It might be okay for animals who need mates in order continue the circle of life, but not her.
It wasn't like there was a human who would care for her in that romantic sense anyway; especially not Craig, a certain brave map-making adventurer with little knowledge of animals.
Besides, it's not like they were on speaking terms. They haven't spoken to each other since that day there were tapped on the playhouse, surrounded by ice. He hadn't even used the whistle she gave him. It was like he was avoiding her… but then again, she had been avoiding him too.
She didn't feel proud of how she acted with him. So, it was probably for the better if she stayed out of his sight…
Ugh, why was she so fixated on this? She had more important things to deal with, such as her daily patrol, riding through the Creek with her best friend and beloved Tibetan Mastiff dog, Cheesesticks. She needed to tend to all her animal friends who live in the Creek; it was her duty after all.
For example, there was… That rabbit who was about to be hit by brach over there! "Cheesesticks!" She called out, beckoning him to go save that rabbit.
Yeah, this was the stuff she was better at understanding. When nature needed help, then she would be there for at the call!
THUD!
Cheesesticks jumped in just time to protect the little brown rabbit from the falling branch. The rabbit didn't stick around to say thanks and immediately ran off. Well, that didn't matter, all that mattered was that the rabbit was safe and nothing else happened.
"Goodness me! What just happened?" An annoying voice suddenly spoke up not too far from there.
Wildernessa frowned as she recognized that voice.
Before her were the Tea Timers, a group of snobby kids who only enjoy having tea and causing trouble. They were prim and dressed in the most elegant clothing that made Wildernessa want to throw up.
Eliza, the one exclaimed earlier, was their leader. She always had big puffy pink hair (that was probably a wig), and dressed in that pink puffy dress. She was always near here were her cronies, Jane and George, who were always dressed just as fancy as her.
Wildernessa knew they had no appreciation for animals or the Creek in general. So understandably, she wanted to avoid them as much as she could.
In fact, she was just about to ride Cheesesticks out of there when Eliza called out, "Excuse me, where did you think you're going?"
The nature girl rolled her eyes. Was Eliza going to criticize her for ruining her dress or something dumb like that? As much as Wildernessa didn't want to deal with, she might as well get it over it. If she didn't, the Tea Timers might do something drastic to get her attention such as dumping waste into the Creek.
So, she got off of Cheesesticks, and which her hands on her hips, she demanded, "What do you want?"
Eliza stared at her for a moment, and then said, "I just want to say… Thank you."
…That was not what Wildernessa expected at all. "You want to thank me?"
"Of course! I would've been gravely injured by that dreadful tree branch had you not rescued me."
Was she talking about when she she pushed the rabbit out of the way? Wildernessa considered telling them the truth, but decided against it. Instead, she said simply replied, "It's fine." She rather not deal with any drama from this girl.
However, it seemed like the posh girl still wasn't about to let her go. "Now, just hold on a minute. You just saved my life. I can't let you go empty handed."
Wildernessa had a bad feeling in her gut. "Thanks, but I don't think a reward is necessary."
In response, Eliza insisted, "Don't be silly. I'm sure there's something you must be interested in." She then had a thoughtful look in her face as her expression lit up as she recalled, "You know, today is Valentine's day. I could help you get all nice for that certain somebody."
Did she mean a makeover? That was the last thing Wildernessa wanted! All those chemicals and artificial powders did not clash well with nature and with her. She opened her mouth to interject when Eliza spoke feverishly,
"Don't worry, fashion is my speciality. Jane, George, and I were planning on checking out some of the Creek's couples and giving them a bit of… thrill in their relationship. However, we're willing to put that aside and help you out. Surely, there must be someone out there you want to spend time with on this very special day."
Right away, Wildernessa thought of Craig and his dumb handsome face… Then quickly shook herself out of it. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not thinking of anybody."
Eliza saw right through that lie. "Oh please, I know that look. There's clearly someone on your mind, isn't there?"
Wildernessa felt her face burn like wildfire. She didn't say anything, but the fact she couldn't even meet Eliza's eyes was proof enough.
"Come on, today is Valentines Day. If you don't want to do it today, then who knows when the next time will be… Okay, so maybe it would take a year until then, but still, better to do it now rather than wait."
"Even if what you say is true, why would I need a makeover for it?"
In response, Eliza made a face as if Wildernessa had slime coming down her ears. "Really? You're going to try to confess dressed like you haven't showered in days?"
Upon hearing that, Wildernessa felt her face burn all over again. This time, it was more out of fury. How dare this precious little princess insult her style? Wildernessa liked how she looked, thank you very much… And yet, deep down, she knew she didn't look like what boys would go crazy over.
Maybe if she changed her style, then she could get the courage to talk to Craig again… If she looked attractive enough, then maybe he would be willing to hear her out, and she could tell him her real feelings… No, Craig won't care about something like appearances… Would he?
"Well?" Eliza looked like she still expected an answer.
Wildernessa stood firm for a moment before she sighed and finally said, "I… I guess I can give this… makeover a try."
That was all the answer Eliza needed to hear. "Oooooh, excellent. Jane; George, it's time for a makeover!"
Without warning, Jane and George went to Wilderness's side and picked her up as they they dragged her away. The wild girl, not used to this, struggled a bit in their grasp, but was ultimately lead into a light yellow tent with pink lacing that just conveniently happened to be there.
Cheesesticks, of course, followed after her only to be blocked off by the closing curtain; leaving him to do nothing except sniff the bottom as if wondering what this mystical barrier was.
While her loyal dog was outside, Wildernessa had to endure the changes done her whole attire.
They made her try on various puffy dresses; all of them in pastel colors. Some had laces, others had ribbons, and there were those with both! Whenever Wildernessa tried to speak up, she was blocked out by Jane or George shoving a dress onto her. They weren't giving her the chance to talk.
She had to endure the various different amount of tightness until Eliza decided on one she thought looked best.
It was a white dress that looked like would belong to those princesses little girls would drool over on the screen. Wildernessa hated how bloated the skirt and sleeves were, and she could barely feel her legs in all that lacing. The only thing that was remotely bearable was the flower pattern on the skirt; at least it was based off of nature.
Once Eliza decided on a dress, it was the hair, accessories, and makeover next. Wildernessa had to go through another round of trying on things that weren't her style: ribbons, blush, and shoes with a bit of heel on them. Like with the dresses, she could barely get a word out as she was continuously adorned. Even her bear mask was forcibly taken off as Jane help brushed her hair.
That ordeal felt like it took forever until the Tea Timers finally took a step back.
They stepped aside to show a mirror, and Wildernessa cringed at what she saw.
The person in the mirror wasn't her. First of all, there was that white puffy princess dress with the pink flower pattern on it. Then there was her normally messy dark hair that brushed up until it was nicely curled. Her ears each had a pink heart shaped hair clip on them (they were clip ons), and her feet now wore some white colored wedges. To top it all off, her face was caked in make-up: blush, mascara, and lipstick.
Eliza looked so proud at what she did. "Oooh, excellent." She then pulled from her pocket a roll of a magenta hair ribbon. "Now for the finishing touch."
Wildernessa internally screamed as she reached out for her bear mask and put it on. She felt glad none of them could see her red face right now. "A-at least let me keep the mask on." She didn't want to feel any more embarrassed than she already felt.
Eliza frowned at this, but shrugged it off. "Fine, I guess it doesn't matter when ninety percent of you is looking fabulous, but just to be sure…" She then put two magenta bows on Wildernessa's bear mask, one for each ear.
With that all finished, Eliza then declared, "Next, I'm going to teach you to act like a lady. We can't have you acting like a wild beast in that fabulous dress, can we?"
Then once again, Wildernessa was put through another ordeal. This time, it was on how she moved and behaved. She had learn how to properly bow, hold a tea cup, and other gestures. The wild girl thought it was all ridiculous.
In addition to that, Eliza also taught her how speak as well; teaching her how to say things in a certain tone and when to say them. There were a set of rules that Wildernessa found silly. Who said "good day" like they were from South Caroline?
Of course, Eliza on the other hand saw the whole process as a success. "Now that you look and act like a lady, all that's left is to contact Craig." She then took out a phone and tapped her finger on the screen.
Finally, Wildernessa could breathe after that whole ordeal. However, she couldn't help but stare at the phone in Eliza's hands. "You… You have Craig's contact number?"
"Of course I do." The latter replied while rolling her eyes. "Almost everyone has his number. He gives it out to everyone."
Everyone except Wildernessa apparently… Then again, then last time they met, she didn't have a phone.
She waited silently as Eliza looked down at the text messages until she receive a reply. "It's Craig, and he just texted he is outside the tent right now." For a brief moment, she frowned as she wondered. "How did he find out we were here?" This tent wasn't located anywhere near the Tea Timer's Grove.
However, as no one had an answer, she just shrugged and said, "Well, no matter, it makes things easier. Come on…" She paused as she had a thinking expression. Then her face brightened up as she called Wildernessa, "Nessarose, let's go meet your date."
"…If you're going to call me by a different name, then just me Vanessa." The latter muttered underneath her breath, but Eliza didn't hear as she made her way to the exit and opened the flap of the tent… Only to get splashed with a bucket full of water.
Craig appeared from the bushes and shouted, "What did you do to Wildernessa!?" Right behind him was Cheesesticks, growling.
"Cheesesticks told me Wildernessa was in trouble." Craig explained. "He lead me over here, and the minute I saw the tent, I had a feeling you were behind it. This fancy style is one only you would have, Eliza!"
The Tea Timer rolled her eyes. "Really, Craig? You're going to assume based on that? I didn't think you of all people would judge based on what you see."
Jane gave Eliza a pink, fluffy towel with a heart pattern on it, which she used to dry herself. Once the princess was crisp and clean, she collected herself and cleared her voice. "Anyway, now that you're here, there's someone I would like you to meet."
She stepped out of the way to reveal the new Wildernessa.
The minute they saw her, Craig's jaw dropped. Cheesesticks had an equally shocked reaction as his dotted eyes look like they nearly pop out.
It took a while for Wildernessa to collect the nerve to wave her hand and greet them. "Uh… Hey." Then Eliza cleared her throat, reminding her what she needed to do. So, with a heavy sigh, Wildernessa bowed down and said in her best British accent, "I mean… How do you do, my dear Craig? The weather is nice today, is it not?"
Craig didn't respond; he just had a look of complete and utter disbelief. After a whole minute of silence, he finally said, "Oh my… This is worse than I thought!" He then glared at Eliza. "How could you brainwash Wildernessa to become one of your… Your… tea pod people!"
Eliza gasped as the accusation. "How dare you?!"
Jane and George took a step back fearing this was going to get ugly.
Wildernessa tried to interject. "Actually, Craig, I—."
Craig continued to point accusingly at Eliza. "I knew you were one day going to take over the Creek! Well, JP thought of it first, but the point is what you're doing now!" He lifted his staff up. "I am not about to let you brainwash everyone just so you could throw the biggest tea party any kid has every seen—!"
"Craig! Just stop!" Wildernessa shouted, causing all eyes to fall on to her. Once she took a deep breath, she explained, "Look, Craig, Eliza didn't force me or brainwash me or anything like that."
"She didn't?" The mapmaker looked surprised at first, and then his expression relaxed as he then asked, "Then why are you dressed like that? It's… not you." He looked down at the dress as if it a fish walking on land.
"Look, Craig… It's nothing, but… I mean, it's Valentines Day, and I thought…" Wildernessa sighed as it was her turn to explain. "Look, deep down, I really wanted to spend Valentines Day with you, but I… I didn't have your phone number."
"You could just visit me at the Stump." Craig pointed out.
"Yeah, but we haven't seen each other since the playhouse and I… I just couldn't face you after how I acted."
"Hey, that's water all under the bridge. What I don't understand is why you had to do all… this." He gestured the dress.
"I…" Wildernessa felt his face blushed. "I thought that maybe if I got dressed nicely, then maybe you would want to… talk to me again."
"Why would you think dressing like this would get me to talk to you?" He then said, "Wildernessa, you don't need to do something like this. I like you just the way you are."
She looked up at him, her eyes sparkled. "R-really?"
"Yes. All this dress, ribbons, and fancy talk. It doesn't suit who you are." He took her hand as he declared. "You don't need to get all dressed up and change who you are. Especially if it makes you uncomfortable."
Wildernessa looked down at her dress… It really wasn't her, and her feet were hurting from wearing the heels. She really couldn't hide it. "It's that obvious, huh?"
Craig nodded. "Yeah… You really look like you want to rip that dress right off." He then said, "You don't have to keep it on—."
Wildernessa didn't need to hear another word: she tore that dress off, tossed away the ribbons, and kicked off the shoes. She had her regular clothes underneath so it wasn't like she stood in the nude. "Thank Mother Nature," She said with relief, "I really couldn't stand being in that pile of fabric."
Cheesesticks came to Wildernessa's side and licked the side of her face; happy that his owner was back to normal. She pet the side of his fluffy face in return. "Sorry I worried you, boy."
Craig smiled, glad at the scene. Then he asked, "Now that you're back to normal... what are you going to do now?" His face blushed pink and he was looking to his side as if embarrassed.
Wildernessa turned to Craig… If she didn't talk now, then who knew when the next time would be? She took a deep breath and said, "Well… Seeing that it's still Valentine's Day… Do you want to... hang out?" She felt her guts fall to the ground as she ask that.
Then, she heard him respond, "Sure."
"Huh?" She lifted her head as if surprised.
"We can hang out. I mean, Kelsey and JP have their own plans for Valentines Day so…"
Wildernessa didn't care what Craig's reason was. After going through what the Tea Timers made her go through, she was just glad to go as herself, and to be with the guy she liked. She got onto Cheesesticks and said, "Hop on."
Craig gladly got on, sitting behind Wildernessa.
The the latter remembered, "By the way, you should give me your phone number. My parents got me one during the holidays."
"Sure, but you know I can also use the dog whistle you gave me…"
With both of them on the Tibetan Mastiff, they rode together and into the Creek…
And as for the Tea Timers… Eliza watched as they went, and smiled. "Well, I think that was a successful makeover."
Jane and George looked at each other with nervous smiles, but choose not to say anything. There was no use in correcting Eliza.
The Tea Timers' leader then said, "Now, let's go back to our original plan."
"You mean messing with other couples?" Jane recalled.
"That's right. So, let's go see if we find some couples." With that declaration, Eliza and the Tea Timers went back to doing what they did best: creating drama.
Above all, it had been a nice Valentines Day.