Episode 28: Being Teenagers

August 10th 12:00 p.m.

Lunch hour. The most dreaded time of day at Fish Stew Pizza, especially during the summer.

Imagine hundreds of people coming in from the boardwalk storming through the door craving a slice. Or getting a plethora of delivery calls non-stop. It's absolute torture, and makes you see that being a customer was way, way better that being an employee.

Thankfully...today was a slow day.

"Alright! One pepperoni pizza with peppers, mushrooms, and carrots has arrived." Kameron said as he brought his latest creation toward a nearby table.

"Ugh! Thanks, man. You have no idea how hungry I am right now." Lars replied as he took a slice and ate it.

Sadie on the other side of the table grabbed a slice as well and took a good chunk of it into her mouth. Both of them moaned with smiles on their faces from the shear flavor coursing onto their tongues. A sight Kameron felt glad on, especially if it came from his friends.

Lars then swallowed his piece of pizza before rapidly stuffing the rest into his mouth and picking up another slice. As that slice got devoured he laid back in his chair with a happy sigh leaving his mouth.

"Pyrope worked you to the bone, huh?" Sadie asked as she grabbed another slice.

"Totally." Lars replied. He then turned his eyes onto Kameron, "Dude, your brother is so brutal with his training sessions and techniques. I'm barely keeping up with it."

"I told you he wasn't gonna go easy on you." Kameron replied. "Besides, you're making some really good progress after a few months."

Lars then sat on in his chair and lifted his arms. His friend wasn't wrong there. His biceps definitely got a lot bigger and his muscles were more lean and broad. A much, much better improvement than the snake arms he use to have.

Just as anyone was gonna say another word the main entrance door opened up, catching their attention. Lars immediately placed his arms down as his lips grew into a large smile. Sadie's lips grew into a small smile at the ones who came in before going back to the delicious pizza. Kameron merely grinned at them and to those who entered.

The shades... The cool jacket... The headphones... The hoodie and orange pants... It was none other than Buck Dewey, son of the town's mayor and Sour Cream, well-known DJ around the block.

"Hey Buck. Hey Sour Cream. How may I serve you both today?" Kameron said as he approached them.

"Yo, what's up, Kameron?" Sour Cream replied as they shared a fist bump. "Can I just get the Classic Special?"

"Classic special." Kameron said as he wrote it down on a notepad. "What about you, Buck?"

Buck turned his head to the right and up where the menu was placed. He then turned his head to the left, noticing Lars and Sadie eating their pizza. Soon after he turned his attention back onto Kameron, "Can I get a Caprese Salad?"

"Sure." Kameron said as he wrote it down. "Just take a seat wherever you want and I'll get your orders." He added as he walked toward the kitchen.

Going inside he noticed Jenny in the corner on her phone and rolled his eyes. "Jenny!" He called, gaining her attention. "Buck and Sour Cream are here. Sour Cream ordered the Classic Special and Buck ordered his usual."

Her lips grew into a smile as she instantly put her phone back into her jeans, "Got it. I'll go say hi while you prepare there orders."

Kameron attempted to speak up, but to no avail as she walked passed him and out of the kitchen. A sigh left his mouth as he began making the classic special. Not that he wouldn't be able to make them without any help, but with their father and grandmother gone to the store he was left in charge while Kiki handled the register. Sure there were a small handful of employees with them, but Jenny could at least lend a hand with the Caprese Salad.

About thirty minutes in both the Classic Special and the Caprese Salad were complete and ready to be devoured. Carefully picking both of them up Kameron slowly exited out of the kitchen and made his way toward the Cool Kids.

"Here you guys go. One Caprese Salad for Buck and one Classic Special for Sour Cream." Kameron said as he placed both dishes on the table.

"*sniff* Mmm... Thanks Kameron." Sour Cream said as he picked up a slice and ate it.

Buck simply nodded as he dived into his salad.

Not very often does Kameron see these guys, but it was pretty cool to chat with them when the chance came. Buck Dewey. Sour Cream. Jenny Pizza. At school this trio was given the title "The Cool Kids" by several onlookers, and it's pretty clear why. Plus they were pretty cool in their own unique ways without having to try too hard or pretending to be something that they weren't. Be themselves and expressing their own interests in their own way was the true definition of being cool. Nothing more or less about it.

"Oh, Kameron. You doing anything tonight?" Jenny asked.

"Nothing I'm aware of, why?" Kameron replied.

"'Cause there's this rave I'm hosting tonight at the Warehouse. Thought it'd be fun to have one more party before we head back to Dewey High soon. And my mom asked me to invite you if you wanna come. I kinda overheard her and your mom talking on the phone the other day and it sounds like things are getting a little crazy with your family." Sour Cream said.

An uneasy vibe went down Kameron's spine. Sour Cream wasn't wrong about that. Things were...more than a little awkward around his family ever since he learned about what happened to Bismuth. He'd already known they'd shattered the Corrupted if need be since it wasn't really that hard to decipher what would happen if those monsters pushed them too far. And as of now, the only thoughts lingering in his mind are his relationship with the Crystals and what would await them when Home World does come back to reclaim the Earth.

"Yeah, it's a little crazy." Kameron replied. "And thanks for the invite, but I'm not so sure if I want to go. I'm not that much of a raver."

"Aw, c'mon, Kameron. I think you deserve it." Jenny said. She then notice Kameron adverting his eyes from her, looking unsure. A small smile was stretched across her lips as she cupped Kameron's chin, making him turn his face to her, "Really, I think you should go. It'll be nice to see you relax a little. I know that what you do is important, but everyone needs a break once and a while, including you." She said softly.

"You're only sixteen once." Buck added.

Jenny released Kameron's chin as he looked over to Lars and Sadie. Lars was rapidly nodding his head with a big goofy smile while Sadie only smiled with a single nod.

A little break wouldn't hurt, Kameron. Plus, when was the last time you actually had fun and acted like a teenager? - Z said.

Even his other self was convincing him to go. Plus there wasn't any Corrupted calls coming in so...

"*sigh* Okay. I guess I should have a little break. Can I bring some friends too?" Kameron said to Sour Cream.

"'Course, man." Sour Cream replied.

Kameron nodded as he walked over to Lars and Sadie.

"Dude, are you insane?" Lars asked panicky.

"What?" Kameron replied with a cocked eyebrow. "I thought it'll help you get closer to them. You're starting to hang out with them, so I'm giving you more chances before it's too late. Plus I'm sure they'll like that you've taken up boxing."

"Well...yeah, I haven't told them that yet, but..." Lars said as he turned his eyes from the "Cool Kids" and back to Kameron. "Okay, you're right. But you've gotta be my wingman tonight. Especially if a hot girl talks to me."

"Deal." Kameron replied. "What about you Sadie?"

Sadie merely shrugged. "Sure. I won't mine coming."

"Kameron. Got some deliveries for you!" Kiki called.

August 10th 12:15 p.m.

Taking the Pizza's Delivery Car Kameron made his way toward his first destination. He'd gotten his license about a month ago and was now fully prepared to cruise through the streets. This alone also made Kofi happy since not only was his "son he always wanted" able to create amazing pizza creations but was now able to get his creations to their customers without always having Kiki or Jenny go with him.

Up ahead Kameron pulled up into the driveway and turned off the engine. Getting out of the car he walked over to the passenger seat and picked up the ordered pizza before closing the door with his side.

Going through the walkway he made his way up to the front door and placed his finger onto the doorbell.

Ding dong!

Taking a few steps back he calmly waited for the door to be opened. It was no surprise that he knew who's house this was, so he didn't need to use any GPS this time. However...nothing was going to prepare him for what was about to happen next.

The door soon opened up and on the other side was Veronica Jane, Lepidolite's partner in wedding planning and the mother of his best friend Scarlet. Last time he saw her was at the wedding for Raphael and Julia and she wore a beautiful dress during the ceremony, however right now...she was wearing a red and pink swimsuit. The moment they locked eyes her entire face immediately glowed.

"Kameron! It's been a while." Veronica said kindly.

"Uhh...Y-Yeah. I...I mean, yes, Mrs. Jane." Kameron stuttered. "I...uh...have your pizza right here." He added, handing her the two hot boxes.

She took them from his hands and walked over to a nearby table inside before placing them down and coming back to him with his payment. "Here you go, honey. Fifteen-dollars and fifty cents."

He accepted her payment and placed it into his pocket. "Thank you. Have a good day." He added.

Just as he turned around to leave he suddenly stopped in place, feeling an unknown warmth in his hand. He turned around and before he could say anything Mrs. Jane wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in toward her body.

"I'm sorry if this is sudden, but I really am happy to see you, honey. Your mother isn't the only one whose worried about you." She said as she hugged him tighter.

Normally, it was an amazing feeling to be hugged by your own parent, but getting hugged by someone else's parent felt kinda...awkward. Mrs. Jane was a very nice woman, no doubt about that and especially how she is around Kameron's mom and sister, but getting hugs from her gave Kameron a weird and confusing feeling. And the tighter she hugged him the more his face and body began to feel warmer.

"MOM!"

Mrs. Jane soon pulled Kameron away as she turned around to see her daughter. Scarlet herself wore a red and green swimsuit, though that wasn't important at the moment since her daughter's face was crimson red and her eyes were glaring at her.

"Oh, is something wrong, Scarlet?" Mrs. Jane asked.

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is for you to hug Kameron while you're wearing that!?" Scarlet replied.

Mrs. Jane turned her head back to Kameron who's face was completely red. "Aw, you poor boy. Don't you like my hugs?" She asked with a suggestive smile.

"Uh...uh...I mean, I don't mine them, it's that...well..." Kameron replied, unable to make a sentence.

Mrs. Jane giggled at his expression and tapped his nose before walking back inside.

As she left Kameron looked over at Scarlet as she managed to take a breath. "I am so, so sorry about that."

Kameron quickly slapped his cheeks together, making them return to normal as he looked at his friend, "No, no, it's okay. I know how "friendly" your mom can get whenever she sees me."

"You do know she basically adopted you in her mind, right?" Scarlet asked with a hand on her hip.

"Yeah, I'm aware. Don't worry, there's no-one in the world that could ever replace my mom." Kameron replied.

"That's good to hear. She would hug you every single day if that happened." Scarlet said.

Yeah... As much as Kameron cares about Mrs. Jane and respects her fondness of him, getting embarrassing hugs every single days would be the death of him.

"Oh, um. Are you doing anything tonight?" Kameron asked.

Scarlet shook her head, "Nope, I'm free as a bird. Why?"

"Sour Cream invited me to a rave tonight and if you weren't doing anything I was wondering if you wanted to go. Lars and Sadie are coming, so I thought you might wanna join in too."

"Sure. Sounds like fun. What time does it start?"

"8:00 p.m. at the Warehouse in Beach City. I'll come and pick you up if you want?"

Scarlet's lips stretched into a smile. "I'd like that, but just don't gaga over what I'll wear, okay?"

Kameron soon blinked at her, but then his cheeks started burning again. He gave her a quick nod as he walked back to the Pizza Car.

'Geez, first her mom gives me the grand slam of embarrassing hugs and now she's telling me not to gaga over her outfit for tonight. Wait...should I've asked her what she was gonna-' Kameron thought before shaking his head. 'No! I can't think of things like that.'

Why not? Isn't it normal to think about stuff like that? - Z asked.

"You're not helping!" Kameron replied as he started the car.

August 10th 12:45 p.m.

Roaming through the street of Destiny City Kameron found his last destination for the day. Pulling up to the driveway he parked the car and got out with his last boxes of pizza in hand.

Going up to the door he pressed his finger against the doorbell.

Ding dong!

Stepping back he held the boxes in hand, waiting for a response. Moments later the door opened, revealing Angela on the other side.

"Kameron." She said with a small smile.

"Hey, Angela. You're day going well?" Kameron replied as he handed her the boxes.

"More or less. I've been so busy helping out at the community center and getting prepared to go back to school that I sometimes forget to feed myself." Angela admitted as she took the boxes.

"You're home alone?" Kameron asked.

"No, Chelsea's here and she's been practicing new songs with her band in the basement. They've been going at it all morning and thank the universe the basement walls are sound-proof, otherwise I would've gone insane with how loud they play." Angela replied with annoyance.

Kameron watched her take the boxes into the kitchen before coming back to the front door to give him his payment.

"Thanks. And if you and your sister weren't too busy tonight there's a rave going on at the Warehouse in Beach City. Wanna come?"

"Oh. That's...nice of you, but...I don't think I could." Angela replied as she rubbed her exhausted eyes. "I'll ask my sister though."

"You sure? You really look like you could use a break." Kameron said.

No kidding. There were bags under her eyes, her hair was messy and un-kept, and she looked like she'd stayed up for three nights. A nap would be good for her, but a little fun would work out too.

Angela adverted her eyes away from his. They soon went back and forth as she wasn't so sure on how to answer him. Every piece of her plans were already made a head of time, plus she's been going at it non-stop for a while. Perhaps...a break was in order.

"Okay. I guess a little night of fun wouldn't hurt." Angela replied.

Kameron grinned. "Try taking a nap first. You deserve it."

Angela nodded as she watched her friend leave before closing the door. She then turned around and made her way to the basement.

Turning on the lights she walked down the stairs and opened the door. Inside the basement bursts of sounds entered her ears as she instantly closed them while taking notice of how hard her sisters and band were rockin' out. Chelsea was screaming into a microphone while jamming on a guitar, a girl on her left was going all out on her own guitar, a girl behind her was slamming her sticks on the drums, and a girl on Chelsea's right was in pure ecstasy with how much passion she was putting into her guitar skills.

"YEAH! YOU CAN'T TELL US WHAT TO DO! GET IN OUR WAY AND WE'LL JUST BUST ON THROUGH! IF YOU THINK WE'LL FALL TO OUR KNEES AND CRY, THEN THINK AGAIN 'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA DIE!" Chelsea screamed with rage.

"CHELSEA!" Angela wailed.

The shear scream and power in her voice caused her sister and her band to stop playing. Angela took in some deep breaths as she locked her eyes onto her sister.

"What is it, sis? We're in the middle of a song." Chelsea said in annoyance.

"The pizza is here and Kameron stopped by to invite us over to a rave at the Warehouse tonight." Angela replied.

Chelsea blink at her before her lips stretched into a grin, "Cool. I'm down for that, but what about you? You look exhausted."

"I'm going too, but first I'm gonna take a nap. Wake me up in three hours so I can get ready." Angela said.

"Deal." Chelsea replied.

"And please, please don't try to use the water bucket on me again like last time." Angela said as she went back upstairs.

"No promises!"

August 10th 7:00 p.m.

In the bathroom Kameron stood tall as he look at himself in the mirror. Tonight he decided to try out something different, so he wore some dark blue jeans with a black belt, a mint green T-shirt with two white and black dragons at the center, a white hoodie jacket, mint green sneakers, and no goggles. Sure, as much as he loved and admired his classic and standard clothes tonight was special.

*whistle* Not bad. Stylish, if I say so myself - Z said.

"Thanks. Not too much is it? Or too predictable?" Kameron replied.

Nah. You look good. Now try practicing your lines. - Z said.

"My lines?"

Lars wants you as his wingman, remember? Which means you have to be the guy who'll steer him in the right direction with the "Cool Kids" and any pretty girls that'll come to you. Show me how you're gonna handle the situation when it comes.

A small groan exited Kameron's mouth. He took a step back from the sink as he stared at his reflection. "Uh...hey, guys! How's it going?"

Weak. Next!

"Okay, how about this," Kameron said as he cupped his chin and smirked, "Yo. What's shakin' sweet thang?"

Bwaah HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! Dude! Are you trying to get hooked up yourself? HA! HA! HA!

Kameron slowly released his chin as his cheeks started to burn. He actually just said that and it sounded so lame, not to mention embarrassing.

"Okay, how about this as a starter." Kameron put his hands in his hoodie pockets, flattened his eyes and gave a quick bob, "S'up." "And if that doesn't work then," He flashed his right arm up, showing only his index and middle fingers, "Hey, nice to meet you."

Not bad. Not bad. I prefer the second option 'cause the first makes it look like you're trying too hard.

Kameron nodded. That was more like himself. That was the most important rule he needed to follow and keep.

"Aw! That is so adorable!"

His body flinch at the sound of that voice. Frozen in place he slowly turned his head to see both of his parents at the entrance with smirks on their faces. And at that moment his entire face became as red as a chili pepper.

"I take it you are practicing for tonight, Kameron?" Green asked.

Kameron soon slapped his cheeks as he took a breath, "Yeah, yeah. I'm a little nervous though since this is my first party. I just wanna make sure I'm prepared."

"Well, I think you'll do fine." Christie said as she approached him and cupped his cheeks, "After all, you have such a cute face."

"Mom..." Kameron whined.

"I'm serious, sweetie. And this will be really good for you. So have a good time and please, please be careful. I know what kind of crazy things teens can get into nowadays, so make sure you and your friends don't get involved in those kind of things, okay?" Christie replied as she released his cheeks.

A small groan left Kameron's mouth as he rolled his eyes, "Mom, I promise we won't. We're just gonna go to a party, hang out, and listen to some music."

"We believe you. But we're telling you this because we love you, Kameron." Green replied.

"Alright, alright. Can I please go now?"

With a nod from his folks Kameron exited out of the bathroom and headed for the garage.

As he left Christie turned to her husband and traced a finger around his chest. "So... Now that all of the kids are out of the house, what do you say we...take advantage of this?"

Looking down at his wife Green witnessed the suggestive smile and eyes she was giving him. "I...um...what are you suggesting?"

Christie hummed as she intertwined her hand into his, "Things have been a little crazy lately, so as your wife it's my job to help to relief some of that tension of yours. That is...if you'll let me?"

With his lips stretching into a smile Green didn't speak a word as he guided her downstairs.

August 10th 8:30 p.m.

The Warehouse. An abandoned building on the outskirts of Beach City. Normally the locals just ignore this place since it's really nothing too special, but to some...it's the perfect hangout and place to host a rave.

Loud sick beats echoed all around the atmosphere. Lights flickered and flashed from above. Near the ceiling Sour Cream was giving it his all at his craft, turning the beats up and throwing glow sticks at the large crowd below him.

Speaking of which, the Warehouse was packed tonight. The dance-floor was getting the center of attention with multiple teens showing off and having fun while others were either enjoying themselves in the various pools placed around the dance floor or enjoying the nearby punch and chips placed at the tables.

Kameron and his friends arrived fifteen minutes ago, getting welcomed by the echoing music inside. Sadie, Angela, Chelsea, and Scarlet went straight to the dance-floor, moving to the rhythm of the beats. The four girls were really getting into it as the guys watched from the sides and drinking some punch.

"I had no idea no idea so many people were gonna be here tonight!" Lars yelled.

Kameron drank some punch before responding, "Ditto! I listen to some of Sour Cream's music and the guy is totally talented on it!" He then took notice of Lars' expression as he watched him sip some punch. "Hey! Why don't you go over and dance with Jenny or Kiki!?"

Lars nearly spat out his drink as he took notice of the Pizza Sisters moving on the dance-floor. He swallowed his punch and turned his head to Kameron, "Uh... O-Okay! B-B-But you gotta join with me too!"

Kameron nodded. Both guys finished their drinks and made their way to the dance-floor.

'Not that much of a dancer, but I'll do it for Lars.' Kameron thought to himself.

'Okay...okay. You are about to dance with Jenny Pizza dude. Play it cool and don't screw up. Just follow what Kameron does.' Lars thought to himself.

Arriving on the dance-floor the Pizza Sisters stopped dancing as they witnessed Kameron and Lars walking up to them.

"Kameron! You made it!" Jenny cheered. "And damn, you look good!"

"Thanks! You both look great too!" Kameron replied. "And it's nice to see the both of you here!"

"Jenny practically begged me to come!" Kiki informed. "Plus she had to make a deal with dad that she'll work extra shifts if the both of us were gonna come here!"

Ouch. But I'm sure it'll be worth it in the long-run.

"Wanna dance, Kiki?! I'm not that good at it and I need some help!" Kameron asked.

"Sure!" Kiki replied.

"Jenny! Sorry if I'm stealing your sister, but Lars told me he really wanted to dance with you!"

Lars quickly turned his head and looked at him with a shocked expression. He then looked at Jenny who gave a soft smile, making his cheeks burn. Without even being able to make a word Jenny took his his hand and moved several feet away from Kameron and her sister so her and Lars could dance.

As they were now close by Kameron looked at Kiki while Sour Cream turned the beats up. Taking each others hands their heads started bobbing to the music. Their legs began to move as the rhythm was taking them over. Soon enough they released their hands as started dancing independently. Smiles started growing on their faces with laughter added in later on. It...actually felt really good and fun to let loose.

"I thought you said you weren't good at dancing?!" Kiki asked.

"I'm not!" Kameron replied as he body moved. "I'm just following the rhythm! And I'm not sure how to stop!"

Kiki giggled as they continued getting into the rhythm.

To his left Kameron watched as Lars was dancing with Jenny. His body shook while his limbs nervously moved to the music. Then Jenny placed both of her hands on his shoulders, stopping him in place. He couldn't hear what she was saying to him from the distance, but whatever she was saying was calming Lars down and a grin erupted on his face before they started dancing again.

One point from the wingman.

"Hey Kameron!" Kiki said, gaining his attention. "Is it alright if we take a break?! I'm kinda thirsty!"

"Sure! I'll go grab some punch! And can you tell Lars I'll be right back!?" Kameron replied.

With a nod Kameron slowly made his way off of the dance-floor and toward the punch bowl. Grabbing a cup he took hold of a ladle and poured some punch into it. Turning his head his eyes looked over at a corner and saw a familiar face and a unfamiliar one.

The familiar face was none other than Kevin Turner, #1 jackass in existence. Almost everyone at Dewey High knows him as a skirt chaser, a lady's man, and a rich brat who thinks he's "special" or an "angel" when in reality he's just a jerk.

The unfamiliar face was a teen girl who looked about the same height as Kevin. She had a dark complexion with long black hair and brown eyes. She wore what looked like a pink shirt with a yellow star in the center and a cyan shirt over it, blue jean shorts, and was barefoot.

The girl looked rather uncomfortable as she had her back against the wall while Kevin had a hand next to her head while giving her suggestive eyes with a smirk on his lips. She kept adverting hers from him as he talked to her. And honestly...the very scene itself didn't sit very well with Kameron.

"Come on, baby. I'm not asking for much. I just want to dance with you." Kevin purred.

"Uh...that's nice of you...but...you're kinda too close and making me feel really uncomfortable." The girl replied, looking away from him.

"Aw, don't be shy. I'm not gonna hurt you. Just wanna see what you got and if I'm satisfied then we get into the next stage if you know what I mean." Kevin said as he moved a hand through her hair, making her flinch.

As the girl attempted to speak up Kevin felt something tapping his shoulder. Turning his head his eyes widened as both him and the girl saw Kameron with a unhappy expression on his face.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the freak of Dewey High. Can't you see I'm busy?" Kevin said with a frown.

"Get the hell away from her Kevin. She doesn't like what you're doing to her." Kameron replied firmly.

"Psh, please. You know her or something?" Kevin asked.

"Actually I do. She's my cousin. I didn't know she was gonna be here tonight." Kameron answered.

Kevin blinked at him as he then turned his eyes back onto the girl. "Y-Yeah. We're cousin." The girl rapidly nodded. "And he's really creeping me out, Kameron."

"I can see that." Kameron then looked at Kevin, "Step away from her or we can go outside and have a "private" talk."

Kevin narrowed his eyes at him as he looked back at the girl before removing his hand from the wall. He shrugged and walked away.

Kameron looked at the girl and handed her some punch. She took it and drank it all in one gulp. Just as he opened his mouth to speak she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his body.

"Thank you so much, Kameron. I was so scared." She said as she tightened her grip.

She then pulled away as Kameron's expression softened. "No problem. Though I need to know your name first before you decide to throw yourself at me."

"Sure. I'm Stevonnie." The girl answered instantly.

Stevonnie? Actually...as Kameron got a better look at the girl he started to notice a few things that were all too familiar to him. Though he could be wrong...there was only one way to know for sure.

"Stevonnie. Show me your stomach." He asked.

Stevonnie tilted her head and lifted her shirt's up, revealing a pink Gemstone on her bellybutton.

Kameron's eyes blinked as he looked at the Gemstone before looking back at Stevonnie's face. Without a word he took her by the hand and walked straight outside of the Warehouse.

As they got outside Kameron released Stevonnie's hand and crossed his arms. "Steven... Connie... Is that really the both of you I'm seeing right now?"

Stevonnie's eyes expanded at the sound of those names. She then intertwined her hands together as she adverted her eyes from him. "A-Are we in trouble?" She asked nervously.

"Answer the question first."

Stevonnie gulped as "they" turned their eyes onto Kameron and nodded.

"What are you doing here?"

"Sour Cream invited us. He didn't know who we were and this "rave" sounded like a fun dance, so we wanted to come." Stevonnie explained.

Kameron soon closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He then sucked in some air through his nose and exhaled it out of his mouth. This wasn't there fault, but...

"Stevonnie," Kameron began as he reopened his eyes, "Yeah, a rave is like a dance. But it's more of a dance for teenagers and adults. Yes, you do have the body and appearance of a teenager, but you still have the mindset of two kids. And this really isn't a place for you to be in. Especially after what just happened. Understand?"

Stevonnie held both of her arms and nodded, "Yes, big brother. That Kevin guy was really creepy."

"He's always been like that. He used to be a member of the "Cool Kids", but Buck, Sour Cream, and Jenny saw how toxic he was so they kicked him out."

Stevonnie blinked twice at him, "Seriously?!"

"Seriously." Kameron replied as he summoned a Warp Whistle from his Gem. "Go home. And don't tell anyone about any of this, okay?"

"Why not?"

"Trust me, I'm sure neither Garnet or Pearl would enjoy hearing about what almost happened to you. More than that, they'll probably blame me for it if you mention my name and I really, really don't want to deal with that, okay? So go home and keep it to yourself or Steven won't get to do a special event for his birthday coming up."

Without a word Stevonnie took the Whistle from him and warped away.

That definitely got their attention. And as much as he would like to think on this he need to go back to the party. It'll be bad if he left his friends hanging.

Back inside Kameron cocked an eyebrow at a large crowd of people standing around the dance-floor. Walking up to the crowd he passed through several ravers and made his way up to the front. There his eyes expanded at to what everyone was seeing.

First was none other than Zac Armstrong. Quarterback of the Dewey High Lions and the single-most biggest bastard you'd ever meet if you were a guy.

His left hand was holding up none other than his best friend, Lars Barriga, who now had a black-eye and was groaning with tears falling from his eyes.

More than that, the girls were being held back by other jocks around them. Jenny and Kiki couldn't even do anything from how messed up this situation had gotten.

"So, Barriga. Mind telling me where your freak of a friend is or do we have to go a couple more rounds again?" Zac asked smugly.

"HEEEYYYYYY!" Kameron screamed.

The music came to a complete stop as Zac, Lars, and everyone turned their eyes on Kameron, who was now pissed behind belief.

"Ah. There you are." Zac said as he threw Lars to the ground. "I've been wanting to fight you for sometime, Evans, but I didn't know where you were. And this wimp right here thought he could take me on in your place." He then started laughing. "Can you believe that? He couldn't even handle a single punch!"

This was suppose to be a night of fun. A night where you could hangout with your friends and have a good time. Enjoy some music, the company of those you hold dear, and have some semblance of a break from whatever problems you were dealing with before hand. Is that too much to ask. Life surely finds multiply ways to screw you over.

Balling his hands Kameron glared at Zac and slowly walked up to him. He then look down at Lars for what had been inflicted on him and turned his eyes onto the bastard who did it.

I think it's time this jerk-ass gets the proper beatdown he deserves. - Z said angerly.

'My sentiments exactly.' Kameron replied in thought. "Zac. I told you before. If you got a problem with me then fight me instead. My friends don't deserve this."

Zac soon stopped laughing as he approached Kameron. He then pulled his right arm back and then threw it at Kameron's face.

Within seconds Kameron raised his left arm up, grabbing onto the fist. The sheer pressure placed on it made Zac groan from the pain before he pulled back his left arm and launched it at Kameron's face. And just like his right arm Kameron caught the other arm without moving his eyes away from Zac's face.

"We're not in school at the moment, but I could still get in trouble. But just for tonight, I don't give a damn. So allow me to show you and your friends what happens when you pick on people I care about." Kameron said angerly.

Gripping onto Zac's hands Kameron lifted himself from the ground, raising his right leg up and rapidly aiming his foot at Zac's chin. The force and speed of his leg lifted Zac off the ground before he fell back, hitting his back on the dance-floor. Groans exited his mouth from the impact, but as he opened his eyes Kameron lifted his right leg up high before immediately slamming it onto Zac's stomach, causing him to gawk.

Turning around Kameron glared at the rest of the jocks, "C'mon! Are you bitches gonna stand there or are you gonna kick my ass?!"

Without even a thought the rest of the jocks released the girls and rushed toward Kameron. Big mistake.

One jock ran while raising an arm out, but Kameron jumped into the air and leaped from his shoulder toward another jock, aiming his foot directly at him face. The impact pushed the jock back and made him crash into the pool nearby. Then as Kameron landed back on the dance-floor he rushed up to another jock and flipped his body, kicking the jock back before landing both of his feet against another jock behind him.

Two left. Both muscle-heads began to growl at him and then charge together. Under different circumstances and from a different person this would've worked and the target would've become a beaten-up mess... But Kameron ain't like that.

As the last jocks charged at him Kameron merely jogged toward them before jumping into the air and going over them. Landing back on the ground the jocks turned around, but in a blink of speed Kameron dashed forward and kicked one of them in the stomach, sending him back and making him crash into Zac.

With one left Kameron spun his body and kicked him in the stomach before spinning his body again and kicking him him the head, making the last and final jock spin before he crashed onto the dance-floor.

Straightening his back Kameron walked over to Zac and his friend, giving them both death glares, "Had enough? Or do you want me to send you and your buddies to the hospital?"

Zac glared at him back, but then looked at the states of his friends. Honestly...he couldn't even believe what Kameron had just did without even breaking a sweat.

"Fine. We'll leave. But I will kick your ass when you least expect it."

Zac then picked him his buddy and left the Warehouse with the other jocks not far behind.

As they left Kameron ran up to Lars and helped him up. "You okay?" He asked with concern in his voice.

Lars shook his head, "I was suppose to protect you this time. Even after Pyrope trained me I still couldn't do anything." Fresh tears rose in his eyes before falling onto his cheeks. "I'm sorry, man. I'm such a weak, pathetic loser."

"Hey! You are not a loser, Lars. The only losers I know of is Kevin and Zac. You're not one of them. And if it helps, I'll help you get stronger so we can double team Zac and his punks." Kameron replied.

"F-F-For real?" Lars asked.

Kameron nodded. "Totally. I'll be there with my brother to help you."

"If you're gonna help him train, then sign me up too."

Kameron looked up to see Chelsea walk up to him, "I'm sure it'll be tough if we helped you fight monsters, but at least this way you won't have to keep on saving our asses from ***holes like Zac. Please?"

"Chelsea. There are other ways on handling this." Angela retorted.

"I don't care." Chelsea replied to her sister. "Please, Badass?" She asked Kameron

"Alright. Just don't use it to show off, okay?"

"No promises." Chelsea said with a grin.

Kameron rolled his eyes and shook his head at this. At the very least...this'll allow him to hangout with her more often. "How about we all go get some slushies? I'm really craving one right now."

"I'm in." Sadie said as she held Lars' side.

"Same. It'll help Lars too with that eye of his." Scarlett added.

August 10th 9:30 p.m.

Outside the Big Doughnut Kameron came out the door with six slushies. Four in a cardboard holder and the remaining two held in crystal tendrils.

"Alright everyone, the single greatest thing to drink ever made has arrived." Kameron said as he handed out each slushie to his friends.

As everyone grabbed their selected slush Kameron sat next to Lars as they all began taking slurps. After a while they each removed their lips from their straws and out a satisfying "ah".

"Gotta say, Badass, you were definitely the highlight of tonight's event." Chelsea said with a smirk.

"Zac and his punks deserved it. I told him to only mess with me and he didn't listen, so I had no choice. Plus I'm pretty sure what happened will get uploaded on The Tube and spread around town. Now I only have a matter of time before my family knows about it." Kameron replied as he drank his slush.

"I'm sure your family will understand if you explain it. If not, then we'll back you up." Scarlet said.

"Yeah, we're living evidence." Lars added before slowly placing his slush over his eye.

They had a point, but Kameron didn't think it'll work since it'll sound like excuses.

Well... Whatever... "Guys. Right now, let's just look at the stars and get brain freezes. I actually don't want to think anymore tonight." Kameron suggested.

"Same." Angela added.

"Totes." Sadie added.

With no objections the six friends turned their heads to the skies. Tonight didn't go the way they thought it would, but at least they still had each other. And hey, a night drinking slushies after fighting a bully wasn't so bad. They can deal with whatever happens next later. Right now...they really need a reprieve.

End of Episode 28.

I am so, so sorry for the delay.

Hope you all are enjoying yourselves and having a great Father's Day.

Next Time:

Steven's Birthday