Man I never thought I get back on here! Our internet went down and I was like NO! Thankfully it's back and I finally got through writing the next chapter. YAY! So guys sit back and relax. It's time to read...

CHAPTER 18: WHO SAID I WAS FINE

"Chocolates! Taffy! Lollipops! And even more chocolate!"

Dot rolled her eyes. "Gee is that all?"

Wakko ignored her as his sights were set on the giant candy shelf in front of him. Dot wasn't surprised when he began a taste testing marathon right there and then, stuffing random candies in his mouth while still had air in his lungs. Knowing he would be occupied for the time being Dot took her gaze around the room. Zekko had decided to end their tour with a visit to their Entertainment Center as he called it.

Dot's nose wrinkled in dislike seeing the said person still by Yakko and with Shayna not having moved from her space next to Zekko's side since she joined them. Even from where she stood Dot knew Yakko was clearly only tolerating half of what their brother said. She used the term very lightly. No matter what amount of resemblance there was, even if Borax was their animator, she wasn't about to start calling these psychos family. She didn't trust them, that was that.

Whilst Wakko was busy stuffing himself full of sweets Dot took it to herself to check out more of the place. She wasn't going to have Zekko as her tour guide so she would be her own. Walking towards the back of the room Dot moved further from the rest of her siblings and kept on walking until she could barely hear their voices.

With no one around a quiet space Dot found herself thinking about the recent events in the past few days. She was still plenty mad at Yakko for them coming in the first place and not even talking to her or Wakko about the choice he made. Shouldn't this have been a family decision? Dot didn't want more siblings, she was fine with the two brothers she had, even though one eats ten times his weight and the other doesn't know when to stop talking sometimes, they were all the family she wanted. Nuff said.

Dot stopped walking, her anger returning once more. These other siblings of theirs were criminals, now her brother was letting them join the family just like that? Ridiculous! He should've told them first, they were a family and stuff like this was supposed to be a family decision!

She sighed. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything she could about it anymore. Yakko had been stubborn enough to go through with the whole thing despite her and Wakko's protests. Dot had hoped their earlier no talking routine would make her brother snap when they were in the car and he would return to his senses and make Scratchy do a full 360 back to the studio lot. Wrong! They went to that place anyway and brought them for the ride back. She hated going to that place. It was creepy, in much need of a good wash (seriously even criminals should consider good hygiene), and it was just a horrible place. Nothing good comes out from a place like that and the evidence followed them home.

CRASH!

Dot jumped at the noise. What was that?

Curious Dot walked further into the room until reaching a section of the room quite similar to a bar. It had a sleek black countertop with a wooden base stretching for a good ten feet. Both ends of the countertop were blocked from going to the other side so the only way to reach the side where all the glasses and bottles of beverages were was to jump over the counter. Coming closer Dot could hear someone on the other side of the counter.

"...This stupid stinking hunk of junk…"

Dot recognized that deep liverpool voice anywhere and this one didn't belong to the brother she left at the candy shelf. Proving her suspicions a green cap with blue star came into view when it's owner stood up.

Gekko was balancing beverage cans in his arms. "We should've never bought it..."

"What are you doing back there?"

Never had Dot heard such a shriek before as Gekko jumped into the air letting all the cans fall to the ground. She looked up and had the decency to smirk. So much for being a tough guy. Like a cat he had latched himself onto the roof, his claws embedded themselves into the ceiling as a frightened look dawned on his face as he trembled. Gekko snapped his head towards Dot and the look vanished, replaced by an annoyed glare. She heard his animal like growl from all the way on the ground.

"What the hell was that for!" He yelled.

Dot crossed her arms. "It's not my fault you got scared-"

"I wasn't scared!" Gekko protested as his face flushed red. "You startled me!"

"Then why are you still on the ceiling like a scared pussycat?" She said with a smirk.

A heavy red tint covered his furry face as he scowled. The claws on his feet retracted and the rest of his body hung in mid air keeping one set of claws onto the ceiling. Those retracted and he dropped onto the ground in a crouched position. Gekko stood to his feet and snapped his collar back up. Seeing Dot's smirk still etched on her face he scowled and folded his arms over his chest.

"Wipe that smirk off your face before I do it for you." He muttered in a dark tone.

"Why are you back there anyway?" Dot said ignoring his threat. She wasn't afraid of him and he would know it.

Gekko narrowed his eyes at her, annoyance plastered on his face. He snorted and turned towards the cans he dropped, presuming to pick them up.

"What's it matter to you?" He gruffly replied.

Dot saw as he slipped two of the cans into his jacket and eyed the toon suspiciously. "Nothing really, but unless you plan on putting those drinks back then you might wanna take the ones from your jacket too."

Gekko snapped his gaze to her. "Geez what are you, my mother? I don't need a brat like you telling me what to do,." He turned back to the cans. "So why don't you make it easier on both of us and go prancing back to those brothers of yours."

Dot scowled. "Those brothers of mine are yours too if you've forgotten-"

A loud crash and she stopped mid-sentence. He no longer had the cans in his hands, they stood on the floor, some still twirling before coming to a stop on the wooden floor. As he was turned from her Dot see his expression, but by the way he was shaking whatever he was feeling it wasn't going to come out pretty.

"They aren't my brothers..."

Dot was taken back by the anger in his voice, it made it his accent grow thicker, deepening his voice along with it.

A thud in front of her made Dot snap her head up and she cowered back. Gekko had jumped over the counter and was right in front of her. His rageful expression was all she could see. She stepped back but he only closed the gap, towering over her.

"...and you aren't my sister."

He sounded so animal it was hard to tell what he said between the snarling that emitted from him, but she heard him loud and clear. A hardened stare reached Dot's eyes and she glared back at him, nearly matching his own stare.

"Who said I ever wanted to be?" She challenged.

Gekko's eyes widened just a bit. Dot thought she saw a glimpse of surprise shimmer in his eyes, but whatever it might've been was gone in a snap, replaced with the animal prowling inside him.

"At least we agree on that." He said this in such a low voice she almost misheard him.

He then reached a hand into his jacket pocket pulling out the cans.

"By the way…" Gekko held up the cans to her face. "I was only grabbing the stash of sodas in the fridge. Nothing back there has alcohol, it's all for show."

Gekko stuffed the cans back into his jacket and began walking away. "Check it for all I care, you'll only find water in those bottles."

Dot watched as he walked off, turned a corner and disappeared. She looked back to the counter and then to where he disappeared. Making up her mind Dot went forward and jumped over the counter. She grabbed the first bottle and undid it's cork. Dot poured a tiny bit into a glass and very hesitantly took a tiny sip.

Water...it was just water like he said.

Still feeling suspicious Dot replaced the bottle and headed over to fridge. Opening it inside were packs of soda cans.

"At least he's honest." Dot said closing the fridge door. Then she saw the soda cans all over the floor. She groaned. "But like every boy in the world he leaves a giant mess in his wake."

Not wanting to get blamed for the mess Dot quickly gathered the cans and tossed them into the fridge. That done she jumped over the counter and walked back to her siblings. She had enough of being her own tour guide for now, even if it meant having to deal psychotic Warner brother and sister back there, she'd rather be over there then to bump back into Mr. Cheery and his temper.

What is that guy's problem?

"Stupid sisters...always think they're all that...it's sickening."

Not really focusing on where he was going, Gekko marched through the halls with a scowl etched on his face and a nearly crushed soda can in his hand. He gulped down the rest of the drink and crushed the can in the palm of his hands, stuffing it into his jacket and taking out the other can. Gekko's scowl only deepened seeing it.

"Who the hell makes apple soda!" He threw the can to the ground. It hit the floor with a loud crack of metal, bounced up before hitting the floor once more and rolled to a stop.

Gekko ran a hand through his hair, but immediately regretted it. With a pained gasp he pulled back his hand finding his claws out and had scratched his head. Gekko growled in annoyance and closed his eyes taking deep breathes, trying to calm himself down. He felt his racing heart calm and opened his eyes. More in control of himself Gekko retracted his claws and sighed dragging a hand down his face.

Feeling a throbbing sensation on his head he took his hat off and carefully ran a hand through his hair. He winced feeling the scratches and pulled his hand back to see it stained.

"Damn…" Gekko cursed and hastily removed his gloves off. They were torn and now stained, what use did he have for them now? Besides better to get rid of them while he can before his sibs saw this. Especially Zekko, he couldn't see this.

Gekko stuffed the gloves into jacket pocket and walked down the hall with purpose. Making several lefts and rights he finally found his bearings and made a beeline for the only hall in this whole place with a single door at the end. As the ceiling above began getting closer he went down on his knees and crawled the rest of the way.

Gekko pulled back the welcome mat and grabbed the key from underneath. Checking behind him he looked to see if anyone was there, but luckily no one was. In no time he jabbed the key into the lock and with a twist it clicked open. Stuffing the key back under the welcome mat Gekko hurried through the little door closing it behind him. The first thing to hit him was that old library smell of velvet coverings and parchment paper. His frown melted away and a genuine smile reached his face. Gekko never felt more happy in his life. He missed this place.

Standing up, he walked in and took in his surroundings. It was still exactly the same. The walls here weren't made of marble, instead smooth wooden surfaces touched every nook and cranny of the place. It's dark cocoa color felt homey and made Gekko feel safe. From the front of the room and towards the back the place was aligned with bookshelves reaching ten feet in the air, filled from top to bottom with books of all sizes. He let his ungloved hand skim over the dark maple bookshelf walls. It'd been far too long since he'd been here…

Gekko let his hand drop to his side and walked deeper into giant room. It wasn't long before a familiar study filled his view. He always admired Zekko's study. It was a nice place to be in, quiet with nobody around to bother you, what more could a person want?

His brother's desk was of simple design. Zekko had always been old fashioned at most times, even now Gekko smirked at the burned out candle on his desk. He remembered before when he used to bug Zekko about it. He smiled at the memory. Gekko still remembered what his brother said when he told him to buy a lamp like everyone else.

"And become a mindless follower?" Zekko had said before waving a hand. "Please. Everyone knows that's now those corporate minds get to you."

Gekko would rolled his eyes. "You're being ridiculous. Have you been reading those tabloids again?"

Zekko would laugh and grin his way. "Now Gek, you may think of me as old fashioned, but those things rot your brain."

His brother would then take out a match and light the candle. Gekko remembered being both annoyed and still having the decency to admire the ways his brother thought. Zekko would catch the look in his eyes every time and every time he pointed it out Gekko would say he's lost his marbles.

"Nah Gek. That happened already." Zekko would say chuckling. Gekko remembered trying to hide the smile on his lips when he said that, but he knew Zekko saw it, he just didn't point it out.

Bringing his mind back from the past, Gekko realized he had walked around the desk and was near the cushioned chair behind it. Shaking his head the middle child tried pushing the pit of sadness in his stomach away and focused on why he was here first of all. Gekko pulled the drawers open and barely managed to dodge the dust storm that came flying out when he did.

"Blah!" Gekko spat and sputtered rubbing the dust off his tongue when it entered his mouth.

With a disgusted shudder Gekko patted the dust off his jacket and this time carefully opened the drawers. He reached in and pulled out a pair of blue gloves. Gekko shook the remaining dust off them and slipped them over his hands.

"That's better." He said flexing his fingers with the new gloves on.

Closing the drawer, Gekko opened the bottom one and pulled out the small first aid box stored there. Once again he had to be grateful Zekko had things like this around. The middle child quickly pulled out what he needed and tossed the box back in the drawer. He removed his hat once more and in no time he had bandaged up the cuts on his head. It wasn't the best fix up in the world, but it would have to do for now. The cuts would heal in a snap so he could take off the bandages in a few hours once they did.

Gekko slipped on his hat, making sure the bandages were hidden and hid away anything else that would've given away his being here. Although he was finished and could leave as fast as he could to the depths of his own room, Gekko found himself instead sitting in the study chair. It was comfy, he noticed.

He slumped into the chair and closed his eyes, enjoying the peace of the empty study, away everyone else, just to be alone. Gekko liked it better this way, there was no one around to be of a bother to him.

And no stubborn sisters….

He nearly snorted. He knew his peace wouldn't last for long. Gekko sometimes wondered if sisters were this disease you could not get rid of. Whenever he was in the mood to be alone she popped up like some freaky jack in the box bugging him to no content. She would tell him it was because she was worried for him, but he wasn't gonna believe that lie.

A scowl reached tugged at his lips. He didn't doubt it for a second that if their brother had been with them for all those years she wouldn't be so worried after all. She was Zekko's precious little girl! Why would she want to hang around with her ill tempered brother when she had him? Zekko wasn't this perfect brother she keeps on imagining and she can't see past the illusion she made for herself. Gekko couldn't help hating how much she idolized him when he wasn't even around to begin with. Was he there when she was scared? Was he there to protect her when those stupid guards didn't have a little respect? Was he ever there?!

Gekko stood from the study chair, a newfound anger growing within him.

Zekko was never there. He wasn't the one who took care of us, that had been put all on me. I was the one who had to look out for our sister, for myself, for the both of us.

His hands clenched into fists.

I had to be the big brother, not him. I had to be there for her, he never was.

Something snapped in Gekko's mind, his stare grew cold, his claws ripped through the gloves.

"SO WHY DOES SHE CARE FOR HIM MORE THEN ME?" Gekko screamed.

His claws sliced the first thing they touched. Three waxy portions of candle bounced off the table and hit the floor. His arm fell limp at his side, the strength his anger gave him gone. Gekko's furious expression crumbled into despair. He hung his head.

Plink.

A single tear dropped to the ground. With shaky breath Gekko slowly dropped to his knees, he collected the pieces of candle into his hands. Using the back of his hand, claws no longer out, he rubbed at his eyes and forced the tears away. He would not cry. He was better than that. Crying was for wimps.

I'm not a wimp.

Gekko closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he inhaled his head raised up before lowering back down as he exhaled. Those eyes opened once again, nothing showed through those eyes. They were guarded, tough, and not afraid to challenge a single soul.

He stood to his feet looking down at the candle pieces in his hands. A bitter taste was left in his mouth for what he did to his brother's candle, but what did he care for it. He had always told him to get a lamp, didn't he?

"It's what you get for not listening." Gekko said walking over to the waste basket near the desk He turned his palm over and the candle pieces fell inside with three distinct thuds.

Reaching into his jacket Gekko pulled out a new candle and planted it where the old one once stood.

So he doesn't know I was here.

That's why he was replacing it. There might've been a time when Gekko used to idol his brother, but that time was no more.

Besides...how can you idol someone who was never there?

Gekko walked from the study and kept on going even past the door leading outside. He wanted to keep moving forward, deeper into the library as it looked to never end. He wondered if he kept on going would there ever be an end? Could the room just be eternal? Gekko knew better though. He had tried so long ago to see if it was, but ended up finding himself lost in the numerous halls of shelves until his siblings found him. This time though he pondered getting lost. It seemed nice to just be forever hidden in this room, alone. So Gekko kept on walking, but he knew he'd never be truly alone.

He's got two siblings who just won't let him be...no matter how hard he tries.

I'm with Dot on this one, I don't want to be stuck with his temper. Will Gekko ever stop trying to be alone? Will Dot ever trust her new siblings? Will we ever find out if Wakko liked the candy?! This is the Queen leaving the building and waiting for your loyal reviews. Goodbye everybody! :)