Well, I think you all know what's coming. Cree wasn't around for the main events of Operation: M.A.U.R.I.C.E. But Numbuh 5 is smart. So let's just say Cree has some explaining to do.

Cree was feeling good.

Maurice had officially succeeded in his goal of finally destroying the chicken pox, with the bonus effect of blasting the Teenz pep rally with the ray they were planning to hit the street carnival. Meaning that she didn't have to deal with Chloe or Mallory for a week. She was not invited to said pep rally because "losers don't get to go".

Cree honestly wouldn't have gone anyways, but Chloe and Mallory (mainly the former) getting hit with the karma made it all the sweeter.

Still, not all was good. Abby had been a victim of the chicken pox, meaning that Cree now had to be careful what she touched in the house. Chicken pox was not fun to have. Thus, before heading inside, Cree dug a mask out of her backpack and put it over her mouth before heading inside.

"Hey, Abs," Cree idly called out to her sister, who she saw was resting in the living room. When her sister didn't respond, Cree assumed she was resting and grabbed a water bottle for a drink before moving to head back to her room.

"...Teens Next Door huh?"

Cree began coughing from the resulting spit take, taking a few seconds to study herself and then several more to even figure out what she was going to say. Somehow, lying seemed like the best option. She was so frantic, she didn't even put her mask back on before heading into the living room to try and lie her way out of getting outed. "W-what are you talking about!? Stop making up words!"

…Very bad lying, evidently.

"Cree, Numbuh 5 ain't stupid," The younger girl pointed out. "Maurice told me everything. Didn't mention you were a member specifically, but Numbuh 5 was smart enough to put the pieces together. So spill."

"He wasn't supposed to tell you," Cree grumbled. Still, she knew that he would have had a reason for sharing. "But yes, I'm a member. I knew about it going into my supposed decommissioning. It's why I still run missions sometimes. But Abby, you can't tell anyone else. Not any of your friends in Sector V. Not even your sector leader. Understand?"

"Numbuh 5 understands," Abby assured her older sister, who calmed down a little. "But, uh, since she knows, could you tell Numbuh 5 some other people who are in it?"

"...Fine," Cree grunted, hoping this info didn't leak. "Numbuh 451 made it in. She was a real hot recruit from what I heard."

"Considering she's responsible for all the modern explosives in the Kids Next Door…and about half the wreckage from that spree of Evil Adult Industry warehouses getting blown up, can't say Numbuh 5 is all that shocked about that one," Abby admitted with a chuckle. Cree chuckled as well. "She still making explosives?"

"Yep. Apparently, someone passes them onto the scientists and then they just claim that they found some of her notes," Cree revealed, getting another chuckle out of her sister. "And get this, Numbuh 274 made it in too."

"Wait, after trying to send the moonbase into the sun?" Abby questioned.

"It was apparently a plot to prevent Mallory from doing the same thing. Chad told me that he assumed Numbuh 86 would catch on once you guys were on the list," Cree revealed.

"Numbuh 1 actually pointed out that we went to school together. Her response was pretty much 'I don't care about logic! The computer says decommissioning, so you're getting decommissioned!'" Abby said as she did a mocking impression of the Irish girl, causing Cree to burst out laughing.

"Yeah from what I saw, that girl wasn't all that bright," Cree responded, causing Abby to let out a laugh of her own.

"That's one way of puttin' it," Abby agreed.

"...So, I gotta know, why did Maurice reveal the Teens Next Door to you? He knows he's not supposed to do it and I didn't even tell you guys about it." Cree had to ask, not expecting Abby to flinch.

"Numbuh 5 has been having some…thoughts lately. She's been thinking about her upcoming birthday and how she's not getting any younger. And when I saw Maurice with Mallory's arms all over her…I just gave up. Maurice told me to inspire me," Abby sadly revealed. She wasn't getting more time to dwell on it as Cree's arms enveloped her in a hug. "Cree? Aren't you worried about catching chicken pox?"

"Screw getting sick! My baby sister was sad and I am not leaving her without hugging her!" Cree firmly declared, even hugging a little tighter as she responded. Numbuh 5 couldn't help but hug back. "So, I don't know what Maurice said, but there's no way you don't make the Teens Next Door. And on the low chance you don't, I will sabotage the decommissioning machine myself!"

Numbuh 5 chuckled. "Maurice kinda said the same thing…other than the sabotage part."

"Well, I was always the more fun one when it came to our time working together," Cree joked, managing to get Abby to laugh again. "Oh, and again, no telling them this, but I wouldn't be shocked if your whole sector makes it in. I mean, I've heard about your guys' successes. If at least one of you doesn't make it, something is wrong in this world."

"Numbuh 5 just hopes you're right," Abby admitted.

"I mean, I usually am!" Cree declared, hoping to get another laugh out of her sister. When she didn't, Cree opted for a different approach. "Hey, in general, the Teens Next Door goes off not just Kids Next Door recommendation. Sometimes, it's just straight up bias. I'm sure I could get a campaign going to get you and your friends in. After all, they are kinda scared of me because of my reputation."

Now, Numbuh 5 smiled. "Somehow, Numbuh 5 doesn't doubt that. Although she does doubt it's just because of the stuff you did in the Kids Next Door."

"It may or may not also be because of my hour long beat down on Chad that I did in revenge for him getting you decommissioned." Cree admitted as she gestured with her prosthetic. It didn't take Abby long to connect the dots.

"Numbuh 5 knew that wasn't just because you were clumsy!" Abby exclaimed, wondering how she didn't connect the dots sooner.

"Not so loud!" Cree exclaimed, hoping her parents didn't hear. Much to her relief, they didn't react or even really seem to notice. "Just…I don't need them knowing I beat up a thirteen year old. Too many questions."

"Sorry, sorry. Numbuh 5's just excited," Abby sheepishly admitted. "I…I missed going on missions with you. I wouldn't mind getting to do it again someday."

Cree smiled as she ruffled her sister's hair. "Heh. I know that we'll get to fight together someday. Now try to get some more rest." With that, Cree headed off to go take a very long, very hot shower. Just because she was comforting her sister did not mean she wanted the chicken pox.

I love writing an Abby and Cree that actually love each other. It's so much fun! Anyways, no idea what will be coming next time, but I'm thinking another slice of life thing. Anyways, see you then!