Chapter 12 - Retro Love in Retroland

Yes! I did it! Jimmy thought to himself as he returned to his apartment. I finally managed to take the initiative and plan something first!

He plopped on his bed with a huge sigh of relief. As time went on, he decided to call his friends. It wasn't too late, so he figured they'd still be up. He attempted to call Carl first, but he didn't answer, so he figured he was asleep. He then called Sheen.

"Yo Jimmy!" Sheen yelled from the other side of the line. "How's my man who stepped up?"

Jimmy was confused at Sheen's remark. "I'm doing pretty good, but what do you mean by that exactly?"

"Well, you're on your way to first base, with the blonde vortexer, right?" he responded, acting smug.

"What're you talking about?" Jimmy still didn't get it.

Libby then spoke on the line since she was with Sheen. "What he means is you're finally talking Cindy out on a date!"

"Wait, what?! How'd you find out about that?" He investigated.

"Take a guess," she shrugged.

He immediately knew Cindy told her who then told Sheen. "Figures."

"We're proud of you for taking that leap!" she happily said.

"But, I'm only doing this to thank her for taking care of me when I was sick." He acted defensively.

"Not how she sees it, and neither do we!" She retorted. "You like her, don't you?"

"I thought we were just going as friends," he dismissed the question before deflecting it. "If anything she likes me with how assertive she is with things. I just wanted to do this to tip the scale."

"Damn, you're just as stubborn as she is," Libby said under her breath though just loud enough for him to hear. "Still… you do have a point with how assertive she is. But in "tipping the scale" as you put it, aren't you basically doing what she's doing?"

"Well I-... I suppose, but-"

"Then show her how you feel!"

"That's the thing. I'm still trying to figure that out!" Jimmy sighed. "Whether I'm ready or not to take that commitment with someone, especially her."

Sheen then chimed in. "Listen Jim, I know you're confused about all this and contrary to what Libs is saying, We're not trying to run how your life goes, cause at the end of the day, it's your choice. What we see is two adults trying to figure out life with each other again and we're trying our best to help you guys get an answer."

"Yeah, I know…" he agreed. "And I'm not blind from the fact that this is a date. But before I make any rash decisions, I want to take it slow for now so that when a moment comes for something more than a friendship, I'll be able to confidently choose when I'm ready for a future with her, if that's the way it'll go."

"Yeah, we get that," Libby understood. "And we don't wanna rush you both either. Just know that when the moment comes you'll know, but you don't necessarily plan or choose when that'll be. That moment instead chooses you to take that next step."

"I understand what you're saying and I appreciate you both." Jimmy smiled tiredly.

"Great! With that said, have a good date tomorrow!" Libby cheered on.

"I'll enjoy it and who knows, maybe I'll find out by then." he said mostly to himself.

"You'll know it when you know it! Take care man!" Sheen said as he signed off.

Jimmy was left to himself as he pondered how the date was gonna go. He was excited, yet nervous. He had grown used to Cindy's company and her taking the helm for what to do and where to go. This however was his planning and he needed to figure that out one way or another. Feeling exhausted, he decided to sleep on it. Do I… like her… as more than a friend… or… rival? He thought as he faded into his dreams.

Eventually the day came. He still worked with her and ran into her once or twice until then. He couldn't help but feel a tad nervous throughout when she was around. Either way, the day is here and he accepted that as he got out of bed.

As he went to his morning class, he still couldn't pay attention too much. He still did a good job, but not the above and beyond performance he usually gives. This was especially the case when he received a text from her.

Cindy: [Morning Neutron! You ready for today's date?]

He didn't expect her to openly acknowledge this as such, but regardless he responded quickly enough to where her saying that didn't faze him yet.

Jimmy: [Yeah, I can't wait! Meet you by the entrance?]

Cindy: [Sounds good to me! See you then!]

The class, the only thing that stood between the two of them had come to an end. It was 11:30 and with that in mind, Jimmy flew back to his apartment to get ready, doing everything he could to look nice. Before he knew it, the time was 11:55 and with that, he used his jetpack once more to fly to Retroland. Thankfully, he wasn't too far, so he made it just before the clock struck noon. He almost crashed trying to get there on time, but fortunately, he stuck the landing right next to the ticket booth.

"Hey Neutron! Nice of you to drop in!" he turned to see Cindy just arriving, looking almost out of breath.

"Oh very funny, Vortex!" Jimmy responded. "Wait, were you trying to beat me here?"

"I saw you flying above me a minute ago, so I tried to get here before you did," she explained as she was catching her breath. "You know, it would be a bit more fair if you were driving or running instead!"

"Now where's the fun in that?" Jimmy shrugged playfully. He then got a good look at her. She seemed to dress up a tad more than usual. Still going casual, but there was a bit more effort put into it.

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Oh, it's nothing." he then turned to the counter. "I'll take one day pass!"

"Come on! Tell me!" Cindy then teased. "Did I just catch you staring at me?"

"I don't have to answer that," he said as he got his ticket.

"That's just making you even more suspicious. Almost like a pervert!" She didn't let up.

"Hey I wasn't staring like that!" He got defensive as he started to blush. "I just noticed you looking uh…"

"Yeah? Go on!" Cindy put her hand next to her ear playfully.

Seeing no other way out, he decided to play it straight. "You look beautiful today, so I couldn't help but notice!" Great! Day barely started and I'm right in the palm of her hand! He internally facepalmed.

"See now, was that so hard Romeo?" Cindy teased, but then reciprocated. "Thank you, by the way. You look pretty handsome yourself!"

"Oh- uh…" Jimmy was taken aback so hard, his mind short circuited and had to reset. "Thanks… I-I appreciate that."

"Anytime dork!" she smirked. "So ready to go in?"

"Don't you need to get your ticket too?" he questioned.

"No need!" she whipped out her pass. "I'm a seasonal pass member!"

"Alright then!" They started to walk through together. "Let's go!"

Retroville was obviously very familiar to both of them, which is why Jimmy chose this place for them. If this is indeed our first date, then might as well start somewhere not too far out of our comfort zone, he deduced. As for where to start…

"So where are we heading first, Neutron?" she asked.

"Hmm…" His mind began to ponder. We could start with the thrill rides first, then grab a bite to eat and then go on the slower rides for the rest of the day to avoid motion sickness, but that'll knock the wind out of the sails early with the exception of the fireworks show. Maybe move one of the rides towards the end and then also- His thoughts were interrupted with Cindy's hand waving in front of his face.

"Since you couldn't come up with anything, how about we start with the Octa-Puke since neither of us have eaten anything yet?" she suggested.

"Uh-yeah sure!" Jimmy nodded. "That works." So much for taking initiative. I have to try harder!

They went on the ride. Cindy knew exactly what to expect, whereas Jimmy was getting on thinking he knew what was gonna happen, only for the ride to suddenly start and have them both start spinning. Jimmy was screaming while Cindy was cheering, but also laughing at Jimmy's reaction. Once the ride ended, Jimmy was walking out, extremely dizzy. "I think my heart stopped."

Cindy joined him, but nowhere near as dizzy. "Hahaha! I remember my first time there. It wasn't pleasant, but you'll get used to it. Wanna get lunch?"

"Sure…" Jimmy said as he started to get a hold of himself. As they were grabbing some hot dogs and chips, he couldn't help but ask. "So how often do you come here to warrant the pass?"

"Honestly, about 8 months ago, Sheen and Libby got themselves passes to frequent going. Carl eventually got one too, but he doesn't really go often due to his motion sickness, among other things. Sheen, Libby and I would train Carl a bit to where he at least enjoys roller coasters. Otherwise, I'd just third wheel it with Sheen and Libby." She explained as she started eating.

Jimmy started eating too, feeling curious. "I'm sorry if this intrudes any privacy, but I can't help but ask."

"Ask away!" she motioned him.

"How come you don't have a boyfriend?" he put it bluntly. "Or a partner in general."

"Am I supposed to have one?" She asked rhetorically.

"Sorry, let me rephrase." Jimmy cleared his throat. "You seem like someone so capable. Someone anybody would be lucky to have. I know we've been at each other's throats throwing insults at each other when we were younger, but looking at it now… I'm just… surprised that you're… single."

"Okay okay," Cindy chuckled as she downed what she was eating with her drink. "I see where you're coming from. The truth is… back in high school, I tried my hand with other people. However, no one really interested me. Most were pretty boring then to where I never did much beyond talking. I did date one or two guys, but there wasn't really any spark. If I continued with them, it would be out of pity, and neither of us wanted that. Maybe one day…" she then looked directly at Jimmy. "Somebody might show up to reignite that spark I once had to light the fire that I always wanted."

Jimmy was in awe once again blushing a crimson. He felt satisfied with the answer but felt somewhat guilty. He wasn't sure how to process what she meant even though it was obvious, so he took the easy way out. "Maybe one day, that "somebody" will show up and give you what you always wanted. I'm rooting for you!"

Is he dense or just playing hard to get?! Cindy thought to herself. Might as well set it aside for now. "Heh, thanks! I'll let you know when I find him."

Jimmy then took a bite of his hot dog.

"What about you?" She then asked.

"Hm?" His mouth was full.

"Did you ever date anyone?"

Jimmy motioned "one second" with his finger. He finished chewing and swallowed his food, allowing him to speak clearly. "I um… I dated one person…" he sadly smiled. "But she only wanted me for good grades. I didn't really feel like a partner, but instead a puppet. I was naive. I never tried again past that."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Cindy crossed her arms. "What if you… tried again… With somebody else?"

"It'll take awhile before those walls come down." Jimmy chose his words deliberately. "But with enough time and effort from both people, maybe it'll be worth it."

"Just maybe?" She couldn't help but add.

"We'll see." Jimmy finished eating. Wanting to change subjects before things got too awkward. "Wanna go on an easy ride?"

"Sure!" Cindy threw a jab in while asking. "Do you actually have something in mind this time?"

"Yes!" he said defensively. "How about um…" In a rush to think of something he chose something on a whim. "Planet of the Cats. That's an easy ride, right?"

Cindy then broke out into laughter. "I mean yeah it is, but I never saw you as a cat person!"

"Well, I'm open to trying new things," Jimmy scratched the back of his head as he came up with that excuse.

"Oh wow, one of the most mundane rides in the park is ambitious for you?" she teased. "Where did the years go from flying all these to space to a simple cat ride?"

He then retorted, "Hey I'm choosing this one since we need to take it easy! Once we've digested, we can go on the most adventurous ride yet!"

"Hahahaha, you know I'm kidding!" she laughed. "But sure, I'm down for that!"

"Sure you were," he sarcastically responded as she playfully punched his shoulder.

On the cat ride, Jimmy was incredibly bored while Cindy was somewhat entertained. Afterwards, he suggested the Eye in the Sky ride so they'd at least have the view. Little did he know that the line consisted mainly of couples. He couldn't help but feel a tad lonely at the observation. Then he looked at Cindy beside him who was enjoying herself. Well, at least she seems to be having a good time. Maybe if I took my shot and asked her out... He then shook his head dismissing the idea. There's no way she'd say yes. I'd probably get laughed at. As he dismissed his thoughts, they finally got on one of the cable cars.

As the ride took off, Cindy started to speak while they looked at the view under them. "You know, I think this was the first ride we ever went on together."

"Yeah, it was right when we both tied on the candy selling contest!" Jimmy laughed at the memory. "To think you wanted to buy me back then."

"What can I say," she laughed along. "You would've been incredibly useful for math and science assignments."

"Sure that's all you would've used me for," he rolled his eyes to which she playfully punched him in the shoulder again.

"Would've kept you from leaving though."

"Would having custody over someone the same age even be legal?" he questioned.

"You know, probably not something we wondered back then. The logistics of the bizarre adventures we went on."

"True." The conversation paused for a bit as they were trying to think of something else to talk about.

"I saw you eyeing the crowds before walking in this ride." She broke the ice once more.

"What about it?"

"You noticed they were couples too didn't you?"

"Leaping leptons!" He facepalmed as he looked away trying to make her avoid looking at his blush. "Am I that obvious to read?!"

"Hiding your expressions ain't exactly one of your strong suits," she laughed.

"Guess not," Jimmy said while looking away.

"Aww, what's the matter," Cindy teased. "Is poor Neutron feeling lonely today?"

"Shut up," Jimmy argued back. "It's not like you're with anyone either so we're on the same boat!"

"Touche!" she scoffed and then had a mischievous look on her face. "Though I think I know a way to resolve that for us both."

"What?! What do you mean?" Jimmy then turned to her with a nervous look on his face.

"Why don't you come closer and find out?" Cindy then leaned towards him.

"I-I'm not sure how t-to take that." Jimmy moved back a tad.

"Maybe I'll just ask you straight up. Do you like me?" she went to the point.

"I mean I enjoy you as good company. You're a good friend to have."

"You know what I mean!" she pressed on.

"I-I c-can't s-say I… d-do" he blushed as much as he could while looking away.

"You know you're a terrible liar, so you might as well come clean and admit it." Cindy teased.

"I tried that once!" he explained. "Didn't exactly end too well!"

"I must've forgotten," she playfully said. "Why don't you remind me?"

"Back when we were kids… and I had… 976-J… affecting me… I said my… f-f-feelings for you," he sloppily explained.

"And then what happened," she pried, fully knowing as she moved closer. Jimmy moves a tad back in the process.

"You threw that ice cream at me while everyone laughed, followed by me getting thrown out of the Candy Bar!" he huffed.

"Well to be fair," Cindy started to laugh a bit. "You did crash your rocket on your way there and just shouted your feelings then and there!"

"My point exactly!" he crossed his arms while looking the other way. "It didn't end well!"

Cindy then changed tactics on a whim. "Here's the thing. You're a scientist, so clearly you know that the variables for your "experiment" were different then." She then proceeded to count the differences in her hand. "You're not fresh out of a rocket crash; I have no access to ice cream at the moment; You're not under that love potion's influence anymore; & there's nobody else seeing that we're high up. So why not try again and see what happens?"

"I um… I'm a bit more worried about the current variables I'm facing right in front of me!" Jimmy said feeling flustered while looking back at her.

"What? You mean the ever so smart Jimmy Neutron didn't factor feminine persuasion tactics in this experiment?" she said jokingly shocked.

"Uh… yeah, I wasn't considering that in the slightest…" he scratched the back of his head.

"Tsk tsk tsk!" Cindy shook her head. "You know that could cost you one day if you're not careful."

"Yeah…"

"Come on! Say it! You know I've been dropping hints like crazy, and I see the way you look at me!"

"Please c-c-cut that out!"

"I dare you!"

"Cindy… this is… too much to take in!" He scooted as far as he could which wasn't much since he was against the wall of the cable car. Knowing he was cornered, she lept on his lap being mere inches away from his face.

"You know I tell you, these cable cars felt much bigger when we were kids!" Cindy joked as Jimmy attempted in vain to worm free from her grip, but she wasn't letting up in the slightest.

"I-I… What're you g-going to do?" He asked, anticipating the answer. While he was extremely nervous, there was a part of him getting excited for what's to come.

"I think you have a pretty good idea." She leaned in with Jimmy instinctually closing his eyes and puckering up for a kiss.

Jimmy felt the kiss and it was far different than he expected. Her lips felt more stiff than he was expecting. Opening his eyes, he asked in a deadpan expression. "What are you doing?"

Turns out, he wasn't kissing her lips, but instead her thumb and index finger. "You didn't say the magic words. I'll wait til you're ready to initiate the real deal." She then felt a bit bad for messing with him. "I'm sorry for earlier. I probably went a bit too far."

Jimmy's brain once again short circuited. "It's…It's fine. Just don't go scaring me in that way, okay?"

"I promise!" she gave a thumbs up as the ride ended.

Attempting to think of something else, a distraction at the very least. "Ready for one of the rollercoasters?" Jimmy suggested.

"Right behind you!" Cindy agreed as they went about.