A/N: Gotta say, hate the whole "Write what you want to read" thing because I have a TON I would like to read, but that means a TON of writing with so little time. Oh well! I'll just keep trudging along.

I hope you enjoy! Also, not to sound desperate, but I would LOVE to hear your feedback. Pretty please!

CHAPTER 2

Since New Year's day is a holiday, the chipettes have a full twenty-four hours to make three separate plans.

Eleanor's Plan: Make things more obvious, a.k.a. do some of the things Brittany would do to flirt. Theodore and Eleanor are close. Their usual friendship playfulness may not be taken as flirting by Theo since it's normal for them. Therefore, go for some of the classics. This includes: laughing at all of his jokes, touching his arm, complimenting his looks, commenting about how she'd love to go to this or that if only she had someone to go with (cue pointed look after said comment). Not to mention, they are already touchy-feeling, being the two sweethearts they are, so Eleanor shall use that to her advantage. The more random touches—hand-holding, shoulder bumping, spontaneous hugging—the better.

Brittany's Plan: Crank her flirting up to a thousand—but only while it is only her and Alvin. While in the presence of others, she ignores him. In a group with other guys Brittany would consider if Alvin weren't in the picture, she will flirt with them with the clear intention of Alvin overhearing. Her strategy includes jealousy and overt cues. Her reasoning? Alvin is not dense, just stubborn. He needs to see the full range of what she has to offer, dangling it in front of his face, while simultaneously threatening to make it unobtainable via dating others if he refuses to make a move. Her sisters find this plan rather ludicrous yet genius. Brittany knows Alvin best. She knows exactly which buttons to press and how hard.

Jeanette's Plan: Start flirting, for crying out loud! (Brittany's exact words. Jeanette didn't have the heart to tell her she's been trying for a couple years now with no success.) Yes, go with the classics, much like Eleanor's plan, but specify it to Simon. Jeanette has complimented his brilliance in the past with little success—he is used to those. Because of this, start complimenting other aspects of him. He is a sarcastic, quick-witted, no-nonsense kind of munk, but with a sense of humor just begging to be recognized. Encourage this. Find opportunities to compliment his strength too—get him to open a jar for her or something. Not to mention his singing voice! Anything! Jeanette should show how she wants all sides of him.

The first day of school initiates the start of Plan: Before the End of the Semester.

There is a brief morning debate about whether or not to actually meet the chipmunks to walk to school together. Brittany may want to date Alvin, but she still feels annoyed at him for ruining the party. She does cave in the end because her desire to get a date outweighs the desire to punish her counterpart.

"I'm nervous," Eleanor says quietly to Jeanette as they round the corner, closing in on the chipmunks' house.

"Me too," Jeanette says, wringing her hands on her backpack.

Brittany whips around and stops her sisters in their tracks. "Don't be. We have our strategies. And it's not like we have to have dates immediately. Start small. Like walking to school and talking about how great hanging out with them at the party was."

"Right." Jeanette takes a deep breath. "Right."

"Let's do this!" Eleanor exclaims suddenly. "I'm ready."

"That's the spirit!"

Simon peers out the front window. "Looks like the chipettes have forgiven you, Alvin. They're waiting to walk with us."

Alvin pops his head out from the kitchen. "Seriously?"

"That, or she's waiting to tell you off again."

"Thanks, Si. Real vote of confidence there."

Theodore moves in next to Simon and looks out to see Eleanor. "Why am I nervous?"

"Because you like her," Simon states the obvious.

"Oh yeah. Do you…do you think she will let me hold her hand?"

Simon smiles at his brother who is still staring out the window. "I think there's only one way to find out. But yes, I think there's a very good chance she will. She's allowed it before."

Theodore doesn't say anything, but nods sagely, as if his brother has passed along some great wisdom.

The three brothers grab their gear and make their way out the door while shouting their goodbyes to Dave. They meet the girls at the sidewalk, and for a brief, awkward moment, there is silence. The brothers, for their part, are waiting to see exactly how Alvin will be greeted by his counterpart.

Brittany shifts to stand up straighter and begins walking down the sidewalk. She stops after only a couple steps to throw a smirk over her shoulder and say directly to Alvin, "Well? Are you coming?"

Alvin's mouth drops open. He looks to Simon who is equally shocked at the unexpected forgiveness Brittany seems to have given him. Instead of commenting, he jogs to catch up with her.

"So…you're not still mad?" he asks as they walk a few steps ahead of the others.

"I was—and I still am. You did ruin my first New Years party, after all," Brittany says, nose in the air. Then she glances over at him and gives him a smile Alvin isn't quite sure is a good, playful smile or a wicked smile. "But then I remember how good the rest of the party was, and how much fun I had. You made it fun."

"I did?! I mean—" Alvin coughs. "Of course I did."

"You always seem to make things more enjoyable, Alvin." Brittany leans over and flicks the bill of his baseball cap.

Alvin's smile threatens to split his face, the corner of his mouth twitching with how broad it is. Then, with a quick shake of his head, he brings that smile down to a smirk and aims it Brittany's way. He tilts his hat in a way he is certain makes him look at least fifty percent cooler. "Glad you finally noticed what's been obvious all along."

Brittany rolls her eyes but laughs as well. Alvin calls it a win.

His younger brother, walking side-by-side with his counterpart right behind him, seems to be faring pretty well too.

Back at the fence of the Seville residence, Theodore had stepped up and silently requested Eleanor's hand by holding out his own. She had accepted with a delighted expression. Their conjoined hands lightly sway as they walk.

Theodore is first to speak up. "Ready for the first day back?"

"Definitely! I'm glad we have three whole classes together. Too bad we already finished Home Ec. last semester."

"Do you think if we asked nicely, they'll let us take it again senior year?" Theodore asks hopefully.

Eleanor shakes her head sadly. "I wouldn't count on it, but we do have a study hall together. We could, you know. We could sit next to each other, if you'd like." She tries batting her lashes in a way she's seen Brittany do effortlessly countless times before.

Theodore's face pinches in thought. "Don't we always?"

"Well, yes, I was just—"

"I don't want to sit next to anybody else. Can I keep the seat next to yours?"

"Of course, Theo," Eleanor says. She internally sighs. Brittany was right. She needs to amp up her flirting. Theodore thinks things like that are normal. She tries a different strategy. "I really liked hanging out with you at the party."

Theodore's face does this weird twitchy thing with a slightly panicked expression. Then he seems to deflate and go back to normal. "I liked it too. It was fun!"

Eleanor tries a bit harder. "I always enjoy being with you."

Theodore smiles and squeezes her hand. "I enjoy being with you too! Don't tell my brothers, but…" he leans in conspiratorially, "you're my best friend."

The expression plastered on Eleanor's face is that of joy. If it cracks slightly at the edges, no one really notices. "You're my best friend too," she says. The words do make her happy—they do! It's just…friend? Only a friend?

Oh dear, this might be harder than she thought.

And bringing up the rear, the final pair trails behind.

As they begin their walk in the rear of the train, Simon finds himself at a loss for words. He thought he had himself under control, but seeing Jeanette now reminds him of how close he had come to events that would have allowed him to hold her hand today (he may or may not be slightly jealous of the brother ahead of him). Perhaps if he had the courage and disposition of Theodore, he could reach out and take Jeanette's hand, but that certainly isn't him. Instead, he tries for casual conversation.

"How—How was your day yesterday? Did you do anything special for New Year's Day?" he asks.

Jeanette seems startled to be addressed despite this being the norm for their routine, chatting while walking to school. It's like she's tightly wound today. Perhaps she was also thinking of other things? "Oh, I—well, I caught up on sleep. I-I was rather tired after the eventful evening."

"Yes, that was—ahem—that was quite the party."

"Are you glad you went?" Jeanette asks. "I know you weren't too happy about Dave forcing you to go."

"Ah. Right. Yes, actually, I was quite pleased with the experience. Outside of the unexpected rain shower, that is."

To his relief, Jeanette laughs, seeming to relax now. "That is a memory I'll keep for a while."

I wanted us to have a different memory to keep. The thought appears unbidden in Simon's mind. He stamps it down, but he can't quite stamp down the disappointment he feels. "Alvin seems to make quite a few of those kinds of memories. I'm surprised Brittany has forgiven him so quickly."

"She's feeling generous in the new year," is all Jeanette offers.

"I see. I suppose her new year's resolution is to be kinder to Alvin?" Jeanette seems to freeze up at this comment. Simon wonders why. It wasn't meant to be taken seriously. Yet if this is her reaction, maybe it is a goal? "Is it?"

"Not exactly," Jeanette says cryptically. "She…Brittany simply doesn't want to fight as much this year."

"A noble goal."

"Yes, I think so." Jeanette looks down at her shoes as she walks. Simon notices her change in demeanor and is about to ask about it when she meets his eye and says, "I really enjoyed your company at the party, Simon. I'm glad you were there."

Simon, caught completely off-guard at the comment, only stares back. This causes Jeanette to break eye contact and stutter out an explanation. "I-It's just—we—You were nice to be with—to talk with!—and I appreciated you being so considerate of me. It…you were a calming presence in a new situation, and I wanted to thank you for being so wonderful that night. For making it a wonderful night."

Simon tries to think if he did anything truly different that night to warrant such praise. Sure, he had been trying to pay more attention to her, (he was aiming to kiss her at the end of the night), but he didn't really think he was that obvious. Did she maybe theorize as to why he was so attentive to her? Simon has to control the panic this thought brings because would that be so bad? He does want her affection, her attention, her…her love.

There had been more laughter between them that night, and their conversation had come so easy. It really had been a wonderful night, like she said. Simon had enjoyed himself immensely by simply being there with Jeanette.

Simon realizes he's been quite too long because Jeanette says quietly, "Sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I only wanted to say thank you."

"Th-There's absolutely no need to thank me," Simon says emphatically. He quickly tries to remedy the gloomy look in Jeanette's eyes from his prolonged silence. "I should be thanking you. I had been dreading the party. However, with you, it was the best night of the year."

Jeanette's shy smile banishes the last of the gloom, much to Simon's relief. "I'm glad. I'm sorry for such a sorry start to your new year, though."

Simon shrugs. "Tis the burden I bear with having a brother so stuck in his antics."

Jeanette laughs. Then she bites her lip, as if pausing in thought. Then she says, "You're funny, Simon."

Simon feels himself stand a little taller. "Why thank you."

The flurry of students in and around the school proves to be no obstacle for the arriving six. Waves and greetings are thrown around to those they know.

It isn't long until Brittany gives a rather enthusiastic call, "Ricky! Hi! Didn't I see you at the New Year's party? Wasn't it fantastic?" And she's gone over to him, completely brushing off Alvin and whatever he was saying. He frowns and follows her.

Jeanette and Eleanor exchange exasperated looks. Brittany is certainly sticking to her plan.

And the day goes by much like every other first day back to school. Schedules are followed, syllabi are handed out, reminders are given, bulletin boards are filled, clubs are offered.

It isn't until lunch is wrapping up, and Simon is at the bulletin board looking at the dozen or so flyers that it hits him. Hits him harder than that time Alvin accidentally opened a locker in Simon's face. He rips off the flyer and stuffs it deep into his backpack, keeping it secret until the end of the day

It isn't until the day is done and the brothers have parted ways with the chipettes while walking home, that he gathers Alvin and Theodore around the table.

"New plan, gentlemen," he says, digging the paper out of his backpack. He lifts it high before slamming it down on the table, hand still covering the words.

"New plan?" Theodore perks up at this. "I'm in! What's the plan?"

Alvin tries peering past his brother's hand. "Come on, what's your idea?"

Simon removes his hand to reveal the contents of the paper. In bold letters across the top, it reads—

VOTE TODAY FOR THIS YEAR'S PROM THEME!