"Evil Clone Curse"
They both started laughing like idiots, their eyes locked in a connection neither could ignore. The tension between them melted into shared amusement. But as the laughter faded, the space between them seemed to shrink even more, their eyes locking in a silent, mutual understanding.
Without thinking, they both leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, hesitant kiss. The world around them seemed to disappear, the only thing that mattered was the warmth they felt in that moment. It felt official now, the realization that they belonged together despite the rivalry that had defined their relationship before.
They stayed in the kiss for seven seconds, lost in the moment, before they both opened their eyes and broke apart, only to find Betty standing a few feet away, her eyes wide with shock. She stared at them, her mouth slightly agape, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing.
Jimmy and Cindy froze, still inches apart, both turning an identical shade of red as they realized they had just been caught. "Uh,hi... Betty," Jimmy managed to say, his voice a mix of awkwardness and guilt.
Betty's expression quickly shifted from shock to disgust, her brows furrowing as she crossed her arms. "Really, Jimmy?" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I thought you were smart enough to know better. I mean, you just kissed your enemy."
Jimmy blinked, taken aback by Betty's cold tone, but he didn't flinch or try to deny what had just happened. Instead, he simply shrugged. "Enemy? I wouldn't say that, Betty. Things change."
Cindy's heart skipped a beat at Jimmy's response.*Did he really just... defend me?*Her mind raced, her initial shock giving way to a deep-seated fear.*I won't be able to stand it if this witch gets into his head.*She clenched her fists, steeling herself against the possibility.
Betty rolled her eyes. "Change? Please... would a genius like you really choose to get into a relationship with a girl who's spent every waking moment making fun of you?" Her words were sharp, laced with sarcasm as she cast a condescending glance at Cindy, clearly considering her an unworthy rival.
Cindy's temper flared, the familiar burn of anger rising in her chest. But before she could unleash a retort, Jimmy intervened, his voice quiet but tinged with disappointment. "Betty... did you forget that I asked you if you wanted to be my girlfriend, but you—"
"Yeah, and you rejected his offer. It's too late if Nick's cheating on you now," Cindy interrupted, her voice icy as she stared daggers at Betty. There was no way she'd let Betty try to crawl back into Jimmy's life after turning him down.
Betty's laughter rang out, cold and mocking. "I didn't refuse, and Who told you Nick was cheating on me? Or am I here to get Jimmy back?" She arched an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just suggesting what's best for him."
Cindy felt a surge of anxiety as she looked at Jimmy, as if silently pleading with him to confirm that he wouldn't abandon her. The tension in the air was palpable, but to her surprise, Jimmy seemed indifferent to Betty's words. His expression was neutral, almost as if he was weighing her opinions without being swayed.
"Thank you, Betty," Jimmy finally said, his voice cool and measured. He closed his eyes briefly, his tone growing colder. "But I'll be fine with Cindy. And as she told you, I have a time travel watch."
Betty's eyes widened in shock, the realization dawning on her like a slap to the face. Her earlier sneer faltered as she recalled the words Cindy had taunted her with during their fight.*And I thought she was pretending?; she actually used Jimmy's invention to glimpse the future.*The thought made Betty's stomach churn. "Wow, Jimmy. I didn't realize you'd fallen this far. I guess I was wrong about you," she spat, her voice filled with a bitter mix of disbelief.
Jimmy felt a pang of hurt at her harsh words, but he refused to let it show. He wasn't about to let Betty make him doubt his feelings for Cindy. "Maybe you were, Betty," he replied, his voice quiet but firm, his resolve unwavering.
For the first time, Betty's confident facade cracked. She frowned at Jimmy, her expression a blend of disappointment. Jimmy could sense that he had lost her respect, but instead of feeling defeated, he remained calm. He looked down, a faint, almost resigned smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The silence that followed was heavy, laden with unspoken emotions. Finally, Betty broke it, her voice cold and distant. "I don't know who you are anymore," she said, her words sharp and final. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and began to walk away, each step echoing the severing of whatever connection they once had. She felt kind of jealous, but she only wanted the best for him from Cindy. Either her, or any other girl except Cindy Vortex.
Jimmy watched her go, the weak smile still lingering on his lips. Cindy, standing beside him, felt a strange mixture of emotions. Relief, triumph, and something else—something deeper. It hit her then, like a wave crashing over her: Jimmy's crush on Betty had truly faded. Just as her own infatuation with Nick had evaporated, leaving room for something more genuine, something real. She stared at Jimmy, still shocked by his change, by the way he had chosen her over Betty without a second thought.
Cindy hesitated for a moment, her usual confidence wavering as she looked at Jimmy. She was used to him being so analytical, so focused on his gadgets and experiments. But this was different. She could see the subtle shift in his demeanor—the way his eyes followed the path Betty had taken, the way his shoulders seemed to carry the weight of a realization. Gently, she asked, "Are you okay?"
Jimmy remained quiet for a moment, still staring at the spot where Betty had disappeared. He then gave a small, reassuring smile, his voice calm. "There's no need to worry, Cindy. I'm okay... though I guess Betty won't be speaking to me for a while." Despite his words, there was a lightness in his tone, as if he had come to terms with something important.*I understand you, Betty, but I'm sorry.*
He turned to Cindy, his eyes meeting hers, and suddenly his expression shifted into something more playful, almost mischievous. With a sly, flirtatious grin, he added, "See you later... my Cindy."
Jimmy's words left Cindy momentarily stunned, her mind struggling to process what she had just heard.*My Cindy?*The phrase echoed in her head, her shock quickly melting into a wide, uncontrollable smile. A warmth spread through her, unlike anything she had ever felt before. Jimmy—Jimmy Neutron—had just made it clear, in front of Betty no less, that he saw her as more than just a rival, more than just a friend. He was claiming her as his.
As Jimmy walked out of the Candy Bar, Cindy sat frozen for a second, her heart racing. But then, a surge of joy erupted within her, a happiness so overwhelming that she could hardly contain it. "YES!" She leaped from her seat, her feet barely touching the ground as she headed for the exit. Her usual composed demeanor was gone, replaced by an almost giddy excitement. She was practically skipping, her smile so wide it lit up the room. Everyone around her—friends, strangers, everyone—stopped to stare, shocked by this sudden outburst from the girl who was always so fierce, so competitive.
Sheen plans to get another doll of the rarest Ultra Lord characters he can never get enough of, and events turn to both of our favorite couples spending time alone in Retroland. Find out how things will go between Sheen and Libby, as well as Jimmy and Cindy.
Retroland - 8:45PM
The neon lights of Retroland glowed in the evening air as Jimmy walked through the entrance, scanning the area for Sheen and Carl. He spotted them at a small dining area near the rides, but what caught him off guard was the presence of Cindy and Libby.
Jimmy approached with a casual wave. "Hey, guys," he greeted, his eyes lingering a bit longer on Cindy. He gave her a sly, somewhat flirtatious smile. "Hi, Cindy."
Cindy couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Hi, Jimmy."
Sheen, ever the excitable one, jumped up. "Cool! Everyone's here!" He declared, grinning from ear to ear. It was clear that Sheen had orchestrated this little gathering, though his original plan had only involved Jimmy and Carl. Cindy and Libby must have caught wind of it and decided to join, much to Sheen's surprise and Jimmy's mild unease.
Jimmy's gaze shifted to Sheen, suspicion creeping into his tone. "So, where's the large pizza you promised?" Sheen had used the lure of food to get Jimmy to come, a classic tactic.
Sheen scratched the back of his head, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "Oh, about that... Sorry, I kinda forgot—"
"Stop lying!" Jimmy cut him off, his annoyance clear. "You just wanted me here to help you get that rare Ultra Lord figure, didn't you?" Jimmy's voice was firm, not buying Sheen's excuses. Retroland was hosting a special Ultra Lord night, where fans could win the rarest figure by completing all the rides. Sheen, not keen on the idea of getting nauseous alone, had roped in Jimmy for backup.
"I'm leaving!" Jimmy said, turning on his heel, ready to make good on his word.
"Wait! The large pizza will be on me, I promise!" Sheen quickly backtracked, desperation in his voice. "But please, help me win the golden Ultra Lord figure. You're my best friend, right?"
Jimmy stopped in his tracks, turning back with a raised eyebrow. "Your friend?" he echoed, skepticism lacing his words. "And does a friend ignore warnings and steal a spaceship? If you think I've forgiven you for that, you're mistaken."
"Enough, guys!" Carl suddenly interjected, his usual meekness replaced by hunger-induced irritation. "Can we just do this mission? I'm starving!"
Sheen, eager to defuse the situation, quickly launched into his plan. "Okay, here's how we'll do it—" But Jimmy, arms crossed, stood there, clearly unimpressed and still annoyed by Sheen's transparent exploitation.
Meanwhile, Cindy had sidled up to Libby, her expression shifting from curiosity to mild irritation. "What are you doing here, Libby? Didn't Ultra dork just invite his friends?"
Libby's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "Don't I have the right to accompany my boyfriend?" she snapped. "And what about you? Why are you here?"
Cindy bristled at the tone, her own irritation rising. "Same reason. Jimmy's here," she replied, crossing her arms defensively.
Libby huffed, looking away as she crossed her arms too. "Great."
"Yeah, great," Cindy muttered, rolling her eyes as she mirrored Libby's stance.
The tension between them simmered, until finally, it boiled over.
Libby's voice rose, sharp and biting. "Enjoy hanging out with your troublemaking boyfriend!"
Cindy's temper flared in response. "Fine! You have fun with your sick boyfriend!" she shot back, her voice rising to match Libby's.
Libby was surprised and faced Cindy's eyes angrily. "What did you just say about Sheen?"
The argument escalated quickly, their voices growing louder. Frustration and long-buried resentments bubbled to the surface as they stood there, glaring at each other. Finally, Cindy, in a fit of exasperation, turned on her heel and grabbed Jimmy's hand.
"Come on, Jimmy." she declared, tugging Jimmy away from the group with a determined stride.
Jimmy, surprised by Cindy's sudden assertiveness, stumbled after her, his hand warm in hers. He glanced back at Sheen and Carl, shrugging helplessly before letting himself be led away. Libby, not one to be outdone, grabbed Sheen's hand with equal determination.
"Forget about them, Sheen." Libby muttered, her voice tight with anger as she pulled him in the opposite direction. Sheen barely had time to react before he found himself being dragged away, his mind more on the Ultra Lord mission than the tension brewing between the girls.
Carl stood frozen in place for a moment, his round glasses reflecting the colorful lights of Retroland as he watched his friends march off in opposite directions. He sighed heavily, the weight of his loneliness sinking in. "Well, I guess it's just me, myself, and I," he muttered to no one in particular, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and hope.
His eyes drifted toward the neon sign of "Llama Rama," a new ride featuring animatronic llamas. Carl's face lit up with excitement. "Llamas! Maybe this night isn't so bad after all!" he exclaimed, his earlier disappointment quickly forgotten. With newfound enthusiasm, Carl waddled over to the attraction, his thoughts already filled with visions of llamas in all their fuzzy, four-legged glory.
As he approached the entrance, a whiff of buttery goodness caught his attention. Carl's nose twitched, his senses honing in on the source of the heavenly aroma. "Corn dogs!" he gasped, his mouth watering. A small cart stood nearby, its griddle sizzling with plump corn dogs ready to be devoured.
Libby pulled Sheen along with determined strides, her anger from earlier simmering down as they distanced themselves from the group. Sheen, ever the optimist, noticed the tension easing and decided it was time to work his charm. He glanced at Libby, a warm smile spreading across his face as he gently squeezed her hand.
"You know," Sheen began, his voice soft and genuine, "I'm really glad you're here with me tonight. Retroland wouldn't be the same without you."
Libby, who had been fuming just moments ago, felt her heart soften at Sheen's words. She turned to look at him, her expression relaxing as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. "You always know what to say to make me feel better, Sheen," she admitted, her voice losing its edge.
Sheen grinned, pulling her closer as they walked. "That's because you're my girl, let's forget about that annoying couple and just have some fun."
Libby couldn't help but smile back, her irritation melting away in the warmth of Sheen's affection. They reached the first ride—a classic Ferris wheel illuminated with bright, twinkling lights. "Wanna ride the Ferris wheel? It's the best spot for seeing all of Retroland!" Sheen suggested, his excitement infectious.
Libby nodded, feeling a flutter of anticipation. "Sounds perfect."
They climbed into one of the Ferris wheel's gondolas, and as it began to rise, Sheen wrapped his arm around Libby's shoulders, pulling her close. Libby leaned into him, feeling safe and cherished. The view of Retroland from the top was breathtaking, with all the lights and colors stretching out beneath them. But Libby found herself more captivated by the boy beside her.
As the Ferris wheel slowly rotated, Sheen turned to Libby, his expression unusually serious. "Libbys... I know I can be a little crazy sometimes, and maybe I mess up more than I should, but I want you to know that you are the most important person in my life. Ultra Sheen is always there and I will do anything for you."
Libby felt her heart swell at his words. She reached up and gently touched his cheek, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "Sheen, you may be a little wild, but that's one of the things I love about you, and you make everything more fun."
Sheen's grin returned, and he leaned in closer. "You know what else is fun? Winning you a prize!" He pointed toward a booth below them, where giant stuffed animals were on display. "How about I win you one of those cute cat dolls?"
Libby laughed, her earlier frustrations completely forgotten. "Alright, Ultra Sheen, let's see what you've got."
Once they were back on solid ground, Sheen eagerly led Libby to the booth. The game was simple: knock down three stacked cans with a baseball. Sheen paid the vendor and lined up his shot, his face scrunched up in concentration. "This one's for you, Libbys!" he declared, throwing the baseball with all his might.
The ball hit the cans dead center, sending them tumbling to the ground. The vendor handed Sheen a giant pink cat doll, which he proudly presented to Libby. "For the most amazing girl in the world," Sheen said, his voice full of admiration.
Libby's heart melted, her fingers brushing against Sheen's as she took it from him. "Thank you, I love it... and I love you," she confessed, her voice tender.
Sheen blushed, his face lighting up with happiness. "I love you too, Libbys. More than anything."
Cindy's grip on Jimmy's hand tightened as they walked away from the group, her heart racing with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She didn't quite understand what had come over her—grabbing Jimmy like that, pulling him away so abruptly—but now that they were alone, the rush of adrenaline only heightened her awareness of their closeness. Meanwhile, Jimmy seemed entirely at ease, his usual confidence radiating off him in waves, his smirk suggesting he was fully aware of the effect he was having on her.
"So…" Jimmy began, his tone playful as they strolled through the brightly lit paths of Retroland, "I didn't know you were so eager to be alone with me. You could've just asked, you know."
Cindy rolled her eyes, trying to mask how flustered she felt, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "It doesn't matter, I'm just nervous."
Jimmy replied, his tone light and teasing, "I seem to remember a certain someone holding on to my hand pretty tight right now. You're not worried I'll get you into trouble, are you?"
Cindy glanced down, realizing just how tightly she was holding onto him. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't let go. Instead, she squared her shoulders and shot him a defiant look. "Maybe I'm holding on because I don't trust you not to wander off into some invention-induced disaster."
Jimmy's smirk grew as he looked down at their joined hands. "Or maybe you just like holding my hand,"
This time, Cindy didn't bother with a retort. Instead, she tightened her grip on his hand, letting the warmth of his touch calm the fluttering in her chest. The memory of their moment at the Candy Bar, where Jimmy had chosen her over Betty, played on a loop in her mind. It was a reminder that they were more than just friends now, that this was real, and that they both knew it.
Without another word, Cindy stepped closer to him, closing the small gap that had lingered between them. Jimmy noticed the shift and responded in kind, his free hand brushing against her arm as they walked. There was no need for jokes or denials—just a quiet acknowledgment of what was growing between them.
They reached one of the rides, and Cindy didn't hesitate. "Let's try this one," she suggested, her voice softer now, more at ease.
s Cindy and Jimmy approached one of the rides—a roller coaster that twisted and turned with dizzying speed—she felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her. It wasn't just the excitement of the ride.
"Remember that time we had that rocket race to the moon?" Cindy asked as they waited in line, glancing up at Jimmy with a playful grin. "You were so sure you were going to beat me."
Jimmy chuckled, his smirk returning as he leaned against the railing, his eyes locking onto hers. "And I did beat you, if I recall correctly. Not that it was much of a challenge."
Cindy rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the amusement in her voice. "Sure, Neutron, if you count winning by sabotaging my rocket as a fair victory."
"Sabotaging? Please, that was just a strategic adjustment." Jimmy's tone was light, but the gleam in his eyes was full of mischief. "Besides, you loved every minute of that race. Admit it."
Cindy laughed, shaking her head as the line moved forward. "Okay, fine, I'll admit it. Competing with you was always... exhilarating. Even if you did cheat half the time."
"I didn't cheat," Jimmy protested, though the grin on his face said otherwise. "I was just better."
"Oh, is that right?" Cindy quipped, her voice teasing as they reached the front of the line. "Then how come I've beaten you more times than you've beaten me?"
Jimmy feigned shock, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "In your dreams, Vortex. You know you've always been trying to catch up to me."
They both laughed as they boarded the ride, the banter between them as natural as breathing. Cindy settled into her seat, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation as the harness clicked into place. Jimmy sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed, and she couldn't help but notice how his confidence only made him more attractive. His arrogance, once something that annoyed her to no end, now had a charm to it that she found irresistible.
As the roller coaster began its ascent, Jimmy's hand found hers again, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I have to say, I like where we are now."
Cindy felt a warmth spread through her chest, and she squeezed his hand in return, her voice soft as she replied, "Me too, Neutron."
The roller coaster suddenly plunged into its first drop, and both of them let out a mix of laughter and shouts as they were thrown into the wild twists and turns. But even as the ride sped through its loops and drops, neither of them let go of the other's hand, holding on tight as they enjoyed the thrill together.
When the ride finally came to a stop, Cindy was breathless, her adrenaline still high. She turned to Jimmy, her cheeks flushed, and saw that same excitement mirrored in his eyes. He grinned at her, the cocky yet affectionate look that had become so familiar.
"Think you can handle another round?" he asked, his tone challenging.
Cindy smirked, her competitive spirit flaring up as she looked at him with a sparkle in her eye. "Bring it on, Neutron. But don't cry when I outlast you this time."
Jimmy laughed, shaking his head as they exited the ride. "I don't know anything called crying, Vortex."
As they walked hand in hand towards the next ride, their laughter echoed in the night air, the memories of their past competitions now something they could both cherish and tease each other about.
Carl wandered through Retroland, his eyes darting from one colorful attraction to another, but his focus was firmly on finding something to eat. The promise of pizza had been his main motivation for coming, and now that everyone had split off, he was determined to satisfy his hunger.
As he approached a food stand, the enticing aroma of freshly fried funnel cakes caught his attention. Carl's stomach growled in anticipation, and he hurried over to the stand, where a bored-looking worker in a bright red uniform was flipping cakes onto a tray.
"Uh, hi," Carl began, already envisioning the delicious treat in his hands. "I'd like one of those funnel cakes, please. Extra powdered sugar!"
The worker, a tall teenager with a disinterested expression, barely glanced up as he responded. "We're out of funnel cakes."
Carl blinked, his face falling in disappointment. "Out? But... I can see them right there." He pointed to the tray where several golden-brown funnel cakes were cooling.
The worker sighed heavily, as if Carl's request was the greatest inconvenience in the world. "Yeah, those are for display. We're not selling those."
Carl's stomach protested loudly, and he frowned. "Why not? They look perfectly fine."
The worker finally looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because I said so, okay? We only sell the freshest cakes here, and those have been sitting out for, like, an hour."
Carl, never one to back down when food was on the line, puffed up his chest in determination. "I don't mind! I'll take one anyway. I mean, it's just an hour—how stale could they be?"
The worker rolled his eyes. "Listen, kid, I'm not gonna argue with you. If you want something to eat, get in line for the popcorn stand. We're out of funnel cakes."
Carl's shoulders slumped, but then he had an idea. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "How about this—I'll give you two bucks extra, and you slip me one of those display funnel cakes. No one has to know."
The worker's expression didn't change, but there was a brief flicker of interest in his eyes. "Two bucks extra, huh?"
Carl nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Think of it as... a special order."
The worker paused, considering the offer, before finally shrugging. "Alright, fine. But if anyone asks, you didn't get it from me."
Carl grinned widely, fishing the extra cash from his pocket. The worker grabbed one of the display funnel cakes, dusted it with an absurd amount of powdered sugar, and handed it over.
"Thanks!" Carl said, nearly drooling as he took the plate. He started to walk away, but then the worker called after him.
"Hey, kid!"
Carl turned around, worried that the deal had gone south. "Yeah?"
The worker smirked. "Enjoy your 'fresh' funnel cake. And if you get sick, don't blame me."
Carl waved it off, more focused on devouring his treat. "No worries, pal! I've got a stomach of steel!"
He took a big bite and immediately regretted it. The funnel cake was tough, dry, and tasted like it had been fried in ancient oil. But Carl was nothing if not determined, and he chewed through the stale cake with a grimace, forcing himself to enjoy the snack he had fought so hard to get.
As Sheen and Libby strolled through Retroland, hand in hand, Libby couldn't help but feel a lingering annoyance gnawing at her. Cindy's words from earlier echoed in her mind, and the way Cindy always dismissed Sheen as just some hyperactive idiot grated on her nerves. It wasn't fair—Sheen might be quirky and overly enthusiastic, but he had a big heart, and Libby knew just how much he cared for her.
Sheen, oblivious to Libby's inner turmoil, spotted a cotton candy stand and stopped in his tracks, eyes lighting up. "Cotton candy! Do you want some?" He was already pulling out his wallet, eager to buy the biggest one they had.
Libby forced a smile, trying to shake off her frustration. "Sure, Why not?"
As Sheen handed over the money and received the enormous pink cloud of cotton candy, Libby couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation. Why did Cindy have to be so judgmental? She tore off a piece of the fluffy treat and took a bite, the sweetness doing little to ease the bitterness she felt.
Sheen noticed the slight tension in her expression and frowned. "Hey, everything okay?"
Libby sighed, deciding not to hide her feelings. "It's just... Cindy. She thinks you're just some hyper idiot because you get excited about things. It really ticks me off, Sheen."
Sheen's brows furrowed, but he quickly shrugged it off, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if being excited about Ultra Lord makes me an idiot, then I'm the biggest idiot in Retroville! And proud of it!"
Libby couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, though the edge of her frustration still lingered. "I just don't get why she has to be so stuck-up about it. I mean, Jimmy's no better."
Sheen grinned, sensing an opportunity for some playful banter. "Oh, Jimmy's definitely got that 'I'm a genius' thing going on. But hey, at least we're not the ones who have to deal with him every day."
Libby smirked, her mood lifting a bit. "Yeah, poor Cindy. Always trying to keep up with Mr. Genius. Must be exhausting."
Sheen nodded eagerly. "Totally! And I bet he's always talking about science-y stuff that nobody understands. Like, who wants to hear about quantum mechanics on a date?"
Libby chuckled, the tension in her chest easing as they made fun of the situation. "Right? And all that time in his lab... it's like he's married to his inventions. Good luck getting him to notice Cindy."
Sheen's smile faltered for a moment, but then he shrugged, trying to play it off. "I understand that silly Vortex. I'm not exactly the calmest guy around. But hey, at least I'm never boring!"
Libby squeezed his hand, her annoyance flaring up again. "Yeah, Sheen. She doesn't see how sweet you are, how much you care about the people around you. It just... it makes me mad that she thinks she's so much better just because Jimmy's some 'boy genius.'"
Sheen's grin returned, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes—maybe a touch of insecurity. "Who needs all that brainpower when you've got Ultra Sheen on your side?"
Libby's smirk widened as she saw the mischievous glint in Sheen's eyes. "Yeah, Cindy thinks she's got everything under control, but let's be real—half the time she's just trying to keep Jimmy from blowing something up. It's like babysitting with a side of flirting."
Sheen burst out laughing, practically doubling over. "And when he finally does notice her, he's probably like, 'Oh, hey, Cindy! Wanna help me with this experiment? It only has a small chance of exploding!'"
Libby was laughing so hard she could barely speak. "And poor Cindy's like, 'Sure, Jimmy, because what girl doesn't dream of being covered in radioactive goo on a Friday night?'"
Sheen's grin softened into a genuine smile, his heart swelling with affection for her. "I like my girlfriend just the way she is—beautiful, smart, and way better at putting up with my Ultra Lord obsession than anyone else."
Libby shook her head, still smiling as she gave Sheen a playful nudge. "You're such a dork, Sheen. But you're my dork."
With that, they continued down the path, their laughter echoing through Retroland as they held hands and shared more jokes at Jimmy and Cindy's expense, feeling closer than ever.
As the evening settled in and the neon lights of Retroland cast a soft glow around them, Jimmy and Cindy found themselves drawn to a ride at the far end of the park. It was an elegant, slow-moving gondola that gently floated above the attractions below, offering a serene view of the entire park. Still riding the wave of playful banter from earlier, they hopped in without much thought. But as the gondola began to rise, they realized they were the only ones in the cart, the soft, romantic melody playing in the background signaling that this was no ordinary ride—it was meant for couples.
Cindy settled into the seat beside Jimmy, the reality of the situation dawning on her. Her heart began to race, but this time it wasn't just from excitement or nervousness. It was something deeper, something she hadn't expected to feel tonight.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Jimmy turned to her, his earlier cockiness giving way to a quiet curiosity. "Cindy?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as the gentle breeze ruffled his hair.
She met his gaze, drawing strength from the intensity in his eyes. "Neutron… there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. Something important."
He nodded, his expression growing serious, all traces of his usual arrogance gone. "I'm listening."
Cindy took a deep breath, her fingers still laced with his as she began. "You know, ever since we met, it's always been about competition between us. Who's smarter, who's faster, who can outdo the other… It started as a game, but sometimes it didn't feel like one. Sometimes it felt like everything was riding on those moments. Like I had to prove myself—not just to you, but to everyone."
Jimmy listened intently, the pain in her voice cutting through him. He'd always admired Cindy's determination, but he hadn't realized how much of it stemmed from the pressure she was under. "I never wanted it to be that way. I know we pushed each other, but I never meant for you to feel like you had to prove anything to me."
"I know that," Cindy replied, her voice softening. "But it wasn't just you. It's my mom, too. She's always pushed me to be the best at everything—to be better than everyone else. Especially you." Cindy's grip on Jimmy's hand tightened, her frustration spilling over. "It's like nothing I ever do is good enough for her. I get straight A's, I win competitions, but she barely even notices. All she cares about is that I have to be better than you."
Jimmy's heart ached as he listened, realizing how much their rivalry had been influenced by forces beyond their control. "I'm so sorry. I think... I think I don't care who's better now."
Cindy shook her head, a small, sad smile tugging at her lips. "I'm tired, Jimmy. I'm tired of competing, of always having to be the best. All I want now is to be happy… with you."
Jimmy's breath caught in his throat at her words. He had always admired Cindy's strength, her drive, but he hadn't understood how much pain was behind it. "Cindy, you don't have to prove anything to me. I know how incredible you are. I want to be happy with you, too. We don't have to compete anymore. We can just… be."
Cindy looked at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You really mean that?"
"Of course, I do," Jimmy replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Cin… I know how smart and capable you are. When I corrected you, I wasn't trying to belittle you. Sometimes I just get caught up in trying to help, but I realize now that I've overstepped. I make mistakes too."
The gondola reached its highest point, giving them a breathtaking view of the entire park, but neither of them noticed. They were too focused on each other, on the words that had finally been spoken.
Cindy bit her bottom lip before leaning in closer, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed. "Jimmy… you've really grown up. Admitting you weren't always right… it means a lot."
Jimmy wrapped his arm around her, pulling her even closer. "None of us are always right… but together, Cin, we're smarter, stronger—better than any boring couple out there."
Cindy blinked in surprise at the maturity in his words. It was unlike Jimmy she knew, or at least, the one she used to know. Suddenly, everything made sense—their future, their marriage, Heartis. But the curiosity was gnawing at her. She couldn't wait any longer.
"You still haven't answered my question," Cindy said, her voice tinged with tension as she lifted her head from his shoulder. She grabbed both of his arms, her eyes locking with his. "Heartis's watch revealed something I never thought possible… Be honest with me, Jimmy. Have you ever thought, even for a moment, that one day you'd propose… to me?"
Jimmy glanced down briefly before flashing a small, almost bashful smile. "Maybe… ever since that time we were stranded on that island."
Cindy barely had time to process his words before Jimmy suddenly stood up, dropping to one knee in front of her with that same half-smile on his face. "Does this answer your question?" he asked, taking her hand as if he were really proposing.
Her eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding in her chest. Was he serious? Or was this just another one of his jokes? She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me you're not kidding?"
Jimmy chuckled softly, still holding her hand. "I haven't even prepared a speech… But, Cynthia Aurora Vortex, will you marry me?... Not today, of course, maybe... as a future promise." he added, his smile widening. He knew her answer—he could see it in her eyes, and maybe that's why he felt so confident in asking.
Cindy's face turned crimson as she hesitated, her mind racing. He seemed to be joking, but there was a sincerity in his eyes that made her think otherwise. She swallowed hard before finally answering, "Y-yes?"
They stared at each other in shock for a moment, the reality of what they'd just said hanging in the air. Then, almost at the same time, they burst into laughter, the nervous energy releasing all at once. Jimmy sat back down beside her, still chuckling, and their laughter slowly faded as they met each other's gaze again, both blushing.
They knew they were too young for such things, but at least they knew now where they stood.
Meanwhile, across the park, Carl was in the middle of yet another unfortunate situation. His face was pale, and he was clutching his stomach as he wandered through Retroland, desperately looking for a bathroom or something to settle his stomach. The cotton candy, corn dogs, and soda from earlier were clearly not sitting well, and he felt like his insides were doing cartwheels.
Just then, Libby and Sheen spotted him from a distance. They were heading toward a food stall, chatting as they walked.
As they walked, they spotted Carl, looking like he was about to collapse. "Carl?" Libby called out, hurrying over. "What's wrong?"
Carl groaned, holding his stomach. "I think… my stomach isn't on 'Mabram'… or maybe I shouldn't have had that third corn dog…"
Sheen snickered, but Libby rolled her eyes and grabbed Carl's arm, helping him to a nearby bench. "Come on, let's get you some water or something."
As they reached the food stall, they were joined by Jimmy and Cindy, who were holding hands, their earlier moment still fresh between them. They looked happy, more at ease with each other.
Libby raised an eyebrow as they approached. "Well, don't you two look cozy?"
Cindy blushed, but she didn't let go of Jimmy's hand. "Yeah, whatever you say."
Sheen grinned, nudging Libby. "Told you, Libs. They're not just any boring couple—they're the ultimate brainpower duo."
Carl, still clutching his stomach, managed a weak smile. "I'm happy for you guys… but can someone get me a ginger ale?"
As they all gathered around the food stall, the gang found themselves settling into the kind of easy, relaxed atmosphere that only close friends could share. Carl sipped on his ginger ale, his face slowly regaining some color, but he still looked a bit queasy. He glanced at the various snacks on display, his stomach growling despite the lingering discomfort.
"I think I'm still hungry," Carl admitted cautiously, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I'm not sure my stomach can handle it."
Sheen, always quick with a joke, chuckled as he reached for a basket of fries. "You're like a black hole, Carl. You inhale everything in sight and then wonder why you're about to implode."
Libby shot Sheen a look, though she couldn't hide her smile, and handed Carl a single fry. "Maybe stick to something light this time, we don't need you passing out on us."
Carl accepted the fry with a small nod, nibbling on it as if testing whether his stomach would cooperate. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Cindy sat close together, sharing a basket of popcorn. Their earlier moment still lingered between them, an unspoken bond that neither seemed eager to break as they continued holding hands.
"So," Libby began, her tone teasing as she glanced between Jimmy and Cindy with a knowing smirk, "did you two enjoy your little ride?"
Cindy blushed, rolling her eyes playfully but unable to hide her smile. "It was... nice."
Jimmy nodded, trying to maintain his usual calm demeanor, but there was a warmth in his expression that wasn't lost on anyone. "Yeah, definitely."
Sheen, ever the instigator, grinned and leaned in. "Nice, huh? Sounds like you two were busy planning your future wedding."
Cindy's blush deepened, but she didn't pull away from Jimmy. "Sheen, you're such a dork."
Libby laughed, nudging Sheen. "Leave them alone. Let them enjoy their popcorn in peace."
Jimmy's expression darkened slightly as he shot Sheen an annoyed glare. He was about to cross his arms, but with one still entwined with Cindy's, he resisted. His voice carried a hint of aggression as he retorted, "And where's that silly doll you're always dreaming about?"
Sheen hesitated, taken aback by Jimmy's sudden change in tone. He quickly recovered, shrugging it off with a grin. "Sorry if you took the plan seriously," He glanced at Libby, who was sitting next to him, a smile tugging at his lips. "But I think I'll save that for another day."
Jimmy raised an eyebrow, his irritation evident. "Who cares? You still owe us pizza." He leaned closer to Cindy, his sly smile returning. "At least I had a good time."
Cindy met his smile with one of her own, a silent exchange that didn't go unnoticed by their friends. There was something different about the way they interacted now, a subtle shift that hadn't been there before.
Libby and Sheen exchanged a glance, their suspicions growing. It was as if Jimmy and Cindy had finally stopped denying what had been obvious to everyone else for so long. Now, they seemed more... connected.
"Like you've never tasted it in your life, Jim," Sheen muttered with a resigned sigh as he stood up, heading off to order the promised pizza.
"Make it a large," Carl called after him, his voice a little stronger now that his stomach was settling.
"I know!" Sheen shouted back, his voice fading as he walked away.
As Carl continued to nibble on his fry, feeling more like himself again, Libby couldn't help but stare at Jimmy and Cindy, confused yet intrigued by the change in them.
As the gang gathered around a table at the food stall, they dug into a large pizza that Sheen had dutifully ordered. The aroma of melted cheese and pepperoni filled the air, and even Carl, who had just been battling an upset stomach, couldn't resist grabbing a slice. The easy banter between them returned, the earlier tension giving way to the familiar camaraderie that always brought them together.
Libby, noticing how close Jimmy and Cindy were sitting. "So, what's on everyone's mind now? It's been a pretty eventful evening."
Cindy shrugged, still holding onto Jimmy's hand under the table, feeling the warmth of his fingers interlaced with hers. "I'm just glad Carl's not in the ER after everything he ate."
Carl, mid-bite, gave a sheepish grin. "Hey, I'm fine now! But, uh, maybe I'll slow down on the snacks next time."
The group shared a laugh, the light-heartedness of the moment bringing them closer. As the pizza disappeared slice by slice, the conversation drifted to various topics—upcoming school projects, weekend plans, and Sheen's latest obsession with Ultra Lord.
When the pizza was finished, and they'd all had their fill, the group decided to head home. The night air was cool and refreshing as they left Retroland, the bright lights of the park fading into the distance behind them. Jimmy and Cindy naturally drifted ahead, their hands still comfortably linked, while Sheen and Libby followed a few paces behind.
As they walked, Jimmy and Cindy enjoyed the quiet, content in each other's company. The streets were mostly empty, the soft hum of streetlights the only sound around them. That is, until they heard faint whispers and muffled laughter from behind.
Jimmy glanced over his shoulder and saw Sheen and Libby huddled together, trying (and failing) to stifle their giggles. He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, focusing on the warmth of Cindy's hand in his.
Cindy, however, wasn't as patient. She could feel the laughter getting under her skin, her irritation bubbling up with each snicker she heard. She tried to ignore it, but when she caught a glimpse of the teasing looks on their friends' faces, she couldn't hold back any longer.
Spinning around to face them, she let go of Jimmy's hand and crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "What's so funny back there?"
Libby and Sheen looked at each other, trying to contain their amusement, but the sight of Cindy's fiery expression only made them laugh harder.
"Oh, nothing," Libby teased, a mischievous grin on her face. "It's just... we're not used to seeing you two all couple-y like this."
Sheen nodded, grinning widely. "Yeah, I mean, it's great and all, but it's still a little surprising. We're impressed, though!"
Jimmy, sensing Cindy's anger rising, stepped closer to her, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. He was annoyed too, but he wasn't going to let their teasing get to him. Instead, he turned to face Sheen and Libby, his expression stern but controlled. "We are a couple! so what next huh? You two are going to laugh until your heart stops or what?"
Cindy, following Jimmy's lead, nodded in agreement. "And If you two have something to say, just say it, as if you have any influence at all."
Libby smile faded, realizing that their teasing wasn't having the effect they'd intended. "Alright, alright, we'll stop. It doesn't matter."
Jimmy's frown deepened as he looked between Libby and Sheen. "I... I'm going to take a shortcut, good night."
Without another word, he turned and started walking down a side street, leaving Sheen and Libby standing there.
"Laugh at yourself first, Libby, at least I don't have a relationship with dorks." Cindy giving them both a pointed look before following after Jimmy.
"Hey, I am not a dork!" Sheen shouted behind her in annoyance.
From here Libby began to boil with anger but she let Jimmy and Cindy walk away *Cindy... if you hadn't been my friend for so long you'd be crying in your mom's arms right now.*
Jimmy and Cindy stood a few feet from her house, the tension between them still lingering from their encounter with Libby and Sheen. Jimmy released her hand, his annoyance still evident.
"So…" Jimmy began, his voice tinged with lingering frustration. "I'll see you tomorrow… at school."
"Yeah, of course." Cindy replied, looking down, her tone mirroring his frustration.
They exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of their new relationship. They had only just started getting used to being a couple, and the thought of being apart, even for a short while, was harder than either of them expected—especially for Cindy. At least some of Jimmy's inventions or something like that can distract him for a while.
They stood in silence, searching for the right words, until Jimmy finally broke it. "Don't worry about what Libby or Ultra dork or anyone else thinks… I'll always love you."
Cindy blushed, her voice soft as she looked up at him. "Jimmy... there's something you should know very well."
"What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Cindy took a deep breath, her expression more vulnerable than he had ever seen. "I love you too… and I always will."
Jimmy's eyes widened, a smile of disbelief spreading across his face. Although he knew before that her deep feelings towards him reached the point of falling in love with him. "I know, I've been feeling it... that's why I love you so much now." He said while brushing his hair back, but some strands escaped from it to his forehead.
Without saying anything more, they turned and began to walk toward Cindy's front door, their eyes locked on each other, both smiling sadly at the thought of parting. As they reached the door, they lingered for a moment, taking in the sight of one another, before Cindy finally stepped inside. The door closed slowly, leaving Jimmy standing there, his heart full as he turned to walk back home.
Cindy was so happy because Jimmy felt the same way and they were a really couple now. But there was a little problem... Her mother.
