A few weeks later, Tobey was doing the same thing that he always did; namely, trying to help Becky defeat some villain that he used to call a friend. Once again, it was Dr. Two-Brains, who was attempting to steal a copy of the film Lover's Leap. Now, it might seem strange that Two-Brains should make such an effort over something like this. However, the reviews all called it the "cheesiest romantic comedy of the year," so he felt that it was well within his domain. Also, the video store just so happened to sit next to Camembert Bear, the place that made life size bears out of the titular dairy product. So, it was a diabolical double dose for the doctor.

I still can't believe the nerve of this idiot, Tobey thought as he watched his machines operate. I mean, to think that he wants to steal such a ridiculous film!

"Um, Tobey?" Called a familiar voice in the boy genius's earpiece.

"Yeah? What's up, Becks?"

"I…well…this is rather embarrassing, but…Two-Brains escaped," Becky confessed.

Tobey smacked his face. "What? How?"

"Um…I kinda lost track of the battle when he held up a copy of the movie and threatened to destroy it. I couldn't let that happen, Tobey! It was my favorite movie of this year! So…I kinda saved the video…and he left."

Once more, Tobey found his hand thudding against his forehead. "Alright. Just…come on back. We'll find him again…somehow."

"Roger," Becky responded before cutting her mic off.

Tobey slouched back in his chair. He loved so many things about Becky, but her lack of concentration when it came to certain things really bugged him. For instance, she could get so easily distracted when she was out fighting crime. The moment that her focus retooled itself, villains had no chance. But when cute kittens or fun projects or other various things that 10-year-old girls love happened to pass by, she turned into putty. She was so intelligent and so quick witted. How she could let such frivolities get in the way of her mission was beyond Tobey's realm of reasoning.

But how to explain that to her without jeopardizing her feelings or our friendship? He thought.

He didn't have to wait long to find an answer. Soon enough, Becky waltzed into the spaceship as if nothing had happened. She appeared to be trying to hide her humiliation. But Tobey could see right through the façade and he swung himself around to face her. She had a look of regret on her face, yet also one of joy. Like most people, Tobey found this to be an odd combination. He wondered if she'd gotten up to something that would put their entire mission at risk.

"So…beaten by a film, eh?" He asked

Becky looked down. "Um…yeah."

"Look, Becky, I know you're my 'boss,' technically, but you're also my friend. So, I feel a need to ask…why the hell were you beaten by a movie?!"

"I don't know!" Becky shouted back, waving her arms frantically.

In doing so, she dropped something. It was small, rectangular in nature, and would have fit perfectly in any bookcase in the world. Tobey leaned over and almost retched at the sight. It was a copy of the film in question. Apparently, Becky had thought that gaining this was more important than catching Two-Brains. He just hoped that it wasn't the same copy that the dastardly scientist was getting ready to steal.

"Becky…is that what I think it is?"

"Wha-? Oh, that!" Becky said, chuckling in embarrassment. "Um…yeah, that's a copy of Lover's Leap."

"Really?"

"What?! They were having a sale," Becky protested, "and I couldn't pass it up."

"You probably could have," Tobey groused.

"No, I couldn't," Becky said decidedly.

"Ugh!" Tobey grunted. "I really don't see what's so great about that movie!"

"Oh, I don't know…something about it is simply…magnetic," Becky said dreamily.

Tobey looked at her as she looked at the cover. She had the same look all girls her age get when they find a leading actor irresistibly attractive. Her eyes were half-closed and she had a dazed, trance like look on her face. Her smile was soft and gentle and Tobey knew that she was fantasizing about meeting the name that stood at the very top of the film's cast list: Nicholas Walgate. He was the most popular actor in the world and the main reason Lover's Leap had made over $500 million at the box office. But to Tobey, Walgate was just another twit sapping up Becky's attention. He wanted her to look at him in that same way.

Walgate, Walgate, Walgate, he grumbled to himself.

Out loud, he cleared his throat and Becky snapped back to attention. She shook her head and blushed as Tobey pointed out that they needed to locate and stop Dr. Two-Brains. Unfortunately for the both of them, the hour was late and they needed to get home. So, they made plans to halt the wicked mouse enthusiast after school the next day. Neither of them really wanted to wait, as there was no telling what kind of trouble Two-Brains would get into. But they had no choice.

After their customary flight back across the lake, Becky set Tobey down. She turned to walk towards her home, expecting Tobey to follow her. When he didn't, she became concerned. This wasn't like him at all. Typically, he'd be right by her side, jawing back and forth with her. At first, their conversations were somewhat minimal. Their friendship had grown to the point where they were now holding active debates and interesting philosophical outbursts all the time. They didn't agree on everything, but Tobey's improved attitude meant that they could be civil about such things. There were some things that he said that genuinely surprised Becky and made her think critically about the world around her.

"Hey…Tobey…you okay?" She asked.

"Hm? Oh, yeah…just…thinking."

"What about?"

"Oh, you know, this and that….a veritable potpourri of thoughts."

Once more, there came an inquisitive chirp from the ever present Huggy.

"Oh, a potpourri is another way of saying a mixture of different, often randomized things," Becky defined happily, "for instance, a stew might contain a potpourri of ingredients, or a book might have a potpourri of facts."

"You know, I never tire of hearing you define words," Tobey said.

"…and I never tire of defining them," Becky smiled.

Tobey was caught by her sudden grin, which beamed in the bright moonlight that cascaded down upon them. He was very suddenly aware of the romanticized nature of their situation. His face flushed as he admired her figure standing there, just a tantalizing foot or two away from him. All of his previous jealousy over her small crush on Nicholas Walgate melted. For, after all, Walgate didn't know Becky. Tobey did, and he thanked his lucky stars that fate had brought her into his life.

"Tobey…you okay?" Becky asked again, breaking into his thoughts.

"Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm good," Tobey reiterated. "Um, look, I'd love to walk you home, Becky, but my mom asked me to get something at the store on the way."

"Oh, alright," Becky said. "Guess I'll see ya tomorrow, then."

"Bright and early," Tobey said, offering a wink and a small hand gesture.

Becky giggled cutely. "Of course," she said before she and Huggy turned and walked off into the darkness.

On his way back through the darkened streets of the city, Tobey took note of just how quiet the city was…too quiet, in his opinion. Being a former villain, he knew very well what could lurk in the shadows. Such aesthetics very often bore witness to the dangerous. But, even more so, they could play host to the provocative. Someone, somewhere within that shroud of disturbing blackness might just want to poke and prod him back over to their side. He shook his head and muscled his way towards the store.

I made a promise to Becky, he reminded himself. I swear on my life I won't break it.

He had almost made it to the store when he heard a faint chuckle coming from behind him. It was a high-pitched squeak that betrayed the rodent leanings of its owner. Tobey breathed deeply as he whirled around to see Dr. Two-Brains and his henchmen standing there. Immediately, Tobey turned on some of his old villainous mechanisms. He wasn't about to allow this cretin to weasel into he and Becky's special relationship. As far as Two-Brains was concerned, Tobey remained a villain. Thus, he was happy to play the role.

"Ah, Dr. Two-Brains," Tobey said in his old, snide, faux British manner. "How…nice to see you."

"Uh-huh," Two-Brains said. "Look, Tobey, I'm in no mood for your shenanigans tonight. I, and my henchmen, are here on official orders from the Evil Villains Association."

"Ah, the good ol' EVA. By the by, might I say that last month's gathering was really quite spectacular?"

"Interesting that you'd bring that up," Two-Brains sneered, "considering the fact that you didn't attend!"

"Didn't attend?" Tobey asked in a mock huff. "Why, I'm insulted. The very idea that you would accuse me of not attending an EVA conference. Really, Doctor."

Two-Brains rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Listen, brat. I don't have all night, so here's the skinny: you've been terminated from the EVA."

"Wha…but, whatever for?"

"Whatever for? For colluding and collaborating with WordGirl, that's what for!" Two-Brains yelled angrily. "I mean, really. I've heard of villains doing stupid things before, but this is the most outlandish thing yet! You're aiding and abetting our archenemy!"

"I…am…not," Tobey said, gulping nervously, wondering how in the hell the EVA had managed to find out about he and Becky.

"Oh, yes, you are," Two-Brains snarled. "We have video proof!"

"Video proof?" Tobey squeaked.

"Video proof, you worthless piece of human waste," Two-Brains spat. "See…our leader is…well…you know. They're everywhere. They know everything, Tobey. You were a member long enough to know exactly what they're all about. You know their plans, Tobey, and we can't let you louse them up! So, tonight, Tobey…not only do you leave the EVA…but you forfeit your life as well. BOYS!"