The next day, Tobey found himself sitting with Becky and her friends around their regular lunch table. Across from he and his secret crush were the school's ace reporter Todd "Scoops" Ming and a much less hostile Violet. Becky had managed to come up with a fictitious source for the controversial conversation which seemed to suit her best friend. Now, Becky was excitedly chattering away with Violet, explaining how she and Tobey were friends now and she wanted to integrate him into their friend circle. Both Scoops and Violet were apprehensive at the idea, especially considering how, only two weeks before, he'd attempted to smash their school after receiving a less than stellar grade.

"…but, Violet, Scoops, you all believe in second chances, right?" Becky asked.

"Well, normally I'd say yes," Scoops said, "but in this case…"

"It just doesn't feel right, Becky," Violet said. "No offense, Tobey, but I think we need to see more than one or two days of good behavior before we're ready to completely accept your…rather sudden change of heart."

Tobey looked down. While he loved his newfound relationship with Becky, he'd hoped to spread his new worldview among the rest of his peers. Unfortunately, it seemed that those dreams remained squarely in the metaphorical pipe. He certainly understood their point of view. After all, his snobbish antics and robotic bullying were legendary around the school. Now that he had found friendship, he didn't want anything to do with those pastimes anymore. But it looked as if winning over Violet and Scoops was going to be a bit harder than winning Becky.

"Now, guys," Becky said, "I think you're being too rough on Tobey."

"Too rough on him?" Scoops asked incredulously. "But, Becky…you've been rougher on him than any of us!"

"I know, I know," Becky said. "But after our…conversation a few nights ago, he's done plenty to assure me that he's gone good."

"Look, Becks," Scoops said. "I think Vi and I trust you more than anyone else in this school…no, I KNOW we trust you. We just don't trust him…" (he pointed an accusatory finger at Tobey) "…well, not yet, anyway."

Those words had scarcely cleared the air before Violet and Scoops got up and slowly walked over to discard their garbage before returning to class. Becky and Tobey, for their part, felt a little stung by the way that the other two kids had treated them. Becky was mostly upset with Violet for not being as accepting and open as she knew her friend could be. Tobey was upset that his reformation didn't seem to be going over well. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel excited as well. After all, the girl he'd truly wanted to win over had done so. He and Becky were friends now, and he knew that she would fight for him…just as he would do for her.

—

After school, Tobey and Becky walked home together, foregoing the traditional bus ride. Though their houses were close together, it was the first time they'd ever done so. While they walked, they chatted. Tobey was extremely happy to have someone other than his own evil thoughts to speak with on the walk home. The conversation was another eye opener for him as he learned things about Becky that he never would have known otherwise. Her lecture about how Count Cloudy was the most brilliant villain ever concocted for television was both amusing and joyous. He loved watching her eyes sparkle as she spoke of her favorite source of visual entertainment.

"…and that's why Count Cloudy should be ranked number one on the list of best TV villains of all time," Becky concluded with a cute flip of her hair. "Ironclad arguments, if I do say so myself."

Tobey chuckled. "Oh, Becks. You and your filibusters about Pretty Princess."

Next to her, Bob let out a small chirp.

Becky turned to him. "Oh, well, when someone uses a filibuster, that means that they give a big, long, somewhat winded speech on a subject that they're passionate about. For instance, I'm sure Tobey could give us one hell of a filibuster about robots…right?"

Tobey smiled. "Quite possibly, yes. But let's not talk about that. I wanted to speak with you about…well, it was about…what happened at lunch."

Becky sighed. "I'm so sorry, Tobey. It may just take a while for my friends to become your friends, that's all."

"I guess you're right. I can't be expected to assimilate into our school's social circles all in the span of a couple of days."

Becky put a comforting hand on his shoulder as they arrived at her front walk. They exchanged farewells before she headed inside. The gears of her alien mind were turning much faster than they ever had before. She was determined to find a way for her newest compatriot to find himself enjoying the same joyous friendships that she did. However, she was equally enthralled by the prospect that she now had a veritable genius on her side. Tobey's knowledge of technology and robotics could suit her cause rather nicely.

Yes, she thought as she sat down to dinner with her family. That might do just fine…

—

The next day, in a fit of excitement, she grabbed Tobey before class. She could tell that the boy was a bit tense, so she took special care not to accidentally utilize her super strength. Her mind raced as she led him through the halls of the school. Saying that she was giddy would be an understatement. In fact, she was happier at this plan than at most of the plans she and Huggy had come up with. She'd spent the whole night figuring it out. Now, everything was in place, and it was time for Tobey to learn his new destiny.

"Ow!" Tobey protested as Becky pushed him into a broom closet.

"Sorry," she said, shutting the door behind them, "but, I just couldn't wait!"

"Wait for what?" Tobey asked. "For God's sakes, Becky. I know you can be excitable at certain things, but…"

"Okay, okay, okay," Becky said. "Point taken. I'll try and be more careful. But, this is worth the…minor contusion, isn't it?"

If the lights had been on, Tobey's blush would have been quite evident. Here he was, alone with the girl of his dreams in a closet. If there was a huge list of adolescent fantasies that every boy had, this was probably one of them. So, in that regard, the pain was absolutely worth it. Whatever Becky had to say, on the other hand, might nullify that entirely. So, to be frankly honest, the jury was still out.

"Perhaps," Tobey said. "It depends on what you have to say."

"Look, Tobey," Becky said, "I know you've had a…difficult time adjusting to your new ways. But I've found a method that's sure to help!"

"You have?"

"Yes!" Becky chirped gleefully. "See, I need someone to be my mission coordinator and help direct everything from my secret spaceship hideout!"

Tobey was taken aback. He hadn't been prepared for this at all. The twists and turns of the past few days suddenly seemed minimal. A proposition to work directly with his personal hero was something he'd secretly dreamed of for years. Now, he'd received it and his heart leapt for joy. However, at the same time, something caught in his throat. His own personal demons reared their collective heads and he felt a twinge of self-doubt. He knew his talents and his genius. What he did not know was how to apply them in the pursuit of good instead of evil. His heart began to race a bit as he waged a small mental battle. He certainly didn't want to disappoint Becky and turn her down. But he also didn't want to dive headlong into a pool that he wasn't ready to swim in.

"Well, what do you say?" Becky asked.

"Um…I…er…" Tobey stammered. "I mean…"

"Yes?"

Tobey sighed. "I'd love to do it, Becky. I really would. But, I'm a bit apprehensive of the whole thing. I only just stopped villainy, you know. This whole 'being good' thing is still incredibly new to me. What if I mess up and turn your entire operation into a farce?"

Becky rolled her eyes a bit. "Tobey, I wouldn't have asked you to do this if I didn't think you could. In spite of your past actions, your personal intelligence has always been incredibly impressive. Married to the right cause, it could prove incredibly beneficial for the entire city. Think about it. Crime detection units, advancements in medical robotics, an entire alien supercomputer at your disposal…frankly, the sky's the limit!"

Tobey smiled. "Well, when you put it that way, it doesn't sound as nerve wracking. Alright, I'll do it!"

Becky immediately threw her arms around her former enemy, an action which the boy genius found both warm and a tad awkward. He felt his face go red once more. It certainly would have been a much deeper shade had there been anyone around. But there, in that broom closet, he could allow himself a bit more flexibility. So, he returned the hug. He could feel Becky's chest move up and down with each successive breath. It was incredibly rhythmic, just like everything else she did. Her heartbeat was noticeable as well and he couldn't help but stand there and feel his own right alongside.

Alright, Becks, he said to himself. You've given me a chance. I will be damned if I blow it.