Jessa and Boober were now lying in the grass staring up at the sky, but she had dozed off.
"This is something I never admit out loud," Boober began, not noticing Jessa resting her eyes. "But I'm having a great time."
Boober waited for Jessa to respond but heard nothing. He turned to see her resting her eyes before smiling. She looked so pretty with the moonlight reflecting off her face and highlighting her black hair. Boober rolled over and held her face, to which Jessa smiled and giggled in response, though her eyes remained closed. Oh, how beautiful she looked! He then stole a kiss from her before looking around, spotting a flower near the rock. Boober decided to surprise her and went to pick it, but when he reached the flower, Sidebottom began to take over his body.
"I've waited long enough, Boober. Now I want to spend time with Jessa."
"Sidebottom no!"
But it was too late. Boober had been pushed into his subconscious and Sidebottom was free to do whatever he wanted. He yanked the flower out of the ground and ran over to Jessa, laughing the whole time.
"What's so funny?" Jessa asked, unaware of what was going on.
That is, until Sidebottom glomped on her, causing Jessa to yelp.
"Boober, what the hell?!" she griped before noticing Sidebottom on top of her, squeezing her like she was his favorite teddy bear.
"Miss me, Sugar Lips?" he asked sweetly.
"Sidebottom? What brings you here?"
"You of course," he replied before smooching her cheek. "Why else would I be here? And besides, why should Boober get all the cuddles?!"
"Don't tell me you're jealous of yourself," Jessa replied in amusement while petting his hair.
"I haven't seen you in a while, Sugar Lips. I miss you."
Sidebottom then nuzzled her, his hair tickling Jessa's skin.
"You're all mine for the evening, baby."
"What do you mean 'for the evening?'
"At least until Boober decides to lock me back up again."
Jessa had no words for this sort of thing. This was her second time encountering Sidebottom, and Boober was nowhere to be seen.
"He repressed Boober?" Jessa thought in confusion while Sidebottom kissed her jawline.
"In the meantime, Sugar Lips, I want to enjoy your company."
Jessa couldn't help but grin before kissing Sidebottom on his cheekbone, to which he giggled as his tail wagged. Jessa stared at and saw his baloobius glowing brightly.
"You're a hoot, Sidebottom," she said sweetly.
"Of course I am, I'm Boober's fun side."
Sidebottom held Jessa's face and smothered her in kisses, which made her giggle.
"I got something for you, Sugar Lips."
"Oh?"
Sidebottom sat up and pulled out the flower before placing it on Jessa's head.
"Two beautiful things put together."
Jessa smiled and blushed while staring at the flower on her head before Sidebottom rested his head on her shoulder.
"You're just as pretty as you were when I last saw you."
Sidebottom let his hands feel around Jessa's body, caressing her curves and drawing circles in certain areas with his index fingers. Jessa gasped at this and felt her tail wag.
"I love you," Sidebottom whispered seductively into her ear before stealing a kiss.
"I love you too," Jessa replied without realizing it.
Sidebottom grinned.
"You want me, don't you," he teased.
Jessa blushed even deeper, but gave him an expression that said, 'Try me.' She held his stare and Sidebottom continued his flirting.
"Admit it, Jessa, you want me badly."
"That's the first time I've heard you call me by my name."
"Your name is Jessa, is it not?"
Sidebottom began a series of kisses on her neck as she replied.
"Yes. And you're the one to talk about being wanted."
Sidebottom was about to smooch her again, but Jessa placed her index finger on his puckered lips.
"You won the last time," she began while Sidebottom stared at her, blushing deeply. "Now it's my turn to fluster you."
"I'd love to see you try, Sugar Lips."
"That shouldn't be too hard," Jessa murmured while running her fingers through his hair. "After all, you love me."
Sidebottom didn't get a chance to reply as Jessa planted a passionate kiss on his cheek, turning him into a giggling mess in no time. He melted at each kiss and Jessa began to see for herself how much he enjoyed them.
"You really love the affection, don't you," she teased.
"Sugar Lips…" Sidebottom began, too lovestruck by the kisses to continue.
"That's payback for kissing my neck on the roof of the gorg's castle."
Sidebottom remained quiet for a while, still smiling from being kissed by Jessa.
"Good thing you're so cute," she whispered before kissing him again.
Sidebottom was grinning like he never had before, and he was giggling mercilessly. Jessa paused to see him carry on and smiled.
"I never really thought seeing someone giggle could be so adorable."
By that time, Sidebottom stopped giggling and sighed lovingly. But before Jessa could do or say more, he leaned into her and began making out with her.
"Sidebottom, what are you…" Jessa began in between kisses but found herself returning the gesture.
They began smooching passionately while their tails wagged. Jessa moaned slightly, which made Sidebottom happy.
"Nothing is hotter than hearing you moan, Sugar Lips," he murmured before squeezing her.
Jessa didn't reply, instead continued making out with Sidebottom. While this was going on, Wembley peeked out of the rock to look for Boober and Jessa, only to see them kissing. Because they were so far away, Wembley couldn't see that it was Sidebottom kissing her and not Boober. He watched for a bit, not wanting to interrupt them, until they finished, Jessa giggling and Sidebottom saying sweet things to her. Wembley saw a chance to go over there. Sidebottom complimented Jessa's face just as Wembley approached them.
"What are you two doing out here in the gorg's garden?"
Jessa turned around to face Wembley just as Sidebottom did, and it hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Sidebottom?"
"Hi, Wembley," Sidebottom greeted him.
"Wait," Jessa began. "You know about him too?"
"Of course I do. He's Boober's fun alter ego."
Jessa glanced at Sidebottom, who only winked at her flirtatiously. However, she couldn't see it because of his hair.
"Anyway, I can explain," Jessa began. "Boober looked like he was about to lose his shit over the loud music, so I brought him out here where it was quiet. And then Sidebottom appeared."
Wembley hummed in response just as another song came on. Even from outside, it could be heard. Sidebottom perked up at the noise.
"Hey, they got some good music playing in there," he said before hopping up. "Let's party!"
Sidebottom grabbed Jessa's hand as she followed behind, Wembley following them back into the rock. At least they were out of the gorg's garden. But Wembley felt that he had to warn Jessa about Sidebottom. Though he wasn't malicious, he tended to get carried away sometimes.
"Jessa, can I talk to you for a minute?" He asked.
"Sure, what's the 411?"
"I've met Sidebottom a few times when Boober and I shared dreams, and-"
"You can share dreams?"
"Yeah, any fraggle can share dreams. You didn't know this?"
Jessa shook her head in response.
"Anyway, Sidebottom is loads of fun, but he does get crazy after a while."
"Crazy as in murdering someone, or..."
Before Wembley could explain any further, Sidebottom yelled from across the room.
"Hey Wembley, Sugar Lips, come over here and dance!"
"He calls you Sugar Lips?" Wembley inquired.
"It's a long story."
They both joined Sidebottom and for a few minutes, everything was awesome. Sidebottom and Jessa danced together, and they all laughed. But once Sidebottom saw the game of pong going on he wanted to join, prompting Jessa and Wembley to look after him.
"Sidebottom, don't you dare!" Jessa yelled, but this did nothing to stop him from consuming the alcohol.
"Sidebottom, why?" Wembley asked in disbelief.
Sidebottom was about to drink another one when Jessa snatched it out of his hands.
"I can't let you do this, Sidebottom," she said to him.
"But it's a party, Sugar Lips. I want to have fun."
"There's plenty of other ways to have fun."
"Yeah," Wembley agreed.
"Not like this. Yee-haw!"
Before they knew it, Wembley and Jessa were on a wild goose chase. They had to keep an eye on Sidebottom and make sure he didn't get wasted. Of course, this wasn't easy. Sidebottom was too fast.
"I think we lost him," Wembley said to Jessa while catching his breath.
"Not yet," Jessa replied while pointing to her right.
Wembley saw what Jessa saw. But then something similar appeared in the corner of his eye.
"No, he's over there."
Jessa looked to see whoever was disappearing behind a rock.
"Crap," she grumbled.
"Which one is Sidebottom?"
"We have to split up. You go that way, and I'll go this way."
Wembley went to the right and Jessa to the left. She tried to be as quiet as possible when sneaking up on Sidebottom. But when she caught him, Jessa was shocked to find out it wasn't him. The fraggle Jessa found did resemble Boober in some ways, but there were some major differences. Her hair color was a duller shade of red in comparison to Boober's vibrant red hair. And her skin was more of a full-on blue instead of the blue-green mix. Not to mention that she wasn't potato-shaped and that her eyes were visible.
"Oh, sorry," she apologized while letting go. "I was looking for someone else."
"Who are you looking for?" asked the female fraggle asked.
"I'm looking for a short fraggle, bluish-green with red hair."
"You found her," the lady replied flirtatiously while referring to herself.
Jessa was not amused.
"You're not funny," she replied with a deadpan tone. "Tell me where he is."
"He?"
"Yes, the fraggle I'm looking for is a dude. And his name is Boober. Have you or have you not seen him?!"
Before the look-alike could respond, Jessa heard Sidebottom's laughter from a distance. Jessa stepped aside to get a closer look and saw Wembley running after Sidebottom, who was a bit intoxicated by this point and couldn't run nearly as fast. But Wembley was too slow. Jessa wasted no time running over to a vine to swing on to reach them.
"Sidebottom, slow down," Wembley begged.
"Try to catch me, buddy!" Sidebottom slurred.
He tried to run again, but Jessa landed right in front of him.
"This has gone on for long enough," Jessa lectured before grabbing Sidebottom's hand.
"There you are, Sugar Lips. *hiccup*"
"Man, you are wasted."
Jessa began to lead him away from all the festivities while Wembley followed.
"Where are we going, Jessa?" Wembley asked her.
"Boober's hole."
"I'm not ready to turn in yet," Sidebottom complained. "Let me go!"
"Letting you get even more drunk is like releasing a bull, so no."
"I thought you loved me, Sugar Lips."
"I do, and that's why Wembley and I are dragging you to your room so you can chill out."
"I don't want to chill out! That's all I ever do!"
Wembley and Jessa made it to Boober's hole as the former locked the door.
"I want to be out there in the crowd," Sidebottom lamented. "With all those other fraggles dancing and carrying on. Boober is too damn restrictive. He keeps me locked up in his subconscious and there's nobody else in there."
Jessa couldn't help but feel bad, and Wembley felt the same way. Sidebottom then pulled Jessa closer to him and hugged her tightly.
"I want to be in the real world with you, Jessa," he said softly. "So we can be together and have fun all the time."
This was followed by a few neck kisses from him. Jessa looked at him sadly.
"Way to make me feel like shit," she said under her breath.
Wembley stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do or say next.
"I love you," Sidebottom declared to Jessa. "And I would love to be the one who makes you laugh until your side hurts. Because I love your laugh."
Jessa blushed while Sidebottom kissed her again.
"I love everything about you, Sugar Lips."
"Sidebottom, I- "
Jessa was cut off by him kissing her passionately on the lips. Wembley looked away before Jessa succumbed to the kiss. It didn't last long, but the urgency made up for it.
"I want Boober to give me freedom. So I can spoil you with my sense of humor."
"I'm not the person to grant that type of wish," Jessa replied sadly.
"It's okay, I still love you."
Sidebottom then rested his head on her chest but didn't say anything else.
"Maybe you should lay down, Sidebottom," Wembley finally said.
"I think he's made up his mind, Wembley," Jessa replied.
Wembley glanced at his friend all cuddled up to her, holding on for dear life as if Boober would come back at any given second. Wembley hadn't realized Boober's love for Jessa was this intense. Though he knew Boober wasn't the most subtle person in the world. Wembley remembered his former crush on Tosh, and how he froze in place and gasped every time she appeared. He remembered the time Boober chose Tosh over him as a partner for the Duet-A-Thon (even though he originally had no plans of being in it to begin with), simply because he liked her. But after it was discovered that Tosh plays for the other team, Boober kept his distance and couldn't talk to her for a long time. Eventually, they were on speaking terms again, though Boober had long since gotten over Tosh. That was a year ago. Now he had a different Fraggle in his life. One that returned his feelings. Wembley still remembered being disappointed that his former crush, Lou, was Tosh's girlfriend. But he didn't dwell on it nearly as much as Boober did. Sure, it hurt, but Wembley had never been good at holding grudges. He forgave people so easily, and just like Boober and Tosh, Wembley was still good friends with Lou. They even ate Doozer sticks together from time to time.
"Can I ask you something?" Jessa asked Wembley.
"Sure."
"Is Sidebottom nocturnal?"
Wembley thought for a moment. Given that he only encountered Sidebottom in Boober's dreams, it made sense. Still, he wasn't sure.
"I don't know Jessa."
"I'm asking because it's nighttime right now. And the last time I met him, it was also dark outside."
"Huh..."
Sidebottom shifted, still clinging onto Jessa while she held him. Jessa was surprised that he didn't throw his two cents in.
"He's awfully quiet now," Wembley stated with concern.
"The alcohol is getting to him. He might pass out soon."
Jessa removed his hat and began running her fingers through Sidebottom's hair, to which he grinned and sighed lovingly. Wembley noticed this and smiled weakly. At least Sidebottom was tamed now.
"I wish I knew how to get the alcohol out of his system," Wembley thought out loud.
"You can't," Jessa began. "Only time will allow him to sober up."
"So, when you drink, you have to wait for it to get out?"
"That's what happens when you ingest hard drinks. I should know."
"I thought you said you didn't drink that much."
"On good days. On bad days, I get super inebriated. And let me tell you, hangovers are not fun."
"What's a hangover?"
"Basically a migraine, but times 10."
Wembley shuddered at the thought of a headache that intense.
"Poor Boober, he's going to have a hangover."
"Not to mention he'll be peeing out the alcohol he ingested."
"Ew."
Sidebottom passed out on Jessa during this conversation, though it took both Wembley and Jessa a while to notice.
"Good thing Boober got caught up on the laundry," Wembley pointed out. "Otherwise, he would have a cow if he saw dirty clothes lying around."
"Yeah," Jessa replied while rubbing Sidebottom's head.
It was at that moment she noticed that he and passed out.
"Wembley, look."
He got a closer look at Sidebottom to see him peacefully sleeping off the booze.
"He sure does look happy resting on you."
"I'll say. It's kind of adorable."
Wembley threw open the covers while Jessa laid Sidebottom down on his bed, which was easy since he wasn't awake. After covering him up, Jessa shoved some hair behind his ear and stared at him.
"Do you know how Boober comes back?" she asked Wembley.
"No, I don't unfortunately. It never occurred to me to ask him."
"I hope he does."
Wembley stole a glance at Sidebottom sleeping before doing anything else.
"As much as I want to stay for the after-hours of the summer solstice, it wouldn't be as much fun knowing that Boober is in this state," Jessa admitted.
"The after-hours?"
"Yeah, Mokey and Red told me about it."
"Jessa, that's when it gets… wild."
"It's nothing new to me."
Wembley raised his eyebrows in question, but Jessa didn't elaborate. It was nobody's business what she did in her free time. Her lifestyle was hers and hers only. Jessa knew that she would be missing out on the EDM music, the flow of alcohol, and the laughs that she would soon share with everyone else, but a stronger part of her wanted to stay by Boober's side and make sure he was okay. Now was not the time for more partying. She needed to remain in Boober's hole to look after him. There would always be other celebrations anyway. She was willing to make that sacrifice if it meant that Boober wouldn't be alone.
"How did you enjoy that dance with that one chick?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"It was fun. She seems to like me."
Jessa chuckled wholeheartedly.
"I knew I smelt pheromones radiating off of her."
"Yeah, at least I don't need a love potion this time."
"Love potion?"
"It happened a couple of years ago. I was helping my friends and, well... I wasn't receiving any help in return. Then she came along."
"Who's 'she'?"
"Lou. Her name was Lou Fraggle. She saw that I was in a predicament and helped me. I don't know why, but I fell for her."
Jessa could have sworn she saw a glimmer of reminisce in Wembley's eyes.
"And, the love potion?"
Wembley felt embarrassed that he even went as far as to use a love potion on Lou. He never told her this of course. It didn't seem appropriate to bring it up. Plus, Lou was known for being no-nonsense and a tad temperamental. The last thing Wembley wanted was for Lou to yell at him.
"I still can't believe I went through with this to this day. Mokey and I went to the Trash Heap and she gave me a love potion to use on Lou."
"Dude…"
"But it never got to her. I spilled it in the pond before I could reach her."
Wembley left out the part of the nearby fraggles getting affected and him getting swarmed. It still weirded him out to this day. All of the attention was so foreign to him.
"Love potion does more harm than good," Jessa interjected.
"You got that right."
"Besides, you can't make people fall for you. That stuff just happens naturally."
"The Trash Heap gave me Love Number 9."
"Love Number 9? You've got to be kidding."
"No, that's what she gave me."
"Wembley, that stuff is garbage. It's nothing more than an infatuation placebo."
Wembley hummed contemplatively.
"It's not even long-lasting. The Trash Heap must have not read about it in depth before obtaining it."
"So if Love Number 9 is a crappy potion, are there any good ones?"
"There is no good love spell. You can't manipulate romance. And if there are spells of love, chances are they go against the laws of nature and have bad side effects."
"And to think I almost gave Lou the Love Number 9."
Jessa heard the guilt in his voice and frowned.
"Just be happy that Lou didn't find out if she already hasn't."
"She doesn't know, and to tell you the truth Jessa, I don't know if I want to tell her."
"Then don't. She doesn't need to know every detail of your life. You don't owe her anything."
"It didn't work out between us anyway. She's a lesbian."
"Ouch. Sorry it didn't go the way you planned."
"Nah, it's fine. Lou and I are still friends to this day. She even has a girlfriend."
Jessa smiled in response.
"I guess it worked out one way or another."
"At least you don't need a love potion for Boober. He already loves you."
Jessa smiled before glancing at Sidebottom fast asleep in his bed, only to frown sadly upon seeing how helpless he looked. That and the things he said about not having any freedom.
"Maybe it's just me, but do you think Sidebottom is lonely in the realm of Boober's mind? He said something about there not being any people."
"Gosh, that would be lonely," Wembley commented.
"Though at the same time, I can understand why Boober keeps him away from reality. Sidebottom is a wild card."
It was true that Sidebottom was wild, but more in a class clown sort of way.
"I know how my tomorrow is going to be spent," Jessa said while staring at Sidebottom.
Wembley glanced at Sidebottom sleeping before replying.
"I hope that hangover isn't too horrible."
"You and me both, Wembley."