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Chapter Text

Nobody could really understand the phenomenon that was known as the 'Pink Moon' that appears in many worlds and dimensions, other than it appeared in the first two weeks of February, and always shined the most on Valentine's Day. Some theorized that simple magic was behind this moon, but for others, they dismissed it as a silly theory often discussed by common folk.

But for wizards and witches alike all around the world, they knew about the signs of the Pink Moon, because some couples found themselves quite attracted to each other after at least looking up at this strange moon. They say that those who see the Pink Moon was destined to have good luck... and in the case of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft Wizardry, one certain wizard boy needed all the luck he could muster.

Outside the school, sitting near the lake, Harry Potter was looking out and giving a small sigh as he couldn't help but reminisce. Sure, he could have been at the Gryffindor Common Room to do that, but for times like these, he felt it best that he did his best thinking alone. As of current, he was trying to wave his wand, trying to circle his head around... recent events... for example, the Firebolt that was still being held by Professor McGonagall. He just couldn't believe it. A good broomstick that can help him at Quidditch for Christmas and it got confiscated to be checked for jinxes... all because of one Hermione Granger.

Yeah, he was still a little angry, but not as angry as he was when it got confiscated. He knew, of course, that Hermione meant well, but he just couldn't help but feel that the best gift to be presented was taken away from him in an instant. It almost felt like if the Dursleys took away something good that Harry found to give to Dudley... not that this occurrence ever happened, but Harry felt that it was something the Dursleys would do if they liked magic.

Still, as a couple of weeks past, he started to calm down a bit, and while he still waited for the Firebolt to be returned, he had a little time to ponder over the strange occurrence. It was rather strange that a Firebolt would be left with no note or anything. So why, then, would he be so excited to have a Firebolt if no note was left?

Maybe it was the adrenaline speaking, maybe it was the fact that he got a new broom to replace his previously wrecked Nimbus Two-Thousand. Or maybe it was because of Ron's excitement that he got this gift that Harry got equally excited. Hermione was... only doing the right thing as his friend. He gave a small sigh as he looked down sadly.

He really felt terrible for Hermione and he didn't blame her for doing what she did, she basically avoided her and Ron for a while, only talking to them whenever they needed help with homework. He bit his lip as he looked close to the evening sky. He gave a nod as he started to get up, knowing his destination. If he was lucky, she might-

THUNK!

The boy accidentally bumped into someone rounding the corner as both fell. Harry's glasses fell as he grabbed them and put them on. "Sorry, I wasn't- Hermione?!"

Hermione, who had noticed Harry as she was grabbing her books, yelped as she tucked in a strange item in her pocket. "H-Harry! Wh-what are you doing out here at night?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, wondering what Hermione had tucked in his pocket, but he ignored the subject. "Just sitting down for a little quiet time. What are you doing out here?"

"M-me? I was just... finishing up an Herbology assignment." Hermione said as she nervously eyed Harry, wondering if he had accidentally discovered her secret. "I was about finished anyway, so I should probably-"

"Wait, Hermione!" Harry said as he grabbed the girl's hand, causing her to stop for a moment. "I actually wanted to look for you... to talk. Alone. May I have you here right now, for a few minutes?"

Hermione looked into Harry's green eyes as she looked visibly nervous. "Uh, sure, Harry. Let me just..."

She settled her books to the side as she sat down on the ground, with Harry overlooking the lake. Harry couldn't help but notice Hermione looking rather tense. He wanted to ease her a little bit as he pointed to the lake. "You know, the lake certainly looks nice at sunset."

"It certainly does." Hermione nodded as Harry took a deep breath.

"Look, Hermione, I just want to talk to you about... this." Harry said.

Hermione groaned as she held her head. "I can explain, Harry. McGonagall told me..."

"You don't need to explain yourself. I know you were trying to protect me, and I had some time to think about the Firebolt." Harry said.

Hermione visibly relaxed as she gave a sigh of relief, before realizing Harry was looking at her. "Uh, I mean, the Firebolt? You're still on about that broom?"

Harry looked at his friend, eyes lowering in a glare. Hermione took it as a sign as she rolled her eyes. "Like I told you, I thought that the broom was sent by-"

"-Sirius Black, yes, I believe you told me that, and..." Harry noticed Hermione looking angry, about to set off on him. "...I took some time to think about it, and... I don't hate you for doing that."

Hermione stopped herself in surprise. "Wh-what?"

"I don't hate you for taking away the broom." Harry said as he looked down. "I know you were just looking out for me as my friend. I just wish you just told me before you went to Professor McGonagall about it."

"I-" Hermione stammered a bit before looking at her friend's hurt eyes. She paused in guilt as she looked down. "You're right. I suppose I should have told you first. But... would you have believed me?"

"Maybe not at first, but I always trust your word." Harry said as he looked up at his friend. "No offense to Ron, he's a good friend and has his moments, but he's not exactly the first person I'd come to when it comes to math problems."

Hermione couldn't help but stifle a snicker. "You certainly have a good point."

"Yeah." Harry nodded as the two sat in front of the lake for a few moments of silence. After that had passed, Harry spoke again, "I'm sorry I went off on you. I guess Ron's anger turned into my anger."

"I'm sorry too." Hermione said as she gave a sigh. "It's just... things have been going tough for me, this year, you know."

"I say." Harry said, looking towards Hermione, as he couldn't help but notice her hands trembling a bit. "You look pretty tense."

"I just... I have a lot of work to do. Every class I attend, every bit of homework I'm given... I never thought I'd say this, but I don't know if I can keep up! I don't want to fail anything, I-" Hermione started to breathe as she held her legs, looking ready to stress out.

The young boy couldn't help but notice his best friend trying to cradle herself and shaking her head as he felt he wanted to help her. He did the only thing he could do and held Hermione close to her, putting his arm around her as he whispered, "Take it easy, Hermione, look at me. Just take a deep breath. Slowly."

Slowly, but surely, Hermione's fast breathing started to slow down as her brain started to relax as she looked over to Harry. The young man with the scar on his forehead couldn't help but give one of his rare smiles as he said, "I don't exactly know how tense your situation is, and I won't prod into it if you don't want to say anything. Just know that... you're my friend, Hermione, and I want to be there for you to calm you down. You helped me out quite a bit, so, why don't I help you relax? Right now, I have a feeling you need at least a break."

"A break?" Hermione asked as she shook her head, before giving a smile. "Yeah, you know what? Maybe that IS what I need right now. Just a small... small break..."

"Don't worry about classes. Don't worry about homework... at least until you're calm." Harry hastily added to make sure Hermione could relax. "Just sit here with me, quietly as we stare into the evening sky, the sun setting and the moon rising."

"M-moon rising, yeah..." Hermione smiled as she looked up at the sun in the sky, illuminating the lake that was on the ground. She could hardly believe how pretty the lake looked in the evening. She gave a small smile as she turned her head towards Harry. "Thank you, Harry. You're a good friend."

"I just..." Harry paused a bit. "I just figured I'd do what I thought was right for you."

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she laid his head down on the boy's head, snuggling close. Harry blushed a bit, but put his arm around her as Hermione gave a small, but happy sigh. Harry then looked up as he noticed the moon slowly rising. It was then he noticed quite an unusual color on that moon itself. "Hey Hermione. Does the moon always grow pink like that, or am I seeing things?"

Hermione looked over to where Harry was pointing, before she gave a smile. "I think I read about this. Whenever two people look at a pink moon at the same time, it's a likely sign that said people would find romance together."

Harry blushed a bit as he looked over at Hermione, before Hermione gave a giggle. "Of course, that's just what I read in the books. It was theorized by Merlin himself, though the idea of it is quite inaccurate. If anything, seeing a pink moon in February is a strange superstition that passes on through many generations of witches, wizards, and Muggles alike."

"Wow." Harry said in amazement as he looked up at the moon. "So how come it doesn't glow pink in the other days?"

"Honestly? I'm not sure." Hermione said as she held her head. "I've tried to research a little more about it, but it all came up blank. Even my own Astronomy books don't seem to hold the answer."

"A book not holding the answer to everything? What are the odds?" Harry rolled his eyes in a rather jokingly matter.

"But I don't think that matters at all, does it?" Hermione asked as she looked at her friends. "It's just a rare sight that happens in a different world on a different day in the first two weeks of February. If anything, us looking at this moon is a very rare sight. I'm just as surprised Professor Dumbledore or Professor Sinistra didn't predict this strange phenomenon."

"Maybe it's because it just randomly appears." Harry noted his own theory, causing Hermione to stare at him with her special Hermione glare. "Oh, like your explanation is better?"

Hermione playfully pushed Harry a bit. "Prat." She looked back towards the sky, as the pink moon slowly started to rise. "You know, Harry, maybe some couple around somewhere may be looking at this moon at the same time we are. You think they'll find themselves lost in each other."

"I'm not... quite an expert on love, so I wouldn't know that." Harry said with a blush, turning to Hermione. "And anyway, I thought you didn't believe the superstition."

"I don't. It doesn't mean I can't do some research on the possibilities that this pink moon can bring out the good in folks." Hermione said with a grin. "You should know that about me by now."

"Hmmmm..." Harry paused as he stared at the rising pink moon, raising an eyebrow as he had a couple more questions about it... but easily discarded it as he turned to Hermione. "Are you feeling better?"

"After examining that moon and talking about the possibilities? A little bit." Hermione yawned as she started to get up, picking up her bookbag. "If anything, it opened my mind to a lot more than I anticipated. I do want to still continue my studies..."

"Just don't stress yourself out, okay. If you feel you need to let out a little steam... come talk to me, okay?" Harry said as he got up around the same time as Hermione.

Hermione looked at the sweet boy giving a smile as she nodded. After a moment, she noticed the sky growing noticeably darker. "You know, we should probably get back into the castle, Harry. It's almost late."

"Yeah. We better get going before Filch or Snape catch us and accuse us of walking around the corridors." Harry gave a light chuckle as he held out his hand. "Shall I walk you up to the seventh floor?"

Hermione couldn't help but giggle as she took Harry's hand. "But of course. Seems that pink moon really... affected your gentlemanly ways."

"Let's just say... this night is a bit relaxing." Harry said as he and Hermione started to walk back towards the castle, unaware that they had just passed a hiding Remus Lupin along the way, about ready to go hide out in the forest as he looked over at the moon.

"Hmmm..." Remus paused as he noticed the pink moon rising up. "A pink moon rising in the sky... it must be February again..."

Remus didn't have much time to think about the moon though as he suddenly felt himself transforming, before running off into the woods, thanking himself that he had taken his Wolfsbane potion today.

Chapter Text

Hope's Peak Academy. The place where students of many talents go to receive a great education. They say that the students that came to this school attended all because each of them has a very special talent that caught the interests of the school board. Either way, it was a special type of school, in which while they do receive education, it was a bit of a boarding school, but in a way, it was still a place many students of those talents called home. And as of current, many of the students were busy setting up things for a special dance that wasn't going to happen until the weekend.

So, it remained as such that some students were doing their best to ask people out. Some were easier said than done, but others had to take a lot more... well, coaching. In fact, it was during one of those days that one certain student, the Ultimate Entomologist, was currently biting his lip nervously, trying to think of the right words to ask his... special someone.

"Gonta... would like to talk. No, no... Gonta want to walk with... hmmm... Gonta finding this rather difficult." The green haired young man with the bug case strapped to his waist frowned as he crossed his arms. "How can Gonta do this?"

Gonta took a deep breath as he started to think about what he can do. He wasn't sure when this small crush on this person started, but he couldn't help but feel attracted to him on a strange, yet good level. Sure, the person he had been talking with can be pretty loud and boisterous at times, but that was all a part of his character. Deep down, Gonta knew that, without a doubt, Nekomaru Nidai was a fair person who shared many of his interests, even impressed that Gonta was a jungle boy at some point in his life. Still, a gentle giant like him with a strong coach like Nekomaru, the Ultimate Team Manager... it was the most unusual, but he thought that, Nekomaru, in his own way, was a good person.

And currently, he was thinking about how to approach him to ask him out. After all, it was the gentlemanly thing to do. But the more he thought about it, the more he cringed at some ideas.

"Gonta want to show Nekomaru Gonta's bugs! Don't worry, bugs are harmless!" Gonta said with an innocent grin, before pausing. "This is proving to be more difficult than Gonta could imagine..."

At that moment, Gonta spotted a familiar purple haired man wearing a white T-shirt that was under a long white sleeved shirt and covered with a purple coat, with one arm being in the left sleeve, and the other sleeve drooping over, making the purple coat seem half-worn. That person was none other than the Ultimate Astronaut, Kaito Momota, who was currently sitting near a tree and studying what seemed to be star charts. Gonta couldn't help but give a wave to the man as he looked up.

"Hey, Gonta!" Kaito grinned as Gonta approached. "What's going on, man?"

"Kaito, Gonta glad he can approach you." Gonta said as he crossed his arms. "Gonta wondering if maybe Kaito could... help me with my situation."

"Er... sure, big guy." Kaito said with a smile as he put the star charts aside. "Let me guess, you're trying to think about how to approach Nekomaru from Class 77-B?"

Gonta looked pretty surprised. "Huh. How did Kaito know?"

"Well, big guy, it's not really that big of a secret... considering you've been hanging around with all the time lately. Honestly, I think Kokichi is getting a bit jealous by how much time you hang around Nekomaru." Kaito said with a sigh.

"Oh." Gonta gasped before blushing a bit. "Gonta suppose he has been hanging around Nekomaru..."

"Hey, nothing to be ashamed about!" Kaito said with a big smile. "It's perfectly natural to have feelings for the one you care for. I may not know much about the same sex relationships, but hey, I support it! If Himiko and Tenko can get along just fine and realize their relationship, I'm sure you and Nekomaru will do the same."

"Wow..." Gonta said in surprise, before giving a grin. "Thank you, Kaito. Gonta still a little nervous about asking Nekomaru, but if you really are supportive..."

It was then Gonta noted the star charts all around Kaito as he raised an eyebrow. Kaito noticed as he gave a grin. "Oh, don't worry about those, Gonta. They're just star charts for a project of the Luminary of the Stars. Actually, rumor has it that during one of the fourteen days of February, a pink moon would appear in the sky to show couples a sign of bravery."

"Pink... moon?" Gonta asked, not understanding.

Kaito gave a small sigh, trying to explain it simply to Gonta. "Take this with a grain of salt, but according to my charts, a pink moon is going to rise up today. If two people look at it at the same time, they start to feel... different around each other. I mean, they'll be fine, but whatever relationship they have, will likely grow stronger. Heh, actually, I was planning to ask out Maki Roll under the pink moon myself while we do our training routine, that's sort of why I'm studying the star charts."

"Really?" Gonta asked.

"Yeah... hey man, why don't you take Nekomaru for a walk... or rather, a jog under the pink moonlight? Who knows? They say that the most brave thing to do under a pink moon is ask someone out on a date." Kaito suggested.

Gonta paused as he thought about the idea... before giving a smile. "Gonta might just do that..."

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Eventually, afternoon turned to night as the classes were just about over for the evening. Everybody in Hope's Peak Academy was either hanging out, having dinner, or getting some last minute training in. In the case of Nekomaru Nikai and his current training partner, Akane Owari, the Ultimate Gymnast, the two were going into battle once again as they charged directly at each other.

Gonta had just walked in as he noticed Akane and Nekomaru had once again, leapt in the air and punched each other in the face before landing directly on their feet as they huffed a little.

"Not bad, Akane! Now remember to breathe and let it all loose!" Nekomaru ordered. "That last punch felt tight! Try it a little more with enthusiasm!"

"You got it, Coach!" Akane said with a grin before giving a loud yell. She charged directly at Nekomaru and landed a direct punch on the man's face, causing him to laugh.

"HA HA HA HA! You certainly are learning more and more every day!" Nekomaru said with a grin. "Keep it up, and you'll be as good in the field as many other gymnasts!"

It was at this moment Nekomaru spotted Gonta waiting near the gym's entrance. Nekomaru's eyes lit up as he approached the gentle giant. "Ah, Gonta! I'm surprised to see you here! Are you here to train today?"

"Actually..." Gonta paused as he blushed a bit. "Gonta was wondering if Nekomaru would like to join Gonta... outside... for a night walk?"

Nekomaru looked rather surprised at this offer as he turned to Akane, who seemed to get the message. "You go ahead and join your little jungle boyfriend, Coach. I was just about to leave to fuel up on Teruteru's cooking, anyway. Same time tomorrow?"

"You got it!" Nekomaru grinned as Akane picked up her bookbag and started to head out, but not before bowing her head towards Gonta.

"Take good care of him." Akane said with a smile before heading off to the cafeteria for her late night snack.

Gonta blinked twice before turning to Nekomaru, who approached him with a grin. "Anyway... uh, about that walk?"

"Gonta, you know that any time with you is the best time!" Nekomaru laughed. "Come on, let's jog it out for a while! It's a good night for it!"

Gonta blinked twice, before giving a small smile. "Of course."

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As Kaito had predicted, the moon was rising up, and it was showing a very unusual pink color as most people were looking at this strange phenomenon. In the case of Nekomaru Nidai and Gonta Gokuhara, it was the perfect night for the two as they were jogging together, laughing as they were discussing their day.

"Man! Your little troublemaker certainly can be quite a handful, couldn't he?" Nekomaru laughed. "At least you don't have our troublemaker!"

"Kokichi is not... too bad. Yes, Kokichi can cause quite the trouble with his lies, but there is some truth in Kokichi's lies, you know?" Gonta said. "Of course, Gonta not quite understand Kokichi, but at least Tenko is keeping Kokichi little busy."

"She punched him in the face, huh?" Nekomaru laughed. "I'd say she'd be perfect to train, but I don't think she's quite as comfortable with me."

"It best Nekomaru not approach Tenko." Gonta sighed. "Besides, everybody know Tenko is... well, they say less beans, but Gonta has not seen Tenko eat any beans. Then again, Gonta suppose it has something to do with Himiko..."

"Heh, I don't blame you." Nekomaru said as he looked up at the pink moon. "Hmmm... I'm no star guy, but does this moon look unusually pink to you?"

Gonta paused as he looked up and nodded. "Kaito said something about it earlier. It seems to be a rare thing, that pink moon. Kaito told me Kaito was planning to ask out Maki during this pink moon's appearance."

"Is he now?" Nekomaru laughed. "Yeah, I seen those two with Shuichi and Kaede training together. It was pretty obvious from a point of view that the guy who loves training wanted to go out with someone as... carefree as Maki is! Though how someone who keeps silent about their days of the Ultimate Child Caregiver is beyond me!"

Gonta took a moment to roll his eyes a little, knowing that Nekomaru and the others were still in the dark about Maki's true secret. "It is truly mystery. But hey, Gonta wanted to talk to you about something."

"Something other than jogging, or training?" Nekomaru asked in surprise, before laughing. "Come on, Gonta, you know you can be honest with me! I know you can be plenty strong, and-"

"Would Nekomaru like to go to dance this weekend with Gonta?"

That shut Nekomaru up as he looked over at Gonta in surprise. "R-really?"

Gonta yelped a bit as he blushed. "S-sorry! We both have been hanging out for quite some time now, and Nekomaru has been helping Gonta in becoming gentleman that Gonta has wanted to... well..."

Nekomaru blinked twice, before giving a boisterous laugh. "Gonta, you know I would love to go with you to the dance! I wouldn't want to go with anyone other than you! After all, you and I are probably the best mates we can ever ask for!"

Gonta's eyes widened as he gave a smile, before adjusting his glasses. "Does that mean you'll come?"

"HA HA HA HA! Of course I'll go! You know I wouldn't miss out on this Valentine's Day dance! Everyone's going to be there, right? So why not the both of us?" Nekomaru asked.

Gonta couldn't help but feel a small smile as he grabbed Nekomaru's hands. "Nekomaru... you have made Gonta a very happy man."

"Of course! It's nice for you to be strong to admit your feelings for me, after all." Nekomaru said with a smile. "Besides, I'm sure people won't mind when they see each other together."

Gonta paused as he looked up at the pink moon. He gave a small smile towards it, thanking this strange colored moon in a way, before turning back to Nekomaru.

"People won't mind us, Nekomaru. People won't mind." Gonta smiled. "Uh, shall we continue our jog?"

Nekomaru gave a laugh as he looked ready to run. "Be sure to keep up!"

Gonta smiled as he tried to run alongside Nekomaru, hoping to catch him. All the while, nearby, Kaito and Maki were sitting together as the Ultimate Astronaut gave a small smile.

"Seems like Gonta's got his date." Kaito said with a smile.

"Hmmm... it would seem that way." Maki said as she looked over at Kaito. "I mean, it was bound to happen, after all. Those two WERE hanging out with each other more than usual."

"I know. But it's nice to see." Kaito said with a grin before turning his head towards Maki. "Maki Roll..."

Maki rolled her eyes at the nickname, before giving a small smile. "You already know my answer, idiot."

"Shucks, I know." Kaito said. "But I'd like to hear it again."

Maki couldn't help but ellicit an unusual girlish giggle at the man smiling at her. Somehow, she could tell that this night was going to be... quite interesting.

Chapter Text

There was nothing quite like a quiet afternoon in the small little cul-de-sac known as Peach Creek. It would seem everybody was going along, doing their own things and minding their own businesses, with Rolf taking care of his animals and garden whilst humming a native tune from his homeland, Kevin cycling around on his bike and showing it off when it didn't need to be shown off, and Johnny hanging upside down from a tree as he was holding his ear to a small plank of wood with a face, the imaginary, yet not-so-imaginary, friend, Plank. Indeed, another quiet afternoon...

"AHHHHHHHH!"

"GANGWAY!"

"Oh dear, oh dear!"

That was the sound of fate being tempted. Down the road nearby, three young boys were rounding the corner as they were looking back towards their pursuers, the one in the lead, a young, short black haired man with a yellow shirt with a purple outline and a red stripe near the right shoulder, baggy pants and red shoes was looking back in fear as he was holding a jar containing two quarters.

"One failure and all of a sudden, you're being chased!" The young man, known as Eddy, quivered in fear.

The young boy wearing a black hat on his head, a red shirt and purple shorts glared at Eddy. "Eddy, I told you that the glue wasn't settled in those seats!"

"Hey, 'Rocket to Mars Ride' was the best scam I could do! What did it matter that the seats weren't glued! It was supposed to be authentic!" Eddy argued, before turning his head towards a certain yellow skinned boy wearing a red and white striped shirt, a green jacket and baggy purplish-blue jeans with an angry look on his face. "Lumpy here was the one who decided to shake up the rocket too well!"

"It was an asteroid field, Eddy! An asteroid field!" The tall yellow boy, known as Ed, said in his simple, yet shamed voice.

The boy in the middle couldn't help but give a small sigh as he held his head. "Sometimes, I wonder if I made the right friends."

"THERE THEY ARE!"

The three Eds yelped as they turned their heads towards a young girl whose hair was covered in glue, and a young boy with a brace ring, where both hands were currently stuck thanks to some spilt glue. Ed, recognizing the girl as Sarah, aka his young sister, gave a nervous wave as Sarah narrowed his eyes.

"ED! When Mom finds out about what you did to me and Jimmy with your friends, you are going to get it, mister!" Sarah said as she held Jimmy close, the latter groaning as he tried to get his hands out.

"RUN!" Ed yelled with the three starting to run down the street.

All three Eds continued going down the street until they came across a path as they looked around.

"What do we do, what do we do?" Eddy asked.

"Split up! Sarah and Jimmy can't catch ALL of us if we're split up!" Edd called out.

Eddy couldn't help but give a small smile as he turned to his friend. "The best idea I heard yet, Double D. Come on, Lumpy! We're going this way!"

"AHHHHHHH!" Ed called out as he followed Eddy through the park, with Edd turning direction towards the houses. Edd breathed in and out as he looked back, wondering where Jimmy and Sarah were going off to. Thankfully for him, the two of them headed towards Eddy and Ed's direction. Edd slowed his run down to a walk as he gave a small sigh of relief, stopping himself as he decided to take pause and catch his breath.

"Hey, Double D. Another bad day?"

Edd caught his breath as he turned his head and blushed a bit to see who had talked. As luck would have it, he was standing in front of the Van Bartonschmeer household, and currently collecting the mail in front of her mailbox was a young blonde haired girl around Edd's age. She had on a black T-shirt with a white tank top over it, blue jeans and black shoes. Edd gave a small smile as the blonde girl noted his attitude change.

"Would you like to come in, Double D? My parents aren't going to be home for a while." Nazz smiled as she took the boy's hand.

With an invitation like that, how could Edd say no to her. "Of course, Nazz. I... really need to unwind a little bit from..."

"...all that running? I bet." Nazz couldn't help but shake her head.

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A little while later, as Edd couldn't help but relax on the couch, Nazz sat down next to him as she started to hold his hand. "So, what happened with you and the guys this time? Water ride gone awry? Junkyard almost crush someone?"

"We built a rocket ride and Ed shook it up too much, spilling glue all over Sarah and Jimmy." Edd gave a sigh as he shook his head.

Nazz winced a bit. "Sounds like they were pretty mad."

"Mad is a bit of an understatement. I would say, 'fuming at the ears'." Edd said with a nervous smile, before sighing. "You know, I wonder if hanging out with Ed and Eddy are even worth it. Just because I have a name similar to the two, it doesn't mean I should be associated with them!"

"Oh, Double D." Nazz looked over to Edd as she covered her mouth in surprise.

"Don't get me wrong, these two were the first friends I ever made, and if it hadn't been for me joining them, they probably wouldn't get far in their own scams. I mean, they still don't go far with me, but I try to be a rational, reasonable person." Edd said as he looked down sadly. "Am I a loser for thinking this?"

He looked down... before feeling his hand being clutched by Nazz. He looked over to see the blonde haired girl giving a smile towards the boy. "You're no loser, Double D. Maybe those kids lump you with them by association due to all the scams you pulled through the couple years you lived here, but... between you and me, out of all the Eds that we all like, we all agree that even though you may be with Ed and Eddy, you're still not too bad. In fact, you're the most likely boy we'd date over them."

"R-really?" Edd said in surprise.

"Didn't you know?" Nazz asked as she cocked her head in confusion, before smiling, crossing her legs. "Look, those scams you guys do may be a little over the top, but when it comes down to it, we know you're like, the glue that holds both Ed and Eddy together. Without you being their friend, they'd just be... Ed and Eddy, a duo."

"But with Ed, EDD and Eddy, we make a great trio." Edd nodded, before looking towards Nazz. "And it's all because of my observations, am I assuming?"

"You totally assumed right." Nazz said with a smile.

"And... the girls would really date me?" Edd asked in surprise. "Even with all my... odd habits?"

"Hey, who else do I know who can organize a drawer alphabetically and by color?" Nazz asked. "Personally, I find that pretty cute. I don't think I can ever keep with my records myself."

The boy with the black ski hat looked over towards Nazz and smiled. "Oh, well, if you need help with organizing your records, I can work with you. All I need to know is your music preferences and a little research, and..."

Nazz put a finger over Edd's mouth, shushing him as the girl giggled. "You're sweet."

With that, the blonde couldn't help but cuddle herself in Edd's torso, making the usually delicate boy blush. It wasn't often that someone like Nazz would hug him as comfortable as she was. Nazz then gave a sigh as she looked up towards the boy. "You know, Double D, I'm surprised you don't try to approach girls."

"Uh, well... you know how my approach goes... they... don't usually go well." Edd blushed a bit.

"Oh, don't say that. I'm sure if given a lot more time, you'll be quite the ladies' man." Nazz said as she looked up towards him with a smile.

Edd couldn't help but blush as he tried to look around for something, anything... until he noticed that out the window, the sky was growing darker. "Oh gee, where does the time go? Sorry Nazz, but I should probably get back home before Mother and Father worry themselves sick."

Nazz frowned a little in disappointment, but let go of him as she nodded in understanding. "All right. I guess it is getting late. I'll show you out."

Edd gave a nod as the two got up and started to head back towards the door together. As they did so, Nazz couldn't help but look up at the sky as she gasped. "Dude! Look at that!"

Edd looked over to where the girl was pointing as he noted a strange pink moon rising out of the sky. "How very peculiar. I have seen the moon a few times, but never when it's glowing pink. I wonder if it's on any of the star charts?"

"I think it's very pretty." Nazz said with a smile as she stared at it. Edd looked between her and the moon, before putting on a smile.

"You know, the pink really does shine well on that moon." Edd said as he looked over towards the girl. "Nazz?"

"Hm?" Nazz blinked as she turned towards the boy.

"Uh... thanks for taking me in to rest, at least for a little while." Edd said as he put his hand behind his head, blushing.

"Come on, Double D, I'd do the same for anybody. Even for someone like Ed or Eddy." Nazz explained. "But for you... especially."

It was then Nazz did something strange and out of the blue, even for her. She leaned over and planted a kiss on Double D's lips, making the delicate boy's eyes widen in surprise... before they settled down as he returned the kiss. After a couple seconds, they separated, staring into each other's eyes... before Nazz yelped a bit as she blushed. "Oh, uh, sorry. I don't know where that came from?"

She giggled a bit as Edd couldn't help but smile, squeezing her hand. "It's... quite all right. Uh, hey. If I'm not busy and you're not doing anything, would you like to uh... hang out sometime? Just you and me?"

"Of course, dude!" Nazz giggled. "I'm not doing anything tomorrow evening. How about you swing by my place and you can help me... organize my records?"

"That sounds... entertainingly delightful." Edd smiled as he looked at Nazz, his heart thumping a bit.

Nazz giggled as she let go of Edd's hand. "It's a date, then. See you tomorrow."

Edd nervously waved as he watched Nazz head back. As soon as Edd started to walk, he paused as he was thinking about what had just occurred... something had happened between him and Nazz, as if some feelings had awakened between them. But he couldn't figure out how or why. He quickly looked over towards the pink moon rising up in the sky as he couldn't help but wonder... was it because of this strange moon? He knew he would have to do a little research on it as soon as he got home.

But still, he couldn't help but smile as he looked back towards Nazz's house. A date with Nazz, it sounded like a dream come true. Little did he know was that inside her home, Nazz was clutching her heart happily as she felt excited to have Double D over once again. She could feel this was the beginning of a new relationship.

Chapter Text

It was another regular day in the Mushroom Kingdom as a certain red-clad plumber was returning home, holding hands with a blonde haired pink princess as the two were laughing with each other.

"The way you tossed Bowser into the lava... I know he's immune to it, but from the sound of the thud underneath the lava floor, Bowser might have to treat his nose for a couple of days!" Princess Peach giggled as she turned towards her boyfriend.

"Well, you-a know what they say, Princess. Even if you're immune to lava, you can't be immune to other things." Mario said as he shook his head. "Though I wonder why Bowser only sent two minions this time. Even with all the warping and shortcuts I took, it still felt a little too easy."

"That's King Koopa for you." Peach rolled her eyes. "On his good days, he's easy, on his bad days, he pulls out all the stops. Guess he was just in a good mood today."

"Yeah, and I soured it." Mario laughed as he noticed the castle coming. "Well, I got you home, safe and sound, Princess."

Peach paused as she looked over towards where Mario was pointing as she gave a small sigh. Mario noted the sad tone in the voice, and, knowing that the princess wasn't quite ready to go back just yet, gave a small smile. "On the other hand, we don't have to go back RIGHT away..."

The princess turned towards Mario in surprise as Mario clutched the girl's hand. "Princess, how about, just for a few hours, you and I enjoy ourselves for a little-a date together. Just-a you and me?"

Peach's eyes lit up as she gave a giggle. "That sounds quite delightful, Mario. Thank you."

Mario laughed a bit as he pointed towards the town. "Then let's-a go!"

Peach giggled a bit as she grabbed the hand of the plumber and started to go off with him. It was rather hard to explain just how this relationship started, but for a lot of the characters of the Mushroom Kingdom, it was like, they knew this plumber and princess were destined to be together. While it was true that Mario wasn't exactly a prince, by any means, it didn't really matter, because ever since he and his brother Luigi accidentally fell down a pipe from New Donk City and ended up in the Mushroom Kingdom by mistake, they ended up meeting the princess by sheer coincidence when both of them landed on Bowser's head as the large Koopa had tied her up in a bag.

But somehow, it was when Mario released Peach from the bag and their eyes met for the first time that there was a sort of... connection, in a way. She greatly hailed the two plumbers as heroes, even though they knew it was an accident that they landed there, and gave them a good home. At first, Mario was a little wary of this, since his and his brother's home was in New Donk City... but as he and Luigi got the lay of the land, Mario started to enjoy his new life in the Mushroom Kingdom, to the point where he actually decided to live there. Oh, sure, he still came back to New Donk City on occasion, but this magical land was where Mario called home.

It eventually came to a point where Mario and Peach were never seen alone. Of course, there was the occasional trouble with Bowser or any villain trying to take over the world, but all in all, it was no trouble for the red clad plumber himself, and Peach was more than appreciative for the man's efforts. They've been together for quite some time since then, and it didn't seem like they would be separated anytime soon.

Pretty soon, the two reached a nice hill in the center as they settled down near a tree as they looked over near the night sky. Peach gave a small sigh as she put her arm around Mario, making the plumber blush. "You know, Mario, it is a pretty good night out in the Mushroom Kingdom."

"You-a said it, Princess. No Goombas, Koopas, Fly Guys, Bowser's kids or even Bowser himself to bug us... the Toads are living their lives quite peacefully for the moment... and I'm sure up there in space, Rosalina is taking care of her Lumas, and out in the other lands, Daisy is taking care of Sarasaland and dating Luigi." Mario said.

"It would seem we have quite the busy life." Peach smiled as she looked over towards Mario. "It's quite a shame that things aren't always peaceful. I mean, we may be cool with Bowser, but even then, his kidnapping me is more of a... villain doing what he wants to do."

"I can agree with that." Mario laughed a bit as he looked up towards the sky and noticed something peculiar. "Hey-a princess, has the moon always been pink here?"

Princess Peach looked over to see a pink moon hovering over the sky as she raised an eyebrow. "Can't say I have. In fact, I think this is the first time I've seen a pink moon. Do you think this could be a danger?"

Mario paused as he examined the moon as he looked at it closely. "No, I don't think so. I think Bowser would have had a cannon attached to it or something to blast us if that were the case. Maybe one of Rosalina's Lumas is vacationing on that spot?"

"Who knows?" Princess Peach said. "This'll be something to bring up to E. Gadd later, if he hasn't already noticed it."

"Hmmmm..." Mario said as he looked over at Peach. "Say, Peach? How come we haven't... you know..."

Peach raised an eyebrow, before realizing what Mario was asking. She gave a sigh. "Mario, I do like you, you're a sweet man, but... I just don't know if I'm ready for marriage yet."

"I know that, but..." Mario looked down. "Look at it this way, Princess. If we were married, maybe Bowser would-a leave you alone once and for all. I mean, I-a know he doesn't have quite the same affections for you as he did once upon a time, but..."

"Nothing personal, Mario, but after being forced into a wedding at least once, I just don't think I can... take the pressure, to be honest." Peach said as she looked down.

"Well... yeah, true. But even without Bowser's interference, you have to-a admit, Princess..." Mario gave a smile. "You look-a lovely in that wedding dress."

Peach's eyes lit up as she turned to Mario. "Really?"

"Of-a course!" Mario said with a cheesy grin... before pausing. "That's strange... I thought I was thinking that to myself, yet... saying it out loud just-a felt right."

Peach gave a giggle. "Mario, you may not be a prince... but you don't have to be. You may not be royalty, but I sure as heck can make you royalty if I wanted to. I know I reward you with a lot of cakes over the past few years... and a few kisses on the nose on occasion for saving me." The last part of the sentence made her blush a little. "But we've been together for so long and... I'm more happy when I'm around you. You know what I'm saying?"

The plumber looked over to Peach in surprise, before giving a smile as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "You don't-a have to make me royalty, princess. Just doing the right thing and helping the world is the best thing I can do..."

"Still, I think you're the best person a princess could ever ask for." Princess Peach smiled as she lifted his face up... and gave Mario a kiss on the lips, making the plumber's eyes widen in surprise. There was something a little different about the kiss this time, as it was normally a short and sweet kiss that Peach provided. But no, this kiss was different... like it lingered a little longer, with Mario reciprocating it with his own kiss. Pretty soon, the two separated their lips as they stared at each other lovingly.

"Mario?" Princess Peach asked as Mario looked at him. She gave a smile as she twirled the man's mustache. "Never shave this off. I like a man with... facial hair."

Mario laughed a little as he felt the mustache as well. "You know I never give up this mustache, Princess."

"Oh, Mario. Just call me Peach. We're alone, after all." Peach giggled as she laid her head down on the plumber's lap, happily sighing.

Mario smiled as he looked back towards the pink moon. He wasn't sure why, but he felt that this moon affected him and Peach in some odd way. He wasn't objecting to it by any means, though as he looked at his princess, stroking her hair as he hummed a little bit. Indeed, it was just another quiet night for Mario and Peach. Sure, it would most likely be disturbed by tomorrow or next week, but for now, they would take what little solace they have together.

Chapter Text

It was another beautiful night in Amity Park... well, mostly beautiful, if you could consider the ghosts that were busy roaming around the area a pretty sight. Fortunately, Danny, Sam and Tucker were already on the job as Danny transformed into his ghost form and was sending a punch towards another faceless ghost.

"Of all the times to have a ghost attack, it had to be today!" Danny lowered his eyelids in annoyance as he pulled out the Fenton Thermos and opened it up, causing the thermos to function as a vacuum cleaner as it sucked the ghost in.

"Hey, don't worry, man. At least it's not a school night!" Tucker said with a smile.

"I know... but still, you'd think these ghosts would have something better to do than to attack random parts of the city!" Danny said as he threw the thermos over to Sam, who caught it with ease.

"Danny, you do know what you just said, right?" Sam asked as she put on some X-Ray goggles invented by the Fenton family as she examined the inside of the buildings, before pointing to one building in particular.

"I know that, I just..." Danny sighed as he went in the building Sam pointed out... and a couple minutes later, a ghost was seen flying out of the building, with Danny flying after it. "I kind of wish I was there with my sister. She told me she had a date with someone."

"Jazz?" Tucker said in surprise as he took the Fenton Thermos from Sam and aimed it at the ghost, catching it once again. "Jazz has a date, with who?"

"The new kid that recently moved in. I think his name is Ben?" Danny explained as he took a deep breath and used his Ghostly Wail to shake out a few ghosts that were covering their ears. "Forgive me if I'm being a little overprotective of my older sister, but ever since she met this guy, it's like they're almost never apart!"

"Awww, Danny, are you getting a little jealous?" Sam asked.

"No! Well... okay, maybe a little. But is it so wrong that I want the best for her?" Danny asked as he charged straight towards a ghost and grabbed it by the tail, swinging it around.

Sam grabbed the thermos and opened it up as Danny threw the ghost directly into the thermos. As Sam closed it up, she looked over to Danny with a raised eyebrow. "Well, he seems to be making her quite happy. From what I hear, he's a superhero like you."

"Yeah, I spied on him a little... those alien forms he can transform into with that watch of his... I have to admit, it's a pretty cool watch." Danny shrugged, before giving a frown.

Tucker noted the frown on his best friend's face as he pulled Danny to the side. "Danny, look. Jazz is a grown woman, she can look after herself. And besides, if this Ben guy is a hero, then we should trust him. Right?"

Danny paused as he couldn't help but give a small sigh. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I just can't help but wonder what those two are doing..."

"Ghost at three o'clock!" Sam called out as she pointed to the eastern direction.

Spotting the green poltergeist raiding a laundromat, Danny gave a nod as he charged right after the ghost, putting the fact that his older sister was currently on a date for the time being.

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Thankfully for the orange haired teenage girl wearing a long sleeved black shirt with light blue pants and black shoes, and a blue hair ribbon on her head and her date, a brown haired boy wearing a black shirt with a green jacket with the number 10 on the left hand side of the jacket, blue jeans and black and white shoes were seen walking together on the western side of town, far away from the mayhem and chaos that Danny was currently taking care of. They were seen laughing together and holding hands as the male was catching the girl up on one of his recent stories.

"So, Gwen 'accidentally' spilt some glue into her own hair! You could have seen the look on her face when I gave a chuckle." Ben laughed a bit.

"Oh, Ben, you're so mean!" Jazz pushed the boy lightly.

"I apologized for the little prank afterwards... I mean, after she slapped me pretty hard, but you got to admit, it was pretty funny." Ben said with a laugh.

Jazz giggled as she held the boy's hand and looked at her. "I guess it can't be helped. You know, Ben, ever since you came to Amity Park, I never would have thought you could be so sweet and good. The last few guys I dated, they either didn't have my best interests at heart, or were using me to get their old girlfriends out of jams."

Ben winced a bit as he squeezed Jazz's hand. "Sorry to hear about that."

"It's fine. I'm over most of it now. I guess that's what happens when you have a good brother like Danny looking after me." Jazz giggled.

"Yeah... I wanted to talk to you about him, actually." Ben said as he lowered his eyelids towards his date. "I keep sensing that he's been trying to spy on me, trying to get some juice on me."

"What's the point? I already know your secret about your alien transformations, and you already know my brother has a superhero identity." Jazz asked, rolling her eyes.

"Touche." Ben sighed as the two settled themselves down on a park bench as they looked up at the sky. "You know, the night sky is rather peaceful."

Jazz smiled and nodded as she looked up at the stars that started to pop out. It was rare that the stars came out so twinkly and bright, but she felt good about it... it was right around then the orange haired teenage girl noticed something in particular.

"A... pink moon?" Jazz asked, raising an eyebrow as she noticed the pink colored orb that usually circled the Earth came floating in.

"Did you say a pink moon?" Ben asked as he looked up at the sky, and gave a small smile, clutching Jazz's hands in worry. "I don't think you need to worry about that. I've seen that moon a few times before."

"Have you?" Jazz asked, turning to her boyfriend.

"Well... at least once, when I was a kid attending school. I was spying on one of my teachers that was trying to get me in trouble, and he was going out with this girl. I had planned to throw, maybe a couple water balloons, at them, when I noticed that strange moon in the sky. They must have noticed it too because they started acting differently."

"Different? How?" Jazz asked.

"It was the strangest thing. I've seen my fourth grade teacher be so strict when it comes to things that weren't fun in the classroom... but when I saw him with that girl, he looked a little happy with her, but still kept the strict look. But that pink moon was directly above them, and... his personality just... softened up a bit." Ben said as he bit his lip.

"Softened up?" Jazz looked rather curious.

"It's... rather hard to explain, but... it seemed like he wanted to take her out to the fields and play with her, and she went along with it. I researched that moon afterwards... I know, ME, doing research,... and learned that a pink moon is a rare phenomenon that can be seen in a once in a lifetime opportunity. Usually when a couple in love looks at it directly. I guess it didn't affect me because I was a little thrown off the concept." Ben said as he started to look over Jazz.

"Really? What do you think of the concept now?" Jazz asked.

Ben stared at Jazz with a small smile and glowing green eyes. "Well, after a few dates, I'm starting to understand the concept a bit... enough to the point where I have to worry about my cousin dating my former rival, but I digress."

"Well, I think it's sweet you try to look after your cousin, just as much as I do with my little brother." Jazz giggled.

"You know, you're pretty sweet when you giggle like that." Ben noted as he lifted the girl's chin.

"Do you think we're being affected by this moon's rays?" Jazz asked as they stared lovingly into the boy's eyes.

"Maybe it is. Or maybe I just really want to stay here with the prettiest girl in Amity Park." Ben said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Jazz laughed a bit before hugging the boy and planting a kiss on his lips. Ben's eyes widened in surprise, before smiling as he kissed her back. After a few seconds, they let go as they looked at each other, rather lovingly.

"Jazz?" Ben raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?" Jazz said in a rather husky voice.

"You want to run around the park together, play a round or two of tag?" Ben grinned.

"Kind of a childish game, don't you think?" Jazz smirked a bit, looking at her boyfriend.

"It could just be the moon affecting me, but I feel pretty playful." Ben said.

"If it is the moon... or if it's me and you doing this... who am I to argue?" Jazz laughed as she pushed the boy. "You're it, by the way."

Ben recovered as she noticed Jazz running off, looking back as she gave a wink. Ben laughed as he started to chase after her, looking ready to play this silly childish game. In a way, the pink moon that was shining on them really gave off an effect that night to both these two teenagers when eventually they landed on the ground and started kissing each other again. Ben didn't know when another pink moon would come by this world again, but he knew he would take advantage of it with Jazz while they still could.

Chapter Text

It was another normal day in Dexter's own neighborhood. More specifically, down in the secret laboratory behind the bookcase of Dexter's room. As per usual, the orange haired boy genius in his lab coat was currently working silently on cranking a bolt on a remote using his wrench, nothing could distract him right at this moment.

CRASH!

BOOM!

SPLAT!

Of course, nothing was ever peaceful in that lab as he heard the usual sounds of crashing beakers, exploding machines and the familiar sound of a young girl hitting herself on the wall. Dexter, having heard the noise, just gave a sigh, wondering if he should turn around, knowing that at any minute, he'll see his sister making a ruckus in the lab as per usual.

Nevertheless, Dexter put aside his wrench and closed his eyes, crossing his arms before turning around. "Dee Dee, what did I tell you about causing a ruckus in the lab when I'm working?"

He did not receive an answer, not even a 'hmmmm' from his sister. Dexter opened his eyes, slightly annoyed... but then they started to widen in surprise upon seeing the girl that was dusting herself off.

"Oh. It's just you." Dexter said as he rolled his eyes, recognizing the green tutu wearing Japanese girl wiping the soot off of her face, before giving a small smile. "Let me guess, Dee Dee's sick, so she had to call you or Mee Mee for replacement. And you were available."

Lee Lee could only give a nod, before giving a shrug. "Sorry about the beakers. But I knew you had plenty more in the back."

The white lab coat wearing boy genius couldn't help but shake his head as he looked up. "Computer, clean-up on the beaker section, and make sure a new set is ready."

"Right away, Dexter." The female voice called as some robotic servants came out to clean the lab. Lee Lee could only watch as she gave a small whistle.

"I have to admit, Dexter, you certainly have quite a ways with avoiding work while attending to your own projects." The Japanese girl said with a blushing smile.

"Well, I do have to admit, there are times when Dee Dee messes the lab or she causes a ruckus that cleaning this lab up every time she makes an unsolicited visit, leaves me more time to clean this lab than focus on my work. So I made these robots to do the work for me." Dexter explained as he gave a large grin. "Science. You have to admit, it works wonders."

Lee Lee couldn't help but give a small girlish giggle. "Not only are you so cute, but you have a great mind!"

Dexter blushed a bit upon hearing that compliment, before shaking his head and giving a growl. "Lee Lee? I don't mean to be rude, but would you consider, maybe... GETTING OUT OF MY LA-BOR-A-TORY?!"

Lee Lee yelped a bit as she nearly fell on the ground. She got up again as she crossed her arms. "Wow, you may be cute, Dexter, but you continue to block yourself from the world. Why, I bet you don't even know it's night time and that a pink moon is out tonight!"

Dexter ignored Lee Lee's words as he started to push her, "Yes, yes, yes, I'm sure whatever you want to do is all good, but this is me time right now. Go take care of Dee Dee, I have plenty of work to-"

But just as Dexter was about to push Lee Lee out of the door leading to the lab, his eyes widened as what Lee Lee had just said registered with him. "I'm sorry, did you just say there's a pink moon out tonight?"

Lee Lee gave a small smile as she nodded at the boy. Dexter's eyes widened as he gave a big grin, before rushing back to the lab, leaving a confused Lee Lee behind. Seeing as how the boy forgot to lock the bookcase behind him, Lee Lee just walked right back into the lab, following the fast boy as fast as she could.

"Man, how does Dee Dee try and keep up with you?" Lee Lee muttered to herself as she spotted Dexter over at the mainframe computer as he was typing something in.

"Hm mmm... hm mmm... yes, yes, perfect!" Dexter said with a big grin as Lee Lee joined him and looked up towards the monitors to see various pictures of the pink moon from various satellite dishes. "I was hoping for this rare phenomenon to occur."

"What's that?" Lee Lee asked, sitting next to Dexter.

Dexter gave a groan of annoyance that the girl he just kicked out followed him back inside, but seeing how it was pointless to shoo her away, he decided to get on with the explanation. "It is said that every two weeks in February, the sight of a pink moon can be seen in the beginning of the night, and would continue on until early light. Two people who look at the pink moon directly would feel a strange effect, as if they either had hidden feelings for each other they never knew about, or they do know, but express it in a very different way."

"Oooooohhhhh..." Lee Lee said in interest as Dexter pushed a button on his computer to print out some picture copies of said pink moon.

"Of course, it only affects couples that notice the pink moon, but don't quite realize their true feelings for each other... but they still express it through many different means anyway. Awkward geeks tend to admit their feelings to pretty girls, pretty girls find themselves rather attracted to other men they have crushes on, members of the same sex can also be affected by said moon... and the best part is, they won't even know they're affected... or if they do know, they start to act out on their feelings quite differently." Dexter explained.

"Wow..." Lee Lee said in shock. "To think a pink moon can do all of that..."

"Of course, this is mere scientific theory, it hasn't been proven yet... but I think I'm going to be the first person to travel up to that moon to see how it can glow pink!" Dexter said as he held a dramatic pose.

Lee Lee gave a small smile as she looked interested. "Uh, if you're going up towards the moon, do you mind if I tag along as well? You might need a second note taker."

Dexter lowered his eyelids as he looked over at Lee Lee's widening eyes and rather cute face. He looked rather undeterred at first... before giving an annoyed sigh. "If I let you come, will you please wipe that ridiculous grin off your face!"

"Sure, Dexter." Lee Lee grinned as she held out her hand... and literally waved it over her face, causing it to disappear. Dexter glared at the faceless Lee Lee in frustration.

"Now cut that out!" Dexter ordered as Lee Lee waved her hand over her face again, putting it back on as she gave a giggle. The boy genius gave a groan as he motioned Lee Lee to follow. "I can't believe I'm letting you do this..."

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About a few minutes or so later, a rocket containing Dexter and Lee Lee had blasted off as the two sat together, Dexter with a mission on his head, and Lee Lee looking around the stars with awe in her eyes.

"Wow..." Lee Lee said, feeling rather breathless.

"Yes, yes, take it all in. Just be careful. We don't know what the cause of this pink moon could possibly be." Dexter said as the ship stopped short of the pink crater-like sphere. "Here we are."

Both Dexter and Lee Lee looked out as they noticed the pink moon rather up close as she couldn't help but give a smile. "I wonder what causes the moon to glow pink like that."

"I believe that's what we're going to find out." Dexter said. "Lee Lee, can I trust you with landing the ship?"

Lee Lee looked over at Dexter in surprise. "A-are you sure you want ME to do this?"

She then noticed Dexter giving a small smile as he gave a nod. "Just be careful not to crash. I don't want us to be stranded... and take this."

The black haired Japanese girl noted Dexter digging in his pockets and pulling out what seemed to be a pack of gum. Lee Lee raised an eyebrow as she took a stick of gum before chewing on it. The boy genius couldn't help but give a chuckle. "I bought this invention from some bird for experimental purposes. This is Oxy-chew, and this gum not only helps you breathe in space without a space suit, but it helps with walking around the moon a little easier."

"Ooooohhhh..." Lee Lee said as she chewed on the gum, causing her to shudder at the flavor. "I don't think I like the flavor of this gum."

"Yeah, black licorice is probably not the best gum, but it's the only favor he gave." Dexter said as he took a piece of gum himself and started chewing. "Oh well, at least we won't have to worry about our heads exploding when we walk out."

Lee Lee couldn't help but ellicit a giggle as she took the controls and examined the area below as she dove the ship down. Dexter couldn't help but watch her the whole time as he gave a smile.

"Gee, she looks pretty determined. I guess she is kind of cute..." Dexter thought to himself... before blinking in confusion. "Wait... where did that come from?"

The usually thinking boy genius was pretty stumped as to why that thought appeared in his mind as he scratched his head, before looking closely at Lee Lee's face, examining every bit of her. Yes, he had to admit, she was one of Dee Dee's friends. One of her annoying friends, but she wasn't quite as bad as his sister. If anything, while she does have a tendency to cause trouble, she was at least respectful of his instructions. He couldn't help but admire her for that...

He yelped as he tried to look away, wondering to himself why he was feeling this way for Lee Lee. All of a sudden, he felt the ship land itself on the moon as Lee Lee gave a nod. "I think we're there."

"Ah, good." Dexter said as he picked up the gum and chewed on it, causing his body to shiver a bit as he felt the exhilaration of extra oxygen coming into his body. Lee Lee was about to walk out, but Dexter ran over and opened the pod door, giving a smile. "After you, my fair maiden."

"Oh..." Lee Lee giggled as she gave a bow. "Thank you, my dear genius."

Dexter looked rather surprised himself as he watched Lee Lee walk out the door and into the moon's atmospheric floor. He walked out not too long after, momentarily forgetting the odd happenstances that were occurring right now and looked over at the moon's unusual pink flooring. "Whatever is living in this moon sure knows how to redecorate quite well."

"It's only pink coloring." Lee Lee noted. "And yet, walking around here, I feel a lot more... relaxed."

"Y-yeah..." Dexter said with a smile as he and the tall girl continued walking together, trying to get a feel of this area. "That said, something in this atmosphere MUST be causing the moon to go pink somewhere. Stick with me, Lee Lee. We can't risk running off alone."

"I trust you, Dex." Lee Lee said as she clutched the boy's gloved hand.

Dexter couldn't help but blush a bit as the two walked together. He looked over at Lee Lee, some new thoughts approaching his mind as he tried to focus on the task at hand, but all he could see was this pretty smiling Japanese girl who was looking at the area and Dexter himself with pure amazement.

"Something is terribly wrong with my mind." Dexter thought to himself. "It only happened at least a couple of times, when I had my babysitter Lisa on my mind... and yet, I'm looking at Lee Lee, my sister's best friend, in that same way I used to feel about Lisa way back when. Granted, I know she said I was cute the few times she came to visit Dee Dee with her friend Mee Mee, but... sheesh, I guess I was so focused on my studies and my inventions, I guess it never registered with me."

As the two continued to walk, trying to find something unusual about this pink moon, Dexter couldn't help but look over Lee Lee with a small smile on his face. "Now that I think about it, I'm not really as opposed to Lee Lee being here as I am to Dee Dee coming in and wrecking my lab. Oh, I know Dee Dee only comes in to annoy me because she's being the big sister checking up on me... but her simple mindlessness just gets a little grating. Lee Lee and Mee Mee may have that same mindlessness, but something about this girl feels... different. Like, she's still mindless, but she's curious. And her curiosity is... pretty cute."

For Lee Lee herself, she had noticed Dexter looking at her strangely, but tried to save face with a smile. "Dexter's been acting a little strangely since we landed on this pink moon. Then again, Dexter did SAY that this moon gives out strange priorities to two people who look directly to the moon. Wait. Is that what's going on with Dexter? Does he have a hidden crush on me that he even he didn't know about? I know I said Dexter was cute a few times, and... well..." The girl gave a small smile. "...how could I not find him adorable? He has a way with big words, he's pretty smart at times... I'm surprised someone like him doesn't have a girlfriend yet. I always thought he was too focused on science to notice anything about girls, but... he looks too... distracted."

"Dexter?" Lee Lee asked as she stopped short, causing Dexter to merely trip and fall.

Dexter recovered as he got up and grabbed his glasses, wiping them off as he put them back on, before looking up towards Lee Lee. "Yes?"

"Are you feeling okay? You seem to be acting... different." Lee Lee said as she examined the boy genius.

"Have I?" Dexter asked as he shook his head.

"Well, honestly, yes. You tripped because of me, and didn't berate me for making you fall." Lee Lee said, raising an eyebrow.

"Eh, it's just the ground. No big deal... but you're right, I do somehow feel different." Dexter said as he sat down. "I cannot explain this strange phenomenon, but... I think it's this moon. It's causing me to think differently than what I normally think."

"What are you thinking about now?" Lee Lee asked as she sat down next to the boy.

"Ugh, I don't know, stuff, I guess." Dexter said as he held his head. "I don't know if it's this stupid moon or what, but every time I look at you, my mind starts to... to..." The boy shut his eyes, giving out a small groan.

"...think different thoughts than what you usually think?" Lee Lee asked.

"Yes, exactly that!" Dexter snapped his fingers.

Lee Lee looked at the boy for a minute as she raised an eyebrow. She had a good guess on what was going on, but decided to ask anyway. "Those thoughts wouldn't happen to be of me, would it?"

Dexter's eyes started to open wide as flapjacks as his irises went over towards Lee Lee, giving the girl enough of a hint to know what was going on. "It is of me, isn't it?"

The boy genius covered his face in embarrassment as he gave a groan. "If you must know, I think you're extremely cute! For being Dee Dee's friend, I think you're the cutest girl of the bunch! You're not just one of Dee Dee's annoying friends, you're a girl who seems to be respectful of property and would be willing to listen to my advice if need be. But what chance do I have with someone like you?"

Lee Lee gasped a bit in surprise... before giving a giggle. She put a hand on the small boy's head as he looked up. "Honestly, I think you have a pretty good chance, Dexter. Yeah, your sister may be right in that you don't usually talk with people unless it benefits you, but think about it for a minute. If you just went out into the world with someone to help you in every step of the way, I think you'll find that people enjoy conversing with you, not just for your brain, but for many great things. I will admit, I kind of want to pursue my dancing classes, but I think a scientist would be a more fitting choice for me. Especially after seeing the stuff you can do."

"Well..." Dexter blushed a bit as he gave a smile. "I don't like to brag, but-"

"Look. Whatever happens to us, I think we're going to be just fine. Someday, we're all going to grow up and lead different lives, but something I'm hoping for is that you won't forget the little people in life... especially me." Lee Lee fluttered her eyes towards the boy genius.

"Well..." Dexter gave a big toothy smile as he rubbed his head. "Of course I wouldn't. After all, Dee Dee may be annoying, but she does come up with good ideas every now and again. And given the chance, I'm sure you and Mee Mee would come up with plenty of good ideas yourselves."

"Awwww... you're so sweet, Dex." Lee Lee said with a smile as the two leaned closer.

"And you're a very pretty girl. Any guy would be willing to have you, if given the chance." Dexter said.

"There's only one guy I want in my life..." Lee Lee whispered as the two stared into each other's eyes.

Before they knew it, the two of them leaned over and planted their lips over each other's, initiating a pretty short kiss. Dexter couldn't help but smile in the kiss as he held the girl's hand, squeezing it, with Lee Lee using her other arm to lift the small boy genius off the ground. Once they separated from the kiss, they looked at each other with loving eyes as Lee Lee gave a small smile.

"I don't mind kissing your lips, but I'm sure someday, when you get your growth spurt, I won't be able to lift you up as much." Lee Lee giggled.

"Believe me, when I reach that age of maturity, being tall is the first thing I want to be." Dexter said as he and Lee Lee looked around. "Guess it's true what they say about this moon. It does bring out the strangest feelings in even a unique pair like you and me."

"But we still haven't figured out why it turns pink every two weeks." Lee Lee pointed out.

"I think it just... does." Dexter said as he scratched his head. "I know it's not a very scientifically fact, but I don't think we're going to find answers any time soon."

"That's a shame..." Lee Lee said as she looked down. "And I was so looking forward to finding out if an alien was causing this moon to turn pink. Should we go back to the ship, Dex?"

Dexter considered it for a moment, before looking over at Lee Lee. "Actually, why don't we sit here for a while longer, enjoying each other's company, and trying to spot the constellations from the moon? I don't think my parents are going to be expecting me for quite a while."

"You know what?" Lee Lee asked as she clutched the boy's hand as she and Dexter looked up towards the stars and the beautiful blue planet up in the atmosphere. "I like this idea."

And so they sat and looked over the constellations as Dexter explained to his possible new girlfriend each one as Lee Lee listened to the boy with a smile on her face. Sure, it would be another hour before they went back home, but for now, she was just enjoying this time on the pink moon with the boy she truly cared for... and Dexter was caring for her right back. Surely, it was Lee Lee's dream come true.

Chapter Text

Ichigo could not find a logical explanation on how she got herself in this mess. Or rather, she did have a good explanation, but it depended on EVERYONE'S definition of logical. She had just got out of work at the cafe after a rather long day, with her other friends making quite a mess, and Mint planting the blame on Ichigo once again, much to the red haired girl's frustration. To make it even worse, Ryou seemed to be taking Mint's side over hers, despite the fact that she was supposed to be the Mew Mew's leader.

She had just turned the corner when, unexpectedly, an arm snaked around her body and a hand covered her mouth. The girl gave a groan as she immediately recognized the hands gagging her, but before she could try to reach for the pendant in her pocket, she found herself getting dragged through a portal. She was then let go as the portal closed up in front of her.

"Sorry for taking you out of your planet, Koneko-Chan, but I was afraid you'd say no otherwise."

Ichigo narrowed her eyes as she turned towards her kidnapper AKA her once-enemy-now-turned-friend, the pointy eared Cyniclon with green hair, his trademark clothing, and a big smile on his face, growling. "Kisshu!"

"In the flesh!" Kisshu posed, as if feeling proud of that.

Ichigo furrowed her eyebrow as Kisshu leaned close towards the red haired girl with a grin on his face. "You know kitty, you look cute when you get angry."

"Really? Allow me to give you a broken lip and change your opinion of me!" Ichigo said as she held her fist. "I won't even need my powers for this."

Kisshu, hearing this, slumped down as he looked down. "Awwww, and I was taking you here to give you a break from the human life. You had a bad day, I understand that. You truly need to get away for a while."

"What are you getting at?" Ichigo asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, kitten, don't act all coy with me." The green haired Cyniclon said as he held up his positive looking face. "I've looked into the windows of Cafe Mew Mew, I've seen your boss taking sides with birdie. Seems he doesn't treat you fair."

Ichigo opened her mouth to argue... before closing it. "Fine, touche. But why would you know all that? How did you get near Cafe Mew Mew without the alien sensors going off?"

"That's the beauty of technology, kitten." Kisshu smirked as he summoned one of his sais. "It can be taken down easily with anything that was out of their control. Plus, Pai helped install a hidden radio transmitter block near the radius of Cafe Mew Mew. Anyway, I was even lucky you left your little floating robot buddy with Ryou's to get upgraded, otherwise, I wouldn't have had an easy time getting you here."

"Where exactly IS here, anyway?" Ichigo narrowed her eyes towards the alien, who could only give a calming smile.

"Why don't you take a look for yourself?" Kisshu simply answered.

After staring intensely at the alien for a couple more minutes, Ichigo decided to drop it for the time being and looked around the area, causing her to realize that she was standing inside a small little space station that was orbiting Earth. She looked out and noted the large blue sphere circling around. She then looked up and noticed the large vast nothingness of space, decorated by many, many stars. She had to admit, this sight was pretty to look at.

"We're up in... space?" Ichigo asked as Kisshu walked next to her.

"Not quite. We're in a small space station that has room for two people, overlooking the Earth. You know, it's really such a beautiful planet, kitten." Kisshu said as he sat down next to the red haired girl.

"...That doesn't mean that I'm still upset you kidnapped me." Ichigo said with a small frown on her face.

"Actually, that's not what I wanted you to see. Look over towards the other window." Kisshu said as he pointed towards the window behind him.

Ichigo blinked a couple times before getting up and walking towards the window, with the alien following close behind. The leader of the Mew Mews peered out the window and gasped as she noticed a beautiful pink moon floating nearby.

"Is the moon... pink?" Ichigo gasped in pure excitement. "Wow... it looks so... cute!"

Kisshu laughed a bit as he sat down next to the girl. "I bet Tree-Hugger doesn't give you the chance to see something as beautiful as this."

"MASAYA AOYAMA has shown me the sky before, when we were dating... and STILL ARE, by the way!" Ichigo said with a frown.

"But I bet he didn't show you a pink moon up close before?" Kisshu smirked.

Ichigo opened her mouth to argue... before closing it as she thought about it. "I have to admit, no, I don't think he has..."

"I brought you here, Ichigo, to show you this wonderful beauty of a moon." The alien explained as he pointed towards the pink moon. "Did you know that this moon wasn't always white as cheese, but as pink as... well, your cute little Mew form?"

Ichigo turned to Kisshu, anger gone, but not forgotten, but replaced with mild curiosity. Kisshu couldn't help but give a smile. "Oh yes. You see, many hundreds of years ago, back when the Cyniclons used to live on Earth, our moon, whenever it rose up, used to grow a bright pink. A lot of us praised the moon for everything we had ever done, some of us had parties, religious get-togethers... a lot of support went towards that pink moon. But over the years, it started to lose its luster, the elders theorized that because our Earth has started to become a bit unlivable for our species, the moon started to turn white. The color that you know of the moon today. But I recently learned from Pai and Taruto that the moon can still turn pink on any random day for the first two weeks of February in a different world."

"Oooohhhhh..." Ichigo gasped in amazement. "I didn't know that."

Kisshu smiled as he looked back towards the moon. "There's a lot of things that people don't know about that moon, like I heard all the rumors that say romance finds a way for two people that look towards the pink moon. I guess that's sort of why I brought you here... to watch this pink moon together and see if you... well, think of me differently. I... I really am sorry for taking you out of Tokyo, but how else was I going to show this pretty moon to you?"

Ichigo looked back towards the moon, then towards Kisshu, who was looking away in guilt. Ichigo paused as she stared at the alien boy, before giving a smile. "You could have just asked if I wanted a break and come with you."

"You would have said no, though, because it's me." Kisshu looked down.

Ichigo was about to argue, before closing her mouth. "I guess you raise a good point. And... you know what, I actually do appreciate that you're showing me this pink moon. It really is pretty."

Kisshu looked over towards Ichigo in surprise as she gave a smile. "Look, Kisshu, you and I both know I have a boyfriend, and Masaya treats me well."

"Ugh, I know that. It's just..." Kisshu looked down. "Look, I know we haven't gotten along since we defeated Deep Blue, but I have been getting better at trying to talk to you, getting to know you better outside of the Cafe. I can't help that I take you away at the inconvenient times, it's sort of became second nature to me."

The red haired girl gave a small sigh as she took Kisshu's hand and squeezed it, causing the alien to look up at her, noting the small smile on his face. "I guess you really are just trying to be sweet in your own way."

Kisshu gave a grin as he looked at Ichigo's eyes. "I can never understand why you would forgive me so easily."

"What can I say?" Ichigo shrugged as she gave a laugh. "You really have been working hard... minus the whole kidnapping phase."

"Okay, I get your point. No more kidnapping." Kisshu rolled his eyes, as he looked over at Ichigo. "Ichigo, do you think we'd ever have a chance together? Tell me the truth."

Ichigo paused as she looked over at Kisshu's grinning face, before thinking about Masaya and how well he treated her, even after all the trouble he had been through. After a while, Ichigo couldn't help but look up at Kisshu. "If you were still evil, I would have said no chance. But... you've been trying to change so hard, you defied Deep Blue for me, and... well, if I wasn't dating Masaya right now... I actually wouldn't mind giving you a shot."

That was enough for Kisshu as he held Ichigo's face. "That's good enough for me, Koneko-Chan!"

Before Ichigo could protest, the Cyniclon placed his lips on Ichigo, causing the girl's eyes to widen... before giving a small roll as she kissed him back, only slightly. As their lips part, Kisshu couldn't help but give a grin. "You didn't struggle when I kissed you."

"I was thinking about it. Still hate that you put these surprise kisses on me, though." Ichigo narrowed her eyes.

"But I felt you kissing me back!" Kisshu sang, causing Ichigo to groan. "That means you LIIIIIKE me!"

Ichigo shook her head in annoyance. "Take me home, Kisshu, and your vocal cords will remain intact."

"Fine. Pushy." Kisshu pouted as he snapped his fingers, causing the portal back to Earth to appear next to him. "Come on, Kitty, I'll take you back to where you were."

Giving a nod, Ichigo followed Kisshu back through the portal and back on Earth as she looked up at the sky. The moon... was still white, which Ichigo thought was a shame. She actually thought the moon was prettier in pink.

"Hey. Don't worry. I'm sure the moon will turn pink here in Tokyo in a couple days. I just wanted you to see it in a different world." Kisshu said with a smile, before pausing. "Hey... kitten, if you're not busy, would you mind coming with me as friends... just for lunch tomorrow?"

Ichigo noted the shy demeanor Kisshu was putting on, and rolled her eyes, figuring it was another ploy to flirt with him... but he did seem to want to take her advice. "Sorry, I have plans with Masaya that day..." She noted Kisshu slumping down a bit. "But..." Kisshu perked up. "I am free Saturday."

"Saturday it is! I'll see you at lunch!" Kisshu grinned as he went back into the portal. Ichigo paused before Kisshu poked his head out of the portal and waved with a cheeky grin on his face. As he went back in and the portal closed, Ichigo couldn't help but shake her head.

"That Kisshu. Always trying something to get me to fall in love with him." Ichigo sighed as she turned around, walking back towards home. Though as she was doing so, she couldn't help but hold a small smile as she found a small skip in her step. Though, whether it was because she was thinking of Masaya or what Kisshu had shown her, it was hard to say.

Chapter Text

It was a little late in the evening in Danville as most people were either packing everything up to go home or to go out and enjoy the sights. But for some people, it was to enjoy the sights... all whilst trying to avoid Murphy's Law as best as they could. Of course, up on a small tree branch hanging on as best as they could were two familiar people, one having a cheerful optimism in their attitude, and the second a rather determined, smirking attitude, knowing they'd be fine the minute they let go. Despite the fact the former optimistic person's backpack was snagged near the end of the branch, it didn't stop the two from trying to think up ideas on how to get down.

"Don't worry, Melissa. I'm sure things will go our way once again once this branch snaps off." Milo said as he was hanging from the tree branch using his arms. Next to him was the beautiful orange haired girl who was clutching onto the tree branch using her hands and feet, making sure her skirt covered her in the right position.

"I'm just lucky I'm hanging on like this and not upside down. Can you imagine my skirt falling over?" Melissa laughed a bit.

Milo blushed before shaking his head. "Oh, Melissa, you and trying to distract me with a mental image... good to see you're in good humor about it."

"I try my best." Melissa giggled as she looked towards the snagged backpack. "Any idea how we can get your backpack from the other end of the branch without making sure it breaks on us?"

Milo paused as he tried to think. "Hmmmm... I sort of wish Zack was here right now, maybe he'd help reach the backpack with no troubles."

The orange haired girl nodded before sighing. "He just had to pick the one day where he had to meet up with his lawyer to talk about copyright of his songs to not be with us."

"Well, hey, it's just the two of us, so I'm sure we can do okay. I mean, you and I survived under Murphy's Law and its chaos before. Several times. What's another?" Milo grinned.

Melissa giggled as she looked towards the smiling boy. "You know, Milo, if I was betting right now, I'd have won because I would bet that Murphy's Law would try to strike lightning at the branch, causing it to fall."

The brown haired boy paused as he looked up at the sky, trying to find some clouds. "Hmmmm... no, no rain clouds, just some stars settling in and... oooooohhhh, hey, Melissa, look! A pink moon is rising from the sky! You know, you don't see those quite often."

Melissa looked towards the boy's direction as she noted the pink moon rising up from the sky. Her eyes widened in interest as she felt her heart thumping as she turned to her best friend. "How can a moon be pink? And in Danville, no less?"

"It's sort of an old wives tale, but they say in the first two weeks of February, on any random day, in any random world, when two people who secretly harbor feelings for each other look at the moon directly, they start to act on those feelings. Not right away, but become quite subtle in their feelings. Most don't even realize they were even affected by the moon in the first place, and try to live out their lives normally. But... things change between them as they eventually get together and possibly go out on dates together, eventually getting married and having plenty of children..." Milo explained as he looked at the pink moon in awe. He then met Melissa's eyes as he said, "But again, that's just an old wives tale."

"Wow..." Melissa blushed a bit as she looked over at Milo. "That's quite an interesting tale. I wonder who the lucky couple who saw that moon was?"

Milo laughed a bit. "Who knows? It could be you and me, hanging onto this branch with dear life, who may have seen it. But it's not possible for us to be together... considering we're going out with different people."

"Y-yeah, quite... ridiculous." Melissa chuckled nervously as she and Milo kept looking into each other's eyes, as their mood changed a little differently. Melissa looked back towards the rising pink moon as she asked, "Suppose we were to get together though..."

"Huh?" Milo turned his head in surprise, raising his eyebrow.

"Think about it. If Amanda wasn't in the picture, if Zack wasn't here to be our friend... which, don't get me wrong, it's nice we have them, but... without the ideas we have of them... do you think you and I have a chance together? I mean, we're friends, right? It would make sense that this friendship would eventually evolve into..."

"...a relationship?" Milo raised an eyebrow, before giving a small smile. "Well, I wouldn't particularly object to dating you. As a matter of fact, I'd happily embrace that idea if we didn't have crushes on different people."

"Awww, you're sweet." Melissa giggled. "You know, I never told anyone this, but after our first adventure with Murphy's Law together, I found myself having the largest crush on you."

"No kidding? Why didn't you act on it?" The brown haired boy turned to his friend, raising an eyebrow.

"Well... we were both young, I was loving the thrill of Murphy's Law, and I thought I'd probably scare you off if I just said I was in love with you. Besides, you already had eyes for Amanda at the time, and while I was a little jealous... admittingly, I still am... I respected your choices." Melissa said. "Actually, part of me hoped that you and I would go out on more of these friendship dates we keep having, and maybe it'd eventually turn into a romantic date... but that could just be my mind being silly. Does it sound silly to you, Milo?"

Milo paused as he listened to the girl's words intently as some new thoughts came in. "I guess it does sound silly in theory, but you know, when we were friends, I always thought you were the cutest girl I knew. Who else can pull off the Doe Eyes like you?"

Melissa blushed as she widened her eyes cutely for a brief moment before putting them back in. Milo laughed a bit as he said, "Who do I know that can forget something simple as a pencil and turn it into a scavenger hunt. Who do I know that can win a single bet every time Murphy's Law affects me in some shape or level? I know you because you experienced it all with me. I don't know whether it's because you have a brave streak or what, but Melissa, I've grown rather fond of you."

"You have?" Melissa blushed a bit.

"Absolutely. In fact, aside from Amanda, you're one of the most prettiest girls in the school, I bet any boy would be lucky to go out with you. I know Zack is." Milo said with a smile.

"Wow..." Melissa paused as she gave a small blush as she looked towards Milo, with Milo staring at her with the same look. As they stared at each other, they couldn't help but wonder about what might have been... what could have happened if the two of them would have continued life together with just the two of them... if they had pursued a relationship together... would it be as good? In that moment, something inside them took over as they leaned closer, lips puckering...

All of a sudden, they heard the cracking of branch, causing the two to snap out of their gaze as they noticed that the branch looked ready to break. Milo blushed as he said, "Right... forgot about the whole... branch thing."

"Honestly, I did too." Melissa said as she noticed Milo's backpack slipping off as the contents inside had spilled out, in this case, containing two pillows. "Hey, Milo!"

Milo looked down with a grin as he turned to the girl. "On three, we land on those pillows?"

Melissa nodded as they looked down, mentally counting up until Milo said, "Three!"

With that, both Milo and Melissa let go of the branch and fell down, landing directly on the pillows below that cushioned their fall. Melissa giggled as she got up and rubbed her rear end a bit before the brown haired boy recovered, trying to feel for injuries. "Well... nothing serious, but you never know what could have been broken in situations like these."

Milo then noticed that his backpack dropped next to him as he picked it up and put it back on. He then looked up towards the sky, before turning towards a smiling Melissa. "You know, it's getting a little late. Shall I walk you home?"

Melissa giggled as she clutched onto the boy's arm. "Would you prefer the normal way or... the dangerous way?"

Milo tested the breeze a bit as he noticed a large construction roller heading their way. He quickly pulled out a tether rope and grabbed Melissa as she giggled. "Dangerous way it is."

"Hang on tight, Melissa!" Milo laughed as the two of them got onto the the construction roller as they started to run on it like a log roller would. Thankfully, for all the times of Murphy's Law given to them, they had proven themselves quite athletic in terms of avoiding these obstacles. But, it was hard to say whether or not the moon actually affected them... though whenever Milo and Melissa were around each other for the next few years alone, they were the most happiest that they have ever been.

Chapter Text

Deep down in the swamps of Mosquito Marsh, there was a large diner settled nicely near the corner. It was this very diner that Dingodile had discovered, personally bought with his own pay to run, and opened his own services after he had decided to retire from villainy altogether. The crocodile-dingo hybrid wasn't complaining one bit, though, as Dingodile always had this hidden desire to open his own diner, serving his very own dishes that he considered delicious. He didn't even tell his old friends that he had dreamt about it for a long time, considering they mostly knew Dingodile as a good pyromaniac, and a reclusive person who usually kept focus on his job. Maybe it was because of the humiliating defeat he suffered from Crash Bandicoot back when Cortex forced him and a few others to collect the crystals for Uka Uka, but either way, he found no other reason to stay with Cortex, and went off on his own.

Ever since he went off, he discovered this diner that was about to be closed down... which, coincidentally, was also named Dingo's Diner. And like mentioned, he bought and paid for the building to run a good service. While there were a few people that tolerated his food, not a lot of customers or tourists would even approach that restaurant... but if it came down to this restaurant or the restaurant down below known as Papa Batfield, many people would prefer Dingo's Diner. Sure, the food wasn't much, but the service was pretty good and fast.

And as of this moment, Dingodile was setting everything up for Valentine's Day, much to the hybrid's annoyance. It's not that Dingodile hated Valentine's Day, far from it. It was the fact that he would rather not use these gimmicks to attract customers. Still, if it made money, he didn't complain.

"There we go." Dingodile nodded to himself before looking up towards the sky and noting a pink moon floating above. Normally, some people would think seeing a moon being pink was a strange phenomenon... but not Dingodile. In fact, the gears in his mind were whirring as he was getting an idea. He ran over to the chalkboard and started writing down the specials, along with titling the specials above, which were as follows.

PINK MOON SPECIALS

Cream of Grasshopper Soup

Fried Rat Salad (Ranch or Red Dressing, your choice!)

Bat Burgers, Grilled to Perfection with Lettuce, Tomato and Special Guanamole Sauce

Spaghetti and Snails (With Special Gooey Paste)

Pumpkin Pie (with bits of Skunk scattered within)

Feeling satisfied with his specials, the hybrid then put the chalkboard outside as he flipped the closed sign to 'Open' giving a nod. "Another day of business, another good time!"

With a nod, the hybrid walked back in as he walked to the back of the counter, where the stove and oven were. He pulled out a few cleaning supplies before wiping off the counter. He didn't expect customers to come in, since he knew some of them wouldn't understand the food, but when he got people inside, he would be sure to treat them well.

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Around the same time, outside the marsh, walking around on a small vacation was a familiar skinny Komodo dragon dressed in guard clothes, walking around the marshes as he gave a sigh. Currently, this large Komodo Dragon, known as Komodo Joe, as he was looking around the area, rather sneakily, before ducking backwards a bit to avoid eye contact with some people who may or may not have been walking past.

Komodo Joe is yet another genetically engineered animal that was engineered, not by Cortex, but by Dr. Nitrus Brio himself. He, along with his brother, Komodo Moe, were trained by Brio himself stop his former boss, Cortex, from stealing Brio's ideas. But yet, much to the Komodo Brothers's notice, Brio always seemed to join back up with Cortex afterwards. They never questioned their boss's flip-flop relationship with Dr. Neo Cortex, but they knew that Brio must have some diabolical plan to humiliate Cortex in his own way.

Oddly enough, Komodo Joe hadn't been sent to the swamp because of a mission, but because this was his personal week off. As he kept walking down the boardwalks of the swamp, he couldn't help but look up at the sky and note the pink moon floating above it. He thought it to be particularly strange, but shook it off, as he felt this had nothing to do with him.

"Sssssssheessssh... ssseemsss like a normal boring night." Komodo Joe said to himself as he was about to turn the corner... when he started to sniff something... rather pungent, but enjoyable, in the air. "Sssssay... what issss that delectable sssssmell?"

Getting curious, the skinny Komodo dragon turned tail and started to follow the scent, his stomach growling as he came closer and closer. He then stopped short as he looked at where he was. Standing in front of him was a large building with the words 'Dingo's Diner' settled at the top. Komodo Joe couldn't help but give a raised eyebrow as he walked into the nearly empty restaurant. Upon entering, he recognized the hybrid working behind the counter. "Well, thissss isss a sssight for sssore eyesss."

Dingodile's ears perked up as he looked over towards the person entering inside. "One of the Komodo brothers? Out here?"

"Good to sssee you too." Komodo Joe said as he walked over and sat down near the counter. "It'sssss been a while ssssince our lassst encounter, hasssn't it?"

Dingodile couldn't help but feel a small blush upon examining the skinny komodo dragon. "Ah believe it has, mate."

Joe couldn't help but look at the hybrid with a small smile. It was true, Dingodile and Komodo Joe had a bit of a... relationship going on. Both of them may have been enhanced by the same Cortex Vortex that increased their intelligence, but they respected each other quite well. Sure, there were still occasions when Brio and Cortex would form alliances, and the minions would often communicate with one another. In fact, hard to believe was the fact that both the sword wielding komodo dragon and the pyromaniac crocodile-dingo hybrid would find some good solace in each other. As a matter of fact, whenever they weren't around the other minions, Joe and Dingodile would probably spend the most time with each other, often talking about their passions and dreams. In fact, Komodo Joe was the only person who knew Dingodile decided to retire from villainy for a while, because, as he distinctly remembered the hybrid saying, "Frying up some people who gets in my way can be good, but... it's not enough, you know? Ah don't want this as my way of life forever."

So, after another defeat from Cortex, Dingodile had left the castle without a word, and as far as Joe knew, only he, his brother and Tiny knew that Dingodile went to strike out on his own. There were occasional letters, telling them of his retirement in the swamps and that he opened his own diner there, but other than that, not much was said about Dingodile's leaving. Tiny always said that Dingodile was a very good and understanding friend, in his own language. The Komodo brothers agreed with the tiger's sentiments, Joe most of all.

As the Komodo dragon picked up a menu and looked over the options, Dingodile raised an eyebrow as he decided to make conversation. "So, what's up back at the evil lair of my former boss?"

"Oh, you know, thingsssss are a little chaotic. Brio wantsssss credit for hisssss own work, Cortex wantssss to take over the world, but wantssss nothing to do with, and I quote, 'that infernal bandicoot'." Komodo Joe said as he briefly looked up. "Sssssso, you know, busssinessss assss usssual."

"Ah'm not surprised." Dingodile said to himself as he lowered his eyelids, before giving a grin. "Ah guess you took a week off to visit me?"

"Paid vacation." Komodo Joe explained. "I tried to give my brother the ssssame deal, but you know how Brio issss. Alwayssss paranoid at the ssssight of trouble."

"Ah had a feeling." Dingodile nodded as he gave a smirk. "See anything you like?"

"Hmmmm..." Komodo Joe paused as he looked over the dishes. "Hmmm, well, I ssssssuppose I'll sssssettle for a bat burger, with curly tail friesssss. Hold the lettucccce and tomato."

Dingodile laughed a bit. "One bat burger and curled fried pig tails, coming up!"

With that, Dingodile started to turn the oven up a bit as he pulled out a bat meat patty and put it on the grill, before taking out a bag of pig tails and put some in a fryer pan below, before dipping it in oil. As Dingodile was humming to himself, Komodo Joe paused as he looked around the diner. "Busssssinesssss pretty sssslow, Dingodile?"

"Eh, well, when Ah get customers in here, they do say Ah provide good service." Dingodile grinned. "Of course, same people don't seem to understand my good cooking."

"Yessss, I ssssaw thosssse commercccialssss you've put out for your diner. I feel bad you had to put thossse disssclaimersss on them." Komodo Joe said. "I persssssonally love your cooking."

Dingodile couldn't help but give a smile. "Thanks, mate. Nice to know someone loves my cooking. But Ah can't complain. At least Ah'm giving out more service than that Papa Batfield's from across the way."

"Yessss, I hear you and your corporate rival have been dessssperate to take each other down." Komodo Joe said. "What issss up with you two, anyway?"

The hybrid frowned as he crossed his arms, before uncrossing them to flip the burger over. "Ah have no idea. Some days, he leaves me alone, some days he starts threatening ma restaurant. He's basically a down-right bastard, if Ah say so myself."

Komodo Joe raised an eyebrow in surprise as cocked his head. "I ssssssee your language hasssssss become a lot more colorful sssssince you left."

"When you're managing a restaurant, and you have some competitors trying to ruin your business, can you blame me?" Dingodile frowned, before shaking his head.

"I ssssupposssse not." Komodo Joe paused as he looked out the windows, seeing the pink moon outside, still shining in the swamp. "You know, the moon tonight isssss unussssual?"

"No doubt about it. But Ah'm hoping some couples who see that moon come in and have a nice tasty meal over at me diner." The hybrid explained with a smile, before giving a frown. "Seems Ah picked the wrong day for love to bloom."

"You don't believe that tale of the moon, do you?" Komodo Joe said, turning to dingo/crocodile hybrid.

"Not really, mate. Ah've heard a lot of stories about the moon, but every time Ah look at it, I don't feel anything." Dingodile said as he turned to the moon... before turning to Komodo Joe as he gave a shrug.

Komodo Joe paused as he blushed a bit. "Well, I don't feel a thing in that moon, either. But if it did affect ussss in ssssome way..."

Dingodile paused as he returned the blush. "Uh, yeah. Well, Ah don't think the moon would have anything to do with the relationship we have. Tell me, does your brother know about us?"

The skinny Komodo brother looked up towards Dingodile as he paused. "He ssssuspectssss, but otherwisssse, I perssssonally haven't told him."

The hybrid paused, as he gave a sigh. "You know, Joe, you're gonna have to tell him sometime."

"I know." Komodo Joe looked down. At that time, the bat burger was done frying on the grill as the hybrid took it off and place it on a hamburger bun on a plate, before slathering a lot of guanamole sauce on it.

"Hey, don't worry, mate. Ah'm sure your brother will understand." Dingodile smiled as he took out the pig tails that were all fried up and put them all on the plate. "Ah got your plate ready."

Komodo Joe looked up as Dingodile settled the plate down in front of him, along with a glass of water. Joe couldn't help but smile as he looked towards his boyfriend. "Thankssss, mate."

As Komodo Joe started to eat his meal, Dingodile paused as he looked towards the pink moon again. He paused as he couldn't help but give a smile. "You know, Joe, when you retire, you could come work here, if you prefer."

As Joe swallowed the bite of his burger, he raised an eyebrow. "With you, in the diner, in the sssssswamp?"

"Ah know it's not the best locale, but it's better than nothing." Dingodile smiled. "In fact, when Ah found this diner and started to run it, Ah knew that Ah had found my true passion. You always said you loved my cooking, and you always helped clean up whenever I did the cooking for the minions back at the lair."

"Well, I only helped becausssse no one elsssse volunteered for dissssh duty." Komodo Joe blushed a bit as he took some curly pig tail fries and put some of his mouth, appreciating the crunch.

"And yet, you never complain. Ah guess that's why Ah appreciated you, mate, because you understood mah passion. Sure, being the pyromaniac was okay, but sometimes, Ah just want to settle in and have someone enjoy mah dishes, giving a warm smile on my face as people try to enjoy my food. Keyword being try." Dingodile paused.

"Well..." Komodo Joe paused as he swallowed his food. "You do raissse a good point. And you know, the sssswamp is pretty roomy after getting past a few of the negatives of the place."

"There, ya see?" Dingodile said with a smile. "No matter where we go or what we do, we never forget the friends we made along the way."

"Did you pull that out of a fortune cookie, Dingodile? Becaussse it'ssss cheesssssy." Komodo Joe lowered his eyes towards the hybrid.

"Ah admit it's cheesy, mate, but it's the best cheese you'll ever taste." Dingodile said with a grin.

"Well... I sssssupposssse I can't complain about that." Komodo Joe said as he took another bite from the burger. After swallowing, he smiled towards the hybrid. "I'm not ssssure why people complain about your food, thissss issss delicccioussss!"

"See? You get me!" Dingodile said with a smile.

Komodo Joe laughed a bit as he looked at the bat burger. "Well, only becaussssssse you cook this bat burger the way I like, and you ssssssslather the ssssssauce the way I love it."

"And Ah fry those pig tails in a way that is just right in your mouth, right, mate?" Dingodile said, his eyes widen cutely.

"Yesssss!" Komodo Joe grinned, before pausing. "It's a ssssurprissse you don't have more workerssss."

"Eh, being an only employee and manager of the place, it's a hard job, but it's worth the risks." Dingodile said with a grin.

Komodo Joe paused as he turned to his boyfriend. "Even sssstill, you look like you need ssssome help. Maybe I sssssshould retire. Bring Komodo Moe along for the ride, maybe Tiny too if he'sssss up to it, and we'll be your employeesssss!"

"You'd do that, mate?" Dingodile asked in surprise, before pausing. "No, Ah couldn't ask you to leave Brio and Cortex..."

"Believe me, I believe it isssss for the better. When I get back, I'll sssssee if I can talk thosssssse two into coming with usssss. I'm ssssure they won't mind... Tiny did ssssay he misssssssed you a lot when you 'retired'." Joe said with a grin.

"Wow..." Dingodile looked up at the pink moon floating in the sky from the doors for a moment, before turning towards Joe. "That's pretty brave of you, mate, to walk out on Cortex and Brio."

"What can I sssay? We may be cut from the ssssame cloth, but assss far assss Brio and Cortexxxx are conccccerned, we only do our jobssss because we're asssked to. I think it'ssss time we took our own livessssss in a different direction... and thisssss diner, what you're doing... thisssss could be a good ssstart."

Dingodile couldn't help but smile upon hearing that. "Well... Ah could use a lot more help in attracting more customers in case Papa Batfield gets any more ideas or, God forbid, an actual good recipe. Ah actually miss having you around for these pleasant talks."

"And it'ssss actually great to sssspeak with you again, crocodile tail!" Komodo Joe said with a smirk as he and Dingodile looked at each other with a smile. They looked back at the pink moon once more, their minds on different thoughts. They knew one thing was for certain, both the hybrid and the komodo dragon were already making their own plans for the future ahead. And in a way, they had a pink moon to thank for those thoughts.

Chapter Text

Gotham City always had the busiest nights in the world. Which, in retrospect, makes sense since this city had the highest crime rate in the world. Because of that matter, the skies in Gotham were always cloudy, with rarely a beautiful sight in the sky. It's only on rare occasions did the sky clear up to show the beauty of the stars. In fact, if one were to look just right, they could make out an image of a pink moon floating somewhere in the sky...

But crime did not have time to look at the pretty stars nor note the beautiful moon that was floating in the sky. For at that very moment, inside a warehouse somewhere in the facility, an explosion went off as someone was seen flying out, hitting a rail fence to block her path. That person groaned as she slowly got up and looked over at her suit. "Ugh, and I was hoping to have it clean!"

Seems like things were not going so well for Harley Quinn, formerly known as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, that night. Not only did the Joker leave her once again to pursue someone that had personally offended him, but she was currently in the middle of a battle with the infamous Batman. She'd have gone after Joker herself had it not been for Batman stepping in her way. She rubbed her mouth a bit before trying to keep her red and black harlequin suit as clean as possible. It was then that the familiar hero landed in front of her, causing Harley to narrow her eyes at the man in the bat suit.

"You know, Batsy, it's no fun trying to keep up with my Pudd'n if you keep getting in my way!" Harley growled as she pulled out her mallet, looking ready to charge and slam the bat with it, only for Batman to pull out his Grapple Gun from his utility belt and shot a rope at the bottom of Harley's feet, tying her up. She then tripped and fell flat on her face, causing the girl to groan. The hood then fell the opposite way for the moment, momentarily revealing Harley's blonde hair. "Ugh!"

Batman couldn't help but shake his head as he walked over to the helpless Harley, who was trying to reach for her mallet that she dropped, only to grab her hands and place them in ropes. "It's nothing personal against you, Quinn. But you know the rules."

Harley lowered her eyes a bit, rolling them. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know the drill, drag me over and interrogate me on where Pudd'n went and who he was after? Can we just save ourselves the trouble and I'll just say now that I have no idea what Joker wanted with that guy, nor was I paying attention?"

Batman lowered his eyes towards the clown girl, before giving a small sigh. "Considering that I know you a bit too well, I have to give you the benefit of doubt. But you're still being taken to Arkham."

"Ugh, you know my Pudd'n's gonna come back later and release me out of prison, right?" Harley said, though in a voice that didn't sound very confident.

The vigilante couldn't help but notice that change of voice. "When he had a need of you, I'm guessing?" Harley opened her mouth to ask a question, only for the bat to retaliate, "I know this, because Joker doesn't even seem to acknowledge your existence every time we battle, only calling you when he needs a distraction. Like his other henchmen, to him, you're just expendable. But I don't seem the point in trying to convince you otherwise."

Harley closed her mouth as she contemplated the thought as she looked down. Batman looked over to Harley for a moment, before leading her into the Batmobile. "Come on, I'm personally driving you down to the station to interrogate some more answers. You could be hiding something more than you're letting on."

"Ugh! You're so mean, Batsy!" Harley pouted a bit as Batman couldn't help but find the pout... rather cute. He shook his head a bit, trying to maintain his neutral, yet serious composure. As she put the girl in the front seat, Batman then jumped over to the driver's seat in order to compose himself and get ready to drive to the station.

As the car started up, Harley looked out the window, disappointed that her hands were currently tied up at the moment as she couldn't do anything to escape. Part of her was hoping Joker would come over and stop the Batmobile in its tracks, causing Harley to get away, but the words on Batman's lips lingered in her mind. She hated to admit that he was right, but... it did seem like lately, Joker had not been paying attention to her in the slightest, not even when she had a good, sexy outfit on to flirt with him.

"To think, I tried to go into his mind... how did he reverse it on me anyway?" Harley muttered to herself as she looked up at the sky. She spotted a pink moon that was barely visible in the sky, trying to shine through. But before Harley could acknowledge this strange moon, she heard something pop in the front causing her to jump up.

She immediately turned to the hero as she noted his grumpy mood, hearing the sound as well. "Bad tire."

Batman then started to push a few buttons as he gave a groan. "And I just finished the Batmobile's touch-ups too..."

The vigilante's eyes jumped as he read something that Harley couldn't see on the dashboard. But she got a pretty good idea as the hero slammed his fist on the wheel. "And the spare's gone?"

Harley watched as the man pulled a communicator out and held it to his ear. "Alfred, the Batmobile has lost a wheel. I'm going to need a new wheel at Olsen and Elizabeth Street, immediately."

Harley heard some distant sounds from the communicator, though it was on low, so she didn't quite understand what the person (She thought Batman said the name "Alfred") was saying on the other end. Batman gave a groan as he nodded. "Right. Just don't run into any trouble."

As the hero hung up his communicator, Batman gave a sigh as he crossed his arms. "Well, we're going to have to wait a while. I could walk you to the station myself, but I'm not giving you any ideas to escape!"

Harley stuck her tongue out immaturely before crossing his arms. "You know, Batsy, you should be more nicer to your carpool guest. They should know how to give you a good time!"

Batman ignored her as Harley paused. "So, you're just going to ignore me, then? Fine! I get the picture. I can play the quiet game too, you know!"

With that, Harley remained silent, yet was still examining Batman in every angle. Her psychiatrist mind was slowly starting to kick in as she gave a small smirk. "You know, Batsy, not everyone can risk going out at night, dressed up in a ridiculous costume and claim they're stopping crime."

Batman sat firm as he was still ignoring Harley, yet he seemed to be listening to her. "No, no, Gotham City may be the city of capital crime, but you are the only person I know that's determined to stop said crime? And yet, I see no reason for that."

"I do things for justice and making sure the city is better." Batman simply said.

"Hmmmm..." Harley paused as she tried to lean over as best as she could, examining Batman with all her might, all the while, trying to find a way out of her bindings. "We see Batman the hero, Batman, the man who stops crime at every turn, Batman who fights the Joker on a weekly basis... but I don't know much about Batman, the person."

Batman rolled his eyes under his cowl. "There's nothing to talk about."

Harley gave a smirk. "Oh, I think there is, B-Man. You're hiding something, and I'm determined to crack you open like an egg. Don't forget, I used to be a professional psychologist."

Batman held firm, his defenses being held firm as Harley tried to poke and prod him. "Now, why is it you've been fighting crime? Making all these arrests? You say it's for justice, and it's a good reason... but justice for what? How are you benefitting from this?"

Batman remained silent as Harley leaned close to him. "We're stuck here for quite a while, and I'm not going to stop until you say why you fight crime so much? What do you truly fight for? What is your justice?"

"Do you really want to know?" Batman frowned, still keeping his defenses up rather well.

"Well, anybody could do justice, and anybody can be a savior, but something has to drive you to save the city, maybe the world, by any means. Now, what could your story be, Batsy? Were you a former criminal who was guilty of something?" She kept an eye on him as she tried to find a weakness somewhere. "Sports accident? Maybe you lived in an alternate world of man-bat creatures and you were selected to leave Earth? Parental troubles? Bu-"

It was then the henchwoman of the Joker noted Batman slightly getting a little uncomfortable as she gave a grin. "Ohhhhh... interesting. So you have parental issues?"

Batman's eyes widened in shock as he turned to Harley, who can only give a smirk. "Face it, Bats, I told you I'm a good psychologist. You may not be able to say words, but your body language says it all."

Batman glared at Harley as she gave a giggle. "So, what happened to your parents?"

The hero frowned as he turned his head, keeping firm and silent. Harley gave a slight frown as she turned her head. "All right, all right, I can see it's personal. You don't have to tell me. But know this, Batsy. One day, you're going to keep so many secrets that it'll make you bitter and closed off. Is that what you want to be, bitter? Closed off? I bet there are even secrets you haven't told your Robin... or your friends... if you had friends. But hey, what do I know?"

Batman frowned as he looked up at the sky and noted the pink moon floating above. He then looked back towards Harley, still pouting as he suddenly felt... a little different. He looked back towards the pink moon, as if wondering what to do. He knew he didn't want to reveal too much, but at the same time, there were a lot of people who might have been... orphaned, growing up. Was there any harm in saying what happened?

Something deep in his mind was telling him something out loud, to explain to his pretty girl next to him about a personal part of his life that he had never told anyone but Alfred. Part of it wanted to ignore it, but the need to tell outweighed the need to keep quiet.

"They died."

Harley blinked twice as she turned to Batman, raising an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"You wanted to know what happened to my parents? Well... they died a long time ago. We were a pretty happy family, we always spent a lot of time together whenever they weren't busy with work... they mostly made sure we were pretty happy. One night, after we left a movie theater showing, we decided to take a little shortcut down to Park Row... commonly known as Crime Alley. There were risks, but the way there was shorter. Well, we were stopped by a man with a gun, didn't get a good look on his face, but..." Batman looked down sadly.

Harley gasped a bit as her arms, now free of her rope bindings were a little more expressive as she covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh my... I am so sorry..."

"It's fine. I was young, I mainly got over it. Being an orphan wasn't easy, but... I was raised by the right person." Batman said. "But I swore on their graves that I would try to stop all this crime. You could say that, in a way, I'm doing that job justly by stopping any and all crime in Gotham, before anyone gets hurt or killed."

Harley noted that though Batman wasn't crying, she could tell from his body language he was feeling depressed. She then threw her arms around the hero, engulfing him in a hug, causing the hero to open his eyes in surprise. He turned towards the girl as she lowered her harlequin hood, revealing her blonde hair. "You poor guy. You went through a whole lot, didn't you?"

Batman, though appreciative for the hug the girl gave him, sighed as he said, "Don't get the wrong idea, Quinn. Just because I told you my story doesn't mean I'm going to reveal ALL my secrets. Don't forget, you're still a criminal, and I'm-"

"-still a hero vigilante person, yadda yadda, yeah yeah." Harley said as she still held onto Batman with all her might. "You know, maybe if I wasn't such a bad guy, I'd happily join your ranks in your little bat-family!"

Batman paused as he looked over to Harley. "Wouldn't the Joker be furious to see that one of his henchmen betrayed him to work with his worst enemy?"

"It would totally piss him off." Harley giggled. "But face it, Bats, the kids you have working alongside you... that Batgirl and your little Robins that come along occasionally... you train them good, but if you want to have a good time, you need a woman bat in your life... unless... you DO have one?"

Batman raised an eyebrow to see Harley wiggling her eyebrows. He had to admit, it was odd and strange behavior, even for her. Then again, he just admitted a part of his life story to her, so... maybe he was feeling strange too? He looked over towards the strange pink moon in the sky, wondering if the rays were affecting them in the right way. Before he could think any further, he turned to Harley with a frown. "If you must know, I don't have any, as you quote, 'woman bat' in my life."

"No! Really?" Harley gasped. "Surely, a lot of girls can't keep their hands off you!"

Batman couldn't help but give a small smirk, hidden to Harley herself. Thanks to being Bruce Wayne, he was quite a playboy, but he wasn't going to tell Harley that. "Trust me, Harley, if you knew me well, you'd have a straight answer."

"Fair enough." Harley shrugged as she paused for a minute, before looking at Batman, a strange feeling filling up inside her. "Bats? You're cute."

Before Batman could retort, he felt a small peck on the cheek thanks to Harley, causing the bat to blush a bit. Harley gave a giggle as she opened the door. "I'm surprised you haven't noticed I just escaped out of my bindings."

Batman couldn't help but give a smirk. "Believe me, I've noticed... I just wanted to give you a fair chance and a head start."

Harley then pulled down her eyelid and stuck her tongue at the hero before leaping out of the car. "Then try and catch me, Batsy!"

"Get back here!" Batman called out as he got out of the car to pull his Grapple Gun again, trying to catch the running Harley, only to fail. He couldn't help but shake his head as he tried to run off after her, in the hopes of catching her.

Of course, things were pretty much back to normal after that encounter... somewhat. Every time Batman and Harley made eye contact with each other, something in their hearts just felt a little different, Harley feeling more attracted to Batman than she was before, and Batman, strangely enough, letting Harley get closer. They didn't know it yet, but it was the beginning of a budding romance between the vigilante and the Joker's henchwoman...

Chapter Text

As true to Kisshu's word, the pink moon had appeared in Tokyo about three days later. Ichigo herself was looking up at it as she walking out. The red haired Mew couldn't help but give a small smile as she remembered Kisshu herself showing her that very moon. Right around that time, another person was walking out of the cafe herself and spotted Ichigo looking up at that moon. This person was a green haired girl with glasses on her face, wearing a white and brown school uniform as she was currently fumbling with her backpack. She had almost bumped into the standing Ichigo, but fortunately, she stopped short as she gave a small yelp.

"I'm so sorry, Ichigo! I didn't see you there!" Retasu said as Ichigo turned towards her.

"Hm? Oh, it's okay. I've been a little... distracted myself." Ichigo giggled a bit as she looked up towards the pink moon, giving a small, quiet sigh of happiness.

Retasu raised an eyebrow as she noted the pink moon on the horizon. She blinked a couple times, before smiling. "I get it. Thinking about your true love when you're looking at a pink moon, am I right?"

"Uh... something like that." Ichigo blushed as she turned her head, not wanting to tell Retasu about her experience with Kisshu three days back.

Retasu sensed something was off with Ichigo, but let it slide as she took a deep breath. "Well, I can't really delay any further. I have to go on my... date."

"Hm mm. Have fun." Ichigo said quietly as she sat down to watch the pink moon for a bit. As soon as Retasu ran off, the words that was said to her hit Ichigo as she blinked in confusion. "Wait... date? With who?"

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Retasu felt pretty relieved when she arrived, seeing that the person she wanted to meet was still here. Sitting near the steps of the library, having his nose in a book, was a certain purple haired alien wearing a black tank top with a purple color, purple wrist bindings, and black pants. He also had on a large purple baseball cap in order to cleverly conceal his large ears. She paused and blushed as she approached the alien, giving a dainty cough to attract his attention.

The alien, known as Pai, looked up from his book as he raised an eyebrow. "You certainly took your time. Ryou Shirogane held you back?"

"Just a little bit." Retasu said as she looked down. "I'm so sorry, Pai, I'll try not to be-"

"Don't apologize. I'm not upset." Pai said in his usual monotone voice as he closed his book and teleported it away. "Now, you told me that you'd help me get accustomed to more of Earth's ways?"

Retasu blinked twice, before giving a small smile. "Y-yes. I hope you haven't changed your mind about that."

"Of course not. Since we have no reason to battle each other, I am quite curious to explore the nether regions of your planet. I'd explore the United States, but Japan seems to have more... flair..." Pai said as he looked around the decorated night lights of Tokyo.

"It's going to be quite a busy street at night..." Retasu said as she offered her hand. "I-I'll be more than happy to lead you around?"

Pai analyzed Retasu's hand a bit, before looking at her nervous, albeit cute face. Giving a small sigh, he put his hand to hers and gave a nod. "Then let's study Earth together, Mew Lettuce."

"You know, we're not really battling, you don't have to call me Mew Lettuce." Retasu blushed a bit as the two started walking.

"My apologies. Shall I call you Retasu instead?" Pai asked, raising an eyebrow.

The normally shy teenage girl could only giggle at Pai's stoic cluelessness. The purple haired alien said nothing as the two of them were walking around the town. Thankfully, not a lot of people were hanging around this area, but Pai knew he shouldn't be too careful and take off the hat in public... lest he revealed his ears to everyone. Pai looked around at the sky tonight and noted the pink moon floating on the horizons. He gave a small smile upon spotting that moon in the sky. Retasu noticed the slight change in attitude as she gave a small giggle.

"So, you've been attracted to the strange pink moon, huh? Ichigo's been having a special eye on that as well." Retasu smiled as she looked up at the pink moon with Pai.

"Oh really?" Pai raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. She seemed to stare at it with interest... though I'm not sure why that is. It is such a pretty moon, though. You can't deny that." Retasu said with a smile, before pausing to see Pai think.

Of course, Pai wasn't really that stupid. He knew all about the pink moon and its properties, and how it connected to Cyniclon history. Kisshu would NOT shut up about having a date with his "Koneko-Chan" to show her that moon in a different universe. Thankfully, after an hour, he had noise cancelling earbuds to tune out the bragging noise Kisshu had provided, but it got Pai to thinking himself. He was pretty thankful for that pink moon tonight as he stared into Retasu's eyes. Normally, he was a calculating, smart alien who didn't open his doors for anybody, but Retasu... Retasu fascinated him as a character. Sure, the Mews were talented on their own, but something about Retasu just clicked with him. Maybe it's because he found her magical abilities from her Mew form fascinating... the way she can transform into a mermaid whenever Mew Aqua affected her in water certainly peaked his curiosity.

The fact that she was one of the only Mews who prefers to not fight also fascinated him in more ways than one. Sure, he used to be one of the blind Deep Blue supporters who thought he was doing right, but after everything that he had went through, including dying once, he realized that maybe trying to cooperate with humans wasn't such a bad idea. And it should have been simple after the Mews, Ryou and Keiichiro gave them the Mew Aqua to revive their planet...

But eventually, Kisshu, Pai and Taruto returned back to Earth, just to see if they can fit in modern society (and to get close to the Mews as best as they could). So far, with Retasu's help, Pai was quickly learning about Earth customs quite well. Sure, he had seen and joined a few customs when he was studying the planet, but he never actually took the time to take in the wonders of the world itself.

"Pai?"

The alien blinked as he immediately turned towards the green haired Mew. "Retasu?"

"What are you thinking about?" Retasu asked as Pai paused. "I-i'm sorry if I'm asking a personal question!"

Pai couldn't help but give a rare smirk. "Just thinking about how good this planet is. It is rather hard to believe that a few months ago, we were in war with each other. And now, look at me. Walking around with one of my enemies, taking in the sights of the city, and not having to worry about strange looks."

Retasu looked rather surprised at Pai's rare emotion, before giving a giggle. "You're, uh, you're pretty adorable when your mind works on appreciating the simple things in life."

"Does it?" Pai said as he turned to Retasu. "Tell me, Retasu, you're just as smart as me. Always a studious person, always well-read, yet you don't seem to be all... assertive like I am."

"W-well... I just don't think-" Retasu started before Pai put a finger on her lips, shushing her.

"Not that I'm saying you're not brave. As a matter of fact, I believe that deep down on the inside, you're a shark, just waiting to be unleashed into the ocean at any given time." Pai said. "But you have a special kindness to you in a special way. It is true that I used to think all humans were terrible... but you seem to be a major exception. At least, that's what I used to think."

The green haired Mew turned her head slightly towards Pai. "What do you mean?"

"I guess..." Pai sighed. "After the last few weeks I hung out with, I think I'm starting to look at your point-of-view, thinking about how life can be as great as you can make it and..." He held his head. "Look at me talking. I feel like Kisshu when he's on one of his happy rants."

"Is that such a bad thing?" Retasu asked as Pai looked over to her. "I think you expressing emotion is pretty healthy. You just don't want to show it because... you're afraid of what people will think. I will not deny that you are a smart alien, but I think the cold attitude could very well be a front. Even after everything you went through, you're still afraid of opening up to people... or at least, to other humans you trust."

"Not... entirely true." Pai slowly said as he turned to Retasu. "I'm talking with you, aren't I? We're hanging out like... regular people, right? Am I... good enough?"

Retasu could see the hurt in Pai's eyes, like he knew what he did in the past and was regretting it. The girl couldn't help but feel for him as she lifted his head up. "To me, I believe you're good."

Then, Retasu had done something bold that she didn't think she would ever do... and that was to plant a small kiss on the purple haired alien in front of her. Not on the cheeks... not on the forehead... but on the lips. The stoic alien's eyes went wide as they looked over at the smiling, kissing girl in front of them, her leg lifting up as she held him in his arms. Pai couldn't help but give a smile as he initiated a kiss back, somehow feeling a lot more... warm. The two separated as Retasu gave a small gasp. "Your lips, they're..."

"I know... sharp." Pai sighed.

"No." The girl shook her head.

Pai blinked in confusion. "Cracked? Wet? Do I have a sore?"

"No, no." Retasu giggled as she squeezed the alien's hand. "Warm."

Pai couldn't help but stare at Retasu, not with his cold stare, but with a rare, but happy smile on his face. The alien then looked over towards the pink moon, figuring out that somehow, in some way, the moon's rays had been affecting not just him, but Retasu as well. And he wasn't regretting this moment with her. "Retasu, have I ever told you how this moon used to be pink every day?"

The girl looked rather interested as she and Pai continued to walk along the quiet streets, Pai explaining how the pink moon came to be. And Retasu listened to him rather intently, feeling warm around his presence and safe. As for Pai himself, he was beginning to enjoy and open himself around the green haired Mew, having a strange feeling that he was going to be hanging out with her for... quite a long time.

Chapter Text

"Let's see..."

Sitting in the castle library was a familiar light blue dressed blonde haired woman looking over a book as she was looking at it and the pink moon floating in the sky at the same time. Indeed, everybody in Arendelle had spotted this strange moon up in the sky as they were turning to their queen about the strange new phenomenon in the sky. But, try as she might, there was nothing in any of the books in the castle that said anything about this strange moon.

Elsa slammed the book shut in frustration as she threw it to the side. "Ugh, this is so useless!"

"Elsa, please. Deep breaths." A female voice said as Elsa felt a hand rub her back. The queen looked up to see her younger sister, a brown haired woman in a green dress doing her best to rub her back. "We don't want you to lose control of those powers again."

Elsa looked over to Anna before giving a small smile. "Really, Anna, I'm fine. It was just one little tantrum that went out of control."

Anna couldn't help but shake her head as the girl couldn't help but look out at that pink moon. "Still, you can't help but wonder why the moon is glowing a strange pink. I guess it's a mystery that doesn't have a definite answer."

"You can say that again." Elsa said as she sat down next to Anna, feeling thankful that she had her sister by her side to watch the moon.

Then again, the two have always been close since childhood. Anna loved Elsa's mysterious powers and Elsa always used them to impress her sister in more ways than one. There was one little incident that involved Elsa accidentally throwing some of her powers directly at her head, but thanks to some rock trolls deep in the forest, they managed to get rid of the freezing in her head. Her parents considered separating the sisters to make sure nothing like this happened again, but Elsa was pretty defiant. Sure, she was a little nervous about the powers, but she knew she could conceal them. It was a hard sell, but much to Elsa's relief, her parents decided not to go through with their plan and just warned Elsa to not take it too far. The young Anna perfectly understood that as well when she woke up.

So, basically, Anna and Elsa were pretty much still close, even when they grew up. Most of the people knew about Elsa's powers and thanks to the king and queen, managed to convince everyone that Elsa was not a monster, just someone trying to control their powers. It was eventually found out that Elsa could manage to control her powers through emotions, so as long as Elsa didn't have a panic attack or get angry, she wouldn't have a problem with her ice powers. And Anna was there to make sure Elsa could control herself easily.

Still, it didn't stop their parents from leaving the castle to find out more about Elsa's powers and where they came from... so the news that the ship had sunk truly devastated the both of them. Still, the two did their best to go on, even Elsa was crowned queen a little earlier than usual. Still, people looked up to the new queen as they treated her with respect, and she even showed off some of her powers for people who liked seeing the fun side of the queen.

Still, nothing could have prepared Anna or Elsa in what was about to take place tonight. As they were about to put the books away, a guard kicked the door in, making the two girls jump.

"Goodness! We're having a bonding moment!" Elsa said as she held up her hands.

"Sorry, your Highness. I thought you'd be interested to know that someone landed near the gates... a young boy and a dragon. The dragon seems to be a little hurt." The guard explained.

Anna and Elsa looked at each other, blinking in confusion. "A young boy and... a dragon?"

The guard nodded in rapid succession.

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A couple minutes before, up in the sky somewhere, a young man in a brown leather suit underneath some armor was busy trying to guide a large black dragon through the sky as he was trying to find a good place to land.

"Don't worry, Toothless, we'll be able to find a good place... I just hope they're okay with friendly dragons." Hiccup said as he patted his friend's head. Toothless could only respond with a smile, trusting his human friend.

It had been quite a tough battle for Hiccup and Toothless. Recently, they had heard of a rogue dragon flying around and burning a few villages outside of Berk, and Hiccup and his friends had decided to investigate. The two eventually did find that dragon, though the dragon proved to be a little more than rough on Toothless. In fact, this dragon physically punched the dragon so hard that, with Hiccup hanging on for dear life, the two of them felt like they were traversing through a different dimension altogether.

So, there he and his friend were, in a place that was unfamiliar to him. If Hiccup had to guess, the dragon they battled was no ordinary dragon, but one that had a special power... one that, from the looks of it, can take a person or people to a different dimension. And Hiccup had no way of getting back.

As Toothless kept flying over the horizon, the guy riding him couldn't help but notice the pink moon floating above the sky. Hiccup raised an eyebrow at this particular sight, but before he could question it, he heard the sound of his dragon giving a small roar. Hiccup turned towards his friend, before noticing what Toothless was looking at. A town was near the vicinity, and not too far was a castle. Hiccup couldn't help but give a smile as he pointed towards the castle. "Maybe the royals who live here will accept our help, and maybe help us find a way back home."

Toothless nodded as he started to fly towards the gates, and upon landing, felt a little pressure on the left hind leg as Toothless whimpered a bit.

"It's okay, just hold it up a little." Hiccup patted Toothless's head, comforting the dragon before looking over to the fearful guard that had noticed him. "It's okay. He's with me. He's friendly. But we need help. Can we see one of your castle's inhabitants, maybe your king or queen, for help?" Hiccup asked.

The guard immediately ran on the lowered gates and through the door with no hesitation. Hiccup blinked twice before getting off of Toothless as he bent down. "Okay, let's see that leg, buddy."

Hiccup then picked up Toothless's leg as he did his best to feel around the thick hide, only for Toothless to whimper. "I know it hurts, just swallow the pain."

The Night Fury bit his lip as he watched his friend feel around the leg. Hiccup paused as he gave a nod. "It's not too big of a break, easily mendable. We'll just bandage you up and in about a few days, you'll be walking well on the ground. Until then, it's best to either lay down or fly, pal."

Toothless nodded as he gave a cute roar towards his friend. Hiccup couldn't help but smile as he patted the dragon on the head.

"Awwww, that's so cute."

"Wow..."

Hiccup and Toothless blinked twice as they turned to see two females walking out and watching this... interesting spectacle in front of them. The girl with brown hair was staring at the boy and his dragon with interest, and the blonde haired woman could only look in amazement.

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A few minutes later, after Anna and Elsa introduced themselves, with Hiccup doing so respectively, and helping settle Toothless in, he had just finished explaining the story of how he and his friend got here. "And we got here to the castle. Again, I can't thank you enough for helping me and Toothless... your majesty."

Hiccup turned towards Elsa with a smile, as Elsa couldn't help but feel... rather charmed by the boy's politeness. "Please, just call me Elsa. And anyway, it seems you've come quite a long way. Hard to believe that dragons can be easily tamed. They're not usually easy creatures to tame, let alone fight."

"Let's just say, Toothless and I have a... special connection." Hiccup said as he gave a small blush.

Elsa thought she heard Anna giggling as she turned towards the girl. "Anna, come on."

"Sorry." Anna said with a hidden smile.

"Well, regardless, I'm not sure how we can get you back to Berk... if this is even your world, if what you say is right." Elsa said. "But don't worry, you and your friend are free to stay for as long as you need."

"You don't mind?" Hiccup asked in surprise.

Elsa laughed a bit. "Don't worry. We'll patch your friend up and we'll take care of you in the meantime. Why don't you just relax and I'll see if you're in a different world, or the same one, but far?"

Hiccup smiled as he was settling himself in a comfortable chair. As Elsa was getting up, she noticed Anna looking at the boy lovingly. "Anna, are you coming?"

"I... I think I want to keep Hiccup company, if that's all right." Anna said, looking at the boy with a lovesick smile.

Elsa couldn't help but give a groan. "Don't you remember what I told you, Anna? About just meeting a guy and..."

"I know, I know. I'm going to get to know him first. It's just... I can't help it. He seems so... nice." Anna whispered as she looked over at Hiccup rather lovingly.

The snow queen couldn't help but shake her head as she got up. "Okay, but don't do anything you'll regret!"

"Elsa!" Anna gasped in shock as the blonde haired woman gave a laugh, leaving the two alone. After a moment, Anna couldn't help but shake her head before turning to the young man. "I'm sorry, she's just... very protective of me."

"I can see why." Hiccup said with a smile. "You're very lucky to have a sister like her."

"Well..." Anna blushed a bit. "She does have moments of emotional outbursts, but I always come over to try and calm her down. We sort of work in tandem, me and Elsa."

"I see." Hiccup smiled as he turned to the pretty brown haired girl in the sunflower dress. "I think that dress suits you. You're pretty adorable."

Anna couldn't help but feel a slight schoolgirl giggle coming out of her throat. She then noticed the boy's prosthetic leg as she raised an eyebrow. Hiccup noted Anna's curious look as he quickly answered, "I lost the leg in a battle long ago. No big deal, my dragon, Toothless has a prosthetic tail."

"Wow..." Anna said in amazement as she gave a smile. She was about to reach out and touch it, before stopping herself short as she looked up at Hiccup, who could only give a laugh and nod towards her. With a gleeful expression, she used her hand to touch the prosthetic leg as she stared in amazement. "You must be a very brave warrior back in your home..."

"Well... I guess you can say that." Hiccup blushed a bit as he and Anna looked at each other with loving eyes, as behind them on the windows, the pink moon was giving out a beautiful shine.

Hiccup and Anna couldn't explain this fateful encounter, but for some reason, they felt like they were destined to be together forever. The way they looked at each other with loving eyes, the way Hiccup acted shy around this beautiful princess, the way the princess looked at the young warrior with passion, it felt like the seeds of romance were starting to be planted. Either way, their new, unexplained feelings, even though they didn't know about it, was all because of the beauty of the pink moon.

After a few seconds, Anna coughed a bit as Hiccup immediately went over and held her, looking concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. Throat's a little dry. Shall I... give you the tour of the castle while we go to the kitchen?" Anna asked.

Hiccup paused, before giving a smile. "I'd like that, Anna. Thank you."

Anna giggled as she lifted her new friend... soon to be boyfriend up and lead him out of the room, as she seemed pretty excited to show the castle from head to foot.

Chapter Text

In a small neighborhood town somewhere in the suburbs, the moon was starting to rise up. But it was no ordinary moon that was going up, but rather, the pink moon that was ever so rumored. Needless to say, a lot of kids were staying up past their bedtime a bit just to bare witness to this moon. Sitting on the field nearby, laying down on the grass were two kids as they were looking at this odd moon in interest.

"You know, there's a little legend about this pink moon." The messy black haired child with a red and black striped shirt, holding a blue security blanket said as he turned towards the blonde haired girl in the blue dress.

"What's that, Linus?" Sally asked.

"They say that this moon shines pretty well on two people and they act differently based on their feelings. Though how it's possible for a moon to show a different reaction to a couple is beyond me." Linus explained as he squinted at the moon a bit. "It specifically has to be the right circumstances, and two people have to be near each other in order for the moon to take its effect."

Sally paused as she turned to Linus, giving a big smile. "And you think it's romantic that you and me, seeing the pink moon together, we'll be that couple who spots it? I knew you cared for me, my sweet babboo!"

Linus's eyes widened, before facepalming. "I went with you because we all drew for partners in the baseball field today, remember? And I'm not your sweet babboo!"

"You say that now..." Sally sang a bit as she fluttered her eyes towards the frustrated boy, who resisted every urge to let out a loud scream.

Linus gave a grumble as he looked around all of the other kids who were watching the moon. "Why couldn't I have gotten another partner for this? I'd even settle for my sister if she hadn't rigged the draws to be with Schroeder. At least I can take her complaining that I took away precious time she could be spending with the boy she's going to marry."

Sally, hearing this, rolled her eyes. "Well, I, for one, wouldn't want to hang out with my big brother watching this moment. If anything, I think the partner he has with him is just as good."

Linus blinked a few times. "You're right. I'd settle for who Charlie Brown is with right now."

Not too far away from the group, walking past a certain white beagle wearing a popcorn vendor suit, giving away free popcorn, sitting nearby at the familiar base of a certain tree lied two individuals, who were watching the pink moon together. One was a round headed kid wearing a yellow shirt with a zig-zag black stripe, black shorts and brown shoes. Sitting next to him, looking up at that moon, was a black haired young girl with glasses, wearing a red shirt, a red skirt and white shoes.

"Hey Charles? Do you suppose that the moon goes pink around this time because of a strange eclipse from the other side?" The girl, known as Marcie, asked the round headed kid.

Charlie Brown blinked twice as he turned towards the moon, glowing the pink radiance. "A good theory, but nobody's ever tried to correctly guess what the pink moon is. They say that it comes in any random world on the first two weeks of February, and... considering it's February 13th right now, it's not a bad guess to fathom that we came so close to seeing it on the actual Valentine's Day."

"It is quite a bummer." Marcie said as she started to form a blush around the boy she liked. "It is nice that we get to hang out with each other, though."

"Don't we usually hang out at least every week?" Charlie Brown asked, turning to Marcie.

"True, but usually, we have other people with us." The bespectacled girl said. "At least when we're alone, I can feel free to act like myself around you. And you're free to act like you."

Charlie Brown blinked twice. "But... I always am me."

"True, but I believe that you're as good as you believe you are, Charles." Marcie said with a smile as she took his hand and squeezed it, making the boy next to her feeling a bit comfortable.

The two remained silent as they stared directly into the pink moon. Somehow, in some way, Charlie Brown looked over towards Marcie, giving her a small smile. He had to admit, Marcie was a sweetheart. Clueless at times, but she was sweet nonetheless. If he weren't pining for the red-haired girl, maybe... he shook his head as he tried to turn his head. He thought to himself, "Why am I thinking this way for Marcie? What am I even doing? Get it together, Charlie Brown. Just think of the red haired girl... how you want to approach her... how you want to talk to her... you're already doing so well with sweet Marcie... lovable, adorable, genius Marc-"

"AAAAAAAUGGGGH!" Charlie Brown let out a loud scream, making Marcie jump in the air as she flipped over a couple of times. Once the girl recovered, Charlie Brown realized what he had done and yelped. "Oh. Sorry, Marcie. I was... thinking of something."

"Realized you left the oven on, Charles?" Marcie joked a bit as she adjusted her glasses a bit.

"No, I-" The boy started, before pausing as he looked over at the bespectacled girl, doing her best to make sure her hair was straight. "...never mind."

Marcie couldn't help but blink twice before straightening herself out. She then sat back down as she looked over at the young boy, a small smile donning on her face. She wasn't blind to Charles's reactions. Over the past couple of days, whenever the two were alone, he started to act differently around the girl. He had been blushing a bit more whenever the two were talking, and... even though Charlie Brown was never one to ask Marcie's questions directly (her most asked was 'do you like me?'), she knew, that deep down, she had a bit of a crush on Charlie Brown. In a way, she had to thank Peppermint Patty for introducing her to the round headed kid and his dog back at summer camp.

Sure, Peppermint Patty will probably always be a bit rude and put her nose in other people's business where she shouldn't, but she had a good heart, and a well-meaning attitude about everything. Even when Peppermint Patty tried to get Marcie to come out of her shell, away from the books and trying out various sports which she didn't particularly enjoy, she still had some good natured reasons. Still, if there was one thing Marcie was thankful for Peppermint Patty for, it would be introducing her to Charlie Brown. Sure, they didn't talk much, but when she was around him, she felt a little warm inside her heart. She could hardly explain the feeling, but when the two of them talked, she felt a little more... cheerier.

In a way, she was pretty thankful that she was Charlie Brown's partner at the pink moon sighting, because at least she knew she'd be comfortable with someone she knew, even if it was a boy. She then sensed Charlie Brown was looking down in depression. "Something wrong, Charles?"

Charlie Brown couldn't help but give a small sigh. "Well, knowing that it's Valentine's Day tomorrow, I don't think I'll ever get a Valentine. I never usually do. I like to think that this could be the year I receive a Valentine card, or a present or something, but that doesn't seem to be very likely right now."

"Oh, Charles... I'm sorry." Marcie looked at the boy as she put her arm around the boy, making him blush a bit. "If it's any consolation... I think I might have something for you tomorrow. I'd have to walk to give it to you myself..."

Charlie Brown looked over to Marcie in surprise. "You'd be willing to walk to my place to give me a Valentine?"

The girl adjusted her glasses as she gave a smile. "You always get put down by everyone, Violet, Patty, Lucille... well, I'm determined to show you that I'm not like those girls."

"You don't have to prove anything, Marcie. If anything, your kindness to me is proof enough that you're one of the few people who understands me." Charlie Brown smiled. "And believe me, the people that have trust and faith in me, there's not so many of them in this neighborhood."

"I can see why." The girl next to him giggled a bit, making the boy smile. All of a sudden, Marcie leaned over and kissed Charlie Brown on the cheek, making his eyes grow wide in surprise. "You always were one of the nicest kids."

Charlie Brown blinked twice... before giving a small smile, recovering from the kiss. "Thanks..."

"Has she always been impulsive? Wait... these kisses always meant she liked me, and she always told me she liked me too. I always was confused by why Marcie would act more differently around me, but... no, maybe I always knew, but I chose to ignore the answer." Charlie Brown thought to himself as he looked over at Marcie, who was giving a small happy sigh as she settled herself at the base of the tree. He smiled as he put his arm around her, noting the girl's smile as he did so. When he heard Marcie quietly sighing happily, he gave a smile. "You always asked me if I liked you, Marcie. Thinking about it... I believe I do."

Indeed, watching the pink moon was a very delightful moment for these kids, and though some had the reactions you'd expect when dating (Schroder loudly complaining to Lucy how she rigged the drawing to be with him), one couple didn't complain about their being together in some way, shape or form. Indeed, Charlie Brown and Marcie may not have known yet, but the pink moon was lucky to shine on those two kids as their feelings grew even stronger...

Chapter Text

"A pink moon in February? Merely a joke created by someone, or an actual phenomenon meant to confuse the minds? This is the subject of our urban legend for today, my friends.

"They say the moon had been around since the dawn of time, and that it was always pink. They say aliens with strange ears have lived at that time the moon was pink, but that has yet to be determined. Either way, as the years went by, the moon started to change into its natural white color that you see before you. Nobody knows how the moon turned from pink to white throughout the years. Maybe the alignment of space had changed something, maybe the stars aligned themselves next to the moon... maybe the color of the moon was always white, but it changed into a pink color overall. For most adults, that was the most likely explanation.

"But now, alternate worlds have been noticing a pink moon as of late in the first two weeks of February, all leading up to the holiday known to all of us as Valentine's Day. Legend has it that a couple, no matter if it's genders of the same or the opposite, look at this pink moon together and act on their feelings. But the moon itself can be quite picky when it comes to shining on couples. No, the moon's rays have to be in alignment at the right couple if it wants to yield better results. Most say that the right couples got together through means of that pink moon. Some say their significant others woke up their own feelings for their loved ones at the sight of the moon.

"Now, I know it sounds strange, but yes, the moon can still turn pink. But it had to be under these different circumstances... especially on Valentine's Day, where the moon shines the hardest on a couple it sees fit. They say the lucky Valentine's couple that gets shined by the moon's rays becomes a couple the next day. Inseparable from each other, no matter what the circumstances are. So, if you're trying to get together with someone you like on Valentine's Day... hey, you might be lucky if a pink moon DOES come by and shine on you.

But I wouldn't count on it. The chances of a pink moon appearing in our world is a 1 in 8,192 chance. Again, you never know."

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The urban legend about the pink moon couldn't help but crawl itself around a certain football headed boy's head as he was busy setting down chairs on the roof of PS 118. He couldn't explain why he was doing so, but he had been studying the moon patterns for a research project with his partner when he spotted in the history books how the moon used to be pink. At first, he and his partner thought it was a joke until Gerald came in to tell the the urban legend of the pink moon.

Of course, it did sound like a silly story, but it did leave Arnold in thought as he looked towards the sky. A pink moon considered romantic for couples? It did seem like an interesting idea, but he didn't personally believe it. Then again, half of the urban legends that happened around Hillwood were mostly true. Still, it was a perfect opportunity to study the moon patterns with his partner as he sat down on the chair he sat up and waited.

He checked his watch as the time had changed. He gave a sigh as he shook his head. He knew his partner always liked to be fashionably late for these kinds of things, but never in his life had he been antsy. He paused as he was a little worried. He walked over and looked out the roof... to see a familiar limo turn the corner. Arnold grinned as he doubled back and started to pull out his notes. A few minutes later, just as the boy was finished putting all of his notes together, the door to the roof opened as a familiar black haired beauty, wearing her fashionable red sweater and black jeans had walked out, backpack in hand.

"Sorry I'm so fashionably late." Rhonda said with a small smile as she set her bag down. "I just had to get a quick manicure. You can't complete a school assignment if your nails are grody!"

Arnold couldn't help but give a small laugh as Rhonda approached. "It's all right. I got everything set up for the assignment."

"So, you think we'll be able to study the moon for a bit, write down what we see and how the stars align?" Rhonda asked as she settled down in the chair next to the football headed boy's.

"Well, it'll be a little difficult, considering the city likes to keep the street lights on, but sometimes, the moon certainly pops in. You can barely make out the lines, but the moon will shine its brightest when it comes around here." Arnold explained.

Rhonda giggled as she looked up. "Shame we had to spend Valentine's Day on this assignment. I know you were eager on trying to ask out someone..."

"Yeah, but you heard Mr. Simmons. The assignment is due in a couple days, and I want to stay ahead of the curve." Arnold explained as he gave a sigh. "I know I sound a little like Phoebe at the moment, but it's a must I get these assignments down and out."

"Hey, I don't blame you. I'm taking this assignment just as seriously as you are." Rhonda smiled as she pulled out her notebook. "Well, shall we start on what we studied until the moon arrives?"

Arnold gave a small smile towards the girl as he pulled out his schoolbook. "But of course. Tell me what you researched so far."

And so, for the next hour or so, the two kids traded research notes and started to write down a cohesive paper based on their notes of the moon. Rhonda researched the history of people wanting to land on the moon, while Arnold was doing his research on moon cycles and how there was only one moon on Earth, in comparison to other planets. As soon as they felt that they got far, it was nearly time for them to spot the moon coming out, so they managed to get to their seats. As they waited, they started to talk about the other planets.

"Come on, Rhonda. The planet Pluto isn't named after the dog." Arnold laughed. "I'm sure everybody knows that."

"Then tell me, genius. How was the planet named?" Rhonda said with a smirk.

"Like every planet, it's named after a Roman or Greek god, in this case, a Roman God that ran the underworld." Arnold said with a smirk.

"Hm mm. Hm mm." Rhonda nodded, as if not believing the boy. Arnold stared at her flabbergasted, before noticing the hidden smirk on her face.

"Oh you!" Arnold laughed a bit as Rhonda lost her composure and giggled. As soon as they were done laughing, they noted the faint outlines of the moon coming in. "Oh, there's the moon!"

"I think I can barely make it out as well!" Rhonda said as she squinted a bit. "Hold on, I think the lights are dimming a bit... yes, yes... I see it clearly!"

Indeed, as the girl had just pointed out, the lights from the street were starting to dim down a little bit as part of the sky was shown clearly. Much to Arnold and Rhonda's surprise... and bedazzled wonder, there was the moon. But it was no ordinary moon. It was...

"The pink moon..." Arnold and Rhonda gasped as they looked closer at this rare phenomenon.

"And on Valentine's Day too." Arnold said.

Rhonda couldn't help but giggle. "Whoever the lucky couple sees this in Hillwood or anywhere, they're bound to be quite lucky."

"I suppose so." Arnold paused as he gave a smile. "It's a shame we're not on a date right now."

Rhonda, hearing Arnold's word, gave a small sigh. "Yeah, tell me about it. Still, you can't deny it, the pink moon is certainly a pretty sight. Think we should write it down?"

"Do you think Mr. Simmons will understand why we wrote about the pink moon?" Arnold asked. "I'm not sure we're allowed to put any myths and urban legends into our papers."

"Maybe so, but you heard Gerald's story. It's a rare phenomenon, that pink moon." Rhonda said. "Oh, what I wouldn't give to be the girl of the couple that looked up at the pink moon with a guy she liked."

She sighed romantically as Arnold looked back towards the pink moon, before smiling. "I can imagine..."

With that said, the two went silent as they went back to their lawn chairs to try to copy down what they were seeing of the moon. It wasn't until Arnold finished a paragraph of his paper when he noticed Rhonda had been looking at that moon again. "Rhonda?"

"Huh? O-oh! Sorry, I was still looking at that moon." Rhonda said. "Suppose the urban legend told was true about the pink moon... what would happen if said couple reacted strongly to each other. Even if... two people WERE together and witnessed the moon at the time, but they don't realize they are a potential couple?"

"Who can say?" Arnold shrugged as he looked over towards the pink moon as well. "I guess the feelings just get a little stronger for another if that were to happen."

"I see..." Rhonda paused as she looked over towards Arnold and gave a smile. "Have I ever told you how you look good in your clothes, Arnold? You always fashionably rock the two shirts, the green one over the plaid... I'm a little surprised most people don't mistake you as being of Scottish heritage."

"You told me that plenty of times..." Arnold said as he lifted the green shirt slightly to reveal the long flannel plaid shirt underneath. "Besides, it's not that big of a deal..."

"Arnold. You could be wearing the future of fashion that's ahead of its time, and you say it's no big deal?" Rhonda gasped as she put her hand on the boy's shoulder, making him blush a bit. "If anything, buddy, you could be the greatest hit in fashion the world needs. I mean, even if a lot of people don't know much about you, judging from how everyone reacts positively around you, I'm sure you're going to be quite famous someday!"

Before Arnold could retort, Rhonda stood up as she moved behind Arnold and gripped his shoulders, leaning her head closer to his. "Imagine it, Arnold. You're standing in front of the spotlight, people are applauding you for every achievement you've ever done in your life. You may think you haven't done much now, but believe me, you've done more than anybody else believes."

Arnold paused a bit as he gave a smile. "You know, Rhonda, you do have a good point, but I only do what's right and try to guide people in the right direction."

"Sort of like a conscience, in one way or another." The pretty girl smiled. "I can understand that."

Arnold paused as he examined Rhonda strangely. "Don't think I haven't noticed you, though."

"Hm?" Rhonda blinked as Arnold sat next to her.

"Sure, you're still Rhonda, the girl who doesn't want her clothes ruined or a nail chipped. You're the girl who criticizes how uncool someone is, based on what they wear or how they look. You tell it like it is, and that's brave, even for you." Arnold said. "And yet, despite all that, deep inside, you're nervous because you know your mouth can get you in trouble. I mean, I know Helga lets her mouth run, but she knows when to stop. And you do, too, just... you tend to act before you think."

"I guess you have a point..." Rhonda paused.

"We all have flaws, Rhonda. We're not exactly perfect human beings. I know I'm not." Arnold said as he clutched the girl's hand. "But given how I've been able to help you a couple of times, trying to get you to see that not everything has to be cool and fashionable when it's against you, you're not just the girl that panics over losing a nail over the smallest things. I mean, you still may be that, but you're much more. You're stylish, you're pretty, you show respect to both cool and uncool kids."

Rhonda blushed a bit as she turned to Arnold. "So what you're saying is, I may not be the perfect girl, but I'm a dang well good one when I'm not so... self-centered. I mean, I'm still rich, but I'm doing my best to at least hang out with the best of the best."

"And your best of the best is obviously Nadine... and Harold... and Helga... heck, you hang out with a lot of us in the neighborhood." Arnold said.

"I even hang out with you." Rhonda giggled as she sat down and cycled her feet a bit.

"Yeah, of course." Arnold grinned as he sat down. "I mean, if we weren't busy doing this assignment, and we were together, hypothetically, I wouldn't hesitate to drop what we were doing and go out on a good Valentine's Day date!"

"Aw, with me?" Rhonda fluttered her eyes towards the blushing boy.

"Well... I'm not quite sure yet." Arnold said. "I'm not sure why I'm saying these things, and I'm pretty sure you know you're saying some things that are bold even for you, but I think we can agree that we both have a lot to do."

The two paused as Rhonda once again looked up at the moon. She gave a small smile as she turned to the football headed boy. "Maybe you're right, Arnold. If it weren't for the assignment, I'm sure we wouldn't be able to get to know each other better."

Arnold paused as he gave a small blush. "Well, I..."

She giggled as she clutched his hand, causing Arnold to look her directly in the eyes. "Tell you what. Let's finish this assignment tonight, then tomorrow after school, you and I go out together... as friends... on a small Valentine's get-together."

Arnold blinked twice at this proposal, before blushing. "So... a sort of... late Valentine's... friend date?"

"Something like that. Don't worry about treating me tomorrow... I can treat you." She giggled. "I mean, you already did go through the trouble setting up a comfortable lawn chair for me to study the moon with."

Arnold paused as he looked back towards the pink moon, as he noticed it was undeniably shining brighter than usual. After a moment, Arnold gave a smile as he turned back towards his friend. "Why not? I guess one date tomorrow wouldn't hurt."

Rhonda giggled as she picked up her notes. "Then I guess we're good. Shall we continue our homework assignment, buddy?"

The football headed boy gave a nod as he sat down with the beautiful raven haired girl in the red shirt, continuing their assignment as they shared more notes. But as they were doing so, they didn't realize that the seeds of love was about to blossom...

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(???, February 15th)

The next night, somewhere in the world, the moon rose up... and it was as white as before. Two brothers were walking by as they looked up at the moon.

"Awwww... I guess the pink moon is gone." The younger brother said in disappointment.

"Don't feel bad." The older brother said with a smile as he patted his younger brother's back. "That moon was always a strange phenomenon for a lot of people. Besides, Valentine's Day is over. There was no physical way for the moon to appear pink again after Valentine's Day. Besides, there's always next year."

"Well... yeah." The younger brother nodded as he gave a yawn. "Do you think we'll find love someday?"

The older brother could only give a laugh as he noted the younger brother looking at the moon curiously. "Only time will tell... and who knows? Maybe it'll be with the right people..."

"Hmmm..." The younger brother sighed as the two of them looked up at the moon once again, before travelling on their way, preferably for a peanut butter milkshake down at their local ice cream shop...