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"meet me at the park at 4pm
dont be late
leave the monkey"
- TTM
"Well that's a sentence I never thought I'd read," Becky muttered to herself, staring at the very suspicious looking piece of paper infront of her. Given it was a week after valentines day already, you'd think it would be a scrap heart letter but no, it appeared to be a hastly written note on a piece of paper yanked out from a fresh note book and put face down on her desk, she frowned a bit at how almost illegible the note was with how rushed it was, and seemed a bit, confused.
TTM
Theodore Tobey McCallister the third.
Ever since they started 6th grade 2 years ago, Becky has made the exhausting effort to befriend the boy, she had her spots of rage with him. Actually convinced she permanently ruined her good record at school with how often her and Tobey ended up in detention over their heated bickerings turning into Tobey pulling out a robot to ruin the rest of the day...wasn't all bad though.
Becky shrugged, nkw standing at her locker she neatly folded the message to put on her pocket as she thought about how now it was so much easier to talk to Tobey because of the detentions. Even recently as 2 weeks ago their last detention trip ended with them going for ice cream before returning home. She chuckled a little remembering how red Tobeys ears were the next day from his mother pinching them as punishment for not coming home after detention, inches away from her pocket the piece of paper was caught on the lining and bounced right off. "Oops!"
Becky sighed, put her books in her locker, almost throwing the poor things then turned back to pick up the note only find it was gone. "Huh?" She looked on the floor a minute then froze when she heard the snooty giggle of a familar annoying voice inches to her left. Smirking as she held the now unfolded crisp note, Victoria Best looked up at Becky
"wow lame much? Is this your valentine card?" Victoria asked then dangled the piece of paper like it was some piece of gross trash fresh out of the gutter. "Week late and uts hardly even legit"
Becky rolled her eyes "legible Victoria, the word is Legible...really we're starting high school next year and you still don't know your words?" She couldn't help but play a smirk on her lips at the last bit, Victoria scoffed rolling her eyes
"insult me all you like, for once I feel sorry for you" Victoria huffed, flicking the letter to Becky to which she scrambled to catch in the air as it flopped around "what?" Becky asked as she chased after the paper.
Victoria leaned on the lockers and watched as Becky struggled to catch the paper before it hit the ground "I mean isn't it obvious? Your getting seconds" she said and waved her hand "I mean a week after valentines day, where Robot Chunk always fights Word Girl eeeeeevery year BUT This year? and then you get a half ass letter face down from a notebook paper?" Victoria scoffed just as Becky caught the paper in question facing away from her. "Anyone with a brain could figure it out..."
Becky was quiet, still facing away from Victoria she frowned and gripped the paper in her hand tight "and what exactly would that be?" Becky asked calmly, as she turned to her locker in the same manner to get her book bag out of the locker.
Just as she faced the book crammed space Victoria slammed her locker door closed, throwing wind up into Becky's face and catching her off gaurd as the blonde preppy craned her head to stare at Becky coldy
"that he's only settling for you, cus he gave up on word girl," Victoria shook her head "im the best at knowing how a rebound looks like. And to Tobey? YOUR it..."
Becky's lips tighten as she held back the urge to slap Victoria, but even though anger was clear on her face. On Victoria, it was genuine pity. Becky looked at the letter in her hand and felt a bit of a tug. "Its..not like that Victoria. Me and Tobey are Just friends that's it" she said, gently moving the girl out of her way and opened her locker door again. Hiding her face from a now sneering Victoria Best, Becky looked at the paper in her hand 'just friends right?' She thought to herself.
Victoria gave an annoyed groan "Whatever. If it turns out I'm right, which I always am cus I am The Best. Don't come crying to me" the villianesse gave a huff and marched herself around Becky and down the hall. She didnt shove her like she normally would now a days. And for some reason.. why did it feel like that just made the pit in Becky's stomache deeper?
Becky looked again at the piece of paper, now crumbled up from her tight grip she loosened it and looked at the time again
'4pm' . Becky sighed, she took a moment to muster up her courage before looking at the clock that's faithfully taking away in the hall, 3:10pm.
Becky took a deep breath and shook her head "Nah. It's Tobey... It's Tobey, what am I worrying about" she chuckled. Taking the note she folded it up in a more half ass way and put it in her book bag before taking it and heading out the door
"Hes just a friend" she repeated.
Not really in the biggest hurry, Becky opted for a bus ride to the park instead of her usual super speed flying, with the thoughts playing in her head She didn't doubt the possibility and flying right into a bird on the way. Tobey IS her friend right? Well now anyway...kinda. Becky groaned, again thinking back to every silly little argument that they had just THIS week. What paper is the best for books, what show was the best to watch crime fighters, what would a word girl tv show look like...that last one was funny but still. Becky hit her head lightly on the glass pane of the bus, "this isn't anything," Becky sighed, noticing her reflection she glared at herself and pointed "this isn't anything. Tobey likes word girl not-...ugh no I mean" She shoved her hand in her face. "He doesnt- I mean he does b- ...ugh why did he have to say to leave Bob behiiiiind" Becky whined. Leaning in her seat on the bus and was lost in her flustered thoughts, she glanced to her side and watched as the park began to go by- WAIT
Becky launched up from her seat and pushed against the glass, "no no no" she panicked and began pulling the cord frantically to stop the bus, flitnching as it snapped in her hand right before the bus came to a hault. She stared at the opening doors then the cord and shook her head, "it's fine" She squeeked and ran off the bus before anyone else on it could see what she did and started to gun for the park.
Thankful the sky was still somewhat lit, not getting dark at all, Becky panted from running the 2 blocks she missed the stop by and swerving and dodging passerby parents and their children as she ran. Becky had intended to go check the park made of Tobeys beaten mech, but a blue of blonde almost had her dead in her tracks as she ran passed it, then skid to a stop. "Tobey?-"
Correction. Slip. She slipped to a stop. While glancing over her shoulder Becky failed to note what her feet were running into and let out a small scream as two melted ice creams on the floor sent her flying into the grass.
"Ow..." Becky whined, squinting and spitting out dirt from her mouth that went in on landing "that could have been smoother" she muttered, starting to pick herself up just as a pale hand popped into her sights "no kidding" a familiar British voice chuckled, Becky blinked up looking at Tobey as he knelt down slightly to help pick her up. Not thinking much of it Becky took Tobeys hand to get up, checking her feet she frowned "who wastes perfectly good ice cream like that?" She groaned. Kicking her feet on the grass to get the strawberry pink flavoring off her shoes she failed to note Tobey's face scrunch as the boy pushed up his glasses
"Ah...yhea. wasteful," Tobey chuckled, kicking his own feet uncomfortably waiting in Becky, still holding her hand, he looked at Becky's hand in his and felt the urge to squeeze but pushed against it, "uh, i did the Thi-" he began but quickly slapped his hand over mouth his mouth, his voice squeeked and cracked now and it had become a downside on the boys daily life now, he wanted to scream the second he saw Becky turn around to look at him curious, he cleared his throat
"Uh I didn't think you would come Botsford" Tobey said, careful to control his voice and pronouniation of his words, giving Becky a deadpanned face as he watched a grin play on her lips "did your voice just crack again?" "...maybe"
Tobey frowned as he heard Becky laugh "it's not funny!" He squeeked again, looking more flustered as his voice betrayed him again, Becky laughed a bit harder "oh I agree... it's extreamly funny"
Tobey frowned, "...whatever, just..just come on"
Tobey listened to the little voice in his head and got a better grip over Becky's hand and began to pull her along deeper into the park. With the sun going down, the park was practically dead silent all around the pair, but Becky couldnt really tell with how hard she heard hearts beat. Not just hers, which already hurt but Tobeys heart seemed running a mile a minute compared to her own, they didn't get far when Tobey squeezed her hand
"close your eyes" Tobey said
"Huh?"
"Just, trust me and close your eyes Botsford" Tobey urged. Again trying to steel his voice under his control by the sound of it. But he seemed desperate..Becky at this point. Was the same. She did as asked, "uh, ok. Their closed. Tobey sped the both of them up, but was careful and gentle to move Becky left or right as they went over a hill.
Soon enough, only thing Becky was hearing was Tobeys shuffling feet, the leaves from the tree line they were close to. And Tobey swallowing hard. "Uh, can I open my eyes now?" "just a sec," Tobey squeeked, rifling through his cargo shorts, then pulled out something that didn't even make a sound in his hand, Becky felt Tobey tighten his hold on her hand and his fingers gingerly parting hers from one another, she frowned a bit from the awkwardness of his fingers fumbling hers around. Then she felt Tobey slide something onto her middle finger.
Becky's eyes flew open and she saw Tobey flinch "no wait I wasn't d-" Becky looked down at her hand ignoring her friend in favor of the matte silver blue ring he placed on her finger. There were ridges carved into it all along the side, and Becky could feel the small pulse of electricity going through the small ring on her hand. She looked it over and Tobey backed away.
Becky swore if her face was visible she would be seen blushing, cus her cheeks sure felt like they were. She chuckled nervously, looking at the ring "uh...Tobey isn't it a bit early for engagementrings? Jumping the gun much?" She tried to joke, nerves clear in her voice as she looked at the boy, but he failed to look up.
Yhea that wasn't helping the situation much Tobes.
Tobey sighed "ah its not..well I m-, no its not an engagement ring Becky...please you should know I'm atleats more tactful and less cringy then that" Tobey frowned and slowly he presented a small pocket sized dictionary, "i.." he trailed off...
Tobey took a deep breath and poised himself taller, which..funny enough Becky was just now noticing he was actually getting taller then her, then he shoved tge small book forward "I made it myself. Look just. Put your hand over and tap with the finger the rings on please" Tobey rushed out, didn't even care that his voice cracked more then a broken fluet he just wanted his words out already.
Becky was hesitant, she leaned away but she extended her hand and as the ring hovered over the book, she tapped it like Tobey instructrd then gasped as it sucked in the small book with a blue light. Tobey smiled at her reaction, "now, just tap the with the ring the fing- I mean the finger tge ring is on again".
Becky let the flustered blurt of mixed ears pass and did it again, out popped a white light bubble this time and it expanded out the book. "...woah" she gapped, Tobey puffed his chest in pride and smirked as he saw a glint in Beckys eye. She repeated the tapping over and over and over again on Tobeys hand. Tapping away amused and delighted while Tobey spoke again "its storage can only hold a single book at a time but..I figured you being. Well You. It would be nice if every so often you could just quickly get a book in and out as you pleased...it even saves tge page if you leave it open when you tap it"
Becky beamed at that, oh she was So using that feature. No more unwanted cliffhangers of books she's midway reading because of a villian anymore. Her mind races with the places she could use this new gift at, tapping away still until she gave one more tap that made the book disappear, and Tobey silently raised his hand up from underneith Becky's and interlocked them. Making Becky freeze, then look at her friend who had a bit of a pained look. "I.." he tried to draw out. Then laughed, shifting his feet and kept his eyes locked on their hands while he could feel Becky's on his own face. Desperate to avoid her gave though Tobeys head tipped slightly so he looked at the ground.
"...I like you"
Becky felt like ice was running up her body.
"...what?"
Tobey stiffened, trying not to tighten his grip on Beckys hand but his other hand was shaking beside him "..."
Becky swallowed "Tobey? What did you just say?" She asked.
please. please don't repeat it. a voice inside her screamed. Becky clenctched her eyes shut, like she was bracing herself.
Tobey took a deep breath then proclaimed a bit louder "I said. I Love you, Becky Botsford" he added her name at the end. and. that only seem to sting more. "im sorry I was late to say this, especially when I had a better opportunity on valentines day but.."
Becky frowned, she could feel herself trembling and took her hand back gently, shaking her head. "no"
Tobey frozen "n...no?"
"no you dont," Becky said, smiling, almost wanting to laugh out the words but she was already fighting to pull a smile up over her face, Victoria was right. "You don't like me Tobey. you like Word Girl" Becky laughed at the irony, but Tobey only looked more and more in pain as she spoke
she was reluctant, but Becky raised her head to look Tobey in the eye, as painful as his expression looked "you use to do the same thing when we first met..say I was someone I'm not, and im not the person you like" She shook her head and ran her hand over her face "im Becky. Becky Botsford. Word Girl is a, super hero for heavens sake," she laughed, but she could feel some semblance of tears forming in her eyes looking at Tobey "i read books, i watch unicorn shows, i have a collection of fantasy books- im Not Word Girl Tobey"
they stood in silence briefly. Becky watching the face of pain, rejection, and various forms of sadness go over her friends face, she silently took the gifted ring off her finger, then pressed it back into Tobeys hand. "im sorry" Becky muttered softly, taking a step back away from him, Becky turned her back on Tobey and began to walk away.
"you doodle on your math homework," Tobey blurted out, "every so often its a bee but half the time its a tiny unicorn head. the rest you just make scribbles" Becky stopped.
"you make bracelets with Violet on the weekends but you never wear them, you like your bangs out normally but when you get serious you pull it under your hairband. You like peas but you hate sweet peas and corn. you hate Corn!" Tobey's voice became louder with each thing he listed, and his voice echoed over the plains of the empty park. Tobey gritted his teeth, "I am Tobey McCallister the third, i am never unsure of what i am doing. and i do as i want! And what i know im doin- what i Know i want is Becky Botsford"
Becky remained silent but she could hear him coming after her down the hill, "so dont dismiss me so easily..." Tobey said softly, slowlt coming down the hill the young boy felt his heart sting.
"i Know what im saying Becky, and i know...i realize you mainly know i was in love with Word Girl ..but...Becky..Becky please look at me?" Tobey pleaded. Coming closer he reached his hand out for hers but missed a step. Tobey let out a small gasp as he began to fall, feeling a soft hand on his jsut before impact though and was just inches from hitting the ground when he looked up and saw Becky. Holding his hand as she caught him and giving him a sad expression. Becky glanced away from Tobey and mainly stared at his and her hand once again interlocked
"..."
She gently let Tobeys back rest on the grass he almost fell on and stood over him briefly before squatting beside the blonde geniuse. Making good use of her sweater to hide the bottom half of her face as she looked at Tobey, still holding his hand. He stared at her a good minute, silently watching the dusky sky over head play an aray of colors over Beckys hair.
"is it really that obvious that i dont wear the bracelets i make with Violet?" she asked
Tobey didnt say anything, then gave a small chuckle "...yes very much actually. their gody and bright and overall way too noticeable on you..trust me i would have seen them on you" Becky raised a brow, to which Tobey smirked and lazily pulled back and fortg his hand with Beckys "come now my dear. i just confessed my feelings do i have to confess how often i stare at you aswell? thats a bit cruel"
Becky rolled her eyes but Tobey caught that her face was so obvipusly red at this point he didnt care as she gave him a light jab with their hands. Just looking at her eyes peeking over her swear made his heart skip beats.
"oh shut up"
"when have you known me to shut up?"
Tobey gave Becky a cheeky smile, but instantly it fell away at her giggle raising her head to look him in tge eye from her sleeve. "very true..."
Tobey drummbed his hand on the grass, picking at the dirt while his other hand has his thumb running over the back of Beckys hand in a stroking motion "every single word ive said has been" Becky stared at him, he bobbed his head a bit "okay every word ive said Tonight has been true..." Becky scoffed, as did Tobey.
The boy slowly sat up, still smiling softly as he stared at Becky. He shifted his weight, so he would be just a bit closer to Becky. Waiting to see if she backed away, and upon seeing she didn't. Tobey beamed, "I really do love you Becky" he smiled, then rested his forehead on Beckys while she still hid her face. "powers or no. I'm afraid you made a mistake befriending me in 6th grade," he laughed "cus now your Stuuck with me" his voice cracked, making the boy turn a nice shade of pink and look away as his cool line was ruinned. Becky tried to hold it but her laugh escaped her before she could stop it and tried to smother the sound into her sweater. "the crack is also stuck with you too" she joked.
Tobey frowned at that. But he still looked lighter then air with how he looked at Becky, while the dark chill air slowly surrounded them. Tobey was only focused on Beckys eyes, gently he moved her arm aside, taking all of her in then smiled
"is it tge only thing stuck with me?" Tobey asked.
Becky stiffened, she looked only a little unsure but was leaning in regardless. Tobey didnt even make much of an active effort on his end, he only tilted his head and accepted the fact it was Becky who leaned in for the joyus kiss he felt. The stinging pain he felt earlier, the heat in his eyes from almost crying at Becky's first rejection, the feeling of his heart having dropped almost falling earlier. Gone.
In its place was just the warm feeling in his chest and the flashing thoughts in his head of Becky smiling beside him. Drove him to push deeper in the kiss but instantly regretted it when it resulted in the two falling over, both of them gasping for both air and in shock from almost rolling down the hill.
The pair looked at each other, Becky sprawled on her back and Tobey face down and further down the hill that Becky, then laughed at the ridiculousness of it all
A month's later. The chilly spring air had turned to the hot humid summer heat, ans Tobey grumbled as he waited on a random roof with melting ice cream beside him. He could have Sword Becky said she was on her way just a moment ago...did sonething happeb? did she bail?" Tobey frowned and recoiled in on himself.
Then a small thing shadow casted over his head, and caught his attention fully when all too well know yellow cape of Word Girl took in a breeze and waved around in the air.
"Tobey," Word Girl beamed "long time no see"
Tobey briefly looked up at her then sheepishly rubbed his neck "a-ah word girl..lovely to uh..see you. it's been awhile huh?" he asked. Word Girl only gave him a soft laugh "hmmm 3 whole months, not a single robot attack. yhea i would. consider that a full decade in Tobey Time"
Tobey snorted "Tobey Time? really?"
Word Girl shrugged "yes really, whats up with that? need i be concerned?" she asked. Tobey seemed to glow a little red and fidget in his spot on the roof
"not really no. i just...have a girlfriend now?" Tobey sheepishly said, though they didnt make it official just yet, it was flat out obvious to everyone he and Becky were a couple already with how they acted. Though this seemed to make Word Girl go wide eyed in surprise
"really?"
"yes really," Tobey said straightening himself out "i am a gentleman and a McCallister bound by his word..i promised her i wouldnt destroy the city anymore. so im not going to" he glanced down at the ice cream in his hand bitterly "though i wish she would have kept her word and joined me on the roof She invited me to"
Word Girl giggled at that "well im sure she has her reasons..but meantime. mind if i wait with you?" she asked and flated down beside him "no baddies today. and im also waiting on someone"
"oh? who?"
"hmmm..." Word Girl hummbed a minute "well i guess Now i can call him my boyfriend but its a bit cheesy to say that"
Tobey took his turn to go wide eyed and then laugh "timing of it. I get a girlfriend sam time as you get a boyfriend.." he then whinced "yeese imagine what would have happen if i was still obsessed with you" he muttered into his ice cream "what was that?" "nothing"
Word girl stared at him a moment, looking lost in though then giggled as she flopped to sit beside the evil genius "hes a bit cheesy. actually think hes a but too old school sometimes..but think youd be a fan Tobey. certainly has the brains for the position" she mused, making Tobey stare at her like she sprouted three heads
"...is it kid math?"
Tobey tried to hold back a laugh as he saw Word Girls face twist in disgust
"what ew gross no. hes like a little brother"
"if you say sooo~" Tobey hummed and earned a bump from the superheroine, who did not even care now that he had face planted right into his ice cream.
instead of apologizing she just smirked as he gave her a dairy filled glare. putting the ice cream down he reached around for a napkin " thank you very much Word Girl," Tobey grumbled as he searched his pockets "was wondering what ice cream up my nose tastes like."
Word Girl gave a small giggle, watching Tobey struggle with finding a napkin she leaned over and kissed the slightly pudgy boy on the cheek where ice cream was slowly melting. For one catching him off guard, he didn't register what Word Girl had just done until she pulled away, looking utterly shocked at the guester he snapped his head around to see Word Girl casually floating next to him and tapping her finger on her leg, out a small fantasy book in sudden blue light.
"hm," Word girl licked her lips a bit as she opened her book, narrowing her eyes to identify the flavor while Tobey was spiraling beside her and turning into the color of her uniform.
"dunno why, tastes like strawberry to me" she chuckled "I guess I like your face as ice cream huh?
Tobey stammered for a moment, pointing between Word girl the ice cream the book her hand all of it, Becky allowed it and smiled to give the boy enough time to register what just happened so he could register her tapping the star on her chest and instantly flashing into Becky Botsford. Then continued to casual air and turned tge page of her book.
"I KNEW IT! I WAS RIGHT! I WAS RIIIIIGHT!"Tobey yelled. scaring off pigeons with how loud he was as he screamed and celebrated. Becky just watching him with a light smile on her face.
is this Word Woman? no. did I love typing it anyway? FUCK YES :D ahhhhhhh we needed more fluffy Word girl content yall. I'm not letting Word Woman be the ONLY thing I posy about these two. still typing more chapters but I wanted this out of my system