Work Text:
Becky stared down at her fist, hovering in front of Tobey’s door, not yet making the decision to knock on it. She could see her own breath in front of her from the chilly weather, and could hear the crunch of snow under her feet as she shifted uncertainty. Her ears, unnaturally long and pointed, twitched. She adjusted the earmuffs she wore over them, making sure any alien trait she possessed was unseen. Looking away from the door, Becky thought back to what possessed her to decide to visit Tobey Mccallister in the first place, especially voluntarily and over winter break.
She had been sitting in class, cheerfully reading a new dictionary she had been gifted by her parents. Although reading was her main priority, she was also subconsciously tuning into the idle chit chat her classmates were having as they waited for the bell to ring and let them all off for winter break. As expected, everyone was discussing what they’d be doing over the break. She heard a girl speak up. “What about the party? Everyone’s coming to it, right?” she heard murmurs of agreement among the kids. Becky was aware of the party. Who at their school wasn’t? She was planning on attending it with Scoops and Violet. Another kid began talking.
“Wait, everyone? Including that Mccallister weirdo? Won't he try to like….wreck it?” Becky paused. Letting her attention now shift to be primarily on the conversation, her body tensed up as she silently listened. Several other classmates assured them that Tobey would not be attending, making the entire group giggle in relief. In fact, according to them, nobody had even told him about it.
On one hand, she guessed they had a reason to not invite him. Tobey had a temper, even in his teens, and was a known villain. Of course people would be wary about inviting him to things. But, on the other hand…
Becky focused back on her dictionary, her eyes landing on a word at random.
“Conviviality. Defined as the quality of being friendly and lively; friendliness.”
Becky frowned, quietly setting the book down to now rest on her desk. She thought back to when the two were younger. There was some birthday party neither of them had been invited to. She couldn’t even remember the girl’s name. But she did remember how hurt both of them were, and what they did afterwards.
A snowflake landed on Becky’s nose as she was snapped back into the present. She sucked in a frigid breath, put on a small smile, and knocked on the door. It didn’t take long for the door to open. Becky was greeted by Mrs. Mccallister, a woman she recognized after many years of spending time with Tobey. The woman looked pleasantly surprised to see her. Becky didn’t expect they would get many guests with Tobey’s reputation.
“Becky Botsford! What brings you here? I wasn’t expecting any visitors.” Becky chuckled awkwardly, face flushing from embarrassment.
“I’m here to see Tobey, actually. I just wanted to drop by and give him something.” The small, festive, paper bag she had been carrying hung at her side, rustling at an occasional gust of cold air. Mrs. Mccallister smiled down at Becky, moving to allow her to step inside.
“Go right upstairs, dear. He should be in his room.” She instructed, gently shutting the door behind the girl. The Mccallister’s home had already been decorated for the holidays, and had a warm feeling to it as Becky scanned her surroundings. She nodded a thanks to Tobey’s mother, and quietly walked up the staircase to his bedroom.
Becky noticed the door to Tobey’s bedroom was already open, and a light shiver passed through her as she felt the cold winter breeze from it. His room was as messy as ever; spare parts, robot blueprints, and Wordgirl memorabilia were scattered about without rhyme or reason. Becky’s face flushed. She hadn't forgotten his crush on her.
Tobey was leaning out of his open window, silently watching the snow outside as it fell. Almost fondly, Becky recalled the times she had visited the villain and spoken to him through the window as Wordgirl. Thinking of it brought a small smile to her face. Becky took another step closer to Tobey, and cleared her throat. “It’s good to see you.” Becky was mildly surprised at how warm her tone was as she spoke- you could hear the smile in her words.
Immediately, Tobey jumped, startled by the sudden voice. He hadn't been expecting anyone to drop by. He quickly spun around to face the voice. His glasses were fogged from the cold, and his face was flushed. Becky couldn't tell if that was just from the weather. Behind the blurry lenses, Tobey’s eyes widened.
“Bec- Wor- What are you doing here, Botsford?!” He stammered, struggling to pick which identity he should address her as in his shock. She even noticed his accent slip. Becky giggled, extending her arm to give him the bag, rather than answering his question. Tobey hesitantly took it, still confused.
“Happy holidays, Tobey! I got one for you, and one for me.” A smile, as cheery as the sound of her voice, grew as Tobey broke his gaze with her to inspect the present. His eyes squinted as he looked down.
“Becky. You are aware I have no interest in ice skating, correct?” Becky nodded, humming a response as she waltzed by his side and took her own pair out of the bag.
“Neither do I!” she confessed as Tobey’s gaze moved back to her. “But Violet, Scoops and I went a few days ago, and it was great! So, I thought I’d take you to try.” Tobey fell silent, searching the girl’s eyes to see if it would let him read any more into her offer.
“Why?” He asked plainly, readjusting his glasses.
“Why not?” Becky answered, moving towards the door with an earnest shrug and a grin. When the two weren't fighting, spending time with Tobey was actually enjoyable. Why wouldn't she want to do it more often? Tobey watched her, eventually following after her down the stairs.
As Becky reached for the handle of the front door, something caught her eye. She tilted her head up in curiosity. Mistletoe, with the two of them under it. Becky blinked, a light blush beginning to dust her face. “That wasn't there when I came in?” She questioned as Tobey followed her gaze upwards. Almost instantaneously, his face heated up.
“My mother must have-” He began to try to explain, cutting himself off with embarrassment. He didn't need to continue. Becky swiftly opened the door and gave Tobey a peck on the cheek. Before he could have time to react, she took his hand and ran out the door with him, a soft smile on her face as Tobey trailed behind her in a daze