I am so so so so so so so sorry! A couple of monthis turned into al last 3 years... For that I am embarrassed and truly sorry as This time I don't have many excuses except for writers block and losing track of time. If there's anyone still out there was originally reading this before I went M.I.A, this is dedicated to you guys and your patience.

This is quite a wordy chapter so I hope it will be ok as I am not overly happy with it but if you like it then that's all that matters. I wanted a chapter to give an idea of what exactly the teen operatives do now so I wouldn't be surprised if it is a bit of a yawn in places.

Also having to write a scene that's been in my head since chapter 5 (and has been written at least 2 years prior to the rest of this chapter) with an interaction between 2 characters that has been touched on briefly in other chapters but I wanted to explore it further so hopefully you'll like it.

Right enough rambling, lets do this...finally

Warning: Curse warning and maybe the use of words people may find offensive

Disclaimer: I don't own Codename: Kids Next Door, Mr Warburton does.

Reputation

The sweet shop run was a weekly routine in the lives of the teen operatives and a one job they all took turns with. Normally the process was very straight forward; work out who was going, throw a list of requests at said person and off they went. It was as easy as that.

On this occasion things weren't quite as simple. It was the turn of Hoagie and Wally who would generally go without making a fuss but this time there were protests from the mechanic whining about wanting to stay with his time machine project, trying to peel Wally away from his new girlfriend and the presence of 5 children who were arguing amongst themselves about who would go on this exciting trip. Eventually it was decided all the boys would go.

40 minutes after leaving for the sweet shop the boys were walking back, deciding to take advantage of the blazing hot sun and walk rather than drive which was the wet weather option. A white carrier bag full to the brim of confectionary treats for everyone to enjoy, including the packet of Red Hots Wally was currently eating.

"Man I forgot how good these were." Wally moaned in delight as he devoured the sweets quickly, making Hoagie laugh as he watched his friend happily work his way through the pack.

"I take it sharing is out of the question then?" The aviator asked jokingly as one by one the sweets disappeared.

"Hell no! No guys picked your own." Wally argued with his mouthful, making the three 10 year olds laugh as they saw Hoagie's sly apologetic look for his friend's bad manners.

"Such a gentleman huh" Hoagie sighed, looking onwards with a smile as the treehouse could now be seen in the distance. Passing by a nearby trash can, Wally aimed and threw the now empty packaging in with ease. "Good thing we're almost there before everything goes."

As they passed by the entrance of the park, Wally spotted a familiar face, someone he would rather ignore as even their presence brought out the worst in him. Conveniently in the very same place he had encountered Patton, Tony and Sykes only days ago, stood the one person that Wally truly despised to the very core. Quickly the blonde teens demeanour changed, diverting his eyes away in hope he would not be noticed.

Unfortunately he was wrong.

"Hey! Beatle Brain!" The cool relaxed tone laced with a heavy Spanish accent called out to the Aussie making him freeze in his tracks. His facial expression hardened confusing Numbuh's 1, 2 and 4 while Hoagie cursed under his breath and rolled his eyes, predicting what was to come. Reluctantly, Wally turned to face his smirking nemesis who was accompanied by a short brunette female who was looking equally as confused as the younger operatives who were invisible to everyone else. Wally could deduce that the girl was one of the many conquests of his enemy based on a few quick observations.

At a guess she younger than her companion though the amount of makeup that donned her sweet face made it difficult to tell and her skimpy outfit he wasn't sure if it was due to the hot summers day or for the benefit of someone else. Despite these things she was admitably very pretty though probably lacked a brain cell or two if she had landed herself in Ace's company. Sadly she was just another girl that fit into the usual criteria since Kuki. But she didn't know that, not yet anyway.

An idea that he was certain would bring Ace down a peg came to his head. Surely it would upset the female but Wally felt she had to let herself know what she was in for, he didn't want to see another victim like Kuki had been.

With a grin plastered on his face, Wally greeted the aspiring pilot happily as he walked closer to them. That act alone throwing Ace completely. "Hey! How are you mate?" Not really expecting an answer from the teen who was frowning behind his black glasses as he tried to gage what the other was playing at as green eyes set on the brunette. "And you must be...what was it? Hayley?"

"Umm...no it's..." The girl tried to answer but Wally stopped as he pretended to try and think of all the girls names he could in his head.

"No don't tell me! It's Katie! Amy?" She frowned, unimpressed that this so called 'friend' of her boyfriend didn't know her name but instead still rambled away. "Jessica? Talia? Oh no wait...she was last weeks...or a few days ago at least. No that was before the girl that looked exactly like you, SHE was a few days ago..."

"WHAT?!" She exclaimed in horror as she turned to face her boyfriend who was grinding his teeth and shooting daggers at the other male. Quickly turning to face his latest girl, he attempted to fumble out a few words in his defence but was unsuccessful. Feeling a stinging slap to his right cheek, the girl's heels clicked against the hard cement as she walked into the park. "Vicky wait!" Those words had been the final nail in the coffin.

Gleaming brown hair swished against her back as she turned round to face her now ex boyfriend, her once sweet green eyes now like a blazing storm as she screeched. "Vicky is my sister you bastard! My name is HANNAH!" With that she marched away, her pace quickening as she used her hands to wipe away the tears.

Watching her disappear into the crowd, Ace looked slightly dejected but that soon changed when he faced his enemy who was looking very proud of himself. The hard stare said it all as Wally simply grinned in victory. "Sisters ay? Never knew you would stoop that low. And that was only a lucky guess!"

"Your such a douche Beatles. Proud of yourself?" The Spanish teen cursed, shaking his head at the others behaviour.

"If it protects her from guys like you, then yes I am." The Australian narrowed his eyes as he spoke with a dangerous tone. The comment only reminded Ace about the grudge Wally held

"You still holding that against me? For fucks sake man, get over it." The Hispanic teen coolly suggested as he moved his tanned hand to play with blonde quiff that stood out compared to the rest of his copper coloured hair. At his careless uncaring statement made Wally practically seethe.

"Ignore some of this stuff please." Hoagie muttered under his breath for only the 10 year olds to hear the warning, well aware of how the majority of confrontations between the pair turned out. He made a bid to try and urge his friend away from a situation that could very easily become messy. "Come on Wall's, it's not worth it."

Hearing this Ace pretended to look slightly hurt at what the mechanic said. "Gee Hoagie, I thought we were friends?"

"We were until what you did to Kuki, Fly Boy. That changed everything."

"Not my problem she couldn't handle being more serious. She was practically begging for it." As Wally struggled to contain his anger, Ace said one more thing that would purposely send the teen crazy. "Kind of like that girlfriend of yours the other night..."

The European teen smirked triumphantly as he watched Wally visibly flinch as the words sunk in. He couldn't deny he felt somewhat hurt hearing this news. Even though he and Claire had split up and she was free to do what she liked, but to move onto the very man she was well aware was an enemy of her ex was something else. Anger simmering, he mustered an answer as calmly as he could. "She's not my girlfriend anymore dickhead."

"I gathered that Beatles." The pilot acknowledged as he recalled the event aloud. "She threw a house party and got herself so off her face she actually started crying about you of all people. She was so tragic that all I had to do was whisper sweet nothings in her ear, after that she was too easy. Don't know why you didn't hit that while you had the chance... you missed out."

That was it. Wally couldn't contain his temper no more.

"Your disgusting!" Wally spat as the Spanish male simply laughed at the insult, unapologetic at this actions towards Claire that night. "She was vulnerable and you treated her like a piece of meat!"

"She's your ex, B...just do what I do, wash your hands and move on." The chuckling teen shrugged carelessly, not understanding why the other was defending his past girlfriend. It was then he recalled something else that Claire had mentioned in her drunken state. "And what do you care anyway? By the sounds of what she said you only used her. It looks like your more like me than you think sadly...for me that is."

""I'm nothing like you!" Wally countered, ignoring the statement that he had heard being repeated more times than he'd liked. Some aspects of it were true; both had strong, outspoken personalities with brazen tendencies and held high interest in sports. But the similarities had ended there Wally had kept reminding himself. If it wasn't for them clashing over Kuki Sanban when they were kids, they probably would have been friends. Seeing the disbelieving sneer looking back at him, Wally couldn't resist wanting to smash it with his fist. Hoagie saw the fist of his best friend clenched as he prepared to attack, which is when he intervened again.

"That's enough! Let's go Wally!" Hoagie commanded, holding his friend's shoulders to prevent him tackling the arrogant teen to the ground. Still restrained, Wally turned to look at the scientist over his shoulder who briefly glanced at the three worried young operatives stood behind them, reminding the combat expert of their presence. Taking a big shaky breath to try and relax himself, Wally moved his shoulders out of the American's grasp, holding out his hands silently telling him he wasn't going to retaliate.

"Ok, I'm ready" The tall blonde sighed in defeat as he was about to walk away. Catching Ace's smug gaze and victorious stance as he watched the two teens walk away wounded. He didn't...no...couldn't leave it like this. Every being in his body refused to walk away and let the Spainiard bask in his satisfaction of the win. Quickly turning round after only walking a few feet away ignoring the protest of the mechanic, Wally decided he needed to have the last word, something which was bound to wipe the smirk off his face. "You know I never got a chance to really thank you."

"A thank you?" Ace frowned in confusion, hand moving to his denim jean hip as he leant again the brick wall, the green leaves from the hedge next to him brushing against the signature brown leather jacket as he did. "For what exactly?" The menacing grin he received throwing him off guard.

"For messing things up with Kuki all those months ago..." Wally started, innocently observing his finger nails as he spoke. "You...opened the door for me let's just say." While Ace was still unaware of what was to come, Hoagie had managed to figure out Wally's game, silently cursing his friend's stupidity. "Such an amazing kisser don't you agree?"

"You..."

"Yeah, thought you would agree." Wally interrupted the teen to continue. "You really let me know what I was missing when you were dating and now I thought I'd do the same. Just to repay the favour you know? And I'll tell you if you'd just kept that..." He paused and pointed at the male's groin area. "In your pants a bit longer, you would've been in for a real treat."

"You and Kuki?" Ace uttered, mouth agape as his brain tried to process the statement, not sure whether to believe it or not. Knowing the attraction shared between the Australian and his ex girlfriend had been looming well before the day he had even met them meant it could be a possibility. But this was Wallabee Beatles, he would never have the guts to even tell the girl his real feelings let alone kiss her or go further than that. And Kuki, the one and only girl to ever push the 'Master Of Charm' away, but to give herself so easily to Wally? That was hard to believe. Shaking off his stunned expression with a laugh he came to the conclusion that he was lying. "You're lying."

"Afraid not...mate." Wally tutted at the Spaniards look of uncertainty. "For someone as you said before had such a 'lack of experience', she defiantly knew what she was doing. And that cherry lip balm is nice too."

At that comment Ace froze. The balm was used for the females lip biting habit and how prone the Japanese was to getting dry lips, something she couldn't stand. Knowing that there was only 2 people he was aware of who knew what kind of lip balm Kuki used; Abby from where they shared make up tips and himself as once upon a time it was him kissing those lips. Now it appeared Wally knew too and he highly doubted he knew the same way Abby did. The truth sinking in that the 'dumb blonde' was right, he had managed to get the one thing Ace tried and failed to do and was now well and truly rubbing it in.

"Just thought you'd like to know, seeing as we seem to SHARE everything." The bitter comment ended with Wally wearing the biggest smile as he gleefully watched the others dumbfounded appearance. Sure he had alot of explaining to do to Kuki when she found out about this encounter and their new found relationship would probably be spread all over social media by the end of the day but he didn't care. To see the almost laughable expression on Ace's face was well worth it. "Bye looser." With that, Wally strode happily back towards his group with a proud grin plastered on his face. Hoagie who shook his head and tutted in disbelief at what he'd just witnessed, Numbuh 1 and 2 were equally as shocked but were still sniggering alongside Numbuh 4 who revelled at the exchange.

"Ok, NOW I'm done."

"Where are they?" Abby wondered aloud as she glanced at the clock for what was the 15th time in the last 5 minutes. She had been sat staring at the huge computer monitor in the mission prep room of the treehouse, a room where any assignments for the sector were sent down from global command now a rare occurrence since they became teen operatives.

Today turned out to be one of those rare days as the sector leader was alerted of an urgent mission, one that Abby had decided would only involve two people. One would be herself while the other agent she had selected was currently not in the building hence why she was time watching.

She released a frustrated sigh as she re read the printed profile of the target. It was the same story as most of their missions nowadays, an operative that had escaped the decommissioning squad on their 13th birthday. Numbuh 14.5 or soon to be known as just Vinnie Murphy had like all operatives felt the fear and uncertainty of an upcoming event. Most accepted their fate without resistance while others like Vinnie succumbed to the fear and tried to escape their capture. Only when the decommissioning squad struggle or fail to catch said operative within a time limit does the responsibility fall to a nearby TND base who will accept the mission.

Abby switched the monitor to look at the CCTV monitoring the halls of the treehouse, specifically keeping her eye on the one watching the front entrance as she waited for the boys to return. Kuki who was aware of this latest mission was meanwhile entertaining the two 10 year old girls in the lounge. Abby smiled to herself as she pictured the scene; both Japanese girls conversing excitedly about pretty much anything while her younger self would be just quietly listening to her surroundings as per usual. And her friends wondered why she knew so much.

Although Kuki's looks would provide the perfect distraction for a boy who had just hit his teenage years, Abby felt that this capture might be one of the more difficult ones they've had judging by one detail on this profile. It regarded his specialist area in his previous sector which immediately confirmed who should take this mission between the four members of Sector V. This would need speed, strength and stamina to take this boy down if he refused to come quietly so who better to take on a rogue combat specialist than another.

And the spy knew full well he wouldn't be pleased about doing this one. It was hard enough to get him to go to the sweet shop for goodness sake and that was a job he actually didn't mind doing. They all had a mutual agreement that missions like these made them wish they were decommissioned all those years ago. But they had to keep reminding themselves what would happen if the knowledge that a KND agent got in the wrong hands, it would be like Operation Z.E.R.O all over again.

A shudder crept down her spine at the very thought of that.

Finally movement was seen on her monitor confirming the boys had returned with the goods. Spinning herself out of the swivel computer chair she darted towards their location before they could settle down. Leaping over the last 2 steps of the wooden staircase she made it into the hallway to stop them as they headed toward the kitchen.

"Where have you been?! You should have been back ages ago" She demanded, noting the exasperated look on both her boyfriend and best friends face as they turned to face her. Wally rolled his eyes in frustration while the three 10 year olds merely looked between the teens, not quite sure what they should be doing.

"Let's just say we ran into an unexpected guest..." Hoagie delicately worded to his girlfriend but was interrupted with a scoff from the Australian who was shaking his head, clearly still annoyed by his encounter with Ace.

"You mean ran into an expected arsehole"

"Expected ars...?" Abby debated whether to ask anymore but then she remembered she had more important things on her list to worry about. "Never mind, Abby's going off subject! We got a mission to do and I need you." Her hand vaguely gestured to the taller male who frowned in response.

"Why me? Is it a..." He stopped himself from asking anymore about the mission as he was well aware their past selves were in the room and it was probably best not to discuss this in front of them. Abby followed his lead and gave her answer in brief.

"Need you as need your brawn for this and yes, it's one of those. Now come on we got to go!" She grabbed his wrist and practically pulled him out the door leaving four confused boys in the hallway staring after them.

The moment of silence allowed for light footsteps to be heard on the wooden floorboards making Hoagie grimace. Knowing full well if Kuki had heard any of the commotion from when they walked in she would continuously pester him until she drained him of every detail. He just had to hope she didn't hear any of it.

As expected, the teenage Japanese poked her head round the doorway, long jet black hair swishing over her shoulder as she looked towards the front door then turning to make eye contact with the mechanic who awkwardly waved. Dark feminine eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she innocently asked.

"What happened?"

"Kid?...Hey kid, you ok?"

He was blinded by the intense sunlight that was peaking over the top of a building nearby. Blue eyes squinted as he tried to correct his blurred vision which he was unsure if was caused by the brightness of the sun's rays or the pounding headache he couldn't remember having. In fact he couldn't remember much, including how he got to where he was now which looked like an alley way perhaps due to him being surrounded by buildings and the whole area being completely in the shade. Maybe near a field or some form of playground as he could hear plenty of other kids playing somewhere not far from his location.

A second voice belonging to a girl he decided whispered something to whoever she was with, the owner of the first voice at a guess. Normal vision returned and he could see two teenagers looking at him with concern, promptly stopping their conversation when they noticed blue eyes staring at them.

One was an African American girl who was wearing a bright red cap with her long dark hair in a braid while the other was a blonde boy whose hair was currently looking dishevelled and was wearing an orange t-shirt and dark blue jeans that had had dirt and grass stains visible at the knees. It was noted by his build that he was probably physically fit and maybe playing sports in the hot weather.

He could dwell on other details about the two but he decided to ask a more important question about the current situation.

"What happened?" A weak groan came out the younger boys mouth making the elders smile sympathetically at him.

"You passed out from the heat." The female kindly answered, watching him attempt to sit up and taking a good look at his surroundings as a shaking hand reached into his short spiked honey coloured hair.

"Yeah we had to move you into the shade kid to cool you down." The blonde added as he reached out a hand to help the boy to his feet only it was angrily hit away, rejecting the offer.

"I am not a kid! And I don't need help" He firmly told them both, quickly standing up with a wobble and patting himself down to remove the unwanted dirt he seemed to acquired on his clothing.

"Ok dude take it easy, we're just trying to help." The darker skinned female said kindly, holding her hands out defensively to try calm down stranger. She succeeded as hardened blue eyes softened at her attempt and turned into one of thanks. It was unknown whether it was the fact that a pretty girl was talking to him or because she called him dude that did the trick in relaxing him. He was taking back from the sight of some headphones appearing in front of his face courtesy of the blonde teen holding them to him with a gentle smile.

"You dropped these by the way."

The boy nervously reached to accept the object from the blonde and returned a smile in gratitude as he reached for the phone stashed in his pocket and plugged the headphones in. Music could immediately be heard through them. Looking at the pair one last time, the boy thanked them both and walked away towards the sunlight, placing the buds in his ears as he did..

Releasing an audible sigh of relief the minute he was out of sight, the African American chuckled as she looked at her companion who was still kneeling on the floor.

"Man if anyone needs help of the floor its you champ not him. Do you want a hand up?" The tall blonde found the humour in the statement, grinning as he reached for the hand she was offering. When she pulled him up, Abby watched as Wally leaned down to brush the dirt off his jean clad knees watching him wince as chose to roll up his trouser leg to inspect his knees confirming them to be grazed. "Abby's surprised that doesn't look worse, that was quite a slide you did."

"Yeah well he wasn't stopping any other way." Wally answered as returned the fabric to its place to hide the new wounds from sight. He exhaled noisily, waving a hand in front of his face to try cool himself down from the heat as he declared aloud. "Bloody hell, he was a difficult one."

The spy nodded in agreement, resting a hand on his shoulder to get his attention as she did. Green eyes flicked towards her to see her beam at him and gesture to one of the building around them. "Cold drink to cool off before we go back?"

Releasing she was referring to one of these shops being a cafe the blonde gasped excitedly. His dry mouth suddenly urging him to drink something. 'Make it an iced drink and I'm there."

Together they walked in silence round the corner to the nearest cafe. After assignments like these it was always vital to try distract yourself immediately just to stop you from thinking too much into the mission. No matter how many times you did this the whole process made that so hard to do.

Watching the panicking target like a hawk waiting to strike at the right moment, then your chasing them until they give in. Knowing they're running from you not because they know your trying to complete the decommissioning job, that was something no one knew but only because you are a teen and that was something that was drilled into their heads as being a threat for the past 5-6 years. When they were caught the process would be over in seconds, one flash and their memories were gone. The group had agreed that the inspiration must have been the Men In Black films when the device was created. Instead of the neutralizer tool from those films, the TND version was disguised within a digital watch meaning all it needed was a flick of a switch to release a laser that only needed the briefest of glances at the device to work successfully. Within seconds, the fear in the eyes of the escapee was replaced with a blank then confused expression. That was the only good thing that could be taken away from a job like this, taking that overpowering fear and replaced it with something new. That thought alone was enough of a distraction from the other thought that cropped up every time.

That could have been me...

Walking out of the cafe holding an iced drink each, they decided a slow walk back to the treehouse sipping their drinks they did. Taking a slurp of her brightly coloured blueberry flavoured drink, Abby decided to ask the question that had been on her mind since the boys return from the sweet shop.

"So tell go on, tell Abby...who was this unexpected/expected arsehole you ran into?" She watched him swallow awkwardly, almost bitterly making her think his iced cola drink was the cause. "I want you to tell me as I can see its bothering you whatever it is. And we don't want a repeat of what happened the last time you kept something like that to yourself do we?" She paused before she confessed sadly "I want you to think you can talk to me."

His heart suddenly weighed with guilt as he looked at her downcast expression, knowing exactly what she was referring to. When he returned to the treehouse after his near meltdown with Kuki, he could tell even then she was disappointed that one of her closest friends hadn't confided in her about his issues. "I am sorry about that, about everything. Just never thought it was something you or Hoagie could help me with...after all, you can't change someone's feelings." He heard her mumble in agreement as she went in for another drink. There was a long pause as he debated whether to continue on the subject or not. Taking a long sip from the cup, he chose to answer her previous question. "Ace"

"Hmmm...what?!" She asked in shock, her unprepared response gained a laugh as he clarified the sentence.

"It was Ace we ran into on the way home."

"That's what I thought you said" Abby nodded, a snigger slipped from her lips as she wondered aloud. "Suppose the 'expected arsehole' part should have given that away huh?" Noting his tense look and his grip tightening on the plastic cup. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"

The Australian spoke taking great interest in his slightly dirty trainers as he tried to contain his temper. "Oh you know, just him being his usual prick self. He had new girl of course, one naive enough to fall for his tricks so I set her straight." A frustrated sigh was heard next to him but he didn't have to ask to know its meaning. "I know it was wrong of me to get involved but she needed to know! I just...can't stand the fact that he still won't admit what he did to Kuki was wrong and I don't want it to happen again!"

"It's not our business Wally! We know you hate his guts, we all do but if you go screwing about with his relationships then it's just asking for a fight!" Abby reprimanded his behaviour. This subject was like fighting a losing battle with Wally as she knew you could never win and although sometimes his actions were stupid they were for an honourable reason most the time. Not one to admit defeat, she chose to reason with him. "Sometimes you need to let people make their own mistakes so they can learn from them. We can't protect everyone." She tried to move the story along before he had a chance to argue with her. "So you dispatched the girlfriend, argued with him about Kuki I'm guessing, then what?"

"Then he said he slept with Claire." Surprisingly that came out easier than he initially thought. He turned to his friend who had an almost laughable expression on her face, one that practically screamed 'when!? Continue please!' so he answered her silent question. "The other night apparently, she threw a house party, got drunk and the rest you can guess."

Unknown to the Aussie, the African American was observing him as he spoke. Knowing him for 10 years meant she picked up what certain mannerisms he did really meant. For example, fiddling or in this case drumming his long fingers on the side of the cup was meant as a distraction of some sort, either he was upset or uncomfortable about something. Then there was the smile that he had maintained as he spoke, it wasn't a genuine smile that showed he was ok, instead it was weak and one she recognised as the 'I'll smile to pretend I am fine to stop this person from asking me if I am really ok" smile, that was one that was all too familiar as it had made a regular occurrence the last few months. Then there was the big one; she knew his character far too well. "And that upset you."

The combat specialist wasn't sure how to respond to her question... no correction, it was a statement not a question. This girl was like a sister to him so of course she knew what he was really thinking, her dark eyes dared him to challenge it but it would be a waste of time. "She was upset because of me and Ace used that to his advantage so yes...it did hurt me. Is it bad to still care?"

"To be honest, Abby would be worried if you said you weren't bothered by it. This feud thing between you and Flyboy has been going on for like 7 years now so he won't hesitate to tell you something that he knew was going to get a reaction."

The leader recalled all those moments that just made the grudge grow and grow. Of course the root to the problem was caused by Kuki, the innocent beautiful flower between the two suitors. Whenever she was involved something always happened, even a 10 year old Ace pushing Kuki on the swings at school caused an outrage from the once very short Australian boy. When they reached their teenage years it just got worse, from throwing insults at each other, purposely tripping each other up just to humiliate the other. Unfortunately they had been in the same gym class since they were 12 so the rivalry progressed to sports too. Abby remembered a time when they 15 nearly 16 and had both walked out of gym class covered in bruises and a bloody nose to match all because of a fall out during a 'friendly' soccer match caused by a foul Wally insists was accidental which later resulted to him getting an elbow to the face and starting a full on brawl. Typically, after that stunt both boys had detention everyday for 2 weeks in separate rooms from each other of course. So to say it was a strained relationship was an understatement.

"Also I might have told him I slept with Kuki." Wally muttered to himself but loud enough for Abby to hear. A strong but gentle touch was felt on his shoulder, stopping him from walking any further so he had no choice but to listen to her.

"You did what? You know everyone's going to know by the end of the day?" She warned as he bit his lip in annoyance, a sign that he was aware he had done wrong. "And by told Abby's guessing you mean rubbed it in his face?" With a reluctant nod she rolled her eyes at his foolishness "Unbelievable, I wouldn't want to be you when Kuki finds out." That's when realisation hit them both. "Shit we left Hoagie at the treehouse with Kuki! She is actually going to know everything by now."

He cursed at the thought, they weren't even 3 days into an official relationship and he was already screwing things up. "What is she doing with me Abby? I'm not good enough for her!" Wally sighed in defeat as he accepted the truth but Abby was having none of it.

"Shut up you drama queen! Kuki always has been and always will be in love with you. She won't care what anyone else thinks because she loves you that much, that's why she's with you! And the sooner you get that through your stupid skull the better!" Blunt and straight to the point is what Abby was good at and if it was enough to get message across her job was done.

"He said we're the same." Wally confessed sadly, not quite looking her in the eye out of shame.

"You are nothing alike" She firmly told him as she squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't dwell on what that sleazy bastard thinks of all people. You hear me?" Satisfied when he showed a proper smile, she released him held her forgotten drink up to tap his with a challenging smirk. "In one?"

Raising the plastic cup in acceptance of her challenge, they both downed the slushy drink in one go. Although the contents was mostly defrosted from the scorching heat, the coldness of the drink still burned their mouths as they winced in unison, laughing at the others expression. They continued to walk, throwing both cups in the nearest trash where Wally frowned remembering something she said that he found quite insulting.

"Why did you call me a drama queen?"

Why did he have to stay behind?

That was what had been going through Hoagie's mind for the last hour since the absence of his girlfriend and best friend. All he wanted to do was come back to the treehouse and carry on repairing this time machine so things to could return to being somewhat normal. But obviously that was too much to ask.

The mechanic had already experienced the Kuki inquisition the minute the two teens walked out the door. She just wouldn't stop asking him questions about what happened before he and Wally returned home which his will power gave up in the end as he revealed to her the events that took place. Sure Wally was probably going to kill him for telling Kuki but then again it wouldn't surprise him if Abby was grilling him about the same subject as we speak.

Then there was his current situation which made him remember something her experienced in Tommy's early years; the moment you tell a kid something that sounds like a secret, they will try tooth and nail to get any piece of information out of you.

"Where did they go?"

"What was the mission?"

"Why was it a secret?"

"When will they be back?"

"Please tell us!"

These were just a few examples of what Hoagie had shouted in his ear by the younger members of Sector V whilst he was attempting to work on the time machine. The very same time machine that would hopefully take them back home. His goggled gaze longingly bored into the machine as he silently pleaded.

'What I would give for you to suddenly come to life right about now'

He was running out of ideas fast, and their questions had been dodged long enough. Plus they had surrounded him so closely he felt like he was suffocating.

"Why do you guys keep asking me when you know I can't give you an answer?"

"Because we're living here too so we should know what goes on." Numbuh 1 declared proudly, the young leaders watchful stare not leaving the fumbling pilots form as he crossed his arms tightly over his bright red jumper. "It's our right."

The American rolled his blue eyes, glad they were obscured by yellow lenses or he would get a serious lecture his way. It was a typical Nigel Uno comment, one of the many things he had missed since the departure of his British best friend.

"Well it doesn't make a difference, I still can't tell you." Hoagie muttered as manoeuvred the screwdriver delicately, poking his tongue out in concentration.

"Why doesn't it?" The 10 year old form of his girlfriend asked from her place leaning against the wall. "If we want to know then you should tell us. Isn't it up to us to decide what we get to know about our future?"

'How was she always so wise?'

Hoagie thought with a sigh as he slowly admitted defeat. He could never win an argument with her and that wasn't going to change even if it was a 10 year old vs 17 year old.

"Even if I did tell you guys, you won't like what I say. All I have to say is one phrase and you won't want to know anymore."

"Why would that scare us?" Numbuh 4 scoffed at the prediction. The disbelief in his voice did make Hoagie smile, knowing full well the Australian would soon believe him.

"Because is something all kids are scared of, even you. I should know cause I felt the same."

"What is it then?" Numbuh 3 innocently asked, swinging her arms around excitedly whilst awaiting an answer.

He warned them, he really did.

"Decommisioning squad" 'The American said without hesitation and to avoid any further questions he expanded his answer. "The mission was to assist the decommissioning squad."

The outcome was as Hoagie expected, a stunned silence as they stood dumbfounded as they stared at him blankly. Each now had their own theories flooding their brain as to why the most feared unit in the KND would need teen assistance but decided to keep this to themselves than share with the 17 year old mechanic who had turned his attention back to the machinery.m

"I see" Numbuh 1 cleared his throat and bravely spoke out of the 5 of them although he sounded uneasy. Adjusting his glasses that rested on the bridge of his nose, he nodded to his team as a cue to leave. "We'll leave you to it then." And with that they scarpered out the room.

When the footsteps had faded, Hoagie's head drooped and released a sigh of relief. The whole conversation had left him feeling guilty as he knew it wasn't the nicest way to find out even if they weren't supposed to know in the first place. On the spot he had decided it was their best interest to not know anything beyond the information he gave. They were just too young and naive to be understanding if they knew the whole story.

Even the emotional rollercoaster that was to come their way in a few months time was going to affect them enough, let alone the one that was to come for each of them when the dreaded 13th birthday rolled around.

He shook the thought away as he refocused to the task at hand, taking comfort in the plus side to this. He had finally got the peace he wanted.

What he failed to notice during the exchange with the kids was one of the tiniest and briefest flicker of light coming from the innards of the time machine.

What a day...

A defeated Wally threw himself onto the inviting cushions of the living room sofa, closing his eyes as he basked in the comfort of the chair. It had been a good few hours since the mission with Abby and only now he was able to get some decent peace and quiet. It was one of the disadvantages of having your younger selves wondering around, you couldn't just do things for yourself anymore.

Green eyes flickered open to glance at the games console that had been beckoning him all afternoon. And with the day he had the temptation was welcome. Quickly Wally succumbed an arm lazily reached out to grab one of the two remotes left on the wooden coffee table in front of him, a clue that someone had already played today. Glazed emotionless eyes stared at the screen blankly as he patiently waited for the console and the game to load. Releasing a huff as he reached forward once again this time retrieving a black glasses case he recognised as his. Opening the case, his stare landed on the screen first, slightly squinting as if to test his eyes but failing miserably so he reluctantly on his glasses. His vision became clearer in an instant allowing a satisfied smile to tug at his lips. He had managed to play only one round of his fighting game until he was disturbed by someone. But the Australian welcomed this interruption with open arms.

"Hey" His now girlfriend crept into the room, gracing him with an affectionate smile, immediately putting him at ease. Aware her boyfriend had had a pretty tough day, she leaned onto the back of the sofa first to ask if he wanted her company. "Were you after some time on your own or..."

He tilted his head back to look at her, his heart skipping a beat as he noticed her right hand was inches away from him tense shoulders. Watching the feminine digits padding lightly on the fabric as they discreetly edged closer made it difficult to turn her away, not that he wanted to in the first place. "I was but I wouldn't turn down you joining me." A bubbly giggle escaped her lips as the Japanese moved behind him, gently running her fingers over both his shoulder blades and planting a feather like kiss at the side of his neck in passing. Her touch relaxing him instantly as he felt his eyes involuntarily close in a trance like state until he felt the cushion move next to him as she slouched on the chair with him.

"I was hoping you were going to say that." She bashfully confessed as she leant her head on his pectoral while he stretched a toned arm out to hold her closer in return making her smile into his chest. Appreciating that despite the seemingly bad day, her boyfriend was still happy to shower some affection. "I've missed you today."

"Me too" It came out as a whisper as Wally watched her snuggled up, moving the controller onto the table in front so he can tuck a stray lock of dark hair back behind her pierced ear.

Feeling the tickle on her scalp, she craned her neck to look at his smiling face. With a playful glint in her eye, she reached up to brush the thick glasses frame that mirrored the sides on his face, the teasing tone in her voice as she said "Glad to see these making a reappearance."

"Well thought I better..." He started, sighing for dramatic effect which made her snigger at his choice of words. "I wouldn't want to get myself in trouble with the glasses police."

"And who are these glasses police exactly?"

"Everyone's an officer of the law these days, didn't you know?"

"I am sure they mean well, after all the punishment must be severe."

The male hummed in agreement, trying to keep a straight face at their playful game. "Oh it is...lectures all round." There was a long pause until they both cracked, knowing he was referring to all those moans, the most recent one being from Hoagie which Kuki was witness to.

"All right you win." The teen chuckled while leaning her head back against firm body once more, choosing not to look at his victorious smirk. "At least that proves you're not in that bad of a mood." The smile turned into a frown as he glanced down at the Japanese whose face he was unable to see. "I wanted to talk about something Hoagie told me, I know you've been avoiding it since you got back."

Wally couldn't help but agree she was telling the truth. The mechanic had pre warned him that Kuki knew what happened earlier on the day with her ex and he had been trying his best to dodge the conversation coming up for as long as possible but he knew he couldn't hide for long. Feeling movement on his chest as Kuki angled her head once more to look at him directly, her violet eyes pleading for him to give permission for her to continue which she did the moment he gave the nod.

"Hoagie said you bumped into Ace on the way back from the shop. And he might have said a few things that bothered you." She looked at the thoughtful expression that was plastered all over his handsome face as she hesitated on what she should say first. "Ace claimed he slept with Claire and according to Hoagie you flipped... is that true?"

The fighter visibly cringed at her choice in words. Despite Abby telling him it was normal for him to care about his ex it still didn't stop the guilt he felt. How would she react to the truth; would she be understanding or would she see it as a betrayal? "He used her"

Kuki gave him a weak smile at his uncertain tone of voice, glad he was actually opening up to her more willingly than she originally thought. "I know... Claire's been a big part of your life for awhile now so it's understandable that you're going to still care about her." She reached up to touch his cheek to encourage those gorgeous green eyes she had fallen in love for so many years to look her way as she spoke gently. "I'm not mad at you Wally, why would I be? I get it."

"I just feel so guilty, Kooks." He admitted quietly, running the hand that wasn't holding her through blonde locks in frustration as he released a sigh. "I mean, I'm with you and it's the happiest I have ever been, it's what I've always wanted so I shouldn't be bothered by this!"

"It's still early days, you can't expect any feelings you had just disappear in an instant just because your relationship status has changed. Only you can get over your feelings in your own time, other people might try tell you otherwise but you just need to give it time."

She was telling the truth, he could tell but there was an off tone in her voice almost like she was recalling something herself. Almost like she was speaking from personal experience.

"Do you still care about Ace? Even after everything he did?" Wally wondered aloud as he looked down at her releasing an automatic amused smile as Kuki's face crumpled its way into a puzzled expression at the question.

"No of course not!" She quickly argued the comment. "Sure I'll admit, straight after we broke up I couldn't help but still care for him a tiny bit which was naturally going to happen and I knew that. But I still hated myself for feeling like that after what he did to me... he hurt me and broke my trust and that's what made me stop caring as he obviously didn't care about me." The Australian's mouth was agape at her confession which she spoke so casually about now, she presented a small smile as she reached up to close his mouth for him. "But now he doesn't even cross my mind, and why would it when I've got you?"

As she snuggled into his chest happily, Wally couldn't help but recall her words that still rang in his head. 'He hurt me and broke my trust'. Suddenly, a few memories crept into his head, he recalled when Kuki had found out about him and Claire dating, a moment he had staged to purposely to upset her just to get his own back. And then there was the argument from days ago that left them both emotionally and physically drained. That's when he noted another similarity between him and his enemy. They had both intentionally hurt the one they loved, the very same girl in fact.

"Are me and Ace the same?" He never meant for the question to come out, especially to the one who had now officially dated both himself and his rival. But couldn't help himself, he just had to know. "Be honest"

Kuki quickly sat up from her comfortable position, looking shocked for a moment as she relayed what he just said in her mind, not quite believing he had actually asked it. Her boyfriend sounded desperate, like it had been on his mind for awhile now. She was aware of the whispers around school, that most people couldn't figure out why the two teens hated each other so much when they were so alike, almost as if they could have been friends but just took the wrong path. If she heard the chatter of the other students then it was no doubt that Wally had too.

When she had spoken to Hoagie while Abby and Wally were away on their mission, she had quickly gathered that something else had happened during their conflict with Ace and it was something the mechanic wasn't telling. Maybe this was it and it was actually playing on his mind more so than the Claire subject.

"No..." She started, coming to a hesitant pause as she noticed the disbelieving stare he gave her. "Yes, there are some similarities but the ones who say that don't know you like we do and surely that's what matters."

"It does. But I just can't help think what he said was right, I used Claire just like he used you and all those other girls. He treats them like their nothing and people think I'm like that? That I'd..."

"And that's what makes you different than him...better than him." She stressed to him, interrupting before anymore was said, satisfied when he was seen to have visibly relaxed as he accepted her argument. "Your character wouldn't allow yourself not to care about anyone and that's something Ace doesn't know how to do." Looking deep into his eyes as she cupped the side of his manly face, feeling the outline of his chiselled jaw line with her fingers as they inched round to the sides of his glasses. "And besides, with your dating record your not exactly a player are you?" As she spoke, the Japanese wore a sly smile while removing his glasses and chose to put them on herself making him chuckle at her antics.

"Oh I see, after all that talk and your only after me for my glasses"

"Absolutely! When they make you look this good it's hard to resist." A long dainty finger proudly pointed to herself, blushing under his gaze as he raised an eyebrow jokingly.

"Yeah, you're telling me." He flirted as he sneaked his large hands to Kuki's side and tickled her making her erupt into fit of giggles, one of his favourite sounds.

Through the female's laughter and pleas, she attempted to snake her hands to his stomach, this being difficult as her body squirmed to escape his grasp. The fingertips of the Japanese met the muscles of the Australian's naked abdomen, as she managed to slip her hands under his white t-shirt in retaliation to his tickling torture. Wally's first instinct was to shudder at the feel of her fingers trapped between the fabric of his shirt and his bare skin while his face broke into a competitive grin.

"No you don't!" He laughed with his girlfriend as hands ghosted from her sides along the length of her exposed arms from the loose green camisole she was wearing due to the heat, he stopped at her wrists that were still hidden under his clothing, halting her actions. Long jet black seemed to fly behind Kuki animatedly as her laughter died down, her unique violet eyes shining in delight. She looked so alive and he couldn't resist anymore.

The blonde gently pulled her closer to capture her lips with his which was accepted without hesitation. As the hold on her wrist was released, Kuki moved closer to thread her hands through her lover's hair as she deepened the kiss. Lovingly they embraced as their mouths clashed, Wally's nose bumping against his own glasses worn by Kuki as they attempted to move positions. Both were willing to make this moment last forever but their need to some air came far too overwhelming causing them to part Despite their mouths separating they kept the close proximity, eyes closed momentarily to savour the pleasurable feeling that neither of them were convinced was real but instead one belonging to a dream. Sadly the moment that came next told them that this was indeed real life.

"God, get a room will you?" Hoagie muttered as he passed by the sofa they were currently occupying to collect some form of paperwork resting on small table not far away. A bashful Kuki sat up to shuffle away from Wally to give him some room as he meanwhile rolled his eyes at his friend.

"We did have a room thanks, you just walked in to it."

"Well don't mind me, I just came in to grab this so you two carry on." Briskly walking back out with what he was holding, he shouted as he disappeared around the corner. "As you are!"

Once again they were alone, the atmosphere from their moment earlier now well and truly diffused from the interruption, leaving them in an awkward silence.

"Fancy being beaten at a game?" Kuki asked innocently as she broke the silence. Leaning across him, to reach for the same controller he had used to play before she walked in rather than opting to use its partner controller sat forgotten on the table in front. But Wally knew her game just by the way she purposely pressed herself against him, something that said 'we're not finished this just yet' as some form of promise. Also her cunning choice of words that made her certain he would be unable to resist the challenge.

"Game on Sanban, if anyone is going to be beaten here it's you."

She laughed to herself as she watched him grab the second control with a determination, knowing he knew their gaming tally just as well as she did and that alone proved his statement false.

"We'll see..." She mused while the game was set up for 2 players. "Besides if this is the only chance I got to spend time with you then I'll take it, even if your soon going to act like a sore loser cause you lost."

"There's always a date?"

Wally gazed flicked from the screen to her person briefly as he hoped that was what she was referring to. A date with Kuki Sanban...that was something that had been high on his new years resolution list for a number of years now so the opportunity to do such a thing was a dream come true. Especially when a date was well overdue which they established in one of many conversations they had during that midnight rendezvous from a few days ago that ultimately led them to where they were now. That night they had mutually confessed that after their mistletoe kiss that occurred during the treehouse Christmas party 2 years ago, both of them were trying to confess their feeling for another but failed to do so.

She pondered, jokingly as she selected her character on screen. "We'll make this gaming date one. After all, we got 2 years worth of dates to get through." Kuki giggled at the thought, not noticing Wally's thoughtful expression as they got ready to play. As they played match after match, she was off course victorious although he would say he was distracted due to having one single thought running through his head the whole time.

"Hmm, 2 years worth of dates..."

You can take a guess what one of my chapters is going to be about can't you?

Well hopefully that might tire some of you over...or not. Not sure exactly when I might post a new chapter and I know there's no point in trying to name when as we all know accurate that normally is lol

Biggest apologies again and if you are still here, thanks again for sticking with me for this long, it is really appreciated and means a lot xx