Never Ending Summer Hu/AA *stream* FINISHED

[Neko]

Pillow Fights are always in my fics XDDD

And, I have trouble seeing Laika and Enzan willingly play truth or dare, so that's not going to happen XDDD
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

That's a good thing.

Still, with how you present Laika and Enzan in the fic, I think that it is feasible to have a game of truth or dare.

P.S. Please don't do a truth-or-dare game. It would be very detrimental.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Yue-chan]

Very cute chapter, Neko. Makes me curious as to what Obsidian is up to, though.
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Neko]

The next morning Netto snuck out with his PET in hand leaving Maki and Dream in his room to sleep. He and Rockman had just received a message from Mejin to get down to Net Savior HQ and he wasn’t in the mood to babysit. Not at 8:30 in the morning.

He and Rockman rolled into the large building some fifteen minutes after receiving the message. As always Laika and Enzan were standing outside of the room waiting for him. “Morning,” Netto muttered.

“Good morning to you too,” Laika said with his eyebrow raised.

Netto shot him a dirty look and went in the room.

“He’s not a morning person,” Enzan said quietly.

“Obviously,” Laika retorted.

The two boys walked into Mejin’s office and sat down in the plush chairs in front of his desk. “Okay, I heard most of the story from Enzan and Laika last night. Care to elaborate on anything, Netto-kun?” Mejin asked.

Netto shook his head.

“Okay then, I’m sorry but we’re going to have to wait for the next strike. There are no data trails and I don’t think we’ll get any information out of your new friend Dream.”

“What about Netto and Rockman?” Enzan asked.

“What about us?” Netto replied.

“I mean, they’re obviously after you two. We know they can manipulate Rockman programming which means they might even be able to manipulate you Netto. So, what are you planning on doing to make sure nothing happens?” Enzan asked.

“Uhhh…” Netto really didn’t have an answer to that.

Mejin sighed, “Well, I can make a suggestion but I can’t really do anything about it. Netto and Rockman’s lives are their own when they’re not on duty.”

Netto stuck his tongue out at Enzan.

“However, I can strongly suggest what to do. Mostly because I’m an adult and you’re still 12.”

Enzan and Laika both his smiles behind their hands and Netto glared at them.

“Netto, Rockman I’m not saying you two are little kids but you do need help. It’s not a weakness to accept someone’s help and trust me, with what has happened and what can happen accepting someone’s offer might not be a bad idea,” Mejin said.

Netto crossed his arms and flumped into his chair. “So, what’s your suggestion?” he muttered.

“A sleepover,” Mejin said.

“Come again?” Enzan asked.

“Well, just to make sure nothing happens and if it does you two will be there to help. Come on, I’m sure you’ve been to a sleep over before,” Mejin said.

Laika and Enzan shared an uncomfortable silence.

It was now Netto’s turn to laugh. Though he didn’t try to hide it in the slightest.

Mejin was slight disturbed that the two older boys had never been to a sleep over before. Then again it was Laika and Enzan.

/Makes you almost feel sorry for them,/ Netto thought to Rockman.

/Hush Netto-kun, that’s mean,/ Rockman said with the barest hint of amusement in his mental voice.

/Then why do you think its funny?/ Netto asked slyly.

/I don’t!/

/You do too,/ Netto chided.

Mejin cleared his throat and everyone’s attention was turned to him. “Well, as I said it was a suggestion, but a strong one. You three are dismissed until something happens.”

Netto, Laika and Enzan all got up and left the building. “Well, what do you think?” Enzan asked.

“It’s a good idea,” Laika murmured.

“I still can’t believe you two have never been to a sleep over,” said Netto, missing the point entirely.

“Well, when you’re raised to be the vice president of IPC sleepovers don’t happen very often,” Enzan said irritably.

“But still…” Netto said.

/Netto-kun,/ Rockman warned.

Netto smiled but clamped his mouth shut.

“Well, it can’t hurt and in case anything does happen it’s probably the best idea we have,” Laika said.

“It’s probably your best bet to get a social life too,” Netto laughed.

/Netto-kun!/

/I couldn’t resist,/ Netto laughed.

The two boys gave him angry glares but didn’t reply. “So whose house?” Laika asked.

“Not mine,” said Netto. “Unless you want Maki-chan, my mom and aunt Sakura bugging us all night.”

Laika and Enzan didn’t reply directly to the statement but Enzan quickly said, “We’ll have it at my house.”

Rockman giggled and Netto said, “Okay, we’ll see you at five. Bye!” he waved and took off down his street.

“Bye,” Enzan said when Netto was well out of earshot. “He’s hyper isn’t he?”

“No, what makes you say that?” Laika asked sarcastically.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/

Netto ran into his house and managed to take off his shoes before he was attacked my Maki. “Yay! You’re back!” she yelled.

Netto was knocked over by the force of her slamming into him and he grunted as she attached herself to his mid section. “Oof, hey Maki-chan.”

“What did you do? Did you beat anymore bad guys?” she asked.

Rockman laughed, “No Maki-chan. Mejin-san actually told us to lie low for awhile.”

“Lie low?” Dream asked.

“Not bring attention to ourselves until the enemies make their move first,” Rockman explained.

“Yeup, so tonight, Laika, Enzan and I are having a sleep over,” Netto said.

Haruka with her ability to hear any word that was important uttered in the household poked her head in. “Really?” she asked.

Netto nodded, “Yeah, I was invited after we left HQ.” He left out the part about how it was to make sure nothing happened to him and Rockman.

“Ooooh, can I come too?” Maki asked.

“No,” Netto and Rockman said simultaneously.

“Awww,” Maki started to pout but Haruka put her hand on Maki’s head making her sniffles stop.

“I think it’s great that your friends are starting to open up. Just make sure you get there before the storm,” she said.

“Storm?” Netto and Rockman asked.

Haruka nodded, “Yes, there is a storm warning for this evening.”

“Okay, mama, we’ll leave before the rain,” Rockman said.

Haruka smiled, “I know. Make sure you two have fun.”

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Later that evening after many games of tag with Maki, Netto finally managed to escape his house and head towards Enzan’s.

“Netto-kun, do you think anything will happen?” Rockman asked in a semi-worried voice.

“Nah,” Netto said casually. “I doubt they will try anything so soon.”

Rockman sighed, “Yeah, I guess you’re right, I just can’t help but shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen.”

“Something bad will happen. We know that, but not right away,” Netto said.

Rockman relaxed a little. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.

They skated up to Enzan’s huge mansion and looked around it in wonder. “Wow,” Netto said.

“Agreed,” Rockman answered.

Enzan came out of the front door to greet them. “Hey, you two are late,” Enzan said.

“Netto-kun is always late,” Rockman said.

“Not my fault! Maki wanted to skate!” Netto said.

Enzan rolled his eyes then gazed at the threatening sky above. “Come one, we better get out of this,” he said.

Netto and Rockman didn’t need telling twice and they followed Enzan inside.

Maki snuck in behind them and quickly his in a closet.

“Maki-chan I don’t think this is a good idea,” Dream said in a worried whisper.

“You’re being a scaredy cat!” Maki scoffed. “Everything will be fine. I wanna see what Netto-chan is really doing.”

“Maybe they’re really having a sleepover?” Dream said.

“No, I bet they’re going on some secret mission. And when they do I’ll be there to see it all,” Maki said excitedly.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Fun Fun, I updated you guys! Hope you like it!
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Yue-chan]

hehe, ooh, Maki's gonna get in trouble, I just know it. Anf it really does make you feel sorry for Laika and Enzan, the two of them never really get a chance to be just kids. Great chapter, Neko.
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Midnight]

Indeed she shall.

Nice cover-up for the sleep-over. It's really pretty sad that Laika and Enzan are so serious, but hey, it's your call.

I am a tad miffed that there is a lack of action over the past few chapters, but I suppose I am overreacting a tad. Good stuff overall.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Lido Azn Girl]

[Neko]

Netto followed Enzan into the living room and whistled. “Wow, do you live here all alone?” he asked.

Enzan nodded. “My dad rarely comes home so it’s just Blues, me and the cleaning robots.”

Netto frowned, “That’s depressing.”

/Netto-kun!/ Rockman reprimanded.

/Well it is!/ Netto said.

Enzan sighed heavily. “I know, but I’m at work most of the time anyway. So it doesn’t matter.”

Netto instantly felt bad about saying that and tired to cover it up by laughing nervously and telling a bad joke.

Enzan smiled and recognized the feeble attempt to make him feel better.

Rockman left his PET to join Blues and Searchman in the cyber world. “Hey,” he said as he linked onto the main homepage.

The two navi’s greeted their friend with small waves which was more then Rockman was expecting.

“When did Laika get here?” Rockman asked.

“A half hour ago,” they answered in unison.

Rockman winced, “Netto-kun was playing with Maki-chan,” he said.

Blues gave a small smile, “I guessed as much. A lot has happened huh?”

Rockman sighed, “No kidding. Thank god she thinks it’s all a big sci-fi movie and isn’t scared about it. I thought for sure she would have freaked out by now. Epically after the first time when Netto-kun and I got captured by Neo WWW.”

“What?” Enzan yelled into the monitor.

Rockman slapped his forehead.

/Niiiiiice,/ Netto said sarcastically.

/I’m sorry, I just said it, I forgot…/ Rockman said drifting off.

“What happened now?” Laika asked.

“It’s no big deal,” Netto said laughing to make it seem lighter. “See, when Maki-chan first came Mejin-san gave me a mission about two hours after mom and aunt Sakura went shopping. So, you know having a five year old on a mission didn’t bode very well…” Netto trailed off.

Enzan rubbed his temples, “And?” he asked.

Rockman laughed nervously, “They caught Maki-chan and used her as bait to get me and Netto-kun.”

“That’s low,” Searchman muttered darkly.

“That’s what I said!” Netto said. “Anyways, that’s all done with. We don’t even need to worry about Neo WWW now. We need to worry about Obsidian.”

“We don’t need to worry about anything tonight,” Rockman said matter of factly.

“That’s right!” Netto said. “Tonight is for fun. Did either of you order pizza?”

“Huh?” Enzan asked.

“Pizza, you’ve had it right?” Netto asked.

“Of course!” Enzan and Laika yelled.

Netto help up his hands in defense. “Just making sure!” he laughed nervously. “Pizza is always ordered at sleepovers.”

Enzan sighed and picked up his PET. “I don’t know what’s around here,” he said doubtfully.

“You don’t want curry?” Rockman asked a bit surprised.

“Nah, WWW deserves a break almost as much as we do,” he said.

Rockman blinked, “How surprisingly mature of you.”

“What?” Netto hissed.

“Nothing, nothing,” Rockman said innocently.

“Yeah right,” Netto muttered.

Enzan used his PET to call the nearest pizza place. “Who wants what?” he asked.

“Cheese,” Laika said.

“Pepperoni,” Netto said.

Enzan sighed, “Okay.” He placed the order over his PET line and said, “It will be here in 15 minutes.”

“What did you get?” Netto asked.

“One large one medium, the large is half cheese half pineapple and the medium is pepperoni since I figure you will eat a whole pizza yourself,” Enzan said pointedly to Netto.

Rockman snickered in the back ground and Netto growled.

“Pineapple?” Laika asked.

Enzan blushed slightly. “I like it,” he muttered.

“O-okay,” Laika said.

They talked until the pizza got there. When it did the air was thick with a promise of rain. Enzan took the pizzas from the pizza guy and gave him the money plus a tip. Then he took the pizza inside.

“It’s here,” he said and set the pizza down. Netto immediately dived into his and started too much on the cheese.

Maki smelled the pizza from her hiding place in the closet. It was just then when her stomach gave a loud growl and she leaned against the wall. “I’m hungry,” she said softly.

“I told you they weren’t going on a mission,” Dream said softly.

“Maybe they’re just saving up their energy,” Maki said hopefully.

“I don’t think so,” Dream said doubtfully.

Maki crossed her arms. “Well, that shows how much you know,” she said.

Dream sighed. Maki was going to get into so much trouble when they found her.

Outside there was a low rumble of thunder.

“Oh, looks like there’s going to be a storm,” Netto said.

“Hope Maki-chan will be okay,” Rockman said doubtfully.

“Don’t worry. She’ll just go to Aunt Sakura or mom,” Netto said.

“Is Maki-san scared of thunderstorms?” Blues asked.

Rockman nodded. “She’s climbed into bed with Netto cause of it.”

Netto coughed. “Yes well, mom and Aunt Sakura are with her tonight, so it’s not my problem.”

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Maki heard the thunder and pushed herself into a corner of the closet. She whimpered softly and tried to make herself as small as possible.

“Maki-chan are you okay?” Dream asked.

Maki shook her head no.

“Are you afraid of thunderstorms?” Dream asked.

Maki shook her head no. Then in the distance there was another, louder, crack of thunder. She quickly nodded.

“You know thunder is just created when the lightning heats the air around it so fast that it expands creating a large sound right?” Dream asked.

“Dream?” Maki asked in a terrified whisper.

“Yes?”

“Please be quiet,” she said.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Netto and the others laughed outside as the storm approached. The boys didn’t notice it and the navi’s didn’t either until they were forced to by the lightning being a tad to close to a signal receiver. Then all they did was return to the safety of their PET’s and link the homepages.

Then there was a bight flash of lightning and a loud crack of thunder that shook the walls. Not long after they could hear a wail.

“W-what was that?” Netto asked.

“A g-g-gh-ghost?” Rockman asked in a terrified whisper.

“Don’t be silly,” Enzan said. “It’s probably just a cat that got caught in the storm.”

There was another loud crack and a distinct sobbing noise.

“E-enzan, it’s in the house,” Netto said shakily.

“Okay, no one panic. We’re Net Saviors, we can handle anything on our own,” Enzan said calmly.

“Enzan, the receivers are jammed cause of the storm, we can’t call for help,” Netto said.

Enzan paled slightly but moved on boldly. “It’s all right,” he said, almost as if he was trying to assure himself.

“N-netto-kun?” Rockman asked.

“Yes?”

“Do you think it’s a g-g-ghost?”

Netto shook his head. They were so nervous they didn’t even realize that the conversation they meant to be mental was spoken out loud.

There was one more crack of thunder and all three heard the distinct sound of crying.

“I knew it, this place is haunted!” Rockman said.

“Pull yourself together,” Searchman said.

Netto crept cautiously to the closet that the wails were coming from. As soon as he opened it he was attacked by something and knocked to the floor.

Enzan and Laika prepared to spring but they all stopped short as they saw who was sobbing in Netto’s arms.

“Maki-chan!” they all said in unison.

~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, this is great fun :D

Fic number three!
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Fantastic that you've updated.

I think that you may have gone slightly deeper into Laika's and Enzan's characterizations, but this is certainly sufficient enough. The details are all accurate and plentiful. It seems, though, Maki is becoming too much of a stereotypical character. Perhaps you could just set her apart a tad.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Neko]

What do you mean steriotypical?

She's modeled after my cousin, I'm kinda taking her personality from experiance XDDD
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Dammit, I really should make my critiques more clear. ^_^

I meant that Maki is turning out to be just like the traditional child of her age--she seems to be losing her individuality in the fic. You seem to present her as a normal five-year old girl--which is good and all, but there still should be some portion of her that remains unique.

Edited: I really should take it slow and spell everything correctly. :grr:
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Neko]

Oh don't worry about that. For right now, she IS a normal five year old. I haven't had any reason to make her otherwise.

After this arc is the final arc of the story, and there Maki-chan will shine, trust me.
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Anime Master ZERO]

Hurray for Rockman's phasmophobia! I always love seeing Rockman when he's scared. Though it was a pity that you didn't have him hide in his PET. I always love those moment.
_________________

[Neko]

Maki looked up at all of them somewhat sheepishly and waved. “H-hi,” she said.

“I told Maki-chan not to come but she wouldn’t listen,” Dream said.

“Sounds like Netto-kun,” Rockman said to Dream in a dry tone.

“What are you doing here?” Netto yelled.

Maki dried her eyes and stood up as high as she possibly could. “I am waiting for you to go on a mission!” she said. “I know that’s what this is for.”

Netto tried very hard not to yell at Maki. “No, it’s not. This is a sleepover, Maki-chan.”

Maki blinked, “Really?” she asked.

All three boys nodded.

Maki squealed with delight. “Ooooo! Can I come?”

Everyone else tried to deal with the mood change while Maki quivered excitedly. No one knew quite what to say.

“You’re already here, Maki-chan,” Dream reminded her softly.

Maki blinked, “Oh right! Well then, can I stay?”

“It’s storming outside, Maki-chan,” Dream said again.

Maki giggled, “I forgot. So, whatcha guys gonna do?” she asked.

Everyone else was snapped out of their disbelief rather quickly. “I… don’t know,” Netto said.

“Oers!” Maki said excitedly. “Can we make cookies?”

“I don’t know if Enzan even has the stuff to make cookies,” Netto said looking at Enzan, all of his anger forgotten for the moment.

Enzan crossed his arms. “I do, Netto I have to eat you know.”

“What, you’re not part of the undead legions?” Netto asked in a fake surprised voice.

“Netto-kun, you’ve been watching too many late night movies,” Rockman said.

“Shut up, Rockman,” Netto growled. “It was a joke. At least I don’t think the undead are real.”

“I don’t think the undead are real!” Rockman said. “Just… ghosts,” he added as an afterthought.

Maki giggled and Dream gave an amused smile from inside her PET. Netto sighed and rolled his eyes. Then he looked at Enzan, “Do you even know how to cook?” he asked.

“I can make pancakes,” Enzan said. “I don’t remember you being a very good cook either.”

“Netto-kun isn’t a bad cook,” Rockman said, “He’s just… messy.”

“Thank you Rockman,” Netto said sarcastically.

“Can we make cookies?” Maki asked again.

“You shouldn’t even be here!” Netto said.

“But I am,” Maki said in a matter of fact voice. “Now, can we make cookies?”

“I… guess?” Enzan said uncertainly. Netto had never heard him use that voice before.

“Not used to little kids?” he asked quietly as Maki ran towards the kitchen squealing happily.

“Let’s see… no,” Enzan hissed.

“All right, all right,” Netto said. “No need to get crabby.”

There was a flash of lightning followed closely by a crack of thunder that made everyone jump. Maki’s lower lip trembled and Netto ran into the kitchen to keep her from freaking out.

Laika actually smiled, “Cookies huh?”

Enzan groaned, “Do any of us know how to cook?”

“We’re about to find out,” Laika replied.

Searchman and Blues exchanged nervous glances but didn’t say anything.

Laika and Enzan went into the kitchen to make sure Maki and Netto didn’t do anything. Enzan found his mother’s old cook book and Maki leafed through the pages. “Ooooh, let’s make chocolate chip cookies!” she said.

Netto shrugged, “It can’t be that hard,” he muttered.

Enzan and Laika looked at him like he had just said defeating the net mafia’s weren’t that hard. “Netto, I ask this with as much sincerity as I can muster, do you even know how to cook?”

Netto crossed his arms, “Of course I do!” he said.

Rockman sniggered.

“Shut up,” Netto muttered.

“What was that for?” Laika asked.

“Nothing,” Rockman said and looked up at the ceiling of the net to keep himself from laughing.

Blues and Searchman looked at Rockman, then at each other. Then they decided to find out what exactly Rockman didn’t want to tell them. In the real world Netto and the others started to get the things needed to make chocolate chip cookies.

“Let’s put in lots of chocolate chips!” Maki said.

“Maki, you’re going to make yourself sick eating that much chocolate,” Laika said calmly.

“Nuh uhh… I once ate a whole chocolate Easter Bunny all by myself in one day!” she said proudly.

Netto coughed and it sounded like he was desperately trying not to laugh.

“Netto?” Enzan asked.

“Nothing,” he said quickly. “Maki-chan, only one bag of chocolate chips,” he said.

Maki gave a heartfelt, “Awwwww,” but didn’t argue beyond that.

Later on, when it came time to mix the ingredients Maki begged to use the mixer.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Enzan said calmly.

“But it’s fun! Please?” Maki asked.

“Let Laika do it,” Enzan said.

“Why me?” Laika asked.

“Because I don’t want to,” Enzan muttered.

Netto watched the exchange with an amused look on his face. “Then let Maki-chan do it,” he said.

Laika and Enzan looked at him. “Why don’t you do it?” they said together.

“Trust me,” Rockman said quickly. “You don’t want him to.”

“Rockman, shut up,” Netto said.

Laika and Enzan got the gist of Rockman’s message and sighed. “Okay how about Laika starts it, then Maki can take over,” Enzan said.

“Why me?” Laika asked again.

Enzan glared at him and Maki silently cheered in the back ground.

/This is way too amusing. I wish I had a video camera,/ Netto laughed to his brother.

/Netto-kun, do you really think they should let Maki-chan use the mixer?/ Rockman replied.

/What’s the worst that could happen?/ Netto asked easily.

/Do you want me to answer that?/ Rockman replied.

Netto paused. /No, not really,/ he said.

Laika picked up the mixer and looked at it like it was an alien being from another planet.

/Rockman, take a picture,/ Netto said.

/But Netto-kun,/ Rockman started.

/Please! His expression is too funny,/ Netto said. /And I can’t laugh right now or he’ll kill me./

Rockman sighed and took a freeze frame picture with the PET.

Laika turned on the mixer and started to mix the ingredients together. It was a slow process because he refused to go any higher then the lowest setting. Netto, Maki and Enzan all peered over his shoulder to see how it was coming. Rockman took a picture of that too.

When it was mostly mixed Maki yelled out, “My turn!”

Laika sighed and handed it to her, “All right, but keep it on the setting that it’s at.”

“But it’s so slow!” Maki said. “Just a little higher,” she murmured and turned it on high.

“No!” Everyone else yelled but it was too late, the bowl literally exploded with cookie goo and it got everywhere. Netto reached over and pulled the plug out of the wall and the mixer died.

There was cookie dough everywhere, even though half of it was still in the bowl. Maki, Netto, Laika and Enzan were all covered and Rockman and Dream couldn’t stop laughing. Blues and Searchman were trying not to laugh and Laika and Enzan weren’t very happy. Netto looked at the bowl then the kitchen and said, “Cookie dough anyone?”

Maki started to laugh and licked some of the cookie dough off her hand. “Mmm, it’s good,” she said.

“Well, we still have half of it,” Laika sighed.

Netto looked at the oven. “Ummm… no one preheated the oven,” he said.

Enzan and Laika looked at each other. “Preheat?” they asked.

Rockman laughed even harder and Blues and Searchman both had sudden cough attacks.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Netto dragged Maki to the upstairs bathroom to clean her and himself of the cookie mess. There was nothing he could do about her clothes and he made do with scrubbing them as best as he could and letting them dry out as he brushed the goo out of Maki’s hair.

“Laika told you not to turn it up,” he said as she winced.

“But it was taking so long!” Maki said.

Netto wetted the brush in the sink and continued to brush her hair. “I know, but patience isn’t such a bad thing.”

“You’re not patient,” Maki huffed.

Netto sweatdropped and Rockman’s muffled laugh could be heard from inside his PET.

/You, hush,/ Netto said irritably.

/I’m just going to see how Laika and Enzan are doing,/ Rockman said quickly and left his PET. Once safely in the hall monitor he started to laugh and didn’t stop for a long while.

Downstairs Laika and Enzan managed to put the cookies on a greased pan and put them into the oven for ten minutes while they cleaned up the kitchen and themselves.

Netto had to take off his bandana because he also got quite a bit of goo in his hair and Maki was more then willing to help him get it out. In the process she also managed to pull out some of Netto’s hair but it really didn’t matter. Not to her anyway.

Enzan and Laika had a bit more luck and were nice and clean when Netto and Maki came downstairs. Netto had washed his bandana and was waiting for it to dry, and for his headache to go away before he put it in his hair again.

“We have about 20 cookies,” Laika said.

“Really?” Netto asked. “That must have been a really big recipe.”

Laika nodded and pointed to the cookies on the sheets. “They have to cool though.”

Netto nodded and Maki bounced up and down. “So, now what?”

Netto blinked and sighed. “Maki-chan, how about we eat the cookies before anything else.

“Okay!” Maki said happily.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Oh my GOD was this fun to write XDDDDD
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Elizabeth]

It was fun to read too!

[Midnight]

Hee. Another break from the serious stuff. It was very enjoyable to read again.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Blue Bommer]

Whats the worst that can happen.

The thing that happens. Great story, but you left out dream at the end.
_________________

[Yue-chan]

Considering that I have had a similar experience at school, when I was in culinary arts, I find this very, very hilarious. *imagines Laika making cookies* Yep, definately a great chapter, Neko.
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Neko]

Ten minutes later everyone was sitting around the TV watching the latest “Starpotter” movie and eating cookies. Even Enzan and Laika had to admit they didn’t turn out badly. It wasn’t until the movie was almost over when it dawned on Netto and Rockman that letting Maki eat chocolate at 10 PM might not have been the greatest idea.

“Now what do we do?” she asked very quickly.

Enzan looked at her warily. “Maki, its 10, maybe we should sleep?”

Maki’s eyes widened. “Sleep at a sleepover!?” she asked in a disbelieving voice.

“Yes, novel idea isn’t it,” Laika said dryly.

Maki gasped, “You can’t sleep at a sleep over. It’s like a law or something!”

“It is?” Enzan said skeptically.

“Yeah, just like you can’t sleep on Christmas Eve,” she said. “It’s impossible!”

“Well then, what do you want to do?” Rockman asked.

“Play hide and seek?” she asked.

Enzan shook his head, “Not in this house.”

Maki stuck out her lower lip, “Awwww, why?” she asked.

“Maki, this house is huge, you would probably get lost,” Enzan said.

“But…” Maki started.

Netto shook his head, “No buts, this is Enzan’s house.”

Maki crossed her arms, “Fine then what should we do?”

“Not make any more cookies,” Laika said softly.

Searchman hid a smile within a cough but Rockman and Blues noted it with a touch of amusement.

“How about we try and calm down,” said Enzan.

Netto snorted and earned himself a glare from Enzan. “What?” he asked.

“You’re not helping,” Enzan muttered to Netto.

“Enzan, you’ve clearly never been around little kids before. They don’t calm down,” Netto said. “Especially after they’ve eaten 6 chocolate chip cookies.”

“Well then, what do you propose we do?” Enzan asked tightly.

“I don’t know, do you have any suggestions?”

“Hey!” Maki said trying to get everyone’s attention but Netto and Enzan kept muttering to each other and Laika was talking to his navi. She frowned and jumped on the couch, “Hey!” she yelled. Dream, Rockman and Blues watched her but didn’t say anything. Everyone kept on ignoring her and she grabbed a pillow and flung it at Netto and Enzan, “I said hey!” she yelled.

It hit Netto on the head and landed on the floor. He glared at Maki who returned the glare all too happily. “Maki-chan, what did you do that for?” Netto asked.

“You were ignoring me!” she said.

“What?” Netto asked.

“I said you were ignoring me!” Maki yelled.

“No, I mean what did you want?” Netto said, his nerves were ever so slightly starting to fray.

Maki blinked, looked up in a thoughtful manner and shrugged sheepishly, “I don’t remember.”

Netto growled and threw the pillow back at her, “When you remember tell me,” he said.

Maki caught the pillow in her arms and grinned. She looked around the room and flung the pillow straight at Laika. Laika was somewhat surprised when a large red couch pillow flew right into his face and Netto burst out laughing. Enzan looked from Laika to Maki unsure of what to say.

Laika picked up the pillow with an annoyed look and looked at who threw it at them. Maki squeaked and jumped off the couch and ran to hide behind Netto. Laika had no qualms with throwing the pillow at Netto. It hit Netto in the face and he glared at Laika while Maki giggled madly.

Netto threw the pillow at Laika but it missed and hit Enzan instead who was less then happy about the intrusion of his personal space. Maki smiled and picked up another pillow. Netto, Laika and Enzan all saw her do this and armed themselves just in case. Maki threw it at Enzan who deflected it with his own pillow onto Netto. Netto was more then happy to throw one at Enzan who received one from Laika.

The navi’s watched in silent amusement but did not say a word.

Ten minutes later the living room was a mess and there were pillows everywhere. Maki was collapsed on Netto who was sprawled out in the middle of the floor. Enzan was lying on the couch and Laika was in a chair. “Tired now?” Netto asked Maki.

Maki, whose eyes were half shut, shook her head slowly. Netto smirked and nodded, “I thought so,” he said.

They waited only ten more minutes before Maki fell asleep in Netto’s lap. Netto gave a sigh of relief and said “Thank goodness.”

Enzan nodded. “Oh, Netto?”

“Hm?” Netto asked.

“Tell anyone what happens tonight and you will pay,” he said in a dead serious tone.

Laika nodded, “I second that.”

Netto stuck his tongue out at them and laughed. “What, afraid your reputations as being jerks will get ruined.”

Laika halfheartedly threw a pillow at Netto who caught it before it landed on Maki. Netto giggled and set the pillow on the floor. Then he laid Maki on the pillow. She curled up and murmured something but stayed asleep.

Enzan yawned, “What time is it?” he asked.

Netto looked at his PET. “It’s 11:25, kinda early if you ask me,” Netto said.

“Not everyone stays up till three playing video games, Netto-kun,” Rockman said.

“Shut up,” Netto grumbled.

“I think we should all go to sleep,” Laika said.

“But no one goes to sleep at a sleep over!” Netto said in a reflection of what Maki had told them so fervently an hour before.

“We do,” Laika and Enzan said simultaneously.

Netto stuck his tongue out at them.

“Netto, this may be fun but don’t forget the reason we’re doing this is so you don’t get hurt,” Enzan reminded him.

Netto crossed his arms, “Thanks for the info, Mr. Happy.”

/Netto-kun, they’re just trying to remind you why you’re here,/ Rockman said gently.

/I don’t want to be reminded,/ Netto told his twin huffily.

/They’re worried about you,/ Rockman said gently.

Netto sighed and stretched out next to Maki.

Enzan picked up one of the many pillows that were lying haphazardly all over the room and tossed it to Netto. Netto caught it and lay down. It’s not that he was tired, but lying down did have its appeals at that moment.

Enzan lay down on the couch and Laika fell asleep on the chair, not that he wasn’t used to it. Blues and Searchman noted everything silently and Blues made sure to turn off all the lights once he was sure that everyone was asleep.

There was a distant rumble of thunder and Maki shined softly. Dream was afraid that she might wake up but instead she pressed herself into Netto’s arms who half woke up and obliged to the snuggling as long as it meant that Maki wouldn’t start crying about the thunder.

Rockman smiled, “Netto-kun has been taking care of Maki-chan for some time, don’t worry about them Dream.”

Dream smiled and yawned herself. “I know, but Maki seems to be a little overzealous at times.”

Rockman smiled at Dream and put his hand on her head. “I think you should go to sleep too,” he said softly.

Dream nodded happily and linked to her PET where she went into stasis mode. Rockman, Blues and Searchman stayed up for a bit longer.

“Do you think everything will turn out all right?” Rockman asked.

Blues and Searchman looked at one another, “What do you mean?” Blues asked.

“Well, what with that artifact being stolen and everything that’s happened in the last few days, do you think it will be all right?” Rockman asked again.

Searchman nodded. “I can’t tell the future but I do know that everything does normally turn out for you as long as we’re one step ahead.”

“Are we?” asked Rockman.

“Well, that don’t know where you are,” Searchman said. “And even if they do you’re still safe.”

Rockman smiled, “Yeah. I’d just like to know what they’re planning.”

“Wouldn’t we all,” Blues said.

Obsidian watched the conversation from above, “Oh, I know you would,” she smirked.

~~~~~~~~~

Shorter chapter but my hands really hurt for some reason. Now we enter the last arc of the story :3 (Don't worry, it's REALLY long)
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Midnight]

Squee! A pillow fight. Those are always enjoyable.

I really hope that you get back to Obsidian's plot though. It seems as though the last few chapters have taken the focus off of her and is straying a bit from the pace that was set in the first several chapters.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3