#I wish I had (someone like) Gladion as my boyfriend | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mysidewriting · 7 years

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Through the Storm

Chapter Seventeen

Lillie and Hau knew they liked each other, they had both admitted to it during their time stuck in the cells at Aqua. But due to the crazy situation, they hadn't done anything beyond confirming their feelings to each other. She restated a ton of the cute things he'd said to her, how he'd tried to be as protective as possible while at Aqua. She ticked everything off on her fingers, working through a mental list of sweet words and actions he had given to her and each one made me grin like an idiot.

"So, you should talk to him then." I said after she finished, her cheeks a light pink and a shy smile on her mouth. "We're safe for now, and can't do anything else until the other champions are here. It's a good time."

"Is it?" She asked, "There's still a lot of crazy stuff happening." She pouted, eyes growing wide and shaking her head as she hastily changed her mind. "No, wait! Don't listen to me, it is a good time to admit feelings."

Her smile had become more devilish and I knew she was trying to warp things around to be about me again. I pressed on, ignoring her attempts. "It's a great time, especially since you're actually with him right now." I pointed out. "If you wait until after this is all over then you'll probably be in Kanto again."

"You're right." She mumbled, playing with the tips of her long blonde hair. She grew distant, mind drifting into thoughts that I wish I could hear aloud. A moment or two past before she flinched and looked back to me with wide eyes. "You know the same applies to you right?"

"Let's not talk about that right now." I said, glancing towards the egress window on the other side of the room. Water was starting to pool behind the glass pane, the ground too wet to absorb any more of it. It wasn’t like I actually lived somewhere different than Gladion, I was just away on a trip. A long, stressful trip.

"I've told you almost everything about Hau and me, though." She complained, "We're at a standstill."

Her words were an attempt to get me to start talking about myself, but I changed the direction. Focusing more on the last part about being at a ‘standstill’. "You don’t have to be at a standstill though, you two like each other!" I said with a smile, "You should do something! Do you want me to say something to him?"

"No!" She jumped, bringing both her hands up to squish her own cheeks in reaction. "Please don't. I'd feel so awkward."

I laughed at her smooshed face, reassuring her I wouldn't do anything if she was worried about it. "But seriously, just bring it up. You can ask him out too."

"Maybe..." she muttered, going distant once again.

I stretched my leg across the bed, tapping her with my foot and making her jump in surprise. I laughed, "This is kind of crazy, isn't it?" Her head tilted to the side and the movement was so similar to Hau's normal confused head tilts that I giggled. "Just a handful of weeks ago you were barely even talking to him that much! You were too shy."

She laughed, "I know, I don't know what I was scared about."

"I told you." I dragged the words out, giving them a musical lilt to sarcastically poke fun at her. She pulled a fake pout over her face before smiling once again.

"Yeah, thank you for making me just talk to him. Things wouldn't have changed by now if you hadn't done that." She pointed a finger to me, her tone changing rapidly from thankful to mildly accusing. "But you!"

I looked away again as she continued. "You told me you didn't like anyone!"

"I didn't then!" I defended, "Not like I do now, at least."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know... I feel like there’s a possibility I’ve liked him for a while now. I always wanted to be close with him." I muttered, recalling all my attempts to visit Gladion and how over the top I could be when he visited the league. How I got so excited to find out he’d actually reached out to me whenever he did. Maybe I’m just super oblivious and it took leaving the region to actually realize I like someone.

She started bouncing on the bed, shaking the mattress. I nearly fell off the edge I was sitting on and she burst out laughing as my arms wind milled in an attempt to stay upright. "Are you saying you've always been attracted to my brother?" She winked and I faked a gag before laughing as well.

"In some way, maybe." I felt so awkward saying these things out loud. As exciting as it was to sit and talk stupid lovey dovey stuff with my best friend, I would have never pictured or even thought I'd be doing it only a few months ago. I never thought I'd really fall for anyone to begin with, let alone someone I've known since I moved to Alola.

"When do you think you started to like him?" She asked.

My mind drifted back at the prompt, I twisted and flopped down on the bed so my head rested on the pillow next to where Lillie sat. "I don't know exactly when it started. Sometime in Kanto for sure, around when I was working with Oak..." Like when I chased Moltres away and I thought of him yelling at me for being so reckless.

"Are you serious? You liked him that long and didn't tell me?" She freaked out.

"Wait wait! Let me finish!" I said fast, pressing my hands against my temples. "I didn't realize I liked him until I was in Johto. Specifically when I met Krys and Gold. After I was nearly drowned by Lugia."

"Okay what made you realize then?" She questioned after hesitating as I said Krys's name, she didn't know her yet.

I pulled out my phone, both of us laughing as it unlocked straight to my messages with the guy we were talking about. I could feel my face going red as I scrolled through, trying to find the conversation we'd had when I couldn't sleep...

"He talks to you more than he does to me!" She said, sounding a bit upset.

"We talk a lot." I muttered, pulling the hem of my shirt over my nose to cover my blushing cheeks. I finally landed on the messages and handed her the phone, pressing the pit of my elbow over my face as she read through.

“You talked about Hau and me?” She giggled, “He’s so mean to Hau.” She commented and I struggled to recall what exactly was said between about the two of them. Something about Gladion calling Hau a loudmouth…

“To be fair, those two conflict in a lot of ways. Gladion is not an energetic and loud person.” I laughed.

“Obviously.” She shook her head, “He never was, and never will be.”

I shifted to look at the messages as she scrolled, she’d gotten to just about the end. "Aw, you two are so cute. I didn't know Bub even had it in him to be so sweet on someone." She cooed as she handed me back the phone. "He's so happy around you too." She made a strange squealing noise. "You're going to be my sister-in-law!"

"Whoa!" I held my hands out, "That's way too far ahead, Lillie. Let's not talk about that yet okay?" I sat upright, sliding my phone back into my pocket. "I don't want to think about that."

She nodded, "Okay, I understand. It's still super awesome... You should make a move though. Make a move on my brother, Moon!"

I winced. "Don't say it like that." I complained. "Besides, I don't know for sure if he feels the same. That and we don't have the time to date anyway."

She pouted, "How can you doubt he likes you when he talks to you like that? He's so sweet on you, Moon. I have yet to see a moment where he isn't smiling when you're around." She hesitated. "Like I mean yeah it hasn't even been a full day yet but still! And there is always time for love." She held her hands up, her fingers and thumbs shaping a heart. "Alola champion Moon and Aether president Gladion, you two would be a power couple." She giggled.

I still don't know... "You make a move on Hau and maybe I'll consider being more obvious with Gladion."

A knock at the door made us both jump, both our faces going red as we realized the last thing that had been said gave away not only what we had been talking about, but our feelings towards the guys.

"Who is it?" Lillie called, her voice trembling a bit. She took my hand and squeezed it as the door opened. I shut my eyes, ducking my head so my hair fell over my face. It's going to be Gladion...

"What's going on?" Hau's voice met my ears and a momentary rush of relief fell through me before I remembered that I'd said something about Lillie making a move on him.

Her face had gone pink. "We're talking." She said hesitantly.

Hau laughed, "About me, right?"

"Did you not hear us?" Lillie asked. I looked up to Hau, seeing he had folded his arms behind his head and looked a bit awkward.

"I did." He said. "Something about making a move on me and Moon being more obvious to Gladion?"

I groaned and fell backwards on the bed again, covering my face. Great now ‘the loud mouth’ knows about it too… Hau laughed, "So Moon you...?"

"Quiet!" Lillie shouted, bouncing on the bed. Thank you…

"Okay! Okay!" He laughed, passing me a huge grin as he stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. "Sorry!"

"Did you need something, Hau?" Lillie asked, I was thankful for the complete change in topic.

"I wanted to talk to you." He said sheepishly.

I stood from the bed. "I hope it's about the same thing we were just taking about." I suggested to him as I stepped towards the door. As interested as I was in what Hau had to say to her – I knew I had to give them their space for this.

"It is." Hau confirmed, his grin growing wider.

Lillie blushed hard at his words and I opened the door, "I'll leave you two alone then. We can talk more later if you want, Lillie." I smiled.

"Thanks, Moon." She said, her eyes wide and honest and I knew she was saying thanks for a lot more than just me leaving them to talk. I nodded and stepped out, closing the door behind me.

How convenient that he came by just then. This had to be good news, and after I had just told her she should jump at the opportunity to date. I was hopeful that the next time we talked she would be able to call Hau her boyfriend. After so long waiting for it to happen, it seemed very likely that the two would finally be a couple. A super cute couple at that. Hau was perfect for her in so many ways. Although Lillie wasn't anywhere near as shy as she used to be, she was still very reserved. Hau was the complete opposite, entirely extroverted and brave when it came to social situations. They would balance each other out perfectly.

The borrowed room was dark when I walked in and I opted for a desk light over the light hanging with the ceiling fan. I sat on the edge of the mattress and set some music to play on my phone, letting my mind wander and listening intently to the sound of the rain pattering outside mixed with the soft sounds of music. Distant rolling thunder forced my eyes closed as I drifted back through some old memories of Alola's infrequent thunder storms. Those memories transferred into thoughts of my likely worried mother, alone in her house, struggling with her disease and divorce. A hollow ache for home opened up in my heart and I checked my phone to see if she had even seen the message I'd sent her yet. But it was late now and she had long been asleep by this point, the message sat unread and longing for a response.

A flash of red light brought my focus back to the current times as Rosemary hopped up onto the bed and curled into a ball next to me, her head resting on my lap. I stroked her back, thankful for the slight glow that emitted off her blue markings. I scooped her up, apologizing when she cried out over being moved and laid down on the bed, letting her curl up on my stomach like she had as an eevee. She seemed to be so sensitive to emotion, always popping out of her ball the minute I was feeling something intense. It's amazing how Pokémon can sense those things...

A louder crack of thunder shook the house, causing the items on the bookshelf in the room to rattle with the growling noise coming from the sky. Is this really just after effects of lugia again? That was something that no one had brought up to Steven, the strange behavior of all the legendaries lately. I wondered if there was any correlation, wondered if any of the other legendaries had acted up. Articuno was the only Kanto bird that I had not heard or seen any violence from. Celebi and mew had seemed normal as well, at least from what I knew of them.

Red, Green, Gold, Steven, me... even Brendan and May. There were a lot of distinguished trainers here at the moment, that wasn't even including Hau and Gladion's expertise and Lillie's new found strengths. I was sure we could handle going to do some investigating if we broke into teams. It couldn't have been that dangerous if we stuck to a low profile like Brendan and May did with Aqua and Magma. But Steven was the experienced one... he knew best. I was just too anxious to find out more about the woman and find an end to this mess. It won't be too much longer, over half of the champions are here already.

Would there be enough room for everyone? There were a lot of rooms in this house, but a lot of people were going to be here once all the champions arrived. Ten people here already, and Red and Green were staying in the same room. As well as Brendan and May. I wouldn't doubt we would have to stay two to a room... I can stay with Lillie, why am I even worrying over this...

...Because there’s a small chance that it would be Gladion staying with me instead... that's why. I couldn't lie to myself that the thought was the only reason I was truly concerned about sleeping arrangements.

Rosemary's weight shifted and her head rose, crying out towards a figure in the doorway. "Oy." Speak of the devil.

Gladion was leaning up against the doorway of my room, a towel draped over his shoulders to catch the water dripping from his freshly washed hair. A stack of papers was folded up under his arm and from what I could see, it looked to be a ton of forms and paperwork.

"Hey." I replied through a tired and hushed voice, I hadn't realized I was beyond exhausted after spending all this time laying in a dimly lit room just thinking.

A smile slid across his lips, "You're tired, eh?"

I nodded, Rosemary crooning at the movement and she fell off my stomach, curling up by my side instead. "The last few days have been pretty exhausting."

"They have." He nodded with a soft chuckle. "You've been through a lot, Moon."

"You too." I said, acknowledging the dark welts on his arms and the bruise across his eye. The twist of guilt in my gut was a bit too much to bare without saying something. "I'm so sorry you got sucked into this, Gladion. You got the brunt of everything and it’s not fair at all."

His eyebrows arched high across his forehead and he stepped into the room, the light from the hallway no longer falling across his face so it was much harder to see him. "You have nothing to apologize for." He said, his voice barely above a whisper as he kneeled by the bed. Rosemary purred in reaction to his sudden proximity, stretching her front legs out like she was reaching for him. I just barely saw the grin on his face as he watched the umbreon react. "I came here on my own whim."

"But you got beat up because of me." I complained.

"I got beat up because I fought against Archie and his grunts. Not because of you." His voice was stern yet still had this warmth to it that made my heart flutter.

I rolled onto my side, finding it easier to see and speak to him when I wasn’t craning my neck. The position was much more comfortable though, the sleepiness hanging over my head tugging at the corners of my consciousness as I attempted to focus on his face. What time is it even? Probably past ten… I could sleep if I wanted too, it wouldn’t be odd to go to bed so early considering how insane the day had been. “Still.” I said, my voice regretfully slurred with the exhaustion. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it Moon.” He replied in the same tone of voice, but a few levels quieter. He rested his chin on the edge of the bed, now close enough that I could smell the scent of shampoo lingering in his hair… something generic and fresh. An oddly nostalgic scent that was far from unpleasant. When he spoke I could feel his breath on my face and goosebumps shot down my spine. “No one is upset with you for doing what was necessary. No one blames you for any harm.”

If I moved even just an inch or two I could kiss him right now. So close…No, no, no. What am I thinking?

I changed the subject, shifting a bit to pull myself even just a bit more away from his face. “What’s all those papers for?” I cringed at my own lazy wording, scolding myself for sounding like an idiot while also likely looking like one. But a soft chuckle left his mouth anyway, I took it to mean he hadn’t even noticed me pulling away… Is that good or bad?

"Work stuff." He replied. "Apparently these are urgent, Wicke couldn't wait for me to get back."

"That's dumb. You're always working, the least they could do is give you a break when you're trying to help someone." I complained, covering my mouth as I yawned.

“It’s practically a break, this isn’t that bad.” He readjusted the stack of papers and stood, startling Rosemary enough that she cooed at him and curled herself back into the small ball. I pat her side, apologizing again for disrupting her sleep. She’d made a mistake in coming out of her ball… Gladion reached out and for some reason I’d expected him to give Rosemary a few pets as well – but instead his hand drifted up to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. The unexpected touch made me shiver and I hoped to Arceus he just thought I was cold again. “You should get some rest.”

I grabbed his arm before he could leave, heart thundering in my chest as he turned to look at me once again. Surprised and curious. "Have you slept at all? I couldn't tell if you did at Aqua." I asked quick, hoping my nerves over holding his arm weren't prominent through my voice.

"Yes." He laughed, "I passed out the second night from exhaustion. My schedules been a bit off since then but I'm sure I'll sleep tonight." He shook his head, the grin on his face making me curious of his thoughts.

“Good, you’ve been so bad with sleep.” I replied, releasing him, "Don't stay up too long working on those dumb papers."

"I won't, Moon. Goodnight." He left the room then, closing the door behind him slowly and as quietly as possible.

I waited until I had heard his footsteps recede and the sound of his door closing before looking to Rosemary, her yellow eyes watched me carefully as I spoke. "He has feelings for me too, doesn't he?"

Rosemary simply yawned in response, rolling onto her back and pawing absently at the air. Today had been such a weird collage of excitement, nervousness, and danger that I struggled to work through my thoughts over all of it.

I'd reunited with Gold, we'd escaped Aqua, I'd been cut by a crazed woman potentially in charge of this whole mess, reunited with Red and Green, Lillie and Hau had a high probability of being together by tomorrow, and Gladion had been... Beyond sweet and seemingly in control of my emotions. Like he was the percussion behind my soft ballad, bringing an otherwise quiet and dull song to life.

There was no way to be certain how the next few days would play out. With Red, Green, and Gold here and more champions on the way... people I hadn't yet met. Things would certainly be interesting at the least...

Note: Super short chapter, sorry about that. I've got a half decent amount of chapters stacked up after that short time off. Hope things sound good and you guys are all still enjoying. c:

#gladion x moon #gladion #gladion fanfic #lonashipping #mahinashipping #pokemon #romance #adventure #Hau x Lillie #through the storm #through the storm chapter seventeen

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sophie-nicktoonsverse · 7 years

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Surprise! (A Sophie Fic)

Sophie has been having a tough time lately with nightmares, secrets, and gloom in her life. The only thing that’s been giving her a ray of sunshine has been The Vanguard and her boyfriend Xavier. So when it comes close to her birthday Xavier asks this of The Vanguard. To give her the best birthday she could ever ask for. ((This fic took me a week and a half to write so I hope you all like it. Shout for my friend @mayhemforhire for writing the notes for The Vanguard (which also belongs to him in his own right) Epilogue coming soon!))

Xavier sighed as The Vanguard gathered around the table of Jimmy’s lab. Sophie hadn’t been well the last few weeks and it was weighing heavily on him as her boyfriend to not take away her pain. “So why did you call us all here and made it a point to not tell Sophie?” Jimmy asked.

Xavier took a deep breath and said “I’ve been worried about Sophie. She hasn’t been good this past couple of weeks.” The Vanguard’s faces twisted with worry. “What do you mean she hasn’t been good? She’s seemed fine to us.” Sam questioned. “She’s been having more nightmares lately and I’m worried she’s going back to that place she was before she met you all,” Xavier explained. Hau muttered and shook his head “This isn’t good.” “Have you tried to talk to her about it?” Danny asked. Xavier nodded and said “She’s denying it but every morning when I go get her for breakfast down in the lunch hall she’s sleeping with those dolls of you guys she got for her last birthday. I think you all are like a security blanket for her.”

“So what do you need us to do for her?” Tak asked. “Have you guys thought about what you’re doing for Sophie’s birthday?” Xavier replied with a question. Everyone just sorta looked at each other before Jimmy said “Not particularly. Why do you ask?” “I was reading some psychology books and some of the letters Hau and Sophie used to send to each. It seems that during the letter process Sophie seemed the most stable.” Xavier explained. “What’s your point dude?” Manny asked tired of the explanation.

“I was hoping along with your presents to her maybe you could each write her a small little note just to let her know you all are still there for her or something along the lines of that,” Xavier said. “Anything to make Sophie feel better again!” SpongeBob proclaimed. “Yeah, we’ll give her the biggest most epic birthday party there ever was!” Timmy cheered in excitement. Xavier chuckled and said, “Just don't let her know what you're planning otherwise Sophie will insist she doesn't deserve it.”

“Got it. We're keeping this top secret. Anything else?” Danny asked. “Nope, that’s it from me. Hau, Lillie, Gladion? Anything from you guys?” Xavier asked. Hau shook his head as Lillie said “Just don't go overboard with the planning. Sophie may start to feel uncomfortable with all the festivities.” “Trust us there's a reason Sophie doesn't celebrate with Skylar and Silas anymore,” Gladion added. “Just get a hold of one of us four if you run into any snags with your plans,” Hau suggested.

There was a flash from the portal indicating Sophie had arrived in the lab and saw everyone by the table. “What’s going on? Did I miss something?” Sophie asked. “Nope, we are all just hanging out,” Xavier said strolling over to her and giving her a kiss. She heard gagging noises from Manny, Timmy, and Snap but kissed back anyway. “Are you sure nothing is wrong?” Sophie asked holding Xavier’s hand. “Positive.” He smiled.

Jimmy spent hours working on this desk for Sophie. After her drawing on the lab floor for so long Sophie deserved her own corner of the lab to work in. She didn’t feel comfortable working at the table like most of the others did with their homework and such because she didn’t want to take up too much room.

Jimmy sighed. Sure it looked like an ordinary desk but it had multiple drawers for supplies, a place to put paper and rolls of paper, built in scissors, and Jimmy was now installing a pop-up stand to place her canvases. That was until ZIM interrupted him.

“JIMMY!” the scream came as Jimmy hit his head that was currently under the desk. “Ow! ZIM what is it now?” Jimmy said rubbing his head. “I don’t have an offering for the bubble girl to give on her day of birth and she will explode if I do not have one for her!” ZIM yelled/proclaimed. Jimmy blinked and tried to process what ZIM had just said to him. “So what you're saying is that because you don’t have a present for Sophie she’ll...explode?” Jimmy asked slightly confused is how ZIM got to that conclusion.

“YES! Did you miss my BRILLIANT explanation of my problem?!” ZIM yelled. “No… ZIM who told you Sophie was going to explode if you didn’t have a present for her?” Jimmy asked. “The beaver boy,” he answered. Jimmy facepalmed and groaned. Turner. Of course. Why was he not surprised? “ZIM Turner lied to about Sophie going to explode.” “LIES!” Jimmy sighed and shook his head going back under to work on the desk.”Why don’t you get her a pencil sharpener? Her desk needs that.” Jimmy stated. It took ZIM a minute to process that until he exclaimed “YES! THIS IS MY OBJECTIVE: PENCIL SHARPENER!” He then ran back to the portal and went back to his world.

Jimmy let out a sigh of relief and went back to work on the desk. Maybe if he wasn’t interrupted again he could finish and work on the note for Sophie.

After he got back to his world ZIM pulled on his regular disguise and went to the mall to buy Sophie’s present. It is was relatively uneventful. ZIM screamed at the store clerk about him trying to steal his secrets and threw money at him taking the pencil sharpener with him. Dib was also there and tried to follow ZIM home curious why he had bought a pencil sharpener although that quickly ended with Dib ending up in someone’s yard and almost being attacked by a Doberman.

ZIM was now down in his lab wrapping the present in a metal box of his own design… after his computer told him to take out the death weapons out of it. After complying, claiming he came up with the idea, ZIM was almost done wrapping when GIR came up to him and started banging a rubber piggy against his side. “GIR! What is it?! Don’t you see your master is very busy?!” ZIM questioned. “Put this in da box! It’s ma offering!” GIR beamed. ZIM narrowed his eyes and said “GIR she won’t accept both of our offerings. It's the only one she will accept because it’s SUPERIOR!”

GIR’s antenna drooped and his eyes started to water. ZIM rolled his eyes and said, “Ohhh okay.” GIR jumped and cheered for joy as ZIM put the rubber piggy in the box and put the lid on the box.

“Now leave me! Your master has important work to be doing!” ZIM commanded. GIR flew out of the room as ZIM commanded “Computer! Take a notation for me!”

Timmy had worked all night on this. It was the ultimate present for a video game lover such as Sophie. A video game starring them! How perfect could that be?! He’d spent all night working on the game design. What abilities they would all have, what enemies they would face, what the levels looked like, what they would collect throughout the game, and even what the bosses would be.

Timmy yawned as he saw Poof coloring something in the corner of his room for Sophie’s gift. “Okay, guys I think I finally have down what want to make Sophie’s gift into,” Timmy said as Cosmo and Wanda poofed by his side. “Alright, sport wands up and ready!” Wanda said as she and her husband prepared for the wish. “I wish…” Timmy said as he rambled the list he made. By the time they were done the had the video game ready.

It looked like a GameBuddy only it was pink in color, green buttons, and a dark gray screen. It looked absolutely perfect. Timmy smiled as Poof came over excitedly with his small “gamer guide” he “wrote” for the game. “Thank you, Poof.” “Poof Poof!” Timmy put the book at the bottom of the pink box before gently setting the video game on top. He wrapped it up with bright green ribbon and put a purple tag on it the said: “From Timmy, Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof.”

Timmy yawned once again. It was a hard night's work to design the game and he was beat. He slowly made his way to his bed and laid down. “I’ll write Sophie’s note after I take a nap…” Timmy said as he drifted to sleep.

Danny, Sam, and Jenny were visiting Northgate Mall, which was the mall in Sophie’s world, to buy their presents for Sophie’s birthday. “So remind me again why are we in the mall in Sophie’s world instead of just going to Amity Park Mall or Tremorton Mall?” Danny asked looking at the unfamiliar stores. “Well, Sam and I have been here dozens of times with Sophie,” Jenny said. “So we know which stores Sophie usually stops us at so she can look at something. Meaning we know what she wants from those stores she stops at.” Sam explained. “Meaning the three of us can get her the perfect birthday presents!” Jenny said excitedly. Danny shrugged and said, “Makes sense to me.”

The three ended up in a clothing store Sophie usually stopped at for her siblings and herself. Sam made her way to the boy's section of the clothes to find an extra small gray Pokemon hoodie for Sophie. She had wanted one a few weeks ago but they didn't have her petite size.

Jenny, however, was looking for a certain dress that reminded Sophie of Violet Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events. It was a short sleeved pink dress with blue whales on it. However, she didn't know what dress size Sophie was. “Hey, Danny can I borrow your recaller? I need to check some clothing sizes for Sophie.” Jenny said looking back at Danny.

“Huh oh yeah. Sure here you go Jen.” Danny said handing over his recaller. Jenny smiled and said “Thank you.” as she contacted Lillie. “Hey, Lillie it’s Jenny. Do you know what dress size and shoe size Sophie is? … 7 and 3.5? Okay, thanks, Lillie!” Jenny said hanging up the recaller and giving it back to Danny. Jenny picked up the pink dress, a light blue sweater, a white belt, a pair of white socks, a pair of white sneakers, and a pack of hair ribbons.

Both Sam and Jenny went up to the cashier to ring up their purchases for Sophie and soon left the store with Danny close behind. “Well great. You two have presents for her and I still don't have anything for her.” Danny said. Sam and Jenny both thought for a moment. “What about a new video camera? For all the video stuff she does.” Sam said suddenly. “That's a great idea, Sam!” Danny said smiling before frowning. “Except I don't have that kind of money for a video camera…” “But I do,” Sam said putting a hand on his shoulder. “It's for Sophie. It's the thought that counts.” Danny just nodded at his girlfriend.

The three soon went their separate ways with Jenny going back to Tremorton to wrap her presents for Sophie while Danny and Sam went back to Amity Park to get the camera for Sophie and to wrap the presents.

Jenny had picked out two pretty boxes for Sophie’s presents since they couldn’t all fit in one box. Jenny started with the sweater folding it before putting it in the box with the pink dress over it. She rolled up the white belt putting it on top of the dress along with the package of hair ribbons.

She placed the box lid on the box and wrapped it. “Now for the shoes,” Jenny said as she took out a smaller box. She put the white converse in the box while tucking in the socks to the shoes. She smiled as she put the lid on the box and wrapped the second box. She then put the smaller box on top of the larger box and wrapped it with a large white ribbon. Jenny beamed and cheered “It looks so good!”

She put the presents to the side before sitting on her bed with a pad of paper and a special pen. “Alright now to write the note for Sophie,” she said as she got to work.

After going back to Amity Park Danny and Sam went back to Danny’s house to order the camera and wrap the presents. Not even five minutes after she ordered the camcorder, her technology assistant, Tracey, came to the Fenton’s door. “Hi, Sam! Here’s the camcorder you ordered.” Tracey said handing it over to Sam and taking out a clipboard for her to sign. “Thanks, Tracey,” Sam said signing the clipboard. After signing the clipboard they said their goodbyes and Sam closed the door going back to Danny on the couch.

Danny smiled and said, “Thanks again Sam.” “Of course it’s for Sophie so it’s fine.” Sam shrugged. The two started to wrap their presents for Sophie. Sam folded up the hoodie and placed it in a box wrapping it in dark purple wrapping paper. Danny kept the camcorder in its box and started to wrap it in bright green wrapping paper.

After wrapping the gifts Sam set them aside as Danny went to his room to get paper and pens for their notes to Sophie. Danny sat back down next to his girlfriend and handed her a pad of paper with a purple pen. “Alright let’s get started on these notes,” Danny said as they got to work.

SpongeBob and Patrick were both hanging out in SpongeBob’s home ready to wrap their presents for Sophie. While Patrick was sitting on the floor and Gary was sleeping on the couch SpongeBob came back with boxes, wrapping paper, ribbons, paper, and pencils. “Okay! Now we have everything we need to wrap the presents and write the notes for Sophie!” “Yay! What did you get her SpongeBob?” Patrick asked. SpongeBob showed a set of bubbles each of a different color. “Sandy helped me make these. They're bubbles that are made out of paint! Sandy says when they pop it will make a type of art called splatter art!”

“Wow… That sounds amazing!” Patrick awed. “Yup! What did you get her Patrick?” SpongeBob asked in wonder. “Oh! Yeah!” Patrick said digging around in his pockets for a minute before pulling out a Goofy Goober Pass. “A Goofy Goober Pass?” SpongeBob asked slightly confused. “Yup! I remember yesterday Sophie said doesn’t get ice cream often cause she has no money! So I got her this!” “Wow, Patrick! That’s so sweet!” SpongeBob cooed.

The both of them started to wrap their presents. Patrick got stuck in the ribbons and wrapping paper several times so SpongeBob had to cut him out. Soon enough they had SpongeBob’s neatly wrapped present and Patrick’s slightly scrambled present. “Okay! Now we have to write Sophie notes!” SpongeBob said cheerfully handing Patrick paper and a pencil as they got to work. “SpongeBob?” “Yes, Patrick?” “What are we supposed to write her?” SpongeBob thought for a moment on what to tell him. “How you really feel about her!” SpongeBob said sweetly. “Okay!” Patrick said as he got to work.

Tak was taking a walk around his village. He just couldn’t do it. How could he not think of a present for Sophie?! He’s arguably the closest member of The Vanguard to Sophie so why couldn’t he think of a present for her? Tak sighed. It had been a few months since Sophie started dating Xavier. Tak had a moment with Sophie of him promising to support her always and that he would never leave her. He needed to find her a present to cement his words to her.

Suddenly Tak felt his feather slipping out of his hair and adjusted it as so it would stay in when he suddenly he had his idea. A Feather! Of course! What better way to show her he’s dedicated as a brother to her then offer her something that’s an important tradition to him?

Tak started looking around for a feather in the village. It couldn’t be just any feather, though. It had to absolutely perfectly represent Sophie. After about half an hour he still hadn’t found the right feather but he couldn’t give up. He needed to find this feather. He finally spotted a feather that looked pretty fluffy and was light pink in color. That would be perfect for her! He quickly climbed the tree and plucked the feather from it.

“Got it!” Tak cheered as he got a large leaf from the tree as well for wrapping paper. He got down from the tree and went back to his and Jibolba’s hut. Tak sat on his hammock in his room as he tried to carefully wrap the leaf around the feather and tied it with a vine. After doing that he set it aside and picked up some parchment and a quill. He had to pour his heart and soul into this note. If Sophie had written full pages about how great he was as her “older brother” figure to Hau in her letters, the least he could do is write a sweet note about his “baby” sister.

Manny was currently spending the weekend at his mother’s mansion. He and his mom had just gotten back from the store with his mom picking up stuff for dinner and Sophie’s birthday present. He had gotten her a soccer ball. It wasn’t just any soccer ball, though. It was black with a dark blue starry night sky wrapped down the middle. He figured out from her bedroom she liked the night sky and he already knew she played soccer so it seemed perfect enough.

Manny began wrapping the ball in bright orange wrapping paper after finally getting the ball to stay still for two seconds. It didn’t look the prettiest but it was wrapped. He decided to put a bow on top of the ball to make it look nicer. His mother soon came in with the plates for dinner to set the table and noticed her son's handiwork. “Manny?” Maria asked. “Yes, mom?” Manny replied. “What’s that on the table?” “It’s Sophie’s birthday present. I wrapped it myself!” Manny said proudly. “Manny you know she’ll know it’s a soccer ball with just one look at it.” Maria giggled going back to the kitchen. Manny groaned knowing she was right.

Maria soon came back in with a bag decorated with little tigers and tissue paper. “Put it in here. It will make it harder for her to guess what it is. It’s a fact.” Maria smiled. Manny grinned and put the soccer ball in the bag. “Thanks, mom!” “You’re welcome, son. Now you better work on that note for her before dinners ready.” Maria said going back into the kitchen once again. Manny nodded and sat down writing his note to Sophie.

Mr. Blik groaned. He can’t believe he was forced to do this BY HIMSELF no less. Hovis said that it wasn’t his job to do things that were meant for Blik’s friends. That Blik had to do it himself otherwise, the value would be lost. He was going to have a word with Hovis later… at least his chowderhead brothers were nowhere in sight. He sighed as he took the box holding the drawing tablet out of the shopping bag and placed it on the table.

Sophie had complained for the last month or so that she needed a new drawing tablet because her old one kept freezing up on her. He didn’t understand why she didn’t just ask her dad, who recently came into a lot of money, for a new one. She said something about asking for too much of him or something like that. He didn’t know. He stopped paying attention halfway through.

He did know that she probably needed it for the art thing she was going for. So he bought her a new one and was now forced to wrap it alone. Blik groaned and started to wrap it in royal blue wrapping paper making even cuts with his claws. He put a fancy looking bow on top of it too. Blik inspected his handiwork and he called “Hovis! Bring me paper and a pen!” Hovis was in there a minute later with the paper and pen. “Here you are sir.” Blik took them and started to write. He didn’t WANT to write the note or anything but he had to admit the kid made him worry sometimes. Just like the rest of them worrying over her. It’s the least he could do as a winner.

Snap paced back and forth in his current day house. What was he going to get her? What was he going to get her?! He couldn’t just get her anything in ChalkZone. It had to be special for her. “Maybe I could get Rudy to draw her somethin… No! That won’t work!” Snap groaned. “Maybe, though… I can get him to take me somewhere…” Snap smiled running to go to the portal coming from Rudy’s chalkboard and waited for him.

Rudy soon came through the portal smiling at his best friend/sidekick and said “Hey Snap! What’s up?” Snap grabbed Rudy’s shirt “Bucko! I need ya to take me somewhere!” Rudy seemed a taken back by Snap’s behavior. “What do you mean to take you somewhere? Where do you wanna go?” Rudy asked. “I need ya to take me to one of those artsy fartsy stores! I need to get Sophie a birthday present!” Snap yelled. “...My cousin Sophie?” Rudy asked confused. Snap shook his head “Nonono! My si-friend Sophie! It’s her birthday next week and I need a present for her!”

Rudy thought about it for a moment before sighing. “Fine but stay close to me.” Snap grinned and said “Thank ya so much, Bucko! Ya won’t regret this!” Rudy sighed as they went to search for a chalk surface close to the Art Supply Store. Rudy soon drew a portal as they both came out of the wall of the alley next to the store. “Now we aren’t going to be here for long. You’re gonna get her present and then we’ll leave got it Snap?” Rudy asked. Snap grinned and said “Loud and clear Bucko!” He then ran in excited while Rudy sighed and followed him in.

Snap bounded up and down the aisles looking for her gift. He had to prove himself worthy to be her brother. Sure after the whole Kevin incident, he may have already proven himself but he still wanted to get her an amazing present. It wasn’t until something caught his eye he found out what that present was. It was a light blue sketchbook with a pink butterfly pattern and a golden key in the middle of it. “It’s Poifect!” Snap grinned picking up the sketchbook.

“Now for somethin to go with it…” Snap searched the colored pencils aisle for the specific brand she usually used. “Aha! Prismacolor! There it is!” Snap cheered picking it up. He ran up to Rudy excitedly with his presents. Rudy paid for them and brought Snap back to the portal. “Okay so I’m drawing some wrapping paper, paper, and a pencil for you to use with the presents,” Rudy said drawing and quickly erasing them into Chalkzone. “Thanks, Bucko! I owe ya one!” Snap said as Rudy waved goodbye and erased the portal. Snap smiled and went home with the supplies.

So Snap wrapped her present and started doodling on the wrapping paper. He wasn’t any kind of artist like Rudy or Sophie but he figured she’d appreciate it at least. He smiled at it and put it aside. He stared down at the paper and pencil. She was his little sister now. He had to prove it to her. He picked up the pencil and began to write.

Hau, Lillie, and Gladion were all hanging out on Melemele Island working on Sophie’s gifts. Hau had actually found something that they all thought Sophie had lost a long time ago when they were small. A stuffed black rabbit Sophie had named Bambino. When they were all around five years old Sophie had dropped him in Poni Meadow and never found him. A few weeks ago Hau had found him trapped under a tree root relatively unharmed. He was a little sun bleached but only to a lighter shade of black. Hau had cleaned him up a bit and wrapped a ribbon around his neck.

Lillie was actually making something for the four of them. Small leather chokers with the charm the represented their respective Tapu. A yellow rooster for Hau, a red bull for Gladion, a purple dolphin for herself, and a pink butterfly for Sophie. She soon finished all four and put Sophie’s in a small wooden box and wrapped it with light pink wrapping paper. “And done!” Lillie said as she handed her brother and Hau their chokers. “Woah, these look so cool Lillie!” Hau cheered as he put it on. “Yeah, not half bad sis,” Gladion smirked. “Aww thanks, guys.” Lillie blushed modestly.

Gladion went back to work on his present for Sophie. He had “borrowed” (He basically stole) her music player to customize it for her more. He had downloaded her favorite music on it mainly being Disney songs, Undertale The Musical music, and Hamilton music. He loaded photos of her with them, The Vanguard, and her other friends and family with videos as well so she can always have them with her. He also got her a pair of Lilo and Stitch earbuds to along with her tricked out music player. He put the gifts in a white box before wrapping it in dark red wrapping paper.

Lillie had picked some paper and three pens for their notes to Sophie. “Alright, boys let’s get these notes done,” Lillie said as they got to work. Hau grinned the whole time writing the note while Gladion took a more thoughtful approach. Lillie, however, knew exactly what she was going to say to someone who’s been like her sister their whole lives, though.

One by one each member of The Vanguard piled into Jimmy’s lab for Sophie’s party where everyone pretty much had a job to do. Jimmy had everyone set their presents for Sophie on her desk that he had covered with a tarp, Timmy was wishing up some serious snacks for everyone, SpongeBob had just finished baking the cake along with Patrick’s help, Tak was placing everyone's notes into a wooden box he brought for Sophie, Danny, Sam, and Jenny were placed on decorating on the inside while Snap, Blik, and Manny decorated outside, and Hau, Lillie, and Gladion preparing a section of the lab for a sleepover. ZIM was just in the corner doing ZIM things honestly. Everything was going rather smoothly actually.

It was a rather uneventful birthday for Sophie. Her family that wasn’t Alolan culture had given her a few simple gifts while those in Alolan culture wished her well with songs and cards with gift cards in them. She didn’t attend the birthday party Skylar had thrown that was supposed to be for the three of them but Sophie didn’t like large crowds and Silas just wanted to read. However she did get presents from Silas and Skylar. A silver heart locket from Skylar and a new dark blue journal from Silas. She did have a small “party” with some her closest friends though concerning Xavier, Marshall, Cerise, Talia, Gabe, Audrey, Caden, Allyssa, Elyssa, Fionna, and McKenzie They ate some ice cream and gave Sophie her presents.

From Xavier, she got a silver necklace with a rose quartz made shield as the charm with the phrase “Believe” engraved in silver on the back. From Marshall, she was given a Stitch onesie which in his own words said “Look Sophie! Your life has come full circle!” Sophie was not amused. Cerise had given her the complete series of A Series of Unfortunate Events in book form while Gabe had given her a DVD of the first season of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Audrey had given her some oil pastels to use in her next art project while Caden gave her a copy of her soccer jersey signed by her teammates. Allyssa had given her a t-shirt that said ‘I am an Artist and I am screaming.’ while Elyssa had gotten her a new red “artist” scarf. All in all, she was pretty happy with her gifts. Fionna had given her a lion hoodie while McKenzie gave her a conjoined picture frame one with Sophie and all her friends while the other had Sophie with The Vanguard. She also got a professional art kit from her art brothers Aaron, Alex, Laurens, Lafayette, and Hercules that was dropped off at her house.

After saying their goodbyes everyone except Xavier left to their own things. Cerise, Audrey, and Allyssa had to go to work, Elyssa had to go to color guard practice while Caden went to football and Fionna went to gymnastics, Gabe, Talia, and McKenzie had to go take care of their younger siblings, and Marshall… went to do Marshall things. It was just Sophie and Xavier for a while just watching Criminal Minds when Sophie got a message on her recaller from Timmy. The message said “Hey we’re having a sleepover tonight. You in?” Sophie smiled. She always liked having sleepovers in the lab. It felt like this was where she was supposed to be. She messaged back “Yeah of course.” She then looked to her boyfriend and said “Hey I’m gonna sleepover at the lab tonight. Do you wanna hang for a bit?”

Xavier smiled and said “Sure!” “Okay, I’m gonna shower real quick before I pack,” Sophie said getting up and getting some clothes. She quickly took a shower and brushed her hair dressed in a somewhat frilly white tank top, blue capris, and black converse. She tied back her hair and packed a pair of her new stitch onesie, socks (she wasn’t making that mistake again), her glasses and eye drops for the morning, The Bad Beginning, the DVD with season one of A Series of Unfortunate Events, a few other movies she’d been meaning to show them, and some things to draw with. She put the messenger bag on her shoulder and set the right coordinates in recaller as the portal opened up. “C’mon Lion time to go!” Sophie said as she and Xavier walked into the portal while her pet Lion followed her.

Sophie was expecting a number of things but the lab decorated and The Vanguard yelling surprise was not one of them. Sophie was speechless until she said, “W-What is all this?” “Your birthday party! What else would it be buckette?” Snap said placing a paper crown on her head. “My birthday party… guys, I really don’t deserve this…” Sophie said modestly going to take off her crown until Tak’s hands stopped her. “Yes, you do. You do a lot for this team Sophie. The least we could do is this.” Tak smiled. Sophie smiled back a bit and blushed a little. “Okay then. So um what are we doing first?” “Oh, nothing special just a little… video game tournament?” Manny grinned holding up a controller. Sophie seemed to get excited and cheered “Sweet!”

After a long video game tournament racking up at least a few wins for everyone Sophie stretched and said: “Well that was fun…” “Alright, kids. Time for presents!” Wanda called. “Wait time for what?” Sophie said looking at Wanda wide-eyed. “Well duh, do you think we would throw a birthday party just to not give you gifts?” Timmy said rolling his eyes. “Okay, first of all, I wasn’t even expecting a birthday party. Second, of all, you guys didn’t have to get me anything. I’m fine just being here.” “But we wanted too!” SpongeBob said hugging Sophie. “You’re our friend!” Sophie blushed a little modesty. She didn’t think she was worth the trouble.

Xavier led Sophie over to the tarp holding her hand. It was then Jimmy pulled the tarp off as Goddard barked revealing her new desk that was holding all her presents. “I made this desk for you so you could have your own space for your art instead of just sitting with us or sitting on the floor trying to work,” Jimmy said scratching the back of his head. “Oh, my Arceus I love it!” Sophie said somewhat laying on top of it. “It’s so cool! Thank you, Jimmy!” Jimmy chuckled and said, “Well there’s other presents for you to open too.” “Oh um right…” Sophie said blushing a bit not used to so many gifts at once.

Sophie looked at all her options trying to choose which one she should open first when she spotted a gift wrapped in a large leaf. Sophie smiled knowing it was Tak’s. I mean who else could it be? She picked it up carefully noting how light it was and turned back to the others. “This one I’ll open first.” Sophie smiled. Tak seemed nervous as he raised his hand. “Heh yeah… That’s mine.” He was worried his present would be seen inferior to everyone else's. Sophie grinned and started to open it. She stopped when she saw it was a feather and started to tear up smiling before hugging Tak tight. “I love it… Thank you, big brother.” Tak grinned and hugged her back silently thanking the Jujus that she loved it. He carefully stuck it her hair before she went to pick out another gift.

Sophie looked again and picked out the small light pink gift. “This one.” Lillie smiled and said, “Here I’ll get Nebby to help you.” She whistled and the small bat flew over beginning to help tear the pink paper until it revealed a small wooden box. Sophie slowly opened it to reveal the pink butterfly choker. “Oh wow, Lillie, it’s so pretty…” Sophie said in awe putting it on. “I made one for each of us. A butterfly for you, a dolphin for me, a bull for Gladion, and a rooster for Hau.” “That’s so cool! Thank you!” Sophie said putting it down and getting another gift.

“Ummm this one!” Sophie said holding up the bright green present grinning as Danny raised his hand. She started ripping it open to reveal the box the held the camcorder. “A new camcorder! Cool!” Sophie cheered as she opened the box and started to mess with it. “This is so cool! Thank you, Danny!” Danny chuckled at her happiness. “You’re welcome Soph.” Xavier carefully took it away from her so she wouldn’t get distracted to choose a new present.

Sophie looked for her next to open seeing the present with drawings all over it and picking it up. “This one!” “Um yeah, that’s mine…” Snap chuckled nervously. “Did you do the drawings?” Sophie asked inspecting the present. “Um yeah? Are they okay?” Snap asked with uncertainty. “Oh yeah! They are so cute! I’m gonna hang them in my room later!” Sophie grinned carefully taking the wrapping paper trying not to rip it. Snap let out a sigh of relief. She saw the colored pencils and put them aside as she saw the sketchbook. “Oh, Snap… It’s beautiful…” Sophie said hugging it to her chest before getting up and hugging Snap. Snap blushed in blue a little and laughed a little. “Well I saw it and thought of you so…~” “It’s perfect!” Sophie smiled going to choose another present.

Sophie picked out the dark purple box and showed it to figure out whose it was. Sam raised her hand and smiled as Sophie began to open it. She lifted the lid from the box and nearly screamed as she hugged it. “Oh, my Arceus! I’ve wanted this hoodie for weeks! Where did you find one my size?!” Sophie asked excitedly. “Oh, I called ahead and made sure they had your size.” Sam smiled winking. “Thank you so much!” Sophie said excitedly as she put it on happy to be in its warmth as she went to choose her next present.

Sophie went over and picked out the messiest gift and held it up. Patrick laughed and said “That’s mine! That’s mine!” Sophie giggled and opened it to reveal a Goofy Goober Pass. She tilted her head and looked up at Patrick. “A Goofy Goober pass? Sorry if I sound stupid but what’s a Goofy Goober?” Sophie asked kind of confused and unsure. “Well, a Goofy Goober is a magical place where you can get ice cream for free with that card!” Patrick explained. “It’s a place in Bikini Bottom,” SpongeBob added. “Ohhhhhh okay. Thank you, Patrick!” Sophie smiled. Patrick laughed a little blushing and said: “You’re welcome Sophie.”

Sophie went to the next present and picked up the bag with tigers all over. “I’m guessing this is Manny’s present.” Manny chuckled and nodded as Sophie started to open it. She pulled out the ball still wrapped in wrapping paper and gave Manny a look saying “Ha ha very funny.” as Manny shrugged comedically. She ripped the wrapping paper off to reveal the soccer ball. Sophie tossed it up in the air a few times as she said “This soccer ball is so cool! Thanks, Manny!” “No problem Soph.” Manny grinned.

Sophie picked up the metal box and said: “I wanna say this is ZIM’s gift.” “YES, It is my offering! I’m sure you’ll find it SUPERIOR to everyone else's!” Sophie giggled at the strange alien as she opened the lid to find a pencil sharpener and a rubber piggy. “I told GIR his offering would seem inferior to my own but I hope you enjoy it all the same.” ZIM saluted. Sophie giggled at him once again. “It’s fine ZIM the pencil sharpener was very thoughtful and Thank you GIR for the rubber piggy.” Sophie kneeling on the ground to speak to GIR. GIR cheered and hugged Sophie tight. “Do you wanna help me pick the next gift I should open?” Sophie asked setting GIR on her hip. “Yay!” GIR said reaching out of for a gift. “That one! That one!” GIR said reaching out for the dark pink gift.

Sophie smiled and put GIR down on the table and picked up the pink gift. “Judging by the colors I’m guessing this is Timmy, Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof’s gift?” Sophie said looking up at Timmy. “You would be right on that dude.” Timmy smiled. Sophie grinned started to rip it open revealing the pink and green GameBuddy. “A… GameBuddy?” Sophie asked confused. “Not just any GameBuddy. A GameBuddy game starring us!” Timmy said excitedly turning it on. Sophie was silent for a moment her jaw dropping. “This is by far one the best video games I’ve ever seen and I haven’t even played it yet! Thanks, Timmy! Thank you, Cosmo and Wanda!” “Poof also has a present for you too. Don’t you sweetie?” Wanda asked as Poof picked up his little gamer guide and gave it to Sophie. “Poof poof!” Sophie flipped through it smiling. She couldn’t read any of it but it was adorable. “Aww, this is going to help so much! Thank you, Poof.” Sophie hugged him lightly. Poof giggled and flew back to his father who chuckled.

“Um okay. I guess I’ll open these two next.” Sophie said holding up the two bright blue packages. “Open the bigger one first otherwise the small box won’t make much sense.” Jenny smiled. Sophie nodded and started to open the bigger box revealing the pink dress. Sophie’s jaw dropped and said “Oh. My. Arceus. You got me a Violet dress?!” Sophie cheered picking up the dress. “And the sweater, belt, hair ribbons, socks, and shoes.” Jenny listed cooly as Sophie ripped open the other package revealing the shoes and socks. “Oh, my Arceus! You got me the full outfit?! Thank you, Jenny!” “Awww you’re welcome Soph.” Jenny cooed patting her head. Some of the others looked on the confusion. Particularly because none of the clothing items were purple. “Uh, are you buckettes color blind or somethin? None of these are purple.” Snap scratched his head confused. “What?” Sophie asked in confusion until it dawned on her. “No. No, not the color. She means Violet as in Violet Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events. See she’s from the old series of books I used to read that just got turned into a TV show. This is one of the outfits she wore on the show.” Sophie explained. “She was kinda like my role model growing up. Like a definitive of a picture of who I wanted to be when I became a teenager.” Sophie admitted blushing a bit. A chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” came from The Vanguard as Sophie went to pick another present.

Sophie picked up the neatly wrapped yellow present and held it up. “This one next!” Sophie said as SpongeBob laughed. “That one's mine!” Sophie and began to tear it open revealing the pack of multicolored bubbles. “Bubbles?” Sophie asked a little confused. “Not just any bubbles! Paint bubbles when you pop them they splatter everywhere!” SpongeBob said happily. “Sandy helped me make them.” “Ohhh cool! Thanks, SB! I’m definitely playing with these later…” Sophie said as she put them aside and went for another gift.

“Wait! Hold on a second! Before you pick, I want to show you this trick I taught Ari!” Hau shouted. “It’s relevant!” “Umm okay?” Sophie said confused as she sat down. Hau whistled and said, “Retrieve!” This woke the bird up as he flew over to a strangely wrapped present, picked it up by the ribbons, and dropped it in her lap flying back to his owner’s arm chirping. “Good dog!” Hau cheered as he petted Ari’s head with his finger. “So I’m guessing this is your present?” Sophie asked. “Yuppers!” Hau smiled. Sophie smiled and started to open it. She shrieked loudly startling everyone and hugged the small black stuffed rabbit. “BAMBINO! Hau! Where did you find him?!” “Same place you lost him. Poni Meadows. The little guy has been stuck under a tree root this entire time. His fur is a little lighter only cause he got sunbleached a bit.” Hau explained shrugging a little. “Uh, Sophie? I’m pretty sure only Lillie, Gladion, Hau, and I know what you're talking about so…” Xavier said. “Oh right… Sorry guys.” Sophie giggled. “You see when I was really little my mom gave me this rabbit that I named Bambino. I took him everywhere with me. He was kinda like my imaginary friend. Then one day when I was in Alola we decided to explore Poni Meadows. I must have dropped him somewhere because I never saw him again. But now he’s back!” Sophie cheered as she held him up. The Vanguard smiled at her happiness. She really did seem like she’s doing better now.

Gladion whistled as Null picked up a dark red present and the wolf waltzed right over to Sophie dropping it in her lap. “Okay, I guess I’m opening yours next Mr. Edge Lord.” Sophie teased sticking out her tongue at him. She opened and smiled at the new headphones but it quickly turned into a frown. “Gladion… What the heck? This is my music player! I’ve been looking for this for a week!” Sophie exclaimed. Gladion smirked, “I know I’m the one who took it.” “What sense does that make?!” Sophie asked. “Turn it on,” Gladion said still with that confident smirk on his face. Sophie looked confused and turned it on and scrolled through some things. “You put all my favorite bands and albums on here… and my favorite photos and videos too…” Sophie said. “Yup,” Gladion said his smirk growing. Sophie punched his shoulder and said, “You jerk.”

Sophie picked up the final present and said “So by process of elimination. I wanna say this is Mr. Blik’s present?” “You would be correct on that my dear. I think you’ll find that this your most expensive present.” He chuckled. Sophie looked confused and opened it. She nearly screamed and said “Oh my Arceus. Oh. My. Arceus! Thank you so much!” She hugged the box close to her chest. “I mean you needed it for your work so it’s not that big of a deal.” Mr. Blik shrugged casually taking a sip of his root beer.

Sophie smiled and said “Thank you all so much… This has probably been the best birthday I’ve ever had…” Xavier smiled and kissed her cheek. “Well, it’s not over yet. Time for cake! Cake! Cake!” Xavier said starting the chant of everyone saying cake as they got ready for it.

After eating the delicious cake SB made they all decided it was the perfect time to go play outside with water toys since it was one of the first days of summer. Sophie said she’ll join them all in a minute since she had to put away her gifts first. So they all went leaving Sophie alone for a few minutes.

She placed her overnight bag on the chair of her new desk as she got to work. She took the feather from Tak out of her hair and placed it in a pocket in her bag, took off her choker from Lillie putting it back in its box and on the desk, and carefully put away her new camcorder from Danny in its original box placing it on the desk as well. Next, she took off her new hoodie from Sam and folded it up placing it in her bag for later. After that, she placed her sketchbook and colored pencils from Snap and her drawing tablet from Mr. Blik in the same drawer to use later. She also placed the drawings from Snap in the same drawer as well. She placed her Goofy Goober pass from Patrick in the same pocket as the feather as to not lose it. She placed the soccer ball she got from Manny under the desk while plugging in the pencil sharpener she got from ZIM into the desk while putting the rubber piggy from GIR next to it. She placed Poof’s gamer guide on the desk while putting her GameBuddy on top of it. She placed the Violet outfit from Jenny back in its right boxes putting it under the desk as well. Finally, he placed SpongeBob’s paint bubbles in another desk in her drawer while she laid Bambino on top of her overnight bag while placing her music player and headphones inside the bag as well before going outside to be with everyone.

Everything seemed right with the world for Sophie right now. She felt safe and warm just being here. She sat on against the wall of Jimmy’s clubhouse with Xavier having to take a break from the excitement of the day. Jimmy, Timmy, Danny, Tak, Manny, Snap, Hau, and surprisingly Gladion were all engaged in a water gun war which was everyman for himself. Sam, Jenny, and Lillie were chatting at a table drinking their drinks. Poof, GIR, SpongeBob, and Patrick were all playing in kiddie pools with Cosmo and Wanda watching close by. ZIM was hiding under the girl's table from the water while Blik and Goddard were laying out in the sun. Yep. Everything seemed perfect as she laid her head on Xavier’s shoulder.

Xavier smiled and said “Oh by the way! Here’s your last present of the day.” as he handed Sophie a wooden box. Sophie looked confused and said, “Xavier you didn’t have to get me anything extra for my birthday.” “I know I didn’t. They did.” He said gesturing to The Vanguard. Sophie looked even more confused as she opened the box revealing the many slips of paper inside. “They’re notes. For you.” Xavier explained as Sophie picked up the first note and read it. It was from Jimmy.

Sophie... Sophie. Yes, what could be said about the latest addition to the Vanguard. Since you've arrived I've seen an increase in team morale and artistic endeavors... Pukin' Pluto, I can't do this. Sophie has been a great addition, she brings the whole group together and even makes the lab a bit brighter. It wouldn't be the same without her.

Sophie started to smile. She will admit that she and Jimmy aren’t that close per say but she appreciates his presence as the leader and looks to him for tough decisions in her life. She picked up the next note being from ZIM.

Oh, the Sophie human is one so much less UGLY and PUTRID STINK than the rest of the blithering Earth butts to inhabit this planet! A planet that WILL ONE DAY BE ZIM'S! THE DIB HEAD WILL BE CRUSHED UNDER THE MIGHTY FIST THAT IS ZIM! SOPHIE WILL DRAW ART OF EARTH'S NEW RULER! She will be a gift to the TALLEST for her picture making with her... artools or whatever she calls them. I will make sure she is spared when this planet's DOOM comes sooner than expected... sweet delicious DOOM.

This one surprised her the most so far out the two she’d seen. Not because it mentions earth’s doom, or how he said he’ll spare her, or how she’s a gift to the TALLEST now. No. What surprised her is… ZIM actually knows her name? She’d just assumed he thought her name was Bubble Girl but hearing him actually acknowledge her name twice no less made the note all the sweeter. She picked up Timmy’s note next.

I coulda sworn Sophie was from Dimmsdale, I mean, why not? She seemed a bit weird at first... but she's like super awesome! She's pretty good at games and me and Manny love picking on her ;D she's like the sister I didn't know I could wish for! She... She makes Dimmsdale a little less lonely I mean I guess…

Sophie smiled and sniffled at the note. Sure she took Timmy and Manny’s picking on her with a grain of salt as friends do but hearing she’s like a sister to him and that she makes him feel that Dimmsdale is slightly less lonely for him makes it all worth it. She picked up Danny’s note next.

Sophie is really brave for staying with us so long, especially when things got tough. She's been through a lot, and it worries me. If anything happened to her, I'd... Sophie gets stronger every day I'm glad she's growing.

Part of Sophie felt bad after reading Danny’s note. She didn’t mean to make him worry about her though she knows what her life is like and knows why he worries. She also knows that staying with them isn’t her being brave it’s her being scared to be without them. The other half of Sophie felt proud, though. Danny really thinks she’s growing and getting stronger every day. Not only that he's glad she growing. If Danny thinks she’s getting stronger then it must be true. She picked up Sam’s note.

I'm so glad we got another girl on the team, saving worlds isn't just for the boys. She's not bats and spiders, but she's not rainbows and unicorns either. She's a tough cookie... and I'm totally not the mom right now. That's Danny. But we'll look after her all the same.

Sophie felt a wave of relief wash over her as she read Sam’s note. To know that they’ll look after her means the world to her. She always prayed to have a family look after her and have her back at all times and with Sam’s reinforcement it made all the difference in her world. She picked up Jenny’s note next.

She is like, the cutest thing! Totes like a little sister, or another one. One that we don't have to keep in the basement! She's got such a great sense of fashion too, all those cute clothes...and she's tough too. I'm glad she comes to me for advice, ME! Advice! She's so sweet~

Okay, so she’s questioning the whole one that we don’t have to keep in the basement thing. However, she smiled that she’s like a little sister to Jenny. Although, she looked down at her clothes, where does she get the idea she has a great sense of fashion? Most of her clothes are covered in paint but she shrugged. Jenny is the fashion expert to her so maybe she had a point? Sophie picked up SpongeBob’s note next.

Sophie's such the sweetest ray of sunshine, and she laughs really nice too! I was worried uh... what would happen if things got dangerous but we're heroes and we'd look out for her! Now she's as much a hero as the rest of us all,... heroic and things! Gary loves her, Pat loves her, Squidward tolerates her, and little old me...? I love her bunches! <3

Sophie smiled and blushed a little. She didn’t think highly of her laugh. It was too similar to her mother’s and she knows that it makes others who knew her mother just miss her even more but she finally felt comfortable to laugh around The Vanguard realizing that none of them ever knew her mother. Part of that realization came from SpongeBob and she was forever grateful for that. She picked up Patrick’s note next.

Milk. Eggs. Cheese. Underwear. Ice cream. Bread. More ice cream. Pencils. Paper.

Sophie blinked. She was so confused. This couldn’t be right. This seemed to be a shopping list, not a note addressed to her. She flipped it over to find the note to her. Ah. That makes more sense.

Sophie likes ice cream! And playing board games! And she uh she I forget but she's like really nice. And likes ice cream. One time, I saw her looking kinda down... so I gave her a big hug and she was all better! She gives nice hugs. I should write more, but I gotta find my grocery list…

Sophie giggled a bit. Later she would probably have to make a copy of Patrick’s grocery list and give it to him. She remembered that was one of the time's school had been hard on her that day and Patrick gave her a hug. He was forgetful but sweet. Sophie picked up Manny’s note next.

Aye, mi corazon~ Nah, but really Sophie is like... super fun to mess around with! Me and Timmy had this whole thing planned with a box of feathers and a paintball gun... oh I mean, nothing, nothing at all! If I didn't know better, she'd be like a Rivera, I mean... having a sis could be kinda cool!

Sophie blushed at the start of the note. Of course, Manny had to flirt with her what else would he do? Also, that whole box of feathers and paintball gun thing was concerning but she’d figure that out later. She found really sweet the despite the flirting and the teasing Manny still thought of her like a sister. She picked up Mr.Blik’s note next.

Ehh, she's alright... look I ain't writing this to be sappy or nothing! She's a good kid, kinda like Human Kimberly. But less... I dunno, naive? I mean she's cool and all, but this girl knows what saps are suckers and which suckers are chumps. I could leave this girl a few grand and I'd probably trust her with it... probably. Not saying I like her or anything... just I like her a lot, she's got spunk.

Sophie blinked after she read it. This note surprised her as well. Her and Mr. Blik weren’t that close by any means. She knows money is important to him and that she just didn’t really understand the wanting of money. However knowing that he could probably leave her a few grand (which she didn’t really know how much that was) and trust her with it somehow kind of touched her in a way. She picked up Gladion’s note next.

At first, I thought Sophie was really annoying. Like really annoying. However as the years went by and I saw how she helped my sister and how she treated everyone I realized something. Sophie has always treated others with all her kindness she has including those who wanted her to hurt and I find that the most admirable thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

Sophie started to giggle. He was right. She WAS annoying when she was little. However, she found the note sweet because Gladion never really got emotions as well as other people. So hearing something this sincere from him was amazing. Sophie picked up Lillie’s note next.

Sophie is one of the bravest, adventurous, kindest people I have ever met in my life. After what happened with my mother I didn’t think I could be any of those things after what she told me… But Sophie helped me believe. She just has this way with people to make them feel better about themselves.

Sophie sniffled and began to tear up smiling. She remembered when Lusamine was abusive to Gladion and Lillie. Lillie had been so scared and timid before Sophie showed any kindness to her. Over the years Lillie had grown up to be a confident, refined young lady and Sophie was so proud of her. She picked up Hau’s note next.

Sophie has been my favorite cousin since we were toddlers. Even for years when we were separated by a whole country and a whole ocean I’ve always felt she’s influenced me into the person of who I am. She’s adventurous, creative, and treats everyone she meets with kindness. Honestly, you’d have to do something stupid to her to not deserve her kindness. I feel so grateful to have her in my life.

More tears came from Sophie. To hear Hau say these words to her despite how long they’ve spent apart with only seeing each for conventions and holidays meant a lot to her. She always considered Hau someone she was close to despite most of their conversations taking place in letters. She knows this to be true now. Sophie picked up Snap’s note next.

What can I say about the buckette? She's adventurous, witty, and quite the little creator~ Man I wish I coulda introduciated her with Rudy. They'd really hit it off! The way she colors and draws and shapes, not just with chalk but paint and all this other stuff! Besides... is this what having a sister is like? I mean the Von Snaps are alright, and Blocky's my best friend. But she's like a part of my family now!

Sophie smiled and blushed a little at Snap’s comment of her being a great creator. Getting that comment from a LIVING drawing was a huge deal. She also started to tear up at him calling her his sister. Even though Snap had only been on the team a few short months they had grown very close to one another. She finally picked up the last note. Tak’s note.

I don't know where to begin. In the village all I ever had known family wise was Jibolba. I never knew my mom or dad. I think I'm an only child. They say my mom was a Juju and dad was Pupanunu. That's why I was born with the power of Juju. Never thought I'd feel like another could be family really. Sophie is special. She and me... we click well I guess. She's really cute, and I guess I show off sometimes... but she looks up to me too and I can't let her down. Last thing I would do is let her down or hurt her. It’s funny... of all the guys in the village, I think I'm the only one to have such a diverse family and probably the best sister the Jujus could grant. Her laugh is even super cute, why else do I tickle her so much~ I always keep that cat toy in case she needs cheering up. I think I'm rambling now but as far as Sophie goes... I love her a lot.

Sophie started to tear up even more and even sniffle a bit as she read Tak’s note. She felt so touched that Tak considers her special to him and that she could fill the role of his little sister. It gave her some comfort that no matter what he would never let her down or hurt like others in the past have. She had to admit she did blush a little when he mentioned how cute she was. She soaked in Tak’s last words like SpongeBob did with water. ‘I love her a lot.’ She felt a certain comfort when it came to those words and that was what arguably broke her. Maybe this is what the notes were meant for… to show her how cared for she is.

Sophie began to quietly cry. Not out of sadness or pain oh no. But out of happiness. She never imagined finding a place where she felt cared for or accepted and yet here she was in the presence of those who cared for her wellbeing. Who cared if she injured or sick. Who made sure she was taking care of herself by reminding her to eat or to rest. Who cheered her up when her regular life was abusing her very fragile feelings and physical body. Who supported her interests and wanted to see her succeed.Who wanted to give her a stable, safe place to be. Who just wanted to be there for her and to love her unconditionally. That’s all she could ever ask for.

She put the notes back into the box carefully and closed it holding it to her chest still silently crying. Xavier flinched seeing her cry. Had he made an error in suggesting this be good for mental health? “Sophie? Are you alright?” Xavier asked touching her shoulder gently. She looked up at him, her face still wet with tears and yet there was a big smile on her face. “I am now.” Xavier smiled and gave his girlfriend a kiss. “Happy Birthday Babe.” “Thank you, my love.”

His phone suddenly beeped signaling it was time to go home. “Ugh, I have to go. Mom wants me home for dinner. Have fun tonight okay?” He said kissing her cheek. “I will. Put this on my new desk please?” Sophie said handing him her most precious box. “I will. Bye guys! See you later!” Xavier called to The Vanguard and he was responded by a bunch of goodbyes. He went with the box as Sophie gave him a small wave as she watched him leave until he was gone from her sight. She spaced out a little until she was suddenly blasted with cold water. She shrieked loudly and looked to see Manny holding a water gun grinning at her. “Manny Rivera! You are so dead!” Sophie yelled as she grabbed a water gun and went after him joining the water gun war.

The water gun war lasted quite awhile. Of course, Sophie was targeted the most being the birthday girl but she didn’t mind. She had a blast. It would have probably lasted all night if Wanda hadn’t called The Vanguard in for dinner. All of them went in drying off and changing into their night clothes. Sophie changed into her new stitch onesie with a night shirt under it, blue socks, her glasses, and she put her hood up on her onesie putting the crown on top of her head.

They had pizza for dinner, one of Sophie’s favorites, and as she went to get a slice of cheese pizza and put it in her mouth she was met with stares from her family. “What?” She asked her face stuffed with pizza. Timmy was already snickering at her as he said: “What are you wearing?” “It’s a onesie I got from Marshall for my birthday. It’s Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.” Sophie explained. Manny was also snickering “Why is it so baggy, though?” He started to play with her sleeve. “Because it’s comfortable! Say what you want but I could literally lay down anywhere and sleep!” Sophie defended. Tak chuckled “Alright guys leave her alone. Besides she looks adorable!” He cooed laughing a bit playing with the onesies ears. Sophie narrowed her eyes and facepalmed as some of the other guys laughed.

Soon after they ate they all settled down to watch some movies with the leftover snacks they still had. Jimmy sat in his chair with Goddard in his lap, Timmy and ZIM both laid with pillows on the floor, GIR settled down on top of ZIM, and Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof turned into a pillow, blanket, and a teddy bear for Timmy. Danny and Sam sat on the couch with Manny in between them, SpongeBob and Patrick curled up on the floor as well, Jenny laid on her stomach with her legs kicked back and with a pillow, and Blik took the fluffiest pillow he could find and laid on top of it. Gladion and Lillie laid against Null with Nebby cuddling in her lap, and Hau set Ari in his portable cage for the night and laid close to Sophie’s feet as she set her feet on his back almost like a footrest. Finally, Sophie laid against Lion with her holding Bambino tight and close with Tak on her right side and Snap on her left.

They watched several of Sophie’s favorite movies like Lilo and Stitch, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Ponyo, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. They also watched a few videos from when Sophie was little exploring the world around her. Half of them were really sweet while the other half just made The Vanguard laugh and coo at Sophie making her regret ever bringing them. Although she was glad she showed them these. It made them see more of what she used to be and how she became who she is.

Eventually, though everyone got kind of sleepy and started to drift off including Sophie herself. Before she did though she took off her glasses and put them in Lion’s mane careful not to wake Snap as she drifted off herself.

It was the middle of the night when Sophie woke. It had been happening for the past couple of weeks now. She had wakened from the same nightmare of being alone again without her friends… No… they were her family now.

She breathed slowly as she looked around from laying down on Lion. Her vision was blurry without her glasses or eye drops but everyone was close enough for her to see. Jimmy laid his head on the desk, probably working on a new invention, Goddard placed firmly in his lap. At his feet, three boys laid there in a sorta dogpile.

Timmy was holding Teddy Bear Poof close to him with Cosmo covering his sons as a blanket while Wanda as a pillow was under Timmy’s head. Manny laid next to him snoring and ZIM was spread out by them with GIR sleeping on his back using his PAK as a pillow.

Little ways away from them laid SpongeBob and Patrick sharing a blanket sleeping comfortably snoring in sync. Upon the couch is where Danny and Sam slept. Sam cuddled into Danny’s chest cozily while Danny had an arm wrapped around her for safety.

Next, to the couch Danny and Sam slept on, Jenny slept/recharged with her laying on her stomach and laying her head on a soft pillow. About a foot away from Jenny Mr. Blik was sprawled out on a very expensive pillow probably dreaming about root beer. Or money. Or both.

Gladion laid against Null snoozing sweetly with Lillie lying against her brother’s shoulder Nebby laying her lap. She looked to Ari’s cage noticing it had a tarp placed over it. Hau must of put it there a little before he fell asleep. Speaking of Hau he was sprawled out at her feet, a little bit of drool coming from his mouth.

She looked to her left as the smell of chalk dust mixed with soda and sub sandwiches filled her nose. Snap was snuggled up to her side looking peaceful as he slept to contrast his normally playful look on his face. As she looked to her right her nose was filled with a much different scent. The smell of the jungle mixed with dirt to be exact. Tak laid with his arm wrapped around her protectively like a big brother. Sophie let a smile as she settled back with her head on Lion’s torso. Despite them all being asleep she still felt the warmth from her new family. She slowly fell back asleep feeling safe and warm. This is where she was meant to be and nobody was going to take that away from her.

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