FicWad

A/N: Hey everyone, jennieman here. I just wanna say thanks to all those people who have reviewed so far, I really appreciate all the great feedback I've been getting so far. Sorry it's been awhile, but things have been busy around here. My brother just got married and I was the maid of honour, so lots to do. For this note I just wanted to flesh out some ideas and concepts I'm going to be using here for you guys and gals, just to give you an idea of how the story is going to flow, and in case the characters start to seem OOC to anyone. As far as Theresa's 'vision' in the last chapter is concerned I think I should have called it a premonition instead, because she didn't actually see anything, it was more of a sense of something bad happening in the future. And I'm glad most people liked the idea of nicknames, though most comments were on 'Terri' and not the ' 'Lanta' part. But that's okay. And I know, Descendant of Doom, that Odie and Atlanta stealing the hammock was weird, but I didn't want to start off the fic with the feeling that right from the get go, it's all romantic mush and the couples are always together. In this story I definitely want to work on all relationships in the group, and maybe define them a bit more. In my mind, they've lived together for a whole year, so to me, they're becoming more like family then just friends. I can definitely picture a younger sister-older sister bond between Atlanta and Theresa, and even though Herry's younger than Theresa, I can picture him acting like a protective older brother towards both the girls. So the nickname idea seemed to fit perfectly, because most people give their close companions nicknames of some sort. Oh and (I know, shut up already jennieman) this story is rated T and possibly changing to M for later content, cuz let's face it. The show is made for 8-12 year olds, but the main characters are teenagers. Five of whom are boys. And we all know what teenage guys think about 24/7, especially living with two girls. So if, say, Archie says something dirty, just think about it before calling him OOC. Keep an open mind for this fic. Okay I think I've said enough (this is sooo long XD) so I'm gonna let you read Chapter Four now. Enjoy and please remember to review. OH!! I almost forgot! (I'm reeeaaallly sorry, this is taking forever!!) As far as living arrangements go, here's the layout: First floor, kitchen, etc. Second floor, Neil, Herry, Odie, bathroom. (No sharing rooms) Third floor, Archie, Atlanta, bathroom, Jay, Theresa. Trust me, one bathroom for seven people does not a happy home make. I speak from experience. Okay, so now I will let you read. I promise to shut up.


Chapter Four: Mall Time


Theresa sighed in pleasure as the first wave of air conditioning hit her. It was supposed to hit a high of thirty-five degrees today, and she was glad to be spending it in the mall. She was just glad to be spending a normal day hanging around in the mall. It was almost surreal to be doing it once more, after the year they had had. She grinned, spotting the first store she wanted to go into. She had money to burn and clothes to buy. She frowned though as the sounds of Archie and Atlanta's bickering reached her ears. She sighed and whipped around, glaring at them both.

"Cut it out you two, we're here to have fun, not fight," she ordered. Both hmphed and looked away from each other. Theresa rolled her eyes. "So where does everyone wanna go first?"

"Me and Neil are gonna head over to Sony, check out the iPods," Odie told her, Neil already wandering away. "We'll meet you guys by the food court later."

"Automotive store for me," Herry said. He turned to Archie and Jay. "You guys gonna go over to Sport World?"

"Well I know I am, considering it's the best store in the mall," Archie remarked, glaring at Atlanta over his shoulder. She clenched her fists and glared right back, ready to pick up where the fight left off. Herry chuckled and turned to leave.

"I'll see you guys over there then. Later," he said, walking away. Theresa waved and turned to Jay. He shrugged lazily, slight smile on his face.

"Well I'm gonna go with you Archie, just to prove to you how bad of a store it is," Atlanta spat, fight still continuing.

"Fine," he shot back, leaning down towards his shorter companion.

"Fine!" she mimicked, glaring up at him, faces inches apart. They both gave another hmph and turned to stomp away. Theresa shook her head, face in her hands while Jay laughed.

"Those two will never change, huh?" he smiled, watching them go. She looked up at him.

"Nope. Never," she replied. "So where are you gonna go?"

"Guess I'll come with you. If you don't mind that is," he asked hopefully. She smiled brightly.

"Not one bit. Come on, we've got shopping to do," she said gleefully, grabbing his arm and dragging him to the first store. Jay had to smile at her enthusiasm, glad she wasn't letting yesterday's premonition bother her. It still bothered him though, and he would feel better once she talked to Persephone. As far as he knew, this had never happened to her before, and he wondered what it could mean. A hand waving in front of his face broke his train of thought. He blinked and looked down at Theresa.

"Anybody home?" she laughed. "You completely zoned out there."

"Sorry. Just thinking about school, that's all," he lied. She gave him a disbelieving look.

"Mmhmm. I'm going to go try these on. Be out in a minute," she told him, vanishing into the change rooms. Jay sighed and sat down on a small chair. Never try to lie to a psychic, he wryly thought. Or just someone who knows you too well. He settled down in the chair to wait for her to finish, smile on his face. It felt good to be around Theresa again. She always could cheer him up, make him admit that he was a teenager and did need to have fun once in awhile. He admitted he was far too serious for someone his age, and she could definitely bring out the wild side in him. If he let her. Which he usually did. Because it was Theresa, and she was very good at getting what she wanted. Especially from him, it seemed. A poke on the shoulder startled him, and he looked up into a pair of green eyes sparkling with mirth.
"You're just completely out of it today aren't ya?" Theresa laughed. Jay shook his head and stood up.

"Only around you it seems," he smiled.

"Oh lucky me," she pouted, walking to the counter. "I get to shop with Jay, the fearless leader who would rather be thinking about school than focusing on having fun at the mall with a pretty girl."

"Or maybe it's the pretty girl that I'm thinking about," he smirked down at her, a light blush staining her features. She looked at him, pretending to be shocked.

"Why Jay!" she exclaimed. "Are you flirting with me?"

"Maybe," he replied, grin on his face. "Would you like me too?"

"Maybe," she laughed in delight as they left the store. Oh yes, this boy would be hers in no time. She looped her arm through his as they wandered through the mall. Jay blushed and looked away from Theresa as he heard an older woman comment on how cute they were. Theresa pretended not to hear, glancing up at Jay, his face red. She smiled and dragged him into another store. Now if only she could get Atlanta to realize that boys were good for something other than arguing with. Namely, Archie was. She glanced up at Jay again, a thoughtful look on her face. Playing matchmaker alone was definitely no fun.

"Hey Jay," she said quietly, calling his attention to her. He raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What do you think of Archie and Atlanta?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" he asked, looking down at her as she half-heartedly browsed through clothes racks.

"I mean as a couple," Theresa told him, waving a hand impatiently. Jay laughed.

"Those two? No way," he told her. She looked at him curiously.

"Why not? I think they're perfect for each other," she said as they wandered back out into the mall again. He shrugged.

"Well considering how shy Archie is and how oblivious Atlanta is, it would take a miracle to get them together," he explained.

"But aside from that..."Theresa trailed off, frowning.

"I guess they could be kinda...cute? I dunno," Jay shrugged again. Her face instantly brightened, a sly smile taking over the frown.

"Soooo, if say, I was to try and set them up....wanna help?" she asked latching onto his arm once more. He looked down at her, incredulous look on his face.

"You want to play matchmaker with them?" he asked. She nodded enthusiastically. He sighed. "What is it with girls and playing matchmaker?"

"I just like seeing people happy, that's all," Theresa smiled. "And I think they'll make each other very happy. So you in?"

He glanced down at, puppy dog eyes and all, sighing as her lip trembled in the cutest pout ever. He couldn't help but smile and cave.

"Alright, I'll help," he agreed. She jumped up and down in victory, giggling excitedly. She spied Sport World and the aforementioned, still arguing duo in front of it.

"Okay, Phase One now going into action. I'll drag Atlanta off for some girl time. You go with Archie and find out just how interested he is," she whispered to her partner in crime. He nodded in response as they neared their friends. Atlanta smirked at them as they reached her and Archie, arms still entwined.

"Hey guys," she greeted them. "Having a good time?"

"At the mall? Always," Theresa laughed, releasing Jay. "Well Archie, I'm gonna steal Atlanta away for awhile, but I'll leave Jay in your capable hands."

"Yeah, cause we wouldn't want me to get lost in the mall now would we?" Jay remarked sarcastically as they turned to leave. Theresa looked over her shoulder at him.

"Of course not Jay. What would we ever do without you?" she grinned, winking at him before they left. Atlanta snorted once they were out of hearing distance.

"You mean, what would you ever do without him, don't ya?" she laughed, elbowing her friend gently. Theresa laughed with her.

"Maybe I do," she smiled. "Maybe I do. So you and Arch have fun yelling at each other?"

"Bah, him and stupid Sport World. He's like, totally in love with that store. I could understand if it was a good store, but that place just sucks," Atlanta ranted in exasperation. Theresa shook her head.

"You two are unbelievable," she sighed. This might be harder than she anticipated. "Hey Atlanta, that cute guy is checking you out."

"Huh? Where?" she asked, turning to look. She gave the boy a quick once over. "Mmm, he's not that cute."

"Not as cute as some other boys we know?" Theresa remarked. Atlanta shrugged.

"I guess," she agreed. "Depending on who you're talking about."

"Oh you know. Neil....Jay....Archie..." Theresa smirked as he friend's face scrunched up.

"Archie?" she asked thoughtfully, a light flush on her cheeks. "Ya. I guess so. He can be cute when he's not being so damn stubborn."

"Do my ears deceive me? You, Atlanta, think Archie is cute?" Theresa laughed, hand cupping her ear. Atlanta scowled at her best female friend. "About time you finally admitted that."

"So? So what if I think he's cute?" she frowned. "And what about Jay, huh? You two looked pretty cozy there Theresa."

"Oh we were," she simply smiled. "Quite cozy. So back to you and Archie."

***************************

Meanwhile, Jay and Archie had met up with Herry and were currently sitting in the food court, complaining about girls. Well, one of them was.

"How am I ever supposed to tell her I like her, when all she wants to do is argue about nothing?" Archie sighed in defeat. "I don't understand girls at all."

"Me neither, Arch. Me neither," Jay told him sympathetically. Herry nodded in agreement, mouth full. "Especially our girls. One second they're all happy and nice, the next they're crazy monsters with devious plans about everything."

Archie and Herry exchanged glances as Neil and Odie joined them.

"You sure you're thinking of Atlanta and Theresa, Jay?" Herry asked, grabbing his drink. He nodded emphatically.

"Yup. Don't you remember that time last year when they had that awards banquet to go to, and Neil used up all the hot water?" he pointed out. Neil had a scared look on his face, and he reached up to caress his cheek, mirror out.

"How could I forget?" he asked, voice trembling. "It took three whole days to get the permanent marker off my beautiful face. Those two are insane."

"Speaking of beautiful faces, check out those girls over there," Herry pointed out. "They've been looking over here for awhile. Think I should go talk to them?"

"Pfft please. They're obviously entranced by my beauty," Neil scoffed, waving at the giggling teens. Odie rolled his eyes and shoved his teammate.

"Please Neil, you just got here, I doubt it's you they're looking at," he scoffed. Neil looked offended and whipped out his mirror.

"So? I'm still gorgeous, as opposed to some at this table," he sighed. Archie snorted as Jay sighed. Yup, things definitely hadn't changed with Neil. He glanced over at the girls table and blushed as one of them winked at him. He looked around the rest of the mall, wondering where Theresa and Atlanta had gone off too.

"Hey guys, check it out," Herry whispered excitedly. "I think they're coming over here."

Amazingly he was right. One of the girls, a brunette wearing a mini skirt and halter, was walking straight over to their table. She stopped directly in front of a confused Jay, smirk on her face, one hand on her hip.

"Hey cutie," she drawled, voice husky. "Couldn't help but notice ya. Name's Felicity. Gimme a call. I'll show you a good time."

With that, she pressed a slip of paper into his hand, and turned to walk back to her table, hips swaying suggestively. Jay's face was beet red, while the rest of them looked blown away. A shiver went down his spine suddenly, and he tossed the paper on the table. It wasn't a good shiver.

"Anybody else want it?" he asked weakly. A pause, and then Herry and Neil both dove for it. Jay shook his head and sighed, face still red. Odie had a thoughtful look on his face.

"Don't we go to school with her?" he asked.

"Yes," came a frosty answer from behind them. They turned to see Atlanta and Theresa, arms full of bags. Theresa was glaring maliciously at the table full of giggling girls, and Jay felt another shiver rundown his spine as the Felicity girl caught Theresa's gaze and sent her a knowing smirk. He could have sworn he heard a growl coming from his friend. "Little bitch."

They boys looked over at her in shock, never having heard such language come from her before. Atlanta simply nodded in agreement as they sat down, bags piling around them.

"Damn right," Atlanta scoffed. "Honestly, did you see what she was wearing? Or should I say, not wearing? Looks like she's still on the prowl, trying to sink her claws into anybody she can find."

"Uh...are you two feeling okay?" Archie ventured, moving away slowly. "I mean, it's not like you two to be so down on somebody."

"He's got a point," Herry agreed. He glanced over at Felicity. "What's so bad about her? She's pretty cute."

"Aside from the fact that she's a lying, cheating good for nothing who screws anything that moves?" Theresa asked in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Absolutely nothing."

"Ya, we all know how she got that A in Bio," Atlanta scowled. " 'Oh I'm sorry Mr. Golan, but my hair is caught in your zipper. Silly me, let me fix that.'"

Theresa giggled, bad mood slowly evaporating. When she had seen the brunette leaning over her Jay, fury ran through her veins. No wonder Jay had shivered, she had wanted to kick the girl's ass right then and there, battle aura flaring. She let her gaze wander away from the group, trying to get into a better mood. She nearly squealed with joy as her eyes caught a sign. She slapped her hand down on the table, interrupting whatever Odie was saying, and stood excitedly.

"Atlanta," she said, her voice commanding. "We have a mission."

Her red-headed friend snapped to attention, eyes sneaking over to Felicity as she and her friends left.

"You wanna prank them?" she grinned evilly. Theresa waved away the suggestion.

"No, no, forget about them. We have more important things right now," she told her. A confused look crossed Atlanta's face. Theresa turned to her, a wide grin on her face, as she pointed towards a store.

"Victoria's Secret is having a 25% off sale!" she exclaimed. Herry choked on his drink, Coke flying over the table. Neil looked over in excitement while the rest of the boys flushed bright red. Jay was sure he would have face faulted if this was an anime. Atlanta stared at her friend in horror as she grabbed her arm. "Is it okay if we leave our bags with you guys?"

They just nodded dumbly as Theresa gave them a bright smile and turned to drag Atlanta off to the store. Atlanta, however, had other ideas.

"I ain't going in there, are you nuts?!" she shouted, clinging to the table stubbornly. Theresa frowned and tugged harder on her arm.

"Oh yes you are missy," she demanded, hooking her arms around Atlanta.

"No! No way! I can't go in there!" she shouted as the two fought. Theresa sighed in exasperation, letting her friend fall back into her seat.

"And just why not?" she demanded, arms crossed as she glared down at the younger girl.

"Well...because! I mean, look a me," Atlanta cried. Theresa gave her a once over.

"Yes. What about you?" she scowled. Atlanta glared at her in return.

"Girls like me do not go into stores like that," she explained slowly.

"Argh! What is that supposed to mean?" Theresa cried in frustration, grabbing her friend once more, hoisting her to her feet. The boys sat in silence, watching the heated argument between the two.

"It means, that while you're the kind of girl who can wear cute lacy things, I'm a tomboy! I'll stick out like a sore thumb in there. And they always give you those snooty looks, like you're not good enough to even look in their windows. Plus I can't wear that kind of stuff!" Atlanta ranted. Jay had blushed at the 'lacy' comment, and Theresa smacked her forehead and sighed.

"Atlanta," she started quietly. "I'm not asking you to go in there and buy lacy lingerie or anything. I just want a few new negligees, and maybe a robe. Plus, you'll be with me and my Visa. They will love you. Okay?"

Everyone held their breath as they looked to Atlanta for a final verdict. She looked at the store and back to her friend, then back to the store.

"Alright, god, fine, I'll go," she sighed in defeat. She whipped around to look at the boys. "And none of you will breathe a word about this right?"

"Of course not" "Wouldn't dream of it" "Talk about what?" came the responses.

"Just one question: What's a negligee?" piped up Herry. Archie groaned and shook his head. Atlanta opened her mouth to answer him, and paused. She turned to Theresa.

"Ya, what is a negligee?" she asked, thoroughly confused. Theresa smiled brightly and picked her purse, looping her arm through Atlanta's.

"It's a nightgown, like my pink one," she explained, turning to go. A chorus of uncomfortable "Ah's" and red faces were left behind as the two disappeared into the feminine shop. They emerged a half hour later, Theresa laden with little bags. Atlanta even had one tiny bag of her own, and refused to meet anyone's gaze as she stuffed it into another, larger bag. Jay smiled as Theresa swiped his drink, sipping contentedly.

"Anybody want to go anywhere else?" he asked. Heads shook and he stretched. "Home then?"

Everyone agreed, and they stood to leave, Jay offering to help Theresa with her bags. She flashed him a grateful smile, lips still holding his straw, and she looped her free arm through his comfortably. He couldn't help but chuckle at how cute she looked, glad the day of shopping had gone so well, aside from the 'Felicity' issue. He only hoped Monday with Persephone would go just as well.