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Author Topic: Uh oh, newbie fanfic!  (Read 31383 times)
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Benderfan 1230

Bending Unit
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« Reply #80 on: 10-15-2004 17:40 »
« Last Edit on: 10-15-2004 17:40 »

I agree with DogDoo,that part also made me feel warm inside  :D I cant wait to read what happens next!
TOTPD for the Benderfan!
becky

Bending Unit
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« Reply #81 on: 10-15-2004 18:33 »

Woohoo, another chapter, and it's great as always! Your descriptions, your language, the characters... All good! Like Benderfan, I can’t wait for the next part...
Layla50

Bending Unit
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« Reply #82 on: 10-15-2004 23:46 »

Ah, it's good to be back. Wow! 3 pages already! I can't believe it! I've got another update for you, and probably another tommorow. After that... who knows?

For those of you waiting for Morris and Munda, here it is. I hope I've done them justice, but I'm going from memory since a friend borrowed my season 4 DVD's. This part definately needs a rewrite, so take that into consideration when you read it. Thanks to everyone for the continued support. (You guys are all totally fabulous!)

I'm glad I made so many of you feel warm. I felt warm writing it! Is it okay to admit I like that image, warm under rain chilled skin? That was quite a shippy chapter I must admit, but I'll try not to let it get the best of me.

JBERGES:YAY!!!! An update to look forward to! Whoo!!! Now if I could just bug Venus... :-) I always feel a little guilty calling Fry an idiot, so glad you like the line. Thanks for the constructive feedback! I will take your suggestion under advisement when I do the big rewrite when it's finished. Philip J Fry liked it,(thanks for responding you!) so it's kinda hard to decide right now.

say what now: Dragging it out huh?  :) Let's see 7300 words and it's still the same day... yeah, I'm slow.

Speaking of Venus: Nope, not mangled, just very busy. Glad you didn't have to spoil your rep.  :)

Benderfan, DogDoo, becky, lurkers, you're all wonderful! Thanks for reading!


Part 9:

   Leela knocked softly on the rough door of the ramshackle home, and listened to the new, yet familiar sounds of her parents excitedly preparing to let their daughter in.

   “Would ya just open the door already? She’s seen the house before ya know.” Turanga Morris’ exasperated voice carried easily through the paper-thin walls.

“Not yet! I have to finish the dusting.” Munda scolded her husband lightly, and then a moment later let out a gusty sigh. “Morris, you’ve been shedding on the couch again!” Her mother continued haranguing him, her strident tones growing closer until the door swung in suddenly. “Hello, sweetie, so nice of you to come by.” A purple tentacle took Leela’s hand in a welcoming grasp, while Munda turned away to yell back at Morris. “Where have you got too- ah.”

The stocky mutant came up behind his wife, wrapping a loving arm around her shoulders.
He grinned affectionately at Leela. “Hi, honey. So why don’t you come inside already?” He blinked, surprised, as he noticed Fry. “Oh! Leela’s friend. Hey. How are ya?”

There was the slightest hesitation before Leela’s father extended his pale hand in greeting. Morris and Munda were still a little tentative when it came to being included in Leela’s life. They had had to remain so secretive for so long, and carrying the stigma of being mutants had left them somewhat timid when it came to meeting surface dwellers. Fry reached out quickly and shook his hand firmly with no trace of unfriendliness. The tension on Morris’ open face dissipated instantly. “I’m fine, sir, but…” Fry trailed off, looking at Leela uneasily.   

Munda squeezed her daughter’s hand involuntarily, her eye narrowing in concern. “It’s so good of you to put yourself out by visiting us, dear, but you don’t have to.” Long held regret was clearly visible in her kind features. “We know you have much more important things to do then waste your time with us.”

Before her parents could delve deeper into their self-disparagement, Leela pulled her mom into a tight hug. The young cyclops then pulled back with a rueful shake of her head, just far enough to look deeply into Munda’s eye. “Mom, I love you. Don’t you know how much I treasure the time I spend with you?”

“Oh, my.” Munda  retrieved a handkerchief from the pocket of the simple apron she was wearing and dabbed away the moisture gathering in the corner of her eye.

Releasing her, Leela smiled briefly at her mom, but the smile slipped away as she gathered herself to deliver the bad news.
“Mom, Dad, we have a big problem.”

“Very big.” Fry chimed his agreement. “Maybe we could discuss it inside?” The couple exchanged a worried glance, before Morris and Munda quickly ushered them into the house.


The interior of the home was quite a shock when juxtaposed with the steamy environment of the New New York sewers. It was pristine, far tidier than many aboveground tenements, a tribute to Munda’s fastidious housekeeping. The Turanga home would have put Fry to shame if he’d felt the least bit ashamed of his own sloppy apartment. As clean as it was, Leela’s parents made it feel cozy; a comforting, inviting place. The mementos of Leela’s life were still plastered around the room, each one placed with the loving care of proud parents. It had badly shaken Leela when they had first stumbled onto the collection, and she had once admitted to Fry that it disturbed her still, but it was all they had had to hold on to. She could not bring herself to ask them to take it all down.

Fry accepted the offered cup of tea with good grace, but he was desperate for Leela to break the news to them. Faced with explaining the danger to the people she loved, she had dodged their questions and asked for the tea, stalling for the time to gather her thoughts. He could understand her reluctance, even in light of her earlier haste; no one liked delivering such a warning, but he also knew that time was precious, and it was running out fast. The mutants would need to decide what to do, and do it, before Nixon could curtail their efforts. He was about ready to blurt the whole story out himself, when Morris firmly asked what she had come to tell them. Leela looked down at her hands, then at Fry, and finally into her father’s face. “Well, it all started this morning…” She explained the Professor’s invention, and Nixon’s dark plotting. She spoke quickly, leaving no detail unspoken, confessing the trepidation and the anger she felt, even mentioning her earlier irritation with Fry, as though she had forgotten he was in the room. There was despair in her voice as she finished with, “I’ve already decided to let them try it out on me, so at least I can buy you a little time.”

For a second, silence reigned, only to be broken by Munda’s distraught reaction. “But this is terrible!” She stood up from the couch that she’d been sitting on beside Morris and began pacing in worried, quick little steps. “Leela, you know we don’t like to interfere with your life, but you can’t just let them use you like a guinea pig.” Morris stood up as well, putting a halt to his wife’s pacing by holding her tentacle with one hand and absently stroking it with the other. 

“Your mother’s right, Leela. We can’t let you do this.” He stopped the gentle caress in favour of winding his arm tightly around Munda’s waist. Fry felt his stomach drop four feet when he heard Morris’ next words. “I’m going to do it instead.”

say what now

Bending Unit
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« Reply #83 on: 10-16-2004 00:39 »

AHHHHH!! Well, you did do them justice. I love Munda and Morris too and you portrayed them perfectly  :D. Anyway, going to continue ahhing now...

AHHHHMOREAHHHH!!
Venus

Urban Legend
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« Reply #84 on: 10-16-2004 07:24 »

Gasp! Gasp and horror! I can only imagine the hissy fit Leela's about to throw! And i imagine Munda's not to pleased by this as well.
DogDoo8

Liquid Emperor
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« Reply #85 on: 10-16-2004 07:57 »

Its great to see how galiant Morres can be and you went into some good detail with there home and how loving they are to each other.

Makes me want to get a girlfriend.........
Benderfan 1230

Bending Unit
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« Reply #86 on: 10-16-2004 11:40 »

In my opinion Layla you don't need to rewrite it it's perfect the way it is,and I do mean perfect. Your portrayal of the characters is dead-on,and this new chapter is very touching :love: Pleeeze write more soon,I'm begging you!
Layla50

Bending Unit
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« Reply #87 on: 10-16-2004 23:11 »

Hi everyone! Here's that promised update. I must be driving you all crazy with all this insecurity, but I've never had strangers reading my writing before. It's scary. Plus, you're all fans (I presume!) so I don't want to mess too much with "your" show. As a warning, this is another emotionfest, sorry, I'm going to get away from that for a bit, I'm sure we could all use a breath of fresh air. Quick! Somebody drill a hole in me and drain out all the sap! :)

say what now: Thanks, you've made me feel better about writing Leela's parents. Glad you liked the cliffie!

Venus: You updated! Whoo!!! I glossed over the hissy fit a bit, because I wasn't sure I could do it justice at the moment. I'll probably rework that scene eventually when I get the chance. Let me know what you think.

Dogdoo8: Thanks so much for commenting on the relationship between Morris and Munda. On the show, they seemed like the loving types too me, and goodness knows Leela deserves emotionally stable parents.

Benderfan: Pobody's Nerfect!  ;) Thanks for all you nice comments, I really appreciate it! You rock!


Part 10:

   “No!” The women protested in unison. Fry shook his head, dismayed. Leela grabbed Morris’ shoulders and dug her fingers into his flesh hard enough to bruise.

   “I will not let you do this, Dad. I won’t!”  Fry watched quietly as the small family’s conversation dissolved into a chorus of angry, frightened voices. He could understand Morris' resolve to protect his daughter no matter the consequences. They loved Leela so deeply that they had decided long ago that death was a better choice than shaming her with the truth of their mutant nature. Therefore, that he could calmly declare his intentions to risk his mind in her defense came as no surprise to Fry. The women’s reactions didn’t really surprise him either, and in a strange moment of clarity over the commotion in the room, he knew what was going to happen. Leela was going to win.

   Munda took a deep, shuddering breath before interrupting her daughter in mid tirade. “Leela, Morris, please.” The quiet plea was surprisingly effective. “This isn’t going to solve anything. Let’s sit down and discuss this.” Following her own advice, she settled again on the couch, gently pulling her husband down beside her. Leela resisted for as long as she could, but soon gave in to the request. Munda took her husband’s hands. “I want to protect her as much as you do, love, but we can’t do this for her. She rested her head on his shoulder for comfort in a smooth movement that deeply touched Fry. He released the merest breath of a wistful sigh, watching them from the chair he was sitting in, his head resting in his hands. Leela was moved as well, and a sudden ethereal quietness filled the simple home.

   “Dad, I know what you’re trying to do, and I love you for it, but you can’t come between me and this problem. Most people don’t know I’m a mutant, and that protects me. You and mom protected me from people like Nixon for all those years.” Leela slid down to the floor and wound her fingers through his, smiling sadly up at her dad. “But we can’t protect you.” Leela paused to formulate her next phrase carefully, laying her head lightly on her father’s clasped hands. Her mother began gently stroking her hair. “The president’s cronies are going to have access to whatever the results of the test are, and they might just want to talk to the test subject. I don’t want them hunting for you.” Morris would have argued there, but Leela continued. “Please, Dad, please,” and she smiled up at him with courage in her eye, “let me do this for you and mom. Let me repay the debt I owe you. Let me save you like you saved me.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Morris acquiesced, unable to deny such a request from his daughter, though he wanted to with all his heart.

   “If that’s what you want sweetheart, we’ll support you, but,” he choked slightly, “please be careful, okay?”

   “Always, dad, always.” She affirmed giving his hands a tight squeeze before releasing them.

   Munda shook her head. “Well, I wouldn’t say that, Leela. Honestly, some of your work stories make me wonder what they taught you in that orphanarium.” Fry grinned in private agreement as Leela sighed heavily at her mother’s fretting.   
“Hey, don’t worry. I’ll look after Leela for you; I always do.” Morris and Munda exchanged doubtful glances, then smiled at him politely, yet gratefully.

After securing a promise that they would pass along the warning of Nixon’s plans to their fellow mutants, Fry and Leela prepared to leave. The emotional exchange had drained all four of them and their farewells were solemn and quick. As he watched Leela embrace each of her parents, Fry felt something in him give way, like his heart could no longer support the burden of standing silent while Leela faced one of the hardest decisions of her life. When Leela started the journey back to the streets of New New York he followed for a few steps, then stopped. When she was out of earshot, he turned to the troubled couple with fierce determination in his eyes, “I’m not gonna let anything happen to your daughter, I promise.” Fry had made a decision for her, and he would not be swayed from it. He tossed a casual wave over his shoulder as he began jogging after Leela.

“He’s a sweet boy,” Munda murmured when Fry had disappeared from view.

----------
Fry may be a little out of character at the beginning, what do you think?


  :hmpf:
Nerd-o-rama

Urban Legend
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« Reply #88 on: 10-17-2004 00:48 »
« Last Edit on: 10-17-2004 00:48 »

In a lot of cases, stupidity can lead to great perceptiveness.  No, I don't think Fry is too out of character, since he seems to have learned how to shut up as of the end of the series, and the rest of it flows from that new ability to pay attention.

Also, this part kicks ass just like the rest of them, though it's a little lacking in humor.  But then, I don't really like drama in Futurama generally speaking.  Which is more evidence of how well you're doing.
Venus

Urban Legend
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« Reply #89 on: 10-17-2004 08:02 »

I can't really fault you for making Fry more perseptive, cause i think i did it in my story as well. In any case i really liked what i read. And you'll get no complaints about sap from me. I love drama.

oh and as for the hissy fit. I'd be interested in an extended version of it, but if you left it as it is i don't think the story would suffer one bit.
becky

Bending Unit
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« Reply #90 on: 10-17-2004 08:02 »

Yay! Two new chapters for me to read! And I read them, and it was a very good read, I tell you. The story is getting very tense now, and I'm very, very interested in what's going to happen next... I hope you update more soon!
JBERGES

Urban Legend
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« Reply #91 on: 10-17-2004 14:02 »

The thing with Fry, even on the show itself, is that sometimes he hasn't a clue, and sometimes he's completely on the level, even resourceful.  It’s the unexplainable variance that really makes Fry who he is.  The perception you gave him is absolutely fine, as long as at some point he relapses a bit and says/does something ill-advised.

The last two parts have been exceptional, and I think you’ve expanded on Morris and Munda very well.  The way you have them play off of each other is especially believable. 

One nitpick/question: In part nine, Munda says “Where have you got too- ah.”  I don’t quite understand that line.

Good work as always.
say what now

Bending Unit
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« Reply #92 on: 10-17-2004 14:24 »

Fry wasn't really that out of character- there are moments when he can act much more intelligent and thoughtful than normally, and if you ask me this scene kind of needed that side of Fry. You pulled it off rather nicely. And I did really like this part.
say what now

Bending Unit
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« Reply #93 on: 10-21-2004 20:24 »

*sad face* No updates?
Layla50

Bending Unit
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« Reply #94 on: 10-21-2004 22:01 »

It's coming, it's coming! Nice to know some people are still waiting. :-) It's been crazy busy here lately. But not only that, I was kind of at a crossroads with regards to this story. I thought about completely changing it because I was concerned you all might not like where I'm going with it eventually. But, I like where it's going, just as kind of a different take on Fry (it's coming, I'm getting there). But, I did want to leave Fry and Leela for a bit, cause I tend to get caught up in them. (shipper blush)

So, here's a strange little bit with the Professor, and there will be some light hearted Fry and Bender moments coming up in the next update. (Which will be up faster I hope!)

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments on Fry's characterization. You gave me a lot to think about!

JBERGES: I'm sure it doesn't help that it should be to, not too. (slaps self on wrist for shoddy proof-reading) She's talking to herself, wondering where Morris has gone to while she was greeting Fry and Leela. on further reflection, I may just cut the line altogether.

Nerd-o-rama: Thanks for responding! I'm flattered I've got non-drama loving fans reading too. I try not to make to too heavy, but I'm not real sure I can write the comedy that makes the show so great. Better to avoid it than butcher it!

Venus: We seem to be kindred spirits!

Becky: Thanks for the comments! We're getting to a very big moment.

say what now: Ask and ye shall receive!


Part 11:

   As night fell over New New York, the Planet Express building grew quiet. Long after the delivery crew had left, Hermes waited patiently by the door. Everything was in perfect order. As the final seconds of his workday slipped away, he flipped over a small sign that announced the building’s closure. The weary bureaucrat relaxed for the first time since entering the building early that morning. Setting the alarm and sealing the door, he headed home for his family. It was the sweet reward at the end of a very long day.

However, he did not leave the building entirely deserted. In addition to the occasional soft fluttering of an owl in the rafters, the rumbling snores of Professor Hubert Farnsworth echoed around Planet Express. The crotchety elder tended to be in one of two states, giddy mania or soundly asleep. Generally, he slipped into the later after intense bouts of the former. The narcoleptic scientist was so prone to dropping off that he spent most of the day in, or close to, a hovering armchair. It was battered and torn, but very comfortable, and for the doddering professor, comfort was hard to find.

   Suddenly, the large video screen that served as a television, phone and whatever else needed crackled into life. Farnsworth jerked awake snorting and sputtering in disorientation. A dark, agitated voice cut through his confusion.

   “You! Wake up! I don’t have time to waste staring at an old fogey. Next year’s an election year and I have a lot to conquer, I mean, accomplish.” The gravelly voice was coloured by the swaying jowls that characterized Earth President Nixon’s face. Based on looks alone, he did not strike anyone as intelligent, but there was a devious streak that ran towards evil in the man’s soul. Seeing that the professor was fully awake he continued, “What’s the holdup on Project MMC? My associates tell me you’ve finished building the device but you haven’t begun the testing. Why not?” He snarled the question at the Professor, impatience carried in his voice and expression. As a head-in-a-jar, he could no longer access body language.

   Farnsworth didn’t appreciate being menaced by a person weighing less than 7 pounds. “It’s after 5 O’clock! You think that just because you’re the reigning president and you have a colossal robot body that you have the right to go around disturbing people already in their pajamas? I’m not going to kowtow to your demands at this time of night!” The stubborn men glared at each other furiously in a contest of wills. Nixon’s heavy brows closed together over his eyes. The Professor scrunched up his shoulders in irritation. Nixon began frothing at the mouth. The Professor trembled with rage. Nixon bellowed for his robot body ready to go on a rampage. The professor… gave in meekly, holding up his hands in surrender as he tried to pacify the enraged man.

   “Now, now! There’s no need to get excited.” His frown grew the slightest bit deeper. “Especially not at this time at night.” The Professor could quite resist the jab, but continued quickly before Nixon could fly off the handle. “Everything is fine, just fine with the project. Don’t be concerned. Why wouldn’t it be fine?” He rambled on scrambling for answers suitable for Nixon’s ears. “The test subject was a little reluctant- uh, because the mutant in question had a headache! Yes, that’s it! A headache. But it’s fine now, we be starting the tests tomorrow morning, and you’ll have the results by late afternoon.” Nixon was mollified, barely.

   “I’d better have that data by tomorrow, or you’ll suffer the consequences. I’ll take that subject of yours and have my own labs run those tests,” he paused for breath, “and don’t you think that I’ll be happy about it! Do you have any idea how expensive those egghead factories are? The balances, the chemicals, the ridiculous designer lab coats for the bi-annual galas!” Nixon hadn’t gone on a physical rampage, but was overrunning the professor with a verbal one. “And the mutants! It’s so hard to root them out of their hidey holes in the sewer! Takes weeks to catch one, if you can find enough men willing to do it. And I’m not sending robots down, all the noxious chemicals in the air corrodes them into rust piles in days!” The mad president looked thoughtfully at the fidgeting mad scientist. “How did you manage to find one of them anyway?”

Farnsworth tensed nervously. He didn’t particularly want Nixon to find out exactly who the ‘subject’ was. Leela had turned out to be one of Planet Express’ better captains; one of the longest surviving, too. He hated to think how long it would take to break in a new one. “Oh, I don’t know. The subject just showed up at my door one day, and was more than willing to help out with my experiments in return for a little compassion,” he lied through his teeth. “Very timid; a fragile little person really, not worth bothering about.” Nixon held his gaze for a moment, before finally letting it go for the moment.

“Very well. But remember what I said: tomorrow, or I get involved personally. End transmission.” The multi-purpose screen went dark.

“Oh, dear. This really is turning out to be quite a goings-on.” For a few more moments, the room was silent again, save for the owls hooting eerily and fluffing their feathers. Then, a faint sound filled the room. The professor was slumped in his chair once again, snoring.
Benderfan 1230

Bending Unit
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« Reply #95 on: 10-22-2004 13:06 »

That was great!  :D
Ol´coot

Bending Unit
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« Reply #96 on: 10-22-2004 13:45 »

Great scene Layla! I love your version of Nixon! You did a nice job creating tension in the scene - more please!
Shaucker

Professor
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« Reply #97 on: 10-22-2004 14:41 »

Allright, Morris and Munda! teh w00t!
My new favorite line : "Hey! Leela's friend! How are ya?" It's very in character, and something many people's parents would do (mine do, at least. Everyone I'm with is Rebecca's friend).

I liking, especially when mutants are involved. I'm obsessed, I know. But it's great writing, and it's a hell of a lot more fun than doing my own work.
say what now

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #98 on: 10-23-2004 00:26 »

I loved your portrayel of Nixon. Nice chapter, cool and entertaining to read. Bwahaha... designer lab coats...
Layla50

Bending Unit
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« Reply #99 on: 10-23-2004 23:19 »

Whoo!! I got a laugh! Thanks say what now, glad you liked Nixon. He's hard to write because I don't want to take him over the top into the land of farce, but he is a very over the top character.

Shaucker:It's funny, I heard someone say the "child's name here" friend phrase today. How's that for sheer coincidence? I'm soooo glad you liked Morris and Munda! I knew if you were happy with them, it'd be okay! Writing this is a whole lot more fun then getting my work done too!

Benderfan: You comment so faithfully, (lots of you do), thanks! I really appreciate it.

Ol'coot: So glad you like "my" Nixon. If you like tension, then there's some really fun emotional foreshadowing torture in the next part.

Speaking of which: This whole scene snuck up on me, cause I thought I'd get to you know, the plot, and Bender and Fry fun, but now I think this is kinda necessary. Let me know what you think. (Warning: more introspection, I didn't mean to, I swear!!)

Part uh... 12!

   Fry walked Leela back to her apartment. Worry over his uncharacteristic silence hovered uneasily in the back of her mind, but she did not comment on it, too preoccupied with her problems to try to draw him out of his. When they reached her apartment, the delivery boy surprised the cyclops by not making any deliberate attempt to charm her. He smiled sadly at her, whispered, “It’s gonna be okay, Leela,” and squeezed her hand as he bid her goodnight. Then he simply turned and walked away as she entered the building.

Concern over Fry’s reticence nagged her conscience as she unlocked the door to her apartment and entered the austere living room.  Some months ago, she had gone ahead with her plans to have a window installed. Leela rested her forehead against the cool, clear surface, her bangs matting against it, and watched Fry walk away. An intense loneliness flooded her at the sight of the solitary figure trudging along the street. She couldn’t see him very clearly as her breath was gradually fogging the rain-beaten window. Just before he disappeared from her field of vision, he began to jog. Probably trying to quicken his escape from the deluge, she decided, leaving the window. A small sigh of regret slipped past her lips as she pulled a towel from the bathroom closet and began roughly drying her hair. There were faster ways to accomplish the same task to be sure, but the tactile contact of the vigorous rubbing energized her even as it soothed shattered nerves. Fry soothed her too, when he wasn’t driving her out of her skull in his more puerile moments.

Although she would never admit it to him, except in the most guarded of ways, she was deeply attached to the young man. Before Fry, life had been a dull litany of workdays colored with night after night of wretched dates, a seemingly endless cycle of users, losers, and abusers, until she had given up on both love and happiness. In Leela’s old world, before Philip J. Fry’s awakening turned it upside down, there was no hope for change. But then, somehow, life changed. Now it wasn’t easy; it wasn’t perfect, but somehow, life had hope again and of all people, it was Fry who had given her that. He liked her, claimed to love her and Leela knew he meant it sincerely now, if maybe he hadn’t before, but Fry did not fit the picture she had in her mind of “the One” and she could not give up that fantasy for him. She treasured the awkward 20th century kid, such a kid, in so many ways, but she could not love him. Leela could not, would not sacrifice who she was in a desperate attempt to find happiness with someone who was not able to appreciate life on her intellectual level. Frankly, it was beyond him, and Fry could not change who he was to make her happy, no matter how much he wanted to. In the end, neither of them would really be happy, so it was better, yes, better, she rationalized, to deny him any opportunity for false hope. It was kindness really, a cruel kindness, that directed her actions. Someday, Fry would understand why she rejected him so firmly and so steadily.

 
At least, Leela hoped so.


Up to this point, he didn’t seem to understand at all. Fry was always hurt, though he put on a brave face, every time she shot him down, but he always came back, he always tried again. It didn’t seem to matter how she said it, politely, gently, bluntly, angrily, even downright nastily; he never got the message, he never gave up on winning her over. His relentless persistence frustrated her beyond all comprehension, even as it flattered her. The starship captain didn’t want to hurt him again and again, out and out despised the look in his eyes that came with her every denial, but the infuriating man left her no choice. She wasn’t going to about-face and throw herself at him in an impulsive surge of hormones. Not that she couldn’t be impulsive, or was never swept away in a tide of emotions, but the resulting decisions had always left her filled with regret, and sometimes remorse. Fry was dear to her, and the friendship they shared was a precious, living thing, not to be carelessly tossed aside in a passionate flurry, or choked forever with regret. The cost was too high.

   Having prepared for bed, she turned out the lamp and settled herself under the comforter for a long night of fighting for elusive sleep. The woman who long believed herself a worthless orphan had faced terrors before; she would get through this one as well. When it was over, she would do something nice for Fry, something platonic that showed him how much he meant to her. A least she could give him that little bit of happiness as a way to show her gratitude. Maybe he was a careless, lazy, unintelligent slob, but he was also a kindhearted, devoted friend and Leela knew she was lucky to have him.

-----------------------------
So, here's Leela's perspective on Fry's chasing her. Comments?
Benderfan 1230

Bending Unit
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« Reply #100 on: 10-24-2004 00:06 »

Very nice! I like how you seem to delve deep into the characters when you write :D
(there's a little advanced vocabulary for me too ;))
Venus

Urban Legend
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« Reply #101 on: 10-24-2004 07:04 »

Hey! This isn't shippy! It's anti-shippy! I hate you! *sobs*

No i'm kidding. You're alright. Although i am a mite dissapointed that you got through an entire chapter with Nixon without even a single solitary 'arooo!'. Just for that you aren't allowed any of my skittles. And they're tropical berry flavored too. So there.   
Layla50

Bending Unit
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« Reply #102 on: 10-24-2004 07:42 »
« Last Edit on: 10-24-2004 07:42 »

Venus, venus, venus. Have a little faith! I already admitted my complete shippiness, so I have to write against that you know.

Awww... no skittles? Trust me, again, when I say that it was an uphill battle not writing arroo during that whole scene. (Nixon was running around doing just that inside my head, but I figured it might look strange in writing.) Nixon will probably be back, and I'll give him an arroo, just for you. Hey! That rhymes! Now can I have a skittle? Just a little one? I'll update again today... when I get home from work!

Benderfan: Well, that's what I'm hear for, to inspire the children of America into improving their vocabulary. Thanks for the support!
Venus

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #103 on: 10-24-2004 07:54 »

......you can have a purple one. The green ones are mine. You have to show me some heavy shippy to earn a green one.
say what now

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #104 on: 10-24-2004 08:42 »

Despite the fact that I love shippiness too, I think to caught the whole idea of their relationship perfectomundoly! And I am loving it! And I am hoping that this will gradually turn into shippiness (I trust you will do this, you are the one who drags things out and makes crazy twists and teases and stuff!), and if not, I will still read happily and diligently. Bravo!
JBERGES

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #105 on: 10-24-2004 15:56 »


Great couple of chapters here, Layla.  I think you've really snagged the crux of Leela's opinion on Fry, or at the very least my opinion of what Leela's opinion of Fry would be.  And in the end, isn't that just as good?

 
Quote
Benderfan: Well, that's what I'm hear for, to inspire the children of America into improving their vocabulary.

And I'm here to point out irony... :D
But in all seriousness, I really do like your consistently apt word selection; you've obviously got me beat vocabulary-wise, and that’s coming from a guy who confounded his entire audience with an iffy cold-opening based around an odd word.  Be proud.
Layla50

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #106 on: 10-24-2004 18:51 »

Oh, you mean lambast? I loved that! (I did get that incidently, but was still lurking when you wrote it. That was a good opening, I thought, and comedy is so hard!!

By the way, oops!!! (blush) I'm not gonna edit that, cause you busted me fair and square, and also hilariously! Plus it goes to prove my point that pobody's nerfect. I don't really think I've got you beat in vocabulary, you've got quite an extensive one yourself. (And I just love talking to someone who likes as much as eye do. (Sorry, had to do it!) :)

When this is finished, you want to beta?
Young_and_Angry

Professor
*
« Reply #107 on: 10-24-2004 20:48 »

*Clap. Clap.*
Fan-Freaking-Tastic, Layla. Can't wait for more.
JBERGES

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #108 on: 10-24-2004 21:09 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Layla50:
When this is finished, you want to beta?

*(looks around)* Who, me?  Sure.  Everybody needs a beta.  I know mine has saved me from literary catastrophe many a time…  so yeah, sign me up. 
Layla50

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #109 on: 10-24-2004 21:51 »

Great!! I really appreciate it JBERGES! I've got a friend of mine helping me organize the plot. I'll be doing a major rewrite once it's done before submitting it to a site. Maybe the Leela Zone?

Young_and_Angry: Whoo! A new responder! Thanks a million!

say what now: Oh, yeah. Shippiness... (drools) I'm a bit gunshy of going overboard, but with nice people like you and my wonderful betas  :love: I'm sure it'll be okay. Shippy, shippy, shippy, whoo!
But... twists?? Haven't twisted anything yet I don't think, but we'll see what happens!  ;)

Venus: Wait and see... I may earn that green one yet.

Here's part 13: (It's about twice as long as my average update and there are two little tips of the hat to JBERGES. See if you can spot them. Oh! and a little tribute to Oscar Wilde.)

Part 13:

   Fry jogged, then ran until he was gasping for air and nearly retching from his cramping stomach muscles. Cold rain mixed with hot sweat as he slowed to a walk, refusing to stop altogether to catch his breath. That night would be all too brief for him as he put his plan into action. It was a shoddy plan, more of a collection of impulses really, but at least the goal was clear: protecting Leela. Maybe he couldn’t stop her from going through with the tests, but he could make sure she wasn’t the first. As he burst into Robot Arms Apartments, he was desperately trying to come up with a way to get into the Planet Express building. It had not taken long for Hermes and the Professor to decide that Fry, like Bender and Zoidberg, would not be granted all-hours access to P.E.. The delivery boy had not minded that in the least, at the time, because it was a big responsibility, and responsibility was something to be avoided at all costs. Now, however, it was a big problem. Fry walked through Bender’s apartment and into the spacious closet that the human called home. He was surprised to find Bender there, in tux and top hat, practicing his magic act.

   “Hey, meatbag,” his roommate greeted him absently, “you done striking out with Leela already?” Fry glared at the robot and sat heavily on the couch that was even more dilapidated than the one in the Planet Express employee lounge.

   “C’mon, Bender, we’ve got serious trouble here.” The metallic wand Bender was waving around shorted out suddenly and he tossed it away in disgust with such force that it stuck into the wall. “Can’t we talk about something else besides my love life?” Bender just looked at him. The robot would have arched an eyebrow, if he’d had eyebrows. Fry accepted the inevitable. “Fine. Yes, I’m done striking out. Now I’m going to help her.” He ran his hands quickly through his hair, flicking out the worst of the water before firmly locking eyes with his friend. “And so are you.”

   Bender blew an electronic raspberry. “I have only one question for you: what’s in it for Bender?” Fry had known the robot for several years now, and an appeal to his senses of kindness and decency wasn’t going to cut it.

   “Uh… there’s a twenty in it for you…” He dug around in his pocket and started counting his change. Not enough. “… when I get my next paycheck?” Bender somehow managed to tilt his head back haughtily, less than impressed.

   “Ever since the hyperchicken got me appointed as your legal guardian, ninety percent of your paycheck’s been going to me anyway. What else you got?” Fry grasped at straws.

   “Well, you’re my best friend, I’m sure I can count on you to hel-” Bender imitated a gameshow buzzer.

   “Sorry, wrong anwer.” There had to something… eureka! Fry found it, the one thing Bender could not refuse, except temptation.

   “I’ll make you Bender Waffles and ice cream soup for a month!” Bender stared stubbornly ahead, refusing to bend for as long as he could, then he wavered, glancing sidelong at the redhead.

   “Chocolate?” Fry grinned, sensing victory.

   “Sure, buddy, whatever you want.” Seeing the sudden burst of unholy glee in the robot’s eyes, he quickly amended his statement. “That is, whatever flavour you want.” Bender moaned a little in disappointment before yanking the top hat from his head and tossing it joyfully into the air. Two doves flew out, squawking in terror and scattering feathers.

   “Whoohoo! Everything’s coming up Bender, baby!” Fry smiled tiredly at his friend’s exuberance. Somehow, the robot always cheered him up, even on the hardest days. Bender paused briefly in his celebration to ask, “so, whadya want me to do anyway?”

   Fry stood up, suddenly serious, and grabbed Bender’s shoulders, wanting to catch his full attention. “I need you to help me break into Planet Express.”
Bender stared at him in silent astonishment for a few seconds. Then, hugged Fry in jubilant abandon. “Welcome to Bender’s B&E school, buddy! It’s about time you expanded your horizons.” Fry shook his head as Bender released him, amused and relieved.
“No time like the present, right? So let’s do it tonight.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “Wha do we do?” The convicted felon beamed proudly at his new student.
“Ah, my boy, the things you will learn tonight! It does this robot’s heart good to have such a willing, if ignorant student.” He chuckled deviously. “Come on, Fry, let’s pick out your stealin’ clothes!”


------------------------------------------ 
      

   Several hours later, Fry, dressed in black but still wearing his red jacket, and his criminal mentor, who was sporting a ski mask, were sneaking around the outside of the Planet Express building. They stood under the second storey window Bender had chosen as their entry point. Just as Fry would have asked how they were supposed to reach it, the robot pulled out an artificially intelligent gravity hook and fired it at the roof. In a flash, the rope was secure and they were ready to climb up to the window. With his feet acting as suction cups, Bender had no difficulty reaching the window. Truth be told, since the building had nothing so much as resembling an effective security system, and nothing Bender was interested in swiping, the outing was rapidly becoming a complete bore for the robot. Still, Fry had refused all suggestions for finding someplace better to rob, and a good teacher was open to his student’s opinions. He sighed quietly as he watched Fry struggled to get a firm grip on the rain-slicked rope and find purchase on the smooth wall. Rookies.

   The wind had strengthened and the rain was splashing into the terrified man’s eyes, blinding him. It had taken several attempts just to get off the ground and now that he had managed to get some distance between himself and the ground, every little slip set his heart pounding against his chest. Fry was in a cold sweat and his common sense had finally kicked in, just in time to call him an idiot. Frightened beyond the capacity for rational thought, not one of his strong suits at the best of times, Fry thought of Leela. He thought of the times when everything was going wrong and she somehow made it right. He thought of her smile, her laugh, the way she fell to pieces over cute animals and the way she rolled her eye at him. Finally, he thought of Leela weeping like a frightened child in her father’s lap, and he found the strength of will to keep climbing. Fry made it to the window where Bender quickly directed him to use the glasscutter. However, as he was pulling it out of the cloth bag slung over his shoulder, Fry lost his balance. In a split second of frantic flailing before Bender caught him tightly around the arm, Fry scrabbled at the windowpane and pulled it open. It was unlocked. Gratefully, the sodden, shaky B&E student crawled into the room. But Bender didn’t follow. The robot was waving one hand wildly as he lambasted the lack of security.

   "Of all the lousy, stupid, worthless… I keep my slag in here sometimes! Now I’m gonna have to move it. Wasted my whole night on this exercise in tedium. You’re on your own pal!” Fry watched from the window as Bender rappelled effortlessly down the wall. As he gathered up the grappler, the teacher remembered his student. “Oh, yeah. Just keep practicing, buddy! You’ll be ready for a real job in no time.” When Bender had left for greener pastures, or ritzier buildings, Fry headed for the Professors lab. He had work to do.
DogDoo8

Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #110 on: 10-24-2004 22:41 »

BRILLIENT!

Great work Layla, It makes wont to do some B&E, keep it up.

Now, off to make me some Bender waffles and ice cream soup. And I aint kidden.
say what now

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #111 on: 10-24-2004 23:18 »

Oh man I loved it. I really love scenes between Bender and Fry and you did my lovely scene great justice! I didn't really try to pick out the Venus things, but I think I was too busy taking this one click at a time and praying for it to keep on going... yes, I'm that pathetic. Anyway, perhaps I will go back now and search  :D.
Kloudes

Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #112 on: 10-24-2004 23:48 »

Maybe you didn't find the Venus things because they were actually JBERGES things  :D 

Layla... you got me on my knees, Layla.  (I'm sure you've heard that enough in your life to want to kill me right now but...)  I just caught up, haven't been around in a while, and I must say, you continue to be spot on with characterization in every way.  It's amazing.  I really enjoyed the Morris/Munda chapter, as well as this last one.  I love Fry  :love: and I love drama/sacrifice in stories.  You totally satiated me.
say what now

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #113 on: 10-25-2004 07:30 »
« Last Edit on: 10-25-2004 07:30 »

Right... *smacks face*. WOW, I'm stupid.
Shaucker

Professor
*
« Reply #114 on: 10-25-2004 22:40 »

"Everything's coming up Layla!"

Hehe...neat stuff. Great Bender characterization, and the prose was tight as ever.

You make me proud to be an occasional commentator  :)
Venus

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #115 on: 10-26-2004 04:41 »

My insides feel all warm and happy.
Benderfan 1230

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #116 on: 10-26-2004 09:10 »

One word:Genius :D I loved it, especially Bender's lines. They're SO perfect! :love:
becky

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #117 on: 10-27-2004 14:51 »

What a day! I'm gone for a week, and I find loads of fanart and fanfics just screaming to be seen and read!

Your fanfic is great as always, and even though I've been away for a little while, I'm just writing this to let you know that I haven't lost interest. At all.
It’s really building up now, with a nice harmony of drama and comedy (I'm sure someone already said that. Oh well...). I loved the scene with Bender and Fry breaking in to the PE-building  :D
Layla50

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #118 on: 10-28-2004 00:00 »

Thanks for the responses everyone! The moment has finally arrived. (cue dramatic music)
I'll personalize your responses later. It's late!


Part 14:

   You learn something new everyday, or every night, and this night, Fry learned that the Professors’ lab was hard to find in the dark. The Planet Express building was unfamiliar in the dark and he kept crashing into things, some of them could identify, some of them he didn’t want to identify. Of course, he could have turned on the lights, but he didn’t want to alert the Professor if the old man woke up for a midnight bathroom break. Bad enough the security cameras would track him, but by the time any of that mattered, it wouldn’t matter anymore. His dignity took a beating when he tripped and fell into something cold and slimy. The delivery boy shuddered when he recognized the soft rounded objects as a pile of Zoidberg’s extraneous organs. Yuck-tastic. That meant he was close to the “Doctor’s” office. So, if he walked this way for a while *crash* then he should come to the hanger where the P.E. ship was docked.

Bingo! Faint light from the street lamps gleamed through the large windows, illuminating the teal green ship. It was beautiful. Maybe to the rest of the universe she wasn’t much to look at, but to someone who had dreamed of space since infancy, she was amazing. He leaned over the guardrail to spend a moment in admiration for Farnsworth’s beauty. “Better than my best dream ever,” he murmured quietly, awed by the ship’s sleek grace. His reverie was abruptly broken by the coo-coo clock sounding twice. It shocked the already on-edge Fry who jumped up in panic and catapulted himself over the railing. He landed hard on his back, the welcoming floor knocking the wind out of him. It was almost two minutes of gasping pain before he could summon the strength to moan. Another minute and he picked himself up off the floor and made his way up the stairs, muttering, “Being brave hurts! No wonder I let Leela be the hero most of the time.”
   
And there it was. The mind control device was standing in the same place it had been when he had left work that day with Leela. The cloth was covering it again. If it had seemed ominous in the morning light, it was downright frightening in the darkness. The dim light from the outside let him avoid crashing into anything else as he made his way to the menacing object. Fry hesitated for a moment before puling off the cloth. He was filled with trepidation. Then, he was filled with confusion.

 It was one thing to decide to test the brain thingy on himself, quite another to actually do it. Modern technology, with the exception of HDTV, was not very Fry-friendly. The brave human guinea pig settled into the unyielding, uncomfortable surface of the chair. Clearly, he was supposed to be strapped in, but since he was a willing victim, the restraints weren’t necessary. Plus, he couldn’t get them on, even with his teeth. Giving up on the thick restraints, Fry turned his attention to the suction cups. He had watched enough lame hospital movies to know that they should attach to his head. However, in those chick flicks that he had suffered through solely to score points with whatever woman he was dating, it didn’t matter where the actor guy stuck the wires, you knew the patient would end up in a coma with a beautiful woman weeping pathetically over him. Unfortunately, in real life, it probably mattered. Fry spent several minutes peering at the wires hoping to gain some sudden insight before finally giving up. He wanted to get the experiment over with desperately. It had been a long stressful day, and the delivery boy was exhausted.

Shutting his eyes, Fry tilted his head back to rest against the back of the chair. He nearly fell out of it when a female voice chirped a perky greeting.

“Greetings! Welcome to the MMCD, designed and built by Professor Hubert Farnsworth.” After a few seconds of frantically peering around the dark room, Fry realized the disembodied voice was coming from the monstrosity he was slumped in. The movement of his head had activated it.

“Uh, hello? Are you a robot or something?” Fry twisted around and poked the ordinary looking surface curiously. The voice responded, again using a nauseatingly upbeat tone.

“The MMCD possesses a user interface with limited artificial intelligence circuitry. The MMCD will respond to commands given orally in order to prevent prolonged exposure to hostile test subjects.” Fry glared angrily at the infuriatingly blank surface.

“Test subjects! You mean the poor mutants that Nixon wants to brainwash!” He punched the chair, but without much force. There was no real arguing with technology, whichever century you were in.

“The MMCD does not take sides in politics.” The female voice was mildly reproving and reminded Fry ridiculously of Leela when she was offended.

“Fine. It doesn’t matter anyway.” He turned away from the back of the chair and tried to relax, but could not quite stop himself from gripping the arms tightly. “Listen, right now, I’m kinda the Professor and the vic- test subject. So, can you tell me how to attach the wire dealies to my head?”

“The MMCD can deliver that information.” Fry waited expectantly until he figured out the voice lady wasn’t going to continue.

“Uh… so how do I do it?” He took a slow, deep breath, trying to control both his irritation and his fear.

“To attach the hypnotic brainwave conductors, please request that the MMCD attach the hypnotic brainwave conductors.” The test subject rolled his eyes in exasperation. He was beginning to hate the unnaturally pleasant voice.

“Yeah, okay. Do it then.”  Fry tensed, waiting for the chair to hook him up. There was a pause before the voice responded.
“Please make all requests to the MMCD specific.” Fry cursed softy. He definitely hated the voice lady.

“Okay, okay. Please attach the hypnosis brainslug constructors.” Again, the machine did nothing.

“This version of the MMCD does not provide brainslug services. Please contact Professor Hubert Farnsworth to check for upgrades to the MMCD programming.”

In the end, just before he lost his mind, Fry finally managed to convince the voice lady to hook him up. It wasn’t so bad really, fairly comfortable. Of course, he hadn’t yet asked her to start any tests. He spent a few minutes working out how to word his request. If it worked, Fry didn’t want to reprogrammed as something even more degrading than a delivery boy for a floundering company. Having decided he would ask it simply to have him blink twice whenever he encountered Dr. Zoidberg, he forced the request through clenched teeth.

It would have been easier, if he were a real hero, but he was just an average guy in a world far too complicated for him. Fry was all too aware that he wasn’t brave, but he didn’t really need to be brave, just impulsive enough to give the order to the patiently waiting voice.

He was sure it would all work out just fine. He do the test, and in the morning everyone would be amazed that he had actually gone through with it. The pressure would be off the company to answer to Nixon, and Leela, Leela would be safe. Maybe she’d even like him better, once he’d proven to her that he would do anything to protect her. Sometimes, the purple haired beauty seemed to like him. Maybe if he could show her that he was capable of taking care of her, that it wouldn’t always be the other way around, maybe then… things would be better. Tommorow, maybe Leela would be hugging him, and telling him how great it was that he saved her from this, or maybe she’d just smile at him, in that special way she had. Leela would show him the smile that left him breathless.

Fry closed his eyes and pictured how bright the morning was going to be, walking on sunshine with Leela smiling at him. He whispered the command without opening his eyes.
----------------------------

How's that for an evil cliffie, eh? Bwahahaha! Say goodbye to our favorite delivery boy for awhile.
Nerd-o-rama

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #119 on: 10-28-2004 00:11 »

[Red Mage]DA DA DUN![/Red Mage]

May I be the first to say, nice work once again.  Good solo-character chapter, none of the drama-shippy that sometimes gets on my nerves (not that yours does, I'm thinking of some other fics.)  This was definitely a Fry move.
 
Quote
Fry closed his eyes and pictured how bright the morning was going to be, walking on sunshine with Leela smiling at him. He whispered the command without opening his eyes.
Best. Cliffhanger.  Ever.  Well, not really, but pretty damn good.
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