F4: New Beginnings

Chapter 9: Babyface

Jack snuggled a bit deeper under the covers, nuzzling his beak into Elmo's neck with a happy sigh. He stiffened slightly when he felt the other's hand move to his brown hat, but let Elmo remove it all the same.

“İ really like your feathers, Jackie.” Elmo hummed, running his fingers through the fluffy headcrest and cheek feathers of his lover. Small sparks danced along them as he did. “They really suit you.“

“Well, of course you'd think that! You're not a duck.” Jack shook his head a little, though carefully so as to not discourage the rat's gentle movements along his scalp. “You don't know the first thing about baby feathers, or how embarrassing it is to still have them at twenty-one.”

“İ know they're fluffy, and cute, and special.” Elmo nuzzled his nose into the top of his Jackie's head. “Just like you.”

“Well, I'm glad you like them.” He rolled his eyes. “But I'm still not showing the others.”

“I never suggested it.” Elmo replied with a smirk.

“But it's what you were thinking.” Jack accused.

“They're a little curious.” Elmo shrugged, his fingers still moving through the baby feathers. “But they don't want to make you uncomfortable, everyone's entitled to their own secrets, blah blah blah. I don't think they'd make fun of you, Jackie.”

“Likky might not, since he's a mammal. He'll probably be as clueless as you are, if that's possible.” Jack snickered. “But Melonhead would know how strange it is for me to still have my baby feathers, and only on my head. I don't want to be Babyface Jack again, Sparky.”

“They won't- DON'T CALL ME THAT!” Elmo glared at the giggling toymaker. “Anyways, they won't make fun of you, especially when there's so much we could tease them back with. Bushy's head is covered in purple fluff and green skin; he doesn't even have feathers.”

Promise you'll fry them if they make fun of me?” Jack asked quietly, after a moment.

“Even if I have to short-circuit to do it.” Elmo promised, nodding seriously.

“Heeey, where are you two goooing?” Paddywhack's deep, echoing voice asked from where the possessed doll sat on the couch, watching TV.

“To do something that will either be great for Jackie's self-esteem, or really hurt his feelings.” Elmo called over his shoulder. “Either way, I think it's better if you stay here. Can't have you going psycho if Jackie gets too upset.”

“Why noooot?” The banana complained.

“Because ol' Bossy'll be angry if one half of the team is too traumatized to work.” Jack shrugged. “Try not to wreck the house while I'm gone, don't answer the door, and please don't fry any lightbulbs; I can't handle another one of Sparky's breakdowns right now.”

“Hey!” Elmo glared at the duck as the duo left.

Paddywhack sighed, already bored. His head snapped up when he heard hissing and barking outside. He floated to the window, spotting several rather large dogs attempting to steal some food from a rather thin cat.

“He neveeerr said to stay insiiide.” the mischievous spirit flung the window open with a laugh, floating out. “Will yoouu plaaaaay with meee?”

“İ d-don't get, get it.” Bud shook his head. “This is, is y-your big secret? You're f-f-fluffy?”

Bushroot shook his head, causing several of the greenhouse plants to sway. “No, Bud, he still has his baby feathers.”

“Y-yep. Still have them.” Jack clung very tightly to the rat next to him, feeling rather naked despite his shirt and vest. His usually bombastic voice was quiet and subdued. “They just grow back in every molt.”

“And only on your head?” Bushroot asked softly, staring.

“Well, there's some on my neck, too.” Jack shifted, hiding more of himself behind Elmo. “But not many. İ can still swim, so long as I keep my head above water.” he didn't really know why he said that last part, and felt awkward for doing so.

“Your advertising is misleading.” Bud shook his head. “Quackerjack Industry Secrets are not as bad as marketed.”

“Iget why you hid it, but Bud's right.” Bushroot smiled. “This isn't all that bad.”

“So, you guys… you won't make fun of me for it?” Jack asked quietly.

“Of course we won't! I mean, sure…” Bushroot walked closer, smirking. “We'll make fun of your overbite, your clothes, your toys-of-mass-destruction.”

“Quackerjack Brand Laughter, y-your childish, b-b-behav-behavior.” Bud followed Bushroot. “T-the fact y- the fact you let y-yourself g- be possessed reg-reg- repeatedly by a d-d-doll.”

“But not this.” Bushroot pulled Jack into a hug. “Not something that actually bothers you.”

“I guess it's a deal then; no making fun of things that actually bother us.” Jack smile, his usual wide grin forming on his face, barely hiding how relieved he truly was.

“L-like my s-stutter.” Bud joined the hug.

“So long as you guys don't call me Reggie The Veggie, I'm good.” Bushroot laughed as Elmo joined the hug, careful to avoid Bud.

“There's no way I'm getting Sparky added to this list, is there?” the electrical rodent asked after a quiet, content moment.

“You lost that battle a looong time ago, hon.” Jack's smile turned loving as he looked at Elmo. “How about your memory problems?”

“Memory…?” Elmo thought for a second, then started. “Oh! Right! Yeah, no making fun of my memory.”

Through poorly hidden laughter, the others agreed. Except for Jack, who mostly made non-committed noises and pulled the other three closer around him.