MINE (Part II) - Nolou/Uglydolls Fanfic

Chapter 11 - The Smell Of Paint

(Lou's POV)

It was about a week after Nolan and I had our misunderstanding, when we were heading to some town meeting Ox had been hosting. I couldn't care less about what that green bean had to say, however Nolan really wanted to go.

Anyways...Nolan had told me everything. He told me about Micheal and how he let him stay for the night. I'm relieved he didn't hurt Nolan but I still don't trust him. I found it peculiar how "nice" Micheal had been.

Nolan: Hey, Lou?

"Yes?"

Nolan: How old are you?

I gave him a sarcastic look as our hands intertwined, swinging in synchronization.

"Nice try, bunny."

Nolan: Aw, c'mon...You're probably like 12 or 13. Cuz Ox is 11 so...

"Oh, believe me...I'm not 12."

I couldn't help but notice a crooked part of his shirt collar. I took a deep breath and looked ahead of me.

Nolan: Are you 14? 15? 20?

I glanced again at his shirt, with a sigh.

Nolan: Aw, why won't you tell me?

Eventually, I could ignore the improper part of his shirt any longer. So, I stood in front of him and adjusted it. Lately, I was pretty good at ignoring small imperfections like that.

Nolan: Just give me a hint, then. Please?

I looked into his purple and green eyes. At times, it was like he was hypnotizing me with them. I chuckled.

"Let's just say..."

I stood beside him once more, and we continued walking.

"I'm as old as the institute."

His mouth opened in awe. I could practically see his brain trying to contemplate the answer. Suddenly, he jumped. But not in fear. Instead, he had the biggest smile on his face.

Nolan: Lou! Moxy's here! I see her!

He jumped with excitement and skipped his way over to the crowd of dolls. I couldn't help but smile and blush a little. He was absolutely adorable whenever he was excited.

Before I knew it, I'd lost sight of him. I sighed to myself, after making my way through the crowd of dolls. Both pretties and uglies. Boys and girls. Newcomers and ones that had been there almost as long as I had. I was so busy looking for Nolan I didn't pay any attention to their stares.

"Nolan?...Nolan?"

I exhaled in frustration. Ever doll that was ever made was there. Which would equal to at least 472, if my math was correct. I didn't have time to get worried and panic, because the lights dimmed and a spotlight appeared on the stage. Naturally, it reminded me of when I used to preform. All eyes were on the green fluffball that stood in the spotlight. He was talking, but I had already tuned him out. I probably shouldn't have done that because within a few minutes, he'd mentioned my name.

I looked back up at him, hoping he'd repeat what he had just said.

Ox: I realize that we haven't been treating Lou fairly. We owe him a proper apology.

The dolls in the crowd murmured to each other, while the dolls around me just stared. At me, that is.

Ox: Lou, will you please come up to the stage?

Almost instantly, another spotlight had hovered above me. Everyone turned their heads in indifferent expressions. I realized I didn't have much of a choice.

I slowly made my way up to Ox. When I finally got there, I stood about 5 feet away from him.

Ox: Like I said, we haven't been treating you very well. But recently, I've realized that even though you're a prototype, you're still a part of this institute.

A small smile had formed on my face. "Are they actually forgiving me?"

Ox: It's time we accepted you, as one of us. Flaws and all. What do you say, everyone?

Half of the crowd clapped, though it was probably out of respect, and the other half had the most confused look on their faces. With every second, more and more dolls began to smile and cheer. I couldn't believe my ears. Were they really clapping for me?

After I couldn't possibly smile any bigger, a sudden force had struck me from above.

And suddenly, everything was silent. As if in slow motion, I wiped my face with my hands and stared at my arms and the rest of my body. I was covered in some green, yellow, and blue liquid and the sour smell of paint tickled my nose. Blue paint dripped from the tips of my hair as I watched my audience stare at me in anticipation. They were just waiting for me to react, I knew that for sure.

"It's just paint, Lou. A little paint never hurt anyone. It's fine. You're fine."

I breathed deeply and told myself I was fine, in an attempt to calm myself. I could already feel myself getting dizzy. A few laughs came from the crowd as my breathing became louder and deeper. Suddenly someone grabbed my arm from the side. A familiar voice told me to breathe. I turned to my right. It was Nolan.

Nolan: Lou, breath. You're okay. You're okay. Just breathe.

I tried. I did. But I couldn't even get a single word out. I felt weak. Like I might've collapsed any second. I could barely handle when gum got on the bottom of my shoe. Nevermind being completely covered in paint.

I could suddenly hear faint laughter in the crowd. Ox pressed his lips together. He seemed shocked at the whole thing.

Nolan placed my green covered arm around his neck, so that I would have him to lean on. He looked at Ox and then the crowd.

Nolan: What is wrong with all of you?!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And that was that. We went home. I couldn't even talk. I don't know if it was because I was a mess, or because I was just humiliated in front of everyone.

As soon as we were inside the house and I'd sat on a kitchen chair, Nolan brought me a towel and wiped my face. He did it gently, but anyone could tell he was mad. Really mad.

Nolan: I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve that.

I looked into his mismatch eyes and reached out to touch his freckled face. He smiled at me and kissed my forehead, leaving me feeling warm inside. If there was anyone who could distract me from the fact that my clothes were ruined with paint, it was him. My eyes were drawn to his soft, thin lips. He understood what I was thinking, and he brought his lips to mine. My tongue brushed against his, while he wrapped his arm around me. He crawled into my lap and began to kiss me rather aggressively. He left my bottom lip stinging from a bite that he'd done. I wasn't sure if he was taking some of his anger out on me, but.. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it.

Later that evening, Nolan and I were resting side by side in our bed. He ran his fingers through my hair a few times and simpered. I couldn't help but blush. Sometimes he was too cute for me to handle.

Nolan: Are you sure you're okay now?

I nodded. He sighed like it was the last time he'd ever get to do so.

Nolan: It's all my fault. I'm the one who asked you to go with me. I just don't understand why they treat you like that. And they were laughing like it was the funniest thing. Meanies..

He glared at the ceiling some more.

"Hey, look at me"

He eyes met mine and I caressed his chin as gently as I could.

"Do you hate me?"

Nolan: No! I'd never!

I smiled at him, and rubbed my nose against his.

"Then that's all I care about, bunny."