Littlest Pet Shop: High School AU

Chapter 61: Ice Skate Date

"I'm not letting you take one more step!"

"Cheep Cheep, come on! We went over this: it's just going to be a fun, hang-out-type of date. I told you. He already made it clear to me that he doesn't like me in that way," Minka spoke and stood her ground. She had to, otherwise her cousin Cheep Cheep would usher her back into the house and she'd never be able to leave.

"Yeah, sure. He says that, but I don't trust him. What if he's just messing with you? I don't want you to get hurt because of that... dangerous man."

"Oh, Cheep Cheep. He's literally the least dangerous guy I know!" Minka giggled softly. "Now, move. Or else I'll get the paint brush." She shot Cheep Cheep a glare and he stared at her for a moment. "It won't be the detail brush."

"Ugh... fine," Cheep Cheep sighed. He knew Minka could throw paintbrushes like they were axes. That fact kind of scared him a little, but he knew she'd only do something like that if necessary. He decided to step aside to allow Minka through the doorway, but it didn't stop him from worrying.

"Don't worry about me!" Minka waved at him and headed towards Russell's house. Cheep Cheep simply huffed at that. As if he could help it! What was more confusing to him, was the fact that Russell admitted he didn't like Minka the way she thought. Now, all he could think about was whether or not Russell was lying, and how that boy would be treating Minka on this "innocent, little date."

—

"I gotta warn you all: I'm a pretty mean ice skater. Hope you can keep up, Captain," Pepper smirked slightly as she tied her ice skate laces, then playfully nudged the other. Captain Cuddles flinched for a moment, but realized she didn't nudge him too hard. He did know how strong she was, after all.

"I... will do my best," Captain chuckled softly.

"Yeah, I don't think it takes a brain to guess that I'm a bit... uncoordinated on the ice," Russell admitted sheepishly as he finished tying up his own shoes.

"Don't worry, Russell! I'll make sure you don't fall!" Minka grinned and held out her hand to the other. "Ready to go?" She asked sweetly. Russell looked at the gloved hand, then up at her face. He found that she looked particularly cute today, what with her knit cap and scarf wrapped around her neck. Not to mention, she was wearing mittens and she wore such a nice coat, most likely for the occasion.

Russell was snapped out of his thoughts when Pepper flicked his head. He let out a short yelp, and glared at his friend.

"Russell, she just asked you a question," Pepper smiled slightly and gestured to Minka, who was still waiting with her hand extended out to the boy. Russell's eyes widened and he immediately got ahold of Minka's hand.

"Right! Sorry... I spaced out for a moment. Also, Pepper, I think he's waiting for you too," Russell grinned and pointed to Captain, who was holding his hand out to Pepper.

Pepper rose a brow, and then turned her head in the direction where Russell was pointing. Sure enough, Captain Cuddles was ready to escort Pepper to the ice rink. Grinning nervously, the girl quickly snatched Captain's arm and dragged him to the rink in an excited manner.

"Aww they're cute together, aren't they Rusty?" Minka chuckled, not daring to remove her own hand from Russell's grasp. She quite enjoyed holding hands with him.

"They're... alright," Russell shrugged. He wondered what in the world Captain saw in Pepper, but that wasn't his concern. He was happy for his friend, after all.

"Haha! Just alright? Well then... Come on! Let's go join them!" Minka laughed and yanked Russell towards the rink. He nearly fell over, but luckily he was able to find his footing in time. Plus, the fact that Minka had a rather strong grip on his hand was quite helpful.