(Originally written Tuesday, October 21, 2003)
Chapter I:
The day was young, and the inhabitants of the world were busy getting ready for their lives. Many were still sleeping, fearful of the eventual buzz and morning show that would instigate the start of their day; for others, the buzz was long over...
"Hey, why the hell you always jogging the same route as me?" Nougat questioned to the jogger beside him.
"You know this is the regular route for most of us," Cream replied, "besides, you're the one who's always running at the same time as me." Nougat curled his lip slightly.
"To hell I am! I'm always out the door long before you ever are!"
"And yet I'm the one in the lead position, right?" Nougat gave another scowl of sorts before picking up his pace; Cream did the same. And as they crossed the street and left the block, everyone still back at the department could only shake their heads... such was the routine of every morning...
* * * * *
Half an hour later, the two of them made their way back to the department - both at just-below sprinting speed.
"And look who makes it back first again," Cream said, "guess I'm still lighter on my feet than you are, old man." Nougat ignored the comment and responded,
"Like hell you are! You tried to trip me!"
"Oh, you slipped on your own drippings!"
"Bite me!"
"Eat me!"
As was always the case, the rest of the department outside backed away slowly. The rivalry between Nougat and Cream Filling was already near legendary state. No one really knew what started it or why it had gone on for so long. Suffice to say, everyone simply accepted that things weren't going to change any time soon.
The rivalry continued after lunch, when the two of them - both having no duty shifts that day - once again found themselves in a place of recreation.
"Alright, Whelp..." Nougat said before getting cut off.
"It's Whip', okay? If you're gonna call me something other than my name at least do it right."
"Sheesh... alright, Whelp, we're playing to ten, loser pays ten."
"I'm game if you are, old man," Cream said wryly, "check me already!"
Nougat rifled the basketball towards Cream, who caught it swiftly and ran forward. He feinted left before spinning right, leaving Nougat proverbially stuck to the floor. A seamless lay-up later and Cream was up by one.
Cream made his way back to the top of the key, where he attempted another spin-deke; such was not the case this try. Nougat read the movement, stole the ball, and made his way to the top of the key. The two of them eyed each other intently before Nougat made a hard drive down the middle. Cream weaved instinctively, allowing Nougat to rush and slam the ball one-handed into the basket. Nougat made a quick show as he ran back to the other end while Cream swore silently to himself.
The game went on for a while; Cream's lightness against Nougat's steadfastness. By now others had already formed a large crowd around the two gladiators, chanting for both of them in an uproar worthy of a professional audience.
The score was still close, but so was the end of the game. Nougat attempted another drive, but Cream held his ground and was rewarded with a shoulder that gave way ever so slightly. Nougat jammed the ball again and ran back to the downed Cream, gloating.
"Pay up, Whelp!" he said with a smirk.
"I pay nothing, game's not over yet." Cream said.
"What are you talking about? I scored my tenth, I win."
"You fouled me big-time, paste-for-brains!"
"Like crap I did, you moved, man!"
"Bullsh-"
"...I've seen you get blown away by a gust of wind, man. Let's face it, you don't hold your ground well when the bar comes down." Cream finally started regaining his breath as he glared back at Nougat.
"I may not have as many bars as you, but let me tell you something." Nougat raised an eyebrow. "When the stuff hits the dish, and I mean really gels up, you're not the one they're calling for, are ya?"
"Ah, gels are kids' stuff, Whelp," Nougat retorted, "maybe one day you'll learn that the real money is in the bars!"
"Oh give it up!" Cream shouted, "you wouldn't know real work if it came up and kicked you in your tiny, crushed, nu-"
Cream was never able to finish his word before Nougat slugged him one across the temple. Within the second the two were at it like rabid animals. It wasn't long before the rest of the department was holding them back from each other... as best they could, in any case...
