Criminal Love

Right All Along

Flippy knocked on Flaky's door, having been one of the first people to be invited. At first, he wasn't too sure about going to a party for Lifty, seeing as the two's last couple of encounters ended in them arguing then thief being injured by him. But after Flaky spent a few minutes begging him, saying that Lifty really had changed, he decided he'd better go to see if this was true. He waited a few seconds and then the door opened, revealing a smiling Lifty, who actually seemed pleased to find the war vet standing there for once.

"Hey Flippy! Come on in, the party's in the backyard, but you can put your coat or whatever in the closet down the hall if you wanna."

Flippy was a bit surprised, Lifty didn't spout one insult during his greeting. Maybe he really has changed, a bit anyway, "Oh, thanks Lifty."

"No problem!" Lifty gave a smile and nodded, "And if you need anything just ask either Flaky or me."

Flippy walked past him, going towards the backyard as Lifty shut the door. A couple of minutes went by before a few more people showed up soon after the soldier arrived. Lifty greeted them all warmly, which was met with surprised yet happy faces as they all went to where the party was happening. After it seemed like everyone was here, Lifty closed the door once more and went to join the rest of them, not noticing a figure standing across the street watching him like a hawk.

The party was in full swing when Lifty went outside. Most of the party guests were talking, enjoying the music, or eating the treats from the snack table. As soon as Lifty stepped outside, he was attacked by a red blur rushing toward him. His instincts caused him to flinch, but he soon relaxed as he saw the person was Flaky and she was just running towards him to embrace the thief. Squeezing him tightly, she smiled up at her friend.

"Isn't this g-great? Look at all the people!"

Lifty eyed the backyard and saw several familiar faces. Giggles was near the punch bowl, drinking and smiling as a few of her friends came up to her and told her how amazing the party looked. He watched as Nutty devoured every sweet treat he saw at the snack table, laughing and giggling like he had lost his mind. He saw Mime. . .well miming to be trapped in a small box, much to the amusement of Pop and his son, Cub. He even saw Splendid chatting away with Flippy as the two listened to the music blaring and booming from the speakers.

Lifty felt the normally foreign sense of happiness fill his chest as he watched the scenes before him, a small smile on his face. These people were here because of him. Because of Flaky believing he had some good in his cold heart. Hell, maybe she was right. He then noticed Flaky was still staring up at him, waiting for a reply to her earlier words.

"Yeah. . .it's amazing."

"Everyone's been t-talking to me about how much you've seemed to change. Being nicer to them and all," Flaky let out a happy giggle as she hugged him tighter, "I knew they w-would see it! I knew I was right. You are a good person."

Lifty ruffled the girl's hair as he grinned, "Nope. I'm still the mean ol' crook you know and love. I'm just acting nice, ya know?"

Flaky pouted slightly as he messed up her hair but still managed a smile, "Sure. But acting isn't your strong suit t-though, if you don't m-mind me saying."

Lifty simply let out a chuckle and then ruffled her hair a bit more, which caused Flaky to finally let go of him as her hands went up to smooth down her curly locks. Lifty glanced over and saw Flippy making his way over to the two, a cupcake in his hand and a smile on his face.

"Hey Flaky," Flippy turned and gave the other green-haired man a nod, "Lifty."

Lifty shot him a grin as he returned the nod, "Soldier Boy."