Author's Note: I was thinking about just creating a collection of TND moments between these kids. Cos I've mentioned before, I've written ten scenes that have nothing to do with each other… but they fit in the same universe! ;D So why not compile them nonchronologically.

Summary: He found solace in his old second-in-command's house, sporting a busted lip and bruised face. Chad realized why he was here; it was familiar. She was familiar.

Scene 1: Conceal, Don't Feel

He was exhausted. The right side of his face throbbed and began to swell, with today's after school events not being very pleasant. Never in Chad's years of being an operative (kid and teen), did he think he would ever get injured by his favorite childhood weapon. He'd avoided getting struck with a S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. for three years since his 'betrayal,' and fate decided today was the day to have his face all kinds of messed up. Tomorrow was homecoming, for God's sake!

"How bad is it?" Chad inquired from the other person in the room. He couldn't go home, not just yet. The smallest cut or bruise he couldn't hide would have his parents overreact and send him to the emergency room. He was thankful that most of his mission-related injuries weren't on his face or else, that would've been a real problem with his mother. He didn't need a repeat of Mega Mom and Destructo Dad wreaking havoc on the KND worldwide. Acquiring any imperfection on his face also didn't make for great conversation when he tried to score dates with Teen Ninja girls.

"Tsk tsk, they did a real number on you," the young blonde girl in his personal space teased. With Rachel's fingers lightly tracing his cheek, she assessed the damage that had been done. The sensation of her touch lingered when the contact ceased.

He found solace in his old second-in-command's house, even if he expected her to nag him about following Cavallero blindly into Kids Next Door territory. When Chad found himself at her doorstep, he was met with a sympathetic reaction and quickly pulled into the kitchen. That sentiment faded as fast as it came, however, and suddenly transformed into her poking fun at him. "I hope your friendship with Justin is worth it, because you'll be sporting that fat lip and bruise at the dance tomorrow. Stacey's gonna freak."

"I know," Chad groaned. "Save your I-told-you-so, would ya? It's been a long day. I'm still trying to figure out what to tell my parents."

He shifted his weight on the kitchen stool, watching Rachel grab a pack of frozen peas from her freezer to nurse his aching features.

"Tell your parents their son is a narcissistic maniac who thinks he and his moron friend can take on ten kids unarmed," she replied as bluntly. She propped her elbows on the counter after passing him the pack. "Was it worth it?"

The older blond pretended to be thoughtful for a few seconds, but in all honesty, the situation today was petty and he really had no business being involved. That sector needed no protecting. If anything, it was Justin who needed it. His combat skills were embarrassingly comparable to the Toiletnator's. The Teen Ninjas must have taken pity on him with his induction. Chad sighed. "...no. Cavallero's an idiot. He attacked his little brother and his friends because they accidentally knocked some root beer over on his PlayStation. You're right, okay?"

"Okay," Rachel stuck her tongue at him. "How about... I help you fix your booboo? I'll play nice because you admitted I was right. Give me a second."

With the pack of peas on his busted lip, Chad waited a few minutes after she shuffled upstairs to her bedroom to find whatever solution she could bring to him. He checked his vibrating cellphone. Three messages from Stacey about post-homecoming plans. Ugh. That was another thing Rachel was right about. She really was going to freak when she saw him all purple.

When he closed his phone and looked up, a compact mirror, a tube of flesh-colored liquid, and some sort of circular sponge were presented to him. It led to an immediate shaking of his head. "Your great plan is to put makeup on me? I'm gonna be laughed off the football team for this!"

"It's concealer! Nobody would be able to tell it's on, I mean, I think we're the same shade..." Rachel eyed the tube. "It'll save you from the wrath of your homecoming date, and not to mention, help you dodge about a million questions from your parents tonight." She pursed her lips, trying to hide the that she found amusement in his discomfort. Her solution was valid. "Just… don't knock it til' you try it."

It took a minute for him to fully consider the option. He reluctantly placed the peas on the counter. Sure, they butted heads, but he trusted her. Chad couldn't say he trusted many. "Fine. At this point, what do I have to lose?"

She steadied herself in front of him, unwinding the applicator from the tube. Her fingers found their way onto his jaw to keep his face steady when she began to apply the product on his right cheek. "Ah. I was right. We are the same shade."

"You're such a teenager, McKenzie."

"Oh hush. If I weren't, who were you going to ask for help? Cree? She'd go the extra mile to make you look stupid. Kinda like how she manipulated you into wearing a bra."

"We agreed to never talk about that ever again." Battle ready armor be damned.

Chad watched her mouth quirk up ever so slightly when she started blending near his lips. If anybody else were here with them right now, they would be accused for being too intimate for simple colleagues or whatever the proper term to describe their relationship was. Maurice already gave him crap for "flirting" with Rachel while he dated girls here and there when they patrolled together.

"I'm not flirting. She's not my type," would be his defense all the time.

"Whatever helps you sleep better at night, man."

Those thoughts were brushed under the rug in his brain for now. Banter with his former deputy didn't mean he was interested.

Rachel's eyes were so concentrated, he observed, with her eyelashes batting as she blinked. He wasn't really sure how long he stared at her like that. The scene somewhat brought him back to their days on Moonbase, when they had to make do with whatever was packed in a medkit. Both Numbuh 274 and Numbuh 362 had too much pride to get anything checked out by Kids Next Door Medical, unless it was absolutely necessary. He appreciated that understanding between them. Chad realized why he was here; it was familiar. She was familiar.

The girl looked up at him, brown eyes matching his blue. That was when she realized herself how close she was and suddenly became self-conscious. Rachel cleared her throat. "Ehem, what are you thinking about?"

It was his turn to taunt her discomfort. Chad smirked. "Just thinking about that time one of Stickybeard's henchmen nicked you with a candy cane. The first time I fixed you up. Remember? Now look at you, seems I'm on the other side of the fence more."

She minutely blushed before regaining her composure and completing her application. "The ninjas have taught you bad habits. You've gotten sloppy."

Before he knew it, she removed herself from his personal bubble.

"...and we're done," she stated as she held up a small compact mirror in front of him. "I'm no makeup guru like Numbuh 10 was, but I don't think I did too shabby. You don't look half-bad."

Rachel was right. She didn't do a bad job. The bruise was almost just a shadow, barely noticeable. Chad found himself pleased at his reflection. He was thankful for her assistance, thankful that the TND saved her from the cruel fate of decommissioning."Aw, don't be shy. Is that your way of telling me you think I'm cute?"

"Sure. Or maybe I just think you can give Stacey a run for her money for homecoming queen, Chaderella."

She laughed when all he could do was scowl at her.